Service with a smile, behind the mask KELLEN TANIGUCHI


New COVID-19 restrictions have been put in place throughout the pandemic forcing businesses to shut down, but the grocery industry has always stayed open and staff have continued to show up on the frontlines masked up, with hand sanitizer on standby to continue serving the community.


Reg’s Homestyle Meats and Deli is just one of the many grocery stores employing people on the frontlines, but it has stayed busy throughout the 14 months and one customer service worker says she knows it’s important for people that grocery workers are there to help them.


“A lot of folks thank us. They pay their bills, and they thank us for staying open, thank us for being able to stay open,” said Anita Tetz. “It’s a very gratifying feeling.”


We have to be very proud of those sorts of people that are willing to come out and work during this pandemic


Store owner Reg Stein says he knows his staff is putting themselves at risk and they have constantly adjusted to new measures.


“We have to be very proud of those sorts of people that are willing to come out and work during this pandemic,” said Stein. “The staff is very happy to still have a job but they’re also a little bit scared about catching COVID from somebody and that sort of thing. It’s kind of a tricky balance because they want to be here, but at times it can be scary too.”


Tetz has been working for Stein for nine years and she says he is always checking on his staff to see how they are doing.


NEWS PHOTO KELLEN TANIGUCHI


Customer service worker Anita Tetz and store owner Reg Stein have been serving the Medicine Hat community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Stein says he’s proud of people who have chosen to continue working on the frontlines.


“Reg has been a real champion, a magician, keeping us working through this whole thing and because I have diabetes, he always asks me, ‘do you still feel safe? Do you still feel safe?’” she said.


Tetz and Stein say the store has been constantly busy and Hatters are trying to support local. Stein adds the store has been offering curbside pickup and following all COVID-19


guidelines to keep staff and customers safe.


“I’m just really happy I have the staff that I have and very good customers too,” he said. “Most customers are very appreciative of us wearing masks, sanitizing at the door and that because they don’t want to give it to somebody, and they don’t want to get it.”


COUNSELING PROGRAM • Individual and family counseling • Client Advocacy • Referrals to other agencies • Client support services • Referrals and access to Elders • Mending Broken Hearts Program • Bannock & Tea Friendship Circle • Addictions Counseling & Referrals • Access to traditional Healing Ceremonies and Healing Retreats & Sweats • Income Tax filing


Open by appointment only - call for an appointment 403-526-0756 / 517 3rd St SE, Medicine Hat, AB


6 - THANK YOU FRONTLINE HEROES


HOUSING PROGRAM • Clients at risk of becoming homeless have access to housing supports after completion of intake and assessment


• Individual and Family Counseling Services and referrals • Assistance and referrals for job finding and resume preparation services


• Assistance with finding immediate and long term housing


• Access to low income Bachelor and one Bedroom apartment suites and four bedroom family house


• Referrals and assistance with applying for Aboriginal Family Housing and Aboriginal Seniors Housing


Thank you to our community for your continuous effort and dedication each and every day


41390794/05/15/2021


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