Nov. 2 - 15, 2023
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Efforts to acquire trail easements meet resistance
Walker running for 6th District seat after redistricting
by CHRIS BURRITT
At the state level, new boundaries shift Summerfield from Sen. Berger’s 26th District to the 27th District represented by Michael Garrett
Construction of public trails in Oak Ridge and Summerfield encounters opposition from some property owners along proposed routes
OAK RIDGE/SUMMERFIELD – Public trail development is hitting snags in Oak Ridge and Summerfield, as evidenced by some property owners and their lawyers starting to voice concerns about easements planned along the routes. Opposition by Bear Creek homeowners to a Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) easement abutting the Brookbank Road subdivision surfaced during
last month’s Oak Ridge Town Council meeting. The dispute grew more testy earlier this week when a lawyer representing Bear Creek’s homeowners association sent a cease-and-desist letter to town leaders. At an open house in Summerfield last month, lawyer Chuck Winfree, representing Kotis Properties, pored over a map of the proposed route of the southern leg of the Atlantic and Yadkin Greenway. Next to him were Robert and Mary McIver, who objected to the placement of the trail easement on their Summerfield Road property. Disputes arising in the two towns illustrate how trail building intended for the benefit of the wider public can impose on individuals along the paths.
...continued on p. 42
IN THIS ISSUE Early voting ends Nov. 4; Election Day is Nov. 7 ..........................2 Wilson’s Grocery re-opening in jeopardy.....................................3 Q&A: How much do council members get paid? .....................4 De-annexation bill still alive.............................................................5 Bits & Pieces.........................................................................................8 Pets & Critters..................................................................................... 17 Mattie, Summerfield Fire District’s latest recruit.......................... 18 Adoptable Pets.................................................................................20 NWO Kids’ Korner.............................................................................. 21 “Life doesn’t have to be perfect”.................................................. 22
by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – Republican Mark Walker hopes to win back the 6th District seat he represented for three terms now that the GOP-led legislature has redrawn the district to favor its party. Walker dropped out of the gubernatorial race last week following the release of a statewide redistricting map
Mark Walker (R)
Kathy Manning (D)
that increased the odds of victory for Republicans in numerous districts, including the 6th. After serving the 6th District from 2015-2021, Walker didn’t seek reelection after a court-ordered redrawing of the district favored Democrats.
...continued on p. 14
Crime/Incident Report.......................................... 26 “Everything has to work out perfectly”.......28 Crime/Incident report................30 RA opening high school .....31 Student Profiles......................... 32 NWHS F4F Club........................... 35 Community Calendar...............38 Grins and Gripes.......................... 40 Classifieds....................................... 43 Index of Advertisers........................ 46 Letters/Opinions............................ 47 NWO On The Go....................48
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NOV. 2 - 15, 2023 1
NEWS in brief
Council, NCDOT to hold joint workshop Nov. 2 STOKESDALE – Stokesdale Town Council will hold a joint workshop meeting with North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) district and project engineers this Thursday, Nov. 2, to discuss NCDOT planned projects within the Town of Stokesdale. The meeting will be held at Stokesdale Town Hall, located at 8325 Angel-Pardue Road, beginning at 7 p.m. Citizens are welcome to attend in person, or can watch the workshop meeting on the town’s YouTube channel. According to Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy, due to the more immediate timeline, DOT has indicated that in this
meeting they will be focused on and prepared to discuss R-5823, which encompasses roundabouts and/or road widening on N.C. 68 in Rockingham County as well as at the intersection of Ellisboro and N.C. 65 at the “new” Bi-Rite, and the intersection of U.S. 158 and N.C. 65 at the old Bi-Rite. “However, I will have additional questions about other projects that are on the map for Stokesdale – including the U.S. 158 bypass, which is not planned in the same timeframe,” Foy said. “NCDOT has expressed a willingness to have a separate meeting to discuss these other projects. “We are hoping to get in one room and have our questions answered about these projects,” Foy said.
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Early (one-stop) voting ends Nov. 4; Election Day is Nov. 7 By PATTI STOKES
serve a four-year term.
NW GUILFORD – The towns of Summerfield, Oak Ridge and Stokesdale will hold municipal elections this Tuesday, Nov. 7.
In Summerfield, the mayor is elected directly by voters, serves a two-year term and only votes in case of a tie. Mayor Tim Sessoms is running for re-election and will face Linda Wendelken in the race for mayor.
Oak Ridge citizens will choose from among five candidates for three open seats on its five-member council. Incumbents George McClellan and Martha Pittman are running for re-election, and Jim Harton, Mike Greeson and Mike Stone also hope to capture one of the three open seats. The three Oak Ridge candidates who win the election will each serve a four-year term. In Oak Ridge, the mayor is elected from among the council members every two years in December, following the previous month’s election. Stokesdale citizens will choose from among four candidates for three open seats. Incumbents Jim Rigsbee, Jimmy Landreth and Derek Foy are running for re-election, and Mark Nadel is also running for one of the three open seats on the five-member council. The three Stokesdale candidates who win the election will each
The ballot for Summerfield, Oak Ridge and Stokesdale voters will be a short one this election, as citizens will only be voting on town council members. Early (one-stop) voting for the Nov. 7 election ends this Saturday, Nov. 4. Effective with this election, voters must present a valid photo identification when voting in person. Those who do not have a valid photo ID card may obtain one from Guilford
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Running for three open seats on the five-member Summerfield Town Council are incumbents Reece Walker, Lynne W. DeVaney and Jeff Davis; joining them on the ballot will be Heath Clay, Jonathan Hamilton, Teresa W. Perryman, Greg Fox and Christopher Conner. The three candidates who are elected will each serve a four-year term.
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County’s Board of Elections prior to the election, through the end of the early voting period. For more election-related information, including a list of the five early voting locations, photo ID information, and a sample ballot, visit www. guilfordcountync.gov/our-county/ board-of-elections. To view Oak Ridge and Stokesdale candidate bios and messages to citizens published in our Oct. 5-18 issue, visit www.issuu.com/pscommunications. View Summerfield candidate bios and messages to citizens in our Oct. 19-Nov. 1 issue, which can also be found at www.issuu.com/ pscommunications.
Reopening of Wilson’s Grocery in jeopardy Resuming operations of a convenience store selling gasoline would violate Summerfield’s rules protecting the watershed, town planning manager says by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – Nearly five months after buying and starting the renovation of Wilson’s Grocery, Jitendra Oza received notice from the town of
...continued on p. 6
Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO
The former Wilson’s Grocery at the corner of Carlson Dairy Road and Pleasant Ridge Road in Summerfield has been undergoing renovations since the 1-acre property was purchased in June. Resuming operations as a convenience store and gas station would be in violation of Summerfield’s development ordinance and Greensboro’s watershed restrictions, according to Summerfield’s planning manager.
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Materials Appliances to Be Accepted: Materials to Be Accepted: Tires (Max. 50 passenger tires or 10 heavy truck tires. No large equipment tires.) Electronics, including: Computers, televisions, microwaves,
Tires (Max. games 50 passenger tires 10 heavy truck tires. No large equipment tires.) Appliances electronic and toys, cellor phones. Appliances Personal documents be shredded Electronics, including:toComputers, televisions, microwaves, Electronics, including: Computers, televisions, microwaves, (max. 5 file boxes pertoys, vehicle) electronic games and cell phones. Visit: GuilfordRecycles.org electronic games andtotoys, cell phones. Personal documents be shredded NO FURNITURE Personal documents to be shredded (max. 5 file boxes per vehicle) Free and open to all Guilford County residents. No business waste accepted. Visit: GuilfordRecycles.org (max. 5 file boxes per vehicle)
NO FURNITURE Visit:can GuilfordRecycles.org Note: Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) be taken to NO and FURNITURE Free open to all Guilford County residents. No business waste accepted. ECOFLO, Inc. 2750 Patterson St. Greensboro
Free and open to all Guilford County residents. No business waste Monday - Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM accepted. Note: Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) can be taken to and Saturday 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM Note: Household Waste (HHW) can be taken to ECOFLO, Hazardous Inc. 2750 Patterson St. Greensboro ECOFLO, Inc. 2750 Patterson Greensboro Monday - Friday, 10:00 AM St. to 6:00 PM For more information contact Guilford County Environmental Services at (336)641-3792 Monday - Friday, 8:00 10:00AM AMtoto2:00 6:00PM PM and Saturday or Oak Ridge Town Hall at (336)644-7009. and Saturday 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM This collection event is sponsored by: Guilford County and the Town of Oak Ridge.
For more information contact Guilford County Environmental Services at (336)641-3792 For more information contact County Services at (336)641-3792 or OakGuilford Ridge Town HallEnvironmental at (336)644-7009. or Oak Ridge Town Hall atCounty (336)644-7009. This collection event is sponsored by: Guilford and the Town of Oak Ridge.
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email: info • celebrations • photos communitynews • realestatenews calendarevents • grinsandgripes opinions • editor • questions ... @ nwobserver.com phone: (336) 644-7035 fax: (336) 644-7006 office: 1616 NC 68 N, Oak Ridge mail: PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 hours: vary, so please call before dropping by
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I read something recently about the big increase that Oak Ridge Town Council members have gotten over the last few years in stipends. How much are they paid, and what do council members in our neighboring towns receive in stipends? Town Manager Bill Bruce confirmed that Oak Ridge council members receive a stipend of $400/month ($4,800 annually); the mayor’s stipend is $700/month ($8,400 annually). “In FY 20/21, salaries were $100/ month and $400/month respectively, which were significantly below the North Carolina average for communities of our size,” Bruce wrote in an email to the Northwest Observer this week. “At the May 10, 2021 Finance Committee meeting, the committee unanimously supported a multi-year plan to incrementally increase council salaries to be roughly in line with the average in our population range. To accomplish this, salaries were increased by $100/month
in each of the last three years. No further increases are planned.” Until June 30, 2022, Summerfield Town Council members received a stipend of $200/month and the mayor received $250/month,” finance officer Dee Hall confirmed. Since then, the Council has received $500/month and the mayor receives $625/month in stipends. Hall said there are no specific requirements about how council members can use their stipend pay. “If they have any direct expenses such as mileage or travel reimbursements, that is paid separately and is included in our budget,” she noted. Stokesdale’s mayor is paid a stipend of $650/month ($7,800 annually); the mayor pro tem’s stipend is $600/month ($7,200 annually), and the three other council members receive $550/month ($6,600 annually), Town Finance Officer Kimberly Thacker confirmed. Thacker noted the annual budget for stipends increased from $12,600 to $34,800 in the 2020-21 fiscal year. “These amounts are paid to our council members for their time and research as each of them represents the citizens of Stokesdale,” Thacker said. “I'm certain this amount doesn't cover the endless hours these council members spend serving the citizens of Stokesdale and the expenses they incur out of their pocket. However, I have never heard one council member complain of their ‘pay.’”
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The Responsible Choice Election date November 7, 2023
Attorney, Community Volunteer, Summerfield Finance Committee
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De-annexation bill still alive after lawmakers adjourn by CHRIS BURRITT
development agreement with the town.
SUMMERFIELD – Even though state lawmakers in Raleigh have adjourned their regular session, legislation that would de-annex nearly 1,000 acres in Summerfield is still alive. The state General Assembly plans to meet monthly before convening its next session in the spring. The de-annexation bill is listed on the calendar for the Nov. 29 meeting of the legislature, according to the General Assembly’s website. The outcome of Summerfield’s election next Tuesday, Nov. 7, may help determine whether landowner David Couch supports the de-annexation of his 978 acres, as authorized in the legislation backed by state Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger. Earlier, the Rockingham County Republican said he was
While the current (state legislative) session just ended, the reality of an impending de-annexation remains, as Mr. Couch has not yet requested a rezoning…” Summerfield Mayor Tim Sessoms, in a letter to citizens posted on the town’s website last week awaiting the outcome of negotiations between Summerfield and Couch to resolve their long standoff over the developer’s plans for higher-density housing before deciding whether to proceed with de-annexation. In an effort to stave off de-annexation, the Town Council voted 3-2 last month to amend Summerfield’s development rules to create a new zoning district called OSM-V (open space mixed use – village). The establishment of the district represents the first of three steps
for Couch to win approval of his plans for apartments and other higher-density housing slated for the Villages of Summerfield Farms. The debate over Couch’s project has intensified before next week’s election. Mayoral candidate Linda Wendelken and council candidates Teresa Perryman, Jonathan Hamilton and Heath Clay said they’ll take a tougher approach than current council members in dealing with Couch – that is, if he decides to seek the rezoning of his property and negotiate a
The threat of pushback reinforces what Couch lawyer Tom Terrell earlier said was a “reversal risk” for the text amendment if new council members are elected. As of now, the General Assembly hasn’t voted on the de-annexation bill, described by Summerfield Mayor Tim Sessoms as a favorable outcome following the council’s approval of the text amendment. However, he cautioned that de-annexation remains a threat. “While the current session just ended, the reality of an impending de-annexation remains as Mr. Couch has not yet requested a rezoning,” as the next step in his development plans, Sessoms wrote in a letter to Summerfield residents posted on the town’s website last week.
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WILSON’S GROCERY...continued from p. 3
LYNNE WILLIAMS DEVANEY Summerfield that reopening the store Mayor Pro Tem
for Summerfield Town Council
God, family, community 4-year Summerfield Town Council member Community volunteer, 17+ years, NCSU graduate, teacher I am devoted to serving Summerfield
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would violate the town’s zoning rules aimed at protecting Greensboro’s watershed. Summerfield’s unified development ordinance (UDO) prohibits convenience stores with gasoline sales in areas designated as “watershed critical,’’ Brad Rentz, the town’s planning manager, informed Oza in an Oct. 19 letter. Located at Carlson Dairy and Lewiston roads, the store is about seven-tenths of a mile from Greensboro’s Lake Higgins. If the property were located on the western side of Lewiston Road – putting it farther away from the lake by the width of the roadway – it would have been outside of the watershed management area, Rentz said in an interview earlier this week. The store could have possibly skirted the rules if it had reopened within 180 days of its closing, according to Rentz, citing the town’s UDO. Wilson’s Grocery closed in 2022, following the death of owner Harold “Shorty’’ Wilson in August of last year. Wilson became co-owner of the store with his wife, Geneva, in 1972, according to his obituary. She died in 2016, at age 82. Wilson was 87 when he passed away. Oza purchased the one-acre tract with the store and an adjacent
manufactured home this past June. He and his family members operate other convenience stores in the Triad. Now that the six months has passed, Rentz said, “subsequent use of the land is limited to uses expressly permitted in the district where such land is located.’’ Even though the property is zoned for business (BN), its location in the watershed critical area prohibits the operation of a convenience store selling gasoline, according to the UDO’s usage tables. Also prohibited as “nonconforming’’ uses are a convenience store without gasoline sales and a service station with gasoline sales. Oza didn’t reply to a request for an explanation about how he may proceed. He does have the right to appeal the decision to the town’s Board of Adjustment, Rentz said. Renovation of the store has proceeded in recent weeks with construction of a new cashier’s counter and the removal of old shelving and other accessories. Oza was in the processing of obtaining a license to sell beer and wine from the state ABC Commission. In an earlier interview, the owner said he planned to operate the store basically as it had been run, selling packaged foods, beverages and gasoline.
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Training exercise sharpens skills
An abandoned house at Jessup Grove and Lewiston roads in northwestern Greensboro provided the site for training cadets from Guilford Technical Community College’s Fire Academy. Summerfield and Greensboro firefighters were also onsite for assistance if needed.
This past Tuesday, Oct. 31, several groups of firemen took turns navigating dense smoke to extinguish fires that had been set in different rooms of an abandoned house. They wore full gear including air tanks and masks. After training, the house was burned to the ground, with firefighters standing by with hoses to cool the rubble and guard against the possible spread of flames, according to Chris Gibson, GTCC live fire instructor.
‘We were amazed at the turnout’ Fire district, family of retired captain expresses gratitude for community’s overwhelming support Reece Walker with his wife Sierra and their two sons, Anders and Tucker.
Vote REECE WALKER Summerfield Town Council
• Lifelong resident of Summerfield • Husband, father, and public servant • Dedicated community volunteer since childhood • Lieutenant with Summerfield Fire District • First elected in 2015, reelected in 2019, and still...
Focused on our Future
The outcome of this election will have very long-term effects on our town. A vote for anyone except incumbents is a vote to have 973+ acres de-annexed.
Vote to keep the incumbents in office,
experience matters.
PAID FOR BY COMMITTEE TO RE-ELECT REECE WALKER
8 NOV. 2 - 15, 2023
SUMMERFIELD – “We didn’t really know how many people to expect, but we did not anticipate that many!” said Jenna Daniels, assistant chief with Summerfield Fire District, after a very successful fundraiser for retired captain David Watson was held at Station 9 on Summerfield Road the evening of Friday, Oct. 27. The event included a spaghetti dinner, silent auction and lots of activities for kids, including a bounce house, face painting and stations set up for trick-or-treating. Based on the amount of food served, Daniels estimates about 400 to 500 people came out to show their support for Watson, who has suffered multiple strokes and other health issues in recent years and is currently in a rehabilitation facility. “We had to make several food runs
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to the grocery store, which was a good problem to have,” Daniels said. “By the time it was over, we prepared 120 pounds of pasta, 115 pounds of beef and 125 gallons of sauce! One hundred percent of the funds raised will be used to offset the medical/rehab expenses that Watkins and his family are incurring.
“I don’t have a final number yet for what was raised, but I know we blew our expectations out of the water,” Daniels said. “How can words describe the emotions that I have felt about last evening?” David’s wife, Susan Watson, posted on Facebook the day after the fundraiser. “Summerfield Fire Department has shown us what true friendship, loyalty, and love is! I can’t thank everyone enough for the outpouring of love shown to David. All of us are overwhelmed with gratitude. To each
As you head to the polls, consider...
Photo courtesy of Summerfield Fire District
David Watson (seated), a retired captain with Summerfield Fire District, poses with firefighter Michael Page at a fundraiser for Watson held on Oct. 27 at Station 9 on Summerfield Road.
person that donated, worked, cooked and cleaned, I can never thank you enough! David will always know he is still a part of the department that he loves so much!” “There are so many people who had a hand in making this event possible and so successful,” Daniels said. “Businesses in Summerfield and beyond so graciously donated items for the supper as well as the silent auction. Our members and their families stepped up to make sure the event ran smoothly, and this community and those surrounding showed up and donated! We, as a department, are
so grateful for the community support and love that was shown for David Friday night! “I mentioned in a post on our Facebook page Friday night that Vitos Italian restaurant in Greensboro had a huge part in this event,” Daniels added. “They prepared the meat sauce, donated noodles and salad and showed us how to prepare the noodles for that many people. We couldn’t have done it without them! Also, 65 pounds of beef was donated to us between BiRite and Doggett Farms, Trader Joe’s donated bread and pasta, and East Coast Wings donated salad.”
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Just as so many of us moved to Summerfield because of its rural appeal, quality schools and small-town feel, others want to move here too – and undoubtedly, more development will happen to meet the demand. The question, then, is: will future development – specifically the proposed development of almost 1,000 acres in the middle of our town – fall under the control of Summerfield, or under the control of Guilford County or the City of Greensboro? That decision will be made by voters in the upcoming Nov. 7 election. Despite claims to the contrary, the Town of Summerfield has no plans to use tax dollars to bring water or sewer to a proposed development of almost 1,000 acres – the developer will be financially responsible for that. The town has said water funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act will be used for fire protection only. The current town council has voiced no plans to force municipal water on us, and our individual wells will be protected. If the incumbents are not elected, what will the new leadership do once they are seated? While we’ve heard their Monday morning quarterback criticism about what current leadership has done, little has been said about what they will do to prevent de-annexation of the developer’s 1,000 acres. Their claims, however, indicate they will make demands that will trigger our state legislators to become involved. Sen. Phil Berger has assured the current mayor and council this would result in the de-annexation of almost 1,000 acres in Summerfield coming to a vote, and his statements thus far indicate it would have his full support. And if de-annexation were to be approved, attorney Jay DeVaney has said our town’s pockets aren’t deep enough to successfully fight it in court, even if we had a chance of winning. The tide has turned, and the current leadership extended an olive branch as they were told they had to do by state legislature to stop de-annexation. As in any business there are times you hit a roadblock and you have to address your current circumstances and what is best for your business. They did what was best for the Town of Summerfield.
If the developer’s 1,000 acres are de-annexed, Summerfield will bear all the consequences yet we will have no say in how it is developed.
Are you willing to take that risk?
DON’T TRUST OUR TOWN TO INEXPERIENCE Photo courtesy of Tee Stephenson
VOTE SESSOMS, DAVIS, WALKER
Children enjoy the new playground equipment at Stokesdale Town Park, located behind Stokesdale Town Hall on Angel Pardue Road. Expanding the park’s playground equipment to provide more activities for kids ages 5-12 was a major focus of Stokesdale’s Town Park Improvement Committee after it was formed in July 2022 and charged with developing a plan for using a $725,475 federal grant the Town of Stokesdale received from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and an additional $50,000 state grant. Stokesdale Town Council voted last April to accept the committee’s PAID FOR BY C&C, 68 LLC FOR THE ELECTION OF JEFF DAVIS, recommendation and contract with Greensboro-based Backyard Paradise to purchase RE-ELECTION OF TIM SESSOMS AND REECE WALKER and install playground equipment at a total cost of $82,693. The equipment, which was installed in September, includes a 5-panel rock climber, carousel, a single post swing and a Denton playcenter; a 12-inch layer of wood playground mulch was also installed The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 NOV. 2 - 15, 2023 9 on the ground beneath the equipment.
FOR SUMMERFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
BITS & PIECES
Trestle bridge on A&Y Greenway closed indefinitely
Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO
Signs are posted on both ends of the A&Y Greenway’s northern most trestle bridge to let pedestrians know the bridge is closed. Federal funding is being sought to replace the bridge, which is estimated to cost $2.5 million to plan, design and construct; the construction phase will likely not get underway until sometime in 2025.
SUMMERFIELD/GREENSBORO – The northern most trestle bridge on the Atlantic and Yadkin Greenway, located between Strawberry Road and Bur-Mil Park, closed to all traffic on Friday, Oct. 27. According to a press release sent out by the Greensboro Parks & Recreation Department, the bridge will not reopen until it can be replaced. “This closure is necessary based on the findings and recommendations of an engineering firm that completed a structural assessment of the greenway’s two bridges spanning Lake Brandt in late September 2023,” the press release stated. “The structural assessment was part of a larger project to bring the section of greenway between Strawberry Road and Lake Brandt Road up to design standards. “The City is prioritizing work on this project and is actively pursuing the funding necessary to execute its
planning, design, and construction. Preliminary cost estimates are approximately $2.5 million,” the release went on to say. “The Greensboro Urban Metropolitan Planning Organization (GUAMPO) is seeking federal funding in the amount of $2 million which will be combined with a $500,000 local match. The design and permitting is anticipated to begin in early 2024 with construction in 2025, due to the sensitive watershed habitat surrounding the bridge, permitting requirements, and project complexity.” “This is a very important greenway, and we are eager to initiate the work necessary to improve and expand it,” said Parks and Recreation Director Phil Fleischmann. “We regret that the bridge closure is necessary and understand that this causes a significant disruption to those who use the greenway for transportation and recreation north of Bur-Mil Park. We continue to work with our partners at
One candidate is bringing personal attacks, negativity and dishonesty to Oak Ridge.
That is not who we are in Oak Ridge.
Three candidates offer integrity, transparency and experience.
Vote Martha Pittman, George McClellan and Jim Harton
Paid for by Ann Schneider
10 NOV. 2 - 15, 2023
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
RE-ELECT
MARTHAPITTMAN
Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO
Runners on the A&Y Greenway cross its northern most trestle bridge, located between Strawberry Road and Bur-Mil Park, on Thursday, Oct. 26, the day before the bridge was closed indefinitely after a structural assessment in September.
the Greensboro Transportation and Engineering and Inspections Departments to expedite improvements.” No paved detour route is available. Pedestrians and bicyclists are advised to choose an alternative trailhead south of the trestle bridge. The North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) will be temporarily rerouted along the Piedmont Trail. The Weaver Bridge, located to the south of Bur-Mil Park, remains open.
Get ready to play ball (basketball and pickleball, that is) – courts are almost finished
Artist rendering courtesy of Town of Stokesdale
This artist rendering shows the layout of basketball courts and pickleball courts that will soon be ready for play at Stokesdale Town Park.
STOKESDALE – Tee Stephenson, chair of Stokesdale’s Town Park Improvement Committee, said he’s asked almost every day when the new pickleball courts in the park will be ready for play. His answer? “Soon.”
The concrete pad for the outdoor basketball courts and two pickleball courts in the park was recently poured (see photo above), and Stephenson said footings to mount the basketball goals
...continued on p. 12
OAK RIDGE TOWN COUNCIL EXPERIENCED, INFORMED, AND RESPONSIVE LEADERSHIP
COUNCILWOMAN MARTHA PITTMAN:
• Serves as Council liaison to Finance, Mountains to Sea, and Conservation Easement Committees • Listens and responds to Oak Ridge residents’ questions and concerns. • Uses her experience as a CPA to foster sound fiscal policy. • Champions local trails and volunteers with the MST taskforce. • Supports projects that ensure livability and safety for our citizens: sidewalk extensions and intersection improvements, expanded Town Park facilities and Heritage Farm Park construction, safe and reliable water for fire suppression and residents, and the Veterans Honor Green. • Advocates for the preservation of open space and natural areas. • Fights to protect the unique rural and historical character of our town while planning and preparing for the future. • Does her homework and makes informed decisions.
Remaining faithful to our rural heritage while forging connections to our future.
VOTE Martha Pittman Tuesday, November 7th www.facebook.com/MPittmanOakRidge
PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT MARTHA PITTMAN
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
NOV. 2 - 15, 2023 11
Pickleball courts ...continued from p. 12
District 3 candidate
Pray for our schools
Photo courtesy of Tee Stephenson
Prayer may just be the most powerful tool mankind has
A concrete slab was recently poured for the basketball courts (from this perspective, they will be in the forefront) in Stokesdale Town Park, and the pickleball courts.
Want to have an impact and see change in our schools? Join me in praying.
are next on the “To Do” list, which will be followed by the installation of an 8-foot fence surrounding the courts.
Park will have the nicest courts in the area that will be enjoyed by folks of all ages.”
“The court surface will go in last, and then a sidewalk and a little landscaping. It may take another four to six weeks, depending on the weather,” Stephenson told the Northwest Observer this week.
Councilman Jimmy Landreth said basketball has been a big part of his life, dating back to his childhood to now, when he enjoys watching his grandkids play basketball with Stokesdale Parks and Recreation Association.
“Pickleball is the fastest-growing recreational activity in the country,” Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy said. “In a few short weeks, Stokesdale Town
Grab any opportunity you can to pray for our schools – individually, with students, with a friend, during bible study, on our campuses, in the car driving to and from school, with your whole church community.
If you want to organize a prayer team for your school contact me at 336-202-6485.
Taking historic `baby steps’ Renovations and repairs to the historic Martin house on Summerfield Road will soon get underway in preparation for converting the house into a general store, restaurant and gathering place
bill@goebelforcommonground.com
By CHRIS BURRITT
www.goebelnc.com | 336.202.6485
SUMMERFIELD – Lauren Cox celebrated her purchase of the historic Martin house from Preservation North
paid by Citizens for Common Ground
12 NOV. 2 - 15, 2023
“It’s a great feeling to be part of a council that is bringing nice courts to Stokesdale Town Park,” Landreth said.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Carolina (which represented the town of Summerfield) with a small gathering of friends and family this past Monday, Oct. 30. Now the work begins: the removal and repair of windows and doors, the repair of the front and back porch floors, construction of a bathroom and a kitchen and installation of a well, septic system, heating and cooling and electricity. In an interview, Cox said she hopes to open the doors of Martin’s Mercantile by late next spring and eventually sell retail items, serve food and beverages and host do-it-yourself
...continued on p. 36
Elect
MIKE STONE on Nov. 7
My Pledge to the Citizens of Oak Ridge: • Enhance our town’s partnership with the Oak Ridge Youth Association. • Bring fiscally conservative principles to the town’s budget decisions, lower taxes and reduce spending where practical.
MIKE STONE Oak Ridge Town Council
• US Air Force veteran and Eagle Scout • Lifelong resident of the community • Former Town Council member & former vice-chairman Planning and Zoning Board • Oak Ridge Military Academy Board of Trustees member and President of Preservation Oak Ridge Foundation • Active town volunteer for ORMA, RidgeFest, Oak Ridge Commons Cruise-In and PORF
• Bring integrity and full transparency to the citizens in all Town Council discussions and decisions. • Address increasing project costs through sound, consistent spending policies while measuring the cost versus benefits. • Maintain our small-town, historic, rural character through smart, controlled, low-density growth.
you can elect the Oak Ridge
‘Tax and Spend’ politicians
• While families in Oak Ridge are fighting the worst inflation the US economy has experienced in the last 40+ years, George McClellan and Martha Pittman voted to effectively RAISE your taxes (by not lowering the town’s property tax rate after the county’s property revaluations resulted in a 20% increase in Oak Ridge property values); RAISED their own pay, and INCREASED spending.
• Less than 30 days after promising taxpayers “I will not support property tax increases” and will “work to support budgets that reduce the property tax rate,” George voted to raise the tax dollars collected from every property owner in Oak Ridge! To further insult the citizens, George continues to claim he is a fiscal conservative and denies that he voted to increase the tax bill on every property owner. Where’s the Integrity? • Martha (a lifelong liberal Democrat except when she changes parties to run for Town Council) simply refuses to discuss or acknowledge her vote to increase the tax dollars collected from the citizens and increased spending. Where’s the Transparency? • George and Martha originally voted to spend $250,000 in taxpayer money to renovate the 1,100-square-foot Redmon House. Then they increased it to $455,000 but claimed that bids would come in much lower. When the bids came in 38% higher, rather than stop and reconsider the project, they increased spending again to $630,000 without allowing input from the citizens who opposed it. To this day, neither will publicly state how much of our tax dollars they are willing to spend on this one little house. Where’s the Fiscal Conservatism? • George and Martha have voted to raise their monthly stipends for the third year in a row, lessening the personal impact of their tax-and-spend decisions.
More taxes from you. More pay for them. More spending without limits. Oak Ridge cannot afford these two. PAID FOR BY MIKE STONE
WALKER RUNNING FOR 6TH DISTRICT SEAT ... ...continued from p. 1
Manning won the seat in the 2020 election, defeating Republican candidate (and Summerfield resident) Lee Haywood. At the state level, recent redistricting changed the boundaries of Senate District 26, represented by Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger of Rockingham County. Summerfield shifted to Democrat Michael Garrett’s District 27, while Oak Ridge and Stokesdale remain in Berger’s district. In recent months Summerfield Town Council has opposed Berger on two divisive issues: the proposed de-annexation of developer David Couch’s nearly 1,000 acres and the lack of a referendum for Rockingham County voters to decide on a possible casino on U.S. 220, just north of Guilford County and within a few miles of the town’s border. If Summerfield had remained part of Berger’s district, the Republican would have been at risk to lose votes from residents who had formerly supported him. At the congressional level, this month’s redistricting put “the 6th District back to where it has historically been – represented by a conservative Republican,” Walker said in a statement last week. In her criticism of the redistricting, a statement from Manning said the new maps demonstrate “an extreme partisan gerrymander that splits communities of interest…These maps were created for one purpose only: to ensure Republicans win more House seats so that they can maintain control of the U.S. House of Representatives.” The GOP-led legislature approved a plan last week for North Carolina’s 14 U.S. House seats. It created 10 districts that appear to favor Republicans,
three that favor Democrats and one that could be considered competitive, according to statewide election data reported by the Associated Press. Each party currently holds seven of the state’s congressional seats. Manning said the redistricting “doesn’t acknowledge that the Triad is a region with shared interests, concerns and needs. Under these maps, Guilford County is divided among two or three districts, diluting my constituent’s interests, and lumping them in with farflung counties in the western mountains, the suburbs of Charlotte, and as far south as the sandhills. Options for redistricting opponents are limited. North Carolina’s Constitution exempts redistricting legislation from a veto by the governor. While opponents can sue to block redistricting, a ruling by the state Supreme Court in April narrowed the scope of possible litigation. The ruling declared the constitution puts no limits on redrawing lines for partisan gain. After serving the 6th congressional district from 2015 to 2021, Walker ran unsuccessfully in the state’s 2022 U.S. Senate primary. Last May, Walker entered the race for the GOP gubernatorial nomination, joining Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson and State Treasurer Dale Folwell. In his statement last week, Walker acknowledged he faced a tough fight in the governor’s race.
“It would be disingenuous of me to act as if there were a clear path in the gubernatorial race,” he said. “That door has not opened.”
Stay connected to your neighbors at 14 NOV. 2 - 15, 2023
/NorthwestObserver
Why we approved a text amendment, and where we go from here Dear Summerfield Citizens, As so many of you know, in recent months Summerfield has been faced with the very real threat of 978 acres in the middle of our town being de-annexed. Our town council’s primary goal became to get through recent sessions of the General Assembly without this happening. With the stronghold the property owner and developer, David Couch, had on legislators, combined with the fact that he wasn’t willing to come to the negotiating table, our options were limited.
Tim Sessoms, Summerfield mayor
Thankfully, we were able to use our resources and stave off de-annexation. Now, with a text amendment in place, if Mr. Couch chooses to apply for his property to be rezoned, we are in the right position to use our staff and land-use experts to negotiate important protections for our town. Our opponent for mayor, “Linda,” is the wife of Don Wendelken. It’s no secret that Don is closely connected to Gail Dunham, who wreaked havoc on our town and our staff during the two years she was in office as mayor. Don and Dunham also partner in publishing the opinion rag “Summerfield Scoop,” with Dunham being its lead writer. While I was originally excited about Jonathan Hamilton and Heath Clay’s interest in serving on the town council, I’ve since been disappointed to see that they have unfortunately aligned with the Wendelkens and Dunham. If Linda is elected, Dunham would undoubtedly be working closely with her behind the scenes and we could expect the same chaos we experienced in 2017 when Dunham was sworn into office, and in the two very long years that followed. In addition, Hamilton and Clay have NO plan to stave off de-annexation – and even more, they claim there is no basis for us viewing it as a very real threat! If Couch’s 978 acres is allowed to be de-annexed and falls under the control of Greensboro, it can/will lead to thousands of apartments and far more density than what our town allows. We simply can’t let that happen. After actively fighting against high-density development since 2013, we’ve been heavily criticized for taking steps to protect our town by approving a text amendment that will allow Couch to move forward – while maintaining some control over how his land is developed. We have been facing very real challenges involving very influential legislators who support Couch, along with very real threats that the NAACP is watching our every move. We felt the best move for Summerfield was to make every effort to protect it. Please, let’s keep Summerfield together. JEFF DAVIS, REECE WALKER and TIM SESSOMS have 30 years of experience working and caring for our town. This is NOT the time to change our team. We will continue to protect your private wells, meet the challenges before us and protect our boundaries and everything about Summerfield that we love so that it will continue to be a great town.
Tim Sessoms, Summerfield mayor
Jeff Davis
Reece Walker
VOTE SESSOMS, DAVIS, WALKER PAID FOR BY TIM SESSOMS
th Merchants of Oak Ridge’s 18 annual
Saturday, Oct. 27 | Oak Ridge Commons What a great time was had by all during Saturday's 18th Great Pumpkin Event! Blue skies, 80+ degrees, candy by the thousands, hayrides, music, a live dance performance, s costume contest and wide smiles on the face of hundreds of trick-or-treaters. On behalf of the Merchants of Oak Ridge, thank you to this year's sponsors and volunteers who made this event a huge success! Shane Beal, president, MOR Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO
See more photos from this event at
facebook.com/NorthwestObserver
RE-ELECT
GEORGE MCCLELLAN Oak Ridge Town Council
• Long-term advocate for municipal water and improved access for local fire department • Actively supports recreational facilities and open spaces that benefit all residents • Strong, consistent voice for fiscal responsibility • Seeks input from citizens and citizen-led committees • Works to strengthen town’s relationship with County Commissioners and State Legislators Paid for by Committee to Elect George McClellan
16 NOV. 2 - 15, 2023
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
VOTE Nov 7
November 2023 a monthly feature of the Northwest Observer
The Ellis family loves their dog Penelope’s mildmannered personality. The family reports that Penelope stands patiently while the family dresses her up, takes photos and laughs.
Photo courtesy of the Greensboro Science Center
Cheryl Sizer’s first granddog, Bruno, hails from Peru and had quite the journey to the United States! Pictured here, Bruno is lying in his puppy bed, which he refuses to give up despite his rapid growth.
We
Greenboro Science Center’s twotoed sloth, Indie, enjoys munching on green beans, beets and other veggies. Interestingly, food remains in a sloth’s short digestive tract for nearly one month!
your pet or animal photos, and so do our readers! email them to: photos@nwobserver.com
Thanks to the advertisers who made this section possible.
Summerfield Fire District’s latest recruit welcomes crew with licks and kisses Mattie, a 7-monthold firehouse therapy dog, is trained to provide emotional and psychological support to first responders
Photo by Annette Joyce/ NWO
Mattie, a firehouse therapy dog, hangs out with some of her new friends at Summerfield Fire District’s Station 9 on Summerfield Road. Shown in photo, front row: (L to R) Josh Wallace, Kirk Daniels, Jenna Daniels, Chris Johnson and Jeff Friddle; back row: Vanessa Picciano, Shane Taylor, Reece Walker, Mike Nelson and Casey Ritchey.
by ANNETTE JOYCE SUMMERFIELD – Thursday, Oct. 26, was a big day for the Summerfield Fire District as a new member joined the team. The welcoming party was a little different than others had been, and included firefighters sitting on the floor sharing lots of laughter, hugs and a few licks and kisses with the station’s most recent recruit. Yes, it was definitely different – but so is the team’s latest addition, Mattie, a 7-month-old Labradoodle firehouse therapy dog trained to provide support and comfort for these first responders. During the day, the young pup is taking up residence at the district’s Station 9 on Summerfield Road. Jenna Daniels, the district’s assistant chief, said bringing in a therapy dog had been under consideration for some time.
benefits a dog provides,” Daniels said. “Firehouse dogs really make a difference with the health and mental wellness of firefighters because of all the stress the firefighters deal with.”
“We’ve been discussing getting a dog for about two years because of the
“Mattie is going to be awesome for our department members,” echoed
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Chris Johnson, the fire district’s chief. “As firefighters, we see a lot of things that other people don’t see and it’s hard to deal with. Suicides are up everywhere. Our main goal is looking out for our people and giving them an avenue to open up and let their emotions out.”
Mattie’s trainer, Rick Dunton, works with America’s K-9 Caring Angels. The nonprofit provides therapy and service dogs, evidence of the positive impact firehouse dogs can make. “Trained therapy dogs help raise all the feel-good hormones such as
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Jenna Daniels, Summerfield Fire District’s assistant fire chief, enjoys some time with Mattie, a very cool and laid-back newcomer to the department.
serotonin and dopamine and help cut back on cortisone, a hormone that increases stress,” Dunton said. Interacting with Mattie or any therapy dog most often results in lowered blood pressure and a lower heart rate, he added. “She’s medicinal,” he said. While Dunton was providing input for this article, Mattie was stretched out on the floor of a bay in Station 9, waiting for someone to give her attention. She’s extremely laid-back and is nonchalant about firehouse noises.
“We teach her to be on her best behavior and be an asset to her department,” Dunton said. “All in the world this dog wants is to be loved on.” After department personnel found out they were getting a firehouse dog, members voted on a name. They ultimately settled on the name Mattie, in honor of Matt Hall, the beloved Summerfield firefighter who was killed in a car accident last Christmas. Although she’s stationed in Summerfield, Mattie is a resource for
both Guilford and Rockingham counties and can be called upon to help when one of those fire departments experiences a traumatic event. Daniels, who is her appointed handler, said Mattie will also be involved in the fire district’s educational events, including school visits when personnel teach students about fire safety and how to be prepared in case of a fire. While Mattie’s days will be spent at the fire station, her home base is with Daniels and her family, and that’s where she’ll sleep at night. Daniels added that Mattie will be the first dog her daughter, Lizzie, 11, and son, Noah, 8, have ever had. “My kids have been counting down every day waiting for Mattie to come home,” Daniels said.
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Magnolia is doing great after scare with ham bone OAK RIDGE – It was good to see Magnolia, a 4-year-old Lab, at the Great Pumpkin Event in Oak Ridge on Oct. 27. Several months ago, Magnolia gave her family a scare when her stomach started to swell after she had eaten a ham bone and fragments remained undigested. Her owners gave a “grin” in the Northwest Observer to Dr. Wendy Camp (Northwest Animal Hospital) for giving Magnolia her immediate attention. Magnolia recovered quickly and was swimming the next day. As you can see here, she was quite the stylish young lady at the Merchants of Oak Ridge’s annual event in Oak Ridge Commons shopping center on Saturday. Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO
safety tip for dog owners According to Nationwide’s online “Pet Health Zone,” dogs and bones seem like a natural combination, but they’re not, warns pet health expert Karen “Doc” Halligan, DVM. “Dogs can spend hours chewing on a bone in a happy bliss and contentment, but there have been many emergency trips to the veterinarian because a dog has choked on a bone, or bone fragments have become lodged in an intestine,” Nationwide reports. “All veterinary experts agree that there are potential hazards to feeding bones to dogs: broken teeth, fragments lodged in the mouth, intestinal
obstruction and even perforation — which can lead to painful abdominal infection,” Halligan said. This can result in hospitalization with major surgery that can be very expensive – and in the worst cases, it can even be fatal. With the holidays approaching and more people at home cooking, resist the temptation to give your dogs bones, whether raw or cooked. Cooking bones in an oven hardens and dries the bone matrix, allowing the bone to splinter while chewing it into sharp pieces that can injure a dog’s intestinal tract. But even raw or uncooked bones can be dangerous.
Adoptable Pets Red Dog Farm Animal Rescue Network WILMA
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Wilma came to Red Dog Farm after her family gave her up to a good friend. Due to allergies, however, the new family was unable to keep her. She is a gentle hedgehog who is quickly coming out of her ball. She is curious and up for exploring the world through her little nose. Wilma is definitely a “night owl” and will need a family that either loves to hear her little pitter patter at night or has a separate room for her to party in. She loves her mealworms and her exercise wheel. Anyone interested in adopting Wilma can apply online at reddogfarm.com!
VALENTINE
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No, this beauty isn’t the “Flying Nun,” but look at those amazing ears! Valentine is a beautiful 7-pound chihuahua mix who is looking for a place to call a forever home. Despite this senior’s age (about 15 years) you would never know it based on her behavior. Does she have high energy? No, but she is playful, curious, plays with toys briefly and loves to cuddle. Due to her age this little lady is missing quite a few teeth, but that doesn’t diminish her appetite or zest for life! If you’re looking for a small companion who will only have eyes for you, visit us at reddogfarm.com and fill out an application.
If you are interested in learning more about Wilma, Valentine, or any of our other adoptable animals, please visit www.reddogfarm.com, where you can also fill out an application for adoption if you wish.
Guilford County Animal Resource Center Guilford County Animal Resource Center
20 NOV. 2 - 15, 2023
980 Guilford College Road, Greensboro • Walk-in adoptions: Wed-Sun, 12-4pm To check animals’ availability or make surrender appointments, call (336) 641-3400 or visit
www.guilfordcountync.gov/our-county/animal-services
A Southern cassowary’s wattles make it look like a big turkey, but this tropical species is more closely related to other large, f lightless birds, like the emu and ostrich.
&
Thank you to Greensboro Science Center for sponsoring this issue’s Kids’ Korner
r e n r o K ’ s AWESOME ANIMALS Kid Cassowary did you know? • There are three species of cassowary: the Northern cassowary, the Southern cassowary, and the Dwarf cassowary. All three are found in New Guinea, but only the Southern cassowary is also found in Australia. • The Southern cassowary is the largest cassowary, weighing between 120-175 pounds and growing to be about 5.9 feet tall. They are the second heaviest bird in the world (only the ostrich is heavier). • Cassowaries usually breed in May and June. Females lay 3-8 pale green eggs at a time. The green color of eggs camouflage them and help keep them safe from predators that may try to eat them. • Female cassowaries are larger than male cassowaries. After a female lays her eggs, the male is the one who will sit on the cassowary eggs for about two months and then look after the hatchlings for up to another year and a half. • Cassowaries can swim, although their feathers are not waterproof like many bird species. So, much like dogs, they dry themsevles off by shaking the water off. • Cassowaries can run as fast as 30 mph. • Cassowaries have 5-inch long claws, which they use like daggers to attack predators.
Learn how to draw a cassowary
‘Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful’ Northwest Observer writer Lily Pierce provides this follow-up to an article published in our Sept. 21, 2023 issue about her journey with the disease Friedreich's Ataxia By LILY PIERCE
What is the biggest lesson you have learned in life? After a recent article I wrote about my journey with Friedreich’s Ataxia was published in the Northwest Observer, a Summerfield resident about to graduate from GTCC with a physical therapy degree contacted me. Serendipitously, he happened to be working on a project which involved interviewing patients with neurological conditions. There were, of course, many questions about Friedreich’s Ataxia, i.e., when/how did my symptoms appear and develop, and how would I describe the condition in my own words?
Lily Pierce
Questions about my interests, social life, college major, etc. were mixed in, too. It felt humanizing, holistic. One can only understand a person’s health struggles if they also get a snapshot of their personality and life. Two of his questions really struck me:
As I processed the first question, a lump formed in my throat, and I struggled through my answer. There isn’t a particular event or day I want to revisit, but I occasionally yearn for times when my life was easier, on a physical level – i.e., the years when I could still walk, or when I could still drive... I need to clarify why I choked up. I don’t sit around every day dwelling in sadness because I can’t walk. No, I got emotional when the profound irony of this next part started sinking in. I didn’t appreciate the abilities I still had when I had them. We so quickly default to self-pity, complaining about what we lack. At the time, I concentrated not on how thankful I was to be ambulatory or to be free to go anywhere any time, but rather on how sucky it was that I had a disability at all. And here’s another kicker – I was much more self-conscious and insecure back then, which made me ponder whether I would rather have more physical abilities but less mental peace, or vice versa. In spite of everything, I’m grateful to be in my present headspace.
What is a moment you wish you could revisit?
I had two answers to the second question because I felt these mottos were equally important: Never give up on yourself.
I have long believed that sacrifice is the pinnacle of patriotism.
Obviously, “your mentality is your reality” can’t always be applied literally. I could adopt the mentality that I’m able-bodied, but if I stand up from my chair and attempt to walk, my face hitting the floor will remind me that I can’t simply outwit my disease.
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I could stew in resentment or depression over my circumstances and eventually give in to defeat... but that would be the worst thing I could do for myself. Sometimes in life, your mentality is your reality. If you think you’re old, guess what? You’re old. And if you decide you’re unworthy or incapable of effort and self-care and hard work, you will be.
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However, I can focus on what I can still do, rather than lamenting what I can’t do. I can choose my attitude and approach to life. I can dedicate time to physical, mental and spiritual self-development in whatever ways I am able to. The second life lesson is self-explanatory. Truly, life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. I have so many reasons to feel gratitude and joy every single day.
22 NOV. 2 - 15, 2023
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Ordinary people, Extraordinary impact “You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” – Kahlil Gibran
by ANNETTE JOYCE Benjamin Franklin is attributed to the old adage, “if you want something done, ask a busy person.” That certainly would apply to Stokesdale resident Jennifer Williams – however, there’s little chance of anyone having to ask. When Williams identifies a need, she promptly sets her sights on fulfilling it. While working full-time job as the Environmental Health and Safety Manager for Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Williams also volunteers with several community-based organizations. When the Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club first formed several years ago, she became one if its earliest members. At the time, she was looking for “a great group of ladies who are active in the community and want to help others.” The Woman’s Club fit the bill perfectly. Williams has been involved in various club projects including picking up trash along a stretch of N.C. 150 in Oak Ridge and packing baskets for local first responders, and she currently serves as the club’s vice-president. “My favorite volunteer project by far has been working with the Summerfield Christmas Store,” Williams said. “I like to be a personal shopper and help parents pick out gifts for their children. It’s special to me knowing the children will have something under the tree Christmas morning.” Williams also pours herself into her work with Triad
Honor Flight, a non-profit that honors local veterans with a one-day trip to visit veteran memorials in Washington, D.C. She’s been involved with the local organization since its inception in 2021, and has filled various roles. In more recent years she’s served as a bus captain when the group is touring the nation’s capital. “On the day of the flight, I’m responsible for one of four buses and I’m in charge of 50 passengers,” she said. “It’s a heartfelt, touching experience and I’ll continue as long as they let me.” For the next flight in April 2024, Williams will have a very special passenger on board. Her dad, Charles Johnson, will be an honored veteran on the trip and her 18-year-old son, Douglas, will accompany him as his guardian. About two years ago, Williams and her husband, Parker, joined Oak Ridge Lions Club. “I love the camaraderie and that the club is always finding new ways to help the community,” she said. As a member of Oak Ridge Methodist Church, Williams volunteers whenever possible. That’s how she got involved with Greensboro Urban Ministry, which her church partners with once a month to prepare and serve a meal at the homeless shelter the organization operates in downtown Greensboro. She likes the idea of teaching young people the importance of giving back, and has also encouraged other groups, especially local Scouts and students at Destination Arts Center in Oak Ridge, to get involved
Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO
Carrying the spirit of volunteerism from one generation to the next
Stokesdale resident Jennifer Williams has been volunteering since she was a child and has instilled that same sense of community service in her children.
with serving the homeless. “Getting them started at a young age helps them to always be involved in helping others,” she said. Willams said her desire for helping others started when she was a child. “My dad was involved with the Exchange Club in Kernersville for many years and got our family involved. My mom, brother and I were always helping with various projects,” she recalled, adding that she has tried to carry on that same spirit of service to her two children. Both Douglas and her daughter, Riley, 21, have followed in their mother’s footsteps and been active volunteers since they were children. Although Williams’s days are full, she still finds time to cheer at all the home football games at her alma mater, Appalachian State, and unwind with her muchloved black Labrador, Lily.
Thanks to Tire Max for sponsoring this 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. Stokesdale
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5 and up; and as of recently, the Oak Ridge studio also offers adult dance classes. While the programs offered by Destination Arts are wildly popular, owner/executive director Cameron Ligon believes it’s the center’s philosophy that is key to its success. A large poster hanging on one Photo courtesy of Destination Arts wall of Destination Arts’ studio displays the company’s culture/ Since opening 10 years ago, Destination mission statement. The first thing you’ll see Arts Center has grown both in size and in listed is “family first.” offerings. In 2017, the performing arts center “Miss Amanda, our studio manager, expanded its space at Oak Ridge Commons, knows everyone when they walk in the door. and recently, it opened another studio in She is awesome at making families feel Summerfield Village Shopping Center at welcome, and in everything we do, that’s 4446 U.S. 220 North (near Subway). always the overall voice,” Ligon said. Both locations offer dance lessons for stuThe center’s instructors are united in dents 18 months and up; acrobatics/tumbling their mission to not only teach dance and lessons for ages 3 and up; and private music music lessons, but to cultivate a feeling of lessons in voice, piano and guitar for ages family while providing an excellent student
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r Performing Arts experience, Ligon added. “We want our students to have a sense of belonging when they come through our doors,” she stressed. The staff is also intentional about helping instill confidence in their students, and nothing makes them smile more than seeing a child blossom through having gained that confidence. “I know most kids are not going to be performers the rest of their lives,” Ligon acknowledged. “But I want it to still have an impact on them. We want to help develop kids who are confident, whether they are on stage one day or making a board of directors presentation. “We also want their experience with us to be magical and fun and upbeat – like Disney!” Ligon continued. “I want us to be the positive in every kid’s day. School is so tough, with all the testing and all the homework, so if we’re the happy spot in their day, we’ve done our jobs.” Ligon credits her staff for embracing the center’s mission. “Most of my work is behind the scenes; the real ‘MVPs’ of our organization are our
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wonderful staff,” she said. “I’m very proud of them for always going the extra mile to love on and nurture our wonderful students.” A few years ago, Destination Arts joined an association called “More Than Just Great Dancing,” which aligns with Ligon’s commitment to teaching more than just dance and performing lessons. “It has offered a curriculum that has helped us to teach life skills and it has held us to a higher standard,” Ligon said. “I feel like joining the association has given me the skills I needed to teach my staff how to incorporate those culture points that are so critical to our mission statement.”
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CRIME / INCIDENT report
District 1 Sheriff’s Office
has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest/northern Guilford County ... ALTERCATIONS/HARASSMENT Oct. 16 | A resident of the 6000 block of Lomond Drive in Summerfield (near Northwest School Road) reported a known suspect assaulted her. Oct. 17 | Law enforcement officers responded to a reported physical altercation in the 6900 block of Maynard Road in Summerfield (near Strawberry Road). Oct. 18 | Officers responded to a reported physical altercation in the 8400 block of Stafford Mill Road in Oak Ridge; a 44-year-old male was subsequently arrested for assault on a female. Oct. 18 | A resident of the 7900 block
of Michaelis Street in northern Greensboro (off N.C. 150 W) reported a known suspect threatened her.
ANIMAL BITE
Oct. 19 | Officers responded to a reported animal bite in the 7100 block of Horseman Court (Polo Farms neighborhood) in Summerfield.
BREAKING & ENTERING
Oct. 28 | A 55-year-old male was arrested in the 2200 block of Scalesville Road in Summerfield for breaking and entering, discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling and communicating threats.
DEATH INVESTIGATION
Oct. 19 | Officers conducted a death
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Guilford County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the community’s help with information about the theft of an $80,000 Morbark M12r chipper, like the one pictured above. The chipper was stolen between Oct. 13 and Oct. 16 near the intersection of U.S. 220 and U.S. 158 in Stokesdale.Anyone with information relating to this case is asked to call Guilford County Sheriff’s Office at (336) 641-2307 or Crime Stoppers at (336) 373-1000.
investigation in the 4000 block of Brynwood Drive in Colfax.
FOUND PROPERTY
Oct. 23 | Officers responded to the report of a drone valued at about $50 found in the 8400 block of Peony Drive in Stokesdale (near U.S. 158). FRAUD Oct. 16 | A resident of the 5600 block of Fairlawn Drive in Summerfield (near I-73) reported an unknown suspect fraudulently used her identification info.
MISSING PERSON
Oct. 25 | Officers responded to a report of a missing person in the 3600 block of Oak Ridge Road in Summerfield.
SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
Oct. 26 | Officers responded to a report of suspicious activity in the 4500 block of Fence Drive in northwest Greensboro (off Edgefield Road).
THEFT
Oct. 16 | An employee of the tree company Asplundh in Garner, North Carolina, reported that between Oct. 13 and Oct. 16 an unknown suspect stole a white Morbark commercial wood chipper worth $80,000 from the area where U.S. 220 and I-73 intersect.
Oct. 23 | An employee of Tractor Supply Co. in Oak Ridge reported a citizen shoplifted a black/yellow DEWALT pole saw and a black/yellow DEWALT weed trimmer, worth $550 together. Oct. 23 | An employee of Food Lion on N.C. 68 in Stokesdale reported a citizen shoplifted two 18-packs of Modelo beer, worth $53 together. Oct. 24 | A resident of the 5600 block of Beckenham Way in Oak Ridge (near Stafford Mill Road) reported an unknown suspect stole an orange/white STIHL backpack leaf blower worth $600.
TRESPASSING
Oct. 27 | A resident of the 2700 block of Lunsford Road in Summerfield (near Strawberry Road) reported an unknown suspect interfered with his mailbox.
District 1 Sheriff’s Office 7504 Summerfield Road
Main number: (336) 641-2300 For non-emergency incidents: (336) 373-2222 • 8 a.m.–5 p.m., M-F
https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/ our-county/sheriff-s-office
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‘Everything has to work out just perfectly’ For loved ones, navigating the process of donating their relatives’ organs is both frustrating and rewarding by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – For Oak Ridge’s Penny Vance, the process of donating her deceased husband’s organs didn’t work out. On the other hand, Stokesdale resident Angela Campbell was pleased that, after her father had died, she received thank you letters from two recipients of his organs. “It was really special to know that good came from his passing and made a big difference in other people’s lives,’’ said Campbell, of Stokesdale. “I never had any idea that everything has to work out just perfectly,’’ Vance said, recounting how hospital staff
scrambled to secure an operating room or risk missing the opportunity to harvest her husband’s organs. Then, doctors stopped the procedure after removing his kidneys. No other organs, tissue or eyes were taken. “That was very disappointing,’’ she said. The differing outcomes illustrate how the procedure for donating organs can be frustrating for some loved ones and rewarding for others – and potentially complicated for many people. Living or dead, donors face medical and legal hurdles while the circumstances of death can determine whether organs of the deceased can be harvested.
Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO
Oak Ridge resident Penny Vance and her husband, Michael Cheney, were married 44 years when Michael had a heart attack last March, fell on the sidewalk near their home, and subsequently suffered a brain injury that doctors said he wouldn’t recover from. Believing some good could come from her loss, Vance agreed to donate Michael’s organs. Unfortunately, while in the operating room, doctors stopped the organ harvesting procedure after removing Michael’s kidneys. “Less than 1% of all people who die will become actual organ donors,’’ said Chuck Heald, director of marketing and communications at HonorBridge, one of 57 federally designated organ procurement organizations (OPU) in the U.S. and the largest in North Carolina. Even after people sign up as donors, Heald said, there’s no guarantee their organs will be harvested. For example, the organs of a person who dies outside of a hospital may not be salvageable.
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“In most cases, the donor must die in a hospital, be on a ventilator, meet the medical and social history (which is similar to the questions asked when donating blood), and have authorization to be a donor (self-registered or family-authorized),’’ Heald said in a recent email. In the end, too few organs are being donated to the more than 104,000 people on the transplant waiting list, according to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). More than 3,000 people are waiting for organs in North Carolina. Contrasting statistics from HRSA show the conundrum: each donor can save eight lives and enhance more than 75 more; 17 people die daily waiting for organ transplants.
“Advances in transplantation science are helping to save more lives than ever,’’ HRSA said. “But there is a critical shortage of organ donations and a continually-growing list of patients waiting for a life-saving transplant, because there simply aren't enough organs for everyone who needs them.’’ Combined, donations by living and deceased people totaled about 20,000 organs in 2021, roughly a fifth of the waiting list, according to the latest statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Doctors harvest an average of 3.5 organs from each deceased person. In the U.S., the most commonly transplanted organs are the kidney, liver, heart, lungs, pancreas and intestines. The website of HRSA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, explains that people most frequently become donors following a stroke, heart attack or severe head injury. “You decide you want to help people with end-stage disease by donating your organs when you die,’’ HRSA said. That’s the decision made by Randy Maynard, Campbell’s father. He died of a stroke in January 2020. He didn’t wake up after his admission to Moses
might not live until 1 o'clock.
Cone Memorial Hospital in Greensboro, so his children decided to remove him from life support.
“There were lots of questions and papers that had to be answered and signed, and that was pretty exhausting,’’ Vance recalled. “So the impression is that he'll be an organ donor when he’s taken off of life support. Well, that's kind of true, but what you find out about being an organ donor is that everything has to work out at the right time.’’
Maynard’s driver’s license showed that he was an organ donor. About two hours after his death, Campbell recalled, “I got a call in the middle of the night asking if we would be willing to donate his organs, as he had listed. Of course, I said yes.’’ For Vance, the decision was more complicated after Michael Cheney, her husband of 44 years, died last March. While walking in the couple’s Oak Ridge neighborhood, he suffered a heart attack and fell down and injured his brain, according to his wife. He was transported from Oak Ridge to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, where doctors told family members he wouldn’t survive his injury. Late the night of Cheney’s admission, an HonorBridge representative asked Vance whether she’d be willing to donate her husband’s organs. After talking to family members, she agreed.
Vance wanted to be with her husband when he died. She was told to come back to the hospital at 1 p.m. the next day when he would be removed from life support and his organs would be harvested. The next morning, a nurse called to tell her that her husband
Successful procedures require “medical teams, laboratories, logistics experts and many others (working) around the clock to make that possible by testing, recovering, matching, and transplanting those organs,’’ according to HonorBridge’s Heald.
Vance and brother-in-law Kevin Frack, who is a minister, went to the hospital and waited. Once an operating room was secured, a nurse hurried them along, helping them put on pale green scrubs over their clothes before they entered the room. “It was a whirlwind,’’ recalled Vance, who sang a hymn led by her brother-inlaw. The surgical team joined them.
Nearly anyone can become a tissue donor, even after their hearts stop beating and their organs are no longer viable for transplantation, Heald said.
Upon learning that doctors had stopped the procedure after removing Cheney’s kidneys, Vance said she was upset and disappointed. She said she hoped that “somebody would receive an organ to keep them alive.’’
He added that “their heart valves, bones, skin and corneas can be recovered for those needing tissue transplants like burn and cancer survivors, dental patients, spinal disk repairs, those with meniscus and ACL tears.’’
Looking back, Vance said she would agree to donate her organs and recommend that her family members do the same.
To learn more
Visit the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network at optn.transplant.hrsa.gov to learn about organ donations. You can register to be an organ donor at registerme.org or when you renew your driver’s license or state ID at your local Department of Motor Vehicles.
“But people should know that just because somebody’s a donor doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to work out,’’ she said. “Everything has to fall into place.’’
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FALL memories
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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Revolution Academy opening a high school next year
The Summerfield charter school plans to start holding classes for ninth graders at Central Baptist Church in Oak Ridge by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – Revolution Academy is reviving plans to create a high school, starting next year with classes for ninth graders held at Central Baptist Church in Oak Ridge. A vote by the church’s congregation this past Sunday, Oct. 29, cleared the way for Revolution to rent space in the church for several years, Michele Harris, the school’s principal, said in an interview earlier this week. The church will be a temporary location until Revolution acquires land and builds a high school. Revolution explored creating a high school under founder and former principal Mary Catherine Sauer, who left the school in June 2022. Around that time, the public charter school’s board of directors changed course, deciding to delay planning for a high school to focus instead on efforts “to stabilize our K-8 (to) make sure that our foundation was strong,’’ said Harris, who succeeded Sauer as principal. Over the past year, parents and teachers have continued pressing for
Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO
Revolution Academy, a public charter school, opened in a temporary location off N.C. 68 in August 2020 before its new building on N.C. 150 was ready to welcome students in grades K-6 in February 2021. The school graduated its first class of eighth graders last spring and recently announced plans to open a high school next school year.
the establishment of a high school after Revolution graduated its first class of eighth graders last spring. Those students had no choice but to attend high school elsewhere. “We brought it back up to the board a few times and then in the
past couple of months, they voted yes,’’ Harris said. “And so it's been full steam ahead.’’ The school’s current location on N.C. 150 in Summerfield is about five miles from Central Baptist Church. Despite the distance for parents who
will have children at both schools, Revolution’s curriculum and the trust it has earned among parents makes the commute worthwhile, according to Erin Chicka, director of student services.
...continued on p. 36
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STUDENT PROFILES Thanks to the coaches and teachers at Northern and Northwest High Schools for their student recommendations and input, which make it possible to recognize these talented, dedicated students for their accomplishments in academics, athletics and cultural arts.
Reynolds & Stoner field hockey NORTHWEST HIGH BROOKE HEFNER, senior
ORTHODONTICS
What is your role on the field hockey team? I play defense. What’s one of your earliest memories of playing field hockey? Going to Oak Ridge Town Park during the summer before 7th grade; my sister was a freshman in high school and she was trying out for the sport. I tried to resist wanting to play but ended up going to a summer camp with her later that summer. I
32 NOV. 2 - 15, 2023
loved it so much that after my sister’s freshman season, we joined North Carolina Fusion in Winston-Salem. What’s one of your favorite memories of playing field hockey? Being able to spend time with my closest friends, Tessa & Ella, while we enjoy playing field hockey together, and playing with my older sister in both club and on the varsity team when I was a freshman and sophomore. Is there a field hockey player you look up to, and why? I look up to a lot of the UNC field hockey team members because of their skill level and their ability to work the ball in a positive way. I especially look up to Cassie Sumfest, who plays defense (I like how timed her moves are in a game) and Erin Matson, the UNC
field hockey head coach, who has such good leadership and her prescanning ability allows her to make positive moves on the field. Is there something your coach stresses that has made an impact on you? Something my coaches says defensively is, “Always let the other person (the one you’re defending) make the mistake and don’t dive in!” Field hockey is very heavy on fouls, so it’s good to be smart about how you try to play the ball – especially in defense, since it can cause a corner or allow the other team to advance to the goal faster. Who has helped you the most to develop your hockey skills? My club coach, John Marshall. He was one of my first coaches and helped me learn the sport. He has the ability to push you in the sport without you even knowing it. He has allowed me to look at games from a different perspective and see the positives of a game rather than the actual score.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
How do you get hyped up before a hockey game? I just try to calm myself. I can get really stressed or nervous before a game, so sitting alone and talking myself through it helps a lot. Warm-ups also help me feel prepared and ease the stress. And sometimes, I will watch college games (mainly UNC) and get “inspiration” for how to play. I play best when I am calm versus hyped or energized, and I feel like it helps me think through the play more and be smart with the ball. Favorite subject in high school? History What do you like to do in your spare time? Hang out with my friends or mess around in Adobe programs. Is there something about you that most people don’t know? I have lived in three different continents (Africa, Europe, and obviously the U.S. in North America). What do you hope to do after graduating high school? Go to a 4-year col-
lege to study business marketing with either a minor in graphic design or psychology. I want to continue playing field hockey at the college’s club level and hope to help grow the sport in the south.
NORTHWEST HIGH CADEY YOUNKMAN, sophomore track/cross country When did you first start running competitively? In the eighth grade, during track season. What do you enjoy most about being on the track team? I enjoy the family-and-friends aspect of it. I love my team so much and they are always there for me. I also enjoy the
hard work and dedication that comes with it. It takes many early mornings and late nights, but you truly get what you put into this sport. How do you work on your endurance and speed as a runner? I am on a four-week training cycle with a threeweek build and one down week. My high weeks are around 30-35 miles during season and my down week is usually 20-25 miles during race weeks. I train six days a week. And I not only run, but I lift, do core, mobility and many other things. Do you have a favorite memory of being on the cross country team? Yes, when Coach E brought his motorcycle on the track and rode it around. I also have great memories of my favorite race, Friday Night Lights, when we run at night and the whole course is lit up. There is also a DJ and fireworks! And, I will always remember how much everyone was there for each other when Coach E passed
away. We never left each other’s side, and we will always cherish the memories we had with him. Is there a runner you look up to? Yes, there are two. One is my dad (aka my coach). He was an elite runner for 13 years. He pushes me hard and I wouldn’t be where I am without him. I also look up to Katelyn Tuohy – she runs at NC State and is No. 1 in the country for collegiate XC. Do you listen to music when you run? No, I hate carrying my phone with me, so I run in silence or with a friend. Is there something your coach says repeatedly to make an impact? My coach always says “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” That motivates my team and it shows that you don’t have to be the most talented, but if you work the hardest you will be successful. How do you mentally prepare for a track meet? My team members and I do a chant that hypes us up before a
race and after practice. Do you participate in any other sports? I run cross country, indoor and outdoor track, but I do not do any other sports. You have to be dedicated to one sport in order to be the best at it. Favorite subject: Math How do you like spending your spare time? I read, cross train, do homework, and hang out with friends. I also manage my mom’s social media account for her design business (please follow to support @christyandersondesign). What’s something about you that many people don’t know? I’m really quiet when you first meet me, but once you get to know me, I don’t shut up. What do you hope to do after graduating high school? Run at a collegiate level and study to become a physical therapist. My top school choices right now are NC State, UNC-C, and Wake Forest.
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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
NOV. 2 - 15, 2023 33
celebrating 27 years of covering northwest Guilford County’s local matters
www.nwobserver.com 34 NOV. 2 - 15, 2023
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
2023 Fun Run for F4F Thanks to Trish Dell, mother of F4F NWGSO founder and president Kara Dell, for gathering the information and photo for this write-up
Grown-Up & Me Paint Time Sat., Nov. 18, 1-3pm
Family Paint Party Fri., Nov. 24, 2-4pm
Small Business Saturday Sat., Nov. 25, 10-3pm
Plus...our ongoing weekly classes, Open Studio and Sip & Paints Coming in December - book your Holiday Party in our spacious studio Kids’ Holiday Art Camps registration now open!
Photo courtesy of Jenny Hoyle
Northwest Guilford High School’s F4F (Families4Families) student leaders address participants prior to the student chapter’s “2023 Fun Run for F4F” 5K fundraiser and food drive on Oct. 22. According to its website, Families4Families empowers student leaders to address food insecurity and enact positive change in their local communities. F4F’s student chapters are paired with a local nonprofit that identifies families in need of groceries and other essential items. The student chapter then collects groceries (“Bags of Basics”) and other essential items (“Extras) and delivers them throughout the school year or the summer. F4F NWGSO, Northwest Guilford High School’s F4F chapter, is partnered with the UNCG Spartan Open Pantry (www.wesleyluther.org/sop). On Oct. 22, the student chapter at NWHS held a 5K fundraiser and food drive entitled “2023 Fun Run for F4F.” The event was entirely student-run and yielded 286 pounds of food to be donated to the Open Pantry. “I enjoyed how we cheered the runners on and gave them high fives every time they passed,” said Thomas Vernon, a NWHS junior and Fun Run course volunteer. "It was a pleasure to be able to put
on this fun run and to help the UNCG Spartan Open Pantry,” Jois Martinez, senior and F4F secretary, said. “It's always great to see how the community can get together to reach a goal!"
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Senior Faith Vaughan participated in the Fun Run along with her mom. “From the beginning, everyone was very positive and it was well-organized,” Vaughn said. “My favorite part was getting to do it with my mom, and how people of all age groups came out. I know the donations go to a good cause and I wanted to do my best to help out. The volunteers were very encouraging and made the experience more enjoyable." "I am grateful for our sponsors, Coach Steven Anderson for his help and support, and Cinda Kreuger at Colfax Elementary for lending cones and water coolers. This has been our best Fun Run yet!" said Kara Dell, NWHS senior and F4F NWGSO founder and president.
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Dell offered a special thanks to sponsors Christy Anderson Design for providing end-of-race snacks and Fleet Feet for providing prizes.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
NOV. 2 - 15, 2023 35
Revolution Academy...continued from p. 31 Revolution lost a small number of students who are siblings of last year’s eighth graders. “There are families who were looking at their future and they're like, well, if we're going to move one, then we were going to move the other as well,’’ Harris said. The departures barely dented the school’s waiting list of almost 1,000 prospective students for all grades. That waiting list may grow longer as parents learn about plans for the high school, Chicka said.
At present, Revolution has 81 eighth graders. They will be eligible to attend the new ninth grade without needing to apply to advance, according to Harris.
Martin House ...continued from p.12 workshops, parties and other gatherings. ``We’re not going from nothing to the grand opening,’’ Cox said. ``We are going to take baby steps.’’
The school is accepting applications for all grades through January, with a lottery for open spaces taking place Feb. 1. Longer term, Revolution is looking for 20 acres or more of land to buy for a new high school, according to Robin Helms, director of operations. The preferable location would be five to seven miles from the current school.
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The historic Martin house, formerly owned by the Town of Summerfield, was recently sold to Lauren Cox.
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Lauren Cox (top row, center), flanked by her husband, Darryl, on the left and Town Manager Scott Whitaker on the right, hosted a small gathering of supporters on Oct. 30 to celebrate her purchase of the historic Martin house on Summerfield Road, located directly across from Summerfield Town Hall.
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The women’s volleyball team at Northern Guilford High School celebrated last month after defeating Grimsley High School for the Lady Nighthawk’s first Metro 4A championship. “We’ve made history in the program,” said first-year coach Kari Hankins. “The team showed a lot of character, heart and drive.” Their advance in the state playoffs ended last week with a loss to Reagan High School in the quarter finals. Senior Macy Bolyard is headed to the University of Southern California on a volleyball scholarship, while junior Courtney Burnham has committed to playing at Coastal Carolina University.
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NOV. 2 - 15, 2023 37
mark your
calendar
THURSDAY, NOV. 2
z Town Council meeting | Oak Ridge Town Coun-
cil will meet Nov. 2, starting at 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. For more information and a meeting agenda, visit www.oakridgenc.com.
SATURDAY, NOV. 4 z Oak Ridge recycle/e-cycle event | The Town of Oak Ridge will host a free recycle/e-cycle event for Guilford County residents Nov. 4, 8 a.m. to 12 noon at Oak Ridge Elementary School, 2050 Oak Ridge Road. Materials accepted are tires, large appliances, electronics and personal documents (up to 5 boxes). No business waste, please. Paper shredding services will only be onsite until the container fills up. More info: (336) 641-3792 or (336) 644-7009. See display ad on page 3.
z Fall arts & crafts extravaganza | There will be
a fall arts & crafts extravaganza with 20+ vendors Nov. 4, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, 2614 Oak Ridge Road. More info: www. oakridgepres.org.
SUNDAY, NOV. 5 z Veterans Day ceremony | Northwest Guilford VFW
and Town of Summerfield’s History Committee will hold a Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 5, starting at 2 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. Guest speaker will be Robert O’Hanlon, a Marine Corps veteran, chairman of the War Memorial Foundation (Carolina Field of Honor) and chairman of the Boy Scouts of America Eagle Board for Greensboro. Light refreshments will be served after the ceremony. More info: www.facebook.com/ TownofSummerfield.
MONDAY, NOV. 6 z Suicide prevention workshop | Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church at 2614 Oak Ridge Road will host a one-day workshop on issues surrounding suicide
on Nov. 6, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The workshop will focus primarily on youth-related struggles. A $25 registration fee includes the workshop, lunch and a snack. Visit www.oakridgepres.org to learn more, or email martihazelrigg.orpc@gmail.com to register. z SMA meeting | Summerfield Merchants Association (SMA), which supports local businesses, nonprofits and the Summerfield community, invites professionals who live in Summerfield or represent a business or nonprofit based in Summerfield to its next monthly meeting Nov. 6, 6:15 to 8 p.m. Learn more about SMA or RSVP to attend the meeting at www.summerfieldmerchant.com. z Personal finance class | Crossroads Community Church at 8212 B&G Court in Stokesdale will host a free personal finance class Nov. 6, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Instructors Rock and Monya Griffin will discuss insurance options, investing basics and more. To learn more or register, call (336) 871-2488 or email tapersdad@aol.com.
TUESDAY, NOV. 7 z Election Day | Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to
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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
7:30 p.m. Voters in the municipal election on Nov. 7 must vote at their assigned precinct. Remember to bring your photo I.D. For more info, including assigned voting precincts, visit www.guilfordcountync. gov/our-county/board-of-elections. z Kiwanis Club | Kiwanis Club of Northwest Guil-
ford, a nonprofit that supports local child-related projects, will meet Nov. 7, starting at 12 noon at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge. More info: nwgkiwanis@gmail.com.
NOV. 9, 14 & 16
MONDAY, NOV. 13
z Senior programs | Senior Resources of Guilford
z Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club | Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club (NGWC) is a nonprofit whose members share a commitment to community service. The group will hold its monthly meeting Nov. 13, starting at 7 p.m. More info: contact Tiffany Hansen, president, at (336) 404-8038 or tiffanykhansen96@gmail.com.
County will sponsor a senior program including activities and a take-home lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Nov. 9 at Stokesdale United Methodist Church (8305 Loyola Drive); on Nov. 14 at Shady Grove Wesleyan Church (119 N. Bunker Hill Road in Colfax); and on Nov. 16 at Summerfield First Baptist Church (2300 Scalesville Road). To learn more and/ or RSVP, call (336) 373-4816, ext. 265.
SATURDAY, NOV. 11
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 8
z Veterans Day ceremony | Town of Oak Ridge
z Veterans dinner | Oak Ridge Methodist Church
at 2424 Oak Ridge Road will host a veterans dinner with pasta, salad and dessert on Nov. 8, starting at 6 p.m. Veterans eat free, but suggested donation for others is $10 per adult plate or $5 for a child’s plate. All proceeds will benefit Triad Honor Flight, a nonprofit that sends veterans on a one-day trip to Washington, D.C., to visit veteran memorials. More info: www.oakridgeumc.org.
will hold a Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11, 10 to 11 a.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. More info: (336) 644-7009. z Veterans Day ceremony | A Veterans Day cere-
mony will be held at Stokesdale Veterans Monument at 6826 U.S. 158 on Nov. 11, 2 to 3 p.m. In case of rain, the ceremony will be held at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. More info: (336) 643-4011.
TUESDAY, NOV. 14 z Town Council meeting | Summerfield Town Council will meet Nov. 14, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. The meeting will be livestreamed on the Town’s Facebook page. Visit www.summerfieldnc. gov for a meeting agenda. z Friends of Stokesdale meeting | Friends of Stokesdale, a nonprofit committed to preserving Stokesdale’s history and downtown charm, will hold its monthly meeting Nov. 14, 7 to 8 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. More info: www.facebook.com/friendsofstokesdale or call Joe Thacker, president, at (336) 708-0334.
Saturday, November 18, 5:30pm
Summerfield Athletic Park (5200 US-220 North) Check town Facebook page for rain date.
Greensboro Performing Arts • Bella Ballerina dancers • light food/drink/S’mores • bonfire
FREE EVENT! Also collecting food for the Guilford Backpack Ministry serving 12 northern and northwest area schools. Please bring boxes of cereal only for event (goal: 200 boxes).
Drop-off locations: Bank of Oak Ridge; GPA Summerfield Campus; Reynolds Orthodontics (Sfd. and Gbo. locations); Summerfield Wealth Advisors; The Jumping Bean; Town of Summerfield. Needed items: https://backpackministry.wixsite.com/backpacks/itemsweneed
and
w w w. s u m m e r f i e l d n c . g o v 336-643-8655
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
SANTA IS EXPECTED!
NOV. 2 - 15, 2023 39
GRINS and GRIPES
Delighted or dismayed by something in your community? Share your thoughts in
40
words or less
email: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com
Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion.
GRINS to...
and I don’t want it to. Thanks for the continued laughs! Justin, Josh and Mike from Oak Ridge Fire department for helping two senior citizens change a smoke detector. We appreciate your service.
With over 100 vendors, you can always find something Fun and Unique!
Mistletoe Market Nov. 11-12
Ladies’ Night! Dec. 7, 6-9pm
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Summerfield (336) 643-6994 Mon-Sat 10-6 & Sun 12-6 40 NOV. 2 - 15, 2023
Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO
This just might have been our favorite costume at the Great Pumpkin Event in Oak Ridge on Oct. 27! Sonya, an Oak Ridge resident, proved she’s an avid reader of the Northwest Observer’s Grins and Gripes section by donning a headband with “Grins” and “Gripes” signs attached, carrying a leaf blower and wearing a sports bra and shorts (representing the two topics that have received the most Grins and Gripes … this year, and ever!). By the way, Sonya deservedly won first place in the “Most Creative” category of the Merchants of Oak Ridge’s costume contest.
To all my fellow NWO readers who have kept the scantily clad gardening lady joke running well into the fall season! This doesn’t seem to get old
almost every local event. Just because they are a franchise doesn’t mean they are not locally owned and operated! Chris at EuroHaus Auto in Stokesdale for being helpful, honest and fixing items on my car which I was not charged for. Sheer kindness on their part. We need more good auto repair businesses in our area like this one! The Wright Stuff in Oak Ridge – a locally-owned gem for kids of all ages to do VR flight simulations and other video games. Attentive, personable, and patient service!
GRIPES to...
Adam McCorquodale with AMAC Plumbing in Stokesdale for providing an amazing experience during a “crappy” situation! Not only was he professional and well-priced, but he was a genuinely nice guy and happy to help!
The griper who thinks it’s OK for Stokesdale Elementary School to have a 6:30 a.m. drumline greeting the students, when a 2 p.m. send-off was more appropriate. A formal complaint was filed with the school system. It won’t happen again.
Ms. Bennett, Mr. Stys and Mr. Bowden – you were pied, water ballooned, duct taped and slimed – thank you for making FUNdraising at Stokesdale Elementary fun!
The person who is soooo concerned about yardwork attire. I heard the lady who wears the skimpy yardwork attire is a personal trainer, and I think it’s great advertisement for her business. Maybe you should hire her!
Tim Sessoms, Jeff Davis, Reece Waker for having the courage to do what had to be done. If the town subsequently reneges on its commitment to cooperate with Couch, the land will be de-annexed, meaning way more than 700 apartments. The youth of Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church for hosting a fun Trunk or Treat fall festival! Our family had a blast. All Northwest and Northern school principals – you have a hard job few want, yet you show up every day for our kids. Happy Principals’ Month (this grin was submitted in October, when Principals’ Month is observed each year). The local Domino’s Pizza franchise owners. They are big sponsors for
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
The owner of the end building in downtown Stokesdale who uses it as junk storage. With the revitalization of downtown Stokesdale, every building downtown should be required to be a functional business and uphold certain aesthetical standards. To all the wanna-be Grand Prix drivers who race down Tarleton Drive to sit in a car line at Oak Ridge Elementary School. You are racing to sit in a car line – does it really matter how fast you get there? Whoever has vandalized my house on Horse Trail Road twice now. Please stop. I don’t want to see you injured and I don’t want to keep making repairs.
People complaining because we got to Oak Ridge Elementary early enough that we were able to safely turn without impeding traffic on N.C. 150. Get up earlier! The person responding to my gripe about the 6:30-7:30 a.m. drumline wake-up call at Stokesdale Elementary. What’s your home address? I have a bass drum and spare time. Does early one morning this weekend sound good? Looking forward to sharing joy with you! People in residential neighborhoods who turn their yard into a used car lot, without first obtaining the proper zoning or HOA permits. Wendy’s in Oak Ridge. How could you be out of coffee on a Monday morning? Stokesdale Parks/Rec for being so unorganized during Trunk or Treat. Main road blocked with cars, adults/ kids running everywhere in the dark on main road into traffic! Safety should be a priority! Please reevaluate for next year before someone is hurt! The people who think it’s okay to manhandle people’s Halloween decorations – i.e., taking lids off of
pumpkins, moving skeleton arms and even crawling inside a coffin display. My decorations aren’t a playground or an Instagram photo shoot. Price gouging and profiteering that has occurred during and after the pandemic. It’s illegal. Your goods and services and home prices are too high. You are immoral. It will come full circle.
Fall in the Park
November 4 10 AM - 4 PM
Town Council candidates who have nothing positive to offer voters, so they resort to distortions and lies.
Oak Ridge Town Park (across from OR Fire Dept.)
The lady at the ABC Store who wouldn’t allow parking in front of the store during the Great Pumpkin Event unless you were buying alcohol. I don’t recall seeing a sign that states parking is strictly for ABC patrons.
Get your Christmas shopping started with homemade items and shopping small.
Food trucks, 40+ vendors, handmade items... find these and so much more at the park! Purple Wagon Events
Drivers on Strawberry Road in Summerfield who refuse to slow down and stop for pedestrians at the A&Y Greenway crosswalk. Are you so low that you can’t even stop for a mother and child to cross safely?! Do better!
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Back-door (Sen. Phil) Berger. He has to go! Take the casino he tried to sneak in our backyard with him. Blatant deceit and putting money before his constituents.
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CONTACT US TODAY! NOV. 2 - 15, 2023 41
EASEMENTS MEET RESISTANCE ...continued from p. 1 She noted the developer is seeking the revocation of the easement.
“Any construction and/or land disturbance will cause immediate and irreparable harm,” Greensboro lawyer Margaret Chase told Michael Thomas, Oak Ridge’s lawyer, in a letter this past Monday, Oct. 30. “And such harm will not be tolerated.”
“The Town of Oak Ridge simply took it upon itself to act outside the scope of its authority without considering the negative impact on safety, privacy and property values to the surrounding properties,” Chase said.
Representing Bear Creek’s HOA and some individual property owners, Chase requested that Oak Ridge “immediately cease and desist from any future development” along the easement. Three individual lots and the subdivision’s common area that abut the easement would be harmed by construction of the trail, she said. The easement runs through a tree preservation zone and it also violates setback requirements stated on Bear Creek’s plat, according to Chase. The easement isn’t located in Bear Creek, but on immediately adjacent property that’s part of the Ashford subdivision under development. As part of its approval of the subdivision plan, Oak Ridge required the developer to offer the easement, according to Chase.
Oak Ridge Town Manager Bill Bruce said the town didn’t require the Ashford subdivision developer to designate the easement as a condition of the subdivision plan. He noted the developer can seek to revoke the easement in an application that would be reviewed by the town’s Planning and Zoning Board and decided upon by the Town Council. In an interview earlier this week, Bruce added that lawyers for the various parties are talking in hopes of achieving a satisfactory resolution of the dispute. Development of public trails is rooted in Oak Ridge’s strategic plan to “foster neighborhood recreational uses and connectivity through the private development process and by providing trail and sidewalk connectivity from neighborhoods to parks and open space,” council member Martha Pittman said in an email last month. In addition, she said, the town’s pedestrian plan recommends the town acquire easements for future trail connections in subdivisions.
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42 NOV. 2 - 15, 2023
Development of the Mountainsto-Sea Trail represents Oak Ridge’s major investment in trails. Statewide, volunteers in towns are moving the 1,175-mile-long trail off of roads for the safety and enjoyment of hikers. The process sometimes requires that groups such as Oak Ridge’s Mountainsto-Sea Trail Committee obtain easements from property owners. The town has secured easements in the Riverside and River Gate subdivisions northwest of town as examples of extending offroad sections of the MST, Pittman said. In southwestern Oak Ridge, Pittman said, the Ashford subdivision easement provides a “critical link” between the MST under construction from the Carriage Cove and Pemberley Estates subdivisions to Brookbank Road. The route leads to the future Bandera Farms Park on Bunch Road. Until that construction is finished and public parking is available, Pittman said, “there is no immediate need to develop the Ashford easement. Throughout this process, Council continues to listen to residents. To reiterate, this is a long-term process.” In a recent meeting with some Bear Creek homeowners, Bruce and Mayor Ann Schneider “encouraged residents to have patience as the easement has not yet been marked by a professional surveyor,” Pittman said. “The survey will give all parties a clearer understanding of its exact path, allowing for the evaluation of the location, terrain, and feasibility of using this particular easement.” If the easement is developed, the town would cover the cost of landscape buffers and contribute to the cost of fencing to screen three properties from the trail, Pittman added. In Summerfield, some of the approximately 25 property owners along the proposed A&Y Greenway are raising similar concerns. Last month, engineering firm Kimley-Horn held a series of public meetings with residents and property owners along the proposed trail. As envisioned, the 3.75-mile trail will start at the U.S. 220 pedestrian tunnel and turn south to connect with the city
of Greensboro’s watershed. The trail will travel northwest along the watershed and through the woods before passing behind the mobile home park on Summerfield Road. It will then cross the road near Auburn Road and travel north until it crosses Summerfield Road again near the elementary school. From there it will travel along the abandoned railroad bed to Medearis Street, just north of the dog park at Summerfield Community Park. The route turned southward and winds through the watershed instead of taking a more direct route to its northern terminus because Summerfield was unable to negotiate easements with property owners along the shorter route, Town Manager Scott Whitaker said in an interview.
“No, we don’t want no trail coming through here,” said Town Council candidate Teresa Perryman, explaining she’s expressing the views of numerous property owners along the A&Y Greenway route. After they discovered the proposed easement for the trail runs along the rear of their Summerfield Road property, Robert and Mary McIver asked that it be moved onto adjoining property owned by developer David Couch. Shifting the easement seems “only logical,” since Couch owns nearly 1,000 acres in Summerfield, compared to the couple’s 1.28-acre lot, McIver said in an interview. Couch declined to provide a comment on the topic. If property owners refuse to grant easements for which they’d be paid, the town could take the property through eminent domain. “After the offer is made, it either goes to the path of acceptance or it goes to the path of needing further discussion,” Kimley-Horn senior vice president Jeff Moore told the audience at last month’s meeting.
AUTO SALES & SERVICES EMPLOYMENT SAM'S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 965-7955. 2008 MITSUBISHI RAIDER. Clubcab. 3.7 liter V-6. Original owner. 84K miles. New tires. Camper cover. Complete service every 3 months. $6,500. (336) 908-0230 or (336) 644-6120.
Place online at
(336) 891-3876 EUROHAUSAUTO.PRO
GROUP LEADER needed. P/T position for afterschool program at Revolution Academy in Summerfield. M-F, 3-6pm. Starting at $14/hr. Call (336) 669-5590.
HOMECARE AVAILABLE SENIOR HELPERS. Homecare for seniors and others including companion, personal needs, transitional, chronic disease, VA, respite, post-surgery assistance. Can provide house chores as part of service at no extra charge. Knowing your loved one is happy, safe, and cared for is your priority and ours too! Locally owned and operated. Call (336) 893-0300.
EVENTS / SAVE THE DATE DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue
NEED HELP? Call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 Mon - Fri • 9am -12:30pm
INDEX Auto Sales / Services ........ 43 Employment .................... 43 Homecare Available......... 43 Events / Save the Date ..... 43 Home Services ........... 43-45 Misc. Services .............45-46 Misc. for Sale .................. 46 Misc. Wanted .................. 46 Real Estate ...................... 46
CHOICE TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE. Oil changes, inspections, alignments and general automotive repairs. 1080 US Hwy 66 S, Kernersville, NC. (336) 992-9002.
FALL ARTS & CRAFTS EXTRAVAGANZA with 30+ vendors. Saturday, November 4, 9am-2pm. Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, 2614 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge.
KNIGHT IMPORT SPECIALTY SERVICE. European Auto Service & Repair. Specializing in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. BMW, Audi, Volvo, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Mini, and Porsche. 32 years experience. 4559 US Hwy. 220, Summerfield (across from Food Lion). (336) 337-0669.
ANNUAL STEW SALE by Stokesdale Fire District. Saturday, November 18. 8401 US Hwy. 158, Stokesdale. $10 per quart. DRIVE-THRU ONLY! Available for pick-up starting at noon until sold out. Sorry, no pre-orders will be taken.
EMPLOYMENT NEED DRIVERS. Battleground Kia. Call Rick, (336) 202-1342. NORTHWEST BAPTIST DAY CARE is seeking to hire an experienced childcare teacher. This is a full-time position, M-F, 9:30am-6pm. Position requires fun, loving, caring, nurturing individual. Please contact NWBDaycare @ (336) 393-0530. OAK RIDGE PHYSICAL THERAPY. Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). Full-time. NC licensed PTA. Outpatient orthopaedic, sports, and balance patients. Background criminal, drug & financial check will be done. Mail resume to: PO Box 875, Oak Ridge, NC 27310.
STOKESDALE COMMUNITY CHOIR presents a free Christmas concert on Saturday, December 2, at 11am, Gideon Grove UMC, 2865 Gideon Grove Church. Rd., Stokesdale. Pre-concert music at 10:30am.
HOME SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING A-ACTION AIR. Furnace check-up, $79.95. (336) 268-6768 or (336) 382-3750.
CLEANING PAOLA CLEANING SERVICE. Residential & commercial. Insured. (336) 669-5210. LAUNDRY LASS HOME DELIVERY. Wash, sanitize, dry, fold – and delivered to you the next day. Call (336) 645-5827.
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HOME SERVICES CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING Gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com. (336) 595-2873. CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Quality cleaning/ budget friendly. Pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838. MAID-2- SHINE. Excellent ser vice, 15 years experience. Free estimates, excellent references. (336) 338-0223
DECORATING EXPERIENCED INTERIOR DECORATOR & personal furniture shopper will help you with style, color, shopping & furniture placement. E-mail appeninc@gmail.com or call Ann Appenzeller, (336) 314-1411.
ELECTRICAL BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC. Residential, commercial and solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192. Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? It's portable generator season. Call Coble Electric, LLC at (336) 209-1486.
FLOORING / TILE MONTERO'S HARDWOOD FLOORING Installation of hardwood, laminate & tile; hardwood sanding & finishing. Commercial & residential. Insured, 17 yrs. exp. Free est., exc. references. Call (336) 215-8842 or visit Monteros-hardwood-flooring.com.
GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES GENERAL HANDYMAN. Repairs, installations, assemblies, etc. Light electrical and plumbing. Yard work and power washing. Insured. No job too small. Give Gordon a call, (336) 253-7700. 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.
continued on p. 44
NOV. 2 -215, 2023 NOV. - 15, 2023 43
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
LOW-COST GARAGE DOORS. Repair and sales. 35 years exp. (336) 207-1003.
E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, demolition, lot clearing, excavating, bobcat work, etc. (336) 451-1282.
INTEGRITY TREE SERVICE, LLC. Tree removal, risk assessment, tree pruning, dead wood removal. Affordable/competitive pricing. Fully insured. Owner-operated. Call for free estimate, (336) 210-8310.
STRAIGHT EDGE LAWN CARE. Free estimates. Please call (336) 306-0274.
CLOCK SERVICE. Free house calls for sick clocks. 8103 Windspray Dr., Summerfield. (336) 643-9931. L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE. “We get you mowing!” Comm./res., all models. Oak Ridge, NC. Please call (336) 298-4314. Ltsmeng16@gmail.com. OLD SCHOOL HOME REPAIR See display ad on page 38.
AFFORDABLE
HOME REPAIR
GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS
S&M
SEAMLESS GUTTERS
install new gutters repair and clean old gutters FULLY INSURED
Call for a FREE estimate 336.587.8223 | 336.709.5944
Why move when you can improve?
handyman ● construction well pumps ● plumbing ● foundations sagging floors...and much more! licensed general contractors
One call fixes all! (336) 643-1184 APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707.
WILSON
Seamless Gutters
Installation, repair, replacement, Leaf Guard
Stokesdale
336-420-0200
HILL LAWNCARE & OUTDOOR SERVICES. Free estimates. Call (336) 669-5448. WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Lawn maint., landscaping. Irrigation/landscape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 years exp. (336) 399-7764. MEDLIN'S LANDSCAPING. Res./comm. lawn service. Fully insured. Call/text (336) 817-3036. ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. (336) 643-9157. DILLON TREE SERVICE. Certified arborists. BBB accredited. Fully insured. Familyowned. Tree removal and trimming. Available for emergency removals 24/7. Free estimates. (336) 996-6156. www.dillontreeservice.com. info@dillontreeservice.com.
GRADING / HAULING BRAD'S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS, LLC. Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647. ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt, available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035. 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, portable sawmill and much more. We also do custom roughcut lumber. Call owner/operator Bobby Lipstreu, (336) 543-7867. GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150.
44 NOV. NOV. - 15, 2023 2 -215, 2023
LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING
DSL DRAIN SYSTEMS & LANDSCAPING. (336) 362-4354.
MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS ON EAGLE'S WINGS residential home design/drafting. Call Patti, (336) 605-0519. HOME SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER. Oak Ridge and surrounding area. Will run errands and do light housekeeping. M,W,F. Call (336) 707-4946; ask for Katrena.
Crawl Space Vapor Barriers Crawl Space Cleaning Insulation/Foam Board Sealing Basement Moisture Issues
The Northwest Observer
GOSSETT'S LAWNCARE. Complete lawn care/maintenance. Res./comm. Fully insured. In business for 33 yrs. (336) 451-5216.
NEW PHASE CONCRETE. Here for all your decorative concrete needs. Specializing in decorative stamp, stained, epoxy and all other concrete poured finishes as well. Also offering refurbishment of existing stamped concrete. Make your existing stamped look like new again! (336) 399-1474 or (336) 595-4654.
Certified Mold Remediation
R C LAWN CARE. Res./comm. lawn service. Fully insured. Call/text (336) 231-9599.
AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Quality irrigation systems. NC licensed contractor. We service all systems. Free est. (336) 644-1174.
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.
Certified Mold Inspections
GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490.
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MASONRY
CM STUMP GRINDING, LLC. Family owned and operated. Commercial/residential. Free quotes! (336) 317-4600. EXTERIOR GREENSCAPES. Lawn maintenance service. Call for a free estimate (336) 682-1456. SOUTHERN CUTZ LAWN CARE. Offering complete lawn maintenance services, landscaping, bush hogging, privacy fence installation/repair/staining, and stump grinding. Nathan Adkins, (336) 430-6086.
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locally based in Stokesdale ● (336) 937-4983 northstarmoisture@gmail.com www.northstarmoisture.com
WE’LL BE BACK IN PRINT THURSDAY, NOV. 16 Place your CLASSIFIED AD online: www.nwobserver.com, or call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
JUNK & DEBRIS REMOVAL, construction, remodeling, and general cleanup, outbuildings, garages, basements, yard waste, etc. Also can haul mulch. Call (336) 706-8470.
LAWSON'S PAINTING. Custom decks, pressure washing, boat docks, block fill, wood repair, stain work, textured ceilings, sheetrock repair. Call (336) 253-9089.
HOUSE and ROOF SOFT WASHING. Martin's Pressure Washing. (919) 931-0856.
ROOFING
PEARMAN QUARRY LCID. Inert debris landfill. Yard waste, concrete, etc. Mulch and fill dirt available. (336) 803-2195 or (336) 558-7673.
STILL PERFECTION PAINTING. Reliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com.
PAINTING & DRYWALL
PLUMBING
KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION, LLC. N.C. general contractor with 30 years experience. Specializing in new homes, room additions, kitchens & baths, garages, decks, vinyl siding and windows, painting, tile, laminate and vinyl plank, and remodeling of all kinds. Quality for the right price. Free est. Please call (336) 362-7469.
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. BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR. No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic./ Ins. Cleanliness in your home is our #1 priority. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924. PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR, 40 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. Average BDRM walls $100. Insured. Call Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186.
PRESSURE WASHING 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
Feature Walls
(336) 644-8615 office (336) 508-5242 cell Licensed & insured
NC Gen. Contractor #72797
tmcsi.net
PAINTING, DECKS AND MORE. Call Premier Construction for free estimates. (336) 430-9507. AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350.
Locally Owned and Independently Operated Franchise
IT’S YOUR HOME. Not just any handyman will do.
336-245-4485 AceHandymanServices.com
CONTACT US TODAY!
Not all roof damage is this obvious
Call today for a FREE inspection
(336) 310-4133
WWW.VILLAGEROOFS.COM PREMIER ROOFING. Commercial/residential. Providing service for all of your roofing needs. Locally owned. Please call (336) 430-9507 for free assessments. DUSTIN CLINARD ROOFING. Shingles, metal, and leak repairs. Certified for 50year non-prorated shingle warranties. Call (336) 268-1908. CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC. 40 + years experience. (336) 643-8191. BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Lifetime shingle and metal roofing. Free estimates. Since 1979. (336) 362-6343 or (336) 215-6122.
Tell 28,000+
We DISASSEMBLE and RECONSTRUCT old log buildings, cabins and tobacco barns. If you have a log structure and don’t want it, we will remove it for you! If you want to relocate it, we can do that too! We also construct pole barns/buildings. Call (336) 430-9507 anytime.
of your neighbors about your business!
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.
(336) 644-7035, ext. 10
BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Senior discount. 44 years exp. (336) 362-6343 or (336) 215-6122.
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Don't delay; place your Classified ad today:
www.nwobserver.com
MISC. SERVICES COMPUTER REPAIRS. On-site repairs/diagnostics. Hardware/software issues. Competitive rates. Call Shawn, (336) 501-2726.
continued on p. 46
NOV. 2 -215, 2023 NOV. - 15, 2023 45
MISC. SERVICES
MISC. WANTED
NOTARY PUBLIC. Serving the Triad area. Se habla Español. Carla Mateer, (336) 508-4676.
$$$ – WILL PAY CASH for your junk / wrecked vehicle. For quote, call (336) 552-0328. YARN NEEDED to make children's hats for homeless shelter. Call Beth, (336) 644-8155. Wanted: FARM EQUIPMENT to buy. All kinds. Please call (336) 430-9507. FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, generators, power washers, 4-wheelers, mini-bikes, golf carts, go-carts and other gas-powered items. (336) 689-4167.
WANTED:
PETS & CRITTERS pix! WELDING AND TRAILER REPAIR. Call Tim, (336) 402-3869. GRAPHIC DESIGN. Affordable solutions for all your creative needs. Specializing in print, digital, presentation design, logo creation, brochures and more. Located in Summerfield. Phone (336) 988-2657 or email david@dpinterdesigns.com.
Send your high-res photos to photos@nwobserver.com.
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
BOAT N RV STORAGE. $70/$100 monthly. Located on Brigham Rd., Greensboro, near Pleasant Ridge Road. Call (336) 663-3051. PORTABLE WELDING SERVICE. Welding & fabrication services. Call (336) 908-6906.
Got stuff? Need stuff? Place your ad today:
nwobserver.com
www.
MISC. FOR SALE HAY for sale, round bales. $40 per bale. (336) 430-9507. PERSIMMON PULP & more. At the Old Mill of Guilford on Saturdays, or call (336) 816-3441. TOP GUN gun sales in Oak Ridge. Call for pricing: (336) 362-0055.
46 NOV. NOV. - 15, 2023 2 -215, 2023
LAND FOR SALE SUMMERFIELD AREA, Rockingham County taxes. Large homesites. Bring your own builder, build when you’re ready. NO HOA!!!! Call (336) 314-3773. Anytime!
LAND WANTED WANTED: LAND. Any size or shape. Vacant or with dwellings. Matters not. We pay CASH! Quick closings! Call (336) 430-9507.
Selling or Renting? www.nwobserver.com.
index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS
Old School Home Repair.............................. 38 Superior Outdoor Spaces................................ 6 TM Construction Services..............................45
Affordable Home Repair............................... 44 BEK Paint Company........................................47 Carlos & Son Painting.....................................45 Carpets by Direct..............................................19 DeLima Lawn Care......................................... 44 Dillon Tree Service............................................37 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery.......42 North Star Moisture Solutions..................... 44 Renewal by Andersen.....................................27 Rymack Storage............................................... 46 S&M Seamless Gutters................................. 44 Stokesdale Heating & Air............................. 20 Stokesdale Storage......................................... 46 Village Roofs, Inc..............................................45 Wilson Seamless Gutters.............................. 44
CANDIDATES
JOB OPENING
ACCOUNTING
Kimberly Thacker Accounting.................... 38 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC............18
ART/DANCE/MUSIC
Indigo Art Studio.............................................. 35
AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE
Beamer Tire & Auto....................................... 38 EuroHaus.............................................................43 Prestige Car Wash............................................24 Tire Max .............................................................23
BUILDING / REMODELING
Bill Goebel, School Board.............................. 12 Jim Harton, Oak Ridge................................... 14 Jonathan L. Hamilton, Summerfield........... 4 Lynne Williams DeVaney, Summerfield...... 6 Martha Pittman, Oak Ridge......................... 11 Martha Pittman, George McClellan, Jim Harton, Oak Ridge...........................................10 Mike Stone, Oak Ridge.................................. 13 Reece Walker, Summerfield............................ 8 Tim Sessoms, Summerfield..........................15 Tim Sessoms, Jeff Davis, Reece Walker, Summerfield......................................................... 9
PetroserveNC LLC............................................37
LEGAL SERVICES
Barbour & Williams Law.................................26
MEDICAL / HEARING / PT
Aim Hearing & Audiology.............................22 Health Team Advantage.............................. 29 New Hope Medical..........................................28 Novant, Forsyth Pediatrics.............................25 Oak Ridge Physical Therapy.........................24 Triad Direct Primary Care............................. 36
ORTHODONTIC CARE
CHILDREN’S SERVICES
Guardian Ad Litem.......................................... 14
Olmsted Orthodontics....................................25 Reynolds & Stone Orthodontics..................32
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS
GTCC................................................................... 33
Northwest Animal Hospital...........................18
DENTAL SERVICES
REAL ESTATE
Magnolia Shores Family Dental................. 35 Summerfield Family Dentistry........................ 3
EVENTS
A New Dawn Realty....................................... 46 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX................................ 4 Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams...................... 2
RETAIL
Cass Jewelers, buying event............................ 7 Fall Fest, Purple Wagon Events...................41 Moravia Moravian, Dewey’s Store............. 38 Peace UMC, Dewey’s Store............................ 2 Town of OR, recycle event.............................. 3 Town of Summerfield, Christmas Tree Lighting................................................................39
Bistro 150 ...........................................................24 McDonalds, Oak Ridge................................. 30 Ridge Shrimp & Oyster...................................24 Rio Grande Kitchen & Cantina...................25
GROCERIES / SUPPLIES
SCIENCE CTR/ZOOLOGICAL PARK
Southern Foods................................................... 5
HAIR CARE
Great Clips............................................. 25
PRODUCTS & SERVICES The Northwest Observer • Totally local HOME since 1996
Ace Handyman Services........................ 41, 45
Golden Antiques & Treatures...................... 40
RESTAURANTS
Greensboro Science Center..........................21
YOUTH SPORTS / CAMPS
Oak Ridge Youth Association..................... 30 YMCA of Greensboro .................................... 31 Ultimate Kids – Home of Tumblebees......32
LETTERS/OPINIONS
Submit your letters (maximum 350 words) online: www.nwobserver.com email: editor@nwobserver.com Include your name, daytime phone number and name of community. Letters from the same writer will be published no more than every 30 days.
Phil Berger does not listen to our concerns Grins to Doug Macklin for his editorial in a recent issue of the Northwest Observer, and his brief exposure of Phil Berger. Check this out: According to an article in the News & Record’s Sunday, Oct. 1 issue, “In the new budget, several momentous changes to state law that had never before seen the light of day were hurtled through the legislative process in just 48 hours, forcing fellow members of the house to speedread the whole budget overnight. This agenda pushed through slashing taxes, privatizing public education, remaking our colleges and universities, limiting environmental regulation, erecting barriers to voting, reversing progress for LGBTQ people, reducing reproductive freedom, expanding gun rights.” These kinds of laws diminish the personal freedoms of all of us, and set up an atmosphere of danger and misunderstanding that percolate through all of our lives. This is how North Carolina’s Senate leader, Phil Berger, and House Speaker Tim Moore change all of our lives – by limiting all of our freedoms and further degrading our environment. I’ve followed Phil Berger for years, watching as he’s dismantled protections in our laws for our environment. An editorial recently published
in the Durham Herald Sun stated, “Perhaps the biggest threat to environmental protections is likely to advance Wednesday when the state House votes on House Bill 600. Its sponsors titled it the ‘Regulatory Reform Act.’ Environmentalists call it ‘a polluters’ wish list.’” Phil Berger railroads his own interests through any means at his vast disposal. Currently he’s cramming his self-interest into attempts to locate a casino along the U.S. 220 corridor – pristine land that sits 60 yards from the entrance to Camp Carefree, a getaway for chronically ill children. Another article published in the News & Record states that Berger received campaign contributions in the thousands from a casino developer that seeks to build in Rockingham County – just as Berger received thousands in campaign contributions from David Couch to push thru his personal agenda, going against the majority of Summerfield residents. True leaders listen to the concerns of those they represent. Phil Berger does not. He operates dishonestly, and self-servingly. We deserve much better, fairer leadership. Tracy Obrien, SUMMERFIELD
Crimes against humanity ... It didn’t take long, did it? It was only a couple of days and the anti-Semitic nut jobs were out in force. They were lamenting the humanitarian abuses from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that hadn’t even happened yet. A quote from an article in the News & Record detailing an anti-Israel rally: “‘What we’ve seen this week is an everyday reality for the Palestinian people,’ said Maitha Ali, one of the event’s organizers and of Palestinian descent, as the crowd swelled to about 400.” Did she really just say that? So, every day the IDF burst into Palestinian houses and drag children and grandmothers out of their homes, never to be seen again? Every day, Israeli soldiers paraglide into Palestinian music festivals with their AK-47’s blasting, targeting innocent teenagers who are there just to celebrate life? Every day, agents of Israel search out pregnant Palestinians and cut the fetuses out of their wombs and behead them, along with other unfortunate infants they happen to come across? I’m sorry, but the inconveniences
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experienced by the Palestinians in Israel, whether real or imagined, could never approach the evil that Hamas inflicted on the Israeli people during their last crime against humanity. She should be ashamed for thinking it, let alone saying it out loud. Sometimes I forget how evil this world can be and it takes something like this to wake me up. Unfortunately, when it gets to the point where a massacre of this magnitude occurs it requires a response of equal or greater force and thousands more will suffer or die. Opportunity should be seized, and Hamas needs to be eradicated completely. It’s going to take a while, if ever, for the pictures from this assault on humanity to fade. God help us all. Lee Haywood, SUMMERFIELD
Spruce up your home before the holidays!
BEK Paint Company • Interior & exterior painting • Carpentry • Stained door refinishing • Deck staining • Wallpaper removal • Popcorn ceiling removal • Pressure washing • Cabinet painting
(336) 931-0600
www.BEKPaintCompany.com David & Judy Long, owners References available | Licensed & insured All work guaranteed
NOV. 2 - 15, 2023 47
PRSRT PRSRT STDSTD U.S. POSTAGE U.S. POSTAGE
PostalPatron Patron Postal PO PO BoxBox 268, OakOak Ridge, NCNC 27310 • (336) 644-7035 268, Ridge, 27310 • (336) 644-7035
PAID PAID
Ridge, Oak Oak Ridge, NCNC Permit No. Permit No. 22 22 ECRWSS ECRWSS
Nathanael Bear, mascot of Guilford Battle Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, read about all the happenings back home in the Northwest Observer after visiting the Family Search Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. Nathanael accompanied chapter members Anna Claspell and Pamela Hanzaker of Oak Ridge and Marty Smith of Greensboro on their recent genealogy research trip.
(L-R) Tim, Alex and Christine Richard from Oak Ridge enjoyed catching up on the news back home after a sunrise hot air balloon ride in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Sheree and Joshua Kogutkiewicz put on their matching swim suits and grabbed the lastest Northwest Observer for a perfect day on the beach while vacationing in Jamaica.
While visiting Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, the Vermilyea family of Kernersville stayed entertained between rides by reading the latest Grins & Gripes in the Northwest Observer.
Andrew and Janelle Krueger from Summerfield, along with their niece and nephew, traveled to Pisa, Italy, over the summer. While there, they “leaned” into the local news and caught up on the happenings back home.
Going near or far? Be sure to pack up your Northwest Observer and send us your NWO on the go photos! Email your high-res photo to: photos@nwobserver.com