One day about 30 millionz yearz ago when we moved here to H-Town and promptly got our first case of raging poison ivy (Seriously, people, we need to monetize this township's poison ivy. It's industrial grade), we asked all around town for this miracle cure stuff called Zanfel that our neighbors swore by. No store had it, except Katz Pharmacy at the corner of Darby and Eagle Rd. Which meant I had to go in there. Katz was one of "those" businesses. It was the kind of place that just looked... private, like not the kind of place non-townies just strolled into and browsed around. I'd never set foot in the place and now I had to endure the Awkward First Customer Silence of Northeastern corridor small town shops. Southern shopkeeps save up their awkward silence for their own people, usually in efforts to pretend they don't know their regular customer has a scalding case of herpes which he just generously handed over to the preacher's daughter. Strangers, though, are overwhelmed with southern hospitality, good-natured questions and smiles. Northerners at most will acquiesce a cold "Let me know if I can help you with anything," which is basically saying, "We don't know you and aren't convinced we even want your money." And then they give you the shoplifter stare until you actually flash some cash in their face (which they'll still test with those stupid fake highlighter markers anyway). Katz Pharmacy seemed like exactly this kind of store. But as more and more of this wretched rash spread throughout my system, I was desperate to try anything. I had to get the Zanfel quickly, so first I called Katz under the guise to see if they had any in stock but in reality it was to pre-announce my arrival in hopes to avoid all of the aforementioned awkwardness. Whether it was my phone-in strategy or just the general ease of the pharmacists, my trip to Katz wasn't painful. The only squirmy part of the whole transaction was me. Some of that due to my anticipation of First … [Read more...]
Got Shovels? Need Shoveling? Let’s connect!
A neighbor contacted us on our Havertownies Facebook page with concern about their 78-years-young (but not young enough to shovel) mom. Her walks will need clearing come the 5 to 9 inches of snow they are forecasting. Sometimes the young shovelers in the area don't get to interact with the retirees we have here in the Township. Gone are the days where parents feel safe sending their girls and boys out to knock on doors to drum up shoveling customers. We've made some forms over on Google docs for the shovelers and the requesters to fill out. As requests come in, we will match you up with people in your neighborhood. We are shooting for walking distance between homes. If you are a shoveler or have one in your house, fill out this GOT SHOVELS? form. If you are requesting shoveling services, fill out this GOT SIDEWALKS? form. Employees: Work hard and do a good job. You may not get paid, and you may not get paid much. Negotiate fairly ahead of time (it's a skill! time to practice!). Don't enter strangers' houses (even if they seem nice!). You can handle transactions at the front door. Work with a partner whenever you can. Make sure to put geo-location on on your phone when you are out, so your parents know where you are. Don't shovel after dark unless you have permission and are over 16. Stay safe! Don't shovel roadways or parking spots. And don't agree to take on extra tasks unless you've run it past your parents. Employers: Payment is a good idea. Kids these days don't get allowances like you think they do. Please make your own arrangements up front, though. And always remember: safety first. Don't put kids in dangerous situations. Do not ask them to shovel parking spots on the Township roads. Also: don't expect your walks will not be slippery. You can provide salt for the kids to spread but they are not responsible for the condition of your walks. Havertownies disclaimer: We aren't responsible for any interactions, actions, etc., that occur … [Read more...]