May 28 - June 4, 2020
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Courtesy photos/NWHS PTSO
May showers bring – boxes of food, bags of food, shopping carts full of food! NWHS students, staff and PTSO members helped collect and organize food donations at Northwest Guilford High School May 19-20 for the northwest Guilford area Backpack Ministry. In photo on far left, NWHS PTSO president Stephanie Brady is assisted by volunteers Patricia Annunziato and her daughter, Caitlyn. In photo on far right, Cheryl Katowitz and her son, Tyler, help collect donated food items. See details on p. 23.
From ‘high anxiety’ to ‘relief’ for small business owners Applications for PPP loans give Bank of Oak Ridge glimpse of emotional ups and downs during the COVID-19 outbreak by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – Bank of Oak Ridge said it has processed about 500 applications for Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans since early April. Loans averaged about $92,500, or approximately $46 million in total. Behind those mid-May numbers, according to Brady Young, the bank’s chief retail officer, is a rollercoaster of emotions for small business owners during the COVID-19 outbreak. In North Carolina, businesses deemed “nonessential” from restaurants to hair salons to fitness centers were forced to close temporarily or
IN THIS ISSUE
curtail operations. For those that remained open, sales sank as many consumers stayed at home to avoid catching the illness. “Anxiety has been high for our small business owners,” Young said in a recent interview. It was especially high for owners who didn’t receive loans in the first round of funding by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), forcing them to wait to see whether they’d get approval when money began flowing again, the banker said. For Bank of Oak Ridge, virtually all of the businesses for which it processed loan applications wound up getting funds, Young said. From the first to second phase of funding, the average size of loans decreased, signaling that “we were able to help more and more small businesses get through this period of uncertainty.”
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News in brief .................................................. 2 Your Questions................................................ 4 Well-Spring residents, family reunite – safely .... 5 Summerfield Town Council meeting ................. 6 Stokesdale Town Council meeting .................... 9 Naturalized citizen helps those back home ......12 Crime/Incident Report ....................................14 Community Calendar .....................................14 NWO Kids’ Korner ..........................................15 Student Profiles .............................................18 Quarantine Book Club ................................... 20 Grins and Gripes ........................................... 22 Volunteers collect food for Backpack Ministry...23 Facebook Comments .................................... 26 Classifieds ....................................................28 Index of Advertisers .......................................31
NEWS in brief
we’re ready when you are
Parks open some facilities, playgrounds still closed
Wake Forest Baptist Health looks forward to welcoming you back. As we resume surgeries and in-person care, our promise is to keep you safe, healthy and COVID-19-protected.
Following the advice of our Infectious Disease experts, we are: • Practicing social distancing in all of our clinic locations. • Minimizing wait times in common areas. • Asking our patients to join all providers and clinic staff in wearing masks and providing masks upon arrival. • Limiting visitors, with few exceptions. • Cleaning our facilities following strict sanitation protocols. • Conducting screenings for COVID-19 symptoms—for our providers and for you upon arrival. • Providing COVID-19 testing for all patients undergoing surgery. • Offering expanded access to virtual visits via phone or video. • Staffing ten designated respiratory assessment clinics for patients with COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms, separate from regular clinic locations.
For more information, visit WakeHealth.edu/GetCare. To schedule an appointment, call 888-716-WAKE.
Photos by Chris Burritt/NWO
“He is broken-hearted,” David Mills (above) said recently as his 2-year-old grandson Noah Reed pointed to the playground at Oak Ridge Town Park wrapped in yellow tape. “He’s been standing there just looking at it.” The playground in Oak Ridge’s park and other playgrounds statewide are closed through at least June 26, due to the governor’s emergency stay-at-home order to limit the spread of COVID-19. On the other paw, life in Oak Ridge is getting back to normal for dogs such as Izzy (below), a pit bull owned by Misty Cox that visited the town’s dog park after its reopening May 9. The town opened the dog park and restrooms at the park a day after the governor had relaxed his stay-at-home order as the coronavirus outbreak showed signs of easing.
Christopher Ohl, MD Infectious Disease Specialist
care for life
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MAY 28 - JUNE 4, 2020
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
NW GUILFORD – Gov. Roy Cooper’s decision last week to ease coronavirusrelated restrictions has prompted officials in Summerfield and Oak Ridge to resume some activities in the towns’ parks that have not been available in the last few months. Playgrounds remain closed in Summerfield, Oak Ridge and Stokesdale, reflecting the governor’s executive order May 22 stating that “public playground equipment may increase the spread of COVID-19.” Statewide, playgrounds will remain closed through at least Friday, June 26, Cooper said. Parks in Summerfield, Oak Ridge and Stokesdale have remained open during the virus outbreak for walking, running and unorganized activities as long as people follow social distancing precautions and limit the number of those gathered in groups. The
governor’s order last week authorized outdoor gatherings for as many as 25 people, leading some local towns to loosen park restrictions. Starting last Saturday, May 23, Oak Ridge resumed athletic field and shelter rentals for groups of 25 people or fewer, according to a post on the town’s website. Summerfield is also renting shelters in the community park and the athletic park, said Jeff Goard, the town’s parks and recreation director, although he noted that hours for practice on the fields will be limited. Shelter rental hasn’t resumed in Stokesdale. Staring Monday, June 1, Summerfield will begin renting two of the three baseball/softball fields at the athletic park for practices of travel teams, with limited hours, Goard said.
RidgeFest tentatively rescheduled for September by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – RidgeFest, Oak Ridge’s biggest festival planned for May 28-30, has been postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Although tentative, the new dates for the three-day festival are Sept. 10-12. The new schedule will depend upon regulations related to the coronavirus, according to Randy Floss, RidgeFest’s committee chairperson and Merchants of Oak Ridge (MOR) member. The annual three-day event is hosted and organized by MOR and the Town of Oak Ridge. “We are going to be at the mercy of what is allowed by the state and the county,” Floss in a recent interview. If RidgeFest can be staged the Thursday, Friday and Saturday after Labor Day, amusement park rides may still not be allowed because of social distancing restrictions, Floss said. If live
music concerts are allowed, attendees may be required to sit apart.
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The cancelation of RidgeFest follows a decision by the Summerfield Town Council in late March to cancel Founders’ Day, an annual two-day festival held each year in May. Mayor BJ Barnes and other council members have discussed having a scaled-down, one-day event later this year after risks of the coronavirus wane and health officials lift restrictions on group gatherings. Earlier this month Gov. Roy Cooper relaxed the state’s emergency stayat-home order, allowing retailers and other businesses to reopen on the condition that they practice social distancing and take safety precautions. However, parades, fairs and festivals are banned along with other mass gatherings of more than 10 people, according to the governor’s order.
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... News Briefs continued on p. 12
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threatening or simply reckless.
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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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What percentage of gripes submitted to the Northwest Observer are printed? How are the gripes vetted? These are good questions, and I suspect others have wondered about them as well. First, as editor of the Northwest Observer, I (Patti Stokes) accept the responsibility of vetting the grins and gripes in each weekly issue. The vast majority – about 90% – of gripes we receive are published, although some are modified first. Of those gripes that are flat-out rejected, some rejections are because the reader expresses an opinion as a statement of fact, but I either know the statement is not factual as it has been presented, or I cannot prove that it is factual. Other reasons for rejecting – or at least, modifying – a gripe is when it includes name calling – i.e., “(Gripes to) the idiotic, bleeding-heart liberal …” or (Gripes to) “the heartless, far-right conservative …” or “(Gripes to) my ignorant, selfish neighbor…” And there are those that include no specific action or justification for the gripe, rather they are just an insult – such as “Gripes to Mayor Smith for
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being a bumbling idiot.” And of course, it’s not uncommon to receive a grin or gripe that’s 80, 100, or 125 words – or more (our word count limit for grins and gripes is 40). In those cases where it is more than a simple edit on my part to get it within the word count, I’ll send the grin or gripe back to the reader and give them an opportunity to 1) condense it into 40 words or 2) submit an editorial, which allows them 350 words to express their opinion, with the condition that they must disclose their name and the community in which they live. And finally, I decline to publish some gripes that I believe to be unnecessarily mean-spirited, personally
MAY 28 - JUNE 4, 2020
By the way – about 98.5% of the gripes about the Northwest Observer are published, but I give myself the opportunity I give to other businesses, which is to respond in the same place the gripe is published. I think I speak for most other business owners in saying I would much prefer that people email or call me to express their dismay before they hastily fire off a gripe, but if publicly shaming me rather than having a conversation is their wish, I’ll give them that opportunity. In fairness, I’ll also take the opportunity to publicly respond when I feel it is warranted.
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Bottom line, I’m the one who reads each grin and gripe we receive and considers whether to publish it. In doing so, I try to give readers as much leeway as possible and protect their anonymity and freedom of speech while ensuring this section of our paper doesn’t become a free-for-all.
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Well-Spring residents reunite with family – from a safe distance Earlier this week, about 100 residents of Well-Spring got to see their relatives for the first time since March when the Greensboro retirement and senior care facility imposed no-visitation restrictions due to the COVID-19 outbreak. “We’re not missing anything except seeing our families,” said John Lore, wearing a festive hat and holding a “We love family” sign as he and other residents waved at relatives driving past in their cars.
Photos by Chris Burritt/NWO
Well-Spring staged two parades this past Tuesday, parking residents in wheel chairs and motorized
scooters on sidewalks as passing family members (some with dogs) waved, tooted horns and cried. “For these families, it’s been the first time they’ve been able to see each other in person” since restrictions went into effect, Well-Spring Chief Executive Officer Stephen Fleming said as he stood with residents and waved at families. Even though families have connected over social media in recent weeks, he said the parades gave relatives the opportunity to “get eyes on Mom and Dad and Grandmom and Granddad.”
Wearing a funny hat suitable for a parade, Well-Spring resident John Lore holds up a message for relatives.
Well-Spring resident Thomas Beard has a message for relatives participating in Tuesday’s parade.
(Above) Families get to see their relatives at Well-Spring in person May 26 for the first time since late March. (Left and below) Well-Spring staff waves and residents hold signs as relatives pass during Tuesday’s parade.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
MAY 28 - JUNE 4, 2020
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SUMMERFIELD town council
MAY 19 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT Mayor BJ Barnes called the monthly meeting to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Tim Sessoms and council members John O’Day, Lynne Williams DeVaney, Teresa Pegram and Reece Walker present. Sessoms offered the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting in Summerfield Community Center was closed to the public due to gathering restrictions related to the COVID-19 outbreak. As a result, council members read out loud reports from Summerfield Fire District and the sheriff’s District 1 office and residents’ comments.
CONSENT AGENDA 4 1 (Pegram opposed)
to approve the meeting agenda, open-session minutes of March 10, March 17 and March 31 meetings, and a budget amendment. As part of the amendment, the council increased spending on contracted legal services by $20,000 to $101,450 for the fiscal year ending June 30, while reducing money designated
for land acquisition by $20,000. The increased legal expenses were a result of lawsuits against the town, Finance Officer Dee Hall said.
ANNOUNCEMENTS 2020 census. Town Manager Scott Whitaker urged residents to complete 2020 census forms by mail, email or telephone. Census workers plan to go door-to-door in June and July to visit those who haven’t yet responded, he said. Guilford County ranks ninth among the 100 counties in North Carolina in terms of residents responding to the census survey, leaving “room for some improvement,” Whitaker said.
Proposed budget meeting. The council will hold a special called meeting at 6:30 p.m. this Thursday, May 28, to discuss the final draft of the proposed budget for the fiscal year starting July 1.
EMERGENCY SERVICES Sheriff’s Office. Walker read a report
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WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted: Mayor Pro Tem Tim Sessoms and council members John O’Day, Lynne Williams DeVaney, Teresa Pegram and Reece Walker voted on the following issues during the May 19 meeting, which was accessible to the public via Facebook Live. Mayor BJ Barnes presided over the meeting, but in Summerfield the mayor votes only to break a tie.
4 1: Approve (Pegram opposed) the meeting agenda, open-session
minutes of meetings March 10, March 17 and March 31, and a budget amendment.
5 0: Cancel committee meetings scheduled between now and the council’s next monthly meeting June 9 due to the coronavirus outbreak.
5 0: Allow as many as four media outlets to cover the special called budget meeting this Thursday, May 28, and to allow one speaker at a time to offer comments. That is, if Gov. Roy Cooper relaxes virus-related social distancing requirements. 4 1: Give (Pegram opposed) Town Manager Scott Whitaker a
3.5 percent annual pay raise to $106,110; the pay raise takes effect June 11, the anniversary of his eighth year of employment with the town.
read the comments out loud.) from the District 1 sheriff’s office, saying the district office responded In her written comments, Wendy to 131 calls for service in SummerKonig said she was surprised to field last month. The report find “the dearth of librarindicated “there are no ies in the area” when current crime trends” NEXT MEETING she moved back to in town, he said. Tuesday, June 9 • 6:30pm Summerfield. She urged the council Fire District. CONTACT YOUR TOWN to consider putting Summerfield Fire (336) 643-8355 a library in SumDistrict ran 28 clerk@summerfieldnc.gov merfield Comfire-related calls, www.summerfieldnc.gov munity Center on 61 EMS-related Centerfield Road or calls and 14 other another location in calls in April, Walker town. said. Firefighters installed 11 child safety The council is conseats and six smoke detectors. sidering accepting the nearly 17 acres containing the community COMMITTEE REPORTS center and a portion of SummerCouncil members received comfield Community Park as a gift from mittee reports and March and April its owner, Summerfield Community financial reports for informational Center Inc. purposes but there was no discussion “I know we can do better,” Konig about them. wrote, explaining that a library in Summerfield would provide space for PUBLIC touchlessCOMMENTS wash • soft bristled brushes meetings, classes and other gather(Four residents submitted comnew automated system ings in addition to providing books. ments by email to the town. Sessoms
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“It’s time we get serious about a new meeting place/ town hall,” wrote Jane Doggett, explaining the community center would not be adequate for that purpose because it is outdated and fails to meet the seating, parking and other needs of council meetings. Town Hall at N.C. 150 and Summerfield Road is already too small to accommodate town staff, she added. Doggett recommended the council consider building a new town hall on 13.3 acres the town owns across Summerfield Road from Town Hall. The property’s eastern boundary parallels U.S. 220. The site could serve as a trailhead for various trails (current and future) running through town, said Doggett, who chairs the town’s Trails and Open Space Committee. “It is not going to get cheaper to build,” wrote Beth Kaplan, who is also a proponent of building a new town hall.
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In light of the annual Founders’ Day parade scheduled for earlier this month having been cancelled, former council member and parade organizer Bob Williams urged the town to consider sponsoring a Halloween parade in October. The parade would offer an opportunity for children and others to dress up in costumes and would provide entertainment for people, especially the elderly, who have been housebound due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Williams offered to solicit volunteers and organize the Halloween parade.
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BUSINESS FROM MANAGER 5 0 to cancel committee meet-
ings before the council’s next monthly meeting June 9 due to gathering restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak.
5 0 to allow as many as four
media outlets to cover the special called budget meeting this Thursday, May 28, if Gov. Roy Cooper increases the number of people allowed to gather publicly, up from the 10 currently allowed. The vote also allows residents – one at a time – to enter the meeting room
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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
MAY 28 - JUNE 4, 2020
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TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 7
coupled with higher-than-expected NCDOT spending last year on repairs of roadways damaged by hurricanes.
needs for staff and meeting space. (See related article in the Northwest Observer’s May 21-27 issue.)
and offer comments in person.
FUTURE TOWN HALL
BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS
Summer intern. Whitaker reported that Summerfield resident Brad Rentz is serving as an intern this summer, helping town staff in planning, administration and parks and recreation. Rentz is pursuing his master’s degree in public administration at Appalachian State University. NCDOT budget shortfall. North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) crews are limiting mowing of roadways this summer, due to the state agency’s budget shortfall, Whitaker said. The shortfall is projected to total about $300 million in the fiscal year ending June 30, Councilman John O’Day said, explaining that it reflects declining receipts of gasoline and sales taxes because COVID-19 has limited travel and spending by the public,
Councilwoman Lynne Williams DeVaney presented her vision for a new town hall and meeting space, saying costs for building “Summerfield’s Forever Home” could be covered by the town’s reserve funds and no property tax increase would be needed. DeVaney’s presentation advanced council discussions about new meeting space, a priority set during the council’s strategic retreat in February. During her remarks, people viewing the live streaming of the meeting on Summerfield’s Facebook page debated the proposal, with critics objecting to spending of taxpayer dollars for a new building while others pointed out the town has a healthy fund balance and argued that after several years of discussion, it is time to move forward with constructing a town hall that will address the town’s
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Fire lane parking. Councilwoman Teresa Pegram said she wanted to respond to an email recently sent to council members pointing out that she had parked in the fire lane of the Food Lion supermarket in Summerfield. She said she remained in her vehicle and was lawfully parked in the fire lane while waiting for an employee to deliver her groceries. Last year, the store on U.S. 220 installed four specially designated “Food Lion to Go” lanes near the store’s front entrance for customers to pick up their grocery orders. Pegram asked Walker whether he photographed her vehicle while he was shopping in the store on duty as a Summerfield firefighter and he answered no, he didn’t take the photograph. The complaint about Pegram’s parking came from a resident, not Walker, according to Mayor BJ Barnes. “You’ve made your comment; we’re not going to argue about this,” Barnes told Pegram, noting there is no valid reason for a motorist to park in a fire lane except in the case of an emergency. “You should not have been parked there,” he said.
CLOSED SESSION
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sion to discuss two personnel matters: consideration of an annual pay raise for the town manager and qualifications for a potential town employee. After reconvening in public, the council voted 4-1 (with Pegram opposing) to give Whitaker a 3.5 percent pay raise, effective June 11. The raise increased the manager’s annual pay to $106,110 from $102,522, Whitaker said in an email earlier this week. The average salary for managers in North Carolina towns with populations from 10,000 to 25,000 is $132,237, Whitaker said. Summerfield has nearly 12,000 residents. Barnes told Whitaker, who starts his eighth year as Summerfield’s town manager next month, that he was “a stellar employee.” The council didn’t discuss or take action on possibly hiring a new employee. Barnes said Guilford County plans to distribute about $93 million in virus-related relief funds, with some designated for local municipalities. As a result, Whitaker and Hall are calculating the town’s losses related to COVID-19 so that Summerfield can apply for relief assistance, according to Barnes. The town is projecting an 8 percent decline in sales tax revenues this year, or about $11,500, according to Hall. With no further discussion, the council adjourned its meeting about 9:15 p.m.
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MAY 28 - JUNE 4, 2020
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
from a closed session and saying he was resigning as mayor, then leaving the meeting unexcused; and correct a vote by Landreth that had indicated he was agreeing to serve on the Property Committee.
STOKESDALE town council
May 14 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by PATTI STOKES Mayor John Flynt opened the council’s monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Because of social distancing restrictions, the meeting was held virtually via the Zoom application, with Flynt, Mayor Pro Tem and Town Clerk/ Finance Officer Alisa Houk participating from Stokesdale Town Hall, council members Derek Foy and Jimmy Landreth participating from Foy’s home, and council member Jim Rigsbee, town accountant Kim Thacker and town attorney Tom Medlin participating from their homes. Citizens wishing to offer comments during the Public Comments portion of the meeting were invited to submit them in advance via phone or email to be read during the virtual meeting, or to sign up in advance to speak and prepare to be called on during the meeting. Before adopting the meeting agenda, Foy requested two discussion items that he had asked be added, “Unauthorized Expenditures” and “Proposed Changes to Town’s Separa-
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tion of Duties Policy,” be moved closer to the beginning of the agenda so they followed the 2020-21 budget draft presentation. After agreeing to this change and adding a financial report to be given by Kim Thacker, the town’s contract accountant, the agenda was adopted.
5 0 to approve the Feb. 13 meeting minutes.
2 3 to approve the March 5 budget workshop minutes (Foy, Rigsbee and Landreth opposed). Landreth noted that during the March 5 budget workshop he had not agreed to any financial expenses proposed for next fiscal year. “Not that I wouldn’t,” he said, emphasizing that he wanted the minutes to reflect he had not voted on any items. Foy said he felt the workshop minutes were lacking pertinent comments he made about cost allocations.
5 0 to approve March 12 meeting minutes with two changes: include wording about Mayor Flynt returning
P R ICE
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Before getting the discussion topics underway, Patrick Smith, assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 103 based in Summerfield, was recognized for joining the meeting with several of his Scouts, who were (virtually) attending as a requirement for earning their Communication Merit badge.
Park drainage issue. Council reviewed two proposals to address the drainage issue in the town park; one totaling $7,900 was submitted by Yates Construction and the other was submitted by Green Ridge Landscape Solutions, for $11,650. Foy expressed concerns that neither proposal offered a guaranteed fix to the town’s ongoing drainage issues.
3 2 (Foy and Landreth
opposed) to approve the proposal by Yates Construction, with the condition the work will not be performed or payment made until after the new fiscal year budget takes effect July 1. When Landreth asked if keeping brush out of the drainage ditch would help resolve the problem, Flynt responded that the slope leading to the ditch isn’t sufficient to direct the water to it.
5 0 to approve an amendment
to Hunter Enterprise’s contract that extends the agreement to continue soccer field maintenance and repairs through the end of 2020, at the previously agreed upon annual fee of $10,000 (the same amount it has been for the last three years).
Banner installation. Council discussed a proposal by KMS Roofing to install new banners downtown, for a fee of $1,000 for a two-man crew and bucket truck. Landreth said he wished the
...continued on p. 10
Thank You I would like to share all the bountiful blessings and miracles I have experienced during this COVID-19 pandemic, but I want to begin by saying how truly sorry I am for all those who have been victims of the virus. I am so thankful to everyone who has come to Bistro 150 in the last few months for takeout meals, and to everyone in the communities of Oak Ridge, Summerfield, Stokesdale, Kernersville and northwest Greensboro. During these hard times I have found endless versions of myself and learned how to keep the abundance and respect. I think we have to accept that every unexpected obstacle helps us grow into a better person and see a better day. I am so lucky to be in this business as a restaurateur, which has given me an opportunity to meet so many wonderful, beautiful and strong people. So many of you have reached out to me during this time to express your concern, and many have stopped by to cheer me up. I believe everything and anything is possible and our world is full of amazing opportunities. Today I am very excited to begin getting back to a more normal life.
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Once again, thank you so much for everyone’s efforts to help my business survive and thank you all for being my friend and personally caring about me. I count myself so lucky to be here in this area with all the wonderful people who have been so kind and so friendly. Bistro150nc.com
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With all my love to you, Jennifer Mun
MAY 28 - JUNE 4, 2020
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TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 9
council had considered the additional cost of installing the banners when it voted on whether to purchase them.
3 2 (Foy and Landreth opposed) to have KMS Roofing install new banners downtown. License plate reading camera. After Hooks motioned to accept a $3,172.96 proposal from Sentry Watch for a license plate reading camera, Landreth responded, “That’s a lot of money for a camera… I know it’s for security reasons, but I feel it’s too much money.” Hooks said the camera was highdefinition and he felt it was warranted because there had been two incidents of vandalism at the town park and the security cameras the town has weren’t able to capture the license plate numbers of the drivers’ vehicles. Deputies with the sheriff’s department indicated cameras designed to capture license plate numbers could have been helpful in apprehending the vandals. “I see the value in it, but would feel more comfortable waiting until next fiscal year,” Foy said. “This year we’re in a tough spot.”
5 0 to table the discussion about a license plate reading camera until the July 2 council meeting, which will fall after the new fiscal year has begun. 5 0 to also table discussion
of Blaney Electric’s proposal to run a trench and PVC pipe for Sentry Watch to hook up the license plate reading camera, at a cost of between $995 and $1,2000, until the July 2 meeting.
Financial report. The town’s contract accountant, Kim Thacker, gave the monthly financial report, noting that to date over $100,000 in general fund budget amendments had been approved. In contrast, the town’s water enterprise fund is “way under budget,” Thacker reported. “Do you have a projection for total expenses and revenue for yearend?” Foy asked, to which Thacker responded, “I tried to do a projection – it’s anywhere from $90,000 to $100,000 more (than budgeted for expenses). Foy noted that in March the council had approved an $80,000 general fund budget amendment and asked if that would be enough to balance the budget. “I don’t think so,” Thacker answered, noting that general fund revenue to date is around $227,000 (not counting the $80,000 transferred from reserves); two quarterly utility franchise tax payments that the town will be receiving are not reflected in that amount and together will total about $130,000. “So, will revenue fall below $400,000, without the $80,000 budget amendment?” Foy asked. “I hope not, but it may be right on
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“I’m concerned. I think we all are,” Foy said. Flynt said he believed the town’s financial situation wasn’t as grim as Foy feared, but acknowledged, “We spent a lot of money this year, no question.” Foy then said he didn’t think previous council members had followed internal policies and procedures, specifically citing work performed by Beaver Outdoor Solutions and approved by former council member Frank Bruno. (See article in our May 21-27 issue for details on this discussion.)
3 2 (Flynt and Hooks opposed) to authorize Foy to further investigate work and payments to Beaver Outdoor Solutions which Bruno may not have been authorized to approve. Separation of duties. Foy said he felt the council needed to address its Separation of Duties policy, which lists three items about which he had concerns: 1) No citizen shall have a key to town hall without a vote of council; 2) No citizen shall have a town email address without a vote of council; and 3) no vendor shall have a key to town hall without a vote of council. “What about the fire department? What about the cleaning lady?” Flynt asked.
Landreth said the key words for him were “… without a vote of council.” “Everyone can decide if you want those folks to have a key. We just need to know who they are,” he said. At the town attorney’s recommendation, the council decided to table further discussion on the item until the June 11 meeting, and in the meantime, to compile a list of every citizen and vendor who has a key to town hall and/or a town-issued email address.
5 0 to also table discussion
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sion) is just to hone in on our spending,” Foy said. “There is no better time than now.”
Budget presentation. Houk explained there were two budgets for council to consider for the fiscal year beginning July 1, one prepared by her and one prepared by Thacker. “I’ll give mine and Kim will give one and you guys can decide about merging. This is not a proposal,” she said.
“I don’t understand why there are two budgets,” Foy said. Flynt said council feedback from the March 5 budget workshop had been forwarded to Thacker, who in turn sent Houk a proposed budget on May 8. “I got my copy on May 12. I thought she was going to do a compilation…” he said. Foy said he had not agreed to any of the numbers discussed in the March 5 budget workshop, and Landreth echoed that. After further discussion, the council agreed to hold a special call meeting for a budget workshop on May 21 at 7 p.m.
5 0 to approve Rouse, Rouse,
Rouse & Gardner to perform the town’s annual audit this year, as it has for the last three years.
5 0 to approve a two-year con-
tract with Total Computer Solutions for monitoring and offsite data storage.
5 0 to appoint Foy to serve on
the Events Committee.
Farmers Market. Council discussed whether to continue the weekly Farmers Market in the town park through Oct. 28, after some council members said they had not taken a vote on it and were concerned about whether this commitment was the best use of town resources. It was also stated that
5 0 to continue the weekly farmers market for this year, then reevaluate. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Mark Jordahl said he felt the council meeting had been productive and gave a shout-out to Stokesdale Fire Department for being so kind and respectful in a recent situation.
“We’ve never had a whole lot of people show up anyway,” he said. “Maybe we should support the church. It (having two farmers markets) will dilute the vendors – are they going to show up Tuesday and Wednesday?” In response to Nadel’s earlier question, Medlin said committee chair people have only the authority given to them by the council. “If council has voted to give the chair or committee authority, that’s what they can do,” he said.
Terry Hedenskog said he Mary Jordahl praised had planned on voicing Lowes Foods in Oak his concerns about the NEXT MEETING Ridge, saying she town’s expenditures Thursday, June 11 • 7pm had ordered food this fiscal year, but from the store to felt the council CONTACT YOUR TOWN be delivered to the had thoroughly (336) 643-4011 fire department. discussed the topic stokesdale@stokesdale.org “The manager and was glad they www.stokesdale.org were moving forcalled me this ward with a better morning to tell me plan. the girl in the bakery picked up part of the tab As president of (for a cake) and the manStokesdale Parks & Recreager picked up the delivery fee. In all ation Association, Hedenskog then the junk right now, there is good stuff noted the nonprofit pays to use the out there.” town’s soccer fields and it “struck a nerve” with him to hear that the town Mark Nadel congratulated the doesn’t charge vendors who set up at town on putting together the Zoom meeting, and then said he was curious the farmers market. about the authority the Events Committee chairman has. “We had an event committee meeting a week before the farmers market and it was voted on to hold off on the farmers market,” Nadel said. “The decision was obviously made by Frank (Bruno) to just run it. My question is about procedure. Does the chairman have authority to run an event?” Nadel went on to say the farmers market takes time to organize, set up and take down signs, etc., and he suggested the town support the Methodist Church in their weekly Tuesday farmers market versus having a second weekly market on Wednesdays in the park.
Flynt read a letter from Stokesdale citizen Eileen Thiery in which she expressed concerns about unauthorized town expenditures made in the last fiscal year. In closing, Landreth said he wanted to start working as a council, versus decisions being made and communication taking place between only the mayor and mayor pro tem. “There’s five of us and I’d like to be included – and I want you all to be included, too,” he said. “Just remember, we are a ‘we’ – it’s not an ‘I’ on the council.” The virtual meeting was adjourned at 10:07 p.m.
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the Events Committee had voted not to commit to the weekly farmers market, but chairperson Frank Bruno had decided to go forward with it anyway.
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MAY 28 - JUNE 4, 2020
11
NEWS in brief ...continued from p. 3
Summerfield train history on the move
Native Peruvian operates charity to help those in home country
Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO
Northwest Greensborobased contractor John Futrell raises an old railroad tool shed with a jack on May 26 in preparation for moving the shed from its present location on private property at Dupree Drive and Oak Street in Summerfield to town-owned property off Summerfield and Rhondan roads, near the site of the former train depot.
SUMMERFIELD – Earlier this week, workers prepared to move what Summerfield historians believe may be the last remaining building from the old railroad depot on Summerfield Road. The wooden building, measuring roughly 9 1/2 feet-x-12 1/2 feet, was possibly a tool shed for railroad workers, according to Gary Brown, chair of Summerfield’s Historical Committee. He’s organizing the relocation of the building. The shed is located in the yard of Marsha Ramsey, who is selling her house at Dupree Drive and Oak Street. She said she recently gave the building to neighbor J.C. Dye, who in turn is donating the structure to the
12
by LILY PIERCE
in his hometown of Limoncarro, Peru.
NW GUILFORD/PERU – Besides operating two businesses based in northwest Guilford County, Carlos “JC” Ruiz runs a public charity to help those
Ruiz immigrated to the United States 22 years ago and moved both his parents to this country after he became an official U.S. citizen. For
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town. Dye’s father, a railroad worker named Clyde Dye, moved the structure to its present location more than half a century ago. Northwest Greensboro-based contractor John Futrell began the project on Tuesday, first using jacks to raise the building on top of concrete blocks and timbers so that a flatbed trailer could be backed underneath it. A truck was then to pull the trailer several hundred yards to town-owned property at Summerfield and Rhondan roads, near the site of the old depot. The town plans to erect a historical marker there noting Summerfield’s rail history, Brown said.
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with others how the charity serves families in need.
Courtesy photos/Helping Hands Peru
(Opposite page) Residents of Limoncarro appreciate the free, homemade meals they receive from the soup kitchen funded by Helping Hands Peru. (Right) Children in Limoncarro proudly display the Christmas presents they received through Helping Hands Peru.
To bring a wider scope of awareness to the needs in Limoncarro, Ruiz said he has even met with a Peruvian senator to advocate for those in his native village. The experience, he said, was a good one, and the Peruvian government has since provided some assistance, such as improving the village’s irrigation system.
the first several years he lived here he worked hard at various jobs before opening his own landscaping and painting businesses – DeLima Lawn Care and Carlos & Son Painting – about 15 years ago. Although basic needs such as food, shelter and clean drinking water are no longer personal worries, Ruiz often thinks of those living in the village where he grew up and where his father served as the village’s mayor for several terms. A poor economy adds to the difficulties of working people in Peru, where Ruiz says a person might work on a farm all day and only make $10. Being aware of the needs and having worked his way to the point where he could help, Ruiz decided to start a charity to help those in his native village. Named “Helping Hands Peru” (not affiliated with other “Helping Hand” or “Helping Hands” charities),
the charity hosts a soup kitchen, provides assistance with medical expenses, donates school supplies and hands out Christmas gifts to the kids in Limoncarro. Ruiz says that after getting to know him and learning about his charity, many of his customers have financially contributed to his cause; regardless of whether their contributions have been small or large, he said all have been greatly appreciated. Ruiz keeps pictures on his phone and on social media of the Peruvians who directly benefit from Helping Hands Peru so that he can readily share
In the years since it was formed, word of Helping Hands Peru has spread, and those in small villages near Limoncarro are starting to reach out to the charity for assistance with food and other supplies. Ruiz hopes more people will be motivated to donate, which will enable him to increase the organization’s reach. In one heart-warming instance, a customer of Ruiz’s sensed one day that he was discouraged and asked why. Ruiz shared that he had just been informed a child in Limoncarro with Down syndrome needed a new wheelchair but the resources weren’t there to provide it. After hearing the story, his customer offered to pay for the wheelchair. Ruiz has been featured in news stories in Lima,
...continued on p. 25
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13
CRIME / INCIDENT report
District 1 Sheriff’s Office has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest/ northern Guilford County ...
ASSAULT
calendar Submit your events online at Click “community calendar” on the left-hand side
Deadline for inclusion in each week’s issue is
May 23 | A 29-year-old male was arrested in the 4300 block of US 220 N in Summerfield for assault on a female by a male over age 18 and also cited for driving with an expired inspection certificate.
COMMUNICATING THREATS May 24 | A 29-year-old male in the 2300 block of Oak Ridge Road reported an incident of communicated threats.
DRUGS May 22 | A 45-year-old male was cited in the 1100 block of Pleasant Ridge Road in northwest Greensboro for possession of marijuana paraphernalia.
MISUSE OF 911 May 21 | A 58-year-old female was cited in the 6800 block of Fegan Road in Summerfield (near Strawberry Road) for misuse of the 911 system.
THEFT May 25 | A resident of the 7500 block of U.S. 158 in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect stole some outdoor furniture and a piece of yard art, worth $275 altogether, between 12 noon and 10 p.m.
VANDALISM May 24 | A resident of the 6500 block of U.S. 158/ I-73 N in Summerfield reported a 22-year-old male vandalized his vehicle; the man was arrested for willful and wanton injury to real property.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 2
z Town Council Meeting | Oak Ridge Town
z Budget Presentation | Summerfield Town Council will host a special called meeting for the annual budget presentation May 28, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. The meeting will air live on the Town of Summerfield’s Facebook page. Due to COVID-19, citizens cannot sit in on the meeting; however, citizens may email comments
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z Food Pantry | Good Samaritan Ministries’ food
z Merchants Association | Summerfield Merchants Association meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. This non-profit organization promotes awareness of local businesses, provides networking opportunities and finds ways to give back to the Summerfield community. Learn more about SMA and this Tuesday’s meeting details at SummerfieldMerchant.com.
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The Town of Stokesdale is hosting a weekly farmers market every Wednesday through Oct. 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Park, 8325 AngelPardue Road (social distancing guidelines are being 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.
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to be read aloud at the meeting by 12 noon on May 28 to clerk@summerfieldnc.gov with the subject line “Budget public comments for 5/28 meeting.” Those who email comments should include their name and address with their message for documentation in the meeting minutes. Also, if speakers wait outside the building, they can enter the meeting room to make comments one at a time. Emailed and in-person comments are limited to three minutes. A public hearing for the budget is tentatively scheduled for June 9 at 6:30 p.m.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 4
Council will hold its monthly meeting June 4, 7 p.m. The first of two public hearings for public comments on the draft budget will be held at this meeting (a second public hearing will be held at a special called meeting in mid-June, with the date to be announced). Visit www.oakridgenc.com for a meeting agenda, copy of the draft budget, and June 4 meeting details.
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Can you find the 10 differences between these two photos?
r e n r o K ’ Kids Match the name of each critter to its picture, then color it! Ladybug Grasshopper Snail Caterpillar Dragonfly Earthworm Spider June Beetle Horn-nosed Beetle Praying Mantis Bee Grub Worm Butterfly
The Kids’ Korner is so d appreciated an enjoyed. Thank you!
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N W O K I D S K O R N E R K O L O R I N G
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NORTHWEST GUILFORD Blake Lett, lacrosse by MEREDITH BARKLEY Blake Lett was introduced to lacrosse by his brother, Collin, when he was a little guy, and has been following in his brother’s footsteps ever since.
Collin Lett now plays professionally for Major League Lacrosse’s Denver Outlaws, and Blake Lett hopes to also make it to the pros. “That’s the goal,” said the Northwest Guilford senior who has committed to play lacrosse for Catawba College next year. Lacrosse, he said, “feels like it’s a combination of multiple sports in one sport.” It involves passing, catching, shooting, shot blocking – and even kicking “if you need to,” he said. “You can learn something for
lacrosse from any sport.” But with schools closed and sports activities cancelled for the spring season due to the coronavirus pandemic, hopes for his final high school season were squashed. “It’s very disappointing,” said Lett, who plays attack for the Vikings and made all conference and honorable mention all region as a junior. “I wanted to end my senior year with a bang. But it didn’t work out like that.” He’s spent part of his unexpected free time working on lacrosse skills to help keep them sharp for college. “We’re all very, very disappointed, especially the seniors,” he said of his teammates’ reaction to the abrupt ending of the spring lacrosse season. Then there’s prom, commence-
ment, graduation and other end-ofhigh-school activities that have either been canceled or will be a lot different if they’re eventually held at all.
“It’s something you look forward to … and we have to miss it,” he said of those key events for high school seniors. When not outside honing his lacrosse skills, Lett said he enjoys playing video games – specifically, “Call of Duty” – and riding fourwheelers and dirt bikes. His favorite class in high school was math, a subject he said he “started to really get interested in” this year.
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MAY 28 - JUNE 4, 2020
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“It’s the numbers and the satisfaction,” he said. “There’s a certain formula and if you get it right, you’re going to get the right answer every time. There’s no leeway.”
The Northwest Guilford senior, who caught for the Vikings and has committed to play for East Carolina, said he hopes to one day be a baseball coach, preferably at the college level.
He was originally scheduled to begin training and classes this summer, but virus concerns postponed that schedule and the latest start date he’s been given is Aug. 18.
At Catawba he expects to major in business.
“I want to give back to people who have given to me,” Rezek said.
“That’s what my dad does and I’d just like to make a name for myself in business,” he said. His father, Mike Lett, is in real estate, but Lett said he hasn’t decided specifically what direction he’ll take in business. All options are on the table at this point, he said – he may join a company already in operation, or even start his own business.
For the moment, he’s sidelined by efforts to slow the coronavirus, which has closed schools, canceled sports seasons, shuttered businesses and brought a sense of normalcy to a halt. He spends much of his free time working out, figuring he’ll have to be in the best shape of his life when he arrives at ECU in a few months.
“It’s not a 100 percent go for August,” he said, reflecting the uncertainty about how coronavirus precautions will impact the fall college schedule. “But that’s what they’re thinking right now.”
Wherever he lands, he said, “I just want to make a significant difference.”
NORTHWEST GUILFORD Joey Rezek, baseball by MEREDITH BARKLEY Joey Rezek has played baseball so long and enjoys it so much that he hopes it will be a big part of his life for years to come.
“I’m really excited” but “kind of nervous,” Rezek admitted. “The game’s going to be a lot faster than high school.” Plus, he said, he’s pretty sure most of his teammates will be older, more experienced and better than he is. “It’s going to be challenging,” Rezek said. When he will arrive on campus and begin working with the team is “up in the air right now,” Rezek said.
Once it does start, though, he’ll be tethered to baseball from then on. “It’s basically a year-round sport,” Rezek said. The season could go February to July if the team makes playoffs. Then, from August to the start of the next season, the team will be training, he said.
“A lot of people wonder how I got where I am as a hitter,” Rezek said. “It’s just practice, mainly.” He had hoped to get another 30 hits this year and end his career with about 120. With the season cut short, though, he and other athletes are left to wonder about what might have been. “It’s kind of sad,” Rezek said. “You never think anything can happen like that. Nobody thought this pandemic would go this far. But people have it so much worse. We’re just going to have to do what’s best for everyone.”
NORTHERN GUILFORD
“That’s where you see those jumps” in performance, he said. “You’ve always got to work on getting better as a player.” He likes the responsibility that comes with being the team’s catcher, and describes the role as being “the leader behind the plate.” Despite his skills at the catcher’s position, it’s his hitting that he thinks probably captures the attention of coaches. He led the Metro 4A Conference last year with a batting average of .437, according to MaxPreps.com.
CJ Hill, lacrosse by MEREDITH BARKLEY Lacrosse, CJ Hill says, is “part of who I am.” The Northern Guilford senior has played since he was 5 years old and hopes to play college
...continued on p. 21
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19
Members of the Quarantine Book Club got together May 13 in the Stokesdale backyard of Zach Knesel, one of the rising fourth graders at Summerfield Charter Academy who belongs to the club. The club was led by Zach’s grandmother, Jubee Stange, formerly a city editor of the Greensboro News and Record. Stange helped form the group after the can-
Quarantine Book Club member Miles Foreman (foreground) with Zach Knesel and sisters Kinley and Riley Johnson
cellation of school due to the coronavirus and members met remotely using the Zoom application to discuss “The Borrowers” by Mary Norton. After finishing the book, group members met outside at the Knesels’ home and spread blankets in the grass as Stange led a discussion of the fan-
Jubee Stange, former city editor of the Greensboro News and Record, leads the Quarantine Book Club in a discussion of “The Borrowers.” Her grandson, Zach Knesel, belongs to the group. Zach Knesel with sisters Riley (left) and Kinley Johnson
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MAY 28 - JUNE 4, 2020
Photos by Chris Burritt/NWO
Quarantine Book Club
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
tasy novel about a family of tiny people living secretly in the walls and floors of an English house. Jenny Knesel, Zach’s mother, said the children have had so much fun they’re already planning to read a second book, “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.”
club lacrosse at Western Carolina next season.
“I’ve always liked it,” he said of the sport. “I’ve made some of my greatest friendships through lacrosse. That’s something I hope I’ll cherish most of my life. And it’s a great way to stay in shape.” Northern had big expectations for the season. They were 4-0 through the first four games, outscoring opponents 67-9. That all came to a halt in mid-March, when athletic seasons were suspended, schools closed and the economy brought to a near standstill in an effort to slow spread of the coronavirus. For seniors like Hill, it has canceled or brought into question such long-dreamed-of events as senior night, prom, commencement and graduation. “It’s a little disappointing,” he said. “But nobody can control this. We’re looking at the bright side of things.”
Hill plays defense, which he settled on at age 13 after playing every other position on the field, including goalkeeper.
At Western Carolina he wants to minor in finance, but has yet to decide on a major. He’s leaning toward construction management or business administration and law.
“I’ve always enjoyed protecting the house,” he said of his role on the team, which involves listening to what the goalie wants and doing his best to make it happen.
“I think I can get anywhere with a business degree,” Hill said.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for the guys who jump in there” at goalie, Hill said. “It takes a special kind of person to want to have 100 mph rubber balls shot at you.”
His fields of study, he said, have
As a youngster, Hill said he also enjoyed wrestling and liked being “scrappy.” Playing defense in lacrosse allows him the chance to be scrappy on the field, he said. Hill was a “dual enrollment” student at Northern – taking half his classes at the high school and the other half at Guilford Technical Community College. That allowed him to complete a large part of his college freshman year before arriving on campus, thus saving time and tuition money. “I knocked out a lot of classes I’d have had to take,” he said.
Stay
been heavily influenced by a part-time job he’s taken at a nearby 600-acre beef cattle farm. He started working there during his junior year and is still at it. “The connections I made at that farm and the work ethic I developed at that farm changed who I am,” he said. “It gave me more drive and a better outlook on the things I’m doing. It helped me grow up. And it definitely gave me a lot of respect for the people who do that for a living.”
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STUDENT PROFILES ...continued from p. 19
Coming June 11
h school seniors hig 20 20 r ou r no ho to te bu tri l ia ec sp a local businesses and individuals the all nk tha to like uld wo s ion cat PS Communi publication through their advertising who are financially supporting this The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
MAY 28 - JUNE 4, 2020
21
GRINS and GRIPES
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. of historical events, people and places is truly remarkable. Oak Ridge post office, especially postmistress Polly (Duncan), who went above and beyond to find us flat rate boxes when all other post offices were out. The couple who traveled to Cuba and so thoughtfully shared their photo. Your humanitarian work, generosity and kindness are something we should all strive for. Your extensive knowledge
Restaurants, hair and nail salons, dentists and other businesses that reopened in Phase 2 while making significant adaptations due to social distancing rules and safety concerns. We missed you and even with restrictions, we’re so glad to have you back! Northwest Observer for your reporting of the May Stokesdale Town Council meeting. You covered exactly what went on just about word for word.
Great reporting! Much has happened during the previous council that is being brought forward regarding questionable practices. The Stokesdale Elementary staff, in particular Kelli Bisdee and Sharon Dixon, for putting in tremendous efforts to keep kids engaged in distance learning! Also, a fond farewell to Mrs. Dixon after 30 years. You will be greatly missed! Jennifer Mun, owner of Bistro 150 in Oak Ridge, for maintaining a positive attitude throughout the last few months and finding what there is to be grateful for rather than complaining. So glad we can dine in with you again!
The land owner off U.S. 158 in Stokesdale who keeps plowing his land with elephants. Stop the ruckus! Food Lion in Summerfield, for
disregarding customers’ safety. No employee masks/gloves, cashiers leaning around plexiglass screens to talk to customers and no aisle monitoring. Told “optional” – well, so is my business. I’ll choose another grocery store that uses PPE. Oak Ridge Swim Club. Members are acutely aware of the financial challenges, but I did not realize this meant “our” pool was so desperate it would sell large advertisements. It looks like a little league baseball field now. Really? Employees of a Summerfield restaurant who were not wearing face masks or gloves on Friday when I went in to pick up my order. I wore my mask, and as food handlers, please wear yours! Those complaining about masks. Please refer to Biology 101. Masks are dangerous by causing hypoxia, and do not prevent any disease 100%.
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MAY 28 - JUNE 4, 2020
Greensboro 336-294-8044
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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
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Germs still spread through masks. Get the facts! Dog owners who believe we all want to share our dining space with your pets. In particular, the people at Rio on Saturday afternoon whose dog bit the server. How about a little respect for fellow diners and the wait staff? The griper last week complaining about people “obsessed” with employees and customers wearing masks. Nobody cares that you aren’t fearful; it’s called being courteous
and protecting others. Is this small measure really that much of an inconvenience? Quit being selfish. Tobacco stores/vape shops that don’t check IDs of customers who do not look over 21... thanks for helping our kids’ nicotine addiction. Triad Farmers Market in Colfax for providing a Wild West-type environment for virus infection. No social distancing. No enforcement for wearing masks or gloves. Bathroom didn’t even have soap.
RAIN CAN’T DAMPEN GENEROUS SPIRITS!
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Courtesy photo/NWHS PTSO
Students (L-R) Reece Jordan, CJ Annunziato, Caitlyn Annunziato and Liam McWhorter help collect food donations at Northwest Guilford High School May 19-20 for the northwest Guilford area Backpack Ministry, which works with school administrators and community members to distribute supplemental meals and snacks to families in need of food. Others who volunteered with the food drive were PTSO president Stephanie Brady, Patricia Annunziato, Cheryl and Tyler Katowitz, Sam Milbourn, the high school’s athletic trainer, and volunteers with the Backpack Ministry program. Despite the constant rain on both afternoons of the food drive, “We collected a lot of food,” Brady said.
in the community, or traveling to new places. We love sharing them with the community!
During a trip to the Gallat in River in Livingston, Montana, across from Ted Turner’s ranch, in July 2019, Ansley Yarborough enjoyed reading the Northwest Observer wh ile her mom, Alyssa Yarborough, did some fly fishing!
Email your photo to photos@nwobserver.com
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HELPING HANDS PERU
...continued from p. 13
Peru, the country’s capital, where the son of a former village mayor operating a charity to help those in his home village “without any corruption” is big news. He emphasizes the importance of honesty and transparency, especially because Peru has an unfortunate history with dishonest politicians, several of whom have been arrested and prosecuted in recent years. As the country cracks down on corruption, the story of a charity that exists to help people with no strings attached is especially welcome.
To further his charity work, Ruiz has so far relied solely on personal contributions from his customers and friends. He said they’re happy to do what they can, especially once they see the pictures and hear the personal stories he has to share.
Ruiz and his Colombian wife, Paola Támara, married last December and now run the charity together. They send all Helping Hands Peru donations to Maria Del Carmen, a longtime friend of Ruiz’s who lives in Limoncarro and uses the money to buy supplies locally.
Contact Carlos “JC” Ruiz, (336) 669-5210, or carlospainting14@live.com. Donations may be made via checks payable to Helping Hands Peru and mailed to Helping Hands Peru, %JC Ruiz, 507 Pennington Ave., Thomasville, NC 27360.
“They’re proud to be helping. This is something amazing,” he said.
want more info about Helping Hands Peru?
ANXIETY TO RELIEF
...continued from p. 1
Starting in early April, the PPP offered a direct incentive to small businesses by making loans forgivable if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks after the loan is approved and 75 percent of the loan amount is used for payroll, with up to 25 percent allowed to be used for rent, mortgage interest or utilities. The federal loan program resumed a second round of lending activities April 27, after businesses across the country had exhausted the first round of funding totaling $349 billion in just two weeks. The revelation that large corporations, including publicly traded restaurant chains Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Potbelly, received loans has drawn criticism that some banks filed applications of big companies first to generate higher processing fees than they’d get from submitting applications for smaller clients. Most of Bank of Oak Ridge’s customers are individuals and owners of small and medium-sized businesses, Young said. After queries and applications in the initial round of funding swamped the bank’s employees,
Young said they were gearing up for the second phase of funding when federal agencies took a step to assure small businesses wouldn’t miss out on funding. Young said he received notification the afternoon of April 29 from the SBA and the Treasury Department that during that night the PPP application portal would be only open to banks with assets of $1 billion or less. As of March 31, Oak Ridge Financial Services Inc., parent company of Bank of Oak Ridge, had assets of $492.4 million. “We kicked into high gear,” Young said, recalling how more than 15 bankers, including Tom Wayne, the bank’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, spent several hours processing more than 200 applications. Bank of Oak Ridge began getting notices of loan approvals by the SBA the next morning. The bank notified customers who had been approved. “There was a lot of relief in the community,” Young said. “It brightened the day for a lot of business owners.”
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IN FOUR CONVENIENT LOCATIONS! Stokesdale
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7705 Highway 68 N (336) 441-8066
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4420 US Highway 220N 706 Burton Street 619 Greensboro Road (336) 793-5391 (336) 548-6674 (336) 885-4321
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
MAY 28 - JUNE 4, 2020
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Recent conversations on
facebook.com/NorthwestObserver May 20: New town hall for Summerfield proposed WE POSTED: During last evening’s council meeting, Summerfield Town Council member Lynne Williams DeVaney laid out her vision for “Summerfield’s Forever Home” – a new town hall and community meeting place that would be paid for from the town’s financial reserves. “We do not need to borrow money and we do not need to raise taxes,” DeVaney said. A facility encompassing 8,500 to 9,000 square feet would cost less than $300 a square foot, according to DeVaney. By that estimate, the facility would cost less than $2.7 million, assuming it would be built on land Summerfield owns. As of April 30, the town’s unassigned fund balance totaled nearly $7.1 million. The meeting was closed to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions, but live streaming of the meeting on Summerfield’s Facebook page allowed comments by viewers. Former Mayor Gail Dunham and resident Dwayne Crawford posted that voters should decide by referendum whether Summerfield builds a new town hall. Dunham suggested the town consider less expensive options, such as purchasing property adjacent to the current town hall and adding parking and other amenities to the existing facility. What do you think? The town has been debating whether to build a
new town hall with meeting space for over 15 years – is it time?
And here are some of your responses: Beth K. I think they said last night that we have earned over $3 million in interest from our tax money. We need a town hall that has better meeting space and definitely office space. Our poor event planner works in a closet. Jan M. We don’t need a referendum. We already had one last November. It’s time. Let’s move forward. Timmy F. Build or buy the church property on Summerfield Road. Well overdue
Andrew B. Our town has amazing assets and needs to continue to invest in facilities and spaces. Summerfield Community Park and Summerfield Athletic Park are extremely important and valuable for our community. A new town hall would be a positive addition and help prepare for our future. The Town has plenty in the reserves and needs to use that money to make our community better. We voted last November and the vocal minority (Dunham inner circle) does not want our town to spend any money. If it was up to them, we would not have any assets. Thank you to Lynne for presenting the vision and to Mayor Barnes for facilitating
productive meetings. Keith F. No new taxes! No water either..... don’t need either one!... We don’t need a police department, we really don’t need a big city hall or Mayor’s Office. The reason people choose Summerfield is to get away from taxation of Greensboro. Vann D. Yes...More government! It’s a slippery slope. Not sure why small towns can’t think outside the box of big government. Merge town halls with other surrounding towns and give the money back to the people. Tammy B. Build it!!!!
May 23: What was your dining experience like? WE POSTED:
Steve S. Past time. Community Center is too small, very dated, lousy seats, little parking, etc. We need a town hall that people can be proud of. No tax increase and no borrowing of funds. What is the problem? The money had been saved for just such a purpose. Build it on the corner of 220 and 150 facing 220 and with access from both highways and in the rear from Summerfield Road. This is a no brainer. Build it now! Sam A. I think they/we are overdue for a town hall. The town owns property across the road now and (it) would (be) a good fit. The existing building is too small to start something there but could still be used as offices or rentals. Whitney L. Yes, it’s time for a new Town Hall. The town has the money in reserves to build.
“For those of you who dined out last night at one of our local restaurants that opened when Phase 2 of the governor’s loosened social distancing restrictions went into effect at 5 p.m., what was your experience like?
And here are some of your responses: Cindy L. What’s not to love about feeling human once again. Need 100% opening so we don’t have hours of waiting to be seated.
See more responses to these and other Facebook posts at facebook.com/NorthwestObserver
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MAY 28 - JUNE 4, 2020
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Recent conversations on
facebook.com/NorthwestObserver Anna M. Very clean! Food was amazing! And service was great! Thank you to Mexico on Fleming! Wendy B. Southern Roots in Jamestown. Ate there last night. Perfect. Thankful for some amount (of) normal life. Nicky D. Went to Rio Grande in Oak Ridge and Pepe Silva was doing a great job per the usual! Didn’t feel unsafe at all! Tables were 6 feet (at least) apart and all the staff has on cute masks! Andrea W. We also went to Rio last night. Awesome as always! Nicole S. Went to El Puente in Madison and we got right in. Had fun and food great. Felt good to finally get to eat my Mexican hot lol Sherry M. Went to Village Pizza in Stokesdale. Awesome! They have every other booth and table available. I’ve missed them. Jess L. We didn’t necessarily dine in but we did eat outside at The Deck at Carolina Marina, which opened up yesterday. The tables were spaced out following the guidelines. The food was delicious and the owners were super friendly. John O. Arrived at Luigi’s at 4:59. It was great to be out, but a little surreal given the space between tables. Food was as good as ever! Hopefully some concessions can be made to use more outdoor space so that restaurants are able to gain enough business to keep them viable. We’re grateful to our local businesses for being there for us through the last 2+
months. And, we’re glad to support them with patronage as they reopen to dining.
Carlene C. It was awesome and felt natural.
Leslie A. Awesome at Bistro 150. Not crowded, we were there 5:30ish.
Kolleen M. Rody’s....perfecto!!!
Karen W. We enjoyed a wonderful much needed date night dinner at GIA. From the phone call making the reservation explaining specific times to arrive, arriving and having our table ready - away from others but still “in the environment”, to their comforting and very safe practices plus excellent service and food, it exceeded our expectations of our first restaurant visit in 3 months. I am so impressed at how they operated, a much safer and cleaner environment than any grocery or other stores I’ve been in by far....Restaurants should’ve opened before now.....
WE POSTED:
Laura A. We ate at the Carolina Diner near Guilford College. We were the only ones eating there. Very quiet...
May 27: How does that haircut feel? “As hair and nail salons reopened this week in Phase 2 of the state’s coronavirus restrictions, many people have enjoyed a haircut for the first time in weeks – or even, months. In photo below, Theresa Sanchez, owner of Town and Country Barber Shop in Summerfield, cuts the hair of Jason Warner of Greensboro. Sanchez reopened her business yesterday after being forced to close March 25 at 5 p.m. when Phase 1 of coronavirus restrictions took effect.
Ann S. I had a lovely time at Bistro 150 last night. I felt very safe and very comfortable, and the food was wonderful as always! Jeff P. Went to Rody’s to pick up an order. Not a mask to be seen on any employee, including the six workers standing at the front desk (about 30 square feet total). I did see that selected tables were blocked off, they were wiping down menus and the buzzers. Virtually no social distancing by those waiting out front or in the smoking area. Christy T. Our family also went to Rody’s. It was a fabulous experience! Good for those of us who want to feel like a little normal is back in our lives, while we respect those who prefer to stay home.
And here are some of your responses: Susan W. I went Monday! No more gray and I think lost 5 lbs! What’s really important is my stylist is back to work. She has been off since March 23 and her husband was furloughed the same week so It has not been easy. Victoria M. Can’t wait for my cut with my
girl Chirsty today! However, I’m going to let the gray continue! Who knew! Northwest Observer. Brave woman, Victoria M. - I (Patti Stokes) didn’t mention my gray, but I’ve got plenty of it showing! Considered letting it grow out, but I just don’t think I’m ready. Good for you, though!
See more responses to these and other Facebook posts at facebook.com/NorthwestObserver The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
MAY 28 - JUNE 4, 2020
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AUTO SALES & SERVICE
YARD SALES
HOME SERVICES
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.
MOVING SALE! Furniture, patio furniture, tools, china, crystal, etc. Saturday, May 30, 9am-12pm. 8209 Hunting Cog Road, Oak Ridge. Rain or shine. Everything must go!
FLOORING
SAM'S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 347-7470.
Luxury Service. Southern Hospitality.
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NEED HELP? Call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 Mon - Fri • 9am -12:30pm
INDEX Auto Sales & Service ........ 28 Employment .................... 28 Yard Sales ....................... 28 Home Services ........... 28-30 Misc. for Sale .................. 30
6716 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale Just 1/4 mile off I-73 EuroHaus.pro | 336.891.3876
CHOICE TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE. Oil changes, inspections, alignments and general automotive repairs. 1080 US Hwy 66 S, Kernersville, NC. (336) 992-9002.
EMPLOYMENT THE TOWN OF OAK RIDGE is accepting applications for two part-time Parks & Recreation groundskeepers. 25 hrs./wk. Very flexible schedule required, including weekends. Applicants must have clean NCDL and be able to pass background check. Applications can be found at www.oakridgenc. com under the Employment tab. Submit applications to tlannon@oakridgenc.com or at Oak Ridge Town Hall, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. PART-TME COOK needed at Bistro 150 in Oak Ridge. Experience preferred. To apply, call Jennifer at (336) 643-6359.
Misc. Wanted .................. 30 YARD SALES Pets & Animal Services .... 30 Real Estate ...................... 30
28 28
YARD SALE. Friday, 5/29, 2-6pm; Saturday, 5/30, 7am-2pm. 451 Crossing Creek, Belews Creek. Social distancing measures in place.
MAY MAY 28 28--JUNE JUNE4,4,2020 2020
AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING A-ACTION AIR. A/C Spring checkup, $49.99. Call (336) 382-3750 or (336) 268-6768.
CLEANING
THE EUROPEAN AUTO SERVICE PROS
DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue
HOME SERVICES
DUST FAIRY CLEANING. Spring PROMO, $100 for a 1,200 sq. ft. home. Please call Tammy, (828) 279-1464. 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.
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.
GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES OLD SCHOOL HOME REPAIR See display ad on page 14. 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. 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.
MAID-2-SHINE. Excellent service, 15 years experience. Free estimates, excellent references. (336) 338-0223.
FIX YOUR MOWER! Service and repairs. Spring specials. "We do it right." Free pickup & delivery. Call Rick, (336) 501-8681.
PAOLA CLEANING SERVICE. Residential & commercial. Insured. (336) 669-5210.
APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707.
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.
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 Need an electrician? Call BLACKMON ELECTRICAL, INC. Free est. Comm. & res. Licensed & insured. Call (336) 430-5018.
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GRADING / HAULING
Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? Call Coble Electric LLC at (336) 209-1486.
BRAD'S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS. LLC. Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647.
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.
The Observer • Totally local since 1996 TheNorthwest Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
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.
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.
MASONRY
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.
GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS WILSON SEAMLESS GUTTERS, new construction, repairs, replacement, leaf guards. Free estimates. (336) 420-0200.
LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING 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. 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.
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. Place your classified ad online at
www.nwobserver.com
ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981.
HOME SERVICES
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. 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.
MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS ON EAGLE'S WINGS residential home design/drafting. Call Patti, (336) 605-0519. COX POOL SERVICE. Openings, closings, routine maintenance, weekly service. No contracts, free estimates! (336) 327-5122.
SOUTHERN CUTZ LAWN CARE, offering complete lawn maintenance services & bush hogging. Nathan Adkins, (336) 430-6086.
WILSON SEPTIC PUMPING & REPAIR. Family owned since 1972. Mention you saw this ad in the NWObserver for a discount. (336) 643-6427.
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.
Offer a home service?
ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875. AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Quality irrigation systems. NC licensed contractor. We service all systems. Free estimates. (336) 644-1174. 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.
Place your ad online at
Residential & Commercial David & Judy Long, owners
(336) 931-0600
BEKPaintCompany.com • References Available • Licensed & Insured • All Work Guaranteed
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.
PLUMBING 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. BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR. No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic./ Ins. Cleanliness in your home is our #1 priority. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924.
PRESSURE WASHING CUTTING EDGE PRESSURE WASHING. Affordable, dependable. Please call anytime for free estimate. (336) 706-0103.
PAINTING & DRYWALL 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.
The Northwest Observer • Totally The Northwest Observer • Totally locallocal sincesince 19961996
BEK Paint Co.
EAST COAST PRESSURE WASHING & LAWN SERVICE. Soft washing, surface cleaning of driveways and patios. See us on Facebook. (336) 207-3625. HOUSE SOFT WASHING, roof soft washing, pressure washing. Check out our 5- star reviews online! Please visit our website, MartinsPressureWashing.com.
continued on p. 30
MAY - JUNE4,4,2020 2020 MAY 2828 - JUNE
29 29
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
MISC. WANTED
REAL ESTATE
PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Fully insured. Crystal Clear, www. windowcleaningnc.com or (336) 595-2873.
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.
$$$ – WILL PAY CASH for your junk / wrecked vehicle. For quote, call (336) 552-0328.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION 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. 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.
Like us on Facebook and keep up with all the northwest-area news! ROOFING CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC. Residential roofing, rubber flat roofs, roof coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience. Call (336) 643-8191 or (336) 268-1908.
Gated access with 24/7 camera surveillance 6705 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale • (336) 643-9963 (affiliated with Stokesdale Storage)
MISC. FOR SALE
(336) 644-8615 office (336) 508-5242 cell
2008 STARWOOD MCKENZIE LE. 29-ft. travel trailer, sleeps six, double bed. Call (336) 382-6862.
Licensed & insured
SEASONED FIREWOOD. $80/pickup truck load, delivered & stacked. (336) 253-7615.
NC Gen. Contractor #72797
30 30
www.ANewDawnRealty.com
REAL ESTATE
HOME FOR SALE
HOME FOR RENT
FOR SALE BY OWNER. 3BR, 2BA, brick, .93 acres, approx. 1,300 sq. ft., fenced yard, shed. Stokesdale/NW schools. $147,900. (336) 324-1225.
LAND 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.
ELEGANT AND LIVABLE
6847 Shields Dr, Oak Ridge
Stunning custom home on over 2.66 AC. Master + guest beds on main, workshop, neighborhood pool, upgrades galore. Private showings only - $1,099,900.
DeDe Cunningham REALTOR®/Broker NC Licensed Contractor
(336) 509-1923 dedesrealestategroup.com dedecunningham@kw.com
Locally owned & operated
, INC
Roof and window replacement
(336) 643-4248
The Northwest Observer
HOME FOR SALE
MISC. SERVICES
SELLERS & BUYERS
Keeping you connected since 1996!
PREMIER ROOFING, LOCALLY OWNED. Catering to all your roofing needs. Call (336) 430-9507 for free assessments.
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.
BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS
WENDY COLLINS PET SITTING LLC. Bonded & Insured. Follow us on Facebook. Call or text (336) 339-6845.
NEWLY REMODELED, 2BR, 1BA, mobile home. All appliances incl. Near intersection of 158/220. $500/mo. (336) 908-6553.
BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Lifetime shingle and metal roofing. We finance. Free Estimates. Since 1979. Please call (336) 362-6343.
We Help Everyone!
PETS & ANIMAL SVCS.
KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Residential shingle & metal roofing. Free est. (336) 362-7469.
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Services TM Construction
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.
MAY MAY 28 28--JUNE JUNE4,4,2020 2020
SELLING OR RENTING? We can help you reach ALL of northwest Guilford County! Call (336) 644-7035, ext. 11, or Place your ad online at
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The Observer • Totally local since 1996 TheNorthwest Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
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and tell them where you saw their ad. Without their partnership, the Northwest Observer could not be free to you, our readers! ACCOUNTING Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC.... 10
AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE
Old School Home Repair .................. 14 ProStone, Inc. ..................................... 7 Rymack Storage ............................... 30 Stokesdale Heating & Air.................. 12
EuroHaus ......................................... 28
LEGAL SERVICES
Piedmont Truck Tires Inc. ..................11
Barbour & Williams Law ..................... 8
Prestige Car Wash .............................. 6 Tire Max ........................................... 25 Vestal Buick / GMC ............................. 7
BUILDING / REMODELING TM Construction Services ................. 30
CHILDREN’S SERVICES Guardian Ad Litem ........................... 18
CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES
MEDICAL CARE / SUPPLIES LeBauer HealthCare ......................... 13 Wake Forest Baptist Health................. 2
ORTHODONTIC CARE Olmsted Orthodontics ...................... 18
PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital .............. 14
Oak Ridge Chiropractic .................... 19
King’s Crossing Animal Hospital ....... 14
COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Northwest Animal Hospital ................. 8
Northwest Observer.................... 24, 31
PUBLISHING
EMPLOYMENT
PS Communications ................... 21, 32
Quality Oil .......................................... 3
REAL ESTATE
HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES
A New Dawn Realty ......................... 30 DeDe Cunningham, Keller Williams .. 30
A.B. Seed ..........................................17
Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX ................... 9
BEK Paint Company ......................... 29
RESTAURANT
Eanes Heating & Air ......................... 22 Mosquito Squad ............................... 15
Isn’t it nice to know exactly where you’re going?
Bistro 150 ........................................... 9
Nature’s Select ................................. 21
YOUTH SPORTS / CAMPS
New Garden Landscaping & Nursery . 4
Oak Ridge Youth Association ........... 19
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