Rink

I 've used this space over the past few years to share stories. Not just my stories, but ones that friends, acquain- tances and perfect strangers have sent in. Tales that have illustrated the highs and lows of customer service, dispersed management pointers and given out oodles of unsolicited advice. I have unabashedly used this column to promote profes- sional development through the many choices that STAR offers. And on occasion, I've simply ranted and raved about nothing in particular, but everything at the same time. So here we are again. The last column of the year is always a little tough to muster. It's still too early to talk about setting goals for the year ahead, and it's too late in the year to climb up on the soapbox. That's my quandary. What do I possibly write about for another 359 words? I could throw out a few pearls of wisdom that have served me well over the years: Fix the problem, not the blame, don't be bitter, be better, or the ever-popular, get out of your office and lead by example. I could state the obvious: We're all busy, particularly at this time of the year. It's the holidays after all. It doesn't take but a glance on the internet to determine this. Banner ads for department store sales and five different cookie recipes all ranking on your browser's trending list should orient you to time and place. You don't need me to do this. I could try for the cheap laugh. Pull my finger. Seriously, pull it! My dining room table indicates that this bit is hysterical to the 5- and 7-year-old male demographic. Further research determined that middle-aged women whose appearance is that of someone at least 10 years younger see no humor in this. Zero. (They do, how- ever, acknowledge the age compliment with a slight grin). I could make a plea for work-life balance. Don't reply to emails when you're hanging out with your kids/spouse/significant other. Though I suppose this puts me dangerously close to climbing up on that soapbox I mentioned. I guess whatever I decide I should do so quickly. There's only enough room for 139 more words, give or take, to make a point, whatever point, I ultimately try to make before we hit the end of the page and the end of the year. Hockey tournaments, skating shows, exhibitions, public skate, camps, lessons and clinics. Cleaning toilets, picking up trash and answering the same question 50 times on Friday night, it's what you do. You work hard, so that others may play, no matter the time of year. I think the point that I need to make is this: Your job is important and it makes a difference; keep up the good work.✪ Final cut Lessons learned around the rink 54 / NOVEMBER.DECEMBER.2012 RINKMAGAZINE.COM RINK PHOTOS Closing out the calendar year with one hard fact YOUR JOB IS IMPORTANT AND IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE; KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. Point Taken by JOHN MONTELEONE

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