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The Newcomer
(by Della Bacon - August 27, 2007)
If you’ve lived in Oroville your entire life, you’re probably quite confident driving around town and finding your way around. You know who to see, what to do, and where to go when you have a problem. At the least, there are those upon whom you have depended on for umpteen years. That was the way it was for me, where I previously lived. No sense in taking chances, I had my automobile checked out from bumper to bumper prior to making the move. The original plan was to get settled and then learn my way around the town. Unfortunately, Murphy’s Law and problems with the car came first:
First, the car seemed to stall at each intersection, so I coasted home, made some calls and found, AJ Automotive on Olive Highway. It was Larson Lincoln who suggested, I cool down, and have the vehicle towed the following day. AAA promptly came to my rescue, as advertised. Of course I was reluctant to deal with strangers. You would have been too. It took some time before Larson insisted there was “nothing” wrong with the car. “But, since you are here, why not let ELMO at Avery’s Lube and Oil do what he does naturally.” Why not? The miles had taken a toll on me and may have done the same to my automobile.
The following Sunday while zipping around, I heard a bang. That caused me to coast into the nearest driveway. Oh my gosh...a flat tire. Another call to AAA? Panic stricken I ran into a store hollering: “I’ve never had a blow-out before! Please, let me use your phone.” Suddenly a tall red-headed clerk approached out of nowhere and insisted I open my trunk. It took Ken Rowly less than 15 minutes to switch the flat with the spare. I was at the Auto Zone.
Make New Friends; But Keep The Old...One is Silver, the other is Gold.
Why bother to tell you this story of woe? Well, these folks aren’t just mechanics or clerks in auto repair and parts stores; they are honest, forthcoming people who bent over backward to make this newcomer feel welcome. Plus...Ken Rowly wouldn’t take a tip...Larson Lincoln at AJ’s didn’t charge to look at the car...John and Alan at Big O Tires said I only needed 2 tires, not four. Thank you guys for being Honest! Hope to see you around. Maybe I can return the favors.
Look for this newcomer in your store soon...or drop an e-mail to: della@diggernews.com.
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