This week’s paper is filled with stories that share some of the diversity in the communities of Agassiz and Harrison. They took me to the shores of Harrison Lake, where Bernhard Van Velze is hoping to race model sailboats. They took me into the halls of AESS, where high school basketball players are preparing to push their way into the top three teams of the Fraser Valley.
Every week, I get to dive into the interesting stories that percolate throughout these two municipalities — but I know there is much I am missing.
Somewhere in Agassiz or Harrison, there is a resident set up a telescope to capture photos of the super moon Sunday night.
There’s a local who drove by a farm and admired the contrast of the brilliantly lit cow barn with the darkness outside.
These are the photos I want to see gracing our community camera, which can be found on page seven of the paper this week.
Somewhere, there are residents who want to thank the neighbour who made sure the garbage cans didn’t blow away when a family forgot to bring them in.
There are also citizens who have strong opinions about how the local governments are deciding to apply for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure grant. (I know this is true — I’ve seen what you’ve written on the Facebook posts about Harrison’s application for a cultural centre and Kent’s application for an indoor pool.)
These are the conversations I want to see happening on our letters page.
On page seven of the Jan. 24 edition of the paper, you will see two submissions from members of the community.
Kristen Patrice kindly shared her photos of the Kent Community Volunteer Fair, which saw a dozen organizations come together to create an opportunity for would-be volunteers to get involved. Although I attended the event, I am so pleased Kristen shared her perspective of the event with the paper.
Anne White also contributed her thoughts to the paper this week, by writing about an event many Harrison residents spent a cold Saturday waiting to attending: Jonny Harris’ comedy night. She expressed concern for the many residents who may have had to stay home because they didn’t have the ability to stand out in the cold for hours before getting in.
It was a perspective I hadn’t considered, and one that may spark thoughtful discussion in the community.
You could do this too.
When you see something you want to share with your neighbours, I hope you snap a photo and send it along. When you have an opinion about something in the community, write a quick note.
If you do, I truly believe this paper will be more representative of these two great communities.
-Grace Kennedy, editor
All letters to the editor and community camera submissions can be emailed to news@ahobserver.com. Hard copies can be dropped off at the Agassiz Harrison Observer office (7167 Pioneer Ave). Letters will be edited for clarity, brevity, taste and legality. All submissions must include your name and community.