40 - Sunday, September 13, 1987 - North Shore News Lifestyles STOPPING INTERRUPTIONS Customer rights spelled out DEAR MISS MANNERS — What.does one do, when one has finally gained the attention of a clerk for a retail transaction, about the person who butts in with his own questions or concerns? Most clerks seem to wel- come the interruption, as if anything is preferable to completing the business at hand. A mild objection, such as ‘‘Just a moment, please,”’ has no effect on these intruders. A grow! of “Wait your turn’? would surely not meet with your approval. But one is sorely tempted to confront this discourtesy with more discourtesy. Surely you can offer something to rescue your readers from this temptation. Only once have I seen a clerk wave off such an interloper, and she is probably not a_ clerk anymore. She has no doubt disap- peared into the ranks of manage- ment. We have reached the point where it is now the customer who thanks the clerk at the successful conclusion of a transaction. I am old enough to remember when it was the other way around. GENTLE READER — Oh, my. So is Miss Manners. But that was when clerks had the sophisticated concept of acting symbolically for the shops they represented, taking pride in following the formal traditions of their profession. Nevertheless, the complaint concerns mutters that should still be under the control of the clerk. You should not be chastising other customers, whether they deserve it or not. miss manners by Judith Martin One reason is that you are not the best judge of this. (Another reason is that you do not go around starting fights by giving freelance ‘ctiquette lessons.) There is such a thing as a legiti- inate interruption, and the clerk is the best person to judge if that is what it is. SUMMER VOLUNTEERS Students praised From page 39 A recent North Shore News Op- tions for Volunteers column asking for volunteers to work with special needs children sparked the interest of Pink, who plans to go into education or physiotherapy. For Pink’s brother, Derek, volunteering at a soccer camp was an ideal way to gain experience, build his own soccer skills and do some career exploration, all at the same time. While summer days would normally mean sleeping in until noon and “‘hanging around” for many boys his’ age, Derek found that the camp was a good alternative. “My Dad first mentioned the idea of volunteering. Later, when I was reading through the North ; WE ARE MOVING TO : THE YORKVILLE MEWS & MOVING SALE s PRICES 30% OFF Robert Bateman — Ron Parker, Seery Lester — Mort Solberg Paul Calle — Nita Engle « loward Terpning — Ron Frederic & Steve Lyman, and others ; Vancouver Recreation program book, I saw something about the soccer camp,”’ he explains. “They're great,’’ volunteer cen- tre special event coordinator Bar- bara Quelch says of the student volunteers. ‘‘This is really one of the biggest years for student vol- unteers,’? she explains, praising their enthusiasm. Anyone — young or old -— in- terested in volunteering should contact the North Shore Informa- tion and Volunteer Centre at 985- 7138. MCDERATE LOW BOUNCE FITNESS Mon., Wed., Fri. 6:30-7:30 p.m. St. Catherine's Church 1058 Ridgewood Drive North Vancouver Starts Sept. 14th DROP IN or CALL HEATHER 988-6229 GIVE US A TRY FIRST CLASS FREE!! oe fo" THREE EVENINGS OF CONTEMPORARY DANCE FEATURING PREMIERES BY NAHARIX AND MARCISE SEPTEMBER 17, 18, AND 19, 8:00 PM. VANCOUVER PLAYHOUSE, TICKETS VTC/CBO Customers should not have to wait in line to ask such questions s ‘Is this the right line for credit purchases?** or ‘‘Could you please tel! me where the restroom is?’ or “Do you carry shirts here?" or “Where do 1 find someone to demonstrate the washing machine?’ A competent clerk ought to be sable to answer such questions without sericusly suspending the mechanics of makine a sale. He or she should also be able to say firm- ly, when customers are actually trying to barge ahead, ‘I'll be with you as soon as I’m free.” {f not, or if the question is “Would you write this up now for me because J’m in a hurry?’’ you, as the immediate customer, should say to the clerk, ‘‘I'm sorry, but I would appreciate your finishing helping me before you get involved with helping another customer.** HERALDS” — MALE VOICE CHOIR — will present an evening of Christian Praise HOLLYSURN CHAPEL Ouchess and 14th Street West Vancouver THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th, 1987 at 8:00 p.m. * We welcome you to come and § enjoy this special evening with: § 5 68440 GOOD MEN FROM | MERSEYSIDE, ENGLAND” THE CHILDREN’S SHOE STORE Airwalk Low and High Top styles CAPILANO MALL 986-4450 Cushions for Lounges Cushions for Chairs TABLES. “LOUNGES CHAIRS “WEST VAN FURNITURE Pr SALES LTD. = | | =" 922-1207 o 922-6506} 1469 MARINE DRIVE, WEST VANCOUVER Public Skate Sessions START TODAY Sept. 13th °87 Karen Magnussen Arena “SKATE LESSONS BEGIN | Monday Sept. 14th Karen Magnussen Arena 984-9341 Monday Sept. 21st North Van Recreation Centre 988-6166 Register now for the following lessons Pre School, School Age, Adult, Tiny Tot Hockey, Hockey just for fun and Adult Hockey Drop-in Noon Hour Hockey for Adults 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. KMA Mon., Wed., Fri. NVRC Tues. & Thurs. __ FEATURE OF THE FIESTA Your Choice of - Pozole - Mole Poblano ~ Pollo Loco ~ Pescado a la Veracruzana Includes dessert, coffee and a Welcoming refresnment. Dinner served from 7:30 till 9:00 p.m. SEPT. 19th, come and join us for the taste of an authentic Mexican Fiesta. You will experience a traditional Mexican atmosphere, full of fun, with two musical Mexican groups, enjoyable folkloric dancing and more! Per person. 520 itt ESB MSUCANA, Tickets on sale now!! For information call 965-TACO 1200 Lonsdale Ave., North Van RESTAURANT §