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Dear Heloise: Please encourage the staff at small businesses to wear a name tag. For example, I go to the dry cleaners about once a month and would like to greet a friendly person by their name, especially because she always knows my name due to my order. Knowing someone’s name is a way to build warm relationships, and if I can see it written on a name tag, it helps build confidence, especially as we age. -- An Avid Reader, via email
Avid Reader, this is a good hint. We all enjoy being addressed by our names, and it does build friendly relationships at work. -- Heloise
TAKING A STEP UP
Dear Heloise: My elderly mom had a hard time getting in and out of bed due to the height of her mattress and box springs, so we got her an aerobic step to put alongside the bed. It was long enough to give her plenty of room to safely get in and out of bed, and it could be pushed under the bed when it wasn’t in use. -- Patty G., via email
FRUIT FLIES
Dear Heloise: I’ve read that people will put apple cider vinegar in a jar and secure plastic wrap as a lid with toothpick holes in it to attract fruit flies. This works poorly for me. Substituting a piece of rotting fruit attracts them much faster and better. -- Maria R., in Madison, Wisconsin
SHELTER SUPPLIES
Dear Heloise: As a follow-up to Beverly, who suggested donating personal items (toothbrushes, toilet paper, etc.) to food pantries, you’re correct to first check if the local pantry accepts those items. If not, I suggest folks seek out other organizations that accept personal items for people in need.
There’s a wonderful free health care clinic in my county called Volunteers in Medicine that accepts nonfood items (ranging from shampoo to household cleaning supplies) for their patient pantry. They recognize that patients often need assistance beyond health care during these difficult financial times. (Plus, a clean body and a clean home are essential to good health.)
I encourage your readers to show their kindness at food pantries and other charitable outlets that serve those in need because we’re all in this together! Thank you for all of the great tips. -- Katherine, in Cape May County, New Jersey
Katherine, battered women’s shelters across the country usually need these items, as do children’s homes and shelters for the homeless. — Heloise
WE SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!
Dear Heloise: I read your column every day in the Daily Bulletin, and yes, it’s an actual newspaper! My hint is: After opening any size carton of ice cream, put a piece of plastic wrap over the carton before putting the lid on. The ice cream doesn’t develop ice crystals and tastes better. -- Janet, in Rancho Cucamonga, California
Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.