It isn't necessary to have an automotive problem to stop in at Thornhill Tire and Auto Care in Dade City. Hometown folks often stop by to talk about local happenings over a cup of coffee. And if the coffee pot is empty, visitors will take over the duties of making a fresh pot. It's the kind of place that makes a small town special, and it's been this way for a long time. In fact, it has been this way for 33 years and Thornhill's is ready to celebrate an anniversary this week..
In the summer 1971 Bill Thornhill, owner of a Goodyear wholesale warehouse in Tampa, was looking for a small town location to open a retail Goodyear store. Dade City was just the place he had envisioned. The old Plymouth-Dodge dealership building, owned by John Clark, was available and on Aug. 1, 1971. Thornhill opened for business with the name of West Coast Tire Co.
The business was an immediate success, bringing in new products and competitive services available only in large metropolitan areas. Thornhill's philosophy, above all else, was to provide fair and honest service to the customers.
Two more locations in Tampa and Crystal River were successfully opened later by Thornhill. He changed the name of the Dade City business to Thornhill Tire and Auto Care to match the two other locations.
Soon, Bill Harper joined the business. Like Thornhill, Harper was a former Goodyear employee and was originally employed as a mechanic. Born and raised in Elfers, Harper sought the friendly atmosphere of small town living. In 1974, Harper became general manager.
Harper says the greatest advertisement one could wish for is repeat customers from family referrals.
"It really feels good when a third generation customer comes in, and I remember working on their grandparent's vehicle."
Over the 33 years there have been many memorable moments, one being the hiring of Ruthie Weidmann as Harper's secretary. Practically everyone in Dade City came to know Ruthie as she treated every customer as her personal friend and made sure they all received "the royal treatment."
In June 2002, when the Tampa business was sold, Marvin Jones moved to the Dade City business as office manager. He immediately loved living and working in Dade City. Jones had begun his career with Thornhill's while in high school, working as a tire changer. He continued working off and on while he attended college.
Doris Pedego is another long-standing employee having retired from the Tampa location in 1999. A valuable employee, Pedego is always ready to assist when she is needed, her boss says.
Another main reason for Thornhill's success is the long standing employees in the shop. They are Doug Juraszek, David Carrillo and Mike Hansen.
Bill Thornhill died in May. His wife, Julie, is committed to providing the same quality auto care to the Dade City community. The same philosophy will continue with only a few minor changes.
Thornhill's, located at 14124 Fifth St., Dade City, will celebrate its 33rd anniversary with a special sale including daily prize drawings throughout the week. Everyone is invited to stop and join the celebration.
And, if the coffee pot is empty, don't worry. Someone will likely make a fresh pot.
Eric Maule Earns Eagle Scout Award
Eric Maule, 19, of San Antonio recently was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at a Court of Honor ceremony held at the Fellowship Wesleyan Church, Spring Hill. Eric is a member of Troop 442 led by Antonio "Mr. C"Callari.
The Eagle rank is the highest and most coveted award in all of Scouting. It is the last major step in the advancement program. Only two out of every 100 Scouts ever reach the rank of Eagle.
Eric began scouting at age 6 as a Tiger Scout and as he moved up through all the ranks Eric had his goal set to earn the Eagle rank. Eric acknowledged the help and support of fellow scouts, family, friends and community as he achieved this award.
To attain the rank of Eagle, the Scout must complete a major service project. Eric helped renovate Fellowship Wesleyan Church. With help from his family and troop members, Eric raised money and worked to complete the project.
Present at the Court Honor, in addition to Eric's family, were Hernando County Sheriff Richard Nugent who gave a presentation. Also attending were Saint Leo University President Arthur Kirk, a representative for Hernando County Commissioner Heather Robinson, Chief Larry Rogers of the Springstead High School ROTC where Eric had served as commander of Air Force Junior ROTC.
Eric's brother, Robert Maule, who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 2001, also was a guest.
Eric, the son of Christine Maule and grandson of Betty Parker, is a sophomore at Saint Leo University, working on a double major in psychology and political science.
Recognizing the support of family and friends Eric said,"Without the help of my troop, fellow scouts, my family, my friends and the community, I never would have been able to achieve such an award."
Teen Advisory Board Sponsors Talent Show
The Teen Advisory Board of the Land O' Lakes Library, under the guidance o f Pat Balentino, reference librarian, recently sponsored the first Teen Talent Show Night. More than a dozen young people and their family members participated in the event that took place at the library on Collier Parkway.
One of the first performers was Steven Garrett, 12, a student at Pine View Middle School, who played the guitar and sang On the Way Down. His act was followed b y Samantha Licata who sang Amazing Grace.
Matthew Phan, president of the Teen Advisory Board, introduced acts and encouraged others to come to the open mike to perform either as solo, group or with the use of karaoke. Phan was assisted by other board members includin g Licata, Garrett, Jennifer Meister, Jacqulyn Meister, and Chris Pina.
The Teen Advisory Board meets alternate Mondays at the library. Members have put together a slate of activities including a Teen Coffee House at 7 p.m. on October 19. This will be a time for teens to gather to share games and refreshments.
Another popular activity, a video game tournament, is scheduled for Nov. 7.
More information is available at the Land O' Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway or by calling (813) 929-1214.
Commissioners recognize American Cancer Society
The Pasco County Commission recently recognized the American Cancer Society for sponsoring the second annual 5K Walk on Oct. 23 at Little Steeple Chase Park in Dade City.
The purpose of the walk is to raise awareness of breast cancer and raise money for research. Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. About 203,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in in 2004, and an estimated 40,000 will die from breast cancer this year, medical experts say.
Research, early detection, treatment, genetic testing and access to care has reduced breast cancer mortality. The American Cancer Society has dedicated more than 2.5-billion dollars to research and funded 32 Nobel Prize-wining scientists. This has led to renewed hope for finding more effective treatments and possible cures for breast cancer.
October proclaimed Domestic Violence Month
The County Commission recently proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Pasco County.
The commission also commended the Pasco County Sheriff Bob White and his staff, Clerk of Circuit Court Jed Pittman, and the staff of the Circuit Court's Domestic Violence Resource Program, the Salvation Army Domestic Violence Program of West Pasco, the West Pasco Chapter of the National Organization for Women, and Sunrise of Pasco County for their continuing efforts to eliminate domestic violence in Pasco County.
Various local agencies, whose leaders were commended, have been dedicated in their pursuit of ending the reprehensible cycle of domestic violence in Pasco County, the commendation said.
Daybreak Rotary Hears Helms Speak
Recent guest speaker at Daybreak Rotary of Zephyrhills was Elizabeth Helms, public relations manager from Health Resource Alliance, who talked about the health services the organization provides in the community.
Founded in July 1979, the Premier Community Health Care Group, Inc., formerly known as East Pasco Health Center, Health Resource Alliance of Pasco, began in a small store in Dade City. In need of additional space, the center moved to a 5,000 square foot warehouse in 1986.
Health Resource Alliance (HRA) is a non-profit migrant/community health center serving eastern Pasco County. The county, with a population of more than 300,000, is urban/suburban on the west side and rural on the east side. HRA is the corporate entity, administering to three service centers in the Dade City/Zephyrhills area.
HRA serves a cross-section of the population on the east side of the county. Many residents of this area work in service sector jobs with no health care coverage. More than half of HRA patients are children and adolescents, and most are covered for health care needs by Florida's Medicaid program. Patient income levels include 87 percent at or below the federal poverty guidelines.
During the Daybreak meeting, Madonna Wise, president of the Rotary group, announced upcoming events. The group continues with their industrious work but, due to the recent hurricane related weather conditions, the annual and major fundraiser of the year, the Breakaway Golf Tournament, was rescheduled for Nov. 5. The Tournament will take place at Scotland Yards Golf course in Zephyrhills. Chris Robin is the chairperson for this event.
Wise also announced that Manny Funes, president elect of Daybreak, is serving as a judge for the district art contest project. Daybreak is partnering with Woodland Elementary art teacher, Barbara Moore, for student creations of art work on the anniversary theme of Rotary.
Daybreak Rotary of Zephyrhills meets at 7 a.m. Tuesdays at First Baptist Church in Zephyrhills. Guests are always welcome. To learn more about the Daybreak group go to www.zephyrhillsrotary.org
Land O'Lakes High School Advisory Council elected
The Land O'Lakes High School Advisory Council has been announced for the 2004-2005 school year. Serving on the council this year are student representatives , Sadie Molinet and Molly Sasker. Parent representatives are: Tonia Condor, Celisa Cook, Robin Gibson, Barbara Hayes, Missy Henk, Karen Hoge, Tammy Kimpland, Terri O'Brien, Lynn Pabst, Connie Parrish and Candace Roberts. Liz Cooper represents the District School Board, and the Land O'Lakes faculty and staff are represented b y Pat Connolly, Barbara Long, Sherry Murray, Orlando Saavedra and Theresa Wright. Nancy Johanson an d Meredith Klekker represent the Business /Community Partners.
The SAC committee serves to improve and enhance the school for the 2004-2005 school year. All Land O' Lakes High School parents are invited to attend and participate in the SAC meetings that are held in the media center of the school, at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month. For information, call (813) 794-9400.
Sunrise Rotary Meets
Sunrise Rotary of Dade City recently held a president's workshop. Thanks were extended to Roby Evans for his leadership with the group.
Dade City Rotarians were asked to attend Rotary's Camp Florida in Hillsborough County to help with recovery from the recent hurricanes. The camp, a project of Bay Area Rotary clubs, serves children and adults who have life-threatening, debilitating or lifelong conditions, whether they are medical or mental health issues.
The Rotarians and their families helped with East Pasco's Habitat for Humanity as groups were organized to guild a home for a local family in need of better housing.
For information about Sunrise Rotary, calling Nick Arnold at (352) 797-0638.
Lutz-Land O'Lakes Woman's Club to host Cards and Crafts Day
The Lutz-Land O'Lakes Woman's Club will host its monthly Cards and Crafts Day at 9:30 a.m. Thursday . This social time and workshop will be held at the Lutz Community Center, 101 N First Avenue, Lutz.
Lunch will be served at noon for $5.
For information, call Cheryl Benton at (813) 948-0823.
Little Women of Lutz Open House
The Little Women of Lutz, formerly the Sparkling Lakes Juniorettes, will host an open house for teenage girls and their parents from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday in the Community Room of the Lutz Library, corner of Lutz Lake Fern Road and U.S. 41 in Lutz.
All girls interested in joining the service club, a junior group of the Lutz-Land O'Lakes Woman's Club, are invited.
Mirian Mahmoud is president of the Little Women's group. Adult sponsors are Marilyn Wannamaker and Pat Serio.
