Masks
To the Editor:
UTICA – It was bitterly cold as I entered Baker's IGA on Tuesday to pick up a single item. I walked past the unmanned Red Kettle and a tall young man near the entrance. I quickly paid for my marshmallow creme and headed for the exit.
Now the young man was inside the store, and it dawned on me what he was doing.
I stopped and asked, "Are you here to make sure people are wearing a mask?"
"Yes, and to get yelled at."
"Really?" I said.
"You wouldn't believe how some people act," he said. Even though I could only see his eyes and his 6-foot-4-inch frame, I could tell he was a handsome young man. And congenial. I thanked him for his effort to protect our local shoppers and told him I was sorry he had to endure such abuse.
"It's ok," he said. "Thanks."
As I arrived at my truck, I wished I had handled the situation differently, so I returned to the store. As I entered the store, I was greeted with a warm "welcome back." I laughed and handed the friendly enforcer a $20 bill.
He immediately stepped back and assumed the raised-hand position for someone being arrested, saying "I can't take that. They pay me well to do this."
I insisted he take it.
"Ok, but I am going to put it in the kettle."
I was speechless. What young person doing a thankless job would not stuff that $20 in their pocket? His parents must be immensely proud of the son they raised, and I hope Baker's is aware of the treasure they have in their employ. While we often grumble about young people and their actions, this young man stands out. Until we survive this pandemic, all of us need to follow some simple guidelines to protect our fellow man and not strike out against good people who remind us to do our part.
As I left the store, it seemed the weather had improved.
John Lambert
Utica
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