Northwest Observer / August 6-19, 2020

Aug. 6 - 19, 2020

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100 years of living life to its fullest Oak Ridge native Marie L. Armstrong Stewart’s life has been marked with the joy of learning, service to others, dancing, adventure – and love

by ANNETTE JOYCE How do you celebrate something as monumental as turning 100 years old in the midst of a pandemic? Marie Lowrey Armstrong Stewart chose to mark the occasion by spending time with a small gathering of family members and enjoying Mexican food from Rio Grande and a margarita; the following day she enjoyed a “walkthru” party with her friends and fellow church members at Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church.

A resident of Abbotswood at Irving Park, Stewart spent her birthday – Saturday, Aug. 1 Photo courtesy of Molly Sauter – at the Lowrey homeplace.

Marie Lowrey Armstrong Stewart (left) and her two living siblings, Thad Low“We checked with Abbotswood and they rey, 83, and Janie Clendenin, 95, gathered at their family’s Oak Ridge homeplace said it was okay as long as she avoided activion Aug. 1 to celebrate her 100th birthday. The following day her church family ...continued on p. 18 at Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church held a “walk-thru” birthday party for her.

IN THIS ISSUE News in brief................................2 Your Questions ............................4 Council mulls water system buy . 6 Bits & Pieces ................................8 Pets & Critters ..............................9 Eastern box turtles .................... 10

North Carolina’s official state reptile

Pet Adoptions............................ 12

COVID-19’s unpredictable consequences The disease brought on by the coronavirus brings family members and longtime friends closer to a dying woman, while for another family it causes separation from a loved one and ‘the saddest thing I’ve ever experienced in my life’

by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – Nancy Everett considered it a blessing that her cancer-stricken mother lived long enough to

celebrate her 88th birthday last month. She organized a drive-by party for her last week, drawing friends of the family who, if it weren’t for the COVID-19 outbreak, would have celebrated the life of Evelyn Dorn in person.

Meet your next furry best friend!

NWO Kids’ Korner...................... 13

“So many people took time out of their day to come by,” Everett said. For many, it will probably be the last time they see Dorn. When she passes away, her family doesn’t plan to hold a funeral due to virus-related restrictions.

Calendar Events .......................22

“This was a way for a lot of people to get to see her,” Everett said. “It was a sweet time.”

Letters/Opinions .......................26

Judging by health statistics, the coronavirus has largely

...continued on p. 14

Grins and Gripes ......................24 Crime/Incident Report .............25 Classifieds ................................. 27 Index of Advertisers ................. 31

NEWS in brief A+

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OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge Town Council will consider approving a $50,000 contribution towards the purchase of 113 acres on Bunch Road southeast of the town limits for the creation of a public trails preserve.

The Piedmont Land Conservancy agreed in February to pay $575,000 for the Bandera Farms tract – $210,000 less than the asking price – after discussing plans for the property with representatives of Oak Ridge, Summerfield, Guilford County and the city of Greensboro, according to the proposed memorandum of understanding to be discussed

by Oak Ridge’s council.

The proposal calls for contributions of $50,000 from Oak Ridge, $100,000 from Summerfield and $200,000 each from the county and the city for a total of $550,000, or $25,000 shy of the agreed price. The conservancy committed to make two earnest-money deposits totaling $10,000 and agreed to cover the remaining costs.

The conservancy envisions the property as a public recreational area with trails for hikers, bikers and horseback riders. The floodplain of Reedy Fork Creek would be crossed by the proposed Piedmont Greenway, a 19-mile trail that would run from Greensboro to WinstonSalem through Summerfield, Oak Ridge and Kernersville.

The closing of the purchase is slated for no later than Nov. 30. Meanwhile, the conservancy is seeking approval of the proposed funding by the four governing bodies while discussing the

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usage of the property and management and maintenance responsibilities, according to the proposed memo.

Signing the agreement wouldn’t obligate Oak Ridge to pay for development or maintenance costs for the property, Town Manager Bill Bruce told the council in a memo.

The property at the northern corner of Bunch Road and I-73 is located in Summerfield.

“It is generally agreed that the long-term intent is for the property to be transferred to the Town of Summerfield,” reads the memo, noting the ultimate ownership and management and maintenance responsibilities need to be worked out.

Negotiations among the parties will also set terms for a conservation easement to be held by the conservancy to protect wildlife, water and the natural habitat of the property, according to the memo.

The agreement will also clarify Oak Ridge’s legal interest in the property – possibly as a “co-holder of the conservation easement or some other legal interest” – that satisfies the town’s requirement to fund the acquisition of property outside of its jurisdiction, the proposal said.

In other business during this week’s meeting, the council plans to review additional information submitted by Envirolink Inc. after it proposed to operate a municipal water system in Oak Ridge. (See related article on p. 6.)

The council voted 4-1 last month to authorize Town Manager Bill Bruce to negotiate a contract for Envirolink to

operate the proposed water system. Councilman Doug Nodine voted against the move, and he and other council members said they want more information from Envirolink about costs before deciding whether to proceed with the system.

The council will also consider five applications to serve on the town’s newly created water advisory board. The applicants are former Mayor Spencer Sullivan, Brian Hall, Erin English, Francis Disney and Phil McNamara.

Separately, Town Clerk Sandra Smith will ask the council to give town staff guidance for appointing and reappointing residents to boards and committees.

want to participate?

People who want to view or participate in the council’s meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, can do so using the Zoom application. A link to connect to the meeting can be found at www.oakridgenc.com. On the homepage, tap the “Town Council” tab and then “Town Council agendas.” Instructions are at the top of the agenda for the Aug. 6 meeting.

Instructions for submitting a question or speaking during the meeting are explained under the Public Comments section of the agenda.

Photos by Chris Burritt/NWO

After the COVID-19 outbreak forced Freedom House to close its two thrift stores in Greensboro in March, the staff decided to expand its 110-acre farm on U.S. 158 in Summerfield and sell vegetables to pay for its mission: providing a home for single mothers with children during their recovery from drug addiction. The stores on Battleground Avenue and Bridford Parkway reopened in June as workers tended the vegetables and are now clearing land to plant more strawberries, according to Stephen Farrell, director of operations for the farm (show above, selecting ears of corn for customers waiting in their car). “I support the Freedom House cause and like the produce,” said Ron Simpson, who lives nearby and bought corn earlier this week. The farm is located on U.S. 158 about three-quarters of a mile east of U.S. 220 in Summerfield. ... News Briefs continued on p. 26

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

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

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I’ve noticed that grading of the old golf course on Pleasant Ridge Road appears nearly finished. What’s next for the property?

You are correct that grading is almost done. Over the past year, an assortment of heavy machinery has moved about one million cubic yards of earth to prepare the former Pleasant Ridge Golf Course for industrial development by the Piedmont Triad International Airport Authority.

We contacted Kevin Baker, the authority’s executive director, earlier this week for an update on the project. Slated for completion later this summer, grading of the old golf course is preparing “hundreds of acres to be developed,” with the goal of creating high-paying aerospace industry jobs.

The old golf course, named Bel Aire Golf Club when it opened 50 years ago, is part of an almost 1,000-acre industrial site across I-73

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The clubhouse of the former Pleasant Ridge Golf Course (above) on Pleasant Ridge Road in northwest Greensboro was actually an old barn that had been remodeled for Red Brame, who owned the property and built a golf course on it in the late 1960s.

Over the last year the property, now owned by Piedmont Triad International Airport Authority, has been prepared for future industrial development (shown in photo below). It will be part of an almost 1,000-acre industrial site across I-73 from PTI’s terminal and main operations. Grading is slated to be completed late this summer.

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from PTI’s terminal and main operations.

“The airport has been working for many years to prepare sites for aerospace company facilities,” Baker said.

When we talked to Baker at the start of the project a year ago, he explained the authority hired Wright Brothers Construction Co. of Charleston, Tennessee, to remove golf cart paths and irrigation lines, drain ponds and flatten about 130 rolling acres.

The landmark golf clubhouse with

a red metal roof and brick silo was demolished as part of the $6 million project.

The contractor has begun planting grass to prevent erosion of the property.

Work is also underway on a bridge crossing the interstate that will serve as an aircraft taxiway from the terminal to the industrial development tract, according to Baker. That project is slated for completion this winter, he said.

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Council mulls buying four subdivision water systems The community well systems are not yet cash flow positive, but mayor says she believes that will change as the subdivisions are built out

by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – As it evaluates establishing a municipal water system, Oak Ridge Town Council is exploring buying the community well systems in as many as four subdivisions.

The systems in the Shiloh, Autumn Forest, Carriage Cove and Knight’s Landing subdivisions are owned by Envirolink, a contractor that has proposed operating a municipal water system in Oak Ridge.

During its meeting this Thursday, Aug. 6, the council plans to review additional information from Envirolink in response to questions from council members about

costs for establishing a municipal system.

In its reply last month, Envirolink said it “would prefer that the town make an offer for purchase of these systems” before the contractor would agree to share financial information about their operation to town representatives. As a private company, the contractor said it was concerned about submitting confidential information directly to the town.

Town Manager Bill Bruce is negotiating a contract with Envirolink to operate the proposed municipal system. In a memo to the council, he said he wants to know about “any additional concerns or priorities” as contract talks continue.

Mayor Ann Schneider said acquiring as many as four of the community wells would be a real estate transaction by Oak Ridge separate from the town entering into an agreement for Envirolink to operate a municipal system.

Town leaders are exploring the pur-

chase of one or more of the community wells as a way “to help jumpstart the municipal water system,” Schneider said in an interview earlier this week.

The systems, which are built to Oak Ridge’s required standards, may create the opportunity for homeowners living in the vicinity of the subdivisions to hook up to the town’s system, she said. The community wells could possibly contribute to a network of wells in neighborhoods that want to improve the reliability of their water supply.

If it proceeds with the municipal system, the town would require that new subdivisions with 30 or more lots operate as part of the municipal water system.

On the other hand, homeowners drawing water from existing community and private wells wouldn’t be required to tap into the system.

An opponent of a municipal system, Councilman Doug Nodine said the town

may put tax dollars at risk if it buys any of the community well systems in the subdivisions.

He said he learned in a meeting with Bruce and Schneider earlier this week that Envirolink’s systems in the four neighborhoods “are not cash flow positive.”

“I think it is a wobbly proposition,” Nodine said in an interview, explaining he doubts the town would recoup its investments in the systems even as they add customers with the construction of new houses in the neighborhoods.

Schneider countered, saying she thinks the town would get back any initial investments within two or three years as new homeowners tap into community wells that are part of the municipal system.

“They’re probably not making money yet because they’re not fully built out,” she said. “The point is to have a reliable well system.”

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serving you locally

Ordinary peOPLE,

Extraordinary impact “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall

Terry Sharpe, aka ‘Walking Marine’ Summerfield resident Terry Sharpe, 69, completed his eighth trek on foot to Washington, D.C., on July 26 to raise awareness for veterans’ issues including suicide, PTSD and homelessness.

by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – Vietnam War veteran Terry Sharpe completed his 300-mile walk from Stokesdale to Washington, D.C., on Sunday, July 26. A day later, he was honored during a ceremonial walk from the Washington Monument to the White House where President Donald Trump greeted him.

Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, joined Sharpe on the walk leading to a red banner reading “Finish line.” After breaking through it, Sharpe looked up and saw the president and Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie waiting for him on the West Lawn.

“I wasn’t expecting it,” Sharpe, aka the “Walking Marine,” said in an interview earlier this week after returning home to Summerfield.

Trump “was right there, tall as ever, a big man.”

seven years to raise money and awareness for veterans’ issues such as suicide, homelessness and post-traumatic stress disorder. In previous years, he departed in May but delayed his latest start until July 1 due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Sharpe walked in heat and humidity about 10 miles a day, a shorter daily distance than in previous years.

“It was 100-plus degrees on several days,” he said. “The road got even hotter. ‘Brutal’ is a kind word for it.”

As Sharpe prepared for the recent trip, he said it would be his last one. He cited his age – he turns 70 Nov. 1 – as the primary reason for calling it quits.

A few days after completing the trek, however, he said he may change his mind.

The president congratulated Sharpe for his walk. Other than that, he said, “I don’t remember what we talked about. I was in such shock.”

Sharpe and members of his support team posed with Trump for photographs.

“Next March, I’ll know whether I’m going to do it again,” he said. “I don’t enjoy it. It is hard on my body. But I feel like I’m doing something good, raising awareness about veterans and others who commit suicide.”

Sharpe said he collected about $2,200 in donations during his walk, putting him close to,

It was Sharpe’s eighth walk over the past

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if not over, his goal of raising $25,000 for the Nine Line Foundation. The all-volunteer nonprofit organization is building a village consisting of small houses, a community center and an aquaponics training center for severely wounded veterans.

Roughly 22 veterans from all branches of the U.S. armed forces die by suicide each day, according to Veterans Affairs reports.

To learn more or donate to Sharpe’s efforts, visit www.walkingmarine.com.

Thanks to Tire Max for sponsoring this new monthly feature in which we recognize “ordinary” people in our readership area who make an extraordinary impact on others. To nominate an “ordinary” person for this feature, email editor@nwobserver.com with their name, a detailed description of how they positively impact others, and your contact info.

BITS & PIECES

New principals named at local schools GUILFORD COUNTY – Guilford County Schools announced last week that Penny Loschin will transfer from Madison Elementary in McLeansville, where she has been principal for the last seven Penny Loschin years, to become the principal at Oak Ridge Elementary.

Loschin has more than 30 years of experience in education, including as an assistant principal at Jesse Wharton Elementary and at Northwest High. She led Madison in improving the school letter grade, double digit gains in school proficiency and implementation of multiple initiatives, including an African American male mentoring program and a weekly coding program for students.

Loschin holds a bachelor’s degree in special education from Appalachian State University, a bachelor’s degree in

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elementary education from Greensboro College and a master’s degree in school administration from Appalachian State University. She is National Board Certified in early childhood education.

Denise Francisco, who has been a teacher and principal with Guilford County Schools since 1994, has been named the new principal for Northwest Middle School.

Previously, Francisco was a second and Denise Francisco fourth grade teacher before becoming the principal at Peeler Open School for the Performing Arts in 2004. She then served for five years as the principal at Greensboro College Middle College before becoming the principal at Oak Ridge during the 2010-2011 school year.

“It is very exciting to begin a new chapter in middle school,” Francisco wrote in her introduction letter on Northwest Middle’s website. “I am excited to

see my former Oak Ridge students, but I am also eager to meet our other students who are from the additional feeder pattern elementary schools.”

And earlier this year, Ashley Young was named principal of Northwest Guilford High School. She succeeds Ralph Kitley, who retired last March, and Ashley Young Tanya Hiller, an assistant principal at the school who served as interim principal through the end of the school year.

For the past two years Young served as principal of Northwest Guilford Middle School, and prior to that, for one year as principal of McMichael High School in Rockingham County. She also previously served as assistant principal at Northwest Guilford High School, and as a special education teacher at Northwest Guilford High School as well as at Southwest Middle and Kiser Middle.

COVID-19 Cases/Deaths NW/NORTHERN GUILFORD – According to North Carolina’s Health and Human Services Department, areas of northwest and northern Guilford County have had the following number of labconfirmed COVID-19 cases and related deaths over the last several weeks.

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reported 129,288 lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases and 2,050 deaths since March 1 (compared to 1,865 deaths as of July 29).

For up-to-date info on the number of diagnosed COVID-19 cases locally, countywide and across the state, visit: www.covid19.ncdhhs.gov/dashboard.

LAB-CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASES and RELATED DEATHS

Oak Ridge (27310) Summerfield (27358) Stokesdale (27357) Northern G’Boro (27455) NW G’Boro (27409) NW G’Boro (27410) Guilford County

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

As of Aug. 5 Cases 41 125 62 209 162 331 5,335

As of July 29

Deaths Cases 1 34 1 120 1 56 7 193 2 151 5 296 153 4,932

As of July 15

Deaths Cases 1 30 1 100 1 49 7 121 2 111 5 215 128 3,760

Deaths 1 1 1 5 2 3 128

August 2020 a monthly feature of the Northwest Observer

When COVID-19 hit and working from home became a must, Wishbone of Stokesdale was promoted to become the family receptionist.

See more local pet photos in our summer Pets & Critters album on Facebook.com/ NorthwestObserver

The Pegram family from Stokesdale poses with their beloved pets. Kate (left) sits with her kitty, Patch, while Kate’s sister, Kylie, smiles with her bunny, Walnut, and Kate’s brother, Brantley, holds on to his 12-weekold Labrador retriever puppy, Oakley June. Oakley June, also shown at right, is the newest member of the Pegram family.

You might be wondering if this chicken has missed her hair appointments since COVID-19 closed down salons and barbershops for so long, but this is just the Polish chicken style. Part of the Red Letter Farm family out in Belews Creek, owner Karen Fulcher says Polish chickens aren’t the brightest animals but they sure are sweet.

Flash, the Summerfield Feed Mill cat, was caught here reading the Northwest Observer, held up for him by his favorite human, Arlene Neal.

Kai (left) and Bolt, white huskies, smile big from their Stokesdale home. Owner Ashley Lowe describes Kai as loving and motherly and Bolt as “the wild one.”

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Eastern box turtles

still thriving in N.C. – for now

by ANNETTE JOYCE In 1979, the North Carolina General Assembly considered a bill to adopt the eastern box turtle as the official state reptile. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Chris Barker of New Bern, who, according to NCPedia, an online source for information about North Carolina, claimed the turtle was the best representative of the state because “it’s a useful creature that controls insect levels, clears ponds and lakes of impurities, is edible, and is the ultimate example of patience and North Carolina’s unrelenting pursuit of goals.”

Barker’s proposal didn’t come

without controversy. He originally opted to include all turtles, but fellow legislators convinced him it should be the eastern box turtle because it was common to all parts of the state.

Various congressmen felt that other reptiles – alligators, lizards and snakes – were more appropriate, yet it was the slow and steady eastern box turtle that eventually won out.

Although not as common as they were over 40 years ago, eastern box turtles are still abundant throughout North Carolina. In fact, if you’re growing a garden, chances are good that you’ve discovered one or two of these docile creatures munching on your produce.

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This eastern box turtle was placed back into its habitat after being tagged for tracking purposes. The eastern box turtle is the official state reptile of North Carolina.

About 4 inches by 6 inches when fully grown, the eastern box turtle is one of six surviving subspecies of the common box turtle. The striking orange, yellow and reddish markings found on its dark brown shell set it apart from the other five species.

According to Lindsey Zarecky, Greensboro Science Center (GSC)’s vice president of Conservation and Research, the markings also help people determine the gender of the turtle.

“The males and females look very different,” Zarecky said. “The males tend to be more colorful, with more red and orange.”

Males are also usually larger and have shorter, thicker tails than females. And, there’s a difference in the hind claws of the two sexes. While

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males’ claws are short, thick and curved, the females’ hind claws are long, straight and thin.

The box turtle got its name for its ability to “box up” inside its shell when threatened. “Because they have a hinged shell, box turtles can pull their heads and limbs completely inside to protect themselves from any danger,” Zarecky said. “But, unlike cartoon characters, they can’t come out of their shells.”

Eastern box turtles are primarily terrestrial, which means they live on land. They can be found in open woodlands, shrubby grass, marshy meadows, fields and forest edges; areas that have streams, ponds or heavy rainfall are most appealing.

During their lifetimes, eastern box turtles stake out a territory of about 750 feet in diameter and for the most part stay within that range. Zarecky said GSC, along with other organizations including state parks and

universities, has a program to track the turtles using radio transmitters attached to their shells.

“We keep track of them to see how far they travel,” she said. “Sometimes they go rogue and take a long journey, but then they normally come back home.”

Nesting season for these reptiles begins in May and goes through July.

Females dig out a small hole in sandy soil near a body of water, lay their eggs – which usually number four to five but can sometimes be as many as 11 – cover the eggs with soil, then go on their merry way.

“There’s no parenting involved,” Zarecky confirmed.

Hatchings, which are about 1 inch in diameter, dig their way out of the nest in about 60 to 90 days.

Interestingly, the sex of the baby turtles is determined by temperature.

“Their gender is actually based on the temperature of the nest,” Zarecky said.

“Eggs that have (been subjected to) temperatures under 80 degrees are likely to be males; over 82 degrees and they’re usually females.”

Zarecky added that different spots

in a single nest can have different temperatures, usually resulting in a good mix of the two genders. These turtles have a life expectancy of 25 to 30 years, but there have been reports of some living to be 100 years old.

Eastern box turtles are currently categorized as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, which means they are likely to become endangered unless threats to their survival aren’t eliminated.

As with most species, the biggest threat to the box turtle’s survival is the destruction of its habitat.

“When you take a forest and tear it down to build a neighborhood or a road, the turtles lose their home,” Zarecky said.

Roads themselves pose a problem, since a good number of turtles are killed on the highway as they try to cross to the other side of their territory.

And finally, when humans find one of these gentle creatures they will often decide to keep them as pets.

Fortunately, there are things we can do to help protect our state’s official reptile. First, never move a box turtle to a distant location. If you see one trying to cross the road and it’s safe to do so, place the turtle on the side of the road in the direction that it’s headed.

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“Don’t take it with you or move it to another location,” Zarecky said. “Taking them out of their homes causes them to get stressed and can kill them.”

Another way to help the population is to provide information when you find one of these turtles. Visit the Carolina Herp Atlas (http://www. carolinaherpatlas.com), an online database where people can log their box turtle sightings. Photographs, location information and other details can be included, all of which helps state biologists monitor the turtles.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

AUG. 6 - 19, 2020

11

?

N E E S U O Y E V HA Trivia

about catsper? h do you knWhow cats How muccats country has more ich is called a other country in A group of grown group of kittens “clowder,” while a is called what? a. kindle b. coodle c. litter d. bitty

ple identify as What percent of peo cat people? a. 34.6% b. 19.5% c. 11.5% d. 51.2%

See the answers to

person than any the world? a. China b. New Zealand c. France d. United States

NEW monthly pet features

Pet Adoptions Red Dog Farm Animal Rescue Network DUSTY Dusty, a 9-week-old male short-haired domestic cat, came to us from the shelter at just 4 weeks old. He had an upper respiratory infection when he arrived, but he has since fully recovered and is 100% healthy. With his darker black and lighter black stripes, Dusty looks like a black tabby and he is just too cute! He is extremely friendly and is fine with being handled. He also does well with both dogs and other cats. Due to his playful and friendly nature, Dusty needs a home with another cat that he can play with; he would also be happy with a dog friend! Learn more or apply at www.reddogfarm.com. more or apply at www.reddogfarm.com. with another cat that he can play with; he would also be happy with a dog friend! Learn with both dogs and other cats. Due to his playful and friendly nature, Dusty needs a home extremely friendly and is fine with being handled. He also does well Dusty looks like a black tabby and he is just too cute! He is is 100% healthy. With his darker black and lighter black stripes, infection when he arrived, but he has since fully recovered and from the shelter at just 4 weeks old. He had an upper respiratory Dusty, a 9-week-old male short-haired domestic cat, came to us

DUSTY

is as unique Which part of a cat rint? as a human fingerp a. tongue b. paw pads c. inner ear d. nose pad

these questions on

Kids’ Korner in every issue

LUNA Luna, an adorable 18-month-old female Polish dwarf mix rabbit, is still settling in with her foster family. She enjoys playtime, discovering new things, and is working on litter box training. If interested in adopting this sweetheart, please fill out an application at www.reddogfarm.com.

p. 31

FIND THE

10

DIFFERENCES

For more info or to apply to adopt these or other animals in need of loving homes, visit www.reddogfarm.com

Guilford County Animal Shelter PUCK It’s not too late to have your “Midsummer Night’s Dream” come true by adopting Puck. About 3 years old, Puck is a neutered male blue-and-white American pit bull terrier and weighs 72 pounds.

Shelter staff describe Puck as a friendly, happy boy who may thrive best in a home with no other dogs. Say the magic word: ask for him by ID#A021554.

Monthly crossword puzzle

MARTHA Meet Martha, a spayed female brown tabby-and-white domestic shorthair. She is neat, clean, elegant and (unlike Martha Stewart) will never wind up in jail for charges related to insider trading. About 9 years old, Martha is still bright-eyed and has years of love to give to her fur-ever family. “Spring” her from the shelter: ask for Martha

by ID#A020901.

For more information about sponsoring these NEW features contact Laura at (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 or advertising@nwobserver.com

and ask about our INTRODUCTORY RATES!

Guilford County Animal Shelter

4525 W. Wendover Ave., Greensboro • Mon-Sat 12-6pm (closed Tues), Sun 1-5pm To check animals’ availability, call (336) 641-3400 or visit

www.guilfordcountync.gov/our-county/animal-services/animal-shelter

12

AUG. 6 - 19, 2020

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Kids’ Korner Turtle Talk Read the article on eastern box turtles starting on page 10, and see if you can answer the following questions correctly 1. Where are you mostly likely to find eastern box turtle eggs? a. in the sand b. in the lake c. in a nest in a tree d. in the grass 2. One way to the tell the difference between male and female eastern box turtles, is that males: a. are more colorful b. have longer tails c. have straight claws d. have bigger heads

3. Which of the following statements is true about eastern box turtles? a. they lay their eggs in the winter b. they detach from their shells c. they often live near water d. they often live to be over 100 4. All of these are threats to the eastern box turtle except: a. being hit by a car b. hawks picking up and eating them c. cutting down forests d. humans taking them in as pets

DRAW THE TURTLE

NWO Kids’ Korner

Stumped? Look for the answers on page 31

Thank you to Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital for making this week’s Kids’ Korner possible

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UNEXPECTED CONSEQUENCES ...continued from p. 1

Since then, Hall’s relatives are allowed to visit twice a week, for intervals of 30 minutes, standing outside the window of his room. It’s cracked open two or three inches, allowing them to talk to each other, but not touch.

“He will tell us, ‘I wish I could hug you,’” his wife of 58 years said.

Until his stroke, Mike Hall enjoyed tending the couple’s small farm after retiring as a trucking company salesman. Sue Hall retired as a secretary at Northwest Guilford High School. He no longer has a phone, so he occasionally asks a nurse to call his wife.

Photo courtesy of Mike Hall’s family

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Mike Hall visits with his family members including (shown in photo) son, Todd, and wife, Sue, through a partially open window at the Spring Arbor assisted living center in northwest Greensboro.

Spring Arbor assisted living center in northwest Greensboro. (shown in photo) son, Todd, and wife, Sue, through a partially open window at the Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Mike Hall visits with his family members including

Photo courtesy of Mike Hall’s family

spared northwest Guilford in terms of diagnosed cases of COVID-19 and related deaths. But for families such as Everett’s, the pandemic has altered their lives in ways they never imagined possible before the illness began rapidly spreading in March.

The impact isn’t confined to individuals infected by the virus and their relatives dealing with the repercussions of the illness. Non-visitation policies by hospitals and other care centers

have separated families from loved ones who are being cared for in group facilities.

Last September, Mike Hall of Oak Ridge suffered a stroke three days before his 78th birthday. His wife, Sue, and their three children, Todd, Velvet and Christy, visited him twice daily in Spring Arbor, a Greensboro assisted living center… until March 15.

That’s when visitations ended due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Jam-packed with valuable info for northwest Guilford County residents

“He will ask, ‘Where are you? Why don’t you come see me?’” Sue said.

“Mike and I planned and covered our bases,” Sue said. “But we never, ever dreamed of anything like this – a stroke and then COVID-19 to come along with it. It’s the saddest thing I’ve ever experienced in my life, to know that he’s 12 miles away but I can’t do anything for him.”

Hall said she hopes, but doubts that she “will ever see Mike again. I can’t imagine COVID being over and going in and hugging him.”

Across North Carolina, the virus is blamed for nearly 2,000 deaths, including 147 in Guilford County as of this past Monday, Aug. 3, accord-

020

al edition 12th annu

In print every January and online year-round at nwobserver.com ed by publish

14

AUG. 6 - 19, 2020

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

ing to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. It reported 126,532 COVID-19 cases in the state and 5,242 countywide.

Three deaths and 223 cases are linked to the illness in three zip codes serving Summerfield, Oak Ridge and Stokesdale, according to the department.

The elderly account for the highest percentage of virus-related deaths.

Statewide, 79% of the fatalities have occurred among people 65 years and older, although the category accounts for less than a third of reported cases, the state agency said.

Summerfield Mayor Pro Tem Tim Sessoms lost a longtime friend and business associate to COVID-19 last month. For 24 years, Joe Nix, 71, of Raleigh, served as chief financial officer of Sessoms’ company, CRG, which provides executive search, personnel staffing and information technology services to employers.

Sessoms said he’s never embraced the view that COVID-19 is “not real” or “not much worse than the flu.”

“I treated it as real the whole time,” he said, “but it got a lot more real to me on July 20,” the day Nix died after he had been placed on a ventilator.

“He was so healthy,” Sessoms said.

“Even when it kept getting worse and worse, you kept thinking Joe was going to come back. And then he was gone.

“It’s an absolute emptiness not to be able to be with your friend, sit with

Keep it handy, use it often

your friend, visit your friend when he’s in the hospital,” Sessoms said. “It is a hopeless feeling to watch somebody you love so much go through that and not be able to be there with them.”

In March, the virus hit Oak Level Baptist Church in Stokesdale, infecting 18 members, including the church’s pastor, Jerry Walker, and his wife, Ann. Two elderly members, Jim Amick and James Payne, died from the illness, while some others were hospitalized, according to Walker. He said he, his wife and other members have recovered.

Church members aren’t certain how they were infected by the virus, which was relatively little known in early March as the illness began spreading in the 200-member congregation. Walker, 75, said he and his 73-year-old wife quarantined for three weeks after their diagnosis.

Photo courtesy of Evelyn Dorn’s family

Nancy Everett’s mother, Evelyn Dorn, celebrated her 88th birthday last week with a drive-by birthday party in the Cardinal subdivision organized by her relatives.

Walker likened his illness to “a severe case of the cold or a mild case of the flu. We tended to it early, stayed inside and did what we were supposed to do,” he said.

retirement and senior care facility in Greensboro. Starting later this month, the center plans to moderate its novisitation policy by allowing visits to independent-living residents.

For more than 50 years, Walker has visited sick people in the hospital and, in some cases, prayed with them and their families before they died. He believes hospitals’ non-visitation policies related to COVID-19 should make exceptions for patients’ relatives and ministers who comply with health precautions.

Well-Spring is also planning for the eventuality that state regulators may allow visitations to resume at skilled nursing facilities, Fleming said.

In that case, after passing a medical screening, as many as two visitors will be allowed to visit a single resident at a time. The meetings will take place outside, with a barrier separating the visitors and the residents, he said.

“Not being able to go into the hospital is very discouraging and very much wrong,” Walker said. “People ought to be able to be with family members during this time.

“The people who are struggling and suffering need a pastor to be with them and pray with them,” he said. “I do that on the phone, but it’s not the same to pray over the phone.”

“It’s not going to be giving Grandma or Grandpa or Mom or Dad a hug when you come to see them,” Fleming said. “But you’re going to be able to lay eyes on them and talk to them. We know that a few minutes with a loved one can change a resident’s perspective.”

The elderly suffer when they’re isolated from loved ones, according to Steve Fleming, president and chief executive officer of Well-Spring, a

In Stokesdale, Oak Level Baptist Church followed social distancing and cleanliness precautions when it resumed in-person services in June.

Members have remained healthy, Walker said.

nal subdivision where they organized the drive-by birthday party for her.

“I don’t sense any negative fears,” he said. “We are moving forward with a good spirit and a good attitude.

The Lord has strengthened us as a church.”

If the opening of schools weren’t delayed by the virus, Everett said she’d be holding tryouts for the volleyball team. Instead, she and other family members are looking after her mom.

For Nancy Everett, the pandemic proved “to be a blessing” because it led to the cancelation of schools in March, enabling her to care for her mother.

“We couldn’t control this virus, but we’ve tried to make the best of it,” Everett said. “There is a lot of sadness, but there are some great stories in this pandemic.

Everett teaches physical education and coaches the women’s volleyball team at Northwest Guilford High School, where her husband, Mike, is athletic director. Her mother lives with the couple in their home in the Cardi-

“The hospice nurse told us that my mother is well taken care of, loved and feels comfortable in our home,” she said. “That goes a lot further than any pills we could give her.”

At LeBauer Healthcare

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

AUG. 6 - 19, 2020

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ofotherhospitality” for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant was Not valid with any offers. Limit one coupon per customer. Valid only at beginning to attract a loyal following when COVID-19 appeared a Oak Ridge Commons, Cardinal Center and Gunter’s Crossing locations. few months later, which led the trio to temporarily close and regroup.

The three men have known each other for four-plus decades 11:53 AM and have over 1003/8/12 years of restaurant experience among them.

They previously worked together at Bert’s Seafood Grille, a longtime Greensboro dinner staple, and later at Reel Seafood Grille on New Garden Road in northwest Greensboro. Both restaurants were co-owned and managed by Lacklen; Hendrix was in charge of food preparation and DuMond tended the bar and served guests.

Veterans of the food industry, the partners knew that even temporarily closing the doors of the diner so soon after it had opened would take a tremendous toll. As pandemic restrictions lingered on, they spent their downtime assessing their business plan and making changes to ensure the restaurant’s comeback.

On June 2, Oak Ridge Diner reopened for take-out and delivery. Since then, a limited number of tables have been made available for inside dining and a patio area for outside dining.

3/8/12 11:53 AM

constructed the patio themselves and are handling all the food preparation. Their daughters are se for take-out orders and delivery.

The restaurant is now open for 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner fro may be offered again on the weeke Fewer customers and higher fo of the pandemic necessitated a sm been creeping back down while ser “Our customers won’t walk aw some cases, they might have enou Currently, customers ordering t plimentary piece of pie to split. Afte

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mmons

SHOP • DINE • ENJOY

Oak Ridge, at the corner of NC Highways 68 and 150

Curbside Pickup 2213 Oak Ridge Rd, Oak Ridge

AM

File photo

Oak Ridge diner owners (L-R) Darold DuMond, Brad Hendrix and Drew Lacklen

erving and answering the phone

r lunch Tuesday through Saturday, om 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Breakfast ends in the near future. ood costs during the recent months mall price increase, but prices have rving sizes have increased. way hungry,” DuMond said. “In ugh left over for another meal.” two entrees are treated to a comer folks have had a taste of these

delicious made-in-house desserts, the partners hope they’ll take advantage of the restaurant’s newest offering – whole pies, cake and cobblers.

Give them 24 hours’ notice and Oak Ridge Diner can supply you with a whole pie in flavors such as butterscotch, almond and coconut, chocolate pecan, key lime and more. You can also purchase various fruit cobblers and a double chocolate cake.

And, within the next few weeks the diner hopes to have everything in place to sell beer and wine.

While adapting to the pandemic-related restrictions on restaurants, Oak Ridge Diner’s partners are hopeful their new venture will not only survive, but come out stronger. They extend their gratitude to all the loyal patrons they had already gained in just a few months of the restaurant being open, and invite those who haven’t been in yet to give them a try.

OAK RIDGE DINER

(336) 298-7102 • www.oakridgediner.com

Dine-in, patio dining, take-out and delivery 1 FREE dessert for dine-in and patio customers, with purchase of 2 meals from entree menu

Ask us about our whole pies!

NOW OPEN For Lunch and Dinner!

Tuesday thru Saturday Lunch 11:30 am to 2 pm Dinner 4:30 to 8:30 Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center | 336.298.7102 | www.oakridgediner.com

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touc

100 YEARS OF LIVING ...continued from p. 1 ties with other residents for two weeks afterward,” said her niece, Kelly Giubileo, who organized the gathering. “She made the decision that it was worth it to get together with her family.”

On Sunday, Stewart spent part of the day sitting in the shade on the porch at the church’s fellowship house as friends passed by to speak with her and drop off cards, gifts and letters. Rev. Marti Hazelrigg, church pastor, said strict pandemic protocols were followed.

“The most important thing was to keep Marie safe while we were celebrating her 100th birthday,” Hazelrigg said.

“I had a wonderful time,” Stewart said of the weekend celebrations. “You don’t get to be 100 every day!”

Although she’s in relatively good

health, Stewart does have a few health issues. Giubileo said her aunt has a fear of falling, but she still gets around with a walker.

And despite the pandemic restrictions that limit gathering with friends and family as much as she’d like, Stewart hasn’t lost her desire to live a socially active life.

Stewart was born in her grandmother’s home, which still stands on Pepper Road in Oak Ridge. The property belonged to her great-great-grandfather, John Lowrey,

Photo courtesy of Marti Hazelrigg

Even though social distancing practices were in place, Marie Stewart had a great time at a “walk-thru” party held in her honor at Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church.

northwest area, skipping ahead grades and graduating from Salem College in Winston-Salem.

“I was always pushed because I learned easily,” she said.

While she was in college, Stewart met a young man from the Bethany community in Rockingham County.

They dated for about a year and a half and things were going well for the couple… until he was called away to service during World War II. who served in the Revolutionary War. As payment for his military service, he was given about 300 acres in Guilford County where the community of Oak Ridge sprouted.

Stewart attended school in the

After her young beau went to Europe, Stewart moved to Washington, D.C., to work as a secretary for an Army official.

“The war tore us apart,” she said.

“He eventually married someone else and I married, as well.”

Stewart’s first husband, Don Arm-

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AUG. 6 - 19, 2020

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Tracy Williams, attorney

Tra

Marie L. Armstrong Stewart, 100, on her marriage to David Stewart when they were both in their 90s. strong, passed away in 2000. During their 40-year marriage, the couple literally danced around the world, teaching square dancing, contra and folk dancing. By the time she reached her late 80s, she thought her dancing days were behind her, but during a trip to Germany to attend a weekend memorial for Don, she discovered dancing was still in her blood.

piece together the school’s history and contributed significantly to the development of the academy’s museum.

“I felt so rejuvenated,” she recalled.

Even with so many treasured memories from her 100 years, Stewart said there is one chapter of her life that stands out from all the others. Ten years ago, the Northwest Observer ran an article about her on her 90th birthday. Serendipitously, the issue made its way to Reidsville, where a certain gentleman happened to pick it up and take a look inside.

Being socially and physically active her entire life has likely played a role in keeping Stewart so lively and sharp.

Her commitment to serve others has no doubt also been a contributing factor.

Over the years she’s been extremely active in her church, involved in everything from singing in the choir to overseeing food pick-up for the church’s participation in Greensboro Urban Ministry’s program to feed those in need. Hazelrigg noted that, until the pandemic, Stewart was still occasionally teaching a Bible study.

Stewart has also volunteered for numerous organizations, including the Shepherd’s Center of Kernersville, which focuses on enriching the lives of older and disabled adults.

One of her greatest joys was teaching Spanish to 4-year-olds at Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church’s preschool.

Having become fluent in Spanish at the age of 55, Stewart was passionate about sharing her knowledge with her young charges.

A staunch supporter of Oak Ridge Military Academy, where 19 of her family members attended, Stewart spent five years culling through documents, books and photographs to

These activities merely scratch the surface of what this vibrant and determined lady has been involved with during her lifetime.

“I’ve had a very interesting life and have been granted a lot of opportunities,” Stewart said humbly.

That man, David Stewart, Sr., was the soldier who had said goodbye to the pretty young girl in Oak Ridge 65 years earlier. After calling our newspaper’s office to ask how he could get in touch with her, David and Marie reconnected, and within a year they were married.

“The most important thing in my life is that David and I got together,” Stewart said, her voice breaking with emotion. “I spent the best five years of my life with him.”

A few years ago, when they were both in their 90s, the couple moved to Abbotswood; David died in November 2018.

Stewart described their late-in-life marriage as something that happens in a storybook. Even so, it’s only one chapter in a well-lived life that’s overflowed with unique experiences, extensive travel, gratitude – and joy.

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EVERY TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY

 Farmers Markets | Stokesdale United Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola Drive, continues to host a “Fruits of the Spirit” farmers market every Tuesday, 4 to 7 p.m. on the church’s front lawn (social distancing guidelines followed). Vendors are selling local produce and homemade goods. More info: Charles Southard, (336) 509-7314.

The Town of Stokesdale also hosts a weekly farmers market every Wednesday, 4 to 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Park, 8325 Angel-Pardue Road (social distancing guidelines followed). To obtain a vendor application, call Stokesdale Town Hall, (336) 643-4011 or email deputyclerk@stokesdale.org.

EVERY THIRD TUESDAY

 Classic Car Cruise-In | JPC Monroe LLC is spon-

soring a parade of classic cars and live entertainment every third Tuesday of the month (through October),

Carlotta Lytton

, CPA, PC

Individual & Corporate Tax Returns

4:30 to 8 p.m. (weather permitting) at Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center. EuroHaus, “the European auto pros,” is sponsoring a “People’s Choice Award” in which attendees vote for their favorite car and the winner receives a trophy along with a gift card to a business in Oak Ridge Commons. Attendees are asked to follow COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. More info: rfloss@aol.com.

THURSDAY, AUG. 6  Town Council | Oak Ridge Town Council will hold its monthly meeting virtually via Zoom on Aug. 6, beginning 7 p.m. Visit www.oakridgenc.com for a meeting agenda and/or a link to the virtual meeting. A preview of the meeting can also be found in this issue’s News Briefs.

TUESDAY, AUG. 11  Town Council | Summerfield Town Council will hold its monthly meeting via Facebook Live on Aug. 11, beginning 6:30 p.m. Visit www. summerfieldnc.gov for a meeting agenda and/or visit the Town of Summerfield, NC on Facebook to attend the meeting online. A preview of the meeting can also be found in this issue’s News Briefs.

THURSDAY, AUG. 13  Town Council | Stokesdale Town Council will

hold its monthly meeting virtually via Zoom on Aug. 13, beginning 7 p.m. Visit the town online at www.stokesdale.org for a meeting agenda and/or a link to the virtual meeting.

THURSDAY, AUG. 20  Garden Tour | Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden will host a walking tour of the garden’s summer annuals Aug. 20, 6 to 7 p.m. at 215 S. Main Street in Kernersville. This event is free for PJCBG members and $5 for non-members. Registration is required; attendance is limited to 25. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. COVID-19 safety guidelines will be followed. To learn more or register, call (336) 996-7888 or visit cienerbotanicalgarden.org.

WE’LL BE BACK IN PRINT THURSDAY, AUG. 20 (the Northwest Observer is now offered in print the first, third and fifth Thursday of each month)

OLD SCHOOL

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AUG. 6 - 19, 2020

Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC 32 Years Experience

Individual, Corporate, Partnership & Payroll Tax Electronic Tax Filing  Estate Planning Bookkeeping & Compilations Oak Ridge Business Center 8004 Linville Rd, Suite G, Oak Ridge (336) 643-7577 or 1-800-467-8299 info@samanderscpa.com www.samanderscpa.com

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The Wright Stuff Flight Simulation Model Kits, Display Models Birthday Parties

www.wrghtstff.com 2306 Oak Ridge Road

Coming

September 3 Back-to-school special publication  An extensive look at the upcoming school year, with a focus on the differences and challenges COVID-19 has brought  Interviews with coaches, teachers, students and parents to learn how they are coping with all the changes to the 2020-2021 school year  Remote learning; pros, cons and challenges  Meet the administrators at our local schools

Direct-mailed to over 12,000 homes Every household within the Oak Ridge (27310), Summerfield (27358) and Stokesdale (27357) zip codes

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GRINS and GRIPES

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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.

 Summerfield Post Office. I had a missing package and submitted an inquiry via the USPS website. Within the hour, I received a personal phone call from our local post office taking care of the issue.

Dr. Beth Borden, DDS & Dr. Tristan J. Parry, DDS ( 336 ) 644-2770 | 1009 Hwy 150W, Summerfield

Family practice serving patients of all ages

BE PREPARED Home | Auto | Motorcycle Life | Business 5709 W Friendly Avenue Greensboro (336) 299- 5185

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AUG. 6 - 19, 2020

Proudly serving the Triad since

1963

 Bistro 150 for curating an excellent menu and maintaining such high quality even during the pandemic. We love the Chesapeake Pasta. We will continue to come back!

 All volunteers at the polls on Election Day and during early voting.

Many are elderly, so their numbers may reduce this year as they isolate to protect from the coronavirus. Here’s hoping younger, healthier volunteers keep our polls safely open!

 Patti Stokes and Northwest Observer staff for more than 20 years of weekly reporting, attending town meetings and recording local political news (even when they were tired), just to keep residents informed. Enjoy your transition to biweekly print editions!

 The family in the Regal boat on Belews Lake last Sunday who gave up their time and gas to tow our brokendown boat back to the dry stack dock.

Very nice and very appreciated!

 Local shoppers and service personnel who wear their masks or protective gear to keep others safe, doing so with a great attitude. Some high-risk people are less obvious (such as diabetics, asthmatics), so we appreciate your efforts!

 Essential workers, first responders, EMTs and police, sheriffs and firefighters, nurses, doctors – and yes, truckers, delivery staff, restaurant and grocery workers who help keep us safe and protected throughout this pandemic. Tell them so in person, please.

When life throws you curveballs,

mation from school officials. This is not the job you signed up for, and I thank you for your courage and dedication to our children!

 NWO readers and supporters who attempt to be informed on issues, who educate themselves and others as we prepare for important local, state and national elections. We are fortunate to live in a democracy, so demonstrate your patriotism: Vote!  Our teachers. I cannot imagine how difficult your job is now, in these unprecedented times, with zero infor-

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

 The griper who said it’s “hard to take teachers seriously as a profession” because they dare share personal opinions about their jobs.

Something tells me you never took them seriously anyway. Awful thing to teach your kids. Truly sad.  The person complaining about teachers. Try walking a mile in their shoes and teach 400 kids per week.

You should be ashamed of yourself for bashing a profession that this community could not survive without.

Outside the

…

The following reader-submitted GRINS and GRIPES express opinions about state and/or national topics, and have been separated from the other grins and gripes as a courtesy to those who do not want to read others’ opinions on state and/or national political and other non-local topics in a local newspaper.

GRINS to...

 Gov. Roy Cooper. Thanks for standing your ground and protecting your constituents in North Carolina. Just imagine the hardships and cost, not to mention risks to public health, if he hadn’t resisted the RNC bullies over Charlotte’s convention plans!

WE HAVE A BETTER WAY TO KEEP COOL

GRIPES to...

 President Trump, who craves loyalty and support, yet never gives it to his own officials and Coronavirus Task Force experts. When Dr. Deborah Birx spoke the truth about COVID-19’s spread into rural areas, he attacked her opinions and called her “pathetic!”  To the political Griper suggesting “our president” only wants the best for America, isn’t a liar or a misogynist: remember the Billy Bush interview where Trump bragged of groping women and forcibly fondling or grabbing their bodies. It’s on video!

CRIME / INCIDENT report

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District 1 Sheriff’s Office has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest/northern Guilford County ...

DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED

INJURY TO PERSONAL PROPERTY

July 30 | A 23-year-old male was arrested in the 6000 block of Lake Brandt Road/Plainfield Road in northwest Greensboro for driving while impaired and also cited for using false license tags and driving with an open container of alcohol.

Aug. 3 | A 31-year-old male in the 4500 block of U.S. 220 N/Auburn Road in Summerfield was arrested for driving while impaired and also cited for speeding.

July 28 | A 60-year-old male was arrested in the 8300 block of McCrory Road in Stokesdale (near the downtown area) on two counts of injury to personal property.

VANDALISM

Aug. 1 | A local resident reported renters of a residence he owns in the 8100 block of Brittains Field Road in Oak Ridge (off N.C. 68) stole light fixtures and damaged other property while they lived there; the total cost of the stolen items and the damage is estimated at $1,600.

District 1 Sheriff’s Office

7504 Summerfield Road Main number: (336) 641-2300 Report non-emergency crime-related incidents by calling: (336) 373-2222 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F www.guilfordcountync.gov/ our-county/sheriff-s-office

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AUG. 6 - 19, 2020

25

LETTERS/OPINIONS Submit your editorials (maximum 350 words) online: nwobserver.com e-mail : editor@nwobserver.com

mail: Opinions, PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 Include your name, a daytime phone number where you can be reached and name of community in which you live.

Letters from the same writer will be published no more than every 30 days.

Oak Ridge mayor: in response I’m happy when residents speak out, but must respond to inaccurate or incomplete information, like that in a letter to the editor by Oak Ridge resident Christopher Rees (Northwest Observer’s July 30-Aug. 5, 2020 issue).

Mr. Rees claims that government officials are parasites to whom residents “must hand over ever-increasing amounts to fund their lifestyles.” The reality is that Oak Ridge taxes have not increased since the town’s founding over 20 years ago and have, in fact, been lowered once. Moreover, the stipends that the mayor and Council members receive – $400 and $100 monthly, respectively (the lowest in the area) – can hardly fund any sort of lifestyle. We take on these responsibilities in a spirit of community service. In my case, this means dedicating at least 30 hours weekly to my town work.

Mr. Rees mentions that I supported a 2.5% pay increase for town staff by stating that other municipalities awarded similar increases. This is true, but I also noted that our small staff has gone above and beyond over the past year, when we have worked on

more major projects simultaneously, with more committees and more resident input, than ever before.

I also pointed out that our staff provided the leadership to guide us through the legal and ethical challenges presented by the ongoing COVID-19-related shutdowns.

Finally, I noted that Oak Ridge can afford the proposed increases, which total $10,500 – less than half of 1% of our total budget.

Since Mr. Rees mentions the challenges faced by small businesses, I can only point out that small businesses are indeed giving small raises, when they can afford it, to dedicated employees working during this challenging time. Employees are the heart and soul of any business, and local governments – where employees typically work for lower salaries than in the private sector – are no exception.

Like Council members, our staff members are dedicated to serving our community – not riding in the wagon, as Mr. Rees suggests.

Ann Schneider, mayor OAK RIDGE

WE’LL BE BACK IN PRINT THURSDAY, AUG. 20 (the Northwest Observer is now offered in print the first, third and fifth Thursday of each month)

ADVERTISING INFO: (336) 644-7035, ext. 11, or advertising@nwobserver.com

26

AUG. 6 - 19, 2020

NEWS in brief ...continued from p. 3

Delays in trash, recycling pickup pandemic-related, company’s manager says

by PATTI STOKES SUMMERFIELD/STOKESDALE – Over the last few years Republic Services, which has a franchise agreement with the towns of Summerfield and Stokesdale, has been saddled with customer complaints about trash and recycling not being picked up on the scheduled pickup date, pickup days repeatedly changing, and customer calls to the company not being acknowledged.

In response to recent complaints about delayed or skipped trash and recycling pickup, Republic Services municipal sales manager Tony Krasienko wrote in an email to Summerfield Town Manager Scott Whitaker that Republic, like other companies, is operating in unprecedented times, and has taken “extreme measures” to ensure the health and safety of its employees.

More families staying at home while social distancing has resulted in more trash collected at residences, Krasienko said, noting the company realized an 8% increase in trash pickup in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the fourth quarter of 2019, and a 19% increase in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the first quarter of the year.

“This means trucks are making more trips to empty during the day, adding up to two hours to routes compared to pre COVID-19,” Krasienko wrote in his email to Whitaker. “Drivers are limited, by policy and law, on the amount of total and continuous hours they may safely operate. This has caused delays in areas that are normally serviced near the end of the day.

“Additionally, we have re-structured routes to assist, so time-of-day pickup may change,” Krasienko added. “We have brought in additional trucks and drivers to assist during this time and we are continuing to add assets and personnel. As we navigate service during and through this pandemic, we will take the steps necessary to provide consistent service to our customers.”

According to Wikipedia, Republic Services is the second largest provider of non-hazardous solid waste collection, transfer, disposal, recycling, and energy services in the United States, as measured by revenue. On its website, Republic reports it has a 99.9% pickup reliability rate.

Contact Republic Services at www.republicservices.com.

Preview: Aug. 11 Summerfield Town Council meeting

by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – At its upcoming meeting on Aug. 11 at 6:30 p.m., Summerfield Town Council plans to hear a request by developer Rob Jessup to rezone nearly 46 acres abutting Birkhaven, from agricultural to RS-40 (Residential) for construction of houses.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

There will be a public hearing to gather citizen input before the council decides whether to approve the request.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the meeting will be closed to the public.

However, residents who want to speak during the public hearing or during the

...continued on p. 31

 AUTO SALES & SERVICE

 EMPLOYMENT

 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.

EXPERIENCED AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC needed. 3-plus years exp., with strong diagnostic skills and ability to repair simple and complex automotive issues. Full-time, 40 + hours each week. Saturdays required.

No phone calls please. We ask that you apply in person. M&M Tire and Auto.

5570 Spotswood Circle, Summerfield, NC.

CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Will fit to your budget. Pet taxi/pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838.

CHOICE TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE. Oil changes, inspections, alignments and general automotive repairs. 1080 US Hwy 66 S, Kernersville, NC. (336) 992-9002.

Place online at

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

Employment .................... 27 Yard Sale......................... 27 Home Services ............27-29 Misc. Services .................. 29 Misc. for Sale .................. 29 Misc. Wanted .................. 30 Pets & Animal Services .... 30 Real Estate ...................... 30

LEAD TEACHER/STAFF POSITION open in childcare center. Credentials required. Assistant staff position open in childcare center.

Experience preferred. (336) 643-5930.

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 EDUCATIONAL SERVICES TEACHER AVAILABLE. Looking for a few families with elementary school age children. Full day of curriculum and activities.

Please call Kamil, (336) 355-2160.

Auto Sales & Service ........ 27  EMPLOYMENT Educational Services...........27

$15/HOUR. Mon., Wed., & Fri. 9am-5pm.

Paid training. Must be at least 18 years old with driver's license & car. Caring, motivated person needed to provide direct care services to independent male with disability in the community. Leave message, (336) 453-8017.

NEED RELIABLE EMPLOYEE for water well drilling company in Oak Ridge. Experience in drilling or water pumps is helpful. Good pay.

Benefits include health insurance. Must have good driving record and ability to get a Class B CDL. Call (336) 451-9776.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT to PASTOR at northwest area church. Need strong skills in Microsoft Office, experience with computer based financial software, and ability to manage church website. Part-time/25 hrs. per week. Email resume to Jimmy McCormick at jmccormick2@triad.rr.com, or Rev. Cecil Donahue at cdonahue@center-umc.com.

nwobserver.com

 YARD SALE FREE CLOTHING GIVE-AWAY! Aug. 8, 9am-12pm. Growing Oaks Community Church, 7921 US Highway 158, Reidsville, will be giving away tons of clothing and shoes. All are welcome! Bring your own bag and mask!

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

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

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

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

The Northwest Observer • Totally since 1996 The Northwest Observer • Totally locallocal since 1996

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

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

DECORATING CUSTOM FRAMING, BLISSFUL STUDIOS. Private framing appointments available. Local art & gifts. 4533 US Hwy. 220, Summerfield.

Located across from Golden Antiques.

(336) 298-4502.

EXPERIENCED INTERIOR DECORATOR & personal furniture shopper will help you with style, color, shopping & furniture placement. E-mail appeninc@gmail.com or call Ann Appenzeller, (336) 314-1411.

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

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

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

Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? Call Coble Electric LLC at (336) 209-1486.

Your business should be here!

Place your classified ad online at

www.nwobserver.com

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

continued on p. 28

AUG.66- 19, - 19,2020 2020 AUG.

27 27

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

GRADING / HAULING

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.

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

Fill dirt, asphalt millings, stone and more.

Daniel Wilson, (336) 339-0212.

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

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

GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS

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

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

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

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

LAWN MOWER SERVICE & ATV REPAIR in the Colfax area. Please call Jason, (336) 456-4914.

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

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

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

OLD SCHOOL HOME REPAIR See display ad on page 22.

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

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.

Like the NW Observer on Facebook and keep up with all the northwest-area news!

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

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

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

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

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

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Direct-mailing the NWO is one of our largest expenses, and one of our most important commitments to our readers!

28 28

AUG. AUG.66--19, 19,2020 2020

If you live in zip code 27310, 27357 or 27358 and didn’t receive your copy on Thursday/Friday, please email info@nwobserver.com.

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

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

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

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

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

TWO TEENS to do your yard work. Hard workers and cheap rates. Please call or text: (336) 423-9334.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Licensed & insured. (336) 643-9157.

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

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

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

DELIMA LAWNCARE. Commercial & Residential. Free estimates. (336) 669-5210.

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

SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes.

How about a new patio or fire pit? We can help with all of your outdoor living and entertainment spaces! Fire pits, driveways & sidewalks, patios and more! Give us a call at (336) 399-6619 for all your concrete and landscape needs.

MASONRY CONCEPTS, brick, block, stone concrete & repairs. Free est. (336) 988-1022, www.masonryconceptsgso.com.

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS

PLUMBING

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

(336) 643-6427.

BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR. No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic./ Ins. Cleanliness in your home is our #1 priority. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924.

JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured.

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

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

JUNK & DEBRIS REMOVAL, construction, remodeling, and general cleanup, out buildings, garages, basements, yard waste, etc.

Call (336) 706-8470.

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.

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

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

Your business should be here!

Place your classified ad online at

www.nwobserver.com

PAINTING & DRYWALL

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

(336) 931-0600

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

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

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

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

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

HARD-WORKING TEEN for pressure washing and other odd jobs around the house. Please call or text (336) 501-1049.

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

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

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

TM

Construction Services, INC

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Roof and window replacement

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

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

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

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.

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.

AMERICAN BUILDER CONSTRUCTION INC. Repairs & remodeling, kitchens/baths, additions, decks, attics, basements. Licensed & insured. Short wait list.

NC General Contractors. (336) 225-7478.

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

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.

Offer a home service?

Place your ad:

KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Specializing in room additions, kitchens & baths, garages, vinyl siding and windows, painting, ceramic tile, laminate, hardwood and linoleum floors, and remodeling of all kinds. No job too small. Free est. Call (336) 362-7469.

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

ROOFING ROOFING PRO PROFESSIONAL SVCS. Roofing, siding, windows and gutters. $500 discount for first-time buyers. Not valid with any other offers. Call Ray, (336) 419-6245.

The Northwest Observer • Totally since 1996 The Northwest Observer • Totally locallocal since 1996

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

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Lifetime shingle and metal roofing. We fi nance. Free Estimates. Since 1979. Please call (336) 362-6343.

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

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

 MISC. SERVICES

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

&

Gated access with 24/7 available here camera surveillance We carry moving & shipping supplies

(336) 643-9963 • 8207 B & G Court, Stokesdale

 MISC. FOR SALE BULLFROG SPA, model R7LSS with accessories. 7 years old, in perfect working cond. $3,500. (518) 414-0953.

Got stuff?

Need stuff?

Place your ad online at

Your ad will reach every mailbox with an Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale mailing address.

continued on p. 30

AUG.66- 19, - 19,2020 2020 AUG.

29 29

 MISC. WANTED

 REAL ESTATE

 REAL ESTATE

 REAL ESTATE

SEEKING RV STORAGE. 12×40 ft. covered space preferred but not required. Access to water spigot & 120v outlet for battery charger a plus. Phillip, (336) 691-0815.

LAND FOR SALE

HOMES FOR SALE

HOMES FOR SALE

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

1/4-1/2 WIDE ELASTIC, at least 7 inches long needed to make masks for school teachers.

Please call Beth, who lives in the Oak Ridge area. (336) 644-8155.

SUMMERFIELD ADDRESS, Rockingham County taxes. Gorgeous, beautifully wooded. 4+ acre homesite priced below tax value! Call (336) 430-9507 anytime.

LARGE TRACTS of land, Summerfi eld address, Rockingham County taxes. Call (336) 430-9507 anytime!

HOMES FOR SALE

Welcome home – build your dream home in Oak Ridge with one of our four featured builders. Call for lot availability and pricing. Hwy 150 W, L on Bridgehead Rd, L on Neugent Farm Ct.

PAWSITIVELY PAMPERED PET SERVICES. Pet sitting and dog walking for your furry friends. Insured. Call Emily, (336) 497-7392.

 REAL ESTATE HOMES FOR SALE RIVER OAKS CLASSIC BRICK HOME. 1799 Ridge Oaks Drive, Oak Ridge, NC. For sale by owner. Two-story brick home with attached garage. Over an acre wooded lot. Abundant square footage. Three bedrooms with playroom/4th bedroom, 2 ½ baths, living room/office, family room, kitchen with eat-in area, dining room, floored attic. $410,800. Call for an appointment/ questions. (336) 337-0285.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

We Help Everyone!

SELLERS & BUYERS

SPEC

Nancy J. Hess

www.ANewDawnRealty.com

30 30

AUG. AUG.66--19, 19,2020 2020

Nancy J. Hess

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

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

Jake Letterman

Kim Wilson

jake.letterman@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 215-1820

REACH OUT TO

kwilson@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 662-7805

26,000 READERS IN OUR MONTHLY

REALTOR®/Broker NC Licensed Contractor

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

special-focus section

123 Dream Lane Real estate showcase ads in the NWO get noticed! Include a photo and description of your listing, Realtor photo, logo and contact info – all for only $85!

1O2VID 101: C

rs Business owne learn lessonsemic during pand

f 10 In Brie trial park near

Indus Stokesdale Summerfield, lands 403 jobs

Homes

de of 14 Para buyers as draws serious demand for new homes is “on fire”

18

(336) 643-4248

Affordable townhouses in Oak Ridge.

Unique and customizable floor plans ready by the end of the year.

2020 Walraven Signature Home in the new Wolf RIdge development

SPEC

DeDe Cunningham

TOWNHOMES IN OAK RIDGE!

5707 Grey Wind Court

PHASE II OPENING SOON!

 PETS & ANIMAL SVCS.

WENDY COLLINS PET SITTING LLC. Bonded & Insured. Follow us on Facebook.

Call or text (336) 339-6845.

NEW CONSTRUCTION IN OAK RIDGE

Place your real estate showcase today (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 advertising@nwobserver.com

14

New life for downtown Stokesdale, one storefront at a tim e

16 Pineapple Porch

Furniture. Décor. Boutique NW Guilford housing 17 inventory tightens due to COVID-19

22 In Brief Rio Grande moves to new building

replicate New homes will in Birkhaven, those already developer says

To reserve your space in the Aug. 20 edition, email advertising@nwobserver.com, or call (336) 644-7035, ext. 11

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

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS

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

ACCOUNTING

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Carlotta Lytton, PCA ........................22 Kimberly Thacker Accounting...........22 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC....22

Stokesdale Storage .......................... 29

AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE

LEGAL SERVICES

EuroHaus .........................................27 Piedmont Truck Tires Inc. .................19 Prestige Car Wash ............................17 Tire Max .............................................7

Barbour & Williams Law ...................18

BUILDING & REMODELING TM Construction Services ................ 29

CHILDREN’S SERVICES Guardian Ad Litem ...........................11

DENTISTS Borden Dentistry...............................24 Summerfield Family Dentistry .............8

ENTERTAINMENT The Wright Stuff ...............................22

HAIR CARE Great Clips .......................................16

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES BEK Paint Company ........................ 29 Carpets by Direct ................................5 Eanes Heating & Air ...........................3 Old School Home Repair ..................22 ProStone, Inc. .....................................2 Stokesdale Heating & Air..................25

Kids’ Korner 1. Where are you mostly likely to find eastern box turtle eggs? a. in the sand 2. One way to the tell the difference between male and female eastern box turtles is that males: a. are more colorful

INSURANCE Gladwell Insurance Agency...............24

MEDICAL CARE Eagle Physicians at Brassfield............10 LeBauer HealthCare .........................15 Novant Health – Forsyth Pediatrics ...16 Oak Ridge Physical Therapy ....... 17, 21 Wake Forest Baptist Health.................6

ORTHODONTIC CARE Olmsted Orthodontics ......................16

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ..............13 Northwest Animal Hospital ...............11

REAL ESTATE A New Dawn Realty ........................ 30 DeDe Cunningham, Keller Williams . 30 Nancy Hess, Berkshire Hathaway .... 30 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX ...................4

RESTAURANTS Bistro 150 .........................................16 Oak Ridge Diner...............................17 Rio Grande Mexican Kitchen ............17

YOUTH SPORTS / CAMPS Oak Ridge Youth Association .............2

Answers from page 13 3. Which of the following statements is true about eastern box turtles? c. they often live near water 4. All of these are threats to the eastern box turtle except: b. hawks picking up and eating them

NEWS in brief ...continued from p. 26 period set aside for general public comments can wait outside and enter the community center one person at a time.

recommend the council deny the developer’s request for rezoning the property at 3016 Rear Oak Ridge Road.

Citizens can also send an email to clerk@summerfieldnc.gov no later than noon Monday, Aug. 10, identifying themselves by name and address. The subject line of the email needs to read “Rezoning public hearing comments for 8/11 meeting’’ or “General public comments for 8/11 meeting.’’ Comments should be readable out loud in three minutes.

In other business, the council plans to consider signing a memorandum of understanding to contribute $100,000 towards the Piedmont Land Conservancy’s $575,000 purchase of 113 acres on Bunch Road inside the town limits for the creation of a public trails preserve.

The meeting will be streamed live on Summerfield’s Facebook page.

The council delayed the rezoning hearing from last month until Aug. 11. Earlier, citing traffic concerns, Summerfield’s Zoning Board had voted unanimously to

to learn more Visit www.summerfieldnc.gov and tap the “Administration’’ tab, then click on “Governance’’ and follow the prompts to the agenda for the Aug. 11 meeting at Summerfield Community Center.

Preview: Aug. 13 Stokesdale Town Council meeting STOKESDALE – Stokesdale Town Council will hold its monthly meeting Aug. 13, 7 p.m. via Zoom. A meeting agenda had not been finalized as of our press deadline for this issue, but preliminary agenda items include approval of minutes from two previous meetings and discussion of a change to a section of the town’s Separation of Duties policy, to state that cash disbursements for recurring expenses will require the signature of “one other council member,” versus the signature of the mayor and the mayor pro tem.

The council is expected to discuss and

vote on whether to repair or replace one of the 10-year-old HVAC units at Town Hall; a bid has been submitted for $3,520 to repair the unit and $9,100 to replace it.

Enacting a standard time of 7 p.m. for all public meetings to begin is also on the draft agenda, as is a discussion about whether to continue hosting the weekly Farmers Market at Stokesdale Town Park on Wednesdays through October, as originally planned.

For a complete meeting agenda or a link to connect to the virtual meeting via Zoom, visit www.stokesdale.org.

We’ll be back in print

Thursday, August 20 To place a DISPLAY AD in our next issue or a future issue, contact Laura at: (336) 644-7035, ext. 11, or advertising@nwobserver.com CLASSIFIED ADS can be placed and scheduled online at www.nwobserver.com or contact Rene at (336) 644-7035, ext. 10, or classifieds@nwobserver.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

AUG. 6 - 19, 2020

31

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

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

PAID

Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22 ECRWSS

                                                                                                                                                                                         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