Haven Drugs Reopens

Haven Drugs re-opened a week earlier than expected and many of its long time customers are returning as well.

Those shopping at the store, the site of the that took the lives of four people, noticed some differences in security measures. A new security camera has been installed and a new electronic lock has been placed on the front door.

Vinoda Kudchadkar, Haven Drugs owner, had been expected to make a statement today, but was not at the store on Tuesday. Employees also declined to comment on the store’s re-opening.

In the weeks since the store has been closed, Mike Novia, 58, had been getting his prescriptions from Walgreens. But he was happy to come back to Haven even though he realizes there was a chance he could have been one of the shooting victims.

"I was there the day before the shooting. It's a little scary," Novia said.

Carolyn Smith, 71, a 40-year resident of Medford, and a long time Haven customer, said: "It feels good to be back. It's like home.”

While Smith said she wasn't nervous about returning to the store, she recalled feeling anxiety upon hearing news of the tragedy.

"I was there on Sunday morning the week before, when they just opened. This is just a shame. The people there are lovely. They become like family after a while," Smith said.

Smith's husband, Russell, 73, added, "When we walked in there [the woman behind the counter] gave each of us a big hug."

Camille SanFilippo, a Medford senior citizen and 34-year Haven Drugs customer, was emotional upon returning to the store and could be seen dabbing her moist eyes with a tissue.

She said, "It feels great, sad but great" to be returning to the store she feared would never open its doors again. "It was terrible, devastating to the neighborhood for all involved. We knew all the people personally. (The victims) were all local people.”

Dorothy Clyde, 72, a 48-year Medford resident said: "My husband had a major stroke. The medicine has to be exactly the same every time. Vinoda goes through the vitamins to find one suitable. You can't get that kind of care anywhere else. They're very caring and family-oriented."

Middle Island resident Claudia Webber said she came in hoping to see the owner.

"I want him to know after what happened I'll still do business here," Webber said. "It's not a reflection on him. I think he was very upset by it, as the whole community was. I'm not comfortable standing in there, or anywhere, after that; not just here."