Letters

Before last week’s article [“Westhampton Beach Pharmacist Leads Charge To Get Locals Vaccinated Against COVID-19,” 27east.com, March 3], few outside his immediate family and customers had ever heard of Lou Cassara. He is now a household name following his singular act of kindness — a “local hero.”

Who would have thought that a mini drug store, known only to Westhampton Beach locals, would deliver over a thousand doses of the Moderna vaccine within 28 days?

It started as a rumor: “Barth’s is going to administer the COVID-19 vaccine.” Word spread quickly, and within days people with flocked to the “little pharmacy that could.”

On the day I went to pick up our immunization form, there were masked people inside the little store, standing 6 feet apart, with more waiting outside. When I got to the counter, one of the Cassara kids took me by the hand and explained the protocol and shot schedule.

When I got home, I shouted to my wife, “Pinch me — we got two applications for the COVID-19 vaccine!”

On January 26, we found ourselves in a line of bundled-up seniors outside the Westhampton Beach Firehouse. It was early afternoon, and a cold wind was pelting us with a mix of rain and sleet. Thankfully, the line was moving. We felt good — we were not like the thousands waiting in some of the mass inoculation sites throughout the state. Lou Cassara’s son gave me my shot, and it was over in less than 30 minutes.

We were administered our second shot on February 27 at 6:30 a.m., and this time the weather was cooperative. We snaked through the process like old hands. Lou Cassara was there, along with several members of his family and staff, helping to move things along. Unknown to us, he’d been up throughout the night monitoring the vaccine temperature in the refrigerators, making sure they met storage requirement.

On the way out, we gave each other a “high-five” and headed home, relieved by the thought that were now shielded from COVID-19.

We have been Barth’s customers for more than 20 years. We know Lou — he’s a “hands on” guy who is often seen behind the counter filling out prescriptions and, if needed, comes up front to help.

Barth’s is what shopping local stands for. It’s a place where “people know you,” and go out of their way to help decipher your meds. It is a two-way street: They know you, and you know them. It doesn’t get better than that.

Thanks, Lou.

I was hopeful that Lou would be given notice of the community’s appreciation, and your piece did it. Thanks.

Joe and Helen Silva

Quogue