SOLON & BEYOND: Solon Pine Tree Club holds meeting; marijuana opt-out meeting slated

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Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percyby Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979

Good morning, dear friends. Don’t worry, be happy!

The Solon Pine Tree Club met at the Solon Fire Station on January 11 for their meeting. In attendance, there were six members and five leaders.

The craft project was wood burning and finishing candles from the previous month.

Leader Mrs. Pooler shared information on Maine 4-H camper scholarships ranging from $100 – $200. These camps are at Blueberry Cove, Bryant Pond, Greenland Point and Tanglewood.

Hunter, Cooper, Kaitlin and Sarah will give their demonstrations in February. The remaining members will give their demonstrations in March.

4-H members will be doing their annual food trays as a community service during the February meeting.

The club will provide food for the dinner during town meeting day, Saturday, March 7. This will take place at the Solon Elementary School.

The next meeting of the Solon Pine Tree 4-H Club will be on Saturday, February 8, at 9:30 a.m.

Received the following e-mail from Angie Stockwell about news from the Margaret Chase Smith Library, in Skowhegan: First issue of 2020 is ready for viewing. Even in the dead of winter with freezing temperatures, the MCS Library continues to be busy. Chancellor Malloy visited; PBS featured a McCarthy documentary; Scott joins the MCS Policy Center; National History Day in Maine judges are needed; Essay Contest focuses on Maine’s Bicentennial; and two high school students are off to Washington, DC, as winners of the U.S. Senate Youth program. Opportunities to contribute to the annual fund are bolstered by a Hannaford Supermarket fundraiser. Here’s the link: Margaret Chase Smith Library newsletter.

There will be a marijuana opt-out or not options with (these options listed under Adult Use Establishment options are Adult Use Retail Stores, Cultivation Facilities (inside and/or outside) Manufacturing Facilities, Testing Facilities and Note: No “Social Clubs” are allowed. Medical establishment options are: Caregiver Retail Stores, Registered Dispensaries, Manufacturing Facilities and Testing Facilities..

The Maine State Law provides that all the above options are not allowed in a municipality unless that municipality votes to allow them.

In the above paper that I took this from, it states that,”The state has created the rules and regulations covering each of the above options. The state will not issue any licenses to a proposed business unless the municipality the business will be located in has voted to allow that option in their municipality. Currently Solon has not voted to “Opt In” on any of the above options and is not required that we do so.

Carol Dolan sent me this email awhile ago and I did put it in at the time but perhaps you have forgotten and need more things to do in these cold days of winter. A sewing class at 10 a.m. – noon, on Wednesday. TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Wednesday; Weight Watchers: 5 – 6 p.m., Wednesdays. Come in an sign up – new members accepted. Pickle Ball: 6 p .m., Monday’s, except second week, when it’s on Tuesday. Community Center meetings: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, prior to the second Saturday supper.

If you have any questions, contact Wayne at 474-1065.

And so now for Percy’s memoir: I seek in prayerful words, dear friends, my hearts true wish to send you, that you may know that far or near, my loving thoughts attend you. I cannot find a truer word, nor better to address you – nor song, nor poem have I heard is sweeter than “God bless you.” God bless you! So, I’ve wished you all of brightness life possesses , for can there any joy at all be yours unless God blesses? And so, “through all your days may shadows touch you never – but this alone – God bless you – then thou art safe forever!”

The above didn’t say who wrote it. Anyway, I’m going to put in another one this morning to cheer you: It is called, Love Hath No Season: Love is never out of season, we can always find it where we connect with one another, through thoughts and deeds we share. We may avow it in a letter or recite sweet words of prose; We may show it by a loving glance, or express it with a rose. We may shout it from the rooftops or whisper it soft and low, but no matter how we show it, it sets another’s heart aglow. (words by Catherine Janssen Irwin.)

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Woody calls for a wintry mix of everything until spring

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Woodrow saying goodbye following my annual visit to his den.

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Huhhhh!

It’s time again to bundle up and make my trek through the snow fields of center Vassalboro in search of my old friend, Woodrow Charles. As folklore goes, Woody is a weather prognosticating groundhog. With Groundhog Day coming on February 2, I always visit him a little early to give our readers a head start on the possibilities of the weather for the next couple of months.

As I headed out on that day, it was a pleasant start to the day, clear skies with the temperature in the low 30s. Really balmy for the last week in January.

As I walked through the fields, I couldn’t help but notice that, had it not been for the five inches or so we received the previous week, there would not be much snow to trudge through.

As I approached his lair, I spotted the usual smoke billowing from the chimney above the stump, and the glow of lights through the only window he has. There were many tracks outside with groundhog footprints headed in every direction.

I arrived at the door, knocked and waited for an answer. I noticed things were a little different from last year.

If you remember, Woody was off the grid. He had given up all his electronics, given away his 60-inch TV, had his electricity turned off, and basically went all natural with everything. Sustainability, they call it.

But today, I see an electric light on inside.

I knocked again.

Silence.

“What is going on,” I think to myself.

I knocked a third time. Apparently, he’s out. I didn’t notify him that I was coming today.

Suddenly, I heard something behind me.

It’s Woody, waddling through the snow, carrying a bag.

He stopped, looked at me, and said, “Oh, I didn’t know you were coming today. You should have called first. I’ve been out foraging”

“Well,” I responded. “The reason I didn’t call is because, as of last year, you were off the grid, and swore you were in it for the long haul.”

He had a strange look on his face. “It didn’t work out. I was out of touch with everything. Couldn’t talk to my buddies, Frank, Butch and Slim. I didn’t know what was going on in the world with no TV. It just wasn’t working.”

He continued, “Luckily, Slim gave the TV back to me, but I had to promise to invite him to every one of my Super Bowl parties.”

That got me to thinking. “Hey, the Super Bowl is on Groundhog Day this year. Any predictions?”

I don’t know how he does it, but he’s usually correct.

“If you remember last year I predicted the Patriots by 10 points,” he started bragging. “And the final score was 13-3.”

“OK,” I responded, “you nailed it! Let’s see how you do this year.”

Woody rubbed his chin, and said, “This one is a little tough. I don’t know that much about San Francisco. Being a west coast team, they are not on television that much.

“From what I have read and heard, Kansas City’s offense is generally unstoppable, and the 49ers have one of the top defenses in the league. I usually like to go with defense. So, here goes, San Francisco by four points, as long as Jimmy Garoppolo can put up enough points against an improving Kansas City defense.”

Finally, I remembered. I was here to get a weather prediction, and somehow it always turns to Super Bowl picks.

“What about the weather?” I asked. “It’s been a pretty mild winter so far.”

Woody looked at the floor, then looked up, scratched his head, and spoke: “The worst of the winter is still ahead of us. I get mixed messages on snowfall, but I predict a little more snow than we have received so far, but with no major snow events. Temperatures, however, will plummet, with most of the precipitation being in the form of some snow, but a lot of wintry mix, with rain, sleet and freezing rain.”

I smiled wryly. “That doesn’t sound very encouraging.”

“Also,” Woody continued as though I hadn’t said anything, “the winter will be prolonged into late March, and into early and mid-April.”

That being said, Woody turned to me and said, “Cup of coffee?”

“Sure,” I replied. “I have a little time on my hands.”

So, for the next hour, we had coffee, and talked about many different subjects. I didn’t realize he was so well informed.

In all, everything he had a couple of years ago was back in its place, including his cell phone, WiFi, weather equipment, even Siri.

“Cost me a bit,” he said embarrassingly. “I needed to get everything out of hawk.”

So, what about Siri? “Gives me someone to talk to,” he said. “She knows a lot about a lot. It gets lonely here during winter.”

“So, you’re fairly well connected,” I asked.

“That’s what happens when you have communication with the outside world,” Woody said. “It’s amazing what you can learn with Google. And on television, there is the Home Shopping Network, CNN, FoxNews, Home & Garden Network, and my favorite, Animal Planet.”

Coffee finished, I got up, put on my coat, hat and gloves, and headed to the door. Once there, I turned, and wished my host a good day.

“Stay warm, and I’ll see you next year,” I said.

“Be safe, my friend,” Woody responded.

With that, I began my journey back home.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

The San Francisco 49ers have appeared in six Super Bowls, winning five. Who defeated them in Super Bowl XLXII, in 2012?

Answer can be found here.

Social Security launches new campaign to fight scammers

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Campaign comes at a time of increased scamming activity in central Maine

The Social Security Administration launched a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign to continue warning people about the ongoing nationwide telephone impersonation scheme. The PSAs feature a message from Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul. Social Security and its Office of the Inspector General (OIG) continue to receive reports about fraudulent phone calls from people falsely claiming to be Social Security employees. The scammers mislead victims into making cash or gift card payments for help with purported identity theft, or to avoid arrest for bogus Social Security number problems.

“I want every American to know that if a suspicious caller states there is a problem with their Social Security number or account, they should hang up and never give the caller money or personal information. People should then go online to oig.ssa.gov to report the scam call to Social Security,” said Commissioner Saul.

People should also be on the lookout for a new version of this scam. Fraudsters are now emailing fake documents in attempts to get people to comply with their demands. Victims have received emails with attached letters and reports that appear to be from Social Security or the OIG. The letters may use official letterhead and government jargon to convince victims they are legitimate; they may also contain misspellings and grammar mistakes.

The new PSA addressing the telephone impersonation scheme is available online at www.youtube.com/socialsecurity and below:

Social Security employees do occasionally contact people – generally those who have ongoing business with the agency – by telephone for business purposes. However, Social Security employees will never threaten a person, or promise a Social Security benefit approval, or increase, in exchange for information or money. In those cases, the call is fraudulent and people should just hang up.

Generally, the agency mainly calls people who have recently applied for a Social Security benefit, someone who is already receiving payments and requires an update to their record, or a person who has requested a phone call from the agency. If a person is not in one of these situations, they normally would not receive a call from the agency.

Social Security will not:

  • Tell you that your Social Security number has been suspended.
  • Contact you to demand an immediate payment.
  • Ask you for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
  • Require a specific means of debt repayment, like a prepaid debit card, a retail gift card, or cash.
  • Demand that you pay a Social Security debt without the ability to appeal the amount you owe.
  • Promise a Social Security benefit approval, or increase, in exchange for information or money.

If there is a problem with a person’s Social Security number or record, in most cases Social Security will mail a letter. If a person needs to submit payments to Social Security, the agency will send a letter with instructions and payment options. People should never provide information or payment over the phone or Internet unless they are certain of who is receiving it.

Give Us Your Best Shot! for Thursday, January 30, 2020

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To submit a photo for this section, please visit our contact page or email us at townline@fairpoint.net!

CHRISTMAS CARDINAL: Pat Clark, of Palermo, photographed this cardinal at Christmas time.

FIRST VISIT: Pat Clark, of Palermo, snapped this photo of the tracks of the Mt. Washington Cog Railroad on her first visit to the area.

LOOKING GOOD: Jayne Winters, of China, captured this Wooly Bear caterpillar last fall.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Simple home remedies

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by Debbie Walker

I’ve been told before to “question what you read. Don’t just accept it as fact.” This column today would be one to question.

The information contained here was sent to me as an e-mail quite a while ago. I don’t remember who sent it to me nor do I have any idea where it originated. I got a kick out of it, and I thought maybe you might too. I’ve added a few comments of my own.

Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop. (Unless you suffer from high blood pressure, then See #3.)

Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat and not putting it back by using the sink. (Is this not a problem in most every home? Ladies I would use a strong cleaner in your sinks daily after this info passes to all male readers!)

For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to set the timer. (As far as I’m concerned this beats the days of the leaches, that person who used to bleed people with leaches years ago. I’m sure it was easy to get leaches in the summer. Just stand in the lake or river. When you come out just remove them all from your body, do this as many times as needed – be careful of their own blood pressure. But I am curious what they did for leaches in the winter.)

If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives, then you’ll be afraid to cough. (Just to be on the safe side if you choose to use this remedy I’d suggest some adult diapers. But, just today, I read to put Vicks on the sole of your feet, not on your chest to get rid of a bad cough).

A mousetrap, placed on top of your alarm clock. This tip will prevent you from rolling over and going to sleep after you hit the snooze button. (You’ll have to get up and go ice your fingers. Not a great way to start your day. Might be a great way to get a teenager to get out of bed in the mornings. Child abuse, maybe?)

You only need two tools in life: WD-40 and Duct tape. If it doesn’t move and should, use WD-40. If it shouldn’t move and does, use the duct tape. (Last summer my leg brace had a real squeak to it. Steve, our contractor, told me if I didn’t have WD-40 I could always use Pam cooking spray! He said it might dry out quicker but it would smell better!)

If you can’t fix it with a hammer, you’ve got an electrical problem (or maybe plumbing problem. Speaking of plumbing, did you know if you put the handle of a plunger in the ground and the plunger part is up you now have a drink holder? Oh and to decorate the handle, use cammy duct tape!).

Remember: everyone seems normal until you get to know him or her.

Okay those are a few simple (useless) solutions. But I have a couple of questions. Who and how did someone figure out to use Preparation H for puffy eyes in the morning? Who and how did someone discover you could clean your toilet with denture tablets or alka-seltzers? Those are only a couple of my questions. And people wonder why “I’m just curious!” There may be some things I’m just better off not knowing.

I’m just curious if you know there is more where all this stuff has come from!

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Les Majorettes De Shawinigan

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PHOTO : RADIO-CANADA

Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Les Majorettes De Shawinigan

MG-4853; 45 vinyl record, release date unknown.

This record came into my possession because of its inclusion in boxes of records doomed otherwise to the dumpster. It doesn’t have the name of any record label, just the listed catalog number, and features the enthusiastic pounding notes of a marching band of majorettes playing woodwinds, brass and percussion.

Their concert consists of Johnny Mercer’s Autumn Leaves, Artie Shaw’s Begin the Beguine, Glenn Miller’s In the Mood and Franz von Suppe’s Poet and Peasant Overture; the tunes might be recognized if the titles aren’t. This recording session may also have been paid for by the school sponsoring the band, if not from donations of folks in the community, with the 45 rpm aimed at families and friends of the musicians.

What drew my interest was not so much the listening experience as the name of Shawinigan, which is a city in the Province of Québec, on a set of natural falls along the Ste. Maurice River. It is 248-miles northwest from our Waterville and 90 miles southwest of Québec City and has been a major industrial hub in the Québec province since the late 1890s, when it attracted the interest of two wealthy entrepreneurs, themselves gentlemen of historical interest and worthy of digression for a couple of paragraphs.

The first, John Edward Aldred (1864-1945), was president of Baltimore Gas and Electric and the owner of a vast estate in Nassau County, Long Island, New York, which is listed as a historical site, because of its exquisitely sculpted grounds by the famous Olmsted brothers (that family’s firm was involved in the design of Acadia National Park and those in the cities of both Portlands, in Maine and Oregon, and in Shawinigan’s own parks). That estate is now a monastery.

The second individual was Hubert Biermans (1864-1953), the Dutch-born director of the Belgo-Canadian Paper and Pulp Company, who also amassed a fortune with his involvement in this firm, based in Brussels, Belgium, and its projects in other parts of the world such as Leopoldville in the Belgian Congo. He owned several homes and spent much time during his last years on the island of Monaco.

Both saw potential in the hydroelectricity that could be generated by the falls and spear-headed the establishment of a power grid infrastructure, through a Montréal firm, for Shawinigan’s economic future. They were proved right. The paper, electrical power, and different chemical and textile industries boomed.

Allowing for downturns during the Great Depression of the 1930s and the gradual dwindling of industry starting in the 1960s through the ‘80s, the quality of life was high, jobs were plentiful and the wages among the best in Canada. Shawinigan was the first Canadian city to see the installation of electrical streetlights.

During the 1950s, there was a proliferation of independently-owned men-only bars and taverns that prevailed until the early ‘80s, when women broke that gender barrier.

Another source of income since the early 1900s has been the city’s hospitality industry due to tourism and it has received major boosts and construction of tourist attractions in the last 30 years from the Canadian government.

I noticed the absence of any books on the city’s own history and on Aldred and Biermans, and hope that some talented historians and/or biographers might get attracted to them as subjects.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Healthy Eating and Physical Activity For Life

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(NAPSI) — No matter what stage of life you’re in—whether you’re an adult, an older person, a pregnant woman or a parent—consuming healthy foods and beverages, combined with getting regular physical activity, stress relief and adequate sleep, may help you or your children stay healthy for life!

The recently updated National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases’ (NIDDK) Healthy Eating & Physical Activity for Life series offers tips for developing and maintaining healthy habits for many stages of life.

Health Tips for Adults

Reaching and maintaining a healthy body weight as an adult may help prevent future health problems. Some tips to follow include making healthier food choices, being aware of food portions and the kinds of foods and beverages you consume, and how often you have them.

It’s also important to engage in regular physical activity. Try to get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as biking or brisk walking. Aim for at least two days a week of muscle-strengthening activities, such as heavy gardening. If your time is limited, work in small amounts of activity throughout your day.

Finally, get enough sleep and manage your stress to stay on track with improving your health.

Health Tips for Older Persons

As you grow older, good nutrition and staying active are as important as ever. Your lifestyle choices may prevent some health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. For example, focus on eating nutrient-dense foods and drinking fluids throughout the day, including those with added vitamin D and calcium.

As you get older, it’s also important to engage in physical activities you enjoy—either on your own or with a friend. Ask your healthcare professional about whether and how you can safely become active or increase your physical activity.

Also talk with your healthcare professional if you feel that changes in your home life, health, medicines, income, mobility or sense of smell and taste are affecting your interest in consuming healthy foods and drinks and engaging in physical activity.

Health Tips for Pregnant Women

Whether you’re ready to try for a baby or are already pregnant, you may be inspired to get healthy. Developing and following a healthier eating plan may help you have a safe pregnancy and delivery and a healthy baby.

Think about new, healthful foods and beverages you can try—such as berries or a banana with hot or cold cereal for breakfast; a salad with beans, tofu or other non-meat protein for lunch; and a lean serving of meat, chicken, turkey or fish and steamed vegetables for dinner.

It’s also important to engage in physical activities while pregnant. Most women need the same amount of physical activity as they did before they became pregnant.

Helping Your Child: Tips for Parents

As a parent, it’s important to share tips with your children on what to eat and drink to fuel their bodies and get them moving. Healthy habits may help children grow, learn and build strong bones and muscles while maintaining a healthy weight. Work together as a family to form healthy habits—such as consuming healthful foods and beverages, doing regular physical activity, getting adequate sleep and limiting screen time. You can set a good example by going for a walk or riding a bike. Or find an activity that you enjoy and can do together.

Learn More

To find more tips and resources for weight management and healthy living at whatever life stage you’re in, or to access the Healthy Eating & Physical Activity for Life series, visit the NIDDK website at https://www.niddk.nih.gov.

GARDEN WORKS: A garden on your countertop

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Countertop Sprouts

Emily Catesby Emily Cates

Growing fresh, delicious, nutritious sprouts for the winter table

Brrr! I don’t know about you, but the most I’m getting out of my garden right now is icicles. Wouldn’t it be nice to grow something fresh and green? Is it even possible when it’s so cold outside?

Enter sprouts, the superheroes of nutrition – here to save the day! Not only are freshly prepared sprouts delicious, but they are alive and loaded with vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that are very good for you. As an added bonus, they are inexpensive, easy to grow, and take up very little room in the kitchen. Kids are oftentimes fascinated at the sight of germinating seeds- which affords all of us an opportunity to enjoy a closer, more personal relationship with the food we eat. And even folks in urban areas and those with limited space can enjoy the benefits of fresh, delicious, nutritious sprouts.

If you’d like to give it a try, the first thing you might like to do is find a source of sprouting seeds. Clover, alfalfa, wheat berries, mung beans, fenugreek, onion, and chia are some popular choices. Whole grains like brown rice, wheat berries, whole barley, rye, quinoa, millet, and beans are easier to digest and even more nutritious when sprouted. (I always prepare them this way before cooking and thoroughly enjoy it!) A word of caution, though: Never sprout treated seeds and always make sure your seeds are food-grade. Some seeds such as those from tomatoes, potatoes, and other nightshade vegetables are poisonous when sprouted. And, of course, use common sense while growing sprouts. When in doubt to the freshness or safety of sprouts that have an off-odor or develop mold, throw them out and try again. Keep records when starting out to streamline the learning experience.

With that in mind, a great source for sprouting seed is local health food stores. Sometimes seed companies like Pinetree and Johnny’s sell sprouting seeds along with special sprouting equipment. (For a long term, sustainable source of sprouting seed stock, try starting your own crop outside in the spring.) For best results, use fresh seeds and store the unused portions in a cool, dry location in an airtight glass jar. The freezer is by far the best place for long-term storage of seeds. Just make sure to let the jar warm to room temperature before opening to prevent the formation of moisture on the seeds. That will keep any seeds from that batch from losing their viability if they are to be stored again.

Now that you have obtained the seeds, it’s time to start sprouting! Germination will occur sooner in a warm room. There are several different methods of growing sprouts, but I have found this way to be the easiest: Soak the seeds in water overnight. Use a strainer or colander for the sprouting vessel, and line it with screen or cheesecloth if the holes are large enough for seeds to fall out. Then place the seeds no more than 2 cm thick in the vessel and rinse several times each day. Keep them moist but not waterlogged. In a day or two, depending on the seed, you should see some action. The seeds can be eaten soon after they have sprouted or a while later when they have grown a couple inches or longer. Experiment on what suits your taste. Expose the sprouts to sunlight until they turn green with nutrition. Then enjoy some fresh garden goodness straight from your countertop!

SOLON & BEYOND: School news; open municipal positions

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Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percyby Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979

Good morning, dear friends. Don’t worry, be happy!

Didn’t have room for all the Solon Elementary School news last week, so I’m going to start with that this week.

The Solon School had a Thanksgiving Food drive and they wood like to thank families for donating to their Thanksgiving Food Drive during the month of November. Students brought in 554 items which were donated to the Solon Food Cupboard to help needy families in our area. This was the most food they have ever collected!

After a lively competition between classes to see which class could bring in the most items, Mrs. Campbell’s first graders won with 174 items. Thanks to all of the families who donated to this worthy cause!

Students celebrate on the Polar Express. This fall students have received a colored pom-pon each time they did a good job meeting school expectations, displaying positive behaviors, or being helpful and/or cooperative as part of the second year of our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program. Students put these pom-pons in a jar on the counter behind Mrs. McFadyen’s desk. When the jar is full, they hold a special schoolwide celebration activity.

In December the jar was full so they held a Polar Express activity. Students could wear pajamas and they served hot cocoa, popcorn and marshmallow treats during the movie. Students had the chance to enter into a raffle to win holiday prizes.

At Halloween, Ms. Rich’s third grade class decorated a pumpkin and won second place in the annual contest sponsored by Smart & Edwards Funeral Home in Skowhegan.

The Solon Staff all dressed up in emoji T – shirts for their Halloween costumes this year.

As always, I was so happy to receive the above news from Solon Elementary School and many thanks are extended!

The Solon budget meeting was held last Saturday. I am pretty sure that was the only one I have missed in all these years….but, I will try to get some information to share with you in next weeks column.

I wrote in last week’s news who was running for the empty selectmen’s seat. (For those who might be considering putting their name in a write-in vote, the following information required for the job is that the selectmen meet every Wednesday from 7:45 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 4 p.m., and 6 to 7:45 p.m.. Also in the spring, property tax assessing on several other days. Most of the work is done on computers using Word and Excel so familiarity with those programs is very helpful.

For those considering road commissioner a Class A or B driver’s license is needed along with knowledge of plowing, road maintenance, and equipment maintenance . It is a full time job with overtime when weather and/or road conditions demand it. The road commissioner is in charge of the road crew employees.

You all know by now, if you read this column, how old I am ! This goes out to all you older women who are in your 80s or older! I didn’t let on how old I was because I didn’t want to be classified as a ” Little Old Lady!” But now you all know my age after the wonderful birthday party I was given in April on my 90th birthday. Anyway, I sent away for a book entitled How Not To Become A Little Old Lady.

Already knew I had some of the traits such as wearing the plastic rain hats and all my slacks have elastic tops, to name a few, so I’m going to quote one of the items mentioned in this book, entitled Need Things Explained: “A Little Old Lady called her travel agent and asked, ‘Do airlines put your physical description on your bag so they know whose luggage it is?’ The agent said, ‘No, why do you ask?’ The little old lady replied, ‘Well, when I checked in at the airport at Fresno, they put a tag on my luggage that said FAT, and I’m overweight.’ The travel agent explained that the city code for Fresno is FAT, and that the airline didn’t think she was obese.”

Percy’s quick memoir is For Every Minute you Frown You lose 60 Seconds of Happiness.

GROWING YOUR BUSINESS: Keep those customers coming back

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Growing your businessby Dan Beaulieu
Business consultant

Going the extra mile will always pay off in the end

The facts are this. When people receive poor service, they love telling other people about it. Some statistics claim that if a person gets bad service from a business over 250 people will end up hearing about it. Yikes! How scary is that? All you need is one slip up; one bad day and you can destroy all the good will you have worked so hard to build up over the years.

It’s almost as if people feel that the one good thing about getting poor service is being able to talk about it to other people…and we all know that they do. Fact is, people love retelling horror stories.

And I have to admit that I fall victim to that as well. We all do.

But don’t get scared, or worse yet, discouraged, there are ways to prevent your company and your team from ever performing poorly and that is to create a company culture that instills good service into everything your company does.

But it starts at the top, it starts with the owners, the managers and most importantly it begins with the examples these people set.

If your employees hear you complain about a customer, they are tacitly being given permission to do the same. If on the other hand they watch the company owner, for example, treat every customer with the utmost respect, they will model that behavior as well. In the way business is like parenting. The children in a family are much more likely to model their parents’ behavior than they are to do what their parents tell them to do. Remember that old adage, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Sorry, but that could be the dumbest thing any parent or any company leader ever told anyone.

We all know that the first rule of running a business is that the customer is always right. Second and third rules are, refer to the first rule. While that is the paradox of customer service there is another rule that I recommend and that is developing the customer for life.

It is much easier for better business to have customers for life than to consistently have a turnover in new customers Here is the thing to remember, most people will use your service once. The key is to get them to use your service forever.

That idea should always be at the front of your company thinking so that when someone comes into your hardware store for the first time, even if it’s only to buy a box of nails, you should treat that person with the same special service as you do the contractor who is buying thousands of dollars of materials from you every month.

In the end, this is a very simple idea. No matter what your business, from bookstore, to diner, to hardware store, if you treat every customer as a lifetime customer, and give them the special service that it takes to do that, you’ll always be growing your business.

Dan Beaulieu has owned his own business consulting firm since 1995, during that time he has helped hundreds of companies all over the world with their sales growth challenges and issues. Originally from Maine he returned a few years ago and is ready and willing to help his fellow Mainers start and grow their business. He can be reached at 207-649-0879 or at danbbeaulieu@aol.com.