Out and About – Week of December 21st

This is a busy week for everyone. Last-minute shoppers have about two days to get those gifts purchased. Not a good time for people with short tempers to do any shopping whatsoever. If you are one of those last-minute shoppers, please have patience with the sales associates who will wait on you. They have been putting in some long hours and dealing with customers who left their patience and common courtesy at home.
While on the subject of sales associates, I applaud those merchants who insist that their cashiers count back the customer’s change. You have to look long and hard to find cashiers who can make change without the aid of a computer cash register. Along with cursive writing, counting back change to a customer is a lost art. So much for modern technology. Service with a smile is also fading into the sunset. If I were “King”, I’d offer a class in high school that dealt with “Customer Service”. I’d also offer a few shop classes for those students not planning to go on to college.
This week is also the time to remember those people we sometimes take for granted. Have you remembered to give your barber or hair stylist a little extra when it came time to pay and tip for a service? Did you leave a batch of cookies for your postal carrier or trash hauler? How about our local firefighters? They’ll be working Christmas Day. There’s always someone on duty at the fire station here in Three Rivers. A tray of cookies would be received with open arms, should you decide to drop off a cookie or two.
With Christmas falling on Friday this year, it means that many of you will be on the road to Grandma’s house or another gathering of family and friends. A perfect opportunity to take advantage of the long weekend. Please have safe travels and remember to take along your common sense.
As we get Out and About visiting the many eateries here in St. Joe County, I can’t help but notice how many citizens take advantage of the availability of Wi-Fi in the restaurants and coffee shops. It’s difficult to go into a restaurant and not notice someone taking up a booth with a laptop and other paperwork. It’s a perfect place to talk business with a client. If you’re one of these individuals, I applaud you for being so savvy. I applaud you even more if you order something to eat or drink. One cup of coffee really isn’t much of an even trade for occupying a merchant’s space for two or three hours. Once again, here’s an example of how modern technology has taken away the need for actual one-on-one conversation and consideration for others.
This Christmas I wish each and every one of you a most joyous time of celebration. Someone once said, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”
See you Out and About!
~ SHALOM~

Submitted by Norm Stutesman