Northwest Observer / May 14-20, 2020

May 14 - 20, 2020

www.nwobserver.com

bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996

Armed to the teeth

RIDING FOR SENIORS! Photo courtesy of Reynolds Orthodontics

 Reynolds Orthodontics reopened its Summerfield and Greensboro practices this week, with staff wearing extra protective gear. Shown in photo, from left, are assistants Leslee Pegg, Kathy East, Dr. Mark Reynolds, Lindsey Barnett and Deanna Wagner.

Dentists and orthodontists by CHRIS BURRITT resume performing normal NW GUILFORD – Dr. Mark Reynolds and the staff of his Summerprocedures this week, field orthodontics practice resumed greeting patients with adjusting braces and other routine thermometers, fogging procedures this week. But it’s far from a return to normalcy for dental and machines and hydrogen orthodontic offices and their patients. peroxide mouthwash Precautions to minimize the risks to minimize risks of of spreading COVID-19 start in the parking lot, where many practices spreading COVID-19

IN THIS ISSUE Oak Ridge Town Council meeting ................2 Council to discuss future town hall ................3 Your Questions .................................................4 Thanks, Mom!...................................................8

are checking patients’ temperatures before allowing them inside. This past Monday, Reynolds Orthodontics canceled and rescheduled the appointment of a teenage patient after the thermometer measured her temperature as 101.9, signaling that she may be ill and contagious.

“Our new protocols kept her out of the treatment area, reduc-

...continued on p. 6

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

 Northern Guilford principal Janiese McKenzie is riding 13 ¾-mile laps around the school grounds each weekday to honor her graduating seniors. See photo essay on p. 14.

NWO Kids’ Korner........................................... 10

Crime/Incident Report | Calendar ........... 18

Students get first-hand history lessons ........ 11

Grins and Gripes ........................................... 19

“It’s a great day to whup cancer!” ............. 12

Classifieds ......................................................20

Northern Guilford principal rides for seniors...14

Index of Advertisers ......................................23

Student Profile ................................................ 15

NWO On The Go / Staycation ......................24

OAK RIDGE town council

May 7 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT United Methodist Church, offered the invocation. Due to the remote meeting format, the council conducted an abbreviated meeting and heard reports from only two representatives of the more than 10 committees and community organizations that typically provide updates on their activities.

Mayor Ann Schneider called the monthly meeting to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan, Doug Nodine and Martha Pittman participating remotely. Council members used the Zoom application to take part in the meeting, which was conducted over the internet due to current social distancing measures which prohibit public gatherings of more than 10 people.

 5  0 to approve the meeting

consent agenda consisting of five topics, including approval of the April 2 meeting minutes and Finance Officer Sam Anders’ monthly report.

Schneider explained how the spread of the coronavirus has led to the cancelation of most committee meetings and limited access to Town Hall.

 5  0 to approve (in separate

votes) the annual financial audit contract with accounting firm Dixon Hughes Goodman, and appointment

Rev. Alan Mears, pastor of Bethel

WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted: Mayor Ann Schneider, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan, Doug Nodine and Martha Pittman met May 7 via Zoom.

Below are some of the key items they voted on...

 5  0: Approve the consent agenda consisting of five topics, including

authorizing town staff to request proposals from contractors interested in operating and maintaining a proposed municipal water system.

 5  0: Approve a report detailing the master plan for improvements of

the Whitaker property, part of the town’s application for a $450,000 matching state grant

of Kelly Riddle as the Oak Ridge Youth Association’s representative to the town’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

town staff to request proposals from contractors interested in operating and maintaining a proposed municipal water system.

tobacco use ordinance to prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes in townowned or leased buildings, vehicles and grounds including Town Park.

The contractor would work with town staff and the council in determining whether to proceed with the water system. Over the past year, the council has been evaluating whether to

By consent, the council authorized

...continued on p. 4

 5  0 to amend Oak Ridge’s

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Council to discuss future town hall May 19

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield Town Council plans to discuss the possibility of building a new town hall during its May 19 meeting, which will be closed to the public due to social distancing restrictions.

The 6:30 p.m. meeting will be held in Summerfield Community Center, where attendance will be limited to council members and town staff to abide by Gov. Roy Cooper’s order limiting public gatherings to 10 or fewer people, according to Town Manager Scott Whitaker.

The public can view the meeting by watching a live stream on the town’s Facebook page.

The council canceled its meeting in April and delayed its meeting this month by one week on the chance that virus-related restrictions would be eased.

“I think the intent was to give a little cushion in case we could possibly be back to normal meeting parameters,” Whitaker said in an email last week.

The agenda for the upcoming meeting includes two major items: discussion of new meeting space and a draft budget for the fiscal year starting July 1.

The council decided during its annual strategic planning retreat in February to explore the possibility of building new space for town staff and public meetings. Because the meeting room in Town Hall at N.C. 150 and Summerfield Road is too small for the council to hold its monthly meetings, the town rents space in Summerfield Community Center on Centerfield Road for its regular meetings as well as other town-related meetings and events.

The proposed fiscal 2020-21 budget earmarks $100,000 for hiring an architect to begin designing a new town hall with meeting space.

The allocation wouldn’t cover all architectural costs, Whitaker said.

The budget sets aside another $400,000 for construction services related to the building.

The money would pay for costs next fiscal year, with remaining expenses covered in the budget for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2021, according to Whitaker.

“By far the largest project is a new town hall and the budgeted amount reflects a starting point – securing a new architect and early construction,” Whitaker wrote last month when he released the line-item draft budget.

Completion of the project would extend into the fiscal year starting July 1, 2021, he noted.

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The draft budget proposes that Summerfield keep its property tax rate of 2.75 cents per $100 of property valuation, the same as it has been since July 1, 2014.

The council has scheduled a special called meeting May 28 to present a full draft of the budget, which Whitaker noted will “likely” have undergone changes by then. Council members will consider residents’ viewpoints during the meeting and during a public hearing June 9.

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The $2.15 million draft budget recommends drawing $856,072 from reserves to cover capital improvements.

“Although sales tax projections are down, revenues are expected to cover all operational costs,” Whitaker said.

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TOWN COUNCIL

your QUESTIONS www.nwobserver.com /northwestobserver @mynwobserver @northwestobserver

OUR TEAM Patti Stokes, editor/publisher Laura Reneer, marketing manager Kelli Jessup, publisher’s assistant Rene Collins, administrative assistant Yvonne Truhon, graphic designer Leon Stokes, IT director Lucy Smith, finance manager Linda Schatz, distribution Chris Burritt, staff writer; Helen Ledford, Meredith Barkley, Lily Pierce and Annette Joyce, contributing writers

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MAY 14 - 20, 2020

It’s been six months since Oak Ridge Fire Chief Steve Simmons left the fire department, and his replacement still hasn’t been hired. What’s the holdup?

We spoke to Kyle Anders, who serves on the fire department’s Board of Directors and took over as interim chief when Simmons departed last November.

The department has received more than five applications for the chief’s job, but board members haven’t reviewed them yet because they’re reluctant to meet amid the COVID-19 outbreak, according to Anders.

“Everything is on hold due to the virus,” he said.

Requirements for the chief’s job are posted on the homepage of the fire department’s website at oakridgencfire.com. The chief “shall be on call seven days a week,” it said.

“This position will require a number of odd time periods of involvement due to the duties associated with it.”

The chief’s salary is based upon experience and comes with medical, insurance and other benefits, according to the job posting. The department has extended the initial March 6 deadline for applications, Anders said.

The department is also advertising for full-time firefighters after three firemen, including two captains, left the department following Simmons’ departure. The board increased the starting salary for firefighters in January to $36,000 from $32,500 to improve the department’s competitiveness among other departments, Anders said.

Even with three vacant firefighter

...continued from p. 2

positions, Anders said the department’s two stations – Station 15 on Linville Road and Station 51 on Northwest School Road – are adequately staffed by the department’s 15 full-time firefighters; the department also relies on volunteers.

“We have enough,” he said. “Everybody is doing their job.”

Several people we spoke with who are involved with the department and the northwest Guilford firefighting community told us Simmons’ departure had created tension between the former chief’s supporters and detractors on the board and within the department; however, they declined to speak on the record out of respect for those who remain with the department.

Simmons also declined to discuss the circumstances surrounding his departure. The Board of Directors discussed the chief’s future with the department during a closed session Nov. 19 and emerged to report that Simmons had “asked to take early retirement,” Anders said. “We granted him his request.”

email your questions to:

questions@nwobserver.com or submit at nwobserver.com

establish a system that would initially serve new subdivisions with 30 or more houses. The request for proposals would seek bids from firms to run the system, including customer service and billing services, according to a memo

by Town Manager Bill Bruce.

If the town establishes a water system, users of existing private and community wells wouldn’t be required to connect to it.

NEW BUSINESS Bandera Farms, Piedmont Greenway. Palmer McIntyre, Piedmont Land Conservancy’s conservation planner, told the council a proposal for creating a public trails preserve on 113 acres on Bunch Road known as Bandera Farms would include about five miles of equestrian trails, along with hiking trails and possibly mountain bike trails.

“It’s not often parcels of land that could have so many community benefits and uses come on the market like this,” she said, referring to the tract in Summerfield that’s bounded by Bunch Road, Interstate 73 and Reedy Fork Creek.

The Piedmont Greenway, a 19-mile trail that will run from Greensboro to

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The Piedmont Land Conservancy (PLC) has agreed to purchase the Bandera Farms tract for $575,000, and is asking Oak Ridge to contribute $50,000 toward the purchase.

The group is asking Summerfield for $100,000 and Guilford County and the city of Greensboro for about $150,000 each, McIntyre said. Matching state grants would also help pay for the property and the subsequent development of the recreational area.

Although the council took no action on the funding request, Mayor Schneider, Mayor Pro Tem Kinneman and council members McClellan and Pittman expressed support for the Bandera Farms project and the creation of more outdoor recreational opportunities for northwest Guilford County residents.

“It would cement our commitment to open space,” Schneider said.

The PLC faces a Nov. 30 deadline to buy the land from heirs of Dr. Joe Henson, a deceased Greensboro doctor who bought the property in the early 1970s.

Park master plan

 5  0 to approve a report detailing the master plan for improvements of the Whitaker property. The report is part of the town’s application for a matching grant of $450,000 from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.

Over the next three years, Oak Ridge leaders have proposed spending $1.95 million to extend Town Park to the 58-acre Whitaker property on Linville Road it purchased in 2018.

Improvements would begin with grading of the site, followed by building a trail, playing fields, a playground, a picnic shelter and restrooms, according to the plan.

Budget draft update. Bruce told the council that town staff and the town’s Finance Committee are wrapping up a final draft of the proposed budget for the fiscal year starting July 1. The council plans to hold two public hearings to gather feedback about the proposed budget, the first during the council’s monthly meeting June 4 and the second on a yet undetermined date in mid-June, Bruce said.

Reopening of Town Hall. Bruce said town staff has set no date for reopening Town Hall as it evaluates options for social distancing precautions.

People who need to conduct town business in person can make appointments to visit town staff.

The dog park and restrooms at Town Park reopened last Saturday, May 9, while playgrounds remain closed.

COMMUNITY UPDATES Special Events. Town Clerk Sandra Smith presented the committee’s plans for building a veterans’ memorial, with a possible groundbreaking scheduled for May 2021.

Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Smith also presented this committee’s report, stating efforts are underway to encourage Boy Scouts pursuing their Eagle ranking to perform trail improvements as their Eagle Scout project.

COUNCIL COMMENTS  Council members thanked town staff for “operating under new territory” and conducting business under the restraints of COVID-19 precautions that prompted the closing of Town Hall.  Schneider said she hopes the council will be able to conduct its June 4 meeting in Town Hall, with virus-related precautions in place.

After making closing comments, the council adjourned the meeting around 8 p.m.

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5

ARMED TO THE TEETH

ferent beast out there. It is an opportunity for us to rethink how we have been doing things.”

ing exposure to everyone else,” said Jill Reynolds, who helps her husband run his offices in Summerfield and Greensboro. The precautions give “patients the peace of mind that their risks are being minimized while still being able to receive the treatment they need.”

For nearly two months, dental and orthodontic practices were closed, except for emergency treatments, due to the threat of the coronavirus in a doctor-patient environment where social distancing isn’t possible. The industry followed the recommendations of the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners, which oversees licensing and disciplinary actions for dentists in the state, and the American Dental Association to postpone elective and non-urgent care.

The closing of practices in midMarch has led to the cancelation and rescheduling of thousands of appointments, according to doctors who are now rebooking them as they adjust to the new precautions they’re introducing to returning patients.

“If you had asked me if this would ever happen, I would have said certainly not,” said Dr. Cassandre Joseph, owner of Odyssey Dental of Summerfield.

“We’re open one day, completely fine, and the next day we’re shut down. It took everyone by surprise.”

Even so, the temporary shutdown gave Dr. Joseph and other doctors the opportunity to install air filtration and purification equipment and introduce new safety procedures. The steps put even greater emphasis on controlling the spread of germs in an industry already vigilant about sterilization due to the fingers-in-the-mouth requirements of what they do.

“In the dental setting, we’ve always maintained very strict infection control and sterilization protocols,” said Dr. Brian Bartlett, of Mitchell, Bartlett & Bell Orthdontics, with offices in Greensboro and Kernersville. “But this is a dif-

Forty-four people have died from the coronavirus in Guilford County, representing 6.6 percent of the 670 cases of the illness confirmed by laboratory testing, according to a tally by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as of this past Wednesday, May 13. Statewide, 597 people have died amid 15,816 confirmed cases.

...continued from p. 1

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MAY 14 - 20, 2020

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Last week, Gov. Roy Cooper relaxed emergency restrictions aimed at checking the spread of the illness. The latest stay-at-home order went into effect at 5 p.m. last Friday, May 8, prompting dental and orthodontic practices to resume seeing patients for normal care this week.

“Some patients are very nervous to step back out in the world; some are very much ready,” said Dr. Beth Borden, owner of Borden Family Dentistry in Summerfield. “Both sets of patients have been thoughtful, respectful and careful to adhere to the guidelines of social distancing and our office protocols.”

For Dr. Borden and her colleagues, it’s anything but business as normal.

Doctors are requiring patients to notify them of their arrival by phone call or text. Temperature checks are now mandatory, as is the completion of questionnaires assessing whether patients may have been exposed to COVID-19.

Paperwork is going paperless, with processing of forms and payment for services taking place online. Some practices have closed their waiting rooms or spread out seating while asking family members to remain in their cars while their relatives are treated.

In a social media post and an email to parents earlier this week, High Point Pediatric Dentistry said patients three years and older are required to enter the practice alone. “We understand some parents may not be comfortable with this protocol,” the email said. “We hope this is a temporary measure, but it is impor-

tant to follow for our initial reopening.”

The High Point practice said it plans to resume normal operations in phases, starting with appointments for 25 or 30 patients a day whereas it had seen as many as 70 daily. It plans to increase the number of appointments based upon COVID-19 trends and recommendations of organizations such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the American Dental Association.

“I hope we can eventually practice closer to what we had before,” said Dr. Joseph, the Summerfield dentist.

“But I know it’s going to be a new normal. It’s never going to be the same.”

Along with other doctors, Joseph is requiring patients to wash their hands when they enter the practices and then to rinse their mouths with diluted hydrogen peroxide. Clinical studies have shown that hydrogen peroxide has proved effective in oxidizing the virus, making it less harmful but not eliminating its risks, according to the American Dental Association.

Patients are required to apply hand sanitizers and wear masks except when they’re undergoing treatment. They’re also asked to notify the practices if they come down with any flu-like symptoms, such as fever, in the 14 days after their appointments.

For doctors and their staffs, face masks and shields, gowns and gloves are now standard equipment that they replace between patients. “It makes it a little more difficult to work with so much on our bodies, but it’s OK if that’s what it takes to protect our patients,” said Joseph, who along with her staff changes into her scrubs when she arrives at work.

“Protecting ourselves is the best way to protect the patient,” said Dr. Ben Weston, who owns Summerfield Family Dentistry with his wife, Jenny, also a dentist. As a safety measure for themselves and their staff, the Westons use handheld devices that capture aerosols escaping from patients’ mouths during treatment.

The couple installed equipment in the heating and air conditioning systems of their practice to reduce bacteria, mold and viruses while placing air purifiers throughout the clinic.

Weston said he’s ordered a fogging machine for spraying hydrogen peroxide mist on chairs, counter tops and floors.

“We’re going to fog the rooms between patients,” he said.

Technology allowing patients to talk to doctors remotely has proved to be “an invaluable tool during the temporary closure of our office,” said Dr. Bartlett, who reviews photographs uploaded by patients in virtual visits with them and their parents.

Unlike dentistry that assesses the oral health of patients every six months or so, orthodontics requires more frequent supervision of braces and other devices that shift the growth of teeth and jaws. Connecting remotely allows doctors to “troubleshoot issues without patients having to come into the office,” Dr. Bartlett said.

“As our office gradually re-opens over the next several weeks and months,” he said, “we anticipate that many patients will continue to choose virtual consults and progress checks as a convenient option for us to supervise their treatment progress in between adjustment appointments in our office.”

Loosening of the new precautions will depend upon how quickly COVID-19 retreats as a threat, according to doctors who said the discovery of a vaccine for the virus may take months or longer.

“I don’t think this thing is going to be gone in the foreseeable future,” Dr. Weston said.

Now that precautions have been introduced, some are likely to become standard in practices, Dr. Borden said.

“We feel this has created an increased level and sense of safety for our patients and staff as we continue forward,” she said. “We are obligated to adhere to strict protocols to ensure safety and effective care.”

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7

Thanks, Mom!

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We ran out of space last week before running out of Mother’s Day tributes.

Thanks to those who contributed your thoughts on what you learned from and/or loved and appreciated about your mothers – the following are the rest of the tributes we received.

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Sophie Barkley, mother of Meredith Barkley Mom died 20 years ago, the day after Mother’s Day and three months after my father had died. Mom’s death wasn’t unexpected – she’d had lots of medical problems – but I remember feeling a sense of profound loss. Both parents gone in a flash. I was in my early 50s by then, but remember feeling like an orphan.

We lived hours apart, but when something happened in my life, I’d call to update Mom. She was always happy to hear from me and it was comforting just to know she was there. For several months after her death, as things happened I’d think: “I’ll have to tell Mom about that.” Then I’d stop myself. No longer possible. But I’d like to think that somehow in the mysterious great beyond she remains with me and that she knows how much I still love her and miss her.

Meredith Barkley, CASWELL COUNTY Meredith Barkley is a part-time writer for PS Communications

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MAY 14 - 20, 2020

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Lily Pierce (left) and her mother, Rynn McGee Pierce Things I learned from/love about my mom – 1. Appreciating fashion while also being thrifty. We never bought fullpriced items from the store displays, rather scoured sales racks and watched out for BOGO deals. When I got to high school, she took me to the trendy stores, but we still hunted good deals. Going to thrift stores is also a

favorite pastime for us.

agreed with those choices.

2. Her love of church. My mom is deeply devoted to the church. Our family is there every time the doors are open. Though a relationship with Jesus was something I had to develop for myself, she raised me to love the church – my church family, the music, the Sunday morning service, the people we serve in our community, holding leadership roles in the church, etc.

And I love my mom’s sense of adventure! At age 76, she still travels, and even spent a week at Yellowstone with my husband Dave and I last summer. She loves to hike, learn, meet new people and experience new adventures.

3. How she responds to small emergencies (like my getting a flat tire while driving). I’ve always admired this about my mom: she will “drop the world” with no hesitation to help a loved one. If I end up in a bind, I know she will come to my rescue without complaining, whether she’s five minutes or 45 minutes away.

Most of us hate to be inconvenienced at the last minute, forgetting what matters most (our loved ones’ safety and wellbeing). I strive to have the same attitude.

Lily Pierce, SUMMERFIELD Lily Pierce is a part-time writer for PS Communications

Laura Reneer, STOKESDALE Laura Reneer is PS Communications’ marketing manager

Laura Reneer (right), with her mother and daughter, Jessica (left)

As the oldest of my mother’s five children, I thought I would get some testimony to encapsulate what our mom means to us. First, my own.

I love that my mom is always there for me. Through good times and arguments, she always has my back. She is understanding and kind, and she works very hard to provide experiences to myself and my siblings. She is our emotional rock and the epitome of what it means to be a good mother.

Her second oldest child (and her oldest daughter) said this about her: “Mom is hardworking, loving and supportive, no matter what. She always makes time for everything and has a smile on her face.

She allows me to follow my passions and pushes me to be a better person.”

My mom passed on to me a love of growing things. I grew up on a farm in central Illinois, where my mom still lives with my youngest sister and her family (six kids!), and she has always had a huge garden and lots of flowers! She loves to share her perennials with fellow gardeners, and is not shy about snapping off a seed head here and there so she can grow something new.

My mom loves her 12 grandchildren, ranging in age from 5 to 27. She has always supported them in their choices, even when she may not have

Jennifer Miller of Stokesdale, the mother of five children

Her next oldest daughter said: “Mom means the world to me. She is always nice and understanding. She does things for other people and puts them before herself. She is just the best.”

...continued on p. 17

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9

r e n r o K ’ s Kid for local kids local fun

Mystery Numbers Can you match each number with its correct clue?

Remember, you’ll only use each number once!

81 44

23 25

13 37

94 50

A number that has 7 tens

A number that is between 42 and 67

A number that has 9 tens

A number equal to 100 divided by 4

A number that is between 13 and 23

A number that is closest to 86

A number equal to 12 more than 11

A number one less than 19 doubled

A number that is closest to 56

A number equal to 1/2 of 26

79 18

Thank you to the Town of Summerfield for making this week’s Kids’ Korner page possible

keeping you connected and informed facebook > Town of Summerfield, NC website > www.summerfieldnc.gov email > clerk@summerfieldnc.gov phone > 336-643-8655

Middle school students, senior citizens share personal perspectives on past and present historical events

by PATTI STOKES

Berlin Blockade, Berlin Wall, Space Race, Arms Race, Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam or Korean War – or even the Red Scare/ McCarthy era – will help my students assimilate this generation’s hopes and fears, successes and failures with the facts,” Rickerts explained.

Thanks to NWMS teacher Beth Rickerts and her seventh-grade social studies students for their contributions to this article Seventh-grade social studies teacher Beth Rickerts wanted to give her students at Northwest Guilford Middle School an opportunity to learn about history from a personal perspective, while also journaling about their own experiences of living through a pandemic and historical event.

“In our World History class, we analyze primary sources to help us learn and understand history from different viewpoints. What better way to learn history than to read it from someone’s personal experience?” Rickerts wrote in an email to the Northwest Observer recently. “Knowing that many of our senior citizens are cut off from visitors during this stay-at-home order, I thought about how to reach out to them to brighten their day. Perhaps in return, my students will receive some priceless knowledge.”

Students were asked to either mail their letter to the school, or drop it off in the handmade seventh-grade mailbox outside the school entrance.

Photo courtesy of Beth Rickerts

As part of a social studies assignment, 60 Northwest Guilford Middle School students recently wrote letters to residents of Well-Spring Retirement Community and asked them to share their experiences of living through historical events in the second half of the 20th century.

While working with her students virtually, Rickerts guided them through a letter-writing campaign. Her lesson began with the basics of how to properly write and address “friendly” letters, with students assisted by templates – “and of course, our wonderful parents,” Rickerts wrote.

In these letters, which were written to residents of

Well-Spring Retirement Community in Greensboro, students introduced themselves and asked if the resident would be willing to share memories from the second half of the 20th century.

“We are just beginning to study many of the different facets of the Cold War era, and it is my hope that reading a first-hand account of their memories, emotions or experiences living in the time of the

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Before responses started to arrive, her students offered their feedback on what they gained from the letter-writing assignment.

“I wrote my letter not knowing what will come back or what will happen… It was weird writing to someone I didn’t know, but I’m looking forward to hearing from them soon,” Payton GoodyKoontz wrote. “This assignment was really sweet, and I hope this helps the seniors who can’t see their families during this tough time.”

...continued on p. 16

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Rickerts was excited when over 60 of her students mailed or dropped off a letter within a week of the assignment. After taking the letters to Well-Spring, Garrett Saake, the retirement community’s director of resident relations, worked with Rickerts to distribute the letters to residents.

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11

‘It’s a great day to whup cancer’ Middle school math teacher in midst of treatments for lymphoma grateful for support, optimistic about prospects for full recovery

by PATTI STOKES NW GUILFORD – Jeff Sasser’s school year got underway last August much like those of previous years. The seventh-grade math teacher known for his enthusiastic approach to teaching and “sarcastic” and endless supply of humor looked forward to his 24th year of teaching and his 11th year at Northwest Guilford Middle School.

His lesson plans were ready to launch and the familiar quote outside the door to his classroom reflected a sentiment he hoped would resonate with his new students: “The more I learn, the more excited I get.”

It promised to be another good school year, and his classroom, with its back wall painted a distinctive shade of lime green and accented by a silhouette of one his favorite musicians, Johnny Cash, would soon be filled with the boundless energy of seventh graders.

The first few months of the fall semester flew by, with Sasser putting in his typical 10- to 11-hour workdays and

often going into his classroom a few hours on Sundays to prepare for the week to come. All was well … until midOctober, when the 52-year-old began “chasing symptoms” that were at first only mildly troublesome – like night sweats. By mid-December those symptoms were becoming more pronounced and he was feeling unusually fatigued, with flu-like aches and mild chest pains.

By January he was diagnosed with anemia, and more symptoms and more medical tests followed. On Jan. 17 his doctor said he wanted to see him again in a week.

Sunday morning, Jan. 19, is a day he said he’ll never forget. He woke up feeling extremely weak, as though he had just run a marathon.

“I was finally able to make it into my 17-year-old son’s room and told him, ‘Adam, you’ve got to get up, man. I need you to take me to the emergency room,’” he said.

Sasser’s mother, who lives in Durham, drove with his older brother to meet them at the hospital. After multiple diagnostic tests were run, the family received news Sasser said he hadn’t been prepared for: “You have lymphoma.”

“I felt like the air was sucked out of the room,” he recalls of the moment he got the diagnosis.

Photo courtesy of Jeff Sasser

Northwest Guilford Middle School teacher Jeff Sasser receives a cancer treatment at Cone Health MedCenter in High Point. Diagnosed with cancer on Jan. 19, Sasser has passed the half-way point in his treatment program and hopes to be back at school teaching seventh-grade math again this fall.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Photo courtesy of Jeff Sasser

Northwest Guilford Middle School teachers Brian Snipes (left) and Jeff Sasser are enthusiastic participants in the school’s annual “Costume Day.” Shown here, Snipes is dressed as Harry and Sasser as Lloyd, the main characters in the 1994 comedy movie “Dumb and Dumber.” bring him meals and vowed to help keep his spirits up.

In the last few months Sasser has been simultaneously undergoing two treatment plans, one a six-treatment regime spaced 21 days apart and administered on an outpatient basis at Cone Health MedCenter in High Point; fortunately, he said he hasn’t experienced nausea as some patients do, but is extremely fatigued after each treatment.

The following day, a teacher workday, Sasser said he got to work early and emailed John Steger, one of the school’s assistant principals, and principal Ashley Young to tell them the news. He spent the rest of the day telling other co-workers and friends, all of whom quickly assured him they would be there to help him through whatever was to come.

As substitutes were lined up to teach Sasser’s classes, supporters signed on to

The second includes three treatments of high-dose chemotherapy administered at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center that requires a three-day hospital stay each time. With that one, he’s experienced extreme sensitivity to temperatures.

The cancer in his bones is painful and causes stiffness in his right ankle and a pronounced limp. As expected, his brown hair has fallen out (not surprisingly for his age, what’s coming back in is gray). He considers himself fortunate the side effects of his cancer and the treatments to eradicate it haven’t been more severe.

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“The first time I went to Baptist, I signed in and got a number. In the waiting area there were probably 50 or 60 people, and half of them were there for cancer treatments,” he said. “I was overwhelmed with the sense of how much hurt there is in this world. The first 52 years of my life, other than hernia surgery, I’ve been a healthy person. If you are healthy, you kind of take it for granted until something like this rattles your cage.”

His mother, a nurse for over 50 years, stayed with him and his two sons for the first several weeks after his diagnosis as he settled into his new normal of cancer treatments, recovery from treatments, and more treatments. Faithful friends and coworkers have continued to offer encouragement and he mentions a T-shirt they had made for him that reads, “We hope cancer gives you secret powers” on the front and “We’ve got your back” on the back.

Phone calls, emails and texts to let him know he’s not alone in his journey have been greatly appreciated. One of the messages Sasser received was from a

...continued on p. 16

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young man he taught as a seventh grader during a time the student’s father was battling cancer. Sasser gets emotional when he talks about how touched he was to hear from his former student, who just finished his sophomore year at N.C. State.

“As a teacher, it’s your job to build others up,” he said, admitting it’s been humbling and a learning experience to be on the receiving end of that encouragement. “I’ve had so much support from Northwest Middle – some of those people are like family to me.”

On April 17, his 53rd birthday and the day after his half-way treatment plan checkpoint, he got a call from one of his doctors who told him his latest scan looked “really, really good.”

At hearing the news, Sassser, a notorious joker, said he told his doctor, “It was wise of you to call me because I feel the overwhelming urge to kiss you right now.

Good thing you’re all the way in High Point and I’m not supposed to see you for two weeks – by then the urge will have passed and you’ll be safe.”

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13

Coming

June 11

Northern Guilford principal Janiese McKenzie

Rides for Seniors

through June 4, 2020

Class of 2020 edition To celebrate high school seniors in our readership area, PS Communications proudly presents

“Onward and Upward,”

a special tribute to the high school Class of 2020.

Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO

On May 12, Northern Guilford senior Nic Hasler and his parents, along with Sharon Genwright, mother of senior Josh Genwright, and Tammy Harris, mother of senior Amelia Harris, cheer principal Janiese McKenzie on as she rides laps around the school grounds to honor this year’s graduating seniors. McKenzie (right) is riding 13 ¾-mile laps around the school grounds each weekday to honor Northern’s Class of 2020. publishe d by ps

commun ications

Highlight your high school senior’s milestone by placing an ad in Onward and Upward

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by May 25 Individuals contact (336) 644- 7035, ext. 16 celebrations@nwobserver.com

Businesses contact (336) 644- 7035, ext. 11 laura@nwobserver.com

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MAY 14 - 20, 2020

If this had been a “normal” school year, Northern Guilford High School seniors would have had their final exams behind them and looking forward to end-ofhigh-school celebrations. In the midst of a pandemic, however, schools closed in mid-March and sports seasons, proms and all other end-of-school-year activities were cancelled – including the graduation ceremony that was to be on June 5.

As she reflected on how she could individually honor her seniors in a special way, Northern Guilford principal Janiese McKenzie decided to go back to a previous love – cycling. A former basketball player and triathlete, she had fallen out of an exercise regimen in more recent years due to knee problems and a busy schedule as a high school administrator. A few years ago, she bought a new bicycle with the intention of taking up cycling again; it had barely been used … until last month.

That’s when McKenzie decided to dust off her bike and ride ¾-mile laps around the school grounds every weekday at 2:15 p.m. Over the course of several weeks, she will have ridden one lap for each senior. She’s up to 13 laps a day and plans to finish June 4, the day before her seniors were to receive their diplomas in a graduation ceremony.

Attached to McKenzie’s bicycle is a card with the

See video of Mrs. McKenzie riding for her seniors at Facebook.com/NorthwestObserver

A large rock near Northern Guilford’s entrance has been painted in honor of the school’s Class of 2020. names of each of the 13 seniors she is honoring that day, and as she begins each lap she announces the senior’s name while a small group of seniors and parents cheer her on. As she rides each lap, she reflects on the senior’s high school journey and sends them well wishes for the future. Realizing she can’t replace the graduation ceremony they won’t have, she hopes a few moments in a quiet spotlight is something they can appreciate as a heartfelt substitute.

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NORTHWEST GUILFORD

freshman year done.

Trevor Phelps, tennis

“It’s a flexible schedule, which is great,” said the Northwest senior.

by MEREDITH BARKLEY

He said he’ll likely be headed to N.C. State in the fall and his major will involve biology and science. His favorite class at Northwest: an AP biology class he took last year.

Trevor Phelps, who plays the No. 2 court for Northwest Guilford tennis, is earning college credit through a program that had him at Guilford Technical Community College for some classes.

By the time he graduates this spring, he’ll have most of his college

“I think it’s interesting to learn about the inner workings of the body,” Phelps said. “It’s interesting to understand the amount of work your body does every day to keep you alive.”

He’s thinking about a medical career, he said, but worries what schooling would cost.

“I don’t want to graduate and be in

debt until I’m 50 years old,” Phelps said.

For the moment, though, he’s finishing up a senior year like no other.

Efforts to slow spread of the coronavirus has ended spring sports, shuttered schools and canceled or brought into question such long-dreamed-of events as prom and graduation.

“Obviously, it’s extremely disappointing,” Phelps said. “Your senior year, you’re supposed to go out with a bang, see your teammates one last time, sort of have that as your final memory. It’s pretty much like everything we worked for four years, we’re pretty much not going to have it.”

As disappointing as it is, though, he said he understands.

“It’s unfortunate, but it’s not like it’s anybody’s fault,” he said. “It’s better to get rid of it (the virus) now than have it drag on for years. I agree with the actions they’ve taken.”

Despite the way this season ended,

tennis is the kind of sport folks can play for decades and Phelps figures he’ll be doing just that.

Since he started playing at around age 12, it’s pretty much been a yearround sport. During the spring he played for the Vikings. The rest of the year he’s with the Cardinal Tennis Club.

“I think it’s a well-rounded sport,” Phelps said. “You’re out there by yourself.

You can always come back in a match, no matter how far down you are.”

He said he learned a lot from the two weeks he volunteered the last few summers as a teaching assistant at the Natural Science Center, where he worked mostly with 10- to 13-year-olds.

“Every year the kids would teach me something new,” said Phelps, who was on the robotics staff. “Some of (the kids) had a lot of prior knowledge. They would be very good at building and programming the robot. It was a really good learning experience.”

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STUDENTS, SENIOR CITIZENS SHARE PERSPECTIVES ...continued from p. 11

Marilyn Beamon admitted she initially thought the friendly letter-writing activity was “busy work,” but said it simultaneously helped her see the bigger picture of life during the Cold War.

my opinion,” Kyler wrote. “It was a little weird to write it because it was to a random person who I’ve never met. It wasn’t too weird, though, because I’ve written letters before, so that helped. I’m hoping to get a response soon.”

“The thought of writing a letter and sending it to a stranger was petrifying,” she admitted, but as she began to write, questions arose in her mind, like, “Who would get the letter?” and “What would they think about my letter?”

Rickerts said this past Monday she picked up 26 letters from the Well-Spring residents who have already responded to her students. As she put them in envelopes addressed to her students, she read over them.

The act of writing a letter was also a novelty for her, she said.

“Never was I informed about the steps of mailing a letter,” she wrote to her teacher.

“Nowadays if I need to ask a favor from someone, I just text them… I believe the friendly letter assignment will help senior citizens through COVID-19, and will act as a distraction for our senior citizens and maybe help get rid of stress and anxiety about the pandemic.”

Kyler Morris said in his letter he asked questions about the senior citizen’s life, but also shared things about his life.

“It also helps them interact with people outside of their quarantine, which is cool in

“One lady said her husband had just been moved to a higher level of care and she found herself with lots of time on her hands and was glad to have something to do,” Rickerts wrote in a follow-up email to the Northwest Observer.

“Another described her time at the home now.

They have to wear masks if they leave their rooms, but their dinner is delivered to them so she can’t complain!

“Many were veterans and discussed their time of service or a family member’s service… I hope the kids are as excited as I am and hopefully for my seventh-graders, they will get to experience the joy of checking the mail for a pen pal letter from a new friend just down the road.”

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‘GOOD DAY TO WHUP CANCER’ ...continued from p. 13

Sasser’s lymphoma was in Stage 1 when it was diagnosed and the odds of a full recovery are heavily in his favor.

“My realization is, I have a 16-year-old son, and an 18-year-old son who is graduating high school and going to Appalachian State next year, and I’ve got a lot to do,” he said as his voice fills with emotion. “And I absolutely believe we’re going to beat this.”

Beth Rickerts, a friend and seventh grade social studies teacher at Northwest Middle School, describes Sasser as “one of the most positive, humble, generous and absolutely hilarious humans I know! He doesn’t hesitate to dress up on costume days (a favorite character is from Dumb and Dumber), wears a bow tie every Tuesday and a funny math T-shirt every Friday.

“He hands out hot cinnamon candy and name tags with the name ‘Sue’ on them for Johnny Cash’s birthday.

“He quotes movies and song lyrics and has the quick wit to answer questions with sarcasm that most seventh graders love.

“He works long hours at school, coming in early and leaving late, and is there every weekend for hours. He is a phenomenal teacher and is known for his humor, his compassion, Johnny Cash trivia and being a fervent N.C. State alumnus.”

On a GoFundMe page Rickerts and her husband, Jay, set up to help offset some of Sasser’s medical expenses, she wrote, “It’s a tough time to be asking people for money...he hesitated to allow this fundraiser. I had to remind him that people want to help, especially in this time of no contact!”

want to help?

Donate at https://www.gofundme.com/f/it-is-a-great-day-to-whupcancer. To send words of encouragement, email jeffreysasser@ymail. com (for those who are curious, as I was, the “@ymail” is not a typo).

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THANKS, MOM!

...continued from p. 9 Her fourth child and second son said this: “I like that Mommy reads bedtime stories to me. The best part about Mommy is that she loves me even when I act bad – and she makes me good food, too.”

Her youngest child, a toddler son, said this: “I love Mommy and she plays with me and buys me toys. Mommy teaches me how to be nice.”

As you can see, our mom means the world to us children and I speak for all of us when I say that I don’t know where we would be without her. Thank you, Mom. The Miller children, STOKESDALE

Lucy Smith (right) and her mother, Marie (friends called her “Maritsa”), who passed away eight years ago.

My mother was 94 when she passed away May 3, 2012.

after her mother). That is called “guts,” and I could never compare.

She could do anything, and was extremely smart. She would explain to me in Greek (so I learned the language), or broken English, her reasoning for doing things the way she did – and it was pretty flawless. One of 13 kids, she had a sixth-grade education and later became a seamstress, as that was all the money her dad had for her. She made all my clothes, and consequently, I became extremely particular about exactly how things fit.

My mother was so loving, but still carried the parent’s perspective in correcting me. Above all, she was kind to everyone, even if she didn’t agree with their perspective – not that she didn’t vent to me about her thoughts, because I would hear about them later, but out of respect for the other human being she would not act on those feelings.

She was particular in doing her “job,” and so I learned to become “particular” also.

My dad, also Greek, had all kinds of rental properties. My mother taught herself how to tile a bathroom, fix the plumbing, or whatever was required – she could figure out anything.

She taught herself to read and write English after she came to the United States at age 30 to get out of the utter poverty Greece suffered following WWII. She took a chance after meeting my father on Tuesday, got engaged to him on Wednesday and married him that Saturday. She left family and all behind. She missed her mother terribly, and sadly never got to see her again before her mother died (I was named

Nature’s Select

She once drove 13 hours straight to meet me in Louisiana when I had my first child – just her, by herself at age 70. And we cooked, among other chores – i.e., dealing with a preemie and nurses and needle sticks throughout the night.

I thank God for my mother and wonder why I was so lucky to have her as my mom. She was my best friend and I miss her every single day.

Lynda Williams (left) and her daughter, Lynne Williams DeVaney My mom, Lynda Williams, is my fearless teacher, full of hard-work ethic and drive. She is, and has always been, my biggest cheerleader. She continuously shows unconditional love and support, from knocking on doors during my election campaign to helping me cut down trees at my house and providing late-night support.

My mom has never asked me to do anything she hasn’t done, and encourages me to fight for what I want because the sky is the limit. Mom, you are my rock! I love you forever!

Lynne Williams DeVaney, SUMMERFIELD

Lucy Smith, SUMMERFIELD Lucy Smith is PS Communications’ finance manager

Lynne Williams DeVaney is a Summerfield Town Council member

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MAY 14 - 20, 2020

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mark your

CRIME / INCIDENT report

calendar

District 1 Sheriff’s Office

EVERY TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY

has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest/northern Guilford County ...

ASSAULT May 3 | An assault was reported in the 3900 block of Lewiston Road in northwest Greensboro.

May 6 | An assault was reported in the 4800 block of Oak Forest Drive in Summerfield (near Hamburg Mill Road).

May 8 | An assault was reported in the 3400 block of Windswept Drive in Summerfield (off Strawberry Road).

May 8 | A 20-year-old female and a 23-year-old female were arrested at 2:45 a.m. in the 6400 block of Old Oak Ridge Road in northwest Greensboro for simple assault.

CHILD ABUSE May 5 | A 41-year-old male was arrested at 2:11 a.m. in the 9200 block of U.S. 158 in Stokesdale for child abuse.

DRUGS May 5 | A controlled substance violation occurred in the 6000 block of Old Oak Ridge Road in northwest Greensboro.

May 10 | A 30-year-old male was cited in the 100 block of I-73 N in Summerfield for possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance (marijuana).

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block of Old Oak Ridge Road in northwest Greensboro for kidnapping and breaking and entering with intent to injure/terrorize; he was also cited for communicating threats.

LARCENY May 4 | A 48-year-old male was arrested in the 6900 block of Brandi Wood Circle in Summerfield (near Oak Ridge Road) for breaking and entering and larceny after breaking and entering.

May 8 | A 39-year-old male and a 28-year-old female were arrested in the 600 block of Lemons Road in Stokesdale for several counts of breaking and entering, breaking and entering into a motor vehicle, larceny and possessing stolen goods; the female was also charged with obtaining property by false pretenses.

THEFT May 5 | A theft was reported in the 1900 block of Scalesville Road in Summerfield.

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KIDNAPPING

Church, 8305 Loyola Drive, is hosting a “Fruits of the Spirit” farmers market every Tuesday, 4 to 7 p.m. on the church’s front lawn (social distancing guidelines will be followed). Vendors will be selling local produce and homemade goods. More info: Charles Southard, (336) 509-7314.

The Town of Stokesdale is hosting a weekly farmers market every Wednesday now through Oct. 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Park, 8325 Angel-Pardue Road (social distancing guidelines will be followed). Farmers, craftspeople, bakers and others selling fresh produce or homemade items are all welcome. To obtain a vendor application, call Stokesdale Town Hall at (336) 643-4011 or email deputyclerk@stokesdale.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 16  Pony Parade, Food Drive | HorseFriends Therapeutic Riding Program invites the community to a drive-through pony and farm animals parade at Still Water Farm, 7169 Strawberry Road in Summerfield, May 16 from 11 a.m. to noon.

Food donations will also be collected for Northwest Guilford Area Backpack Ministry.

“We were all set to begin our spring classes at our new facility in Summerfield when the stay-athome order was issued in March,” said Lisa Bunch,

...continued on p. 23

May 4 | A 36-year-old male was arrested in the 6400

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without you.

GRINS and GRIPES

 The Town of Oak Ridge for reopening the dog park – and the restrooms – at Town Park this past week.

Delighted or dismayed by something in your community?

Share your thoughts in

40

words or less

online: nwobserver.com e-mail: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion.

 Bi-Rite in Stokesdale.

The owner and crew work tirelessly to exceed customer expectations and they are a blessing to the community.  Lowes Foods and Dollar General for requiring your employees to wear face masks.  The nice lady who paid for my purchase at Tractor Supply last Saturday.

I will pay it forward.  Theresa and the rest of the gang at

Town & Country Barbershop in Summerfield. With stay-at-home restrictions hopefully coming to an end soon, can’t wait to visit the best barbershop around for a much-needed haircut.  My clients (of KPS). There are no words to show my appreciation for all the kindness and generosity shown to me during this horrible time. I am grateful beyond the imagination for you guys.  The medical care professionals, the truck drivers, and everyone involved in the food chain. We would not survive

 The local grocery stores and other retailers that don’t require their employees to wear face masks for their protection and the protection of customers.  My neighbor, who always makes her landscaping beautiful but isn’t aware of the treasures I find when working in my yard – her cat’s poo. Also, I don’t think she cares that the cat is killing birds at neighbors’ feeders.  NWO for publishing a violent communist tyrant on the back page, as if Che Guevara was any better than Hitler, Stalin or Mao.  NWO for publishing a reader picture of the murdering Communist Che

Guevara. Who thought this was a good idea? Obviously, the two people who submitted the photo haven’t a clue.

Not a good message, NWO.  People who drop the name of a respected medical institution and advocate for herd immunity without giving all the facts, including how many people will die with this strategy before a vaccine is developed.  NWO, for publishing a reader photo with a picture of a monument to the Marxist tyrant Che Guerara in the background – further glorifying its meaning by translating the phrase on the monument. Could you not have chosen another picture?  The famously incompetent NCDOT who is pleading poverty “due to COVID-19”. They fail to mention that they overspent their budget by $742 million last year. That’s the whole story – and the NWO should provide the full picture.

...continued on p. 23

Family-owned since 1968

“Comfort for Every Moment” TRUSTED for OVER 50 YEARS We Service ALL Brands | 24-hour Emergency Service High Point 336-883-3903

Greensboro 336-294-8044

Winston-Salem 336-727-0120

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

EanesComfort.com MAY 14 - 20, 2020

19

 AUTO SALES & SERVICE

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

SAM'S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 347-7470.

DECORATING

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.

KNIGHT IMPORT SPECIALTY SERVICE. European Auto Service & Repair, 4559 US Highway 220, Summerfield (across from Food Lion). Specializing in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. BMW, Audi, Volvo, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Mini and Porsche.

32 years experience. (336) 337-0669.

 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 ........ 20 Employment .................... 20 Home Services ........... 20-22 Misc. for Sale .................. 22 Misc. Wanted .................. 22 Pets & Animal Services .... 22 Real Estate ...................... 22

20 20

MAY MAY 14 14--20, 20,2020 2020

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.

ELECTRICAL BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC. Got Power? Residential, commercial and solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192.

PART-TME COOK needed at Bistro 150 in Oak Ridge. Experience preferred. To apply, call Jennifer at (336) 643-6359.

Need an electrician? Call BLACKMON ELECTRICAL, INC. Free est. Comm. & res.

Licensed & insured. Call (336) 430-5018.

SUMMERFIELD VETERINARY HOSPITAL is seeking a full-time kennel assistant.

Weekends & holidays a must. Drug test required. Please apply in person or email resume to Lydia@summerfi eldvet.com.

4318 US Hwy 220N, Summerfi eld, NC 27358. (336) 643-6326.

Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? Call

 HOME SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING A-ACTION AIR. A/C Spring checkup, $49.99.

Call (336) 382-3750 or (336) 268-6768.

CLEANING CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING Gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com (336) 595-2873.

THE CLEANING TECHNICIAN, LLC. With the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be a little overwhelmed. I would like to offer my cleaning services at a discount. Licensed, bonded, and insured. Call Lisa, (336) 207-0770.

MAID-2-SHINE. Excellent service, 15 years experience. Free estimates, excellent references. (336) 338-0223.

PAOLA CLEANING SERVICE. Residential & commercial. Insured. (336) 669-5210.

The Northwest Observer Keeping you connected for 23 years . . . and counting!

Coble Electric LLC at (336) 209-1486.

FLOORING MONTERO'S HARDWOOD FLOORING Installation of hardwood, laminate & tile; hardwood sanding & finishing. Commercial & residential. Insured, 17 yrs. exp. Free est., exc. references. Call (336) 215-8842 or visit Monteros-hardwood-flooring.com.

Offer a home service?

Place your ad online at

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE "We get you mowing!" Comm./res., all models.

2103 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge. Call (336) 298-4314, LandTsmallengineservice.com.

FIX YOUR MOWER! Service and repairs. Spring specials. "We do it right." Free pickup & delivery. Call Rick, (336) 501-8681.

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.

CLOCK DOCTOR. Free house calls for sick clocks. (336) 643-9931 or (336) 392-4124.

GRADING / HAULING H&L GRADING, LLC. No job too tough or too small. Call us first!

We are a full-service grading company that specializes in residential projects. Owner/ operator Timmy Hart has more than 30 years of grading and equipment experience.

Fully licensed and insured. Land clearing, debris removal, driveways, French drains and much more. (336) 543-7867.

E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, demolition, lot clearing, excavating, bobcat work, etc. (336) 451-1282.

ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt, available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035.

DTW GRADING & HAULING, INC. Offering complete bobcat services and hauling.

Fill dirt, asphalt millings, stone and more.

Daniel Wilson, (336) 339-0212.

BRAD'S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS. LLC. Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647.

GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150.

GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS

OLD SCHOOL HOME REPAIR See display ad on page 18.

WILSON SEAMLESS GUTTERS, new construction, repairs, replacement, leaf guards. Free estimates. (336) 420-0200.

APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707.

Follow us on Facebook for updates! facebook/northwestobserver

The • Totally local since 1996 TheNorthwest NorthwestObserver Observer • Totally local since 1996

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875.

ON EAGLE'S WINGS residential home design/drafting. Call Patti, (336) 605-0519.

PRESSURE WASHING

AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Quality irrigation systems. NC licensed contractor.

We service all systems. Free estimates.

(336) 644-1174.

PAINTING & DRYWALL

TRACTOR SERVICE. Experienced and local. Bush hogging and garden tilling.

Mike, owner/operator. (336) 486-9837.

HILL LAWNCARE & OUTDOOR SERVICES. Free est. Call (336) 669-5448.

WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Lawn maint., landscaping. Irrigation/ landscape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 years exp. (336) 399-7764.

ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Free estimates.

Licensed & insured. (336) 643-9157.

STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. Free est. Lic./Ins. 40+ years experience.

All phases of tree work. Lots & natural area thinning and cleanup. Large shrubbery jobs, chipping. Oak Ridge. Call (336) 643-1119. Hire a local with references.

EXTERIOR GREENSCAPES. Lawn maintenance service. Call for a free estimate (336) 682-1456.

DELIMA LAWNCARE. 24 hours/7 days a week. Free estimates, licensed/insured.

Mowing, pruning, mulch/pine straw and much more. Commercial and residential. delimalawncare@live.com. (336) 669-5210.

FAY'S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Complete tree removal & trimming. Storm damage clean-up. Landscaping & hardscaping. Insured. Taylor, (336) 458-6491.

ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981.

SOUTHERN CUTZ LAWN CARE, offering complete lawn maintenance services & bush hogging. Nathan Adkins, (336) 430-6086.

COLFAX LAWNCARE. Core aeration & seeding. Fertilizing, mowing, trimming, pine needles. Complete lawn care maintenance. Res./comm. Fully insured. Serving the Triad for 32 years. (336) 362-5860.

AFFORDABLE LANDSCAPING for all your landscaping needs, including irrigation, installation and repair. Call Joe at J. Gibson Landscaping, an Americanowned and operated small business. Built on capitalism, not socialism. In God we trust. (336) 419-7236.

CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 643-9332. www.carolinastumpandtreeservices.com.

GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490.

MASONRY COLONIAL MASONRY. 40 yrs. exp. Specializing in outdoor living spaces; dry-stack natural stone and flagstone. Let us help you plan your patio, fire pit, fireplace, kitchen – or anything else you would like! Call (336) 949-9019. www.colonialmasonry.com.

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.

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS COX POOL SERVICE. Openings, closings, routine maintenance, weekly service. No contracts, free estimates! (336) 327-5122.

WILSON SEPTIC PUMPING & REPAIR. Family owned since 1972. Mention you saw this ad in the NWObserver for a discount.

(336) 643-6427.

LAWSON'S PAINTING. Custom decks, pressure washing, boat docks, block fill, wood repair, stain work, textured ceilings, sheetrock repair. Call (336) 253-9089.

CARLOS & SON PAINTING. Interior and exterior. 24 hours/7 days a week. Free estimates, licensed/insured. (336) 669-5210.

PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR, 40 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. Average BDRM walls $100. Insured. Call Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186.

STILL PERFECTION PAINTING. Reliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com.

BEK Paint Co. Residential & Commercial David & Judy Long, owners

(336) 931-0600

BEKPaintCompany.com • References Available • Licensed & Insured • All Work Guaranteed

PLUMBING BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR. No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic./ Ins. Cleanliness in your home is our #1 priority. 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.

FREEMAN PLUMBING – new construction, remodel and repair. For ALL your plumbing needs! (336) 580-4525.

Place your classified ad online at

www.nwobserver.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally 1996 The Northwest Observer • Totally locallocal sincesince 1996

HOUSE SOFT WASHING, roof soft washing, pressure washing. Check out our 5- star reviews online! Please visit our website, MartinsPressureWashing.com.

PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Fully insured. Crystal Clear, www. windowcleaningnc.com or (336) 595-2873.

CUTTING EDGE PRESSURE WASHING. Affordable, dependable. Please call anytime for free estimate. (336) 706-0103.

EAST COAST PRESSURE WASHING & LAWN SERVICE. Soft washing, surface cleaning of driveways and patios. See us on Facebook. (336) 207-3625.

Your business should be here! place your ad today at

www.nwobserver.com REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured.

NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com.

ORTIZ REMODELING – Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981.

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION for all your remodeling/renovation needs. (336) 430-9507.

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 41 yrs. exp. (336) 362-6343.

Services TM Construction , INC

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Outdoor living spaces | Fire pits

(336) 644-8615 office (336) 508-5242 cell Licensed & insured NC Gen. Contractor #72797

continued on p. 22

MAY1414 - 20,2020 2020 MAY - 20,

21 21

 HOME SERVICES

 MISC. SERVICES

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.

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.

AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350.

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.

ROOFING PREMIER ROOFING, LOCALLY OWNED. Catering to all your roofing needs. Call (336) 430-9507 for free assessments.

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Lifetime shingle and metal roofing. We finance.

Free Estimates. Since 1979. Please call (336) 362-6343.

CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC. Residential roofing, rubber flat roofs, roof coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience.

Call (336) 643-8191 or (336) 268-1908.

KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Residential shingle & metal roofing. Free est. (336) 362-7469.

Stay

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

 MISC. FOR SALE SEASONED FIREWOOD. $80/pickup truck load, delivered & stacked. (336) 253-7615.

 REAL ESTATE

 REAL ESTATE

LAND FOR SALE

HOMES FOR SALE

LAND. Large tracts. Rockingham County and Summerfield. Want social distancing?! Only three 10-acre tracts left. If 10 acres isn’t enough, one 25-acre parcel remains. Perfect for a mini-estate, laying hens, and a garden too. Hurry, this land won’t last! Call (336) 430-9507 anytime.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

We Help Everyone!

SELLERS & BUYERS

nancy.hess@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 215-1820

www.nwobserver.com

$$$ – WILL PAY CASH for your junk / wrecked vehicle. For quote, call (336) 552-0328.

YARN NEEDED to make children's hats for Samaritan's Purse Shoebox Ministry. Call Beth, (336) 644-8155.

(336) 643-4248

www.ANewDawnRealty.com HOMES FOR SALE

Available Virtual Tours Twin townhomes starting at $275,900 within Oak Ridge town core. Move-in ready units available in spring 2020 or seize the opportunity to pick your floor plan and options!

Nancy J. Hess 6069 Windsor Farme Road, Summerfield Truly stunning 3-level updated home with 4 bed/4 bath, superb privacy, stunning master suite and room for a possible pool. Only $497,000.

 PETS & ANIMAL SVCS.

DeDe Cunningham

WENDY COLLINS PET SITTING LLC. Bonded & Insured. Follow us on Facebook. Call or text (336) 339-6845.

(336) 509-1923 dedesrealestategroup.com dedecunningham@kw.com

nancy.hess@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 215-1820

Kim Wilson

kwilson@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 662-7805

REALTOR®/Broker NC Licensed Contractor

Place your classified ad online at

www.nwobserver.com

distant but not disconnected /NorthwestObserver

22 22

TOWNHOMES IN OAK RIDGE!

TROTTER RIDGE COMMUNITY

FABRIC NEEDED for Sew to Sow Ministry to make dresses for girls in Kenya. Cotton fabrics work best, any amount. Also need buttons, ribbon, lace trimming, elastic and thread. Call Beth, (336) 644-8155.

FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, ATVs, generators, power washers, go-carts, mini-bikes, golf carts, 4-wheelers, etc. (336) 689-4167.

42+ acres of gardens and woodlands bounding the Haw River. Northern schools.

Semi contemporary, well-maintained 3-bedroom ranch. Great multi-family compound, development, equestrian estate or just enjoy the privacy.

Offered at $869,000

Nancy J. Hess

Place your classified ad online at

 MISC. WANTED

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES

MAY MAY 14 14--20, 20,2020 2020

The • Totally local since 1996 TheNorthwest NorthwestObserver Observer • Totally local since 1996

CALENDAR EVENTS ...continued from p. 18

instructor and fundraising director for HorseFriends.

“We miss our volunteers and our participants, so we decided to throw a drive-through pony parade and invited others to come by and say ‘hey!’” The volunteers, horses, ponies, minis and some farm animals will line the driveway at Still Water Farm as folks stay in their cars and slowly drive through the horseshoe entrance and exit.

HorseFriends’ current and past participants and

their families are encouraged to come from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and others in the community are invited to come from 11 a.m. to noon.

While attending a virtual Summerfield Merchants Association meeting recently, Bunch learned of the need for donations to the Northwest Guilford Area Backpack Ministry, which serves area children and families, so HorseFriends has incorporated a food donation drive in conjunction with the pony parade. Those who are able are asked to donate any of the following items: cereal and instant oatmeal; peanut butter (plastic jars only); macaroni & cheese; canned soup, chili or ravioli; canned fruit or

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS

Please support our advertisers, and tell them where you saw their ad!

ACCOUNTING

Carlotta Lytton, CPA .........................18 Kimberly Thacker Accounting...........18 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC ....11

AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE

EuroHaus .........................................15 Piedmont Truck Tires ..........................5 Prestige Car Wash ..............................2 Tire Max .............................................9

BUILDING / REMODELING

TM Construction Services .................21

CHILDREN’S SERVICES

Guardian Ad Litem ...........................15 Parents as Teachers Guilford County 11

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Town of Summerfield .......................10

GROCERY STORE

Southern Foods ..................................7

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

BEK Paint Company .........................21 Carpets by Direct ................................3 Eanes Heating & Air .........................19 Nature’s Select .................................17

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

New Garden Landscaping & Nursery .8 Old School Home Repair ..................18 ProStone, Inc. ...................................16 Stokesdale Heating & Air....................2 Stokesdale Storage ...........................22

INSURANCE

Gladwell Insurance Agency...............13

LEGAL SERVICES

Barbour & Williams Law .....................8

MEDICAL CARE / SUPPLIES

vegetables; canned proteins (chicken, tuna, beans); and individually packaged snacks.

Donations to HorseFriends will also be appreciated.

“Donations help us care for our horses’ board, veterinarian and farrier fees. Plus, there are staff and programming needs, like masks and gloves, as we prepare to start classes again, hopefully soon,” Bunch said.

For more information on participating or volunteering, email HorseFriends at info@horsefriendsnc.org or contact them at (336) 420-4588.

GRINS AND GRIPES ...continued from p. 19

 People having sleep-overs and going to the beach with friends during

Outside the

your college grad Congratulations, Sarah!

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ..............18 Northwest Animal Hospital ...............13

YOUTH SPORTS / CAMPS

Oak Ridge Youth Association ...........16

 Those who waste their money on music, movies, sports, etc., while celebs get rich – and preferential medical treatment, with the average person left at home suffering. Without our dollars, they will be suffering.

shine a light on

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

A New Dawn Realty .........................22 DeDe Cunningham, Keller Williams ..22 Nancy Hess, Berkshire Hathaway .....22 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX .................17 Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams............4

…

The following reader-submitted GRIPE expresses an opinion about a national topic, and has been separated as a courtesy to those who do not want to read others’ opinions on non-local topics in a local newspaper.

LeBauer HealthCare .........................12 Wake Forest Baptist Health.................6

REAL ESTATE

stay-at-home orders. Good job, parents, for teaching your kids selfishness and putting others at risk for coronavirus. Is your socializing more important than other people’s health? Shameful!

... and let the community share in your celebration! ad sizes available

field Sarah Smith, Summer ss of 2020

NC State University, Cla ion Business Administrat

Continue to smile Sarah, we are so proud of you! We are excited for ns. dow and ups life’s all ugh thro chapter. - Mom & Dad you as you enter a new life

1/8 page: 1 photo 1/4 page: up to 3 photos 1/2 page: up to 6 photos full page: up to 8 photos

To place your celebration ad, call or email us at (336) 644-7035, ext. 16 | celebrations@nwobserver.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

MAY 14 - 20, 2020

23

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

Postal Patron PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 • (336) 644-7035

PAID

Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22 ECRWSS

ards and his son, Barry Edwards Jr., Prior to the stay-at-home order, Barry Edw n the Florida Keys. During rare breaks whe both from Oak Ridge, enjoyed fishing in up on the local news. the fish weren’t biting, they enjoyed catching

Howard and Maude Caudle of Summerfield celebrated Mother’s Day and birthdays with their grandchildren, Dax (turned 5 on April 24), Emery (will be 9 on May 16) and Holly (will be 2 on May 20) Caudle. Dax and Emery took time out from celebrating to read the Northwest Observer to their cousin, Holly. We imagine these three young readers were enjoying a quick glance at the Kids’ Korner!

Stuck at home due to COVID-19?

n o i t a c y sta

Send us photos of you with the NWO doing your most creative at-home activities!

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