WINDSOR
Putting all rumors to rest, Windsor Pharmacy’s Bob Parsons confirmed on Thursday morning that the business is not shuttering, but will only change ownership to CVS Pharmacy.

The last day as Windsor Pharmacy will be on Friday, Dec. 11. Parsons and his son, Neil, who is the store manager, stressed that the store will be closed for just one day only, Saturday, Dec. 12. It will re-open under the CVS name on Monday, Dec. 14.

Parsons, 75, emphasized that he and his wife, Beverly, the bookkeeper, are retiring and that — as he put it — is the crux.

“They didn’t force us. There were no strong-arm tactics,” Parsons said. “We approached them. We think it’s the best choice for the community and our customers.

“We did not want Windsor to be without a pharmacy.”

The store has been in business since Oct. 1, 1973.

There had been past offers from other pharmacy companies to buy the shop, particularly the prescription files, but not keep the employees.

“We held out,” Parsons said, adding that CVS will retain those workers, such as longtime pharmacy technicians Linda Johnson and Barbara Alexander.

Johnson started as a clerk while still in high school. Alexander said Parsons offered her a job. Both have been there for 35 years.

Both concurred that becoming technicians was a natural progression for them, and each loves working there.

They also both agreed that the change is going to be good for both the Parsons and the community.

“It’s good for Windsor to have a CVS,” said Alexander. “They can do more for patients what an independent pharmacy can do.”

Lauren Lombard said she feels sad about the news. She added that her family has been coming to the Windsor Pharmacy since moving to the area in 1991.