Many of the roads she drives on today were once little more than trails. The drastic growth concerns her, but Thornhill can't imagine living anywhere else. There's lots of convenient things here. We use the track, the pool to swim in. My kids grew up here.
Children continue to be a focal point in the town.
School events like ballgames and plays are a big draw as evening entertainment. Nannetta Cruz, an assistant manager at the Montclaire Apartments, says the community is small and close-knit. She hopes it stays that way despite the industries squeezing out the farmers and blocking the mountain views. But I think it will hold onto its hometownness. With that remains a healthy dose of small-town pride, something that doesn't get lost even in the shadow of Tacoma.