Entire Family Laid Off

The failing economy that has struck so many families in the Capital Region has really hit home for the Wheelers of Chatham. 

Harold and Karen Wheeler, and their 32-year-old daughter, Agness, have all been laid off from the same company, Chatco Plastics of Chatham. 

Harold and Agnes lost their jobs in January one month after Chatco was bought by a larger firm Pilgrim Plastics of Massachusetts -- and one month after they were told not to worry about their jobs. Then, last Thursday, Mrs. Wheeler and five other workers lost their jobs as the company announced they were closing shop and moving to Massachusetts. 

The Wheelers sat at their kitchen table Wednesday scouring through bills, contemplating health insurance and how much money all three will get from unemployment. Harold is facing bladder surgery, and he's worried about the bills the family will soon face. 

The Wheelers were disappointed but not angry about what's happened-- but they acknowledged that having all three lose jobs from the same company was a daunting experience. 

One of their co-workers who also lost her job last week, Adeline Pulver, said she is angry and is worried about the Wheelers, saying there are no jobs right now in Columbia County.