2020
Vol. LXIX, No. 10 32 pages February 2, 2021
Always better – always better read
CORPORATE
Creativity Sean Willms delivers a takeout meal to a client waiting in the parking lot.
Geri Ferner displays a typical takeout meal, the only way Norsemen Inn can sell food until February 8, when dine-in service resumes.
Without a doubt, COVID-19 has meant inconvenience for many citizens of all age groups. But put yourself in this situation: Operating a complex business, yet having to be all but completely closed, or partially closed, for two lengthy periods of time since March 2020. Business insurance, at $5,000 per month, still needs to be paid. Electricity and natural gas bills still arrive monthly, to the tune of $15,000. There is significant other overhead to contend with, too, despite very limited offsetting revenue. Imagine having had to tell 70 dedicated employees, during the first lockdown, or 50 during the second closure, that their services were no longer required. Then there is the stress and expense of complying with ever-changing, mandated rules and regulations based on spiking COVID-19 active case counts. That’s the reality (with no sure end in sight) for Sean Willms, owner of the Norsemen Inn. Similar numbers will be in effect for his food and hospitality industry competitors. To their credit, people like Sean have adapted as best they can for business survival. For example, a mini-team at the Norsemen Inn, has remained on duty offering an expansive takeout menu of Norsemen-quality entrées!
How can we, as consumers, improve local small business owners’ opportunities for business survival? 1. Shop local. 2. Abide by current mandated rules. Let’s work together to end this virus sooner rather than later, so travel, entertainment and other in-person living can resume as soon as possible. 3. Practice patience, spread kindness, show empathy, keep positive.
Inside Who Can I Count On? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Take Charge of Your Finances . 8 and 9 Out and About . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 City of Camrose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 On the Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 to 22 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 to 25 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 to 30 Central Agencies Realty Inc. . 31 and 32
News Features Community partners raising funds for Special Olympics Camrose . . . . . . . 2 Reflections Column by Bonnie Hutchinson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Just Sayin’. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Tax tips to help seniors this season. . . . 9 Groomers keep ski trails in shape. . . . . 12 City promotes active fun. . . . . . . . . . . . 14
This Week's Flyers To Camrose Homes To Rural Homes *partial coverage Tuesday With Booster Canada Safeway Canadian Tire Hauser Home Hardware M & M Food Market Peavey Mart Pet Valu Save-On-Foods Shoppers Drug Mart Sleep Country Walmart Wild Rose Co-op
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
✔* ✔* ✔* ✔* ✔* ✔* ✔* ✔* ✔ ✔* ✔
