Hardware stores like to hire retirees

A reader wrote in saying that

was hard finding a job at 70 because people pay less than minimum wage for retirees. I wanted to make a suggestion that he try a local hardware store, especially the big-box

nd. Our family owns two, and we only hire retirees because of their knowledge and work ethic.

We feel fortunate when a former electrician, plumber or any other person who worked in the con- struction trade applies. They truly help our customers and have a wealth of knowledge that helps us stock our stores, and our customers come back because of our service team.

Thanks for your time. — organization back then called 40Plus that assisted job seekers over 40. Of course, women have

ays been subjected to age discrimination more often, but it caught up to men a long time ago, too. I wish No Name luck in dealing wi h this reality! —

BUFFET LUNCHEON DILEMMA

I’m having a buffet luncheon this month to celebrate the holidays wi h women of a club to which I belong. I’m serving ham and roast beef wi h side dishes. However,

eral of the members have asked to bring a dish that they make and enjoy.

o want to bring a pie, one wants to bring a pasta dish and another woman wants to bring her mother’s chocolate cake. Even my sister wants to bring a dish, a large fruit salad.

How do I politely say,

“No thanks” to these kind offers? They mean well, but

already planned the menu. —

Hillary, why would you say, “No thanks”? These ladies want to help you wi h the cost and work of doing a luncheon for the club. No menu should be so rigid that it can’t accommodate a few additional items.

When someone arrives wi h a dish to share, thank them graciously and place the dish on the serving table. Before everyone starts to serve themselves, announce who brought

at. A good hostess knows how to adapt wi h grace. —