Catherwood LibraryILR School

In Ashland, Maine, a town of about 1,200 people, older workers like Lendell Tarr, 65, perform multiple roles to keep the community running, from recreation director to bus driver. The town struggles to replace retiring workers due to a shortage of young labor and financial constraints. Similar challenges are faced by small towns across the U.S., with employees often taking on multiple duties. Federal data shows that the public-sector workforce in rural areas is aging, exacerbating hiring difficulties. Efforts to attract and retain younger workers are crucial for maintaining essential services in these communities.