Re: Seniors' wait for flu shots degrading, letter, Oct. 19.
Katherine Montesanti's severe criticism of the Palm Harbor Publix was way out of line. Of course the situation is awful, but why blame Publix?
Anyone going to get their shot knows by now there is not enough room inside the store to wait. You and other elderly citizens know the situation and if you choose to subject yourself to long waits and uncomfortable conditions, you have no right to insult the people who are trying to help you.
Publix is not a health clinic, not an auditorium or office space. The store and its managers are not equipped to handle this unusual situation and are only doing their best.
You need to apologize for calling the manager stupid and wishing ill upon him. You ask to be treated with respect and dignity because you are old. Being old doesn't make you entitled. Try offering a little respect to the people who are trying to help you.
My heart goes out to everyone on both sides of this dilemma. Thanks to the stores that provide staff, space and food, which Ms. Montesanti so rudely dismissed as not enough.
-- - Eliska Adema, Largo
Grocery, drugstores don't run clinics
Re: Seniors' wait for flu shots degrading, letter, Oct. 19.
After reading the letter by Katherine Montesanti of Palm Harbor, I felt I had to respond. The attack on the Curlew Road Publix store manager is unwarranted. These flu shot clinics, which are routinely held in grocery and drugstores, are run by Maxim Health Systems. I feel confident the store manager had no idea he would have hundreds of people show up, some as early as 4:45 a.m., to get a flu shot. I feel he did the best he and his employees could at the time, given the situation, and I commend them for their efforts.
Publix, along with other businesses, is simply trying to be a good community partner by letting Maxim use its facilities for these clinics.
If fingers are to be pointed, it should be toward Maxim Health Systems, a division of Maxim Healthcare Services. Any complaints or suggestions for improving how these clinics are held should be directed to Maxim Healthcare Systems, 7080 Samuel Morse Drive, Columbia, MD 21046. Their Web site, www.findaflushot.com will provide you with up-to-date information on the availability of flu vaccine.
-- - Sharon Damsgard, Dunedin
Store manager made wait more comfortable
Thank you, Publix, for showing some compassion for us seniors. Also, I wish to thank the manager of my Publix, Mark Andrews, for handing out numbers and telling us what time to return. This was before 6 a.m.
When I received my number, I was told to come back around 4:30 p.m. Returning at that time, I was surprised to see chairs were arranged all the way around Publix. I sat myself down and found it would be a long wait. We were sitting in the sun. Mark, the manager, came out with shopping carts filled with ice-cold water. He did this the whole time we waited. I also found out that the people who were there earlier than I had received a banana.
Publix was always my favorite grocery store but after the wonderful treatment we received, I'm sure it will be the others' also. Thanks again, Publix, and especially a thank you to Mark Andrews.
-- - Dolores Pryor, Clearwater
Thanks to Albertsons for wonderful treatment
My compliments to all the employees of Albertsons on U.S. 19 at Alderman Road in Palm Harbor.
On Oct. 13, 100 flu shots were given out at the store. Most of us arrived with our wheelchairs or folding chairs four to six hours early. Every employee with whom we came into contact was smiling, affable and helpful. We were treated like honored guests. Water, juice and cookies were distributed, and the long wait became bearable.
The Albertsons employees acted delighted to be helping us rather than considering us just a disruption in their busy day. Many thanks to Albertsons.
-- - Patricia J. Bauer, Palm Harbor
To everyone but the government: Thanks!
Re: flu shots at the Albertsons at Sunset Point and Belcher roads.
To the manager and staff of this store: You were organized, professional and prepared. Well done!
To all of the people who waited with me, you were great. Loved the jokes, the songs and the conversation. Thank you!
To the federal government, the Surgeon General's Office, the American Medical Association - shame on you!
-- - Nancy Madley, Belleair
Flu shot situation demands caution, accuracy
Re: Healthier people should skip flu shot this year, letter by Dr. Edward J. McAloon, Oct. 19.
I would be more comfortable if a doctor had done his homework before writing a letter advising people what to do about the flu shot issue. For your information, the Health Department in Pinellas County has no flu shots. My doctor has none.
I agree that the situation is outrageous, but don't give people incorrect information on how to deal with the problem.
-- Karolin Bjornnes, Clearwater
Lines will be long, so try to vote early
I encourage everyone, particularly working folks who have to be on the job at certain hours, to vote early (before Election Day). The ballot is long and if someone who works for a wage expects to be able to go on their lunch hour, or before or after work, to cast their vote, they may be surprised by the long lines. By voting early, even if you have to go two or three times to find a time when the line is short, you can make sure your voice is heard.
This is the most critical election in a generation and voter turnout will be higher than in past years. Don't lose your vote by waiting until Nov. 2 only to find out the lines are too long.
-- - Mark W. Brandt, Dunedin
Recourse for billboard can be found at the polls
Re: Billboard supporting president doesn't tell the whole story , letter by Beverly Schane, Oct. 20.
Yes, Beverly, we women do have a recourse for this insult. Vote Kerry. I urge all women in Florida to protect the future of our children, grandchildren and families on dozens of issues - the war, the environment, the economy, and women's rights, especially. Vote Kerry.
-- - Teresa Mamenta, Palm Harbor
TIMES RECOMMENDS
These are the Times editorial board's recommendations on referendum questions on the Nov. 2 ballot in the cities of Tarpon Springs, Largo and Oldsmar. For a summary of the newspaper's recommendations on federal, state and county candidates and issues, see the Opinion page in Section A.
