As the risk of infection to COVID-19 remains an ever-present danger for the community-at-large, one supermarket took upon itself the impressive task of vaccinating its entire crew. Chaimy Deutsch, manager of the Main Street location for the Seasons supermarket chain, understands the stakes for his customers and employees and went the extra mile to ease their minds.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, Seasons Queens has been stringent in the COVID-safety measures,” explained Deutsch. “Our employees have been masked and gloved since the beginning of the pandemic, signage has been present throughout the store, extra PPE has been available for consumers, and wipes for wagon handles have as well been provided.” However, as the virus restrictions evolved and vaccine eligibility became looser, Deutsch saw an opportunity to help speed up bringing a sense of normalcy to Seasons Queens. “The best safety for all employees is simply to get vaccinated.”

To undertake this venture, Deutsch solicited the help of Zev Nirenberg, a close friend through Queens Hatzolah, who is also a New York-based pharmacist. Nirenberg, who has administered several inoculation events locally, was happy to run the private initiative.

“The Seasons workers are essential both to the community-at large as well as to our individual families,” explained Nirenberg. “It is our responsibility to look after them as much as they look after us. Helping them get vaccinated is the least we can do.”

In all, 52 employees, the entire employment of the facility, were vaccinated with the Johnson and Johnson vaccine this past Friday afternoon, April 9.

When asked why Friday was chosen as the date for the appointments, Deutsch replied, “Some have reported a fever or headache after taking this particular vaccine, so we thought that giving our employees the weekend to recuperate would be appropriate. It is our utmost goal to keep our employees safe.” Ultimately, this was the correct call as, from the group, several had reported back with mild fever or headache symptoms, which quickly dissipated.

Seasons Queens strongly believes in their motto of shopping with family, and this program showcased their care and concern for customers and employees alike, and treating them as part of their family. Nirenberg added, “The employer, in this case Seasons, deserves much accolade for making this vaccination drive successful. While many staff members were at first apprehensive, it was a pleasure to watch the employees encourage each other and work to keep one another safe. This was a wonderful show of team effort and camaraderie that led to full vaccination for Seasons and was a valiant effort to help keep the community of Kew Gardens Hills safe.”

Seasons Queens, under the supervision of the Vaad Harabonim of Queens, also operates an online portal for their grocery, fresh fish, fresh meat, deli, bakery, and overall gourmet options, www.seasonskosher.com/queens. These virtual services are available to residents of Bayside, Briarwood, East Meadow, Flushing, Forest Hills, Fresh Meadows, Glen Oaks, Great Neck, Hollis Hills, Jackson Heights/Elmhurst, Jamaica Estates, Jericho, Kew Gardens, Kew Gardens Hills, Little Neck, New Hyde Park, Plainview, Rego Park, Richmond Hill, and Roslyn. All are invited to visit Seasons at 68-18 Main Street, and make sure to thank the employees who have stood by our communities over this past, most difficult year.

For the latest deals, be sure to follow Seasons Queens on Facebook @SeasonsNY and Instagram @seasonsofqueens.