DEAR HELOISE: I am a receptionist in a retirement community. Medical offices call to remind our residents of appointments via recorded messages.
It would be a great help if the recorded message also would include the first and last name of the person they are reminding.
We routinely receive this call: "This is Dr. Jones' dental office calling to remind John he has an appointment on Thursday, 7/16, at 3. Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment, and bring ID and your insurance cards."
We have several residents named John. How about: "This is Dr. Jones' dental office calling to remind John Smith he has an appointment," etc.? Thank you.
-- Elaine in Chambersburg, Pa.
DEAR READER: I understand how this can be frustrating. The only issue I can think of is that it might be a privacy concern. Not sure that John or Joan Doe would want people knowing they have an appointment with a cancer or Alzheimer's doctor. I don't know what the answer is, but I am sure my readers will help us. Folks, what say you?
DEAR HELOISE: I often see people standing on the corner asking for spare change. This is a violation of a city ordinance where I live, but I still want to help. So I made up a few plastic bags to give them. I include whatever I have available, such as a protein or granola bar, water, some hand wipes, etc. I hope this helps a little.
-- No Name, Please
DEAR READER: How nice of you. However, please be aware that some of the people you see have been standing (soliciting) at the same spot or area for months or longer. Keep an eye out -- you might be sadly shocked.
DEAR HELOISE: My new dual range has aluminum-foil pieces stuck to the floor of the oven. My mistake, trying to take care that a raspberry pie would not run over in the oven. I stupidly put foil directly on the bottom, instead of under the pie. Can you help?
-- Sandra C., Omaha, Neb.
DEAR READER: Sandra, be sure the oven is not on. Dampen a paper towel with soap and water, then place over the foil and let sit. Use a plastic scrubbie sponge to rub off the stuck-on foil.
DEAR HELOISE: I wear orthotics in my shoes, but in the summer I don't want to wear socks. I buy cotton footie socks, turn them upside down and slide them over the orthotic to keep it dry and clean.
-- J. Frederick in Ohio
DEAR HELOISE: I use aerosol cans of fabric sizing when pressing our clothes. I keep a rubber band around the can that I am using so I don't have to guess which can is being used.
-- Edith in the Texas Panhandle
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com
Weekend on 08/27/2015