Small businesses everywhere face the same challenges

“Wyoming is a place your feet may leave, but your heart will always stay.” Unknown

As I write this Sunday evening from the Washington, D.C., area, the quote seemed just right. Looking forward to my feet being back in Wyoming. 

Been frequenting some small, family-run businesses here. They face many of the same challenges that ours do. One thing that is even more challenging is same- or next-day delivery from online stores. They, too, donate to churches, schools, nonprofits, but don’t always get the support back. 

So, to preach to the choir reading this: Shop small. Shop local. Your dollars help your friends and neighbors. Exiting soap box now. 

Chamber member news

Greybull Recreation: Fall wreath workshop, Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m. Ages 15+. Fee $20. Spots available: 12. 307-765-9565. Halloween craft workshop, Oct. 24, 1-2 p.m., K-5. $2 fee.

Friends of Medicine Lodge: Oct. 25, Medicine Lodge Halloween event, 4-6 p.m. Pumpkin carving, games, trunk or treat, 7 p.m. haunted hike.

Wyoming Retirement Center: Halloween Carnival, 6-8 p.m., Oct. 28. $5 entry fee for unlimited games. Hot dogs and caramel apples are available for purchase.

Saam Vet Clinic: Our annual pet costume contest is Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. We will have another bake sale as well. All proceeds go to our Saam Vet Clinic Angel Fund. Hope to see you there! Remember to use safe costumes, ensure the costume is comfortable, non-restrictive and doesn’t interfere with their vision, hearing, or breathing. Avoid small, chewable parts and toxic paints or hair dyes.

Basin City Arts Center: Halloween Tablescapes: Oct. 30, 5-7 p.m., and Oct 31, 4-6 p.m. Come browse or enter your own tablescape. Contact Victoria 272-6747. The BCAC will also be accepting clean clothing donations for a clothing swap at the Bazaar, where people can bring clothes to trade out or buy a bag of clothing for only $5. Please contact DeAnne Jensen for additional information, text 307-275-2862, call 568-2210 and leave a message or email Jensen_deanne@yahoo.com. Music Jam: Thursday, Oct. 30, 6:30 Admission: $5 More info: Deanne 605-222-1577 Sponsored in part by the Wyoming Arts Council with funding from the Wyoming Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Manderson PD: Oct. 31 Halloween Party, 4- 6 p.m. at town hall. Crafts and treats.

Town of Burlington: Oct. 31, Burlington Trunk or Treat, 5 p.m. at centennial park.

Basin Recreation: Oct. 31, Trunk or Treat at Basin Town Hall parking lot starting at 6 p.m.