Story Published:
Jan 22, 2009 at 6:41 AM MST
Story Updated:
Jan 22, 2009 at 6:41 AM MST
BILLINGS - A lot of times many of us run in and run out when grabbing a quick bite to eat, without ever getting to know the people who serve us. The average worker at Pita Pit in Billings is college-aged, but there is one woman who you may never see who is quite a bit older; she works in the back as a food prepper. And Helen is hip and young at heart!
"I am going to be 40, 40 plus in February," says Helen Dassinger, Pita Pit's oldest employee.
She's been working at Pita Pit since it first opened 3 years ago and knows exactly how many cucumbers to slice to make five full stackable stock containers. And although this sounds like busy work, that's exactly what keeps Helen coming back.
"That's why I'm working; I couldn't sit at home and just look at the four walls its very depressing all by yourself and nobody to talk to you know."
This job has her surrounded by tons of talkative teens and almost all of them have piercings. But that doesn't faze Helen.
"I really don't think she cares usually when you see an old person they like stare at your lip ring or something and that's all they look at but not Helen. She sees right through it. She sees us for who we are not for what we look like," says Pita Pit employee, SaLynn Krug.
"I try to keep up with the young kids and one day I surprised them and I came to work I had a ring in my lip and I had pierced earrings, I pierced my nose and I don't know what all and I walked in and the kids they were so shocked and said, 'Helen! What did you do!?' And I said well I have to keep up with you kids around here," says Dassinger.
"Oh she's pretty hip; she's hip to the max like refried beans. She's awesome I love her," says Krug.
And over the years this relationship with all of the employees has continued to grow.
"I learn a lot of things from them and they learn a lot from me," says Dassinger.
"With some social problems she helps out. She gives good advice," says Krug.
But on Helen's end, she may have gotten more then she bargained for. When asked for any examples of what she's learned -- "Well, I don't know if I can even say it ha-ha!"
Not only has Helen helped the younger generation that works at Pita Pit, she's helping the animals too. Whenever a pita rips, normally it goes into the trash, but now there's a special box just for Helen.
"I have a friend who has a lot of animals and I give them to her and she's really thankful for them."
And others are thankful for Helen. Calling her "a friend, maybe a grandma, she's so sweet."
And Helen is thankful for them becoming a part of her everyday life "like a family, like I'm working with my family."
Helen says although she loves working she knows one day she will be forced to retire. But for now, she'll continue to hang with her friends.
;)
You have indicated this comment should be removed.
The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .