Josh McAlpine, a 2000 Gering High School graduate who has special needs, was blown away by the kindness and friendliness shown to him years ago by Dave Thiele, owner of Arthur’s Pizza in Scottsbluff. McAlpine eventually asked Dave if he could work for him, and Dave immediately gave him a part-time job. The 42-year-old McAlpine is now in his 4th year of working at the pizza restaurant, and he said it’s the best job he’s ever had. In fact, he said working at Arthur’s Pizza brings him just as much joy as competing and having lots of success in Special Olympics.
JEFF FIELDER Editor
SCOTTSBLUFF – About five years ago, Josh McAlpine would walk about 18 blocks from his apartment in east Scottsbluff to Arthur’s Pizza, formerly Godfather’s Pizza.
McAlpine made that journey about three times a week, mostly so he could be there when one of his best friends, Robert Dana, got done with his job as a dishwasher at Godfather’s.
Over time, though, there was another reason McAlpine enjoyed walking to the pizza restaurant. He liked visiting with the owner, Dave Thiele, who would often take a few minutes out of his busy schedule to sit at a table with McAlpine and talk about life.
“Sometimes we would talk about movies or what we did the day before,” McAlpine said. “Sometimes we would talk about bowling, too, since I’m in Special Olympics.”
McAlpine, who has special needs, appreciated Thiele’s interest in his life, especially for his well being.
“He always wanted to know how I was doing,” said McAlpine, who graduated from Gering High School in 2000. “Dave is a really nice guy. He’s one of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. It made me feel good whenever he would take the time to come over and talk to me while I waited for Robert to get done working.”
