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Williamstown pharmacy building offers opportunities

WILLIAMSTOWN – When one business closes, an opportunity arises for another. Many residents and community leaders say they are sad to see the Williamstown Pharmacy close after nearly 25 years of service, but have plenty of suggestions for what could fill the building.

Last month, the Williamstown Pharmacy shut down operations and sold its customer base to CVS Pharmacy located on Third Street in Marietta. Owner Sylvia Miles, of Williamstown, made the announcement in September that she was retiring from the pharmacy business but wanted to make sure her customers were taken care of.

“The pharmacy was so good to our community and Sylvia did a very good job of taking care of her customers,” said Williamstown Mayor Jean Ford.

Miles did not return calls for comment.

Being located in the center of the small community that Williamstown is, the question arises of what’s next?

“I would love to see the building be beneficial for our community,” said Rosanne Peters, who was a part-time employee with the pharmacy. “Change is hard for anybody but I have no doubt that something good will come of this.”

Ford and Williamstown council member Barbara Lewis said they hope to see a small food vendor move into the area.

“We really don’t have anywhere locally to grab a quick lunch,” said Lewis.

“We need a restaurant,” said Ford. “I think a restaurant would be wonderful for the community and that really is a perfect location but I don’t know what plans Sylvia has.”

The building, located at 426 Highland Ave. in Williamstown, was originally constructed in 1992. Gretchen Hofman, of Williamstown, opened and operated the pharmacy with Miles for 10 years until Hofman sold her share to Miles in 2002.

“My father actually built that building,” said Hofman. “The location and building fit into the community very well. I know Sylvia was ready to retire though.”

Miles sent out a letter to her customers prior to the official closing stating that she was retiring and where business was going to be moved.

Williamstown resident, Jill Willhide, 48, was a longtime customer of the pharmacy.

“When I heard the pharmacy was closing I was sad because now the hometown feel I had getting my prescriptions there will be gone,” she said. “I was so used to it but CVS has been so welcoming and they’ve been going out of their way to help us gain that trust we had with the Williamstown Pharmacy.”

According to Willhide, Miles has been assisting CVS Pharmacy in the transition because they gained a lot more customers.

“With all the reimbursement rates, regulations and Obamacare out right now, it’s really hard to be an independent pharmacist now,” said Willhide. “I’m really happy for Sylvia’s retirement and wish her nothing but the best.”

Although the opportunity for a new business is likely, the small town pharmacy is a loss for the community.

“Sylvia was so good to our senior adults in Williamstown,” said Ford. “Those with limited income, she was able to help.”

Dr. David Pickering, of the Memorial Health System’s Department for Internal Medicine Williamstown Extension, said this is a significant change for Williamstown.

“Located only a short walk from the pharmacy, I could actually walk customers over to get their prescriptions,” he said. “She was very personal and was easy access for supplies. We also have a lot of long-term patients who regularly visited her as well.”

Mona Moore, office manager at the Williamstown extension, has worked in the office next to the pharmacy for 26 years.

“The senior community were her established patients who got personal service from the pharmacy,” said Moore. “With the transition to the Memorial Health System, we kind of held each other’s hands throughout the process. We all will miss her.”

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