It is what it is…

By Marc Chayer

Over the past few weeks, I have been thinking that I need to write an article about local businesses that stand out in my mind but never really get any recognition.

Now, I need to point out the simple fact that this is by no means a scientific survey. Far from it. This is just observations that I make as I go through my day-to-day routine.

The RAINBOW RESTAURANT: This humble little eatery does not boast to be something it’s not. Rather, it is a microcosm of the Canadian experience. It is owned and run by people who immigrated to this country and have not only found a life here, but started and own a successful business.

What makes this place unique to me is that as a weekly tradition, Fridays are usually reserved for a meal from RAINBOW. When my family and I walk in, they know us well enough to start making our meal almost right away. We never order anything different. They are friendly and inviting people and provide a quiet place to spend time with family after a long week. Simplicity is genius.

KG’s SANDWICH BAR: In a world of fast food, this place goes against the current at lunch. Down-to-earth staff mixed with a menu full of homemade fresh food, how can you beat this place for lunch? My wife loves the place and I have to say that a freshly made sandwich coupled with the soup or chili on a brisk winter day is a great breakaway from the drive thru!

Another local business that impressed me lately is SPRUCELAND FORD. While the vehicles are always nice to look at, the staff here are standouts. I have had the pleasure of dealing with them twice over the past few months and in both cases the experience was fantastic. Cheri in sales and Marsha in finance worked hard to make sure we were getting what we wanted and were satisfied when the vehicles were ready. Of course, there are the people behind the scenes we don’t see like the guys who got the truck ready and who did an awesome job!

Upon picking up our new truck, Greg Kallal made sure to come out and meet us and thank us for buying the truck from his staff. Nobody in Edmonton can hold a candle to these guys!

REPEAT BOUTIQUE, REPEAT as my wife calls it, is one of those places that you never really appreciate. It is an absolute must for my wife who makes sure she is there as soon as the doors open in her weekly treasure hunt. For me, I love the books in the place. I recently went to Chapters in Edmonton and almost fell over at the price of a book, but you go to REPEAT and chances are that there is just as good a book as anywhere and priced so as not to break the bank.

Adding to the obvious is the fact that the store provides funding to our local hospital for equipment we would normally not have. This is a great community staple and they do it a couple of dollars at a time. The staff are all volunteers and they do an amazing job without fanfare or recognition.

One of the things that stands out for me is that when we saw the fires of Fort McMurray force an evacuation, REPEAT was making items available to those in need at little or no cost. New Canadians and those on hard times view this resale shop as indispensable and filling a need in our community.

Last, but certainly not least, is this paper you are reading: The WHITECOURT PRESS. The sole mission of a free press is to give voice to those who normally would not have one. A free press serves to hold government to account for decisions and, in a democracy, a free press is a block in the foundation. Without a free press, democracy fails.

Over the past few years, I have been allowed to write just about anything I want within the confines of good taste and common sense. I have been allowed to address concerns that I know of or have seen in our community. My goal has always been to make this column relevant to you, the reader. However, to do that, you need a way to express those views. The WHITECOURT PRESS has allowed me to do so and has allowed others to step up and be heard. Freedom of the press is a sacred thing in any place, and the fact that we have an example here in our own community should be something we not only support, but insist upon.

It is what it is…