It has been very rough on the small businesses in Shorewood this winter, as the Village is unable to deal with the snow that blocks their business entrances from the street.  I have written many blogs about that and it is still a problem, but not one that I will address in this Posting.

I am very sensitive to the snow and ice situation, as I have had both a hip and knee replacement in the past four years.  The last thing I need is to try to traverse ice and snow when patronizing a business.

 I have an empathy for the small "mom and pop" businesses, as their resources are often limited to the person minding the shop (many of them elderly ladies and gents) --- for the most part, they do admirably with their sidewalks in front of their stores.

This evening I was trying to patronzie two of the largest businesses in Shorewood -- Pick and Save http://www.roundys.com   and Walgreens www.Walgreens.com .,

In my opinion, based upon how they DON'T provide safe access to their stores, they do not deserve the patronage of our community.

Pick and Save --- Forget It !!  24 Hours after the storm, their parking lot is still a treachoreous mess of slush, ice and snow.  I could not see the slightest effort having been expended to make their parking lot safe and accomodating to their customers.

Walgreens was Almost ok ---  Actually their lot was remarkedly well taken care of (Pick and Save could use them as an example) BUT --- the walkway to the actual front door of the store, was a narrow little path, between two mounds of snow, and was packed down with ice and hard packed snow.

I was hoping to be able to park in a nicely cleared lot at both businesses, and use my cane to make my way to the businesses without slipping and snapping my new knee or hip apart.  But there was no way I could have made it with any confidence, without pulling out my walker for the treacherous journey for each establishment.

Sooooooooo I said Goodbye to both ---- I'll patronize businesses that care about the safety and convenience of their customers --- and I hope you all do the same !!

 WHAT'S YOUR OPINION --- PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW