Don’t let cell phones slam hook on common courtesy

Don’t let cell phones slam
hook on common courtesy

EDITOR:

In these days of modern technology, it seems the human race is slowly becoming more and more detached and unfeeling to the world around them. I miss the days of going to the store and talking to the cashier, or talking to the mailmen when they deliver the mail or being the passenger in a car and actually talking with the driver. The list could go on and on.

It used to be when you walked in to pay for gas, you were greeted with at least a “Hello” from the attendant — not someone talking on their cell phone who just sticks her hand out for your cash without so much as looking up at you to make eye contact or mention anything resembling a “Hello,” “Goodbye,” or “Thank you for patronizing us so we can get another paycheck!” She just hands your change back while continuing her conversation.

Then there’s the mail carrier who won’t hand you your mail because she is busy on her cell, so she turns her back on you in order to avoid you asking her any more questions and disturbing her phone call. Or the person who pays for her groceries, electric bill, etc. who doesn’t even greet the teller, She just hands stuff back and forth without a word to acknowledge them and then walks away. I think its downright rude the way the public treats and is treated by cell phone users these days.

Don’t get me wrong. I understand people need to be more in touch, what with all the single parents, young kids out on the roads or home alone, people with elderly parents, doctors and other situations.

But isn’t there a place where common sense should kick in and these people should realize “Hey ... I can talk later”? Why do we need to have that thing on our ear constantly? I don’t answer when I’m driving, and my message on my phone simply says so. When I am out in public, I only call or answer my cell if I absolutely need to, so as not to be rude or ignore someone. I tell the person I can’t talk and will call them when I am back home. I just feel that’s the proper thing to do.

No one is impressed with “Yeah, I’m in the checkout at Giant Eagle” or
“Oh, I’m just paying for gas right now; watcha doin?”

Get a grip, people, and start paying more attention to the world around you. Start actually talking to the world around you. Start talking to that person waiting on you, instead of your friend on the other end.

Be courteous and say “Hello” and
“Thank you” or even throw in a “How are you today?” A simple acknowledgment goes a long way to a person working a long shift. Your smile and hello could be the one thing that’s gone right in their day.

WENDY L. SCHON

Boardman

Lions clubs throughout area
perform many good works

EDITOR:

It was nice to see in Sunday’s edition the letter from the lady in Canfield that was helped by the Canfield Lions Club.

I don’t believe people realize all the good that the local Lions clubs provide for our community.

The Youngstown Lions Club has existed for 86 years. Its members raise funds from their annual Turtle Derby and donate to many organizations, such as the Salvation Army, Goodwill, the Rich Center, Easter Seals, the Beatitude House, the Second Harvest Food Bank, Big Brothers and Sisters, various children’s camps, St. Vincent de Paul, eye research, pilot dogs and many others. They have also purchased needed optical equipment for schools, libraries, hospitals and many other places.

Their annual Christmas party provides over 100 gifts to challenged children and a scholarship to special education students at Youngstown State University. They also pay for eye exams and glasses for anyone that cannot afford them.

Lions Club members are men and women who enjoy helping other people. They welcome new members and anyone that would want to join should contact a member in their area.

PARKER MCHENRY

Youngstown