The front line professionals and volunteers assembled at the Quinta-Gamelin Center Covid vaccine clinic deserve a chorus of THANK YOUs from those of us 75 and older who received our first shots on Saturday.

Special thanks to Fire Chief Michael DeMello and Police Lt Steven StPierre for their leadership in mustering such a welcoming staff and efficient medical care. Their team did much not only to administer a greatly needed medical service, but also to put our elder nerves at ease.

Receptionist Michelle Martins’ warm greeting was immediately reassuring, and I was quickly processed through several stations, including my vaccine, with a congeniality that showed courage in the face of a deadly virus suffered by so many. The entire process took less than 15 minutes.

After thanking both the chief and lieutenant who were standing by on duty, an unforeseen burden lifted off my shoulders walking out of the building. I felt happy knowing the elders walking by me on their way in would soon experience the same inviting reception and emotional relief.

Few of us realize the amount of work that goes into a program of this sort, and Bristol is fortunate to have the talent at the top to make it happen. Here’s one more thankful salute to the chief and his team for a service well done and for peace of mind in these Covid times.

DeWolf Fulton
Bristol