I moved from Calgary 13 years ago to small town Olds and found living in a smaller community such a treat from the city.
Enjoyed how in our newspaper there were announcements of births, wedding, shower, and obituaries.
Around town in businesses there were announcements of friends who had passed away. What a different world it was here in Olds.
Went to the farmers' market and saw a lady writing a cheque. Wow, would never see that in the city. Clerks were friendly and after a few visits they knew your name and chatted a bit. What a treat.
But now we have our clerks behind plastic shields and no smiles. It is hard to hear what they are saying when we oldsters have some hearing issues like me.
Everything seems so cold and unfriendly. Where are the friendly clerks who had smiles on their faces? Will these shields ever come down and we can have smiles again. Loved having my gas pumped at Co-op and chatting with the nice folks that did it for us. I want our old life back ASAP.
Ellen Brand,
Olds
