Here we are, finally, on the last day of 2020.
It has been a year that none of us expected - one that has thrown countless curveballs and changed us in many different ways.
We have all faced unforeseen challenges this year, but found ways to support each other, to be creative and kind, to overcome adversity.
Our focus has been shifted, our adaptability proven, and we have learned more about ourselves as individuals and communities in our society.
This has felt like the longest year of my life, but when I think back over the last 12 months, it all becomes a blur.
It has been an interesting journey going over the Jasper Fitzhugh’s coverage of the year to put this edition together, reliving articles and the emotions they invoke.
It was a new year, a new decade, and began with so much promise.
But in January as we enjoyed our festivals, art exhibits and sports tournaments, the World Health Organization was already dealing with a new virus that was soon to change the way we lived our lives.
By March, the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, had started to spread through our province and we were subject to our first lockdown.
It was a daunting time, but the community in Jasper banded together (from a safe distance), and cared for one another.
We learned how to be connected while keeping apart - forging new relationships and nurturing old ones to address our unique and shared challenges, and keep our spirits up.
Children posted colourful messages on windows and drew chalk messages along sidewalks, meals and groceries were delivered to those in need, masks were stitched and distributed for free.
Jasperites stepped up and stepped in to help their local businesses - including the Fitzhugh.
We didn’t know what our future held when we launched our first ever reader support drive back in April.
But from monetary donations large and small, to kind words of encouragement and support, response was generous and overwhelming.
Community values have never been more important than through this pandemic, and we appreciate you showing the value of your community newspaper.
Thank you to every one of you who took the time to reach out and support us through this challenging year.
We, the Fitzhugh and the Jasper community, got through that strange spring and early summer. We adapted to our "new normal" and had a more promising end to the warmer months, with. low numbers of the virus and a steady stream of visitors that brought a boost in business.
Now we are living this darker fall and winter, midway through a planned four-week provincial shutdown, but with a light of hope for next year as new vaccines become available.
This has been a year we would perhaps rather forget, but one that is important to remember.
I hope you enjoy reading through our coverage of the last 12 months as we look forward to what the next year will bring.
Fuchsia Dragon
[email protected]
Year in Review 2020: On stands in Jasper Dec. 31 - Jan. 6.
Read online at https://issuu.com/fitzhughnewspaper/docs/december31_2020sm
