secrets of bordersgroupinc

as some may know, I am now a part-time employee of borders here in burlington - of primary concern to the group is customer happiness, loyalty which is generated by way of customer service

the secret to delivery of customer service is constituted by myriad managerial procedures and employee tasks - for example, behind the register (a position which a cashier is not to abandon, physically, which of course translates into a hyperbolic metaphysical drive to "please help the next customer in line") an employee, when asked by a customer the location of a book, must call "customer assistance to the front desk" with a walkie-talking, so that a "seller" can personally escort this customer to the book - to get the book "in hand" -

after about 12 hours behind the register, i have watched several would-be customers, people, shrink and even cringe when that walkie-talkie is pulled out - the would-be customer meekly mumbles, "uh i don't mean to be a bother, i'm sorry to cause so much trouble" - i remember the days before i had penetrated the inner workings of borders how i really DID NOT want someone to come help me, i just wanted a gentle pointer in the right direction

so, hm, what's customer service, for josh and i, in terms of OH? - for now, i think it's just doing what we do - and seeing who and what surfaces in our stacks

also, I hereby resolve to NEVER TELL someone that the lindor balls are only 3 for a dollar

RD

this thing I was forgetting

at the end of the last post I was trying to remember something and it was this: my sister asked me whether it was ok to use plastic bags to scoop her dog's poo, in reference to Rachel's posts about how we hope to use no new plastic bags for packaging of things. If you are thinking about it I think "reduce, reuse, recycle" is a good mantra. It goes in that order. Obviously one has to throw out one's dog's poo. Someone might have an idea for how to do that sanitarily with non-plastic, and they should definitely comment (I dare yet again) but you could also go to the grocery store, many have a plasic bag recycle place as you walk thru the door: take 100 of those or so.

Relatedly, I just started using bar soap for shaving. It's a specially formulated one that is supposed to go in your mug and with a brush you lather up. I've always hated buying those cans that at best u recycle. For whatever reason, I couldnt get out of my frame to figure out how to get rid of those cans until I moved to Vermont and had forgotten mine in New York and was about to shave and . . . so I used some nutragena soap which worked ok, but figured someone must make this old-timey product, and there it was in every store, for a good deal cheaper too. I think it probably saves a good deal of energy not having to construct the can. The ingredients don't seem too all natural, titanium oxide, but I'll check around and surely somewhere in Vermont . .

beets, share prices, soaps & other tidbits

this picture of beets should brighten things up. I thought about a nice tomato one but it seemed almost mean, after all there are still lots of nice beets around, this picture rachel took in the middle of pickling a jar or two.

also brightening things up at our house are some soaps given to us by a friend of rachel, from Adirondack Soapworks. The friend, Scott, is the brother of the soapmaker. The two kinds we got were carrot & calendula, and a peppermint scrub. I used the former and really enjoyed it, not scented except for the little that the essential oils themselves give off. She does make slightly more smelly soaps, but I think stays away from the super-parfum that kinda makes you smell like a potpourri dish. here is the link to the site:http://www.adksoapworks.com/

In share news, I'm working on the brochure and in the process firming up those details that pop up when you are trying to give people the details. For instance, the price of a share of vegetables grown at Open heart Farm will cost $410. That share will start the first Friday in June to mid-October. The brochure, which you can email for (the address is openheartfarm@yahoo.com, and is always atop the sidebar), will have a full listing of what crops we expect when, and other details. We are still sorting out where exactly the drop off will be, but I think we have a good idea for the time (tho of course open to suggestions): 3pm to 7pm on Fridays.

We are also working on a way to have a soap share with the Adirondack Soapworks and in the next few days may have even a few other add-ons for those who are interested.

I feel like i'm forgetting something. If you are wondering what that share price reflects: beside being the lowest Rachel and I thought we could go and still maintain the OHF as a working entity, the hope is that member will be getting ALOT of veggies. I suppose it must be said that part of the CSA is being part of the risk, but I can say that the seeds have certainly flowed into our house, and it looks like we're planting close to one hundred varieties, including herbs (which we maybe be able to give either dried or fresh). Anyways, I'm sure I'll remember the second I leave, and should there be any questions don't hesitate to comment.