Dateline Dayton — Some time ago, I wrote an essay about how I judge a restaurant, by the cleanliness of the restroom. A shame that some large chains do a poor job taking care of their restrooms.  When you can find a cleaner restroom at a soccer field than at a restaurant, what does it say about the place you are eating?

In today's environment, with Ebola, HIV/Aids, the flu and other diseases we are capable of spreading, you would think everyone would be tuned in to the importance of cleanliness.  This is not new. John Patterson, the founder of the National Cash Register Co., was a fanatic about cleanliness and washing your hands.  Mr. Patterson was a compulsive handwasher.

Last Sunday, I had the need to use the restroom at church. Here is what I found:

One toilet was stopped up and overflowing, although there was a plunger available.

One was in use.

The third had not been flushed. 

Worst, the most recent users did not have the courtesy of lifting the seat although urinals are available.

I realize there are times you may want more privacy. But men, at least lift the seat.

I cleaned the seat, got the plunger, tackled the stopped-up toilet and cleaned the overflow.  While I was restoring order, a user left the third stall. Briskly, he exited directly. He did not wash his hands. A gentleman is someone who washes his hands!

Even though I washed mine, his germs are on every door handle he touched leaving the church and everywhere he goes. Multiply this by all the people in today’s society who don't wash their hands. You can see why so many people get sick and why we have problems.

I am not a fanatic about germs.  We have food here at work that everyone touches. None of us has gotten sick by our sharing the snacks.  Only good common sense is required.

Tuesday, we had to take Pauline's brother to his heart doctors.  There is a sign on the restroom wall of his office which reads: 

Wash your hands after using the bathroom and before touching your hair, touching your body, handling raw meat, eating, smoking.

If you followed these instructions, you would be washing your hands continuously.

Stay healthy. Flush and wash your hands.

Now I have to wash mine.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net