This is in response to a story in the September 22nd, Juneau Empire:
http://juneauempire.com/local/2011-09-21/former-key-saga-employees-worry-about-financial-stability#comment-19750
I have known Joe Parish since before there was a SAGA. In 1982 I met him during my first season at Mickey’s Bagel Bistro. Joe was one of the False Islanders. The False Islanders were in a work service program for young people. It was a lot like SAGA. They did community service type work based out of camp by Sitka. I was fortunate to be adopted by those from False Island who had come to Juneau. I do not think that without their help I would have made it through my first season.
Every False Islander I ever met as possessed an abundance of integrity, common sense, honesty, caring and a strong work ethic. Qualities that are admired and ones that their can never be to much of. Joe was no exception to this,
He didn’t start SAGA for financial gain. But because he cared and wanted others to have the same opportunity and benefit from the experiences like he had. Now 30 years later it is inferred that Joe had his hands in the cookie jar. I don’t think SAGA has a cookie jar. Their budget can’t afford one. And doubt that all of Joe’s hard work there now lets him live off the fat of the land. It is just not that kind of a gig.
The reason Joe was given the ultimatum probably were based on reasons having nothing to do with SAGA. It is unfortunate, but that is often the way things work in Juneau. What a loss this is for the community.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
The Best In Class Survey from the Juneau Empire
This was a letter I submitted to the Juneau Empire
The other day I was perusing through the online Juneau Empire, and happened upon the 2011 BIC survey. As any good dutiful Juneauite I went through it checking this and that. I was not at all impressed by the survey. There were categories that just don’t exist here. Where’s the outdoor dinning? A seafood restaurant? Does someone actually make chowder from scratch? And ditto how many deserts are made here? Most come frozen on the barge, and they’re just thawed, plated and served. Crabcakes? Thought this was Alaska, not somewhere on the East coast.
Then there the Legal, financial & Real Estate Services and the Medical Services sections. Anyone who has engaged more then 3 attorneys raise your hand. How many hearing aid professionals are then in Juneau anyway? Surprised that the phone book lists about 4 acupuncturists and bet you can find them all at one of our local smoothie shops or lunching at one of Juneau’s fabulous and fabled delis. That is if they can find a seat at their deli because of all of those having lunch with clients.
OK, so I am using the needle myself, but this is probably a canned downloaded survey that really doesn’t fit a city of 30,000 where basically the only way in and out are water and air.
It is completely unforgivable that there are three categories for alcohol. With the high rate of alcohol consumption in Alaska, should we promote its use in anyway?
In closing these are some of my choices for good service I’ve experienced in Juneau.
There’s Tony, 16 years old and works the closing shift out at Carrs. While some of the other checkers are half asleep, this guy is bright and wide awake. Tony knows what he is doing and does it quickly and smoothly. Ee always wears a great smile and has a sense of humor to match!!
Susan at the state court building, who you’ll find on the bottom floor, patiently explaining to people what they need to do to file their small claims papers correctly. She has been there for nine years, but you’d never know it. No boredom shown by her! Susan was in sharp contrast to the clerk that “helped” me their a couple of years ago. She refused to answer even the simplest of questions. If I’d have asked the time, am sure she would have felt and probably said it was not her job to tell me what time it is! That was not a fun encounter. And, he he, last week she was sitting close enough to hear every time I complemented Susan on being so pleasant, helpful and patient. The look on her face, told me Susan was going to hear from her about wasting her time like that, in particular on a known jerk of a nobody like me!
There are the tellers at Denali Credit Union. It used to be there was only teller who was pleasant to deal with. They’d be there today and gone tomorrow. Probably to much flack from the others on the line of “What ya doing being nice to those on the other side of the counter?” They treated me like I was scum, a crook, con man, scammer and worst. And now all of a sudden they are batting 4 for 4! That is 4 very pleasant tellers, who efficiently go about taking care of you, smiling and bantering at the time. For great customer service 90% of it is saying, “Hi! How are you doing? What can I do for you?” Every time I go in there I let the Fantastic Four know how much I appreciate the change. And after years of complaining to the manager, usually give him the same message.
James at the door of our local Costco, is in a classs by himself. And Costco not only has the best produce in town, but also the best service.
I could go on and on about the bad service I have received here in Juneau. But I'd rather point out what I like.
Then there the Legal, financial & Real Estate Services and the Medical Services sections. Anyone who has engaged more then 3 attorneys raise your hand. How many hearing aid professionals are then in Juneau anyway? Surprised that the phone book lists about 4 acupuncturists and bet you can find them all at one of our local smoothie shops or lunching at one of Juneau’s fabulous and fabled delis. That is if they can find a seat at their deli because of all of those having lunch with clients.
OK, so I am using the needle myself, but this is probably a canned downloaded survey that really doesn’t fit a city of 30,000 where basically the only way in and out are water and air.
It is completely unforgivable that there are three categories for alcohol. With the high rate of alcohol consumption in Alaska, should we promote its use in anyway?
In closing these are some of my choices for good service I’ve experienced in Juneau.
There’s Tony, 16 years old and works the closing shift out at Carrs. While some of the other checkers are half asleep, this guy is bright and wide awake. Tony knows what he is doing and does it quickly and smoothly. Ee always wears a great smile and has a sense of humor to match!!
Susan at the state court building, who you’ll find on the bottom floor, patiently explaining to people what they need to do to file their small claims papers correctly. She has been there for nine years, but you’d never know it. No boredom shown by her! Susan was in sharp contrast to the clerk that “helped” me their a couple of years ago. She refused to answer even the simplest of questions. If I’d have asked the time, am sure she would have felt and probably said it was not her job to tell me what time it is! That was not a fun encounter. And, he he, last week she was sitting close enough to hear every time I complemented Susan on being so pleasant, helpful and patient. The look on her face, told me Susan was going to hear from her about wasting her time like that, in particular on a known jerk of a nobody like me!
There are the tellers at Denali Credit Union. It used to be there was only teller who was pleasant to deal with. They’d be there today and gone tomorrow. Probably to much flack from the others on the line of “What ya doing being nice to those on the other side of the counter?” They treated me like I was scum, a crook, con man, scammer and worst. And now all of a sudden they are batting 4 for 4! That is 4 very pleasant tellers, who efficiently go about taking care of you, smiling and bantering at the time. For great customer service 90% of it is saying, “Hi! How are you doing? What can I do for you?” Every time I go in there I let the Fantastic Four know how much I appreciate the change. And after years of complaining to the manager, usually give him the same message.
James at the door of our local Costco, is in a classs by himself. And Costco not only has the best produce in town, but also the best service.
I could go on and on about the bad service I have received here in Juneau. But I'd rather point out what I like.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Mickey & BOA go to the mattresses
7/5/11
BOA,
On April 8, 2011, I flew from Juneau to Seattle. Before boarding the plane I made a payment of $1,111.11 on my VISA account. The reason for my trip was a family medical emergency. The day before my brother’s wife had been diagnosed with brain cancer. I knew my 89 year old mother would be distraught over this. My mother is in very poor health and I wanted to be there for her as well as my sister-in-law & brother. When I arrived in Seattle, I found my layover which I thought was very short was around 7 hours. I had my puppy traveling in baggage and decided to check on auto rentals.
Found an amazing inexpensive one way rental. And then there I was on the phone begging you to allow the charge. After several calls, totaling about an hour you did!
As you know I am a legacy cardholder from Sea First. And have my Alaska Airlines charge card for over 20 years. I didn’t want to go through this hassle each time I used the card, So every time I charged something, I got online and made payment for it.
This was to no avail, my charges kept being blocked. Not every one. It was usually a small one for a few dollars. I spent hours on the phone. The trip took longer then I expected. On Sunday one of your agents, who was so very rude and huffy told me that my charges would continue to be blocked unless I filled a travel itinerary, letting BOA know where I was going and when I was going to use the card. I told this person, who acted so puffed up with his importance that there was no way in hell I was going to do that. I also told him that, in my opinion, this was no way to treat a long time good customer such as I. And with this call I had enough of BOA.
OK since you were treating me so very badly I was just going to walk away. My card was shredded, and I let you know how I felt about the way I was treated. And since you had treated me so badly I was going to return the favor by walking away my obligations to you.
Since then I’ve calmed down a little. Where do you propose we go from here? Should we kiss and make up? Or what do you suggest for a parting of the ways. When and if you respond let me know an email address, I can respond to. You have blocked my ability to contact you via email from my online account. Respond only by email.
I will not spend hours on the phone, talking to one person after another, being transferred from one department to another. Whoever contacts me should be someone well versed in dealing with people and have the authority to make decisions.
READ THIS NOTE BEFORE YOU REPLY. A FORM LETTER TYPE RESPONSE WILL BE IGNORED. PHRASES LIKE ‘VALUED CUSTOMER’ AND INSINCERE APOLOGIES JUST MAKE ME WANT TO PUKE.
The ball is in your court.......
Mickey
BOA,
On April 8, 2011, I flew from Juneau to Seattle. Before boarding the plane I made a payment of $1,111.11 on my VISA account. The reason for my trip was a family medical emergency. The day before my brother’s wife had been diagnosed with brain cancer. I knew my 89 year old mother would be distraught over this. My mother is in very poor health and I wanted to be there for her as well as my sister-in-law & brother. When I arrived in Seattle, I found my layover which I thought was very short was around 7 hours. I had my puppy traveling in baggage and decided to check on auto rentals.
Found an amazing inexpensive one way rental. And then there I was on the phone begging you to allow the charge. After several calls, totaling about an hour you did!
As you know I am a legacy cardholder from Sea First. And have my Alaska Airlines charge card for over 20 years. I didn’t want to go through this hassle each time I used the card, So every time I charged something, I got online and made payment for it.
This was to no avail, my charges kept being blocked. Not every one. It was usually a small one for a few dollars. I spent hours on the phone. The trip took longer then I expected. On Sunday one of your agents, who was so very rude and huffy told me that my charges would continue to be blocked unless I filled a travel itinerary, letting BOA know where I was going and when I was going to use the card. I told this person, who acted so puffed up with his importance that there was no way in hell I was going to do that. I also told him that, in my opinion, this was no way to treat a long time good customer such as I. And with this call I had enough of BOA.
OK since you were treating me so very badly I was just going to walk away. My card was shredded, and I let you know how I felt about the way I was treated. And since you had treated me so badly I was going to return the favor by walking away my obligations to you.
Since then I’ve calmed down a little. Where do you propose we go from here? Should we kiss and make up? Or what do you suggest for a parting of the ways. When and if you respond let me know an email address, I can respond to. You have blocked my ability to contact you via email from my online account. Respond only by email.
I will not spend hours on the phone, talking to one person after another, being transferred from one department to another. Whoever contacts me should be someone well versed in dealing with people and have the authority to make decisions.
READ THIS NOTE BEFORE YOU REPLY. A FORM LETTER TYPE RESPONSE WILL BE IGNORED. PHRASES LIKE ‘VALUED CUSTOMER’ AND INSINCERE APOLOGIES JUST MAKE ME WANT TO PUKE.
The ball is in your court.......
Mickey
Sunday, February 20, 2011
How to save money. 100% guaranteed method!
What it is: FYI
By February 28, 2011 my online access will be limited. Due to the state of my $$$, I am giving up my broadband Internet connection. I will try and visit the library every 2 or 3 days to use theirs as it is free. The change on my Internet and phone will save me around $850.00 a year! Another benefit is that it will free up my time to do other things. Am sure you have heard the phrase a boat is just a hole in the water to throw money into. Well for me a computer is just a place to throw time into.
Almost 20 years ago, when I took down the umbrella for the last time, I read a book called, "Your money or your life." Do you know what the best way to save money is? Don't spend it! You can gave a good rewarding life and not have to spend a lot of money. Not making a lot will free up your time to do other things! You could read a book, spend more time with your children, help others, help make the world a better place to live and so on.
When I went to work for Costco, appreciated that it was not an expensive place to work. You did not have to get an expensive or extensive wardrobe to wear to work. The health insurance was good, and the employee's share wasn't very much. I lived very comfortably, wanted for nothing, had no debt, money in the bank and was stocking up my IRA!
My life went through some changes, and with those came a wild ride ride. My savings vanished, debt piled up, and credit cards were maxed out. Now the ride is over. Actually that feels pretty good. I am up to my eyeballs in dept, raiding the IRA, and worse of all there are some physically ailments, chronic conditions, from the stress of the ride that will be with me always.
So it is time for a deep breath, taking it easy, and when necessary repeating my financial mantra, the best way to save it is not to spend it!
By February 28, 2011 my online access will be limited. Due to the state of my $$$, I am giving up my broadband Internet connection. I will try and visit the library every 2 or 3 days to use theirs as it is free. The change on my Internet and phone will save me around $850.00 a year! Another benefit is that it will free up my time to do other things. Am sure you have heard the phrase a boat is just a hole in the water to throw money into. Well for me a computer is just a place to throw time into.
Almost 20 years ago, when I took down the umbrella for the last time, I read a book called, "Your money or your life." Do you know what the best way to save money is? Don't spend it! You can gave a good rewarding life and not have to spend a lot of money. Not making a lot will free up your time to do other things! You could read a book, spend more time with your children, help others, help make the world a better place to live and so on.
When I went to work for Costco, appreciated that it was not an expensive place to work. You did not have to get an expensive or extensive wardrobe to wear to work. The health insurance was good, and the employee's share wasn't very much. I lived very comfortably, wanted for nothing, had no debt, money in the bank and was stocking up my IRA!
My life went through some changes, and with those came a wild ride ride. My savings vanished, debt piled up, and credit cards were maxed out. Now the ride is over. Actually that feels pretty good. I am up to my eyeballs in dept, raiding the IRA, and worse of all there are some physically ailments, chronic conditions, from the stress of the ride that will be with me always.
So it is time for a deep breath, taking it easy, and when necessary repeating my financial mantra, the best way to save it is not to spend it!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Of Restrooms & relationships
Since the first of September have spent most of my time in California. My mother is 88. The past couple of years have been hard on her physically and she is not as sharp as she once was. Still most people would like to be half as sharp as she is now. Until the middle of January by time was spent at home. Home being the old huge rambling, 5 bedroom, 3 bath family house we have had ince '62!
Had contacted an old friend who lives in Steinbeck country, and we made plans to meet while I was in California. I kept putting off the date, but we finally agreed on a day in January. We have know each other for almost 30 years. We have always had a very special and unique relationship. We like, respect and love each other. What works for us is to see each other no more often then one every year or two, but by 5 years, too much time has gone by! Our relationship has never been physical, but we do truly love each other.
So on a typical California sunny day Mia, the 18 moth old cocker spaniel, I hang out with, got in the car and headed down 101. Around Hollister, Mia was getting restless and needed a to take care of business stop and grab a bite to eat. We stopped at an In 'n Out. We walked around the parking lot and the Mia went back in the car, while I went inside and took care of my business. Couldn't believe how clean the restroom was! I told the counterperson how impressed I was, and asked to see the manager so I could tell them also. They should be complemented and know how much their efforts are appreciated. Don't understand the way some businesses have such dirty restrooms.
At the Safeway by my mother's house, customer service is an art. When you are shopping the employees ask if they can help and not in an intrusive way, but with just the right touch. It is a rare bastion of good customer service. But go into the restrooms it is a completely different story. They're dirty, and something is usually broken. Like there will be no sink, or the paper towel holder has been knocked off the wall. Not a pleasant experience, but better then cattle have it. This time they were particularly bad. I have told the manger in the past how impressed I am with their customer service. This time I went up to him and told him the restrooms as always were dirty and disgusting. He looks at me with such surprise, whips out his radio and puts out a call to have them cleaned. Then he thanks me for brining it to his attention. While I appreciated is prompt response, my reply was how can you be so surprised, they are always like that!
Whole foods is another place that could put more effort into there restrooms. Am not a big fan of WF to begin with. The employees have a snooty attitude that is way over the top. Their prices are high. And I doubt the sincerity of the place. They aren't on a mission of good nutrition, but to rake in as much dough as they can. They play boomer music, and are a rip-off of the '60 ideals. So why don't they clean the restrooms? They make enough money to have a stack of dollar bills to use for toilet paper!
In passing Trader Joe's is another that could use more effort in the restroom cleanliness department. Both Wfs & Tjs are upscale type of chains. How can they think that their clientele appreciate dirty rest rooms?
My friend lives in paradise. They are in a small pastoral town. They have a large lot, keep goats for milk, a garden for vegetables. The rows of corn have the added responsibility of teaching their two children responsibility. Our past two visits have been more affectionate then usual. So sent an email to her saying that sex was not something I wanted in our relationship, but it seemed to me that a little cuddling, hand holding, and a kiss or two on occasion would be welcomed by both of us. When she finally replied it was an emphatic no way. Was afraid our friend ship had been ruined. This visit had an apprehensive foreshadow to it. And she seemed a little reserved, nervous, holding back and keeping her distance. We took Mia for a walk along the beach. I tried to be careful that we didn't touch, but our hands seemed to seek out these little contacts. Each time sparks flew. We were both fortunate we weren't electrocuted! After the walk we returned to paradise. She asked me what I would like to do until dinner which was a couple of hours away. Take nap was my response. Put Mia in the car as she has her share of indoor accidents, and if tied up she would have barked and barked. Fell right into a very deep sleep. And when I was woken did not know where I was.
When we were saying good by I gave her SO a very big hug. We've not had much of a relationship and it surprised both of us. Think it was to let him know that yes I liked him to, and appreciated the time I spent with his life's partner. Looking forward to my next trip to paradise in a year or two!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Keeping my pants on, but helping the effort!
Mickey;
I will look forward to the color shot in the newspaper. Who knows it could spark a movement...
See you in the funny papers.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Fight terrorism; get naked!
Bob,
Do you remember when I was put in the booth, back in November at the JIAP? And then the lady from TSA just wouldn't stop. Although others from the TSA, including supervisors knew that she was way out-of-line and had gone completely overboard they wouldn't stop her. When I came back to Juneau, went through security in both San Francisco & Seattle. Compared to Juneau I was waived through. In both places they opened my carry on. They took a look and sent me on my way. No one felt the need to put on gloves and feel my dirty undies. Why does Juneau take security to max? Like is the Capitol City a hotbed of terrorism or what?
Anyway the reason I am writing is to tell you I have decided the next time I am put in the booth for a feel up, I am going to start taking off my clothes. May stop with my underwear, but who knows. Am thinking of getting some really ridiculous boxers to wear for the occasion. Bright neon colors, with wording that says LOOK HERE! And accented with a big red arrow just so there is no possibility of mistaking where to look. What do you think? Would you visit me in the slammer or the mental hospital?
If I felt that this was the only way, or an effective way it wouldn't be so bad. Why don't they ask the experts, the Israelis, for a tip or two?
Mickey
While in California every Friday I went with my mother to a current event discussion group. The moderator is excellent. He could hold his own on PBS. What more could you ask for then an understandable clear voice, knowledgeable, rational thought, and staying calm. The people who go to this are contemporaries of my 88 year old mother. One of the last times I went before coming back to Juneau, was after the shootings in Arizona. One person commented on the need for there to be more of an effort to locate people who might do something like what happened. The thought hit me that if there was such an effort back in the '60's, I might have been committed, and still be institutionalized! And for what? Being one of the first people at my high school to grow their hair a little long, and forgo the usual dress standards. The journey though life can be a fine line travel!
Do you remember when I was put in the booth, back in November at the JIAP? And then the lady from TSA just wouldn't stop. Although others from the TSA, including supervisors knew that she was way out-of-line and had gone completely overboard they wouldn't stop her. When I came back to Juneau, went through security in both San Francisco & Seattle. Compared to Juneau I was waived through. In both places they opened my carry on. They took a look and sent me on my way. No one felt the need to put on gloves and feel my dirty undies. Why does Juneau take security to max? Like is the Capitol City a hotbed of terrorism or what?
Anyway the reason I am writing is to tell you I have decided the next time I am put in the booth for a feel up, I am going to start taking off my clothes. May stop with my underwear, but who knows. Am thinking of getting some really ridiculous boxers to wear for the occasion. Bright neon colors, with wording that says LOOK HERE! And accented with a big red arrow just so there is no possibility of mistaking where to look. What do you think? Would you visit me in the slammer or the mental hospital?
If I felt that this was the only way, or an effective way it wouldn't be so bad. Why don't they ask the experts, the Israelis, for a tip or two?
Mickey
While in California every Friday I went with my mother to a current event discussion group. The moderator is excellent. He could hold his own on PBS. What more could you ask for then an understandable clear voice, knowledgeable, rational thought, and staying calm. The people who go to this are contemporaries of my 88 year old mother. One of the last times I went before coming back to Juneau, was after the shootings in Arizona. One person commented on the need for there to be more of an effort to locate people who might do something like what happened. The thought hit me that if there was such an effort back in the '60's, I might have been committed, and still be institutionalized! And for what? Being one of the first people at my high school to grow their hair a little long, and forgo the usual dress standards. The journey though life can be a fine line travel!
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