MOUNT VERNON — For nearly four generations, John and Mary Lou Montenery, owners of Medical Arts Pharmacy on Coshocton Road, have been serving the medical supply needs of the community. Now, 37 years later, they have decided to slow the pace of their lives a little and turn over the reins of the business to other hands. On May 14, Medical Arts Pharmacy will merge with CVS Pharmacy.
It all began for the Montenerys in 1972, when they moved to Mount Vernon. They were in their early 20s with two small children, an old car and just enough money for a small business loan. John wanted to own a pharmacy; by chance, there was one for sale. That was Heckler’s Pharmacy, then located on South Main Street.
“It was where Dumbaugh Insurance is now,” said Mary Lou. “We came to Mount Vernon from Columbus. We both went to Ohio State and graduated together.”
Medical Arts moved a couple of times. The Montenerys used to be next to the old Ron’s Pizza site, before they moved to the current location about seven years ago.
“I remember when we bought Heckler’s it had a great photo department,” John said. “In fact, it was the largest Nikon distributor in Ohio. That was thanks to Gary Hewitt. He worked for us until 1985.”
Perhaps the best memories the Montenerys have is of their customers.
“We’ve done it for so long, we’re filling prescriptions for the grandchildren of our original customers,” John said. “It’s the third generation.”
“It’s the fourth,” Mary Lou said. “It depends on how fast they were.”
“It became more than just dispensing medication for us,” John added. “We knew the people so well. It was just taking care of people.”
Their customers felt the same way. Don Stanton, a longtime customer of Medical Arts, stopped by the pharmacy to wish the Montenerys well.
“We’re gonna miss you guys,” he told the Montenerys.
“I’ve been going there since it was on South Main Street. Probably sometime around 1982,” he said.
On the day of the merger, the prescription cards of all Medical Arts customers will be confidentially transferred to CVS Pharmacy. The phone number will reach the pharmacy department of CVS. CVS has also hired the entire staff of Medical Arts, so no one will be losing a job.
The Montenerys will work full time at CVS for the first month after the merger. After that, they expect to work there part time.
“I don’t think I could give it up all at once,” Mary Lou explained.
The Montenerys are confident CVS will continue their tradition of prompt and courteous service and home delivery.
“It’s a good fit,” Mary Lou said. “They are in the same part of town and they’re really committed to keeping our customers happy. We feel comfortable with it.”
