How’s your tone?
Maureen is attending a workshop out of town and sent me their event itinerary info, including this welcome one-pager they received from the retreat centre. I was struck by the ratio of negative vs welcoming messages in the text. (bold face text is my emphasis)
WELCOME TO _________ RETREAT CENTRE!
We are working toward reducing our carbon footprint in the world and are using recycled paper products in the washrooms and dining rooms.
Overnight guests are provided with a towel set. When using the washroom in your building – PLEASE take your hand towel to the washroom with you as there are no paper towels in the washrooms.
Our water is perfectly good to drink from the tap – we do not need to offer bottled water and ask that if you do use bottled water to take your recycling with you.
Keys: Individual rooms cannot be locked. The keys issued are for the main doors to each building.
Meals: It is very important to be on time for meals. Food and health regulations require us to meet certain standards and one of those is how long the food can be left out. Breakfast is set out at 8 am and you serve yourself.
We ring a bell for Lunch at 12 noon and dinner at 5:30 pm and you serve yourself Please do not go into the kitchen or food storage areas.
Parking: Please park in the parking lot nearest the road, to the left of the driveway. On Saturday – There is No Parking around the main building as that is for those with mobility issues who will be attending services in the Chapel at 4pm. Thank you for observing this.
Check-Out: On the day you are leaving (by 10 am), please strip your bed linens and place linens and towels in a pillow slip and leave outside your door in the hallway. If you cannot store your luggage in your vehicle, check with the office and we will provide a storage space for you.
Please do not use your cell phones in the buildings.
The sound carries and our goal is to keep the environment as quiet as possible for all retreatants and residents.
We cannot allow the use of candles, alcohol or smoking on the Centre site
We join with you and all concerned to appreciate the gift of our planet -
Thank you, we hope you enjoy your visit.
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Nuff said?
