SC - Keeping out the idle curious

[DeeWolff at aol.com]

	I think I turned this around, in my kitchen at least.  After years of 
asking people to  not stay in the kitchen unless they helped, posting signs, 
and bribing a friend to guard the door, I finally stopped. I posted that all 
curious are allowed to come in, that my kitchen was open to "inspection"and 
friendly conversation. When someone would come in, I'd say "Sure, I'd love to 
talk to you, but I have to do this (specific) chore first. When it gets done, 
I'll have some time to talk to you". It actually worked !! I got more help, 
because they could see  what needed to be done (especially washing  dishes), 
and they were motivated to begin their conversation, so they often helped me. 
A side benefit was that I did not need to be "on top of everyone" and I could 
speak to the questioner. For those who helped, proper sanitation was 
practiced of course.
	I find that sometimes those who "bother" the food preparers are often 
bored and with a little kindness and direction,will help out if you explain 
the procedure and how easy it is. I spoke to some newcomers who helped me 
out. They said they were intimidated by how much  work there seemed to be and 
they hadn't a clue where to start. They were able to help and did when I made 
simple specific requests.
	The last time I tried this, I came out calm and happy,the food was 
warm and palatable, there were volunteers in the cleanup that I had never 
seen before, and we left the kitchen clean an entire hour before we used to. 
It is still one of my favorite events........... 

Hope this helps ,
Andrea MacIntire
Ostgardr
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