Northwest Observer l July 11-17, 2019 by pscommunications

July 18 - 24, 2019

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Keeping slip lane at N.C. 68/150 may endanger ORMA cadets, consultant says A consultant says NCDOT should modify its recently proposed intersection plan to ensure that pedestrians can safely cross N.C. 68 north of 150 by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – Improvements at N.C. 68 and 150 aimed at improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety may actually imperil Oak Ridge Military Academy cadets going from campus to the Oak Ridge Commons shopping center, a consultant said. A North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposal under consideration by Oak Ridge’s town council recommends keeping in place the slip lane at the northern corner of Highways 68 and 150. The lane allows motorists driving west on 150 to skirt the intersection as they turn north onto 68. If NCDOT were to remove the slip lane, it would be forced to widen 150, encroaching on ORMA’s campus, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Brian Ketner, a state highway project engineer, said last week. However, keeping the slip lane in place to protect historic property may jeopardize the safety of pedestrians, according to a letter from Tab Combs, a research associate in UNC-Chapel Hill’s Department of City and Regional Planning, written to Oak Ridge Town Manager Bill Bruce.

It is critical that the (N.C. 68 and 150) intersection design prioritize provision of a safe and convenient pedestrian connection across N.C. 68 north of Highway 150.” Tab Combs, a research associate in UNC-Chapel Hill’s Dept. of City and Regional Planning “My main concern is in regards to pedestrian safety,” Combs wrote in the letter circulated to council members last Thursday, July 11, before their monthly meeting. Earlier, the town had hired Combs to represent its interests during NCDOT’s evaluation of options for improving traffic flow and pedestrian and cyclist safety in the commercial district. NCDOT is seeking Oak Ridge’s endorsement of its plan to install new traffic signals and pedestrian crosswalks at 68 and 150 while building roundabouts at two other locations – at 68 and Linville Road and at 150 and Marketplace Drive. Earlier, an analysis by state transportation planners found that traffic would overwhelm a roundabout at 68 and 150, leading to the proposal for stop lights that could accommodate a projected increase in traffic at the intersection in the future. However, the state’s plan “does not include a pro-

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Sample Anderson, 97, a World War II veteran, stands with an American flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., in his honor. Anderson received the flag and a certificate of recognition from Rep. Mark Walker at a surprise ceremony at Oak Level Baptist Church on June 30. See story on p. 7.

IN THIS ISSUE News in brief............................................... 2 Your Questions ........................................... 4 Oak Ridge Town Council July 11 meeting ..6 Sample Anderson, WWII vet, honored ......7 Stokesdale Town Council July 11 meeting..8 Crime/Incident Report ............................ 10 NWO Business & Real Estate ................... 11 Real Estate Briefs ...................................... 12 No lull for northwest housing .................. 14 Calendar Events ...................................... 24 Grins and Gripes...................................... 26 Classiﬁeds ................................................ 28 Index of Advertisers................................. 31

NEWS in brief

Mayor announces he will not run for re-election

addressing those attending the July 11 council meeting. “Many of you have encouraged me to run, and I thank you for your support. Serving our citizens for the past eight years has been a labor of love for me, one I have poured my heart and soul into, and I would welcome the opportunity to continue to serve you.

OAK RIDGE – Citing serious health issues, Oak Ridge Mayor Spencer Sullivan announced at last week’s council meeting that he will not be running for office again after his term expires in November. “For the past several months, I have pondered whether or not I would seek reelection,” Spencer said when

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times when your mind has to overrule your heart, and for me this is one of them. So I have decided to not seek reelection to our town council this fall.” Sullivan was elected to Oak Ridge Town Council in November 2011. He was elected by his fellow council members to serve as mayor in July 2015 after Mayor Ray Combs, who had served the previous 12 years as mayor, resigned from that position. Sullivan was re-elected to the mayor’s seat by his fellow council members in December 2017.

Filing season ends this Friday at noon NW GUILFORD COUNTY – The filing is not elected directly by the citizens, rather by fellow council members every period for citizens wanting to run for two years after each municipal electown council seats in Oak Ridge, Sumtion. The four-year terms of council merfield and Stokesdale opened July 5 members Ann Schneider and Jim at noon and ends this Friday, July 19, Kinneman expire November 2021. at noon. Candidates in all three municipalities will pay $5 to file for office As of the end of the business day and must have established permanent on July 17, Oak Ridge residents MarNew Customer Special: Your First App Just $19.99 residency in the municipality in which tha Pittman, Mike Stone, Van Tanner they wish to serve. and incumbents George McClellan and Doug Nodine have filed to run for In Oak Ridge, the three counOak Ridge Town Council. cil seats currently held by Spencer In Stokesdale, the three council Sullivan, Doug Nodine and George seats currently filled by Tim Jones, McClellan will be open, all for fourFrank Bruno and Deanna Ragan, year terms. The mayor in Oak Ridge

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whom the council voted 3-1 last week to appoint to serve the remaining fourplus months of Bill Jones’ term, will be open, all for four-year terms. The fouryear terms of Mayor John Flynt and Mayor Pro Tem Thearon Hooks expire November 2021. As of the end of the business day on July 17, Frank Bruno was the only candidate who had filed for Stokesdale Town Council. In Summerfield, the mayor is elected directly by the citizens and the mayor’s seat, which is for a two-year term and is currently filled by Gail Dunham, will be open. As of the end of the business day on July 17, BJ Barnes and Danny Nelson have filed to run for Summerfield mayor. Four of the five Summerfield Town

Council seats will also be open, with three being for four-year terms and one being for a two-year term (the remainder of Todd Rotruck’s term); those seats are currently filled by Dena Barnes, John O’Day, Reece Walker and Dianne Laughlin (council member Teresa Pegram’s term expires November 2021). As of the end of the business day on July 17, Lynne Williams DeVaney, Rich Schlobohm, Sean Dwyer, Priscilla Olinick and incumbents John O’Day and Reece Walker have filed to run for the three open Summerfield Town Council seats that are for four-year terms; Tim Sessoms and Dana Luther have filed to run for the open seat vacated by Todd Rotruck, which has two years remaining.

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This double-faced clock that was recently installed on Stokesdale Fire Department property along U.S. 158 was partially paid with $9,699.32 left over from a $33,333 downtown revitalization grant from the state, received in 2018; the balance of $4,000 was paid by Eileen Thiery, a longtime volunteer with the town. The town council voted 4-1 last December (with Councilman Tim Jones opposed) to spend up to $1,000 to have a concrete base installed under the clock and to run electricity to it (although the clock has been installed, electricity can’t be run to it until Duke Energy installs the meter). Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

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Our community park in Summerfield is such a gem. However, I’ve noticed a couple of pieces of fitness equipment in the park are broken. Do you know if the broken equipment will be fixed anytime soon? Summerfield Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Goard promptly responded when we forwarded this reader’s question to him and said he was aware of two or three fitness stations within the park that are in need of repair or replacement. Goard said the fitness equipment the reader referred to was damaged by a downed tree, which was one of many trees that fell in the park after two hurricanes swept through the area last fall. Cleaning up and removing the trees “really put a hit on Summerfield Community Park’s trail maintenance line item,” Goard said. “Now that we are under a new budget year (which began July 1), I plan on repairing the stations that need attention. I’m in the middle of two other projects that have been taking up all my time but I have the repairs on the top of my list to get to.”

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Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Summerfield Community Park, one of two parks the Town of Summerfield operates, is on Centerfield Road. Along the walking trail that runs through this passive park, there are several fitness stations which the town installed after receiving a grant 14 years ago. A couple pieces of fitness equipment were damaged by a downed tree last fall after two hurricanes swept through the area, and Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Goard said repairing/replacing the equipment is near the top of his “To Get To” list.

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Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

NCDOT has recommended removing the slip lanes at three of the corners of the N.C. 68/150 intersection, but keeping the one at the northern corner (shown in photo at right). If NCDOT were to remove that slip lane, it would be forced to widen 150, encroaching on ORMA’s campus, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a state highway project engineer said last week.

CONSULTANT ...continued from p. 1

tected pedestrian crossing on the north side of the intersection,” Combs wrote.

Therefore, it “ignores the most likely pedestrian travel behaviors in the town core; namely, the movements of ORMA cadets” between the school’s campus and the Oak Ridge Commons shopping center, she said. Resolving that problem is one of “the kinks that we have to work out,” council member Ann Schneider said during last week’s meeting, noting she believes the council and town staff can resolve the concern with NCDOT. The council voted last week to delay until Aug. 1 a decision on whether it will endorse the state’s proposal for the 68/150 intersection. NCDOT has recommended removing the slip lanes at three of the corners of the intersection. Eliminating the lanes would force motorists to drive all the way to the stoplight before

turning right, as opposed to skirting the corner. By contrast, keeping the slip lane at the northern corner of the intersection “exacerbates the safety concerns for this crossing,” Combs wrote.

“When motorists believe they have ‘free-flow’ conditions, they tend not to look for potential hazards in their path, such as pedestrians.” As a result of the risk, Combs recommended NCDOT eliminate the slip lane at the northern corner and add a crosswalk there. Or as an alternative, the state could install a traffic-control device for stopping traffic and allowing pedestrians to cross safely, she suggested. “It is critical that the intersection design prioritize provision of a safe and convenient pedestrian connection across NC 68 north of Highway 150,” Combs wrote.

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OAK RIDGE town council

July 11 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT Sheriff’s Office. First Lt. Jeremy Fuller of the sheriff’s District 1 office reported the office responded to 82 calls for service in Oak Ridge in June; one of them involved a vehicle break-in at Oak Ridge Swim Club on N.C. 150 on June 29, when suspects broke the victim’s vehicle window and stole her purse. Fire Department. Chief Steve Simmons reported the Oak Ridge Fire Department responded to 84 calls for service and firefighters obtained 200 hours of training in June. Simmons urged people spending time outdoors in the heat to take frequent breaks to cool down and to hydrate by drinking water and sports beverages. Veterans Memorial. The town accepted a check for $4,265 for a veterans’ memorial planned for Town Park. With the exception of $450 that had already been raised, the money presented to the town was raised via a fundraiser three local couples held last month on private property.

MANAGER’S REPORT Board appointments. The council ap-

WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted:

 5  0: Approve the meeting agenda, minutes from the June 6 regular meeting and closed session, and a May 21 special called meeting

pointed John Browning to the town’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and Maureena Shepherd and Michael Kimel as alternates to the board. NCDOT improvements. The council decided to delay until its Aug. 1 meeting voting on a resolution endorsing road improvements planned by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). Councilman Doug Nodine requested the delay, telling fellow council members he wants to understand the basis for NCDOT’s analysis that traffic would overwhelm a proposed roundabout at N.C. 68 and 150. “I don’t see the rush to do it tonight,” Nodine said. Sullivan and Kinneman joined Nodine in voting to delay consideration of the resolution, while McClellan and Schneider voted against it. Circling back to NCDOT to understand how traffic flows were calculated may be informative for council members, but it probably wouldn’t change the calculations themselves and therefore had little value, Schneider said. McClellan concurred, saying, “…

 5  0: Unseal minutes from a June 19 closed session  3  2: Delay a vote on NCDOT’s recommendations for improvements at three of the town’s major intersections until the Aug. 1 meeting

 5  0: Modify the contract with the town attorney  5  0: Spend $14,600 for consultant McGill Associates to mail and tabulate results of a survey to residents seeking their views in the development of a master plan for Oak Ridge’s parks and recreation facilities

This is a little bit like debating whether or not 98 degrees is hotter than 98 degrees. I’m ready for a vote.” Sullivan told Nodine that he should have asked these questions “weeks ago,” but he honored Nodine’s request, saying he was “OK” with delaying the vote until the August meeting. Town attorney. The council voted to modify the wording of the town’s contract with Michael Thomas so that he can be retained on an individual basis, versus via his firm, which dissolved last month. Park master plan. At Town Manager Bill Bruce’s recommendation, the council voted to approve spending $14,600 for consultant McGill Associates to mail and tabulate results of a survey to residents seeking input on the development of a master plan

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for Oak Ridge’s parks and recreation facilities. The spending would be in addition to the $28,500 the council agreed to pay in May when it approved hiring McGill to prepare the master plan and conduct an online-only survey.

PUBLIC COMMENTS  Martha Pittman, co-chair of the Oak Ridge Mountains-to-Sea Committee, and former councilman Mike Stone explained why they’re seeking seats on the council in the Nov. 5 election.

FINANCE REPORT

Finance Officer Anders reported that Dixon Hughes Goodman, the town’s auditor, planned to begin its field work in mid-July on the town’s

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Sample Anderson, who served over three years of active duty during World War II, spent much of his service time as a member of the 90th Infantry Division. by MEREDITH BARKLEY Sample Anderson, 97, who earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart while serving with General George Patton’s Third Army as it swept across Europe during World War II, found himself the center of attention June 30 at Oak Level Baptist Church in Stokesdale. He was thanked for his service and presented a flag that had flown over the Capitol in Washington, D.C. He also received a certificate of recognition from Rep. Mark Walker, R-NC. “I didn’t dream about that coming up,” said Anderson, still amazed days later. “I didn’t know what the Dickens was coming up. It was nice that they did it, but I didn’t deserve it.” Church member Christy Pegram disagrees. She’s known Anderson all her life, calls him “a living history book” and said he “is just special for a lot of reasons.” He was always willing to talk about his war experience, she said, noting that she and younger sister

Angie James took advantage of that willingness years ago for school projects. Pegram said she contacted the White House and Walker’s office to see what could be done to recognize Anderson. “It took us several weeks, but we finally got it done,” Pegram said. And more recognition is coming. Walker’s office said Anderson “should be receiving a message from the White House honoring him on his 98th birthday in October.” As for Anderson, he’d rather his buddy Carman Ambrose had been there to receive the attention, the flag and the certificate. But Ambrose was shot in the stomach during a firefight and died in Anderson’s arms. “I never forgot that,” Anderson said. “Never will. He died and I didn’t. He was the best buddy I had.”

Photo courtesy of Christy Pegram

Sample Anderson (center), 97, stands with Christy Pegram (far right), her husband Greg (far left), and their three children, Brantley, Kylie and Kate, on the morning of June 30 when Anderson was presented with an American ﬂag that had ﬂown over the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., in his honor, and a certificate of recognition from Rep. Mark Walker, R-NC.

Anderson enlisted at Ft. Bragg in October 1942 and while serving active duty until early December 1945 he took part in major campaigns in Normandy, Northern France and Central Europe and spent much of that time as a member of the 90th Infantry Division.

Anderson recalled landing on Normandy’s Utah Beach the day after D-Day (June 6, 1944) and slugging it out against tough German resistance for several weeks. He was awarded a Bronze Star during the de-

...continued on p. 10

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JULY 18 - 24, 2019

STOKESDALE town council

July 11 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by PATTI STOKES

WHAT they voted on, and HOW:  3  1: Approve May 9 meeting minutes (Councilman Tim Jones opposed)  3  1: Approve June 13 meeting minutes (Councilman Tim Jones opposed)  3  1: Renew the annual contract with One Step computer solutions for a

40-hour service agreement, at $90/hour (Councilman Tim Jones opposed)

 4  0: Authorize the town planner or a Guilford County enforcement

officer to verify whether developer Keystone Group has completed the landscape buffer at Northern Meadows, along Treeline Road, as an agreed condition of the subdivision’s site plan approval in 2018. If not, the town attorney is authorized to send a letter letting the developer know the company’s $9,240 performance guarantee will be used to complete the project, plus the company will be charged for any additional costs the town incurs to complete the job.

 4  0: Purchase shading for playground equipment, in the amount of $13,445.65

 3  1: Approve a policy requiring council members to go through the

mayor, the mayor pro tem – or if neither are available, the town clerk – to access the town attorney. Tim Jones was strongly opposed to the policy, and Mayor Flynt said it was merely about efficiency and saving money, not about restricting access to the attorney.

 3  1: Appoint Councilman Frank Bruno as chair of the town’s Property

Committee (Councilman Tim Jones opposed)

 4  0: Approve up to $4,500 to install a new water fountain in the town park  3  1: Appoint Deanna Ragan to serve the remainder of former Council-

man Bill Jones’ term, which expires this November. Mary Jordahl received Councilman Tim Jones’ vote.

 4  0: Contract with Madison-based Utility Service Co. to refurbish and

repaint the town’s elevated water tank for $111,800, or $120,900 if tank repairs are needed. Tim Jones abstained from voting (unless a personal or financial conflict of interest is brought forward, an abstention counts as an “aye” for the motion).

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Shortly after last Thursday’s council meeting got underway at 7 p.m., Mark Robinson, a candidate for Lt. Governor of North Carolina, was Mark Robinson introduced as a guest speaker. Addressing about 50 people who were in attendance, Robinson shared a brief personal history, saying he is the youngest of nine children, served in the Army Reserve, and has held “good jobs” in manufacturing, where multiple times he has seen jobs dry up because of competition from other countries and the impact of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement). He and his wife once owned a daycare business, where he said he watched his wife “struggle with overbearing state government.” A Greensboro resident, Robinson rose to the national forefront in April 2018, after he addressed the Greensboro City Council, which was considering canceling a gun show at the Greensboro Coliseum in response to the shootings at a high school in Parkland, Florida, two months earlier. At that council meeting Robinson spoke passionately on behalf of “the majority” of citizens who he said are law-abiding and argued that those citizens could be asked to turn in their guns, but the “Crips and the Bloods” would surely hold onto theirs and leave law-abiding citizens defenseless. Robinson said he is a Christian, an American (“not African American, just American”), a conservative and a proud Republican who stands for freedom and equality. Pro-life is his No. 1 issue, he said, followed by education and supporting our law enforcement officers.

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“The demonization of our police officers has to cease … because they’re the ones standing between us and chaos,” he said.  Stokesdale Fire District Chief Todd Gauldin said his department responded to 71 calls in June. With recent temperatures often in the 90s, he encouraged everyone to look out for those with no air conditioning in their homes.  Capt. Brian Hall of Guilford County Sheriff’s District 1 office said his office responded to 95 calls for service in Stokesdale; a couple of those involved vandalism, including one at Stokesdale Town Park. Hall reminded everyone to keep vehicle doors locked and valuables well out of sight when at walking trails, parks, swimming pools and other public places. “They will bust your window,” if they see something of value in your car, he warned, referencing a recent smash-and-grab incident at Oak Ridge Swim Club where thieves broke a vehicle window and stole a woman’s purse.

TOWN BUSINESS… New town attorney. Newly hired town attorney Tom Medlin was welcomed. Medlin has 33 years in private practice, including serving as the City of Eden’s town attorney from 2001 to 2008. Financial transparency. Councilman Tim Jones repeated claims that the town is not being transparent with financial reporting, while fellow council members Mayor John Flynt, Mayor Pro Tem Thearon Hooks, Frank Bruno, and financial officer Alisa Houk responded that financial information has been provided and is always available to citizens who request it. It was noted that a final Budget vs. Actual for the fiscal year ending June 20 won’t be available until later

in September, when the fourth-quarter utilities franchise distribution check is received. Keystone gets one last chance. The council decided to give Keystone Group, developer of Northern Meadows subdivision, one last chance to complete work on a landscape buffer to screen the subdivision from adjoining property owners; building the berm, a condition to the site plan approval, was not completed by May 26, 2018, as the developer had agreed to do, nor was it completed after the town granted a 60-day extension last year. Shading playground equipment. The council voted 3-1 to spend $13,445 to shade playground equipment in the town park. Access to town attorney. Despite Tim Jones’ adamant opposition, the council voted 3-1 to approve a policy

requiring council members to go through the mayor, the mayor pro tem, or if neither are available, the town clerk to access the town attorney. “Our thoughts are, rather than have five people approach you, go through one person,” Mayor John Flynt explained to Medlin, the town attorney. “It saves back and forth between five people and yourself.” Downtown mural. On behalf of Friends of Stokesdale, Vicki WhiteLawrence reported the group has filed for non-profit status and it is waiting for John Pait’s attorney to release the contract that will allow them to paint a mural on the side of the building Pait owns in downtown Stokesdale. Paint and equipment are ready, and once she gets the green light Stokesdale resident Beth Herrick will begin painting the mural, which will take about three weeks to complete.

Feeling the

Appoint council member. By ballot, Flynt, Hooks and Bruno voted to appoint Deanna Ragan to serve the remainder of Bill Jones’ council term, which expires this November; Ragan will be sworn in at the Aug. 8 meeting. Ragan and Mary Jordahl, who received Tim Jones’ vote, were the only two residents on the ballot, although Jordahl has since contacted the Northwest Observer and said she had requested that her husband’s name be placed on the ballot also, and had made that request by the application deadline. Twin trailers on N.C. 65. Stokesdale resident Eddie McGee expressed concerns about NCDOT’s consideration of allowing trucks pulling twin trailers on N.C. 65 (unless NCDOT makes an exception, trucks pulling twin trailers are only allowed on federal highways). Mayor Flynt told McGee that NCDOT will hold a meeting at Stokesdale

Town Hall to hear public opinion on the matter sometime before Thanksgiving, but as to the council’s part of the decision he cautioned, “We can give our 2 cents worth, but I don’t think the decision (whether to allow twin trailers on N.C. 65) will be made by this council.” Following council comments, the meeting was adjourned at 10:12 p.m.

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ANDERSON

CRIME / INCIDENT report

...continued from p. 7

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

Over $2.4 million in drugs seized at FedEx Ship Center in three-day period Last week was a major one for illegal drug interceptions at the FedEx Ship Center on Old Oak Ridge Road in northwest Greensboro. On July 9, 4,192 grams of marijuana, having a street value of over $209,000, were intercepted. The following day, 643 grams of marijuana with a street value of about $23,000 were seized. On July 11, 13,752 grams of marijuana, having a street value of $687,600, were

ASSAULTS July 9 | Officers responded to the 7700 block of N.C. 68 in Stokesdale, where a 55-year-old woman reported her 24-yearold son had spit on her, poured a drink on her and thrown a travel mug at her vehicle. July 10 | A female resident of the 6900 block of Polo Farms Road reported her husband threw a board game at her. No medical treatment was needed.

seized from the ship center. And on July 11, three separate parcels containing illegal drugs were seized from the ship center. The first parcel contained 12,636 grams of marijuana with a street value of $631,800; the second parcel contained 7,781 grams of marijuana with a street value of $389,050; and the third parcel contained 7,780 grams of marijuana with a street value of $389,000. July 16 | A resident of the 7400 block of Happy Hill Road in Kernersville reported a known suspect assaulted her.

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cisive Battle of Falaise Gap in mid-August 1944. During that engagement, allies surrounded and defeated German army units, opening the way to Paris and Germany. Anderson, who carried a BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle), recalls when he and Ambrose were sent to search a house that turned out to be full of Germans. Anderson said he opened up on the house with the BAR, the Germans poured out and he and Ambrose captured and delivered 150 prisoners that day, earning them the Bronze Star, awarded for heroic or meritorious service in combat. Anderson got his Purple Heart, awarded to those wounded or killed by an instrument of war at the hands of the enemy, about a month later when he was hit by shrapnel during allnight shelling in another engagement. Through it all, he said, he never forgot to thank God for watching over him.

“Me and my squad, we’d go out and have a prayer meeting after every battle,” he said. He got occasional glimpses of Patton, whose units were constantly on the attack, pushing through German resistance and gobbling up territory.

“He believed in taking ground, Patton did,” Anderson said. “He was tough. I liked him.” Anderson was transferred out of the 90th Infantry Division as the bloody Battle of the Bulge was beginning in December 1944. He returned home after the war, married Edna Harrell and farmed several years before taking a job with the City of Greensboro. He retired in 1983. “I was called to go,” Anderson said of the war. “I wanted to do my duty, and I’m glad I did. There’s nothing like America.”

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

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Local builders and Realtors say interest rates falling, rather than rising as economists predicted they would this year, has contributed to steady real estate activity this summer. Listings for homes priced at $250,000 and below are typically selling quickly after drawing multiple offers, while homes priced above $250,000 are staying on the market an average of two to three months.

14 Summer forecast: no lull for northwest Guilford housing 12 Real Estate Briefs

12 Upcoming public hearings

20 Ask the Builder

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OAK RIDGE – For the second time since last year, owners Jack Pegg and Larry Callahan have agreed to sell their property on N.C. 150 for a residential subdivision. The 79-acre tract at 2408-A Oak Ridge Road, adjacent to Oak Ridge United Methodist Church and 0.6 miles east of N.C. 68, is under contract to a housing developer, Pegg said in a telephone interview earlier this week. He declined to identify the buyer. The property returned to the market several weeks ago after the owners’ agreement to sell the tract to builder Matt Walraven fell through, according to Pegg. He said the land went back under contract a few days after he and Callahan had posted a small “For Sale” sign on N.C. 150.

“It’s a perfect location for a subdivision,” said Pegg, adding that it was rezoned by Oak Ridge Town Council last year from agricultural to residential at the request of Walraven, who owns Walraven Signature Homes with his wife, Danielle. Walraven told the council last October he planned to build as many as 49 homes with prices ranging from $375,000 to more than $500,000 on 81 acres. At that time, he said Venn Oak Ridge LLC, a company created by Walraven, was going to pay Pegg and Callahan $1.7 million for the property. Walraven did not discuss last month why the agreement didn’t work out. Pegg and Callahan paid $1.35 million for the property in February 2018 when they purchased it from the trust of Richard Harper Whitaker Sr., according to the property report and deed for the tract.

Upcoming rezoning request hearings OAK RIDGE 52 acres, AG to RS-40. Oak Ridge Planning and Zoning Board will hear a request next week by Mayor Spencer Sullivan, his wife, Linda, and three of her family members to rezone 52 acres on N.C. 150. The owners are seeking rezoning of the property on the south side of N.C. 150 west of East Harrell Road from agricultural to residential RS-40. Developer Kevan Combs has a contract to buy the property, Sullivan said in an interview last week, and if the rezoning is approved, Combs plans to develop a subdivision on the tract. Combs didn’t reply to a voice mail earlier this week seeking comment. The project would consist of about 25 “estate lots” larger than the 1-acre lots

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

typical of RS-40 zoning, the mayor said. Sullivan, who is 75, said he and his wife have lived on the property for 45 years and are ready to have less space to maintain. Residents will have the opportunity to express their views about the rezoning request during two public hearings at Town Hall. The first will occur during the P&Z Board’s July 25 meeting. After considering public comments and reviewing the rezoning request, the board will vote on whether to recommend the Town Council approve the request at its Aug. 1 meeting. 25.4 acres, AG to RS-40. The owners of 25.4 acres are seeking to rezone property located on the south side of N.C. 150, about 830 feet west of the intersection Pepper Road; it is situated between

...continued on p. 25

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Summer forecast: no lull for northwest Guilford housing Brisk demand, coupled with a shortage of lowerpriced houses for sale, is keeping Realtors, builders and buyers hopping by CHRIS BURRITT NORTHWEST GUILFORD – The traditional summer slowdown in housing sales is nowhere in sight in northwest Guilford. In the third week of June, custom home builder Matt Walraven sold five houses he had built on speculation (meaning, they did not have a buyer prior to the construction process getting underway). He’s got another dozen homes in the pipeline. Realtor DeDe Cunningham has

scheduled 11 closings with homebuyers in July and has another seven on the calendar so far in August. “We’ve been very, very busy,” said Cunningham, an affiliate of Keller Williams who has most of her listings in northwest Guilford and Greensboro. Interest rates have fallen this year, defying predictions by some economists in late 2018 that rising rates would crimp demand for housing. “The exact opposite of what had been predicted has happened – interest rates have gone down,” said Gil Vaughan, a Realtor with Keller Williams in Summerfield. “It’s basically giving people more

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buying power, helping to stimulate the housing market. Right now we’re riding high.”

the second quarter, new listings surged 37.5 percent for a total of 77, according to GRRA.

A combination of low interest rates and the expanding economy and jobs market has created “a perfect storm” for housing, said Walraven, who owns Walraven Signature Homes with his wife, Danielle.

“It’s been a very strong market,” said Maureena Shepherd, of Allen Tate affiliate Maureena Shepherd & Associates. “We foresee it staying that way through the rest of 2019.”

“People say the selling market typically slows down by June, but I think it’s going to stay steady,” he added. Admitted in Georgia, North Carolina, and U.S. Tax Court. DRC Certified MediatorSuperior Court

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The under-contract sign tells the story for many northwest Guilford subdivisions. Low interest rates and the strong jobs market have boosted demand for housing. A shortage of houses for sale is especially acute in the price range of $250,000 and lower, Realtors we spoke with said.

The number of houses sold in Oak Ridge and Summerfield climbed nearly 11 percent to 142 in the second quarter, according to the Greensboro Regional Realtors Association (GRRA). The median sales price of houses in those two towns rose 4.1 percent to $409,000, while the sales price jumped 11.1 percent to $283,313 in Stokesdale. While the number of house closings sank 12.5 percent to 56 in Stokesdale in

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Listings for lower-priced houses are drawing multiple offers, said Heather Hansen, an Allen Tate agent in Oak Ridge. “Buyers are paying attention, estimating the costs for houses and getting prequalified to buy when they find the ones they want.” Builders and Realtors credit much of the spike in demand to the falling interest rates. The benchmark 30-year fixed-rate market edged up slightly to 3.97 percent last week, but was down from 4.7 percent a year earlier, according to Bankrate’s weekly survey of

...continued on p. 18

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Cox and his wife worked especially closely with father-and-son team Commie and Casey Johnson. In 2005 the Johnsons had created a partnership with Rick Lee and his son Mike. Commie brought almost 30 years’ experience in the commercial building industry to the partnership and (336) 362-4462 / Rick brought 40-plus years’ www.Johnsonan experience in the residential building industry. Both sons learned the trade under their fathers’ careful watch, and now boast several years’ experience

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of their own in both residential and commercial building. All four men are local residents – the Johnsons live in Stokesdale and the Lees in Oak Ridge – and each is a licensed contractor. Their company is structured so that one of them personally manages each project all the way through. “From Day 1 they were great. They answered calls and texts on time and they never dropped / (336) 706-1887 the ball,” Cox said of the Johnsons. andLeeLLC.com “I think it was an advantage to work with two of them – they would both communicate with us. I would send Casey texts, which didn’t seem to bother him.

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I would tell him ‘no rush,’ but he would always get back to me within an hour. We sent Commie emails with questions and he always came back with an answer.” Cox and Smith visited their home site on weekends throughout the building process, and said the Johnsons were always willing to meet them on Saturdays and go over questions and updates. “These two guys were on the spot. It was a lot more pleasant than many (homebuilding) experiences I heard about – I think we picked a great team,” Cox said. Roger and Beth Voakes had an equally positive experience working with Johnson & Lee after they relocated to the area and began looking for a new home site in northwest Guilford County. “We looked through all the different homes on the Parade of Homes, and several were built by Johnson & Lee,” Roger said. “So we talked to our agent and she knew them and gave them a good recommendation.” Johnson & Lee had the lot the couple wanted in Knight’s Landing in Oak Ridge, and after meeting and going over a house plan, the deal was sealed. “They made all the alterations we asked for and kept us in the loop,” Roger said. “Anytime we had a change request, they would listen and figure out how to get what we wanted. “We had bought several houses before, but this was the first time we built a house and they took the time to educate us,” Roger added. The trim work reflects a builder’s attention to detail, and that’s something Roger took note of. “We saw that extra attention to detail throughout the process,” he said. “Rick (Lee) and Commie (Johnson) also did a great job on last-minute changes. They were very accommodating. “The house turned out wonderful,” Roger added. “We’ve been in it for seven months and have had no issues. Everybody who comes over loves it and we love it. It’s been the best experience we’ve had with a house purchase.”

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housing is also a frustration for potential homebuyers who act too slowly.

the nation’s largest lenders. Economists predict the rate will remain steady, or possibly decline slightly, by year’s end. Historically low unemployment and wage growth are fueling U.S. economic expansion while also strengthening the housing market. By one measure, 3.6 percent of home mortgages were in some stage of delinquency in April, a decline from 4.3 percent a year earlier and the lowest for any month in more than 20 years, according to CoreLogic, a property inforPhoto by Chris Burritt/NWO mation and analytics company. “Right now, we are inventory poor,” said Phillip Stone, a “I think people have a partner in New Dawn Realty in Stokesdale with his mother, brighter outlook because of Dawn Stone. He noted that Northwest Guilford houses sellthe economy,” said Casey ing for $250,000 and less are particularly scarce, frustrating Johnson of Johnson & Lee, first-time buyers who call about listings only to learn they’re already under contract. a custom home builder with 13 houses underway. owners who are downsizing to smaller Nine are “presales” – or custom houses houses or moving to be closer to chilbuilt under contract with buyers – as opposed to houses built on speculation. dren has gained strength, helping offset a shortage of listings, particularly for Allen Tate agent Betty Smith, houses selling for $250,000 and lower. president of Smith Marketing Inc. in Several real estate agents cited a Summerfield, agrees the market has lack of these relatively lower-priced listbeen stronger than usual for the sumings as a deterrent to sales. The lack of mertime. In recent months, reselling by

“If you’re not ‘Johnny-onthe-spot’ and don’t come in with a strong offer, chances are you’re going to lose out to somebody else,” said Phillip Stone, a partner in A New Dawn Realty in Stokesdale with his mother, Dawn Stone. “We’re hearing from a lot of people who spot houses for sale while they’re driving around and by the time they call me it’s under contract.”

...continued from p. 14

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Scrolling down his computer screen in his office, Stone counts the number of listings in Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale costing less than a quarter of a million dollars. There are six – as in half a dozen – including a single-wide mobile home and a house needing major renovation after falling into foreclosure, he said.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

“Right now, we are inventory poor,” said Stone, referring to houses selling for $250,000 and less. “We’d like it to be more balanced.” The number of listings does increase as home prices rise, according to Stone’s tally based on active listings on the Multiple Listing Service for the three towns. As of this week, there were 26 houses for sale in the $250,000 to $350,000 price range, 37 in the $350,000 to $450,000 range and 37 in the $450,000 to $550,000 range, he said. Judging by the number of days that houses are listed before being sold, supply and demand are relatively balanced in Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale, according to Hansen, the Allen Tate agent in Oak Ridge. Houses in Summerfield stay on the market for an average of 66 days, said Hansen, based on Allen Tate’s listings on the MLS. In Oak Ridge, houses take an average of 55 days to sell and 78 days in Stokesdale, she said.

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BUILDER Demand for custom-built houses – or “presales” – has climbed in recent years. compiled by CHRIS BURRITT/NWO

Why are more buyers getting involved in designing their homes as opposed to buying speculative – or “spec” – homes that builders have already constructed? In short, the builders we talked with said homeowners “want exactly what they want” to cater to their family and their lifestyles.

“Over the past year, we’ve seen a major uptick in the presale market,” he said, explaining that a growing number of homebuyers wants to incorporate design and decorating ideas they’ve seen on Pinterest and other social media sites.

Johnson & Lee

“Nothing is standard anymore,” Johnson said. “Buyers are blending styles.”

Johnson & Lee is building 13 houses and nine of them are presales, said Casey Johnson, who owns the company with his father, Commie Casey Johnson Johnson, and another father-and-son team, Rick and Mike Lee. That breakdown – 70 percent presales versus 30 percent spec houses – has risen recently from a roughly 50/50 split between the two types of houses, Johnson said.

As an example, he said, people aren’t sticking with a single color or finish, such as nickel or bronze, when selecting plumbing and electrical fixtures and door and drawer hardware. “We’re seeing people selecting some nickel, some bronze and some gold,” Johnson said. “They’re using an assortment.” For buyers, getting involved in the design of their homes can be stressful. “It can be as enjoyable as they want it to be,” Johnson noted.

Photo courtesy of Friddle and Company

About three-fourths of the homes built by Friddle and Company are ‘presales,’ including this one in Summerfield. “Buyers want exactly what they want,” said Paige Friddle, who owns the company with her husband, Michael.

“When people start secondguessing their decisions, they usually start stressing themselves out pretty

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Walraven Signature Homes’ presale houses currently under construction range widely in size. One is going to be 1,200 square feet Matt Walraven when finished while another is going to encompass 6,000 square feet, said Matt Walraven, who owns Walraven Signature Homes with his wife, Danielle. What they share, he said, is buyers “who want what they want.” The company plans to sell about 10 to 15 presales this year, along with 18 to 20 spec homes, said Walraven, describing the overall housing market

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JULY 18 - 24, 2019

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

as favorable for builders. “The economy and the job market are good,” he said. “The housing inventory and interest rates are low, creating a perfect storm.”

Disney Construction Co. Strength in the U.S. economy, helped by low unemployment and rising home prices, is “the driving force in the increase in presales,” said Patti Patti Disney Disney, who owns Disney Construction Co. with her husband, Francis, and their son Mark. “We have found that consumers are confident,” she said. About nine in 10 of the houses the company is currently building are presales, Disney said.

Don Mills Builders Over the past two years, people moving into northwest Guilford from other places are increasingly changing their habits when looking for Don Mills new homes, said Don Mills, owner of Don Mills Builders with his wife, Annette. Rather than spending two weekends house shopping with Realtors before making an offer to buy, more out-of-towners are looking for builders to custom build homes for them, Mills said. “It’s just a different market,” he said, driven by “this new generation of younger people, 30 and 35 years old and making good money. They want what they want. If we don’t have what they’re looking for, they’re willing to wait.”

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 Skills USA Robotics Camp | Northern Guilford

High School, 7101 Spencer Dixon Road in Greensboro, will host two weeklong robotics camps, July 22-25 and July 29-Aug. 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, for rising sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders, which will offer an introduction to engineering and robotics. To register and pay, visit www.gcsnc.com/ northern_guilford_high, select “Department,” then “Career and Technical Education,” then “Michelle Wallace,” then “Robotics Camp.” More info: (336) 643-8449 or wallacm3@gcsnc.com.  Block Fest | Community Theatre of Greensboro,

520 S. Elm St. in Greensboro, will host a free, interactive block exhibit Monday, Aug. 12, 10:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. for kids ages 8 months to 8 years. Registration is required and space is limited; register at patgcblockfest2019.eventbrite.com. Participants will have the opportunity to rotate through five different

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block stations. Block play builds early math and science skills. More info: (336) 691-0024.

EVERY THURSDAY  Farmers Market | “From the Earth” farmers mar-

ket, featuring over 40 vendors selling locally grown vegetables and flowers, jams, handcrafted items, essential oils and more, takes place this summer every Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. in the parking lot beside the Quality Mart convenience store/gas station on N.C. 68, south of N.C. 150 in Oak Ridge.

THURSDAY, JULY 18  Caring for Aging Adults | Oak Ridge Presbyterian

Church, 2614 Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge, invites the community to a free forum July 18 at 6:30 p.m. on caring for aging adults. Join us for a discussion with a panel of experts on topics surrounding the care of older adults. More info: (336) 643-3452 or Awilder816@gmail.com.  Lions Club | Oak Ridge Lions Club, which helps

people in the northwest area who are sight- or hearing-impaired and provides an annual scholarship to a high school senior, will meet July 18, 6:30 p.m. at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68, Oak Ridge. More info:

Danny Yanusz, (336) 643-6424.

JULY 19-20  Artisans at the Garden | Paul J. Ciener Botani-

cal Garden, 215 S. Main St. in Kernersville, will host “Artisans at the Garden Exhibition and Sale” on July 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and July 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Presented by Twin City Artisans, the exhibition will showcase the hand-crafted work of local contemporary and diverse artists and craftspeople from around North Carolina. More info: www.twincityartisansnc.com.

JULY 21-25  Vacation Bible School | Stokesdale Christian Church, 8607 Stokesdale Street, invites kids ages 3 and up along with adults of all ages to participate in Vacation Bible School, Sunday, July 21, through Thursday, July 25, 6 to 8:15 p.m. each evening. This year’s theme will be “Vessels of Clay.” Experience scriptures with Rev. Dwight Haynes, chalk art evangelist, who will lead us in singing and teaching while creating a beautiful chalk art piece. Local potter David Cole will join us Sunday evening to “throw” pottery. More info: (336) 543-5785 or de3winns@triad.rr.com.

submit your

events online at nwobserver.com

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Justin Justin FulpFulp Agent Agent

ncfbins.com

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Your event will appear on our online community calendar and be considered for print publishing Visit our homepage and click “community calendar”

Dr. Julie Packard Dr. Emily Westmoreland Serving the NW Triad area since 1991

• Full-service animal hospital • Boarding & grooming • Laser therapy & acupuncture

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Individual & Small Business Bookkeeping & Payroll Individual & Corporate Tax Returns 8400 Hwy 158 • PO Box 469 Stokesdale, NC 27357 kim@kimberlythacker.com

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JULY 18 - 24, 2019

Healthy Smiles. Happy Patients.

Call us today and take the first step

towards a healthy and beautiful smile! 336.643.1440 • SummerfieldDentist.com 6161-A Lake Brandt Road • Summerfield

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

...continued from p. 12

Bridgehead Road and Union Grove Road Owners Jeffrey Swisher and Paula Richards want the four parcels to be rezoned from agricultural to RS-40, requiring lot sizes of at least 40,000 square feet, or roughly ninth-tenths of an acre, according to the rezoning case. The Oak Ridge Planning and Zoning Board is scheduled to hear the request at its meeting Thursday, July 25.

want to go? Citizens can weigh in on the above two rezoning requests during the Public Comments period of the public hearings to be held during Oak Ridge Planning Board’s meeting on Thursday, July 25, 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. Oak Ridge Town Council will hold a second public hearing for each of the rezoning requests at its monthly meeting on Aug. 1, also at 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall. More info: oakridgenc.com.

SUMMERFIELD 6.7 acres, AG & RS-40 to CU-GB. Summerfield Town Council will hold a public hearing at its Aug. 13 meeting for a rezoning request submitted by developer David Couch of Blue Ridge Companies. The town’s Zoning Board voted 5-0 last month to recommend the council approve the request to rezone three tracts consisting of 6.7 acres from agricultural and residential to conditional use general business. If rezoned, the tract would match the zoning of 79 surrounding acres, allowing the developer to create a master plan for all of the 86 acres. “It makes sense that it should be all together,” board Chairman Dick Feulner said after landscape architect Doug Stimmel, representing Blue Ridge, told the board that rezoning the 6.7 acres would allow traffic to flow within the development. As a result, fewer entrances would be required into the center from N.C. 150, he said. During a public hearing, no residents

spoke in opposition to the rezoning request. Jim Grdich, Blue Ridge’s director of developer, told the board that the company, led by CEO David Couch, was listening to residents’ comments and suggestions in an effort to reflect viewpoints from the community in planning Henson Village. The rezoning application provides a description of the development envisioned by Blue Ridge: “a walkable, `village-type’ shopping area including several retail buildings, commercial and medical office buildings, and other outparcels for meeting specific development requests such as restaurants.” Summerfield Town Planner Chris York said the rezoning request “appears to have overall consistency” with the town’s comprehensive plan and meets the requirements of the town’s development ordinance. Sidewalks in the center will allow people to walk among stores, rather than drive, Stimmel, CEO of Stimmel Associates, a landscape architect hired by Blue Ridge to design the center, told the board. Henson Village will also connect with trails in the area to create a meeting place for walkers and cyclists, Stimmel said. He noted that Henson Village will be developed “over a number of years.” If the council approves the request, Couch will move forward with creating a master plan for the combined 86 acres. It will be developed in stages, with plans for the first phase possibly completed by year’s end and plans for the second phase completed in the first quarter of 2020, he said at an open house last month.

want to go? Citizens can weigh in on the above rezoning request during the Public Comments period of the public hearing that will take place during Summerfield Town Council’s meeting on Aug. 13, beginning 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. More info: summerfieldnc.gov.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JULY 18 - 24, 2019

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GRIPES to...

GRINS and GRIPES

Delighted or dismayed by something in your community? Share your thoughts in

words or less

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

GRINS to...

A smile is the prettiest thing you can wear! Keep your whole family’s smiles glowing with

 Michelle Wallace for opening the Stokesdale Elementary library during the summer for students and siblings. We love the crafts, games, Legos and checking out books. We appreciate you, Mrs. Wallace!  Steve Newman’s Tree Service (based in Oak Ridge) and his employees, for extensive tree work after a storm and two trees removed. Fixed my fence, cleaned up the yard beautifully, all at a fair price. Shop local!  NCDOT for rebuilding the Bunch Road bridge. Sure is quiet on this part of Bunch now – take your time!  Roundabouts, which allow traffic to proceed freely when the way is clear. Never need electricity, are cheap – and handle huge motorway/Autobahn traffic volume in European junctions. N.C. 68/150 roundabout would be easy as pie.  The firefighters who answered my call at 5 a.m. – and then let me know they were glad to do it. Summerfield Fire Department, you are the best!

Dr. Beth Borden (336) 644-2770

1009 Hwy 150W, Summerfield

JULY 18 - 24, 2019

got my business!  The kind people I met while looking for my missing dog, Drake – our mail carriers, Greg Edwards, and his daughter, Traci, Sabrina at Dollar General, and all of the neighbors who offered a kind word. Heartfelt thanks to you all.  The ones who smashed (a window) and grabbed (a purse) in our community. Even the best thief in the world can’t steal time. Grinning for the Karma coming your way. Hope you are smiling when that bus shows up with zero gift cards.

 All the lazy, inconsiderate, irresponsible, pathetic people who spit their nasty wad of gum out in a parking lot! The trash can was 15 feet away! Too much of an inconvenience for you? Disgusting!  Sheetz gas stations for a little sales tax scam. The smallest fraction of a penny in the total is rounded up, instead of the legal requirement that anything less than half a cent be rounded down. Adds up to millions....  Those who choose to live within five miles of the airport, and then complain about airport noise. Reading these complaints on Nextdoor.com is hilarious. FYI, I live close (to the airport) as well. Get used to it or move.  Danny Nelson, who is running for mayor of Summerfield while suing the town for wrongdoing and costing us taxpayers $10,000 in lawyer fees. Can Summerfield taxpayers afford him?

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 The individual/s who mow both roadsides on Williard Road between Benbow Merrill and Stafford Mill Road. Thank you for your time and expense in contributing to the beauty of our community. So very nice of you!  Oliver Diesel for working me into their schedule in a timely manner and charging a reasonable amount to mount and balance my tires. You’ve

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Tracy Williams, attorney

Tra

 The bad singers on Summer Haven Drive (off Summerfield Road). If you are going to sing outside after 2 a.m., at least sing well or move the party inside. We can hear you throughout the neighborhood... sadly.  The thief at the Bur-Mil Park pool who stole my wife’s 30-ounce Yeti tumbler (given on her birthday). Your soul is as cold as the ice that was still in it! Enjoy it, I guess.  The arrogant “laws-don’t-applyto-me” individuals who intentionally drive without a license. Document their actions and contact your local Crime Stoppers. You can receive a reward!

Thank you to county sheriff’s officers who address this safety-violating crime.  Two Guilford County police cruisers exiting the Oak Ridge Lowes parking lot onto 68 southbound, then stopping in the road and making a U-turn just past the median onto 68 northbound. No lights or sirens. Perhaps we need a roundabout there.  Mark Walker, Virginia Foxx, Tom Tillis and Richard Burr, our representatives, for not denouncing Trump’s vicious and ill-conceived rantings. If you agree with him, you don’t represent me. If you don’t agree with him, grow a spine!

Remember, your GRINS & GRIPES should be 40

words

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING annual audit for the fiscal year ending June 30.

COMMUNITY UPDATES Historic Preservation Commission. Chair Debbie Schoenfeld said volunteers and members of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church who painted the historic church on N.C. 150 last month discovered rot in a wall caused by a leaking air conditioner. The church is seeking donations to help cover repairs costing $2,000, she said. Oak Ridge Youth Association. President Tom Collins said rising participation on sports teams this fall will require organizers to use overflow parking areas in Town Park for practice fields. Oak Ridge Military Academy. Headmaster Steve Wilson said the hiring of two recruiters will help the school meet its 80-student enrollment goal for the school year starting in August. Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Co-chair Bill Royal said the committee is narrow-

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...continued from p. 6

NEXT MEETING Thursday, Aug. 1 • 7pm Oak Ridge Town Hall

CONTACT YOUR TOWN (336) 644-7009 ssmith@oakridgenc.com www.oakridgenc.com

ing down its selection of a logo after receiving 148 design proposals.

COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS  McClellan announced that he has filed to run for re-election.  Citing health concerns, Sullivan said he will not run again in the Nov. 5 election. See News Briefs, p. 3, for details. Following the mayor’s comments, the meeting was adjourned at 8:43 p.m.

UE IN THIS baISll Steams and coaches

Meet the foot schedules 2019 game results ces bands 2018 season d marching e performan eerleaders an marching bands’ halftim ch e th t ee M e th of iew ev pr Get a sneak

Your in-depth preview of Northern and Northwest Guilford High Schools’ fall 2019 football season Make sure your name is on the Countdown to Kickoff advertiser roster! Contact Laura Reneer at (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 or advertising@nwobserver.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JULY 18 - 24, 2019

AUTO SALES & SERVICE

SAVE THE DATE

YARD SALES

2013 Toyota Sienna HANDICAP VAN, LOVELY! All options: economical, family will love, low miles, well-kept, very nice! (336) 644-1195.

Come "SHOP SUMMER VENDORS WITH US!," Saturday, July 20, 10:30am-2:30pm, The Oak Ridge Room, beside Bistro 150, Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center. Vendors: Lularoe, Paparazzi, Maskcara Beauty, Piphany, Usborne Books & so many more!

YARD SALE, Saturday, July 20, 8am-??, 128 Appaloosa Ct., Stokesdale. NC teaching supplies, household items, tools, kids' clothing, toys, misc. items.

EUROPEAN AUTO SERVICE & REPAIR We specialize in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. Mercedes, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Volvo, Mini and Porsche. 32 years experience. Knight Import Specialty Service, 4559 US Highway 220, Summerfield (across from Food Lion). (336) 337-0669.

Place online at

Got a vehicle to sell? We can help! Place your classified ad online at www.nwobserver.com.

EMPLOYMENT DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

NEED HELP? Call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 Mon - Fri • 9am -12:30pm

INDEX

Auto Sales & Service ................... 28 Employment ............................... 28 Save the Date ............................. 28 Summer Camp ........................... 28 Yard Sales ................................... 28 Home Services ....................... 29-30 Misc. Services.............................. 30 Misc. Wanted .............................. 30 Pets & Animal Services ................ 30 Real Estate............................. 30-31

JULY 18 - 24, 2019

JOB POSITIONS open in child care center. Call (336) 643-5930 for information. ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE. Help wanted. Call (336) 643-9157. Mt. Pisgah Weekday School is seeking to hire engaging and friendly ASSISTANT TEACHERS to work with Toddlers and Twos classes. MWF and T/Th positions are available. Hours are 8:30am - 1:30pm. Please send inquiries and/or resumes to mpws@ mtpisgahgso.org. VENDORS WANTED. Stokesdale Marketplace is accepting new vendors. Booths are available now. Come pick yours! 341 Ram Loop, Stokesdale. (336) 949-9269. We are growing fast. TIRE MAX TOTAL CAR CARE in Stokesdale and Summerfield is seeking top talent. If you or someone you know has experience in the industry, we’d love to talk with you. Call (336) 441-8066 in Stokesdale; (336) 793-5391 in Summerfield, or just stop by.

Gca?n help! H IR IN e W

Reach over 26,600 readers, all in northwest Guilford County, right here! Place your classified ad online at

nwobserver.com

At Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Stokesdale, there are many opportunities for people in all stages of life, from children through older adults. Join us THIS SUNDAY, JULY 21 – listen to Pastor Phil preach on Salvation: What it means to be truly free! Come be a part of it and see what God can do! Web site: www.mymtzionumc.com, email: pkuntz@wnccumc.net.

Something

going on

Tell northwest Guilford County Place your Save the Date online at

STOKESDALE FIRE DISTRICT INC. will hold its Annual Meeting on Tuesday, July 23, 2019, at 7:30pm at the fire station, 8401 US Hwy. 158. The Annual Report (financial and operational) will be given and the election of six board members will be held. Current vehicle registration may be required for proof of voter eligibility if vehicle tax is the only tax paid into the Stokesdale Fire District. ESTATE SALE. Sat., July 27 & Sunday, July 28, 9am-4pm, 6702 Buckley Drive, Summerfield. Almost all items in 4,000 sq. ft. house must go! Sellers are downsizing. Sofas, beds, chairs, bed sets, antiques, tables, lamps, dishes, books, kids' items, pictures, etc. No early sales permitted.

YARD SALES YARD SALE, Saturday, July 20, 7am-1pm, 8707 Bromfield Road, Oak Ridge.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

MOVING SALE, Saturday, July 27, 8am, 8201 Daltonshire Dr., Weatherstone subdivision, Oak Ridge. Make an offer: Kimball piano, fitness equipment, furniture, housewares, clothing. (336) 423-4328. YARD SALE, Saturday, July 27, 7-11am, 7903 McCreedy Dr., Oak Ridge. Retired pre-school teacher: resources, games, center activities, puzzles & more. NEIGHBORHOOD YARD SALE, Sat., July 27, 7am-12n, Oak Creek subdivision, off Ellison Road, Stokesdale. Assortment from children's clothing to patio and household furniture.

Place your

classified ad

online at

for just $4 per line Deadline is the Monday prior to each issue

SUMMER CAMP Oak Ridge Youth Association GIRLS LACROSSE CAMP is open to girls grades K thru rising 9th, of all experience levels. Camp will be held July 29 thru Aug. 1, from 5:30-8:30pm, at Oak Ridge Town Park. Cost is $125 and includes a camp T-shirt. Summer camp will be coached by High Point University Assistant Coach and graduate Darla Poulin. This is a great opportunity for beginners or experienced players looking for the next step. All are welcome! Register now before spots fill up. Go to www.orya.org to sign up, or email any questions to girlslacrosse@orya.org.

HOME SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING A-ACTION AIR. Repair and service. Checkup special $39.95. Call (336) 382-3750.

CLEANING AMERICAN MAID. All your housecleaning needs. Weekly/biweekly/as needed. Call for your free estimate. (336) 409-4554. MAIDS OF HONOR HOME CLEANING $25 off! Locally owned, bonded staff. 40 years in service. BBB A+ rating. (336) 708-2407. CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Will fit to your budget. Pet taxi/pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838. CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING Gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com (336) 595-2873.

ELECTRICAL BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC. Got Power? Residential, commercial and solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192. Need an electrician? Call BLACKMON ELECTRICAL, INC. Free est. Comm. & res. Licensed & insured. Call (336) 430-5018. Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? Call Coble Electric LLC at (336) 209-1486.

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate, call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350. APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707. GREENERTIMES SMALL ENGINE Sales & Service Center. All types sold and repaired; comm./res. 9428 NC Hwy. 65, Stokesdale. (336) 548-9286 or (336) 312-3844. GARY’S HANDYMAN HOME SERVICES “Providing value for the home-ownership experience.” Gary Gellert, serving NC’s Piedmont Triad area. Garygellert@gmail. com, (336) 423-8223.

HOME SERVICES

OLD SCHOOL

HOME REPAIR/IMPROVEMENTS “No Job Too Small”

Wood Rot Repairs • Bathroom Remodeling Painting • Decks and much more! • Insured

(336) 669-7252

oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com

FIX YOUR MOWER. Free pickup & delivery. Call Rick, (336) 501-8681. L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE "We get you mowing!" Comm./res., all models. 2103 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge. Call (336) 298-4314, landtsmallengineservice.com. MOWER DECKS WELDED & REPAIRED. Pickup and delivery available. Call or text Morris at (336) 880-7498.

GRADING / HAULING

HOME SERVICES

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

STOKESDALE LAWN. Mowing & weedeating. $45 minimum. (336) 423-2692.

FAY'S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Complete tree removal & trimming. Storm damage clean-up. Landscaping & hardscaping. Insured. Taylor, (336) 458-6491. ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875. ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981. WILTON YARD CARE. Mowing, trimming, pruning, landscaping, mulch, pineneedles. Free estimates, licensed & insured. Commercial & Residential. (336) 404-0489. SOUTHERN CUTS LAWN CARE, complete lawn maintenance services. 13 years experience. Nathan Adkins, (336) 430-6086.

Tell our readers about your business!

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

Your ad will reach every mailbox with

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

Call Laura for more information -

E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, demolition, lot clearing, excavating, bobcat work, etc. (336) 451-1282. H&L GRADING, LLC. No job to tough or to 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, drive ways, french drains and much more. (336) 543-7867.

an Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale mailing address. (336) 644-7035, ext. 10, or email advertising@nwobserver.com. COLFAX LAWNCARE. Core aeration & seeding. Fertilizing, mowing, trimming, pine needles. Complete lawn care maintenance. Res./comm. Fully insured. Serving the Triad for 28 years. (336) 362-5860. STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. Free est. Lic/Ins. 40 yrs. exp. Lots & natural area thinning and cleanup. Large shrubbery jobs, chipping. Oak Ridge, (336) 643-1119.

PEARMAN QUARRY HAULING Fill dirt, gravel, sand rock, mulch & more. Joel Richardson, (336) 803-2195.

ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Bobcat work and more. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. Call Joe at 643-9157.

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

DELIMA LAWNCARE. 24 hours/7 days a week. Free estimates, licensed/insured. Commercial & Residential. (336) 669-5210.

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

GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490. AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION Quality irrigation systems. NC licensed contractor. We service all systems. Free est. (336) 644-1174.

Check out the current issue online! www.nwobserver.com CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 643-9332. www.carolinaStumpAndTreeServices.com. ATCHISON LAWN CARE. Dependable. Honest. Local. Call (336) 486-9837. AFFORDABLE LANDSCAPING for all your landscaping needs, including irrigation, installation and repair. Call Joe at J. Gibson Landscaping, an Americanowned and operated small business. Built on Capitalism, not Socialism. In God we trust. (336) 419-7236. WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Lawn maint, landscaping. Irrigation/ landscape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 years exp. (336) 399-7764.

MASONRY COLONIAL MASONRY, MADISON NC 40 years experience. Call (828) 312-0090 or visit us online at www.colonialmasonry.com. MASONRY CONCEPTS, brick, block, stone concrete & repairs. Free est. (336) 988-1022, www.masonryconceptsgso.com. SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes. How about a new patio or fire pit? We can help with all of your outdoor living and entertainment spaces! Fire pits, driveways & sidewalks, patios and more! Give us a call at (336) 399-6619 for all your concrete and landscape needs.

continued on p. 30

JULY18 18- -24, 24,2019 2019 JULY

29 29

HOME SERVICES

MISC. WANTED

MISC. SERVICES & PRODUCTS

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

ROOFING

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

GRILLS, FIRE PITS, gas logs, heaters, gas inserts, tankless water heaters. General home repairs. Call Don Hill, (336) 643-7183.

The Northwest Observer

22 years and counting!! Who says print is dead!? Thanks for your continued support.

PAINTING & DRYWALL

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

(336) 931-0600

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

STILL PERFECTION PAINTING. Reliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com. LAWSON'S PAINTING. Custom decks, pressure washing, boat docks, block fill, wood repair, stain work, textured ceilings, sheetrock repair. Call (336) 253-9089. PAINTING – INTERIOR & EXTERIOR 32 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. No job too small. Insured. Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186. CARLOS & SON PAINTING, interior and exterior. 24 hours/7 days a week. Free estimates, licensed/insured. (336) 669-5210.

PLUMBING BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic. & insured. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924. WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING, Inc. (336) 992-2503. Licensed, insured, bonded. 24/7 service. Plumbing, drain cleaning, well pumps. Give us a call, we do it all! Go to www.webstersplumbing.com for more info.

JULY 18 - 24, 2019

PRESSURE WASHING HOUSE SOFT WASHING. Fully insured. Rated 5 stars on Google. (919) 931-0856, MartinsPressureWashing.com. PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Fully insured. Crystal Clear, www. windowcleaningnc.com (336) 595-2873.

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION RENOVATION WORKS, INC. New construction, remodeling, additions, kitchen, bath and decks. We are a locally owned, full-service design and build company, A+ accredited with the BBB. Visit www.myrenovationworks.com or call (336) 427-7391 to start your next project. KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Specializing in room additions, kitchens & baths, garages, vinyl siding and windows, painting, ceramic tile, laminate, hardwood and linoleum floors, and remodeling of all kinds. No job too small. Free est. Call (336) 362-7469. DOUGLAS CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING, LLC. Custom Builder, sunrooms, garages, additions, kitchens baths. Licensed & Insured, BBB A+ accredited. Free est. Visit www.douglascr.com or call (336) 413-5050. PREMIER CONSTRUCTION for all your remodeling/renovation needs. (336) 430-9507. JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com. BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 39 years exp. (336) 362-6343. ORTIZ REMODELING – Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981.

PREMIER ROOFING, LOCALLY OWNED. Catering to all your roofing needs. Call (336) 430-9507 for free assessments. BEST PRICES IN TOWN! Shingle and metal roofing. Top-notch quality. Res./comm., licensed & insured. Financing available. Belews Creek Construction, (336) 362-6343. Want to reach over 25,000 readers, all here in NW Guilford County? Call Laura for advertising info - (336) 644-7035, ext. 11. CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC. Residential roofing, rubber flat roofs, roof coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience. Call (336) 643-8191 or (336) 268-1908. RED RHINO ROOFING, based in Oak Ridge, NC. Storm damage specialist experienced with all types of roofing. BBB accredited A and listed with Angie’s List. Call (336) 944-6118, or visit redrhinoroofing.com. KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Residential shingle & metal roofing. Free est. (336) 362-7469.

FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, golf carts, ATVs, generators, power washers, chain saws, mini-bikes, gocarts, and most grills. (336) 689-4167.

PETS & ANIMAL SVCS. PET PRODUCTS Use KENNEL DIP to treat fleas, ticks, manage stable flies & mosquitoes where they breed. Find it at Tractor Supply, or online at www.kennelvax.com.

PET SITTING WALKS & WAGS Loving, reliable pet sitting in your home. Excellent references available. Call Susan Thompson, (336) 613-0450. WENDY COLLINS PET SITTING. Registered & Insured. Follow me on Facebook! Call or text, (336) 339-6845.

REAL ESTATE LAND FOR SALE

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MISC. SERVICES HEY ATHLETES! Want to do some extra conditioning before the fall sports season starts? Join me, Chris Jessup, at Proehlific Park, two or three mornings a week (based on your needs) at 6am (the best rise early and get after it!), 7am, 8am or 9am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays. You do your part, I'll do mine, and together we'll work to get you ahead of the competition. For inquiries and pricing for one-on-one and small group strength & conditioning training sessions, email cjessup.fit@gmail.com.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

1.36-ACRE HOME SITE in Gwynedd, off Bunch Road. $85,000. (336) 643-7071. 1.36-ACRE HOME SITE in Gwynedd, off Bunch Road. $85,000. (336) 643-7071. NORTHERN SCHOOLS, wooded 1.5+/- acre lot. No HOA, no dues. Approved for 4BR septic. Priced to sell. Call (336) 430-9507. ACREAGE, Summerfield address in Southern Rockingham County. 15 mins. to Greensboro airport area. 5 to 25 acre tracts. Gorgeous trees, creeks, pond and gentle terrain. No HOA or dues. Paved road frontage. Call (336) 430-9507 anytime. SUMMERFIELD, AWESOME LOCATION. Fantastic piece of property with open & wooded acreage, creek on back of properproper ty. Magnificent estate/horse farm site. Call (336) 430-9507 anytime!

REAL ESTATE 45 +/- ACRES AVAILABLE in southern Rockingham County. Gorgeous property, call (336) 430-9507. Beautiful RIVERSIDE PHASE-1 LOT for sale on .7 acres by owner. Located at 8870 Cravenwood Drive in Oak Ridge. Call (336) 209-4846.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Call for Buyer or Seller Representation

Gil Vaughan, REALTOR®/Broker (336) 337-4780 JustCallGil.com

gilvaughan@gmail.com

Selling or renting? The Northwest Observer reaches over 11,800 mailboxes in Summerfield, Oak Ridge and Stokesdale every week. Plus, it’s available for free online and at local restaurants, grocery stores, post offices and more.

We’ll help you reach northwest Guilford County!

HOME FOR SALE 7502 MOORES MILL ROAD, STOKESDALE

Immaculate 4BR/3BA home in coveted northwest school district is nestled on 1.14 acres in Old Moores Mill subdivision. Open floor plan boasts vaulted ceilings in great room w/ large stone gas fireplace. Spacious kitchen has granite counters, SS appliances and gas range cooktop. Master on main w/ coffered tray ceiling & large walk-in closet. 3-car garage; no city taxes; 3,243 sq. ft. $464,900 Call for a showing TODAY!

Valerie Viers & Molly Bean southerncharm@bhhscarolinas.com 336.210.1027 & 336.804.0207

Check out our Business & Real Estate section in this week's issue! If you'd like to be included as an advertiser, give us a call! (336) 644-7035

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

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS

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HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE

Budget Blinds ....................................... 4 Carpets by Direct .................................. 3 Dr. Johns H2O .............................. Insert Nature’s Select ..................................... 2 Old School Home Repair .................... 29 ProStone Inc. ...................................... 22 Stokesdale Heating & Air...................... 9

By the Book Accounting ..................... 32 Kimberly Thacker Accounting............. 24 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC...... 24 Piedmont Truck Tires, Inc. .................. 25 Vestal Buick / GMC, Inc. ....................... 5

BUILDING / REMODELING

Builders MD........................................ 12 Disney Custom Homes ....................... 15 Don Mills Builders ............................... 19 Friddle and Company ......................... 21 Johnson & Lee, LLC............................ 17 Lansink Custom Homes...................... 15 Naylor Custom Homes ....................... 16 R&K Custom Homes .......................... 23 Ray Bullins Construction ..................... 20 RS Dezern Construction ..................... 15 Walraven Signature Homes ................ 20

INSURANCE Justin Fulp, Farm Bureau Insurance .... 24

LEGAL SERVICES Barbour & Williams Law ..................... 26 Scott Tippett, Hagan Barrett Law ....... 14

MEDICAL CARE LeBauer Healthcare ............................. 2

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

Guardian Ad Litem Program ................ 6

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ................ 24 Northwest Animal Hospital ................... 8 Westergaard Kennels............................ 6

CHURCHES

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Oak Ridge United Methodist Church ...22

Phoenix Academy............................... 18

DENTISTRY

REAL ESTATE

Forbis & Dick Stokesdale .................... 32

A New Dawn Realty ........................... 32 Berkshire Hathaway Yost & Little ........ 13 Gil Vaughan, Keller Williams ...............30 Jason Smith, Smith Marketing ............ 15 Jeremiah & Maggie Hawes, BHHS ....... 9 Molly Beam, BHHS Carolinas ............. 31 Nicole Gillespie, Re/Max ..................... 18

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

YOUTH SPORTS

BEK Paint Company ...........................30

YMCA of Greensboro ........................... 7

Borden Dentistry................................. 26 Summerfield Family Dentistry ............. 24

EVENTS

Summerfield Music in the Park ........... 10

FUNERAL SERVICES

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JULY 18 - 24, 2019

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Stokesdale Forbis&Dick Funeral Homes

Your full-service funeral home

Your friends and neighbors providing kind, caring service for over years. Stokesdale 8320 Hwy 158, (336) 643-3711 Greensboro 1118 N Elm St, (336) 275-8408 5926 W Friendly Ave, (336) 299-9171

Serving Stokesdale, Greensboro, Oak Ridge & Summerfield • forbisanddick.com

Are you a downtown Stokesdale business?

This space could be yours! Reach out to more than 26,000 readers every week, all right here in your own backyard!

11,800 homes

Contact Laura to start your advertising program (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 advertising@nwobserver.com

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Accounting & Tax Accounting Bookkeeping Payroll Tax Preparation Notary Public Copy Center

Anne M. Garner, EA 8304-C Hwy 158, Stokesdale (336) 441-8325 • annegarner605@gmail.com

At A New Dawn Realty, our team is passionate about serving the needs of our local community. We strive to offer top-notch service and have always been willing to go the extra mile to achieve our clients’ best interests. Our team combines exceptional energy and experience, and you’ll feel confident you made the right decision if you allow us to assist you! Visit our website or Facebook page to view our clients’ testimonials.

A New Dawn Realty Tea m ! (336) 643-4248 8500 Ellisboro Road, Suite B, Stokesdale