Akron Council Vacancy

There is an upcoming Akron City Council vacancy due to Councilman John Lucken moving out of town. Anyone interested in filling the position for the remainder of Lucken's term which ends Dec. 31, 2007, please call City Hall at 568-2041.

Britton Chiropractic & Rehab Clinic is holding a third year anniversary Open House Tuesday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Pleasant Hill bazaar

New Horizons United Church of Christ will be hosting a Story Time adventure, Saturday, Sept. 30, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at 141 Reed Street. “Rosie's Walk,” by Pat Hutchins will be featured. Children will participate in a movement activity, create a craft and enjoy a snack! Infants through fourth graders are welcome.

Chamber After Five

Obituaries

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An Akron 100-year-old business will celebrate its successful survival of a fire last year with an Open House from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7. Thorson Drug was nearly destroyed by fire on May 7, 2005 – after 99 years in business. Due to the quick thinking of the Akron Fire Department, only the gift shop received extensive smoke and water damage as the firefighters battled the fire, which was contained to a second story apartment. The firefighters boarded up the entry between the gift shop and pharmacy, which saved the pharmacy from smoke damage. “I'm so proud of them,” said Joyce Dreeszen, store manager, adding we're just a little town and being able to keep the pharmacy open continued a 100-year tradition of providing pharmaceutical needs to the community. “Out of bad things come good things,” she said. “The fire ended up to be kind of a blessing in disguise because the Thorson's decided to renovate the facility. To me, it allowed us to preserve the soul of the building again.” Renovations included exposing and restoring the original tin ceiling; uncovering part of the terazza flooring in the gift shop area and exposing the original ceramic tile flooring on the side of the store that once was Weidenfeller Meat Market. The front windows were replaced with windows creating more of an original appearance. Light fixtures were replaced with vintage lighting. All of the building's electrical, plumbing and heating systems were updated. “Our charm is how the past is recreated here,” said Dreeszen. “How the store blends the old with the new.” They use many antiques in decorating the gift shop. They have one of First National Bank's original bank tellers' station as well as a second bank tellers' station is being added. The back counter of the original wood soda fountain has been returned to the store after being stored in Dan and Bev Dobney's basement. There is an old fireplace mantel, a Magic Chef antique stove and a pump organ. “With the changes made, we can fit more product in and can display them so the customers can touch, see and smell the items,” said Dreeszen, adding customers won't get that while shopping online. “We have distinct departments now that are arranged and displayed so the whole family can enjoy the store. There is really something for everyone.” Thorson Drug offers a fairly extensive collection of Terry Redlin artwork and products; Willow Tree figurines and Nordicware bakeware and kitchenware. There is a new candle line, Soy Basics candles, which are made in Iowa. Whether it's just a greeting card one needs, a special gift or to completely decorate a room, it's all available at Thorson Drug. Gifts are now placed in gift bags instead of gift wrap. The products change with the seasons just like fashions do, said Dreeszen. At the Open House, lots of new products will be introduced. As a result of the television decorating shows, people want their furnishings to have a purpose and their home to be tidy; she said. Thorson Drug employees offer free advise and decorating tips and value our customers. “We often listen to customers' needs and bring in product lines that have been requested or recommended by them,” said Dreeszen, adding they still have the wedding and Wish List gift registry. “We hope that with the same good service we've always offered, we can serve Akron another 80 years,” said Dreeszen. “The Open House is to celebrate that we are back on our feet again,” said Dreeszen, “and to thank the community for their patience while we were closed for so long. We felt bad we'd inconvenienced our customers for such a long time.” The gift shop had been closed from May to mid-November of last year while renovations were made. “We welcome back all our faithful customers and friends as well as we hope to see many new faces,” she said. “We look for it to be a fun day and hope everybody can mark it on their calendars.” “When people come, we hope they can step into the charm of Thorson Drug: cozy, warm feelings with the aroma of candles meeting them at the door and soft piano music playing in the background calming their spirits and refreshing their souls,” said Dreeszen.