Sometimes the drive-thru speaker crackles, but the greeting is always genuine, friendly and familiar.
“Welcome to McDonald’s, can I take your order?”
Wally Polson is a fixture at this fast-food restaurant on James Street in Antigonish.
Worked here “on-and-off” for about 16 years.
Lately customers might have noticed a little extra energy in the voice over the speaker.
Polson is excited.
Allan Doyle is coming to town.
Polson, arguably, the biggest fan of the Newfoundland musician this side of St. John’s.
Follows Doyle’s lead in helping others.
“He is part of a program called a Dollar a Day, so I’m part of A Dollar A Day.”
Giving a dollar each day to help fund mental health programs and services in Atlantic Canada.
Doyle is a headliner for the inaugural Nova Scotia Summer Fest at Keppoch Mountain in August.
Polson, predictably, is on the organizing committee.
The promise of a great day to come.
It’s what keeps him upbeat, even when he’s not having his best day.
“I’ll think about Nova Scotia Summer Fest coming and bring those songs to my head; Alan Doyle songs like Come Out with Me or I’ve Seen a Little.”
The other thing that makes Polson happy is oughts of his two boys – Ben and Jacob.
“Aged 13 and 10,” he answers enthusiastically, grinning, revealing the joy he feels as he talks about them.
Are those tough ages?
“Not yet,” he chuckles, thoughts of fast approaching 15, 16, 17 and 18 attributed.
When he’s not humming an Allan Doyle tune, or thinking of August, the Goshen, Guysborough County resident enjoys wrestling shows and following the exploits of the Montreal Canadiens.
Every day, focusing on the positive.
Encouraging others towards happy.
Asking a customer, “Would you like a little Bailey’s in your coffee?”
Brightening moods. Creating smiles.
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