Is Customer Service a One-Sided Conversation?

The conversation I started in this month’s issue in NorthernConnection magazine, is regarding the status of customer service. With us at the magazine – we are dedicated to all of our advertisers, readers, community events and everyone we do business.

We take pride in a job well done and have received hundreds of thank you’s and testimonials regarding our exceptional service and devotion to helping create awareness in our community.

But every now and again, I come across a store that leaves customer service to be desired. For example, one dress shop I use to use, know that I have been a regular for years. Yet, they recently changed their return policy – no one told me, no one warned me that they were going to start enforcing it. Yet when I brought a blouse that I received as a Christmas present back after the new 30-day limit – just to exchange for a different one. I was told I was too late and they wouldn’t even make an exception to their new rule even though I have frequented that business for years.

Needless to say, they just lost a regular shopper.

It was this lack of customer appreciation that prompted this month’s blog.

Has this ever happened to you? As always, I am VERY interested in your thoughts and opinions! Leave comments below, email me at NorthCon@consolidated.net or send me a “Letter to the Editor” at P.O Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722 attn: Marianne Reid Anderson.

People who Steal Handicap Parking Spaces

In this month’s conversation in Northern Connection magazine, I wondered what is wrong with people who use handicapped parking spaces when they’re not handicapped?

Well – whatever their problem – YOU CAN NOW REPORT THEM – Cuz there’s an app for that!!

According to www.Superiorvan.com, check out www.parkingmobility.com and down load their app:

“Parking Mobility (parkingmobility.com) is a new smartphone app that allows users to report parking violators. The app cues the user to take a set of photos of the vehicle in violation and it marks the date, time and location. The app then sends a report to local authorities, if the city has approved and adopted the practice of using the app. Normal citizens, through the use of the Parking Mobility application, are now empowered to help make a difference.

Let’s face it… Disabled parking is needed by 20% of the population, and cities are responsible for ensuring that these parking spots remain accessible and are not being abused. Parking Mobility is the answer, empowering its citizens and their assisting local government in addressing disabled parking abuse. After all, who is better to spot a violator than those who depend on it daily?

To learn more about the Parking Mobility app. please visit www.Parkingmobility.com.”

Won’t you join me?

As always, I am VERY interested in your thoughts and opinions! Leave comments below, email me at NorthCon@consolidated.net or send me a “Letter to the Editor” at P.O Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722 attn: Marianne Reid Anderson.

 Source: http://www.superiorvan.com/blog/how-can-you-help-catch-handicap-parking-violators-in-your-community/

Should Priests Marry?

Pope Francis is considering letting priests marry, according to a report by CNN. As I mentioned in my column Starting the Conversation in Northern Connection magazine, if the subject is on the docket for discussion, perhaps this is the time to discuss.

This topic was also reported by the Herald. When I first read the Pope's stipulation that "older, married men with a long commitment to the church could also be considered"

I immediately though of the beloved, elderly deacon at my own church and thought it would be

awesome if he could continue his religious life and become a priest.

But then I started wondering - If deacons can become priests, can nuns or lay women become deacons? Should nuns become priests?  And then I wondered about other religions who allow their priests and ministers to marry - has it increased vocations?

I have more questions than answers - so as always I would love to know what you think.

You are welcome to leave comments below, email me at NorthCon@consolidated.net or send me a "Letter to the Editor" at P.O. Box 722, Wexford, PA 15090-0722 attn: Marianne Reid Anderson

A THIRD Opinion? Seriously?

In the March issue, of the Northern Connection magazine, I related the story of how my husband had to get THREE quotes from THREE different services in order to get his car inspected at a reasonable price.

I can’t help but wonder about the first two services. They both had HUGE lists of what was wrong and HUGE expenses to go along with them. We didn’t know what to think. Especially, since the lists didn’t match.

Clearly, now that we found an honest opinion, the first two were just trying to take advantage of us, our ignorance about automobiles and get what they could get.

What do you think? Am I responsible for my own ignorance about cars? Is it my own fault for being trusting? Are they justified in some way?

As always, I am VERY interested in your thoughts and opinions! Leave comments below, email me at NorthCon@consolidated.net or send me a “Letter to the Editor” at P.O Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722 attn: Marianne Reid Anderson.

Is it Wrong to Re-Gift?

Well, the holidays are officially over and clean-up has begun. In the January issue of Northern Connection, I started the conversation wondering if it is wrong to re-gift and how long do I need to hold on to things that I’m given?

On the one hand, I am so blessed to have received these gifts but on the other, I have absolutely no room to put anything. As one colleague suggested – I don’t have a hoarding problem, I have a storage problem. Which is a true observation: I don’t have a basement; the attic is full and I have small closets that are filled to the brim. I don’t even want to think about the kitchen. I also have an extensive library which, if you drop by, you know you’ll need to move a stack of books to sit down.

So, my mantra over the past few years is downsize, downsize downsize. I feel it is my modern-day version of Thoreau’s, “Simplify. Simplify. Simplify.” But how can I live up to everyone’s expectations of maintaining a livable space while holding on to everything I’m given?

As always, I am VERY interested in your thoughts and opinions? Leave comments below, email me at NorthCon@consolidated.net or send me a “Letter to the Editor” at P.O Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722 attn: Marianne Reid Anderson.

How do You Set Boundaries During the Holidays?

In the December issue of Northern Connection magazine, I shared the fact that

my husband and I do something very unconventional every Christmas. Except for when we were first married, we have never spent Christmas together. Our anniversary is on December 21^st so we celebrate Christmas by going completely off-grid on that day, not even television, have fondue, exchange gifts and just be happy. Then, for Christmas, we each go home, which in turn makes our mothers happy.

I mentioned that it would be different if we had children. In that case, it would be important to us to have a Christmas morning and seeing what the big red elf had left and if he enjoyed the cookies we left for him.

But since it’s just us – we have “our day” and then do the family thing apart. Lots of people think we are crazy but lots of other people also have nontraditional traditions.

But as always, what do you think? Do you have and advice on setting boundaries or nontraditional traditions that you would like to share? Leave comments below or email me at NorthCon@consolidated.net or send me a “Letter to the Editor” at P.O Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722 attn: Marianne Reid Anderson.

Should Retail Stores Be Open for Thanksgiving?

In this month’s issue of Northern Connection magazine, I started the conversation regarding the Thanksgiving controversy of retail stores being open on this family-oriented holiday.

I know we all count on emergency personnel working the holiday for the occasional mishap and oven fire. And who hasn’t counted on a last-minute run to the grocery store for a forgotten ingredient?

Shopping this weekend is critical for the economy. But by the same token is it really necessary?

Some people say yes – I know of one mom who send the dad and kids to the movies so she has the house to herself to get everything done without interruption and they love it because they come home to a feast.

But for those of us who miss our loved ones because they are called into work a Thanksgiving sale, it just seems cruel.

But as always, what do you think? Leave comments below or, email me at NorthCon@consolidated.net or send me a “Letter to the Editor” at P.O Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722 attn: Marianne Reid Anderson.

Is the National Anthem Controversy a Conspiracy?

So is it me, or, as I mentioned in my column, Starting the Conversation for Northern Connection magazine, at the first incident does Kaepernick look like he’s just not paying attention and no one on the sidelines is paying attention to him – not staff, not security, not the other players. You would think that if he was protesting something, someone besides the press, would have been aware.

But either way, does he not realize that he is one of the most privileged in America? He has one of the most coveted and well-paying jobs, he has a college education, both birth mother and adopted parents are among the most non-racial citizens this country has to offer. Who, when, where was he oppressed in any way? Or was he simply embarrassed that he forgot to stand and only then did he come up with a reason?

What do you think? Let me know in the comment section below, email me at NorthCon@consolidated.net or send me a “Letter to the Editor” at P.O Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722 attn: Marianne Reid Anderson.

Would Changes to the School Year Help Parents?

In the September issue of Northern Connection magazine, I started the conversation by looking at the up-coming school year. Several parents I know wish that the school year would go all year. They argue that historically, students had summers off because they needed to help with the family farm. But now, the U.S. keeps falling behind the other countries that do go to school all year long.

Of course, as a student I loved my summer vacations and as I got older, I really enjoyed working to earn my own pocket money. I also think if I didn't get a break, I would have burned-out from studying somewhere along the way.

Plus, nowadays there are so many great summer programs and extracurricular opportunities for students during the summer that truly enhance not only their education, but each of them as an individual. Providing opportunities to mature, learn about the world outside of their day-to-day school life.

But as always, what do you think? Please leave comments below, email me at NorthCon@consolidated.net or send me a “Letter to the Editor” at P.O Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722 attn: Marianne Reid Anderson.

Do We Appreciate What We Have?

 

In the August issue of Northern Connection magazine, I started the conversation about some of the things we as Americans can take for granted such as fully stocked shelves in grocery stores. I told the story of some refugees from Bosnia that were completely amazed at our supermarkets. How much we have – and how much we waste.

Whenever I turn on the TV anymore (which is starting to be very rare) I am hit with so much violence and hatred. I distinctly remember in elementary school, the teachers having us sing over and over again “All we are saying is give peace a chance.” What happened to that dream? Where did it go?

I do know that violence begets violence and so I worry and dread - where is all this violence going to end? Other countries envy how good we have it and how much we have. It is why they hate us and why terrorists attack us. Isn’t this enough of a problem? Whenever we as Americans attack each other, it delights our enemies. We are playing right into their hands. Christ, Gandhi, Martin Luther King, all said peaceful protest is the way to change. How many times do we need to be told this?

But as always, what do you think? Please leave comments below, email me at NorthCon@consolidated.net or send me a “Letter to the Editor” at P.O Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722 attn: Marianne Reid Anderson.

Where Does the Buck Stop?

In this month's issue of Northern Connection magazine, I shared an unpleasant conversation I experienced. Fundamentally, a professional interaction had become very unprofessional when a certain person refused to take responsibility. I wanted to fix the situation. She wanted to play the blame-game. SO it got me wondering, where does the buck stop?

The phrase the "The Buck Stops Here" became popular when Harry S. Truman had the sign placed on his desk in the oval office. Of course the back of the sign read, "I'm from Missouri" aka the "Show Me" state or "prove it," - which is one of my favorite sentiments.

Of course, mistakes do happen and I believe how we handle recovery from those mistakes it what separates us. For example, on the extremely rare occasion when I miss a fact-check, the magazine issues a "correction" in the next issue. Not exactly a happy circumstance but at least between the convention in the industry and the power of social media, I can disseminate the correct information very quickly. The NY Times has an entire page of their website devoted to corrections. They apparently realize the importance of owning-up to one's mistakes and not try to cover it up or blame others.

In the movie Apollo 13, about the difficulties surrounding that particular space launch. When the first disaster strikes, two of the astronauts start arguing on who was to blame and the commander Jim Lovell, played by Tom Hanks, yells at them and  says, "All right, we're not doing this, gentlemen. We are *not* going to do this. We're not going to go bouncing off the walls for ten minutes, 'cause we're just going to end up back here with the same problems! Try to figure out how to stay alive!"

I absolutely love that scene. Of course, my experience was nothing so life or death by any means but it really shows the importance of staying grounded and giving up the hope of a better past.

As good friend of mine always says about difficulties, "It is what it is, let's move on."

But what do you think? You can enter your comments below or feel free to email me at NorthCon@consolidated.net or send me a “Letter to the Editor” at P.O Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722 attn: Marianne Reid Anderson.

The Restroom Privacy Controversy

In this month’s issue of Northern Connection magazine, Starting the Conversation, I wondered how much privacy is needed in a public restroom, and I proposed the solution that what is actually needed are more family restrooms.

In addition to my anecdotal evidence that supports the family restroom (and diaper changing stations in men’s rooms) as far as parents are concerned, I have also noted over the years how fed-up women are with restrooms that are too small with lines that are too long.

One reason for this phenomenon is that architecture is a male dominated field and therefore the two restrooms are the same size even though women need larger restrooms for the demand. I know many women who are so fed-up with this situation that they either refuse to wait or biologically can’t wait and so at sporting events, concerts, theaters where the women’s line is so long, they just give up waiting and use the men’s room.

I also wonder, when is it safe to use a public restroom alone? Is it ever? For anyone?

But what do you think? You can enter your comments below or feel free to email me at NorthCon@consolidated.net or send me a “Letter to the Editor” at P.O Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722 attn: Marianne Reid Anderson.

Is There Still a Taboo over Mental Illness?

It has come to my attention, that there have been a series of suicides in our community. Many committed by and effecting our high school students. It has also come to my attention, that in some of these cases, grief counselors and other support structures are not in place to help students cope. Coping with stress, peer pressure, bullying and the loss of their fellow students can lead to intense feeling of hopelessness and despair.

So, in this month’s Starting theConversation, I wanted to know your thoughts on mental illness, suicide and if you know any resources for our community, to please share them so we can help create awareness.

In Pine Richland school district, a petition was started regarding the ongoing suicide issue.  Go to http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/suicide-prevention-in-pine-richland-school-district to learn more and to find out the answers to these questions in your own school district.

Specifically:

-Does the district have a suicide prevention program, a suicide prevention coordinator, and what policies and procedures are currently in place to prevent suicide? (i.e., are staff members trained to identify children at risk for suicide, are there specially trained staff members that students know they can turn to when they are concerned for themselves or for someone else, when a student is identified at risk what are the next steps?)

-When a bullying incident occurs what is the procedure and how is it specifically handled? The current policy does not outline the consequences for bullying, (i.e., where should incidents be reported, are they documented, when are parents contacted, when are attempts made to resolve the issues, are the school psychologists involved, how do we effectively increase a positive, accepting school climate?)

Anyone, anywhere can go through a dark time and require help developing coping skills or medication to stop a chemical imbalance.

In Starting the Conversation, I mention the book “Am I Going to be Okay?” by Debra Whittam. If you are interested in Debra Whittam’s book, visit www.debrawhittam.com to purchase your own copy of the book, as well as, Amazon.com and bookstores nationwide. Also she will be having a book event for a ‘Meet and Greet the Author at Mars Coffee Brew House in Mars, PA on Saturday, June 4 from 9:30am until 1pm.

If you or someone you love needs help, it is perfectly alright to reach out. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or visit http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ to click to chat.

 

But, as always, what do you think? Enter comments below or email me at NorthCon@consolidated.net or send me a “Letter to the Editor” at P.O Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722 attn: Marianne Reid Anderson.

Is Legalizing Medical Marijuana a Priority?

 

In the April issue of Northern Connection magazine, I started the conversation regarding the legalization of pharmaceuticals that contain extracts from the cannabis plant - also known as Marijuana.

As I pointed out in my column, I do not understand why it needs to go through the government. The FDA has proven beyond a doubt that the plant contains medical properties that help many different kinds of illnesses such as seizures and epilepsy. The medical properties can calm the electrical firing - or misfiring of the brain. So why can't a doctor just prescribe the medicine where he or she deems necessary?

Afterall, pain killers filled with highly addictive opiates can be prescribed without government interference and all these pain killers do is mask the pain. They don't cure or remedy anything. They also build up a higher and higher tolerance - not to the pain but to the pain medicine. So, patients require higher and higher amounts to kill the pain.

Unlike medical cannabis that actually does something for sufferers of certain illnesses and disorders.

But as always, I am interested to know what you think. Please feel free to leave your comment below or email e at NorthCon@consolidated.net or send me a "Letter to the Editor" at P.O. Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722 attn: Marianne Reid Anderson


Source: Medical Marijuana Passes in the PA House of Representatives: http://patch.com/pennsylvania/cranberry/s/fnngd/breaking-medical-marijuana-approved-by-pa-house?utm_source=alert-breakingnews&utm_medium=email&utm_term=politics%20%26%20government&utm_campaign=alert

Sporting Concussions: Are We Too Violent?

In the March issue of Northern Connection magazine, I started the conversation on the violence in our society and wondered if it is because of the violence in the sporting industry - as with the illegal, dirty shot against Steeler, Antonio Brown. If you want to see the shot - take a look at the play via this youtube video: https://youtu.be/-tfLncD3pGM

As gut-wrenching as the cheap-shot was, it was compounded by the way the Bengal fans were reacting with the microphones picking up comments hoping he was actually dead! What kind of mind thinks that way? No matter how much money someone may have bet on the game, there is no justification for the psychologically demented comment.

Even scarier, is my fear of the impression all this violence has on the younger generation. Is this behavior and unethical even immoral thought-processes the new normal? Is the violence in professional sports merely a manifestation of the violence in our society? Do people not comprehend the finality of death and injury?

But as always, what do you think? Please leave your comment below or email me at Northcon@consolidated.net.

Technology, Children and Social Skills

For the 16^th Annual Education issue of Northern Connection magazine, I started the conversation on technology, children and social skills. I made the point that in many cases, we, as adults, can be just as bad as any child when it comes to using technology. Afterall, no one under 16 has ever been in a driving accident for texting. But then I wondered how do we set our own boundaries as well as boundaries for our children and how do we make dedicated face time for one-on-one relationships without slighting everyone else we are connected to?

One example of a rule that I gave is that instead of money for chores, children earn “digital time” on any device they choose. For example, cleaning their room or unloading the dishwasher might earn your children 15 – 30 minutes on their gaming system. Which may work for children, but what should we, as adults, do to maintain our social skills?

I know several couples that when they go out to dinner, they all pile up their cell phones in the middle of the table and the first to reach for his or hers, has to pick up the tab. Unless, they all make it to the end of dinner, and in which case, they simply split the bill.

But what do you think of rudeness for a techno fix? Do you have any suggestions for our readers? Feel free to leave comments below or email me at northcon@consolidated.net.

It's Okay to Wish Me a Merry Christmas

Received this wonderful message from the North Pole!

 

As I wrote in Starting the Conversation in December's issue of Northern Connection magazine, it's okay to wish me a "Merry Christmas!"

 

As I also mentioned, I never mind receiving a "Happy Holidays" or a "Season's Greetings" so won't you send us your favorite wish for the holidays?

 

 

 

 

 

Should Everyone Get a Trophy?

In the October issue of Northern Connection magazine, I started the conversation regarding participation trophies due to Steeler James Harrison being very public about returning his sons’ participation trophies. ESPN gives a great account of what happened: http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13447657/james-harrison-pittsburgh-steelers-takes-away-kids-participation-trophies-says-awards-earned.

What do you think about Mr. Harrison’s viewpoint? After all, there is only one Vince Lombardi Trophy for the Super Bowl. Just as there is only one Mirror Ball Trophy awarded to the winner for Dancing With The Stars. Of course, baseball gets a bit confusing – even if you don’t win the World Series, you still get a pennant for winning the league, which depending on the stats for the two leagues, a team with more wins in a more difficult division may actually not make it to the World Series. Ultimately, making the World Series NOT a competition between the two best teams. This baseball discussion might have to be a future blog!

But getting back to the main point; Mr. Harrison feels participation trophies send a wrong message to children and leads to an entitlement attitude. Participation trophies did come from parents wanting their kids to get “something” for trying their best and giving their time and effort. But I believe the debate is whether the “something” should be a trophy which equates to an achievement. Why can’t the “something” be as simple as a ribbon or a team hat or “something,” does acknowledgement for participation really need to be a trophy?

Some competitions have even changed the “scale” of awards. For example, in many dance competitions, they have changed bronze, silver, gold medals, as in the Olympics, to gold, high-gold and platinum. I can’t help but ask, "why?" Every participant knows if they don’t get platinum, they aren’t eligible for top awards and scholarships, so why change the scale?

I think I’ll stick with my bake-offs – a blue ribbon is still a blue ribbon.

But, as always, what do you think? Feel free to leave comments below or email me at NorthCon@consolidated.net.

What do you think of the Cursive Controversy?

Is writing in cursive a thing of the past? In this month's issue of Northern Connection magazine, I point out that schools today just don't have the time to teach both cursive and keyboarding so they have been put in the difficult position of choosing the future over the past. Understandable, until you spend some time with the younger generation and realize that they can't read your writing - no matter how good or bad your penmanship is.

What does this mean for future generations? Are we cutting them off from the past?

And what does this mean for the whole industry of handwriting analysis?

As always, I am interested in your thoughts on the subject! Please leave your thoughts in the comments section below:

The Expense of Technology...Is it Justified?

In this month's issue of Northern Connection magazine, I started the conversation on the expense of technology and wondering when or how it is justified. In the article, I referred to the example that a 10-year old colleague of mine gave me regarding 3D movies and how they can be as much as $10 more a movie and how he "didn't feel that was fair."

By way of another example, let's look at SMART phones - you can get an Android phone for free, or a reasonable price, so long as you agree to a lengthy contract with the telephone carrier. Then, phones range all the way up to the latest iPhone from Apple, and depending on how much storage space you want is even more incredibly expensive. Why is the iPhone so expensive? Because it's popular, because it's trendy and people are willing to pay it. Me? Being a tech-head, I know how insecure both Android and iPhone are and so for me, like everyone in the CIA and the Secret Service, I go Blackberry all the way - hopefully soon the new Blackberry operating system will soon be available on certain Androids but until then, your phone is in serious jeopardy of being hacked. So, for me, I feel the expense of a Blackberry is justified.

Personally, I think the frustration over the expense of technology often comes from the fact that it doesn't last very long for the money or it is out-of-date soon after you buy it. Have you ever had the experience where you no sooner by a gadget or computer only to find out a newer version is coming out or now available?

What do you think? When is the expense of technology justified for you?