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Master plan has ‘been a long time coming’ WithersRavenel presents two conceptual plans for intersection improvements and recommendations for 13-acre tract by PATTI STOKES SUMMERFIELD – It’s been a year since WithersRavenel, the engineering firm hired by the Town of Summerfield, presented its original ideas for a master plan to improve traffic flow and beautify the intersection at N.C. 150 (Oak Ridge Road) and Summerfield Road. At a special called meeting of Artist rendering courtesy of WithersRavenel
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IN THIS ISSUE Attorney to review minutes .......2 News in brief................................3 Your Questions ............................4 Summerfield Town Council ........8 A storm to remember ............... 10 Oak Ridge honors volunteers... 12 Community Calendar .............. 14 Crime/Incident Report ............. 15 NWO on the Go! ....................... 16 Business Notes .......................... 18 Student profiles .........................20 Letters/Opinions .......................22 Grins & Gripes ...........................22 Facebook Comments ..............24 Classifieds ................................. 27 Index of Advertisers .................30
2018 achievements by council, town staff highlighted by STEVE MANN
STOKESDALE – During the June 14, 2018, meeting of the Stokesdale Town Council, Mayor Pro Tem Thearon Hooks highlighted 10 items accomplished or addressed by the council in the first six months of the year. During his 360-day progress report at the Jan. 10, 2019, meeting, Hooks listed 18 items that were accomplished or addressed in the final six months of 2018. In addition, Town Clerk/Finance Officer Alisa Houk highlighted some of the achievements of town staff during 2018.
Hooks said in the final six months of 2018: • Two new benches were installed in Town Park; • A new town website was unveiled and a new company was hired to host the town’s email server; • A second shelter was purchased for Town Park; • A successful tree lighting and Christmas parade were held with the help of volunteers; • Cracks and potholes were patched in asphalt surfaces at Town Hall and in the Town Park in prepara-
tion for resealing; • Old growth, overgrown hedges and trees damaged during Tropical Storm Michael were removed from the grounds of Town Hall and the Town Park, and other landscaping was done; • The vehicle used by the sheriff’s deputy formerly employed by Stokesdale was sold at auction for $3,750; • Twelve computers were purchased for teachers at Stokesdale Elementary School;
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Attorney asked to review closed-session minutes In other business, the Stokesdale Town Council also voted at its Jan. 10 meeting to post meeting agendas and minutes on the town’s website within specified timeframes, and to renew the town attorney’s contract by STEVE MANN STOKESDALE – The Stokesdale Town Council voted 5-0 during its regular monthly meeting Jan. 10 to have the town attorney review all closed-session minutes and determine those eligible for release to the public under state law. According to N.C. General Statute 143-318.10 (e), each public body is
required to keep full and accurate minutes of all official meetings, including any closed sessions. The statute calls for a public body to “keep a general account of the closed session so that a person not in attendance would have a reasonable understanding of what transpired.” The Town of Stokesdale has never released a set of closed-session minutes since it was incorporated in 1989, although the council unanimously approved a resolution Feb. 15, 2017, establishing a policy for approving and opening closed-session minutes. Kim Hemric, then the town clerk, compiled an index of closed-session minutes that included the date of the meeting, the topic and the number of pages involved. Attorney Katy Gregg, who formerly represented the town, had been authorized to review those
minutes and recommend which could be released to the public. But according to town officials, Gregg reviewed few, if any, before she left the position in October 2017. Closed-session minutes are subject to public access under state law, but there is a limited exception. According to the statute, “minutes or an account of a closed session … may be withheld from public inspection so long as public inspection would frustrate the purpose of a closed session.” Town Attorney John Bain said he would do a few spot checks to determine how much time would be required. He said it may be more economical to hire a law student who would work under guidelines provided by Bain versus paying Bain’s compensation of $260 an hour.
In other business, the council also voted 5-0: • To post the agendas of all regular council and special meetings on the Town’s website at least 48 hours before the meetings; • To post the minutes of all regular council, special and emergency meetings on the Town’s website within 25 calendar days after being approved by the council; • To post on the Town’s website by June 12 all approved minutes of regular council, special, weekly Wednesday and emergency meetings from 2013 through 2018. The minutes of all regular council meetings through July 2018 have been posted except for September and December, 2013; July and September, 2014; September, 2015; and September, 2016. Town Clerk/Finance Officer Alisa
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Houk said those will be added; • To adopt a resolution of intent to close and remove from dedication an easement to public use. The 12-foot easement running vertically across Lot 1 of B&G Enterprise subdivision at 7709 Athens Road had been proposed as part of the Mountains-To-Sea Trail, but at Stokesdale’s request the town was removed from the trail’s map. A public hearing on the request will be held Feb. 14.; • To approve Bruce Angel as an
alternate on the Stokesdale Planning Board pending training; and,
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The council also continued a discussion about declaring a 100-gallon chlorine tank that was replaced as surplus for the purpose of selling or disposing of it until the Feb. 14 meeting so additional information on its value and the cost of advertising can be obtained.
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Council to hold special called meeting Jan. 24 Council will also meet Jan. 25 and 26 for annual strategic planning retreat by PATTI STOKES SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield Town Council will hold a special called meeting Jan. 24, 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Town Hall, 4117 Oak Ridge Road, Summerfield. Although the agenda had not been finalized as of this writing, potential agenda items include discussing the construction of a sidewalk from the pedestrian tunnel under U.S. 220 to Summerfield Road; one of seven capital projects in the Town of Summerfield’s 2018-19 fiscal year budget, the sidewalk is estimated to cost $70,000. Also among the potential agenda items for the Jan. 24 meeting are discussion of paving and improving the lake parking lot at Summerfield Community Park on Centerfield Road, at an estimated cost of $200,000; contracting for engineering services to help
with subdivision and site plan reviews, amending development ordinances and traffic and other engineering; and finishing the Unified Development Ordinance rewrite. Summerfield Town Council members and Town Manager Scott Whitaker will be spending a lot of time together next week, as the council and Whitaker are also scheduled to meet Friday, Jan. 25, 4:30-7 p.m. to get the annual strategic planning retreat underway, followed by dinner. The council will come back together the following day and meet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a break for lunch, to continue its strategic planning discussions. The retreat will be held at the Piedmont Triad Regional Council office, 1398 Carrollton Crossing Drive in Kernersville. The Town of Summerfield now videos regular and special called council meetings, which can be viewed live and at any time at Facebook.com/ TownOfSummerfield,NC.
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is accepting voluntary applications from property owners in its ETJ (extraterritorial jurisdiction), north of County Line Road and west to Forsyth County, to be annexed into the town, and I’m wondering:
What are the differences, pros and cons of being an ETJ resident versus a Town of Oak Ridge resident? If you live in the ETJ, planning and zoning issues, such as a neighbor building a garage without a permit, go through the Town of Oak Ridge, just as it does for town residents. Residents of both the ETJ and the town both get law enforcement services from the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office. Oak Ridge residents pay slightly less for garbage collection through the town’s negotiated price with Waste Industries. If you’re annexed into Oak Ridge, you’re going to pay an 8-cent property tax (on every $100 of property value), which some people may consider a con. On what some consider the pro side, “when you are in the ETJ, you are subject to Oak Ridge’s planning and zoning,” Oak Ridge Town Manager Bill Bruce said. “Which means, if your neighbor wants to develop their property and is applying for rezoning or subdivision review, our rules and regulations apply. But the town council isn’t necessarily accountable to folks in the ETJ because those folks don’t vote in town elections. By voluntarily annexing into the town you’ll be eligible to vote in town elections,
File Photo
Residents in the Town of Oak Ridge’s ETJ (extraterritorial jurisdiction), north of County Line and west to Forsyth County, received a mailing last month inviting them to apply to be voluntarily annexed into the town.
which comes with the opportunity to have a stronger voice in decisions made by the town.” Although Oak Ridge doesn’t provide services such as police protection and water and sewer, Bruce noted, “it is a growing town in a growing area and I don’t know what jurisdictional boundaries are going to look like 20 years from now. We are asking folks to be forward thinking – there may be a time when the town does provide those services. By seeking voluntary annexation, you’d be casting your chips with Oak Ridge rather than potentially another municipality. To be clear, we have no indication any other municipality is clamoring to annex in this area.” On the intangible side of potential benefits to being annexed into Oak Ridge is the sense of wanting to belong to the community. “Folks in some parts of the ETJ are oriented toward Oak Ridge,” Bruce said. “They’re shopping in Oak Ridge and they’ve got friends and family in
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Oak Ridge. That’s what they consider their community. There’s been enthusiasm by some folks who want to be in the municipal limits. But for other folks, there are other considerations and they’re oriented in other directions. It’s a decision that each property owner needs to make on their own.” As of this writing in mid-January, Bruce said the Town has received about 30 queries regarding being annexed into the town and about a dozen applications for voluntary annexation from individual property owners.
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Council discusses security needs at town park by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – Reports of car breakins at Oak Ridge Town Park in recent months led Town Council members last week to discuss installing surveillance cameras in parking lots. The Town tentatively budgeted $100,000 for security measures at Town Park at Linville Road and Lisa Drive. The topic arose during the council’s special called meeting Thursday, Jan. 10, to discuss the town’s five-year capital improvement plan. The aim was planning for major expenses starting with fiscal 2019-20 that begins July 1. Discussion initially focused on installing high-definition security cam-
eras in the parking lot at the athletic fields and elsewhere in the park. Terry Lannon, the town’s parks and recreation director, said surveillance could eventually be expanded to the Whitaker property that the town bought last year for future recreational purposes. All of the cameras could be monitored from Town Hall, he said. The placement of cameras would discourage crime, and images captured by the cameras would help police apprehend thieves, council member Ann Schneider said. Members also discussed security patrols and 911 call boxes around the park as possible crime deterrents. “We want (the park) to remain
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In response to vehicle break-ins at Oak Ridge Town Park, the town is considering purchasing surveillance cameras for parking lots.
perceived as a safe place to park your car,” Schneider said. Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman said that “we’re getting about one or two break-ins a month” at the park, and he questioned whether spending $100,000 would be too much or too little.
right amount of money, but let’s make sure it is the right amount of money,” the councilman said. He suggested that town staff seek advice from experts who don’t stand to gain from selling or installing a surveillance system. Mayor Spencer Sullivan said the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office or the Piedmont Triad Regional Council may be able to offer advice on the topic.
“I understand this is an emotional issue, but what would be the ROI on it, considering that we don’t have a lot of issues?” Kinneman asked, referring to Town Manager Bill Bruce said he, Linville Road, Suite E-3, and Oak Ridgeof the town’s return on 8004 investment, a financial meaLannon members surement of the efficiency of money Parks and Recreation Commission will spent on a project. “propose a way to move forward” on barbourwilliams.com “I have no problem spending the the issue.
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Town’s attempt for reimbursement from FEMA on track, official says by STEVE MANN
Tracy Williams, attorney
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File photo
STOKESDALE – The Town of Stokesdale’s effort to be reimbursed $75,000 from the federal government for repair of damage to the water system from Hurricane Florence is advancing, Mayor Pro Tem Thearon Tracy Hooks said.Williams, attorney During the Jan. 10 council meeting, Hooks said the Town has done
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everything required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in support of its claim. “Everything’s in place,” he said. “We’re waiting for the representative assigned to the case to contact us for the next steps for reimbursement.” A 25-foot section of the Town’s waterline along U.S. 158 was found exposed Sept. 17 and in danger of
breaking after torrential rains from the remains of Hurricane Florence eroded a steep bank. The owner of the property said a total of about nine inches of rain had fallen the previous two days as the storm swept through. The Stokesdale Town Council called an emergency meeting Sept. 20 and approved a $75,000 contract to install a permanent bypass to get the waterline off the slope that had collapsed. Yates Construction Co. – Stokesdale’s utility contractor – took nine days to install about 325 feet of a larger waterline, moving it closer to the highway and about 4 feet deeper. When Stokesdale was told by Guilford County Emergency Services the work on the waterline would be included in a declaration of disaster, it made reimbursement possible, Hooks said.
Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO
Seeking to generate revenue, Oak Ridge Military Academy’s Board of Trustees recently placed almost 2.5 acres and six historic buildings on N.C. 150 – including the old barber shop and former post office – up for sale, at an asking price of nearly $1.2 million. See related story in next week’s Northwest Observer.
Legislators’ Meet and Greet Jan. 16
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A dozen members of the state legislature and the town councils of Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale attended an informal Meet and Greet at Oak Ridge Town Hall Wednesday afternoon. New to the annual gathering were state Sen. Michael Garrett (D-District 27) and Guilford County Sheriff Danny Rogers, who were both elected last November. Shown in photo at left (background), Sen. Garrett talks to Sheriff Rogers while (in foreground), Oak Ridge Town Council member Ann Schneider talks with State Rep. John Faircloth (R-District 62).
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SUMMERFIELD town council
TOWN COUNCIL MEMBERS
Tuesday, Jan. 8 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT ing his seat on the council last April was added to the meeting agenda; Dianne Laughlin, who was appointed last October to serve the remainder of Rotruck’s four-year term, is named as the defendant in the lawsuit. (For more on this topic, see article in our Jan. 10-16 issue.)
Mayor Gail Dunham called the monthly meeting to order. Mayor Pro Tem Dena Barnes and council members John O’Day, Teresa Pegram, Dianne Laughlin and Reece Walker were present, as were Town Manager Scott Whitaker, Finance Officer Dee Hall and Town Clerk Lance Heater; Town Attorney Bill Hill was absent. About 10 residents attended the meeting, which was held at Summerfield Elementary School due to a scheduling conflict with the usual meeting place at Summerfield Community Center. Rev. Carol Foltz, pastor of Moravia Moravian Church in Oak Ridge, spoke for a few minutes about her church and then offered the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Due to the absence of the town attorney, the council amended the meeting agenda after deleting discussion of terms for council members who are appointed to fill vacancies. The council also deleted discussions of unsealing closed-session minutes. Discussion of former councilman Todd Rotruck’s lawsuit which was filed Jan. 3 and relates to him los-
Dunham next asked whether the council wanted to meet behind closed doors to discuss possible land acquisition and Whitaker said he wasn’t prepared for discussion at this meeting, but it is on the agenda for the council’s annual strategic planning retreat at the Piedmont Triad Regional Council’s office in Kernersville Jan. 26. (For more on this discussion, see article in our Jan. 10-16 issue.) At the request of the finance officer, the council approved several line-item transfers of funds (council approval is required for line-item transfers). As she has before, Dunham asked Whitaker to provide the council meeting packet within 10 days of council meetings, saying council members hadn’t had enough time to review the packet before this meeting on Jan. 8. Whitaker apologized for the delay and
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said town staff hadn’t been as timely as usual in compiling the packets because of being off the week of Christmas. The packet was ready Friday, Jan. 4, which still allowed time for anyone with questions to reach out to him before this meeting, he noted.
ANNOUNCEMENTS Special called meeting Jan. 15. Whitaker reminded the council of its upcoming special-called meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 15, to hear engineering firm WithersRavanel’s presentation of a master plan for improvements at the intersection of Summerfield Road and N.C. 150. Meet and Greet Jan. 16. A Meet and Greet with our area’s county and state legislators was scheduled for Jan. 16 at Oak Ridge Town Hall.
EMERGENCY SERVICES Fire District. Asst. Chief Jenna Daniels reported Summerfield Fire District
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responded to 30 fire-related calls, 61 EMS-related calls and 35 other calls in December. Firefighters also installed 17 car seats and reached seven children and 18 adults through community outreach efforts. The fire department’s Toys for Tots drive collected more than 10 boxes of toys. On a safety note, Daniels urged families to install smoke detectors and check them periodically to ensure they’re working properly. Families should prepare for possible fires by practicing escape plans and call 911 if they detect any problems. Fires in newly constructed homes are “burning faster and hotter” (than in those constructed several years ago), Daniels noted.
Sheriff’s Office. Capt. Brian Hall with the Sheriff’s District 1 office said his staff responded to 122 calls for service in Summerfield in December; nine of those calls related to property crimes.
COMMITTEE REPORTS Historical. Vice Chair Elizabeth Ingram said the committee will host community discussions on Feb. 21 and Feb. 28 from 7-9 p.m. on topics including Guilford County’s role in the Revolutionary War and how the U.S. Constitution is relevant today. Discussions will be led by Northwest High School history teacher Ray Parrish. Trails and Open Space. Chair Jane Doggett said the committee continues working on a map designating trails and open spaces, which will be used to help the Planning and Zoning Board in its work. Doggett added the committee is eager for the engineer to be selected for the sidewalk project that will connect the A&Y Trail from the pedestrian tunnel under U.S. 220 to Summerfield Road. Tim Sessoms has resigned from the committee while former member Paul Lambert has requested to rejoin the committee, Doggett said.
Founders’ Day. Whitaker said vendor and sponsor information for the 23rd annual Founders’ Day festival on May 17 and 18 is on the town’s website.
PUBLIC COMMENTS Danny Nelson said he’s “a little ashamed to be part of Summerfield, the way it has been run.” He questioned why the council had replaced Rotruck on the council with Laughlin “so quick,” without due process, which resulted in Rotruck filing lawsuits and taxpayers having to pay for the town to defend itself in those suits. O’Day, Barnes and Walker have a habit of cutting off and undermining Dunham and Pegram when they’re speaking, Nelson continued, and then asked, “Why can’t we have a professional council?” Dana Luther suggested that town staff speed up delivery of council
meeting packets to council members and avoid arguments between Whitaker and council members who want the packets sooner. Increasing the number of staff’s paid days off over the holidays contributed to the delay in providing information to council members in late December, Luther said, and it sent “a very bad message” to taxpayers, most of whom rely on vacation days, not paid days off, over the holidays. Beth Kaplan told council members “it makes me sad” to hear some residents say they want limited government but demand “that you guys do everything for me every day.” Dunham said “let’s work harder” to give ample notice for meetings and avoiding canceling them, to which Walker responded, “we’re beating up on staff” because they’re fulfilling their state statutory requirements for scheduling meetings and don’t have “a crystal ball” for predicting unexpected circumstances.
BUSINESS FROM MANAGER Engineering services. The council authorized Whitaker to negotiate with engineering consulting firm Freese and Nichols for on-call engineering services. If negotiations aren’t successful with that firm, Whitaker will reach out to Westcott, Small and Associates. Since Summerfield doesn’t employ a staff engineer, Whitaker explained the town needs to contract with a “go-to engineer” to help with subdivision and site plan reviews, amending development ordinances and traffic and other engineering. Freese and Nichols does engineering work exclusively for municipalities, which lessens the chance of conflicts of interest with developers, Whitaker said. Entering into a contract with the firm wouldn’t prevent the town from seeking bids for major projects from other engi-
neering consulting firms, he noted.
Gray hired to represent town. The council voted 4-1 (with Pegram opposed) to retain attorney Gray Wilson of Nelson Mullins in Winston-Salem to represent the town in Rotruck’s latest lawsuit related to losing his council seat last April. (For more on this discussion, see article in our Jan. 10-16 issue.) Retreat agenda approved 4-1. The council voted 4-1 (with Pegram opposed) to approve a proposed agenda for its annual strategic planning retreat Friday, Jan. 25, and Saturday, Jan. 26, at the Piedmont Triad Regional Council office in Kernersville. Dunham said she opposed the council’s plans for dinner on the evening of Jan. 25, arguing she didn’t want to attend something where council members could be discussing town business without the public being in attendance. Pegram said she op-
posed the meeting agenda because her work schedule didn’t allow her to arrive at 4:30 p.m. on Friday when the retreat is scheduled to get underway.
FY 2019-20 budget calendar approved. The council adopted its budget planning calendar for the 2019-20 fiscal year, which begins July 1, after Dunham said budget planning a year ago was “just a fiasco” and cited staff’s decision to reschedule a meeting from late May to June. Taking issue with the planning process last year being described as a “fiasco,” Whitaker asked, “Does that make it a fiasco, that a meeting got changed?” At one point in the ensuing discussion Dunham became so agitated by a remark Walker made that she pounded her gavel, which was followed by O’Day pounding the table with his fist. The meeting was adjourned at 9:22 p.m.
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Snowbound in December – a storm to remember first it fell softly and prettily, then with a fury-filled onslaught of large flakes, accompanied by hard ice balls and sleet. It was on a Sunday morning, and even our resident birds were bewildered by feeding stations being covered. It happened that my preacher son-inlaw, Dallas, had driven to Oak Ridge so that I would not have to weather the storm alone. Daughter Lenore was in Miami on business (where, yes, it was warm, with palm trees swaying in the breeze!).
by HELEN LEDFORD Poet John Greenleaf Whittier penned his long winter narrative, “Snowbound,” in the year 1866. These few lines from the famous writer’s poem represent, in part, Whittier’s nostalgic memories of being snowbound as a 10-year-old boy in his family’s Massachusetts farmhouse:
“Announced by all the trumpets of the sky, Arrives the snow; and, driving o’er the fields Seems nowhere to alight. The whited air Hides hills and woods, the river, and the heavens.” The predicted snowstorm that arrived last month just before Christmas cannot be described as eloquently as in the well-known poem, but will (in my estimation) not be soon forgotten. While local TV stations continued to hammer home the usual tips for bad weather survival, telling us when
to buy bread and milk, and to watch for salt trucks, the snow came. At
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Thoughtfully, Dallas (thanks be to God) had filled our bathtub with more than a dozen jugs of water – a necessity for toilet flushing! We both donned our “snowstorm/nopower uniforms” and I lived for three days and nights wearing two pairs of pants, three pairs of socks and several sweaters. Around my neck and head was a bright yellow scarf that my granddaughter had knitted for me. You may wonder at this point why we did not go somewhere where
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Funny, at intervals I had power in my bedroom and our microwave worked – all while John Greenleaf Whittier’s “trumpets of the sky” continued to dump their unfriendly white stuff. With the microwave we could heat soup, coffee and hot chocolate. Glibly, I warmed sandwiches in my folded heating pad that also worked intermittently. We were informed via cell phone that three power poles near our house were broken, with lines down – some hanging loosely.
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Little by little, we learned that a large portion of those living in the “Ridge” were experiencing the same non-power conditions as we were; most had either fireplaces, gas logs or generators, however. I drew on my own long-past survival methods – at a time when I was a farm girl and we did not depend on electricity. In this December “snowbound” saga, we had illumination from many candles, and I carried around with me a string of small, bright Christmas lights which was powered by a small battery pack. The preacher (a large man) was layered with jackets, long johns, etc., which made him look even larger. Bedtime was the hardest – with piles of cover and so many layers of clothing that, when one turned over the covers slid off and it was a battle to get warm and stay warm. It took me back to childhood when we slept in an unheated upstairs room. We children snuggled under tons of quilts, awaking on winter mornings to walk barefoot on icy floors. We could see our breath, and always dressed in record time. If anyone thought of inconvenience, I don’t remember it. We didn’t miss what we never had…
My hat’s off to Duke Energy crews for their long hours of work to restore power to our area, especially when outside temperatures were hovering in the low 20s. It was a joyous time when lights came on and our furnace was purring once again! We can always learn from our life experiences, and I surely learned from my snowy one to be daily more thankful for all the many conveniences we often take for granted. There were some light moments in our ordeal. My son-in-law was clearing our deck when I heard voices, thinking it was Duke Energy folks. Not so – it was a television crew from WFMY, wanting to get our take on the storm and what it was like to deal with the loss of electrical essentials. I fumed and fussed, not wanting to be photographed – my hair was sticking straight up on my head and I was not in the mood, nor dressed for “company”! (I heard the piece aired that evening, but mercifully, we could not see it.) Sometime later, my son-in-law shouted that one of the reporters was back, in need of our bathroom. Enthroned there, I replied loudly, “It’s in use!” The good gentleman was escorted discreetly to our back lot… At this writing, the Triad is preparing for another “Whittier” storm and this time ice is predicted. I’ll just gather my yellow scarf, five sweaters and string of Christmas lights and be all set (a sense of humor always helps!).
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JAN. 17 - 23, 2019
11
Volunteers gather to celebrate Oak Ridge’s history
Photo courtesy of Matt Schneider
Seventy people who have volunteered with the Town of Oak Ridge over the last 20 years gathered at Oak Ridge Military Academy Jan. 12 for dinner and a celebration of the town’s history.
From serving on Town Council to planting flowers, volunteers have pitched in, paving the way for incorporation 20 years ago and performing vital duties since then
their efforts. Without volunteers, operating Oak Ridge would overwhelm the town’s limited staff, he said. “You have a love for our community and a desire to serve others,” said Sullivan, “and a commitment to shaping our future while honoring our past.”
OAK RIDGE – Before Oak Ridge had its first stoplight, it had volunteers. About 70 of them gathered at Oak Ridge Military Academy Saturday night, Jan. 12, for dinner and a celebration of their contributions.
The town’s Special Events Committee (a volunteer group) organized the dinner with help from the staff of the town and the military school. Matt Walraven, owner of Walraven Signature Homes, sponsored the event, which also received a contribution of $2,000 from the Town Council to cater the meal, rather than rely on pot luck from the approximately 125 volunteers, spouses and others who attended.
“It says that you care,” Mayor Spencer Sullivan said in remarks thanking volunteers for enduring long meetings, making tough decisions about zoning and other issues and sometimes suffering criticism for
After a dinner of grilled chicken and sweet potato casserole, Ann Schneider, a town council member who served as emcee, asked volunteers to gather based on the committees and commissions on which
by CHRIS BURRITT
12
JAN. 17 - 23, 2019
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
they served. Each group held a sign for their committee, forming what roughly resembled an arc across the basketball court of Bonner Field House. “Tonight is the culmination of all of these celebrations, as we celebrate you, our volunteers, the people who represent what’s best about Oak Ridge and what we all love most,” Schneider said. Although the event focused on recognizing volunteerism since Oak Ridge’s incorporation in 1998, it reached back even further, honoring organizations and volunteers such as former Mayor Ray Combs. He served on the board of the town’s fire department, at the center of the community before incorporation through its organization of events such as the Oak Ridge Horse Show. “You are where you live, and you should make the best of it,” said Combs, who served as mayor for 12
Photo courtesy of Matt Schneider
From left, Jiraphorn Noimanee, ORMA color guard commander, Samuel Dan-Jumbo, Kelvin Dos Santos, Sallie McCullough, Army JROTC instructor, and Dianne Keller.
Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO
(L-R) Ben and Kathy Walraven and Danielle and Matt Walraven of Walraven Signature Homes, sponsor of the Jan. 12 volunteer appreciation dinner/celebration.
Photos by Chris Burritt/NWO
Oak Ridge resident Carolyn Brown has been an active volunteer with the town since it first incorporated. She was married to the late Tom Brown, the town’s first elected mayor.
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years, starting in 2002. Over the years, he figures he served on half a dozen committees including finance and planning and zoning. “You filled in where you were needed to fill a slot,” he said. Carolyn Brown said she always preferred “running the lawn mower than the vacuum cleaner,” explaining why she loved planting flowers as a member of the town’s Beautification Committee. She also helped plan placement of Oak
Ridge’s welcome signs on Alcorn Road near Peeples Road and on N.C. 150 entering town from Kernersville. “Volunteers have been everything for Oak Ridge,” said Brown, widow of the town’s first elected mayor, Tom Brown, and mother of Town Clerk Sandra Smith. As a vice chairperson of the town’s Parks and Recreation Commission, Phyllis Anders helps organize some of
the town’s most popular events including Music in the Park and Heritage Day. Her son, Sam Anders, is the town’s finance officer and assistant fire chief. “Oak Ridge is just part of me,” said Phyllis Anders, who gets help organizing the town’s summer music concerts from her 13-year-old grandson, Wilson Anders. “I want him to learn what it means to belong and be part of our town,” she said.
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JAN. 17 - 23, 2019
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mark your
calendar
THURSDAY, JAN. 17
Lions Club Meeting | Oak Ridge Lions Club
will meet Jan. 17, 6:30 p.m. at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68, Oak Ridge. More info: Danny Yanusz, (336) 643-6424. Parks & Rec. Meeting | Oak Ridge Parks and
Recreation Commission will meet Jan. 17, 7 p.m. at
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Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road, Oak Ridge. Meeting agenda or more info: oakridgenc.com.
THURSDAY, JAN. 24
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 23
merfield will hold a special called meeting Jan. 24,
Special Called Meeting | The Town of Sum-
Trails & Open Space | The Summerfield Trails &
6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Town Hall, 4117 Oak
Open Space Committee will meet Jan. 23, 6 p.m. at Summerfield Town Hall, 4117 Oak Ridge Road, Summerfield. More info: summerfieldnc.gov.
Ridge Road, Summerfield. For info about potential
Preservation Oak Ridge | Preservation Oak Ridge
Planning & Zoning | Oak Ridge Planning and
will meet Jan. 23, 5:30 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. More info: Doug Nodine, (336) 209-1999.
Zoning Board will meet Jan. 24, 7 p.m. at Oak
meeting agenda items, see News Briefs, p. 3 in this issue or visit www.summerfieldnc.gov.
Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road, Oak Ridge. More info: oakridgenc.com or (336) 644-7009.
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View the complete, detailed Community Calendar at nwobserver.com, and check the Northwest Observer each week for a selection of upcoming events
CRIME / INCIDENT report Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, District 1 has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest Guilford County.
BURGLARY JAN. 11 | A person in the 6000 block of Brookbank Road in Summerfield reported that sometime between 8 a.m. Jan. 9 and 3 p.m. Jan. 11 an unknown suspect entered the victim’s attached garage and stole two chainsaws with an estimated total value of $500.
THEFT JAN. 9 | An employee of Brookbank Auto Exchange at 6329 U.S. 158 in Summerfield reported that sometime around 1:45 a.m. an unknown suspect stole a green and tan 2005 Ford Super Duty F-250 King Ranch truck with North Carolina registration FH3782. The vehicle was entered into the NCIC (National Crime Information Center). JAN. 9 | A resident of the 7000 block of Newhaven Drive in Oak Ridge reported that at 11:31 p.m. a known suspect stole items from the victim valued at about $465. Warrants have been obtained on the suspect for felony larceny. JAN. 10 | An employee of Stokesdale
Veterinary Hospital at 8208 U.S. 158 in Stokesdale reported that on Jan. 8 a known suspect stole controlled narcotics valued at $116.
ARRESTS/CITATIONS JAN. 8 | A 34-year-old male was arrested at 9:04 a.m. in the 9000 block of U.S. 158 in Stokesdale for a felony charge of probation violation. JAN. 8 | A 43-year-old male was arrested at 2:04 p.m. near the intersection of Oak Forest Court/Oak Forest Drive in Summerfield for a felony charge of an out of county order for arrest, and resist/delay/obstruct a police officer. JAN. 8 | A 43-year-old male was arrested at 1:57 p.m. near the intersection of Oak Forest Court/Oak Forest Drive in Summerfield for a felony charge of possession of stolen goods and a misdemeanor charge of carrying a concealed weapon without a permit JAN. 9 | A 29-year-old male was arrested at 2:22 a.m. in the 900 block of N.C. 150 W. in Summerfield for driving
while impaired. JAN. 9 | A 48-year-old female was cited at 11:07 p.m. near the intersection of N.C. 68/U.S. 158 in Stokesdale for speeding. JAN. 10 | A 27-year-old female was arrested at 3:55 p.m. in the 9100 block of Shoeline Road in Stokesdale for a misdemeanor charge of larceny. JAN. 10 | A 25-year-old male was cited at 10:26 p.m. near the intersection of Summerfield Road/Pleasant Ridge Road in Summerfield for driving with a revoked license. JAN. 12 | A 49-year-old male was arrested at 5:51 p.m. in the 100 block of
I-73 in Summerfield for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
What is NCIC? Reported in an incident on Jan. 9, an officer entered information about a stolen vehicle into the NCIC, which stands for National Crime Information Center. The center is a national clearinghouse of crime data that can be accessed by criminal justice agencies nationwide, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The center was established to help criminal justice professionals apprehend fugitives, locate missing persons, recover stolen property and identify terrorists. Source: www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ncic.
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(R- L) Mike and Valerie Ha nnah, along with Carmie and Craig Cook, all of Oak Rid Zion National Park in Uta ge, took their NWO to h, where they caught up on the local news on Observation toward Springdale, Utah. Point, looking south
Joe Thacker, an employee at Carquest on Newberr y Street in Stokesdale, loves going to work on Thursdays, when he looks forward to the Nor thwe st Observer to “fulfill his day.”
The Northwest Guilford marching Viking band took the NWO along to Universal Studios in California. The students marched in th lywood Christmas parade, which was televised Dec. 14 on the CW Channel!
Oak Ridge resident Jim Kinneman was recently sworn in as a volunteer Guardian Ad Litem, and he took his NWO along to Courtroom 2D, where the swearing-in ceremony took place.
Alison Huber, her daughter Megan, a graduate of NWHS who attends Western Carolina University, and Alison’s father headed to Guatemala for a mission trip organize d by Oak Ridge United Methodist Church. Of course, they took the Northwest Observer along to catch up on the local news between stove installations. Led by Max Kern and Dan Chance, ORUMC Team 1 installed 182 stoves in Chuicaca, Guatemala.
Sean and Tracey Bowyer of Stokesdale enjoyed some West Virginia mountains and football time with the Northwest Observer this past fall.
he Hol-
Jorge Maturino, shown at the Burren in northwestern County Clare, took the Northwest Observer along on his vacation to Ireland.
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BUSINESS notes Welcome to our new advertisers! Please support the businesses and organizations which make our newspaper possible and tell them you saw them here!
Hawes Real Estate & Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Y&L Realty Business owners: Jeremiah & Maggie Hawes Jeremiah and Maggie Hawes, owners of Hawes Real Estate, have been in the real estate business since 2008. As licensed real estate brokers, they dedicate themselves to helping individuals and families buy and sell homes. “We have an excellent perspective on the local real estate market,” the Haweses said. “We believe in building long-lasting client relationships and we make sure our clients are well represented. We believe in arming them
with all the information they need to make the absolute best possible decisions for them and their family when it comes to real estate.” On a personal note… Maggie is a triplet (she has two other sisters). She and Jeremiah have identical twin boys, Matthew and Blake, who are 5 years old, and an 8-month-old daughter, Kinley. “We are Christians and we are involved with our church. We also volunteer our time and financial resources through several local organizations,” the Haweses said. The couple enjoys spending free time with their family, and go to the beach and to Smith Mountain Lake as a family as often as they can. Jeremiah is a veteran and served honorably in the United States Navy from 1999-2003.
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On a personal note… “Originally from New Jersey, I moved to Greensboro to attend UNCG (graduated in 1990). My wife Jill and I just celebrated our 25th anniversary and we have two boys, Nick, 19, and Zack, 16. We’ve lived in the Summerfield area for 17 years and Jill is principal at Summerfield Elementary. “I coached travel baseball and ran Summerfield Recreation Association’s baseball program when our kids were younger. “Most of my time is in the gym, but family, beach and baseball are my passions away from Strive,” Walsh concluded.
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MASTER PLAN: ‘LONG TIME COMING’ the council Tuesday evening, representatives of the firm presented two alternative intersection master plans as well as recommendations for how to best use the 13-acre tract the town owns northeast of the intersection. Although Mayor Gail Dunham was ill and unable to attend, overall the council members who attended the meeting responded favorably and the town may at last have an intersection plan, at least, that it can sink its teeth into. Town Manager Scott Whitaker explained the intersection master plan was initially to be coordinated with plans to renovate the historic Gordon Hardware building at one corner of the intersection and the Martin House diagonally across the street. Although the council “stepped back” from renovation plans, the intersection master plan is still relevant as a standalone project from the perspective of traffic control and also beautification in relation to the town’s historic assets, Whitaker said. Noting the intersection is in the heart of a National Historic District, Frances Gallagher, traffic engineer with WithersRavenel, recapped the three primary things her firm was tasked with when it contracted with the town almost two years ago. First, it was to look at how to safely move pedestrians and vehicles through the intersection; along with this, the firm was asked to provide options for eliminating the massive mast arm traffic signal that visually dominates the intersection. Next, the firm was asked to provide options for streetscape planning, to include pedestrian crosswalks and updated curb appeal, with the main focus being on safety. Last, the firm was asked to make recommendations for how to best use the town-owned 13-acre tract (often
...continued from p. 1
referred to as “the Gordon property”) northeast of the intersection and bordering U.S. 220. Gallagher noted the majority of the streetscape and transportation improvements at the intersection would take place within the right of way and could be worked into whatever historic building renovations might be done in the future. The master plan is just that – a master plan – with no design included. “Nothing is set in stone. There is flexibility built into all of this,” she said. Referencing concerns posed when WithersRavenel presented its first concept for intersection improvements last year, which centered on a mini roundabout, Gallagher stressed that NCDOT will only give approval when there is an actual design, but the concepts being presented at this meeting had been discussed with DOT and the department indicated it would consider them. “So everything has been vetted with the DOT and is a viable option,” Gallagher said. Jay Clapp, regional manager at Ramey & Kemp Associates in WinstonSalem, has worked with WithersRavenel on the intersection master plan and was in attendance. He said the desire to remove the mast arm traffic signal at the intersection was what had led to the idea of a mini roundabaout. When the town rejected that concept last year he and WithersRavenel went back to the drawing board, but many alternatives they considered were eliminated because they weren’t feasible cost-wise or for other reasons. “So, what can we do to de-emphasize that pole?” Clapp asked. “Two options: 1) Put a physical structure/ enclosure out there to cover it. 2) Or simply paint it something other than a galvanized steel color.
Gary Warner, a landscape architect with WithersRavenel, spoke next about the challenges of the project before presenting two alternatives for intersection improvements. Placing medians between the two lanes on N.C. 150 where vehicles approach the intersection would help slow traffic down, Warner said. Brick sidewalks along the corners of the intersection were suggested for their aesthetic value and to tie in with the historic buildings there. Working with the mast arm traffic signal rather than trying to eliminate it was discussed next. “What if you made it iconic?” Warner asked. “It becomes a miniature gateway. Maybe find a way to build a clock tower column around the post, continue the brick sidewalks around the intersection and add decorative bollards.” A low fence along the Martin House property would give it a traditional look and add curb appeal, Warner added. And, the center of the intersection could be stamped asphalt, or possibly brick to add an extra layer of “traffic calming.” The pole would still be there, but it wouldn’t be as dramatic, Warner said. No decisions were made at the meeting, but council members responded positively to the new concepts presented and agreed to discuss them further at the annual strategic planning retreat coming up on Jan. 24-25. See more artist renderings of WithersRavenel’s intersection master plan concepts at Facebook.com/ Northwest Observer. And in next week’s issue we’ll share WithersRavenel’s recommendations for using the 13-acre tract the town owns northeast of the intersection, and citizens’ responses to those recommendations.
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STUDENT PROFILES Thanks to the coaches and teachers at Northern and Northwest High Schools for their student recommendations and input, which make it possible to recognize these talented, dedicated students for their accomplishments in academics, athletics and cultural arts.
NORTHWEST GUILFORD Thalia Carter, girls basketball by STEWART MCCLINTOCK Thalia Carter, a junior captain and combo guard on Northwest Guilford’s girls basketball team, has played varsity basketball all three years of high school. And all three years she’s been on the team, she’s had the thrill of joining her teammates in state championship games; although the Lady Vikings took it to the wire in the 2016 state championship game but came up short, they captured the state title the last two years. “Our team goal is to get back to the state championship game again this year,” Carter said. “It’s an amazing feeling and accomplishment. My individual goal is to be the best teammate I can, and do whatever I can to help my team. “My late Grandpa Ralph, he was a really good basketball player, so I’m trying to live up to the standards he
20
JAN. 17 - 23, 2019
expected of me,” Carter added.
A: “Maya Moore. She plays in the WNBA.” Q: If you could interview one person, living or dead, who would it be? A: “Skylar Diggins-Smith, who plays in the WNBA. She’s such a different player and a trend setter in basketball. I’d like to walk in her footsteps.”
Of her playing style and preferred way to score points, Carter said, “I really focus on defensive, aggressive play, and getting up and down the court fast. My favorite way to score is in the full court on a fast break, and getting a layup from a hesitation into a crossover.”
Q: How do you enjoy spending your free time?
When not playing basketball, Carter focuses on her classroom work and has volunteered for the Out of the Garden project, where she has helped package food for those in need.
Q: Where would you go on a dream vacation? A: “Bora Bora. All the pictures I’ve seen of it look really pretty.”
After high school she plans to attend college, where she hopes to continue playing basketball and wants to pursue a major that involves sports (possibly physical therapy) or computers.
On a side note … Q: What is your favorite classroom subject? A: “Science.” Q: Favorite movie? A: “The Incredibles.” Q: Favorite genre of music? A: “Rap and hip hop.” Q: Favorite book? A: “‘The Hate You Give,’ by Angie Thomas.” Q: Do you have a role model?
A: “When I do have free time, I try to catch up on sleep and eat.” Q: Who is your favorite celebrity? A: “The actor Michael B. Jordan.”
Q: What is something about you that many people may not know? A: “I did gymnastics from when I was 6 years old to 12.” Q: What is one thing we all could do to make the world a better place? A: “Personally, I think climate change is a huge problem so we need to make electric cars more efficient.” Q: What is an invention the world needs? A: “Flying hover boards and flying cars so we can travel easier.” Q: If you were to leave behind a time capsule for students to find 100 years from now, what would you put in it?” A: “Fidget spinners and things that are trending now, like our best phones.”
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
NORTHWEST GUILFORD Megan Harkey, girls basketball by STEWART MCCLINTOCK Megan Harkey, a junior post player for the Northwest Lady Vikings, has been a member of the girls varsity basketball team for all three years of high school – and, all three of her team’s state championship appearances. Of her expectations for this year and her experience playing for Coach Joyner, Harkey said, “We have a different team this year and we will get our chemistry together. I need to keep improving my game to be a dominant player as a starter. Coach Joyner is a really good coach; she pushes us really hard and we work on team drills and individual developmental drills in practice, which is extremely helpful.” Off the court, Harkey has made the A/B honor roll and is taking four AP (Advanced Placement) classes this year. She is sports editor for the school’s student-run newspaper, Northwest Horizons, and also volunteers and does physical therapy shadowing at O’Halloran Rehabilitation in Greensboro. After graduating in 2020, Harkey
hopes to continue playing basketball in college and plans to study physical therapy or exercise sports science; she has her sights set on UNC-Wilmington and Presbyterian College, among others.
On a side note … Q: Do you have any pets? A: “Yes, a dog named Bailey, who is part yellow lab and part golden retriever, and a cat named Maggie.” Q: Do you have any role models? A: “Breanna Stewart. She plays in the WNBA for the Seattle Storm and was a really good post player at UConn. I’m trying to learn from her and duplicate her moves. I also look up to my parents – I get my sense of humor from my dad. My mom is very responsible and caring and when I become a mother, I want to be like her. Q: If you could interview one person, living or dead, who would it be? A: “Stan Lee (American comic book writer, editor and publisher). I want to know how he got his ideas for his comic book superheroes and how it felt when he got to see the movies and be in the cameos. He was just so amazing!” Q: What is your favorite movie? A: “Thor: Ragnarok” Q: Favorite classroom subject? A: “English” Q: Favorite musical genre?
A: “Classic rock and hip hop.” Q: Favorite celebrity? A: “Shane Dawson – he’s a famous YouTuber with 19 million followers. He does some documentaries, including one about Jake Paul.” Q: How do you enjoy spending your free time? A: “Writing, hanging out with friends, watching YouTube, going to see movies and doing arts and crafts.” Q: Where would you go on a dream vacation? A: “Ireland. It’s so pretty, and so green. I’d like to see their cobblestone pathways, the countryside and all the old farm houses.” Q: What’s something that many people don’t know about you? A: “I’m a huge nerd. I love Marvel. I’ve watched Thor: Ragnarok three times in the last three days and I know every line!” Q: What’s one thing we all could do to make the world a better place?
What’s a fidget spinner?
I realize we’re showing our age, but we kept seeing students mentioning “fidget spinners” in their student profiles, and we didn’t know what they were. For those of you who also don’t know but would like to, here goes… According to Wikipedia, “a fidget spinner is a toy that consists of a ball bearing in the center of a multi-lobed (typically two or three) flat structure made from metal or plastic designed to spin along its axis with little effort. Fidget spinners became popular toys in 2017, although similar devices had been invented as early as 1993. “The toy has been promoted as helping people who have trouble focusing or those who fidget to relieve nervous energy, anxiety, or psychological stress. There are claims that a fidget spinner can help calm down people who have anxiety and other neurological disorders like ADHD and autism. However, as of May 2017, there is no Adobe Stock photo scientific evidence that they are effective Fidget spinners became popular toys in 2017 as a treatment for ADHD.”
Over 250 children in Guilford County will go to court alone
A: “Be kind to one another. And don’t do drugs unless you need them for medical reasons and they’re medically prescribed.”
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Q: What’s an invention the world needs?
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A: “A water machine that makes water straight from the air. And an ozone creation machine to help with global warming.”
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Delighted or dismayed by something (maximum 350 words) in your community? Share your thoughts in words or less online: nwobserver.com e-mail: editor@nwobserver.com mail: Opinions, PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 Include your name, a daytime phone number where you can be reached and name of community in which you live. Letters from the same writer will be published no more than every 30 days.
Horse trail in Oak Ridge? Yes! Wooded areas that horseback riders were once allowed to ride through are being developed and equestrians are looking for welcoming places to trail ride. Horseback riders will fill their fuel tanks at local gas stations, dine at local restaurants and shop at the local grocery store for horse treats. On a day when there is a calfroping event at a farm just north of Oak Ridge, trailers can be seen in the Kings Crossing parking lot. Why? Location, good food and a welcoming staff at StokeRidge Tavern. Can Oak Ridge duplicate this? An accessible horse trail can be as simple as a dirt trail and gravel parking area. A plain sign stating “Please pick up after your equine” will remind owners to clean up their trailer area before leaving. As for manure on the trail, nature takes care of that – birds will sort through undigested seeds and corn pieces and rain will soon wash away droppings. “Ride at your own risk” signs can be purchased for a small fee and mounted where they are visible when
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entering a parking area. A horse trail can even generate revenue – honor boxes are found at many trailheads and park systems. Smith Lake requests a $5 donation per rider/day, a fee gladly paid. These boxes are steel mounted in concrete with a padlock, not easily broken into. The nearest riding trail to Oak Ridge is a 45-minute drive (Northeast Park in Gibsonville). Cedarock Park is an hour to the east. To the west, there’s Hanging Rock State Park, but it’s very rocky and challenging ground. To the south, trails can be found an hour and a half away. There are all kinds of horse riders, including those with physical challenges, who take advantage of trail riding and it can be very therapeutic for riders and horses alike. Several horse farms in northwest Guilford County are landlocked and looking for trail riding opportunities. Many, like me, believe a horse trail in Oak Ridge would be an asset and a valued item to add to Oak Ridge’s list of achievements. Rita Lewandowski Sr., OAK RIDGE
nwobserver.com
JAN. 17 - 23, 2019
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online: nwobserver.com e-mail: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion.
GRINS to... The entire Oak Ridge Elementary staff and how they handled the power outage last week. They were calm and organized and the students were well behaved because of this. Their daily efforts are obvious in times like these. Butch Knight and Knight Import Specialty Service in Summerfield. Top-notch work with uncompromising quality. Butch spent literally hours on the phone fighting with a car warranty company to ensure all repairs were able to be done to his high standards. Dr. John Carr and his staff at Carr Veterinary Hospital in Oak Ridge for listening and helping us after we recently adopted a dog from SPCA and were unsure how he’d do with our grandchildren over the holidays. Best ever vet! Reese for donating the money she had saved from her lemonade stand to help people in our community through Good Samaritan Ministries. The money from a piggy bank can make a difference. Way to be a role model! Northwest Observer. Thursdays are my favorite day of the week! I love reading about the latest lawsuits going on and I especially enjoy all the griping in this lovely community. Keep it up! Editor’s note: Besides the lawsuit coverage and the griping, which we acknowledge doesn’t cast our northwest community in a very favorable light, we hope you also enjoy the feature articles we share about “ordinary” people in our area who are quietly going about
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
their business while doing extraordinary things, reading about the exceptional high school students we profile, viewing pictures we take of smiling faces at countless community events – and the grins written about those who touch our lives in very positive ways. Melissa Stallings for looking out for your neighbors and to the wonderful lady from Trotter Ridge II who picked my dog up and brought her home when she got out on Tuesday. So thankful for you both! Firefighters throughout the northwest area who were out in the ice helping clear trees out of roads. We are so fortunate to have you! Whoever cut the limb that was blocking the road on the corner of Horse Farm Road and Deep Valley Road (Summerfield). It is greatly appreciated. The first-graders at Oak Ridge Elementary for collecting over 1,000 cans of food for Good Samaritan Ministries based in Stokesdale. Their generosity will help over 120 families in our area. Way to make an impact, kiddos! The Summerfield (and Greensboro) fire departments for responding so quickly to the fire alarm at Northern Guilford High School. They also removed trees that blocked roads in Elmhurst. Thank you for all you do! The Clemson football team for going to the White House and respecting the office of the presidency. I am not a football fan, but will now be a Clemson fan!
Scott Guthrie, our neighbor in Hillsdale Lake in Summerfield, for immediately getting his chain saw out and coming to the rescue when he heard a tree fall onto the street in our neighborhood during Sunday’s ice storm. Jennifer, owner of the Bistro in Oak Ridge Commons. As we scrambled to find a new location for our ceremony due to the ice storm, she saved the day. She is amazing and cares for everyone who walks into her restaurant.
Firefighters with Oak Ridge Fire District who cleared a tree off our neighborhood road that came down in the recent ice storm.
GRIPES to... The employee at Subway in Stokesdale for bringing her children into the restaurant and allowing them to run all around, both inside and out, for an extended period of time. It was uncomfortable for those of us waiting. Stokesdale elected officials who are pushing for “affordable housing,” meaning cookie cutter subdivisions and HUD housing. Thanks, but no thanks. Save Stokesdale. Editor’s note: Regarding the reader’s statement about HUD housing, I don’t recall Stokesdale elected officials discussing any type of housing that would entail government subsidizing, but in case we missed something, we will check with them to confirm and get back with you. Todd Rotruck for filing another
lawsuit. Go away. Republic Services for not collecting recyclables in our Summerfield neighborhood … again, even after various neighbors called and were promised another pick-up date. Republic, you need to fix your problems or Summerfield needs to cancel the contract we just signed. The NWO editors for letting someone slip in the grin to Jared at Subway for watching their kids. It wasn’t that long ago that Subway spokesperson Jared was convicted of sexual offenses against minors. Someone should not be laughing now. Editor’s note: The responsibility for letting that grin slip into the paper last week rests solely on my shoulders, and I sincerely apologize. I would never intentionally let someone’s twisted, cruel sense of humor have a voice in my newspaper, and I have no good excuse for letting this one get by me. While I try to be diligent and use wisdom regarding everything that goes into this paper – and that means discarding a fair amount of grins and gripes, understanding that people can be very bold and very irresponsible when they’re hiding behind the cloak of anonymity – I let my guard down with this grin and I deserve to be publicly chastised for it. – Patti Stokes, Northwest Observer editor/publisher/owner Todd Rotruck. Oh my goodness, give it a break. If it means that much to you, focus on finishing your “major renovations” and actually move into Summerfield, then run again for town council. Delighted or dismayed by
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Northwest • Totally local since 1996 Grins & Gripes areThe published based Observer on available space and editor’s discretion.
JAN. 17 - 23, 2019
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Posted recently on NWO’s Facebook page Two very different topics garnered the most discussion on our Facebook page this last week: First, we asked whether an elected official should have to live in the town that he/she is
Posted Tuesday, Jan. 8, 10:36 p.m.
Last week former Summerfield Town Councilman Todd Rotruck filed another lawsuit, this one seeking to take his council seat back from Dianne Laughlin while his appeal to Judge John Craig’s decision last fall works its way to the N.C. Court of Appeals. How do you feel about Todd Rotruck not living in Summerfield but continuing to take the town through the court system for his right to represent Summerfield citizens? Should you have to live in the town that you vote in, and are you okay with taxpayers paying the legal fees while all that is being battled out in court? Linda M. I could care less about whether any of the council lives in Summerfield or not. Our council is like any and every other political group. How can our best interests
elected to represent. And second, we wanted to know how everyone throughout the northwest area was faring during the ice storm that rolled in Saturday evening.
be represented when council members bicker, fight, curse each other and make it a 3 ring circus all about each of them. Quit acting like it’s all about you...learn what respect is and start being a mature adult. Judy B. I can’t figure out why he is so desperate to be on the board. Steve S. Inflated Ego Todd R. Judy B. To represent the 1089 people who voted me in office. Currently they have no representation. Plus, I believe due process is guaranteed to all US citizens Beth K. He absolutely should live in Summerfield. How else would he know how to represent us? And I think he should pay all us taxpayers back our money for these frivolous lawsuits Julia D. He absolutely should NOT be able to serve. He cannot represent me as he does not STILL live in Summerfield. And I agree that he should pay the town back for all the legal fees they’ve incurred. I feel he lied to us and his con-
The following are just some of the responses we received from our Facebook followers – to see more or to join your northwest Guilford neighbors in community discussions, visit www.Facebook.com/NorthwestObserver.
tinuing to persue this is absurd. Becky M. Yes...of course you should live in the town you represent. I cannot understand why he keeps stirring the pot? Settle down, run for the next election when you do live here, Todd. This time, you were not eligible! Andy S. He won the election. Voters made their choice clear. Whitney L. But the question is did Todd Rotruck win the election legally? Voters made their choice clear but Rotruck did not make his residency clear. Northwest Observer to Andy S., I’m sorry, but I really want to know how you answer this question: Should you have to live in the town that you vote in, and subsequently, that you represent? I’m trying to figure out your argument about it not mattering because voters chose him ... Let’s say, for example, a football team wins a championship game, but soon afterward it’s discovered that they cheated. Should they still keep their championship rings?
Clearly, their fans wanted them to win, and they won - so that’s that? Steve A. as a voter, I am assuming candidates are following the rules & viable legitimate candidates for the office, not cheating their way in. Kelley J. Northwest observer, your comparison isn’t logical. Even if I agree with your point... a sports team wins a game by playing, a political candidate wins by vote of the representation. Mary D. I would definitely consider politics a game :) Carolyn L. he did not live in the town limits of Summerfield prior to, during or after the election. Does he even live there now? By his rules I could still vote in Summerfield elections because I own land there but actually live now in High Point. Carmen A. I live in Colfax, own property in Greensboro and Surfside Beach. Would you want me to have a say-so in how you manage your town, vote in your election or run for office?
Add your voice to the discussion! Follow us on Facebook As seen on facebook.com/NorthwestObserver 24
JAN. 17 - 23, 2019
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Posted last week on NWO’s Facebook page Join the conversation – along with more than 13,000 of your neighbors
Posted Sunday, Jan. 13, 10:03 a.m.
No surprise that with all this ice, trees are falling and power lines are down. Duke Energy is responding to numerous power outages throughout the area; we specifically know of several power outages due to downed trees/power lines in Stokesdale, including on Belews Creek Road and Ellisboro Road. We’ve also been told power lines are down on Alcorn Road and Stafford Mill Road in Oak Ridge, and according to the map on Duke Energy’s website we can see there are also numerous power outages in Summerfield. How are you all faring where you are? P.S. To report or view power outages in your area, go to: www.duke-energy.com/outages
Sandra O. Out West Harrell Rd. Duke Power says 2500 out of power this area. Shay G. The other side of Stokesdale is Energy United and we’ve been without power since before 2:30. Not back on yet. Sandy H. Oh my gosh! I wasn’t even aware of an “Energy United.â€? That’s too long to be out☚ Trees are still dropping in our neighborhood đ&#x;™€ Tiffany J. yeah people tend to forget not all of Stokesdale is Duke Power we have Energy United as well and been out since 2:30 and still out. Shay G. they told our neighborhood 10 Monday evening. Tiffany J. đ&#x;˜Š đ&#x;˜Šđ&#x;˜Šđ&#x;˜Šđ&#x;˜Šđ&#x;˜Šđ&#x;˜Š Alicia C. The power on Lester Road in Stokesdale just came back on about five minutes ago. Bravo, #dukepower Jessie G. Stokesdale right at Bi-rite power just came back on!
Jennifer G. 15 trees down in our yard on Strawberry Rd on the corner with Alley.... No power for 16 hrs Tim C. Posted pictures and video to my page NWO Thanks, Tim C., I checked out your video and it IS scary to hear those trees snapping. Everyone, if you are out driving, BEWARE - not only are the roads icy in spots, but the weight of the ice is bringing trees down right and left.
blocked in by trees down on power lines on both sides. Summerfield firefighter came by to check on us, though, and said they cannot clear trees because entangled in power lines. Waiting on Duke Energy. NWO Thanks for that update, Cathy B. And shout-out to our firefighters for going to people’s houses, checking on them and letting them know what’s going on. Cathy B. Yes, love our firefighters! â?¤ â?¤ đ&#x;‘?đ&#x;‘? They have managed to clear
Tim C. I would like to add to that, being I have experience in storm damage cleanup, that everyone should stay indoors until the ice has melted from the trees. Do not get in a hurry to cut up any fallen tree or branches. May people are injured or killed during ice storms or shortly after due to a heavy branch or tree falling on them while doing cleanup or driving to do cleanup. Please everyone be safe and thank you Northwest Observer for the updates.
one end of Bunch near Pleasant Ridge so we can get out now.
Cathy B. Power off on Bunch Road and
Ben M. It’s So Sad ..
Lisa W. Power off for 4 hours only in Summerfield. Thanks Duke Energy for getting to us quickly!!! Quick tip for those without power...you can warm up quickly by doing household cleaning! #icecleaning #notspringyet Sandy H. yes I’ve found that out! Polishing furniture!
As seen on facebook.com/NorthwestObserver The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
JAN. 17 - 23, 2019
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2018 ACHIEVEMENTS BY COUNCIL, STAFF HIGHLIGHTED • Money left over from a $33,333 downtown revitalization grant from the state used to purchase an electronic sign that was donated to Stokesdale Elementary was added to a public-private effort to purchase a double-faced clock to be erected on fire station property along U.S. 158; • About 325 feet of waterline was replaced and moved at a cost of $75,000 after torrential rains from the remnants of Hurricane Florence eroded a steep bank along U.S. 158 West and left a 25-foot section of waterline exposed and in danger of breaking; • The Town renegotiated the rate it pays the City/County Utilities Commission in Winston-Salem for water, from two times the rate paid
by Winston-Salem customers to 1.5 times. That will not affect the price paid by Stokesdale water customers, town officials said; • Dry-tap fees for the Town’s water system were eliminated. Mayor John Flynt has said that cost the Town about $20,000 a year in revenue but was the right thing to do; • A part-time employee was hired to serve as operator in responsible charge (ORC) of Stokesdale’s water system; • Two autoflushers were purchased for the Town’s water system; • TTHM and bacteria levels in the Town’s water system have remained well within state-required limits; • The Town spent about $65,000 to connect two dead ends of the water
...continued from p. 1
system almost 1,100 feet apart on Lester Road to improve water flow and quality; and, • Hooks and Flynt led efforts to start the Northwest Community Opioid/ Drug Abuse Prevention Coalition, which has held three community forums dealing with the opioid crisis. They also were involved in setting up the N.C. Coalition of Opiate Epidemic Prevention Groups for exchange of information around the state. Houk said during 2018:
• The Town used 31,366,234 gallons of water; • All reports required by the state were submitted on time; • Efforts to maintain water quality levels since water operators were switched have matched expectations of the Department of Environmental Quality regional representative; • The lead and copper test due every three years was filed on time with satisfactory results;
• 3,091 telephone calls were received at Town Hall;
• The audit was completed in October; and,
• There were 2,021 visitors;
• Houk renewed her notary certification and attended a class at the N.C. Association of Municipal Clerks.
• 47 water meters were sold; • 1,023 8-1-1 locates and 160 work orders were processed;
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Stokesdale
Located at Kings Crossing
7705 Highway 68 N (336) 441-8066
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Summerfield
4420 US Highway 220N (336) 793-5391
Madison
706 Burton Street (336) 548-6674
AUTO SALES & SERVICE
EMPLOYMENT
YARD SALES
EUROPEAN AUTO SERVICE & REPAIR We specialize in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. Mercedes, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Volvo, Mini and Porsche. 32 years experience. Knight Import Specialty Service, 4559 US Highway 220, Summer Summerfield (across from Food Lion). (336) 337-0669.
PART-TIME PICK PACK Associates needed for Carson-Dellosa Education. Must be 17 and willing to work in a fast-paced warehouse environment. Competitive pay and flexible hours. Perfect job for students! Contact (336) 808-3263 or (336) 808-3225. 657A Brigham Road, Greensboro, near Pleasant Ridge Road.
BIG CHURCH YARD SALE, Sat., Jan. 19, 8am-noon, 3232 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro.
EMPLOYMENT
Place online at
DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue
NEED HELP? Call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 Mon - Fri • 9am -12:30pm
INDEX
Auto Sales & Service ................... 27 Employment ............................... 27 Lost & Found............................... 27 Save the Date ............................. 27 Yard Sales ................................... 27 Home Services ....................... 27-29 Misc. for Sale .............................. 29 Misc. Services.............................. 29 Misc. Wanted .............................. 29 Pets & Animal Services ................ 29 Real Estate............................. 29-30
PART-TIME BUDGET OFFICER position available for the Town of Stokesdale. This is a government position as described in NCGS 159-9. Approximately 16 hours per week and may be asked to attend budget meetings during budget season or Town Council meetings as needed. This position works with the Town Clerk/Finance Of Officer to implement budgeting and financial record keeping, procedures to ensure efficient coordination of various departmental, grant and designated accounts, maintains accurate information regarding the financial status of the town and advises immediate supervisor regarding financial matters. Degree in accounting, or related field, from an accredited institution and at least two years experience preferably in accounting or budgeting or an equivalent combination of training and experience, required. Please submit resume and references to stokesdale@ stokesdale.org or mail: Town of Stokesdale, P.O. Box 465, Stokesdale, NC 27357.
HIRINGWe? can help! nwobserver.com
WAREHOUSE QUICK SHIP ASSOCIATE position needed for Carson-Dellosa Education to perform warehouse duties associated with picking and packing the company's direct to consumer and small package products in an accurate and timely manner. Three months experience required along with HS diploma or GED. Send resumes to agoas@carsondellosa.com, or please fax (336) 808-3264 or contact Angela Goas at (336) 808-3225 for an application.
LOST & FOUND
STORE CLOSING SALE. Maisy Daisy Florist, Inc. has officially closed shop doors. We will be selling everything in the shop. Come by Sat., Jan. 19, 8am-5pm, or by appointment. Check out our Facebook page at Maisy Daisy Florist for updates. Cash or check only. If you have any questions, contact Brian Mays, (336) 215-8775, or leave message. Thank you to all of our loyal customers who helped support us.
HOME SERVICES CLEANING MAID-2-SHINE. Excellent service, 15 years experience. Free estimates, excellent references. (336) 338-0223.
LOST DOG. Katie, a 14-lb. Havanese, was last seen in the Hillsdale Lake area of Summerfield on Dec. 29. At the time she was wearing a light-purple harness with a pink leash attached as well as her collar. By now, she could have traveled miles. Katie was rescued from a puppy mill after being bred for years. Her first family was abusive. Because of this, she is extremely frightened of humans. If spotted, please snap a picture and text me at (252) 241-8168; please don't try to chase her. There is a $1,000 reward for info leading to her safe return.
SAVE THE DATE
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?
going on
Tell northwest Guilford County Place your Save the Date online at
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
CastleWorks WINDOW CLEANING Includes gutters, pressure washing, chandeliers and other high ladder work. Fully insured and bonded, free estimates. (336) 609-0677. www.castleworkswindowcleaning.com. OLGA'S HOUSEKEEPING SERVICE If it needs to be done, I'll do it. If it needs to be clean, I'll clean it. You will be satisfied. References provided. (336) 289-0008. ANA'S HOUSECLEANING. Good references, free est., 25 years exp. (336) 309-0747. MAIDS OF HONOR HOME CLEANING $25 off! Locally owned, bonded staff. 40 years in service. BBB A+ rating. (336) 708-2407. CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING Gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com (336) 595-2873.
DECORATING EXPERIENCED INTERIOR DECORATOR & personal furniture shopper will help you with style, color, shopping & furniture placement. E-mail appeninc@gmail.com or call Ann Appenzeller, (336) 314-1411.
... continued on p. 28
JAN. 17 - 23, 2019
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HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
ELECTRICAL
WELDING, FABRICATING, MACHINING. Will pick up and deliver. (336) 362-8408.
ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981.
Need an electrician? Call BLACKMON ELECTRICAL, INC. Free estimates. Commercial & residential. Licensed & insured. Call (336) 430-5018.
GRADING / HAULING
Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? Call Coble Electric LLC at (336) 209-1486. It's generator season, call us to get yours installed!
NC FORESTRY MULCHING Land clearing, vegetation management, pasture reclaiming, ATV trails, site clearing, etc. Environmentally friendly without disrupting the soil! Call (336) 362-6181 or visit ncforestrymulching.com.
BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC. Got Power? Residential, commercial and solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192.
GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150.
GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES
FORESTRY MULCHING. Reclaiming overgrown pastures, property lines and trails. (336) 362-8408.
GREENERTIMES SMALL ENGINE Sales & Service Center. All types sold and repaired; comm./res. 9428 NC Hwy. 65, Stokesdale. (336) 548-9286 or (336) 312-3844. GARY’S HANDYMAN HOME SERVICES “Providing value for the home-ownership experience.” Gary Gellert, serving NC’s Piedmont Triad area. Garygellert@gmail.com, (336) 423-8223. LAWN MOWER REPAIR & SERVICE. Free pickup & delivery. Call Rick, (336) 501-8681. Affordable HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate, call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350.
OLD SCHOOL
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Wood Rot Repairs • Bathroom Remodeling Painting • Decks and much more! • Insured
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L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE "We get you mowing!" Com/res., all models. 2103 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge. Call (336) 298-4314, landtsmallengineservice.com. APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707.
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JAN. 17 - 23, 2019
ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt. available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035. E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, demolition, lot clearing, excavating, bobcat work, etc. (336) 451-1282. PEARMAN QUARRY HAULING Fill dirt, gravel, sand rock, mulch & more. Joel Richardson, (336) 803-2195.
LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Lawn maint, landscaping. Irrigation/ landscape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 years exp. (336) 399-7764. SOUTHERN CUTS LAWN CARE, complete lawn maintenance services. 13 years experience. Nathan Adkins, (336) 500-1898. ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875. STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. Free est. Lic./Ins. 30 yrs. exp. Bucket truck & chipper, total cleanup. Selective thinning & lot clearing. 24-hr. ER. (336) 643-1119. NC FORESTRY MULCHING. Environmentally friendly clearing without disrupting the soil! 5-star reviews. Call (336) 362-6181 or visit ncforestrymulching.com.
GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490. ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Bobcat work and more. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. Call Joe at 643-9157. FAY'S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Complete landscape maintenance & hardscaping. Tree work. Reasonable & honest. Call Taylor, (336) 458-6491. CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 643-9332. www.carolinaStumpAndTreeServices.com.
MASONRY SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes. How about a new patio or fire pit? We can help with all of your outdoor living and entertainment spaces! Fire pits, driveways & sidewalks, patios and more! Give us a call at (336) 399-6619 for all your concrete and landscape needs. MASONRY CONCEPTS, brick, block, stone concrete & repairs. Free est. (336) 988-1022, www.masonryconceptsgso.com.
HOME SERVICES
BEK Paint Co. Residential & Commercial David & Judy Long, owners
(336) 931-0600
BEKPaintCompany.com • References Available • Licensed & Insured • All Work Guaranteed
STILL
PERFECTION
PAINTING
Reli-
able, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com. LAWSON'S PAINTING. Custom decks, pressure washing, boat docks, block fill, wood repair, stain work, textured ceilings, sheetrock repair. Call (336) 253-9089. CINDY’S PAINTING. Interior painting, wallpaper removal. References & free estimates available. (336) 708-9155.
PLUMBING BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic. & insured. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924. WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING, Inc. (336) 992-2503. Licensed, insured, bonded. 24/7 service. Plumbing, drain cleaning, well pumps. Give us a call, we do it all! Go to www.webstersplumbing.com for more info.
MISC. SERVICES & PRODUCTS GRILLS, FIRE PITS, tankless water heaters. General home repairs. Call Don Hill, (336) 643-7183.
PAINTING & DRYWALL PAINTING – INTERIOR & EXTERIOR 32 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. No job too small. Insured. Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186. CARLOS & SON PAINTING, interior and exterior. 24 hours/7 days a week. Free estimates, licensed/insured. (336) 669-5210.
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PRESSURE WASHING PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Fully insured. Crystal Clear, www. windowcleaningnc.com (336) 595-2873.
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
MISC. SERVICES
PETS & ANIMAL SVCS.
REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION
ROOFING. Best prices in town! Shingle and metal roofing. Top-notch quality. Res./comm., licensed & insured. Financing available. Belews Creek Construction, (336) 362-6343.
ERRANDS AND MORE, LLC. Providing
PET SITTING
CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC. Residential roofing, rubber flat roofs, roof coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience. Call (336) 643-8191 or (336) 580-3245.
house sitting, pick-up & delivery service for
DOUGLAS CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING, LLC. Custom Builder, sunrooms, garages, additions, kitchens baths. Licensed & Insured, BBB A+ accredited. Free est. Visit www.douglascr.com or call (336) 413-5050. BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 39 years exp. (336) 362-6343. JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com. RENOVATION WORKS, INC. New construction, remodeling, additions, kitchen, bath and decks. We are a locally owned, full-service design and build company, A+ accredited with the BBB. Visit www.myrenovationworks.com or call (336) 427-7391 to start your next project. ORTIZ REMODELING – Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981. KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Specializing in room additions, kitchens & baths, garages, vinyl siding and windows, painting, ceramic tile, laminate, hardwood and linoleum floors, and remodeling of all kinds. No job too small. Free est. Call (336) 362-7469.
ROOFING A.L. CORMAN ROOFING INC. Res. roofing specialist serving Guilford Cty. area since 1983. BBB 25+ years w/ A+ rating. cormanroofinginc.com, (336) 621-6962. RED RHINO ROOFING, based in Oak Ridge, NC. Storm damage specialist experienced with all types of roofing. BBB accredited A and listed with Angie’s List. Call (336) 944-6118, or visit redrhinoroofing.com. KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Residential shingle & metal roofing. Free est. (336) 362-7469.
assistance with general errands for families of all ages ranging from companionship services to transportation to Dr. appts., Rx, meals & groceries. Additional services available. Insured. Follow us on Facebook at Errands and More, LLC. Call Pam at (336) 202-2420.
MADE-TO-ORDER CUSTOM FURNITURE using reclaimed wood, natural-edge slab pieces and metal. (336) 362-8408.
LANDSCAPING & GARDEN EQUIPMENT SALE. 1970 Ford 1500 4wd tractor w/9 attachments. 8hp Troy tiller. 2010 825i John Deere Gator. (336) 601-4949.
Got
stuff? Sell it here in the
classifieds submit your ad at
REAL ESTATE LAND FOR SALE HOMESITE FOR SALE. 1.5-acre lot available in Northern Guilford school district. No HOA or dues. Call (336) 430-9507 anytime.
MISC. FOR SALE
SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered and stacked, 1/2 cord, $80. Call (336) 686-6373.
WENDY COLLINS PET SITTING. Registered & Insured. Follow me on Facebook! Call or text, (336) 339-6845.
MISC. WANTED
HOMESITES FOR SALE. Southern Rockingham county with Summerfield address. Bethany Elementary School. Homesites ranging from two to six acres. Four remaining 10-acre estate sites. Beautifully wooded and open land with gentle terrain. Ponds, streams on some tracts. Now being offered at pre-development 20% discount prices. Call to make appointment to reserve your dream property. Homesites starting at $35,900. Call (336) 430-9507 anytime.
$$$ – WILL PAY CASH for your junk or wrecked
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED
&
Gated access with 24/7 available here camera surveillance We carry moving & shipping supplies
(336) 643-9963 • 8207 B & G Court, Stokesdale
vehicle. For quote, call (336) 552-0328. FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push
We Help Everyone! SELLERS & BUYERS
mowers, tillers, go-carts, ATVs, generators, power washers, chain saws, metal items and electrical items. (336) 689-4167.
PETS & ANIMAL SVCS. AVAILABLE FOR SALE
(336) 643-4248
www.ANewDawnRealty.com
RABBITS FOR SALE, call (336) 362-8408.
Ready for a NEW family member? Visit adoptshelterpets.org to see animals at the Guilford County Animal Shelter in need of a loving home.
REACH OUT TO
IN 26,000 READERS OUR
special-focus section. To reserve your space in the third issue of each month, email advertising@nwobserver.com, or call (336) 644-7035, ext. 11.
... continued on p. 30
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
JAN. 17 - 23, 2019
29
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
HOMES FOR SALE
HOMES FOR SALE
CLASSIC CUSTOM ESTATE
VERSATILE FLOOR PLAN
index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS
Please support
our advertisers, and tell them where you saw their ad!
5602 Feather Court
Former parade home custom built with every detail in mind. Master and second bedroom on main, custom kitchen, bonus rooms, home theatre, fenced area for dogs and 4-car garage! Must see! Offered at $699,000
Nancy J. Hess
nancy.hess@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 215-1820
Otey Construction offers this versatile floor plan w/ 3,600+ sq. ft. well situated on approximately 1 acre. Main level impresses w/ 10’ ceilings & conveniently includes master bedroom suite, second BR w/ full bath and office. Large greatroom w/ fireplace, covered porch w/ grilling deck. Two more BR, second office and large bonus space on second floor. Add’l storage in unfinished basement. 3-car attached garage with people door to back yard.
Jake Letterman (336) 338-0136
ACCOUNTING
LEGAL SERVICES
Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC...... 14
Barbour & Williams Law ....................... 6
AUTOMOTIVE SALES/SERVICES
MEDICAL CARE
Piedmont Truck Tires .......................... 11 Tire Max ............................................. 26 Vestal Buick GMC ................................ 3
CHILDREN’S SERVICES Guardian Ad Litem Program .............. 21
CHIROPRACTOR IRVING PARK OPPORTUNITY
ACREAGE!
Oak Ridge Chiropractic ...................... 10
HEALTH/FITNESS YMCA of Greensboro ......................... 15
Renovation opportunity in sought-after Irving Park. 3,000 +/- sf. on the main level plus a bedroom/bathroom suite with living area on the lower level. Floored attic for storage or expansion. Great opportunity in a well-established area! Offered at $359,000
Nancy J. Hess
nancy.hess@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 215-1820
210 Knightshire Drive, Stokesdale Beautifully updated kitchen offers granite counters & travertine tile! 5BR/5BA/3-car garage on 16+ acres. Large MBR w/sitting room, updated master bath & private bonus. Finished basement w/kitchen & private entry is ideal for in-law/teen suite. Additional wired detached garage! $550,000
Gail Kerber
LeBauer HealthCare........................5,20 Wake Forest Baptist – Summerfield .... 19
ORTHODONTICS Olmsted Orthodontics ........................ 20
PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ............... 14 Northwest Animal Hospital ................ 10 Westergaard Kennels ........................... 8
REAL ESTATE
HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES
A New Dawn Realty .......................... 29
BEK Paint Company ........................... 28
Gail Kerber, KERBAPPEALS ...............30
Budget Blinds .................................... 14
Jake Letterman, Berkshire Hathaway ...30
Carpets by Direct ............................... 23
Jeremiah & Maggie Hawes, BHHS ....... 9
Eanes Heating & Air ............................. 2
Nancy Hess, BHHS Yost & Little .........30
Old School Home Repair ................... 28
Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams ............. 3
Prostone Inc. ..................................... 18 Stokesdale Heating & Air ..................... 7
RETAIL
Stokesdale Storage ............................. 29
Clouds Tobacco .................................. 13
CDPE, ABR, SPS, SLS Realtor®/Broker/Owner
(336) 327-1165 kerbappeals@gmail.com
Realtors, get your real estate listings noticed “ by placing showcase ads in our classifieds. Contact me for more info.” Laura Reneer, marketing manager
The Northwest Observer is on Facebook, and over 13,000 of your neighbors are connected with us. facebook.com/NorthwestObserver
(336) 644-7035, ext. 11 • advertising@nwobserver.com
30 30
JAN. - 23, 2019 JAN. 1717- 23, 2019
Northwest Observer • Totally TheThe Northwest Observer • Totally local local since since 19961996
...to the following new
advertisers who have recently joined us: Strive Performance & Fitness Triad Insurance Partners Inc. Wake Forest Baptist Health - Summerfield
Clouds Tobacco Jeremiah & Maggie Hawes, Berkshire Hathaway - Yost & Little Murphy Wainer Orthopedic Specialists
...and to these advertisers who have renewed their partnership with us: Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital Borden Dentistry Builders MD By the Book Accounting Eanes Heating & Air Forbis & Dick Stokesdale Gladwell Insurance Nature’s Select (formerly New Garden Select) New Garden Landscaping & Nursery Northwest Animal Hospital
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since 2008 since 2010 since 2009 since 2014 since 2018 since 2008 since 2008 since 2016 since 2003 since 2003
Oak Ridge United Methodist Church Old School Home Repair Piedmont Truck Tires, Inc. Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams Rymack Storage Stokesdale Family Pharmacy Stokesdale Storage The Law Office of Susan P. Greeson Vestal Buick GMC, Inc. YMCA of Greensboro
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since 2002 since 2008 since 2013 since 2010 since 2017 since 2018 since 2007 since 2016 since 2011 since 2009
...and welcome back:
Alpha Weight Loss Cole Pottery
Kernersville Arts & Crafts Guild Cass Jewelers
The Northwest Observer is delivered to you free each week thanks to the advertising of these businesses, churches and organizations, and all those that advertise with us each year. Come with us to more than 13,800 homes each week.
Contact us for advertising information: (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 | advertising@nwobserver.com
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