To the editor:

This week there will be the last COVID vaccine clinics at the fairgrounds. There now will be daily clinics at LMH with no appointment necessary. I was fortunate to be able to work as a volunteer doing a variety of jobs at the fairgrounds. Each clinic required up to a couple of hundred workers, mostly volunteers. The staff from the health department and emergency management ran the operation very efficiently and with great concern for the thousands of people who came for shots. There was a universal sense that this was important work, and we felt gratified and happy that we were able to help fellow citizens in this way.

Many people told me they were looking forward to meeting with family members from around the country now that they all are vaccinated. I also will be doing that in June. I have enjoyed meeting with friends, playing tennis, going to small meetings all without the need for masks. I now feel safe in public situations, though I certainly will continue using a mask since I presumably still pose a slight risk for unvaccinated people.

I also was impressed at how many young people, college age and a little older, came through to start or complete their vaccination. I know the younger age groups are behind in vaccination rates, but many are choosing for their own safety and, at the same time, helping their community. Together we will get all of us back to a good normality.

Joe Douglas,

Lawrence