Suicide hurts everyone from the top of the earth to the bottom. I myself am amongst the millions that are hurting and so I write of this undesirable topic.
I have heard on the news, on television, and on the radio of such news of suicide prevention this and that. The “WORLD” can talk about suicide, can find scholars, can build hospitals, print posters about suicide, but above all, all will fail one way or another. Despite that we put them together.
As parents, including myself – we need to water that seed which is in our children. In english, it is our job as parents to teach the story of Jesus to our children so they will have hope in their lives.
In regards to the Bible, the Book of Job is about a man lost everything, and everything was going very wrong. In our children’s world they also can experience what Job went through, and suicide comes to mind. BUT despite that all went wrong for Job, Job feared GOD and shunned evil. If we are to plant the same attributes in our children such as Job’s, with God’s help, what seems impossible for man is possible for GOD! Godspeed.
Morgan Simon
Palmer Correctional Center
Palmer, AK
Senator Lora Reinbold will not seek reelection
Today, Senator Lora Reinbold, (R-Eagle River) announced she will not be seeking re-election to the Alaska Senate. She will focus on completing unfinished state business.
“I feel honored to have the opportunity to serve Alaskans in the Legislature for ten years,” said Senator Reinbold. “I dedicated my service in the House of Representatives and Senate to fighting for Alaskans’ Constitutional, parental and medical rights. I am grateful for my constituents’ support. They are the reason that I remain steadfast in my commitment to championing reduced budgets and a full permanent fund dividend. I remain committed to the Republican values that guided my service in the Legislature and upholding my sacred oath to the Alaska Constitution.”
Reflecting on her service to Alaska, Senator Reinbold is grateful for a long list of success: getting an anti-common core provision into state statute; key sponsor for HB 140, the Regulation Impact Transparency Act; passing SB 156, the COVID-19 Vaccine Bill of Rights in the Senate with strong bi-partisan support; numerous capital projects that benefitted Alaskans throughout the state; and the successful repeal of SB 91, which repealed the soft on crime law.
“I am grateful for the support of thousands of Alaskans during the decade I served in the Legislature,” said Senator Reinbold. “During my time in public service, I received positive emails, social media posts, prayers, and flowers from those I served. Their outpouring of encouragement gave me the strength to continue to fight for Alaskans’ Constitutional rights. It is an honor and a privilege to serve my constituents and work for a better future for all of Alaska. I look forward to seeing Alaskans at Patriotic Rallies, on the trails, fishing and across the state in the days ahead.”
Alaskans can continue to follow Senator Reinbold on www.empoweringalaskans.com, Constitutional Freedom Fighters on Facebook and her social media sites.
Senator Lora Reinbold
Juneau, AK
How to be an Exemplary Customer
A lot of pressure is placed on businesses to go above and beyond for their customers. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic now coupled with ongoing supply chain issues, labor shortages, high inflation costs, and low production rates have only exacerbated the pressure. While these challenges can be frustrating and difficult for consumers to navigate, it’s equally, if not more challenging for the businesses in the thick of it.
As you’re standing in line at the grocery store or your local small business, consider this thought: Are you an exemplary customer?
As consumers, we typically have high expectations of a business during a transaction. Whether it be hiring a carpet cleaner or going out for a nice meal, we want good service at a fair value. But are we doing our part to help? Consider how to exhibit patience, demonstrate appreciation, or even influence other consumers to do the same.
Better Business Bureau offers the following tips on how to be an exemplary customer.
Be ready.
Do your research before contacting the business. Know your desired measurements, dates, special requests, times, preferences, etc. Having a general idea of what you are envisioning will help kick things off on the right foot and prevent prolonging the process. Lack of clarity makes it difficult for the company to meet your needs and risks your level of satisfaction once the service is complete.
Be flexible.
Remember there is an entire process before a service or product is delivered, which can include delays and errors. People are not perfect, and machines and technology can fail. If something is delayed or is not as requested, it’s acceptable to make your concern known, but understand that most businesses are doing their best given the circumstances and appreciate your patience.
Be in the know.
Not all businesses give refunds or offer exchanges. Some businesses have limited hours or means of communication. Be sure to review all paperwork and policies so you know what to expect; if you are unsure, ask questions. This is especially important now as businesses have needed to adjust their normal policies, hours of operation, and expectations.
Be kind.
Everyone appreciates a warm tone and a smile. You never know what the other person is going through or just experienced. Try to be the bright point of their day. “Please” and “thank you” really are magic words. Going the extra mile to learn their name and connect with them will increase the likelihood they will go the extra mile for you.
Be understanding.
Separate the person from company policies, they have no choice but to follow them. Company policies are often as frustrating for the customer service representative as it is for the customers. They sincerely want to help and may have certain limitations on what they’re allowed to flex. Calmly explaining your situation and maintaining courtesy will help everyone find a solution.
Be patient.
Don’t let filing a negative customer review or a complaint be the first time a business hears about a problem. Addressing your dissatisfaction directly is appreciated by most businesses and allows them the opportunity to correct it for you.
Be thankful.
We are all busy but taking just a moment to say “I appreciate your help” is time well spent. Go the extra step by sharing your experience with a manager or owner and to really make it known, file a BBB Customer Review. For more consumer tips, visit Trust-bbb.org.
Roseann Freitas
Better Business Bureau
Northwest & Pacific
