After 23 years as owner and operator of The Flower Corner / Country Church Craft Mall, Judy Van Fossen looks back on a time during which the community has been good to her and her store.  Judy plans to close the story officially on Nov. 20 but will reopen the weekend after Thanksgiving for a final cash-and-carry sale.

“Then, we’re going to put it out there for sale,” Judy said.  “I’m hoping someone will buy the business for the community.”

She had been thinking about selling the business for a couple of years and now seemed the right time.  Of course, she said, the coronavirus pandemic affected business and played a part in her decision but was only part of it.

“We’re still doing fine,” she said.  “COVID hurt us a little during those first three months.”

Overall, Judy has had a strong business.

• See the complete story in the Friday, Nov. 13 print edition of the Clinton Journal or Thursday in the Journal E-Edition for subscribers.