Connection, camaraderie, community: Grand Opening May 10

A new movement is building in Jasper. 

Since February 6, the local chapter of Men’s Shed Canada has been helping out with local construction projects—TV stands, accessibility ramps, benches, planters…and the entire set for the recent Jasper Acts’ PUFFs production (“the project we were waiting for,” according to the group).

But make no mistake. The Jasperites meeting every week in the community shop adjacent to the Jasper Arena are building something bigger than just the projects they’re tasked with.

They’re constructing community.

“It’s a real movement,” said Men’s Shed founding member, Dave Smith. 

The movement isn’t just the hammering, sanding and sawing. It’s the conversation, the sharing and the feeling of purpose that the organization is imbuing within its membership. Men’s Shed, Smith said, is grounded in the idea that men communicate more effectively when they’re “shoulder to shoulder” with other men.

“As men get older, they’re less likely to be part of a community,” Smith said. “This is a chance for a group of people to get together, to feel part of something, and to have an outlet.”

On May 10, the group is opening their shop doors to the public. The open house will be a chance to show the community what they’re doing, to schedule in some new projects and to extend the invite to join to anyone else who thinks the space might be a good fit for them.

“If you want to come, have coffee, sit around and chat, that’s great. If you want to pitch in, great,” Smith said.

The organization has had many individuals and organizations pitch in. Tools have been donated. The space and power has been provided by the Municipality of Jasper. The members themselves are donating time, energy and friendship.

And now they just need you.

The Men’s Shed Open House/Grand Opening takes place at 2 p.m. on May 10 at 303 Pyramid Lake Road, across from the Catholic Church. Follow them on Facebook.

Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com