A bit of small-town charms slips away

When we moved out here the nearest grocery store was 10 miles away, and the only one around. Another opened across the street from it, but it was a big chain store, and the first was locally owned; the chain store has never done well and I'm continually amazed that it hangs on. Then the really cheesy motel a block over sold out to a really big-box chain, who built a whole strip mall. The locally owned one has struggled ever since and with the news that the city council is battling to let huge-box-store-starting-with-W build next door to it, announced last night that they have sold out to a big-box pharmacy.
They didn't tell their employees of their plans, I know because my son works the produce department there, and my neighbor has worked there for more than 20 years- they weren't told of the sale. We learned about it in the newspaper this morning. I'll be interested to hear how the atmosphere at the store has changed when my boy gets home tonight.
This store has been a mainstay of the community, especially since they never developed the corner of their parking lot that's most visible to traffic- they preferred to leave it available for various groups to do fund-raising car washes (they freely supplied the water) and fireworks booths. I somehow suspect that corporate bottom-liners in Milwaukee won't care for that sort of behavior.
It's getting nuts around here. Been looking at small towns in the midwest, since DH is eligible to retire soon...

_________________
Mary
I have a mind like a steel...sieve

CritterPainter,
I am so sorry. If any of the people are going to be laid off permanently due to this, they should check into the Workforce Investment Act program (WIA). It can pay for tuition and books for up to two years. It depends on the area of the country, but some also assist with gas and daycare expenses. Every state has it to assist unemployed or underemployed persons.

One can apply for the Pell Grant also (FAFSA.org), and use it to help pay bills while going to school. This wonderful government program is through JobLink, One-Stop Centers, and Employment Security Commision. Actually every county has this . . . in the USA.

I am a WIA Services Consultant at our local college here. Searching through google should bring up the information. This is not just limited to this situation, but any US citizen who wants to get a credential to help their earning power. It is not for someone who is already skilled in something, and wants to change careers.

There may be different restrictions in different areas, but is worth checking into. I have people who have gone into almost everything you can think of . . . trucking, healthcare, electonics, computers . . .etc. It has changed their lives, and the lives of their familes. I consider myself so blessed to be able to follow each person through their education, and track their progress for a year or so after they receive their credential. It gives them something to look forward to after years of struggling at deadend jobs.

My customers are anywhere from 21 and up. I epecially love to see my factory workers who never even dreamed that they could ever return to school. (I personally experienced this myself.) Sometimes a layoff is the best thing that ever happened to them . . . even though it is devastating at first. It is wonderful to see my people blossom into their full potential, and make a livelihood that they enjoy. They're self esteem soars through the roof!!! Stew Face 1

Hope this helps.