Northwest Observer l April 18-April 24, 2019

April 18 - 24, 2019

bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996

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Council members at odds over fiscal management, vendor selection, cost of tree clearing Stokesdale Town Council’s April 11 meeting starts off on shaky ground, with contention continuing throughout the meeting

by PATTI STOKES STOKESDALE – The handful of Boy Scouts attending Stokesdale Town Council’s April 11 meeting as part of requirements for earning their communication merit

badge requirements got a first-hand look at local government at its best, and its worst.

proposals from Dana Luther, CPA, and Kerry Crutchfield, CPA, for assistance with financial reports.

Less than five minutes into the meeting, tempers rose to the boiling point after Mayor John Flynt, Mayor Pro Tem Thearon Hooks and Councilman Frank Bruno voted to postpone discussion on three agenda items which council members Bill Jones and Tim Jones had requested be placed on the agenda: spending authority and limits; the town’s vendors’ policy; and a review, discussion and vote for or against individual

Bill and Tim Jones said this was the third time their fellow council members had dodged a discussion of contracting with a CPA to bring the town’s financial records in order – the first two times being special call meetings that the two Joneses had scheduled in recent weeks. With all three of the other council members saying they were unavailable to attend, the special call

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IN THIS ISSUE Your Questions ................................................. 4 Summerfield Town Council Meeting ............. 6 Bits & Pieces/Business Notes .........................11 NWO Business & Real Estate ..........................13 Purgason’s says farewell ................................14 Summerfield Square gets new life ................16 Planting Parade (of Homes) seeds.............. 24 Calendar Events ............................................. 26 Obituary .......................................................... 27 Vikings get big league taste ........................ 28 Coach Joyner to retire .................................. 30 Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Among the honored guests joining Triad Hindu Temple members for a groundbreaking ceremony April 14 at the site of a future Hindu temple on Alcorn Road in Oak Ridge were: Oak Ridge Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman (front row directly behind red ribbon, second from left); Keifer Wynn (third from left), representing U.S. Rep. Mark Walker; Morrisville Councilman Steve Rao (fourth from left) and Sen. Jay Chaudhuri (third from right, holding scissors), the first Indian-American North Carolina state legislator.

Annual art show hosted by NGHS ................31 Grins & Gripes................................................. 32 Classifieds ....................................................... 35 Index of Advertisers ....................................... 39

NEWS in brief

Town seeks speed limit reduction on Lake Brandt Road

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – The Town of Summerfield is asking the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to evaluate the speed limit on the 4.5-mile stretch of Lake Brandt Road from the lake’s dam northward to Scalesville Road.

Town Manager Scott Whitaker told the council at its monthly meeting April 9 that at least one resident asked for the town to seek a reduction of the 50-mph speed limit just south of the intersection of Lake Brandt Road and N.C. 150.

“Anytime we can reduce the speed limit I think it gets safer,” council member Reece Walker said.

The council instructed Whitaker to ask NCDOT to evaluate the speed limit

to see whether traffic counts and other factors justify reducing the posted speed.

The speed limit is currently 45 mph and 50 mph on the two-mile section of Lake Brandt Road from the dam to N.C. 150. It increases to 55 mph north of N.C. 150 to Scalesville Road.

The discussion followed the council’s approval of a rezoning request for nearly 20 acres on Lake Brandt Road across from James Doak Parkway, an entrance to the Ridgewood subdivision. Developer Ken Mackovic sought rezoning of the tract from agricultural to RS-40 for construction of single-family homes.

While the new subdivision would increase traffic, Walker said residential construction there would discourage

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

NCDOT is being asked to evaluate the speed limit on a 4.5-mile stretch of Lake Brandt Road in Summerfield. commercial development going south on Lake Brandt Road.

“We feel this is a good mix for our community,” said Ken Yarboro, who lives on Lake Brandt Road across from the proposed rezoning. No one spoke in opposition to the rezoning during a public hearing.

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APRIL 18 - 24, 2019

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Council member Dianne Laughlin suggested that highway planners assess whether a bicyclist lane is needed because “there are an awful lot of bikers on Lake Brandt Road.”

Town Planner Chris York said NCDOT may be willing to consider post-

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OUR TEAM Patti Stokes, editor/publisher Laura Reneer, marketing manager Marilyn Grubbs, admin/editorial assistant Yvonne Truhon, page layout Leon Stokes, IT director Lucy Smith, finance manager Linda Schatz, distribution manager Steve Mann and Chris Burritt, staff writers; Helen Ledford, Stewart McClintock, Meredith Barkley and Annette Joyce, contributing writers

HOW TO REACH US 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

It seems it was only about a year ago that drivers had to take detour routes around Eversfield Road while potholes were repaired on and near the bridge. Now the road is closed again and drivers are again having to take detour routes.

What’s going on, and when will drivers be able to travel all the way from one end of Eversfield Road to the other?

You’re correct that the bridge and a 67-foot span of Eversfield Road that crosses over the Haw River were closed off last March while some hefty potholes were repaired. The bridge is in close proximity to N.C. 150, U.S. 158 and Interstate 73, and NCDOT Traffic Supervisor Jeff Brown told the Northwest Observer at that time the area’s high traffic volume made it “imperative that we address these pothole issues to maintain the safety of the bridge.”

The pothole fix was only a temporary measure, however, and NCDOT was already moving forward on plans to replace the 51-year-old bridge on Eversfield Road. Last June the department let bids for construction of a new bridge and the construction project

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

A 51-year-old bridge over the Haw River on Eversfield Road is being replaced.

NCDOT says the bridge construction project will be completed and the road reopened for through traffic by July 26.

got underway March 4. NCDOT reports the new bridge should be

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much, much Us NEWS in brief Contact Contact Usbigger deal” than request-

ing a speed limit reduction, Whitaker said. He explained Summerfield would 4527 Hwy, 220, Summerfield, NC 4527 Hwy, 220, needSummerfield, to submit a fundingNC request for olBrilliance.com ing signs urging motorists to share the +336-301-9853 olBrilliance.com construction of a bike lane; that would +336-301-9853 road with cyclists or possibly widening popi@AfterSchoolBrilliance.com require obtaining property easements, the road to improve safety.popi@AfterSchoolBrilliance.com which would increase costs far beyond www.AfterSchoolBrilliance.com www.AfterSchoolBrilliance.com Building a bike lane would be “a just the building of an asphalt bike lane.

...continued from p. 2

Schools closed May 1 GUILFORD COUNTY – Citing an overwhelming number of requests for leave by teachers, school nutrition workers and bus drivers, the Guilford County Board of Education voted at its April 9 meeting to close the district for GCS students on Wednesday, May 1.

May 1 will become an optional teacher workday, and June 11 will become a student day for schools on the traditional academic calendar.

GCS joins a number of districts that will close for students May 1, when educators across the state will convene

in Raleigh to request change from state legislators on education issues. A similar event took place on May 16, 2018.

As of Monday, the day before the school board’s decision, more than 1,000 teachers had requested to take leave on May 1. A few hundred classified staff also requested the day off. A spokesperson for the school board said the board chose to go ahead and make a decision at its April 9 meeting in order to allow parents enough time to make arrangements for childcare. Central offices will remain open on May 1.

Capital spending decreased in town’s draft budget

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – The Town of Summerfield plans to reduce spending by 16.4 percent in the fiscal year starting July 1.

The reduction is largely due to lower capital expenditures, according to a draft budget uploaded to the town’s website earlier this week.

The budget calls for the tax rate to remain at 2.75 cents per $100 of property valuation, the same tax rate the town has had since the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2014, when it dropped from 3.5 cents per $100 of property valuation.

The town council has scheduled opportunities for citizen feedback on the budget at its May 14 regular council meeting, a special call meeting on May 30, when a full draft budget will be presented, and a regular council meeting June 11, Town Manager Scott Whitaker wrote in a memo April 16.

Whitaker noted there will likely be changes to the draft budget that was posted this week, as only three fiscal quarters of data were available when it was being prepared.

“Significant outlays remain before June 30, some projections are not yet complete, and some quotations and decisions are pending,” the town manager explained in his memo.

Spending is projected to decline to about $1.63 million next year from this year’s amended budget of nearly $1.9 million. The town plans to spend $305,000 less on improvements at Summerfield Athletic Park and Summerfield Community Park and $61,000 less on trails and sidewalks, according to the draft budget.

The town council is still weighing options for adding public meeting space.

Given the uncertainty, the proposed bud-

...continued on p. 12

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APRIL 18 - 24, 2019

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SUMMERFIELD town council Tuesday, April 9 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT Mayor Gail Dunham called the monthly council meeting at Summerfield Community Center to order.

Mayor Pro Tem Dena Barnes and council members Teresa Pegram, Dianne Laughlin and Reece Walker were present, as were Town Manager Scott Whitaker, Finance Officer Dee Hall, Town Clerk Lance Heater and Chris York, recently hired as town planner. Councilman John O’Day and Town Attorney Bill Hill were absent.

Linda Southard offered the invocation, praying that “everyone will work together.” It was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the introduction of council members and town staff.

The council approved the meeting agenda and minutes of open and closed sessions on March 12 and a budget workshop on March 19.

A transfer of $25,000 that had been budgeted for trail development in the Parks and Recreation Department category was authorized to cover costs for the Rotruck v. Laughlin lawsuit – that increased the budget for legal expenses related to the town defending itself in lawsuits Rotruck has filed to $100,000.

The council also approved the transfer of $6,500 from trail development to cover information technology expenses, increasing the budgeted costs for IT to $24,500.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Dunham urged residents to attend Zoning Board work sessions focused on the town’s proposed unified development ordinance, a set of rules and regulations to guide growth in Summerfield. The next session is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, April 29, at Town Hall.

EMERGENCY SERVICES Public Safety: Fire District. Asst. Chief Jenna Daniels reported Summerfield Fire District responded to 22 firerelated calls, 63 EMS-related calls and 14 other calls in March. Firefighters installed 15 car seats.

The district’s fourth annual Stop, Drop and Roll 5K run on Saturday, March 30, attracted a record number of participants and raised about $7,800, Daniels said. Proceeds will be split among the Summerfield Firefighters Charitable Corp., Summerfield Elementary School and Summerfield Charter Academy.

The district is taking applications for 24 spots in its kids’ fire camp June 24-28, which is for rising thirdthrough fifth-graders. Applications are available at Station 9 on Summerfield Road or can be printed from the district’s Facebook page.

Sheriff’s Office. Capt. Brian Hall of the sheriff’s District 1 office said deputies responded to 145 calls in March. Of those, there were six property crimes, two property thefts and two vehicle break-ins.

The first weekend of April, several homeowners in Polo Farms reported thefts from their unlocked vehicles.

Hall urged people to lock their car doors even when parking cars in their driveway and remove all valuables.

Also, with warm weather here and people working outside more in their yards, he urged everyone to store lawn equipment when it is not in use versus leaving it out in the open to

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

reduce the chances of it being stolen.

COMMITTEE REPORTS Finance. The committee is working on the budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1, said Finance Officer Dee Hall.

Historical. Chair Gary Brown said the committee chose a new design to replace the town’s “tattered banners” and asked Whitaker to order and install the new banners. The committee is also exploring the feasibility and cost of designing and producing four small “Entering Summerfield Historic District” signs, Brown said.

Debbie Shoenfeld and Caroline Ruch, chair and vice chair, respectively, of Oak Ridge’s Historic Preservation Commission, met with members of Summerfield’s Historical Committee to discuss how Oak Ridge has used grants and taken other steps to enhance historic preservation efforts.

Founders’ Day. Town Manager Whitaker said preparations for the 23rd annual festival scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 17 and 18, are “going really well.” More vendors are seeking to participate than organizers can accommodate, he said. The homepage of the town’s website provides information about the festival under the “Parks & Rec & Events” tab.

Trails and Open Space. Chair Jane Doggett said the committee is working on activities for the tent they will have at Founders’ Day and committee members plan to participate in the parade on Saturday morning.

The committee has asked for $40,000 in next fiscal year’s budget for preparation of a comprehensive plan to identify areas that can be set aside for open spaces and trails, Doggett said. The plan would assist town staff when considering property rezoning requests.

PUBLIC COMMENTS  Beth Kaplan said she was disap-

in business with our Since Town Attorney Hill pointed that Dunham has HARDWOOD CARPET was absent from the refused to add her to NEXT MEETING meeting, Whitaker the email distribution LAMINATE VINYL Tuesday, May 14 • 6:30pm agreed to address list for the mayor’s AREA RUGS TILE Summerfield Community Center Crawford’s quesnewsletter. Kaplan tions. First, he referenced an 5404 Centerfield Road 336.288.6643 said the town’s article in the CONTACT YOUR TOWN insurance comMarch 28-April 3 HARDWOOD CARPET (336) 643-8655 HARDWOOD CARPET pany isn’t coverissue of the LAMINATE VINYL LAMINATE VINYL clerk@summerfieldnc.gov ing legal expens-AREA RUGS Northwest TILE AREA RUGS TILE www.summerfieldnc.gov es related to the Observer, in which 336.288.6643 336.288.6643 lawsuit. Citing Hill’s Dunham said she previously stated legal emails her occasional opinion, the town mannewsletter to supporters ager said the suit “is a case and doesn’t send it to anybody against the Town of Summerfield,” so who “hates me.”

Kaplan told the mayor, “I certainly it’s lawful for the town to cover legal costs related to defending it. don’t hate you. I just expect you to live up to the position of being the  Don Wendelken, who records very best mayor that this wonderful and broadcasts council meetings on town of Summerfield deserves. And his Summerfield Scoop Facebook at this point you are failing.” page, said most pieces of property Kaplan said she was disappointed purchased by the town haven’t been On approved credit. *On selected Shaw products.

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Dunham hadn’t responded to public improved or used in the way that On approved credit. *On selected Shaw products. information requests by her and othtown staff had proposed. Whitaker This sale cannot be combined with any other offers. See store for details. ers for release of the mayor’s emails countered that the town had imrelated to town business. proved several parcels it had purLater in the meeting, Dunham said chased. Those include the Gordon hardware store property on Sumshe had taken a printout of her emails merfield Road and N.C. 150 and to Town Hall earlier in the day. (See related article on p. 2 of the April 11-17 land it had purchased from Ron and Linda Vandergrift near the town’s issue.) The mayor also said her newsPRO FE amphitheater. letter is private property and that she INST SSIONAL ALL AT “generously shares (it) with friends.”

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 Dwayne Crawford asked whether the town’s insurance is covering legal expenses related to its “self-initiated entanglement” in the Rotruck v.

Laughlin lawsuit. He also asked which state statute the town was citing to spend town funds to defend Laughlin.

The council appointed Laughlin to fill the seat of Todd Rotruck after the Guilford County Board of Elections determined in April 2018 that he was ineligible to serve on the council.

The board ruled that his permanent residence was in Greensboro, not Summerfield. Rotruck has since filed several related lawsuits to regain his council seat.

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At the recommendation of town staff, the council approved the rezoning of nearly 20 acres on Lake Brandt Road across from James Doak Parkway from agricultural to RS-40 for a subdivision.

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Three-time All American inducted into university’s Hall of Fame Summerfield resident Glenn Ogden honored at his alma mater, University of Missouri, for running feats

by MEREDITH BARKLEY Had you only known Glenn Ogden as a youngster, you could be forgiven for your surprise at discovering he finished college as a three-time All American runner who set several records at his alma mater and was recently inducted into its Hall of Fame.

In his youth, the Summerfield resident and retired Procter and Gamble engineer, now 72, was no accomplished athlete. In fact, he didn’t even show an interest in sports.

Photo by Meredith Barkley/NWO

University of Missouri alum Glenn Ogden with the Hall of Fame plaque he received last fall.

That all changed during the early 1960s, when his parents sent him to high school at The Stony Brook School on Long Island. One school requirement: you had to participate in sports.

That stumped Ogden. He figured he wasn’t big enough for football and he knew he could forget basketball (when the coach told him to guard another player, he wasn’t even sure

Photo courtesy of University of Missouri

what that meant). Finally, the football coach suggested cross country.

“There’s a little bit of running,” the coach told him.

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In this photo from about 49 years ago, Glenn Ogden, a college sophomore at the time, leads the famous runner Jim Ryun. Ogden ended up taking second place in the 3-mile run at the NCAA Championships, held at Brigham Young University, with a time of 13:58.6.

That “little bit” turned out to be an understatement – Ogden said he was so whipped after the first grueling workout that he wanted to quit. A coach encouraged him to give it more time. Reluctantly he did. It changed his life.

After the first time trial early that school year, Ogden finished next to last.

That was “so embarrassing,” he recalled.

But by fall he had improved enough to make varsity. And by the time he graduated, he was one of the two best runners on the team. He wrapped up a remarkable career at

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

the University of Missouri four years later and last October was inducted into its Hall of Fame.

Ogden, who earned undergraduate and graduate mechanical engineering degrees, called his Hall of Fame selection “a real honor,” but said: “I didn’t think of it as something I did. It was what we did together. It was a team effort.”

Several former teammates were there for the induction ceremony.

Visiting with them, he said, was the “highlight of the weekend.”

He marvels as he looks back on it all. At Stony Brook he met role models, especially Coach Marvin W.

Goldberg, who helped set the course for his life. He credits his role models for instilling discipline, the importance of teamwork and encouraging him to push himself harder than he thought possible and to focus on causes bigger than himself.

“What a blessing that was,” he said. “I look back and think sports and school are really important.”

That kind of mentoring continued at the University of Missouri, and Coach Tom Botts picked up where Goldberg left off.

Of Goldberg and Botts, Ogden said: “They were the kind of coaches you did not want to disappoint because you respected them so much.”

Ogden, who met wife Lynne in college, left behind an impressive record

there. Among his athletic accomplishments, he was national runner-up in the three-mile run at 13:58.6; undefeated in cross country duals in 1966; two-time Big Eight champ in the outdoor three-mile run in 1968 (14:15.3), and in 1969 (13:57.6); and he broke Missouri’s distance records in three different events: the two-mile in 1967 (8:46), the three-mile in 1968 (13:42.8) and the 5,000-meter in 1968 (14:31.5).

Twice – in 1967 and 1969 – he was named All American in the NCAA Outdoor Track Championships and once, in 1967, in the NCAA Cross Country Championships.

Ogden credits Rick Markoff with his Hall of Fame selection. Markoff had been a childhood acquaintance, but when the two young men recon-

SUMMERFIELD TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

the highway northward to Summerfield Road.

Republic Services asked Whitaker to remind residents that they need to put garbage and recycling inside of cans. Items left outside cans won’t be picked up, he said.

The council instructed town staff to ask NCDOT to evaluate the speed limit on Lake Brandt Road from south of Plainfield Road northward to Scalesville Road. (See related article on p. 3 of this issue.)

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is reviewing the town’s request for a road easement for construction of an approximately 600-foot-long sidewalk along U.S. 220. If built, the sidewalk will run from the A&Y Greenway pedestrian tunnel, which is currently closed, under

Among athletes Ogden competed against was Jim Ryun, who gained notoriety as the first high schooler to run an under-four-minute mile and who later became an Olympic silver medalist. Ogden found a photo on the internet of the two of them in competition during college. Although he never defeated Ryun, he loved the picture because it showed Ogden ahead of Ryun as they were rounding a curve.

Fads come and go, but a healthy smile is always in style

“That picture was right before he went flying by me to win the race,” Ogden quipped.

...continued from p. PB

ing requests. The town is still seeking a planning director.

Construction of the new shelter at Summerfield Athletic Park is progressing, as is the design of the new parking lot at Summerfield Community Park, Whitaker said.

nected at Missouri years later, they became best friends. It was Markoff, Ogden said, who successfully made the case to their university for his Hall of Fame selection.

BUSINESS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL

Due to the absence of the town attorney, the council deferred consideration of the draft of a consent agreement between the town and the owners of property on Summerfield Road next to Summerfield Feed Mill.

The town wants the owners to remove abandoned vehicles and junk.

The council also deferred discussion of Rotruck’s lawsuit against

Laughlin and a suit former Town Clerk Valarie Halvorsen filed against the town related to her termination.

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Council member Pegram asked Whitaker whether town staff had looked in the town’s storage unit for minutes she said may be missing from Town Council meetings on April 30, 2007, and Nov. 10, 2014. The manager said he would check in the storage unit for those documents.

Pegram said last month she was concerned that minutes of those three meetings in 2007 and 2014 weren’t posted on the town’s website when she looked recently, so she asked staff to try to find them.

Councilman Walker wished the mayor a happy birthday. The meeting was adjourned at 8:02 p.m.

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APRIL 18 - 24, 2019

9

Walking in Jesus’ footsteps Group says journey to Israel was both inspiring and transforming

“The Thomases have many times been to the Holy Land,” said David Bailey, pastor of Crossroads Community Church.

“People said: ‘The next time you go, I want to go.’”

by MEREDITH BARKLEY

Just touching the limestone wall in Jerusalem known as the “Western Wall” or “Wailing Wall” filled Laura Most who Harrell with a profound asmade the trip surance of God’s presence. were from The early March trip was Gideon Grove her first to the Holy Land.

United MethodShe was there with husband ist, Stokesdale Keith and 28 others, mostly United Methodist from Stokesdale-based and Crossroads churches. Their visit to the Community wall, part of what’s left of churches. That what was once the Second cross section Jewish Temple, came toward of the commuthe end of a 10-day pilgrimnity gave leaders age to the land revered by hope that the trip Christians, Jews and Muscould turn into lims. something more “You could feel the Courtesy photo than a spiritual power of God coming out 30 northwest Guilford area residents, most members of three churches based in Stokesdale, took a 10-day pilgrimage to experience. of that wall,” said Harrell, a Israel last month and returned with a better understanding of Jesus’ life and of Biblical stories.

Thomas saw member of Gideon Grove the trip as a United Methodist Church. “It great way to build community and to Keith Harrell was particularly drawn ion, and the Galilee, a lush mountainjust left you with the sense that God is continue that relationship after the trip to the Garden of Gethsemane, where ous region in northern Israel where in this world and he knows what he’s was over.

Jesus was arrested before his crucifixJesus did most of his ministry. doing.”

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“Those are the ones that most affected me and calmed my spirit and made me smile,” he said.

The group’s trip began to take shape after Stokesdale United Methodist pastor Ashley Thomas and her husband A.J. returned a year ago from traveling to Israel and she shared her experience with fellow pastors in the area. Inspired, they showed great interest in organizing a group trip to the biblical Holy Land.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Bailey concurred, and afterward said, “We have greater camaraderie and friendship growing out of our trip to the Holy Land. So I’m looking for greater work in Stokesdale and the community as church members cooperate in the work of the Kingdom.”

The trip generated enough interest that Bailey hopes it will become an annual or bi-annual event.

Group members said the trip helped them better understand Biblical stories

and the life and times of Jesus.

The lay of the land, the rocky Sea of Galilee coast, the proximity of Biblical villages, the mustard plants, the hills, all registered with these later-day pilgrims.

“One of the things that’s said about the Holy Land is ‘it’s the fifth Gospel,’” Thomas said.

“There are things that make more sense once you’ve been there.

“Our group loved being in the fertile Galilee region,” she added.

“You’re seeing the sea that Jesus walked on and sailed across and fished in.”

The Stokesdale group covered lots of territory while in Israel. On the first part of their trip they took a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and visited a first-century synagogue on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, the site of the miracle of the loaves and fishes, a synagogue in Capernaum where Jesus taught, the Mount of the Beatitudes where

Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, a kibbutz, Nazareth, Masada and the Dead Sea.

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11

COUNCIL MEETING

...continued from p. 1

meetings were cancelled for lack of a quorum.

When the mayor called the vote for removing the three agenda items the Joneses had requested be included, Tim Jones responded: “You know I am nay – I am loudly nay!”

Bill Jones echoed his opposition, adding, “I hope the citizens will figure out what’s happening here. This won’t be the last of it.”

From there, things went downhill, with both Bill and Tim Jones voting “No” to approve February and March council meeting minutes while Bill Jones asked former mayor Randy Braswell, who was in attendance, to pass out a packet of information to attendees that he said included evidence of fiscal mismanagement and biased vendor selection on the part of Flynt, Hooks and Bruno.

During Citizen Comments, Planning Board member Jimmy Landreth urged council members to work together.

… I can’t praise your service to our town enough, to our county, and for your time with the Guilford County Sheriff’s Department. Thank you for speaking up and being so bold. I think you deserve a standing ovation.”

During his comments to the council, Braswell gave accolades to Bill Jones, who he served with during his two years as a council member and four years as a mayor.

“Sometimes I feel things are being decided by part of the council and the other two councilmen might not know what the decisions were,” she said. “That might just be in my head … I hope the way I’m seeing it is not the way it is happening.”

“I wasn’t going to speak, but I didn’t want the young Scouts to leave and not recognize Councilman Jones,” he said.

Braswell said Jones, who will be vacating his seat on the council next month after selling his home in Stokesdale and moving to Kernersville, needed to be recognized for his service to the town.

“This man played on the streets as a kid in Stokesdale and has come back and served,” Braswell said. To Jones, he said, “I never knew that day that I met you (in 2011, when the two were filing to run for office) how important you would be to me as a person and a council member. You have a true compassion for people and you are the hardestworking man I have ever been around

During her comments, long-time Stokesdale resident and volunteer Eileen Thiery recognized the challenges council members face, but said three of the council members seemed to be “joined at the hip.”

Bruno have spent much time on town issues since being elected and they try to study the issues and be prepared to discuss and make decisions on them at meetings. With regard to contracting with a CPA to work on the town’s finances, he said, “We haven’t seen anything in writing, how many hours or how much money. When you’re turning over access of all your financial records to someone, we need an opportunity to review that…”

Thiery said she wasn’t referring to that specifically, rather that Bruno had apparently selected a company to remove trees but not given everyone on the council proposals for the work.

Thiery then thanked all five council members for the time they put into serving the town.

“If these two gentlemen have been left out of your bids, even though you have that authority, I think as a council, everyone should have been informed,” she told the council.

On the defense, Flynt assured Thiery and all those present that he, Hooks and

Coverage of the April 11 meeting will be continued in next week’s issue.

NEWS in brief

the budget to appropriate funds at that time versus setting aside an uncertain amount of money for meeting space in the budget it plans to adopt by June 30, Whitaker said.

Balancing the proposed budget would require an appropriation of $320,786 from the town’s fund balance, Whitaker said. That’s $271,639 lower than the current year.

...continued from p. 5 get reduces capital spending for property and buildings by $66,500 compared to this year’s amended budget.

If the council decides to proceed with building or renovating meeting space next year and it needs funds to move forward, it would prefer to amend

®

“I think you probably would agree 90 percent of the time if you thought about it,” Landreth told the five-member group.

“It doesn’t hurt to discuss things in public, iron things out, and figure if there are problems to be fixed. I wish we could get back to doing this and not be so split.”

The subject of 12 leaning and/or downed trees the town paid $24,000 to remove from and near the walking track in the park last fall, after Hurricane Michael swept through the area, prompted heated debate between citizens and council members alike. The vendor selected for the work is a member of Bruno’s business networking group, as are six other vendors that have been selected to do work for the town in the last year.

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13 Purgason’s says goodbye

After four decades in business under owner Cinda Whicker, the business will close in May

16 Summerfield Square

Neglected shopping center sees new life with three more new tenants.

Closing of Purgason’s draws customers back for last purchases, goodbyes and well wishes

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

The life-sized fiberglass horse that made its way to Purgason’s all the way from Nebraska in the 1990s has become a landmark in the years it has stood near the store’s entrance gazing across the U.S. 220 and N.C. 150 intersection in Summerfield. Purgason’s owner Cinda Whicker said she’s gotten offers to buy store fixtures and the fiberglass horse.

Owner Cinda Whicker is retiring and saying goodbye to three generations of customers

by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – Cinda Whicker and her longtime employees at Purgason’s Western Wear have sold boots, hats and horse riding gear for four decades and they’ve made many friends along the

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

In 1992 Purgason’s, which owner Cinda Whicker bought in 1977, relocated from the shopping center next door to this 6,000-square-foot-building on a 5-acre tract at the corner of U.S. 220 and Auburn Road in Summerfield. The business will close in May.

way. Sadly, now it’s time to say goodbye.

Whicker, who will soon turn 67, has decided to retire. The business she has built, housed in the familiar white landmark at the corner of U.S. 220 and Auburn Road, will close next month after a liquidation sale.

Whicker said she’s going to miss her loyal customers, but not the challenges of a single-store operation trying to compete against online retailers. For years now, she’s witnessed people trying on boots in her store so they’ll know the proper size, then purchasing them cheaper on the internet.

“It’s a lot of responsibility,” Whicker said one afternoon earlier this month.

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The business flourished, prompting Whicker to relocate the store from a strip center on U.S. 220 just around the corner to the tract it occupies on Auburn Road. She replicated the twin spires of Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville. She also bought a life-sized, fiberglass horse from Nebraska and a kiddie-ride horse from Ocala,

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Florida. She named it “Sandy the quarter horse” because it costs a quarter to ride.

been transformed into residential subdivisions.

“It’s really unfortunate when small businesses leave,” said Alicia MooneyFlynt, shopping for boots at Purgason’s with her husband, Mike Flynt.

Would-be buyers of the horses and just about everything else in the store – including a poster hanging high in the sky window – have emerged since Whicker announced she’s closing. Customers snapped up merchandise marked down as much as 40 percent.

Shortly after Whicker bought Purgason’s, her sister, Margot Donnell, joined her as a business partner.

The pair has done everything in the business over the years, from selling to ordering merchandise to keeping the books.

“This is one of the last brick-and-mortar tack File photo/NWO stores,” said Natalie West- Purgason’s owner Cinda Whicker (left) and her sister cott, a Purgason’s custom- and business partner Margot Donnell are closing their er for 30 years. One recent Summerfield store that’s sold boots, hats and Western weekend, she was buying wear and gear for 55 years. Combined, they’ve worked horse show clothes for her eight decades in the store, slated for closing in early May. 11-year-old daughter Ava. “We’re going to have to buy everything online now.” he cleaned cowboy hats for Purgason’s Small retailers such as Purgason’s typically lack the buying power of larger online retailers. Big retailers generate enough sales volume to replenish merchandise after selling it to customers, whereas keeping enough merchandise in stock is financially difficult for small businesses.

“The internet has hurt the singlestore owner,” said Ken Chamblee as

customers one recent afternoon. Video games and other online entertainment have also grabbed the attention of young people, he lamented.

In a post on Purgason’s Facebook page, Donnell said goodbye to friends and co-workers.

“I don’t have a clue what the future holds for me but I’m confident good things will come my way,” she wrote.

Donnell isn’t the only long-timer who joined Purgason’s years ago and decided to stay. Daisy Trull has worked at the store on and off for 20 years.

Her mother, Yvone Neller, has worked there for 23 years. And Ashley Bradsher

said she’s not missed working on a Saturday in her 17 years as a part-time employee.

“I’m happy for Cinda, but it is sad to see it go,” Trull said. “It’s been such a staple in the community.”

And Joy Shores, who has worked at Purgason’s for 22 years (ironically, after leaving another retail position where she had also worked for 22 years), said, “It has meant the world to me to be here… I didn’t know when I came here I would be here for 22 years, but I’m very loyal and after being here a while I told Cinda, ‘If you ever want to get rid of me you’re going to have to kick me off the boat.’ I knew this was going to be my home. We are family, and a lot of the customers are like family too.

“It has been a really good ride and such a good stretch of my life, and I wouldn’t trade anything for it,” Shores continued. “It’s bittersweet, but I’m happy for Cinda. She deserves to go and play her music and be in her kayak and do whatever she wants to do.”

“The horse business has taken a bit of a nosedive because there are not as many young people getting into it,” said Chamblee, 56. Many of the farms in northwest Guilford he remembers from his childhood have long since

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Three more new tenants sign on at the longneglected shopping center; they’ll join two other new tenants, Golden Antiques, which is relocating from Stokesdale, and Downtown BMX, which relocated from downtown Greensboro last month, and long-time tenants Jumping Bean and Town & Country Barber

by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield Square is adding two new tenants who will target young people and adults alike.

Popi Makris is preparing to open After School Brilliance, which will offer classes and camps to teach young people about robotics, computer coding, circuitry, entrepreneurship and leadership.

Learning to adapt to fast-changing technologies has “become the tablestakes skill set that everybody should learn,” said Makris, formerly a technology coach for financial services companies. She’s taught robotics and other classes in local YMCA branches and led First Legos Leagues, a robotics competition for elementary and middle school students.

Blissful Studios & Gallery is relocating from downtown Winston-Salem to

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Summerfield Square, where it will occupy smaller, less-expensive space and offer art classes to children and adults while selling art primarily by North Carolinians and hard-to-find crafts and toys. Local artists will be invited to sell their work on consignment.

“This should be fun and profitable,” said Blissful Studios owner John Berg, an adjunct professor of accounting at High Point University.

His wife, Debra Berg, serves as Blissful Studios’ chief financial officer while their two daughters, Melissa and Emily, are artists who work for the company. Another artist, Dan Tehan, handles custom framing of photos, paintings and other art for the gallery.

After School Brilliance and Blissful Studios are leasing space in the

...continued on p. 34

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BUILDER It’s unusual for people attending the Parade of Homes to buy houses right on the spot, so compiled by CHRIS BURRITT/NWO

what would you consider an accomplishment for the upcoming two weekends of the Parade?

Lansink Custom Homes “This is my third Parade. I don’t expect a sale out of it, though it would be nice if it happened,” Kevin Lansink said.

“I’m a little guy and Kevin Lansink I want to get my name out there and build my reputation. I view the Parade as a stepping stone.”

may meet with 20 or 30 potential clients a year. Some go away, and you never hear their feedback.

“When you see people at Parade, they tell you straight out what they like and don’t like. It’s direct, honest feedback.”

Ray Bullins Construction Co. “Being a consistent Parade participant lends credibility and validates you as a legitimate building company,” said Ray Bullins.

Walraven Signature Homes “The Parade gives us the opportunity to hear what the general public is saying about trends,” Matt Walraven told us.

“You can follow trends on Pinterest, Facebook Matt Walraven and all of these forms of social media, but during the Parade we hear directly from potential buyers.

“It creates a unique situation that builders don’t get all of the time. You

“My wife Lisa typically bakes chocolatechip cookies during the Parade. The smell of freshly baked cookies makes you feel comfortable, like you’re at home.

Ray Bullins

“It’s subtle psychology. We will have people come back who associate that smell with our house. ‘Oh yeah, we remember coming to your house last year or three years ago or five years ago,’ they say.

“I think the consistency of putting a home in each Parade gives people peace of mind as part of their selection process.

They know that we’re going to be here.”

R&K Custom Homes “We want the people who visit our homes during Parade to remember R&K from all of the other builders,” Kathy Dumas said. “We do our Kathy Dumas very best to make sure each house we put on Parade has a different look – this means different styles, colors and layouts. We want them to remember our house as the one with the outdoor kitchen or the one with the trundles.

“Tons of people walk through the Parade. A very small majority are actually out looking for a builder or a home.

Those are the ones we want to target or talk to. Giving people the opportunity to see all of the different options allows them to build their dream home with all the amenities they could imagine.”

Johnson & Lee “The Parade is where we build relationships with people,” said Casey Johnson. “When they get ready to pull the trigger on a new home purchase, we’ve already Casey got a working relationJohnson ship with them. And they know what quality they can expect from us. That’s the real reason why we do it.”

Don Mills Builders

Don Mills

“It’s a blessing and a bonus to sell a house during Parade,” Don Mills told us. “It doesn’t happen very often, so we don’t go to Parade expecting to sell a house.

“We go to Parade expecting to meet people and build relationships. We get to show off what we do. We get to talk to people one on one.”

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Planting seeds at GBA’s Parade of Homes This spring’s Parade, April 27-28 and May 4-5, connects builders with prospects who may build years from now

est design trends and features in kitchens and baths. For those who want to build new homes, though, it’s a chance to meet builders and see their work.

by CHRIS BURRITT For northwest Guilford homebuilders, spring is the season for cultivating future customers. They’re relying on the upcoming Parade of Homes to plant the seeds.

More than 80 homes by 25 builders will be on Parade in Guilford and Forsyth counties from 1 to 5 p.m. over the weekends of April 27-28 and May 4-5.

Admission is free, and many people who attend will simply want to look at the lat-

It’s also an opportunity to help people who are hungry. People visiting the Parade are urged to bring canned food to support A Simple Gesture, a food collection program that gives to food banks and pantries in Guilford County.

In the 14 years that builder Ray Bullins has participated in the Parade, he’s always picked up a contract to build a house – eventually. He said it typically takes about a year for the people whom he met during the Parade to circle back and ask him to build for them.

“In general, people who attend the

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Parade to look at homes are rarely ready to start building immediately,” said Bullins, who owns Ray Bullins Construction Co. with his wife Lisa. “There’s a relationship, a comfort level that we cultivate with potential customers.”

Bullins is showing a home with four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms in the Dawn Acres subdivision in Stokesdale. It’s the fourth year he’s participated in the Parade in the neighborhood.

The Parade is “a big event” for R&K Custom Homes, which is showing six houses this spring, said Kathy Dumas, who runs the company with her husband Rich and their daughter Kristen.

“I’ve never sold a house during the Parade,” said Matt Walraven, owner of Walraven Signature Homes. Even so, he’s participated in the Parade since 2012.

This spring, he’s showing four houses.

Two are in Buchanan Place in Greensboro while the others are in Knight’s Landing in Oak Ridge and Dawn Acres in Stokesdale.

Walraven said he plans to be on hand to talk to potential customers. So will his wife Danielle, the company’s finance manager, and his father Ben Walraven, who heads up the company’s marketing.

“We typically do not sell the Parade houses right away, but we get a majority of our pre-sale custom homes from “People may not be in the market the event,” Kathy said. “Potential buyers today, but they may be in the next two or sometimes follow us for years. But when three years,” Walraven said. “The Parade they are ready to build, they remember us gives us the opportunity to meet people. and our beautiful homes. We have often It shows our staying power, that we are already formed a relationship with them committed to building quality homes Linville Road, Suite E-3, Oak Ridge when that8004 time comes.” year in and year out.

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“It’s the best opportunity for us to meet people face-to-face,” said Casey Johnson, who owns the company with his father Commie and another father-son team, Rick and Mike Lee. Johnson said demand for pre-sold houses has been so strong that they’ve not been building many speculative houses. Recently they’ve been focused on preparing their Dawn Acres house for the Parade, he said.

Photo by Laura Reneer/NWO

This home in Eagle Ridge, #44 on the Parade roster, is by Oak Ridge-based Builders MD. Consumers are shopping year-round for houses, although “historically the spring is when people start to think about home construction, renovation and maintenance,” said Cheryl Collins, executive officer of Greensboro Builders Association, sponsor of the Parade since 1958.

“For anyone in that mindset, the Parade presents the opportunity to see homes at

a variety of price points and styles.

“A lot of people come to the Parade before they’re ready to buy or build a home,” Collins also noted. “They may be looking for ideas and may become inspired by what they see.”

Johnson & Lee is showing a Parade house with four bedrooms and threeand-a-half bathrooms in Dawn Acres.

“It’s not necessarily our goal to sell the home in the Parade but to basically sell ourselves as reputable builders,” Johnson said. “We pride ourselves in doing a quality job so we like people to see our homes.”

Don Mills, who owns Don Mills Builders with his wife Annette, is showing two houses in the Parade. A four bedroom, three-and-a-half bedroom house is located in Charles Place at Arbor Run, a new neighborhood in Kernersville that Mills said he wants to promote. The other has the same layout, and it’s in the Woodrose subdivision in northwest Greensboro.

The Parade “is the greatest thing for our business,” Mills said. “We’ll meet

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They circled back last summer – eight years after they met Mills.

“After their kids got older and they got their finances right, they called me to build that house,” Mills said.

Back in 2009 in the midst of the housing slump, Mills said the Parade saved his business. He built a house in the Jessup Ridge subdivision in Summerfield that “was either going to keep us in business or put us out of business,” he said.

Over the two weekends of the Parade, Mills signed contracts to build two houses. Two weeks afterwards, he sold the house in Jessup Ridge.

“It really hasn’t slowed down since,” he said.

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As a testimony to that, Mills talked of a couple he met during the Parade in 2009. They told him they wanted to replicate the house in Lennox Woods in Summerfield, but not right then.

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more people during Parade than we’d meet all year long even if we held open houses every weekend.”

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THURSDAY, APRIL 18

 Lions Club Meeting | Oak Ridge Lions Club will meet

Oak Ridge. No experience necessary; tools will be provided, but bring loppers and pruning shears if you have them. Wear protective clothing. More info: Oak Ridge Town Hall, (336) 644-7009.

ing clays from five different stations within a designated time period. Sponsorships and vendor information available. All proceeds will go to breast cancer research.

More info and to register: www.earlier.org.

COMING UP / REGISTER NOW

 Gears and Steers Ride for Hospice | Ride for

 Art in Motion | The dance department at Northern

April 18, 6:30 p.m. at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68, Oak Ridge. More info: Danny Yanusz, (336) 643-6424.

Guilford High School, 7101 Spencer Dixon Road in Greensboro, invites you to its spring concert, “Art in Motion,” Friday, May 3, beginning 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

 5K/1-Mile Fun Run & Health Fair | Northern

 Veterans’ Memorial Bike Show | Northwest Guilford

Guilford Middle School, 616 Simpson-Calhoun Road in Greensboro, will host its 11th annual health and fitness fair Friday, May 3, 5 to 7:30 p.m. This community event features a 1-mile walk/run (starts 6 p.m.) through the middle and high school grounds and a 5K (starts 6:30 p.m.) varied terrain run throughout the middle school and high school grounds, including a wooded stretch of terrain. The carnival offers booths from community vendors, summer camp information, food, inflatables, jazz and pep band entertainment, as well as lots of door prizes. More info: (336) 605-3342 or lynnewilllynne@aol.com. Register for the 5K and 1-mile fun run at www.jonesracingcompany.com/nighthawk5k/.

VFW Post 7999 is hosting a bike show April 20, 10 a.m. at StokeRidge Tavern and Grill, 7607 N.C. 68 N., Suite H, Stokesdale. Funds raised will benefit the veterans’ memorial in Summerfield. Bike registration fee is $20. Door prizes, music, food and a 50/50 drawing.

Come show your bike and help support our veterans’ memorial and programs. More info: (336) 601-0941.  Country Breakfast | Liberty Wesleyan Church,

15303 U.S. 158 E. in Summerfield, will host a country breakfast fundraiser April 20, 7-10 a.m. More info: (336) 643-6968.

MONDAY, APRIL 22  Earth Day Volunteer | Come celebrate Earth Day

 Blastin’ for Boobs Fundraiser | Shane’s Sporting

April 22, 9 a.m. to noon by helping Oak Ridge’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail Committee work on a section of the trail at Cascades Preserve. Meet at Cascades Preserve parking lot, 7359 Goodwill Church Road in

Clays will hold its annual “Blastin’ for Boobs” fundraiser Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m., 6319-B U.S. 158 in Summerfield. This is a fun, women’s only pink clay target shoot in which teams of five participate in shooting 25 sport-

Hospice is organizing a fundraising bicycling event for Sunday, May 5, 10 a.m. starting at Summerfield Cyclery, 1015 N.C. 150 W. in Summerfield. The Gears and Steers Ride for Hospice has 25-, 35- and 54-mile options. 100 percent of registration fees go to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro. To register/more info: www.rideforhospicenc.com.  Car Show | The Sixth Annual Custom Carz at

Church Car Show will be held Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. at Stokesdale Christian Church, 8607 Stokesdale St. This is a fundraising event to help community families that are less fortunate or experiencing hardship. More info and to register your custom car: www.stokesdalechristianchurch.com.  Run/Walk for Julie | Family and friends of Julie

McCormick are holding a 5K fundraiser May 18, 7:30 a.m. at Fleet Feet, 3731 Lawndale Drive in Greensboro. Julie is a Stokesdale resident in need of a double lung transplant due to PVOD (Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease). Adult run packets: $25/ person; $15/child age 12 and under. For corporate sponsorships, please email lshipman22@gmail.com or nmaceldowney@att.net. To register or to donate, visit www.event.com and search for “Run/Walk for Julie 5K.”

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OBITUARY MIN-JEONG JI Min-Jeong Ji, 52, of Summerfield died the afternoon of Monday, April 15, in the hospital from an aggressive form of liver cancer diagnosed only a few weeks earlier. Among those closest to her and who will eternally miss her are her husband of 12 years, Jim; daughter Lia, 9; son Ian, 7; and sister-in-law Jennifer Mun, also of Summerfield.

Born in South Korea, Min-Jeong and her husband met 13 years ago after she

for obituary rates,

work

When not caring for her family, Min-Jeong could be found every Sunday volunteering at her church or at the Bistro 150 in Oak Ridge, where she worked for Jennifer Mun, the restaurant’s owner.

Jennifer said Min-Jeong will not only be missed as her co-worker and sister-in-law, but as her best friend whom she deeply loved.

“We will miss her and her smiling, beautiful face,” Jennifer said. “We will love and miss her forever.”

A service for Min-Jeong was to be held at her church on Thursday, April 18, followed by a private ceremony for family on Friday.

email: info@nwobserver.com • call: 644-7035, ext. 10

we

live

traveled to this country to visit a friend.

Those who knew and loved her say they will remember her as a wonderful person, mother and wife, and a giving, caring and loving woman who always had a positive outlook and a sweet smile to share.

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APRIL 18 - 24, 2019

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Vikings’ baseball team gets a taste of the big league One of only 16 teams from across the country invited to participate in USA Baseball’s annual high school competition, the Vikings tied for sixth place out of 16 teams

by MEREDITH BARKLEY Northwest Guilford’s varsity baseball team had its shot at the big stage in early April and made the most of it.

The Vikings were the only North Carolina team to participate in USA Baseball’s eighth annual National High School Invitational April 3-6 in Cary, where 16 top high school baseball teams from across the country competed.

Headquartered in Cary, USA Baseball is a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and governs amateur baseball in the U.S. It bills its annual invitational as the closest the U.S. has to a high school national title competition.

Criteria for team selection include current roster, past successes, reputation and players’ college commitments.

Courtesy photo

NWHS’s varsity baseball team poses at USA Baseball’s headquarters in Cary, where they participated in the National High School Invitational April 3-6. Team members (not in photo order) are: Robert Dix, Ethan Blanchard, Joey Rezek, Drew Demers, Landon Frye, Tim Cao, Hayden Summers, R.J. Brooks, Robert Smith, Kenan Tippett, Ryne Rodrigues, Josh Foulks, Matthew Brumley, Logan James, Xavier Ortega, Ethan Martin and Bryson Leasure. Coaching staff includes Head Coach Sonny Gann, Christian Dix, Duncan Everett, Ryan Gravley, Parker Frazier and Spencer Carr.

When the Vikings first arrived at the Cary baseball complex for the invitational, the reality of where they were and who they were up against washed over them, shortstop and right-handed pitcher Gavin Mortenson said. He admitted it was all a bit “intimidating” at first.

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APRIL 18 - 24, 2019

“I knew it was going to be a big deal,” he said. “I don’t think it hit any one of us how big a deal it was.”

Team members looked around and saw future draft picks everywhere. Then they settled down and went to work.

In the first round of the competition Northwest met Huntington Beach (16-4) of California, one of the top teams in the nation. Huntington Beach jumped to a 3-0 lead in the first inning, but Northwest held them scoreless the next three innings. The Vikings gave up three runs each in the fifth and sixth innings and another two in the seventh. They picked up two runs in the sixth, but lost 11-2.

“It was closer than that,” Vikings’ head coach Sonny Gann said of the final score. “We were in the game in the fifth, then baseball happened and it got away from us.”

Still, he felt his team had played well

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

against national-caliber competition.

“We played really well the first game, even though we lost,” Mortenson said. “I think it helped us in the next two games. It was definitely a confidence booster.”

Next up was Hendersonville (8-4), a Tennessee team. In that one, too, the Vikings fell behind in the early going. They were down 9-0 headed into the bottom of the second inning.

Then Northwest’s bats came alive and they scored 15 runs over the next 5 ½ innings to win 15-9.

“We kind of got going offensively that game,” Gann said. “Everybody brought their bats that game.”

Mortenson, a junior who already has plans to play at Western Carolina, had three hits. Joey Rezek, who has committed to East Carolina, had two hits, a sacrifice fly and six runs batted in.

...continued on p. 31

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Coach Darlene Joyner, aka ‘Momma J,’ announces retirement The longtime coach and teacher returned to Northwest Guilford High School, her alma mater, after graduating from college and remained there for the entire 33 years of her career

2017 and 2018. Joyner’s 2018 basketball team was ranked 20th in the country by MaxPreps.

NW GUILFORD – Longtime Northwest Guilford High School teacher and coach Darlene Joyner announced April 17 that she will retire from her head varsity girls basketball coaching position. Joyner is a graduate of Northwest Guilford High School and of Guilford College, where she is a member of the Guilford College Athletic Hall of Fame. She is also a member of the Guilford County Athletic Hall of Fame.

“Our school and community have been blessed to have Coach Joyner as a resource for our young women for so many years,” said John Hughes, Northwest’s athletic director, after learning of Joyner’s decision to retire. “She is the real deal, a true self-sacrificing teacher and coach who always pushes her kids to be the best.

After graduating from Guilford College, Joyner returned to Northwest to teach and coach at her high school alma mater and has remained for the entire 33 years of her coaching and teaching career.

Joyner has been the head girls varsity basketball coach at Northwest since 2002 and leaves with an overall record of 362 wins and 109 losses. Under her coaching and leadership, Northwest’s girls varsity basketball team has won three West Region 4A championships and won two 4A state championships in

In her coaching career at Northwest, Joyner also won a softball 3A state championship in 1996 and won the West Regional 4A volleyball state championship in 2015. She was selected by the NCHSAA as the Toby Webb Female statewide coach of the year for the 2015-16 school year.

“I was fortunate to work alongside her on the basketball staff for several years before she became head coach, and she did not change a bit when she inherited our program as the head coach after the retirement of Bob Yow,” Hughes continued. “Her energy and focus never wavered as a coach and she always committed herself 100 percent to her girls. It was never about her or her individual accomplishments, it was always about the success of her girls. I am saddened along with our girls as we will miss ‘Momma J.’ I am so thankful for her contributions to Northwest and to my life. She is a tremendously special

File photo

During her 33-year career, the varsity girls basketball teams under Coach Darlene Joyner (far right) won three West Region 4A basketball championships, two 4A state championships in 2017 and 2018, a softball 3A state championship in 1996 and the West Regional 4A volleyball state championship in 2015. Joyner was selected by the NCHSAA as the Toby Webb Female statewide coach of the year for the 2015-16 school year. individual and coach.”

Northwest High School principal Ralph Kitley also spoke highly of Joyner’s contributions to the school during her 33 years of teaching and coaching.

“Coach Joyner has meant so much to the Northwest Guilford High School community,” Kitley said. “She cares about all of her student-athletes, and has spent countless hours in the classroom and on the courts and fields working to help them become better

at their respective sport. But she also teaches life lessons to help make them better people.

“Coach Joyner has received many accolades and awards during her tenure as a head coach in three sports at Northwest, but she is a humble person who has, and will, always give the credit to her student-athletes for any and all accomplishments,” Kitley continued.

“Northwest Guilford High School will greatly miss Coach Darlene Joyner.”

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Annual art show, April 11 hosted by

Northern Guilford High School

Students from Summerfield Elementary, Northern Elementary, McNair Elementary, Northern Guilford Middle and Northern Guilford High School showcased their artwork at an annual art show held at Northern Guilford April 11.

Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO

(Above) Mason O’Connor, an AP art student in Mary Ann Vespa’s class at Northern Guilford High School, stands beside several of his art pieces on display at the annual art show on April 11. (Below) Grace Schneider, also an AP art student in Vespa’s class, stands beside several of her art pieces on display at the art show.

NWHS TEAM

...continued from p. 28

Hayden Summers, who has committed to UNC, had two triples.

The last game, against another California powerhouse, La Mirada (18-6), was dramatic.

In what became a pitching duel, La Mirada pushed across a run in the first inning and held a 1-0 lead until the seventh. With two outs in the top of the seventh and no one on, Northwest’s Summers drew a walk, moved to second on a wild pitch and scored to tie the game on a Landon Frye single.

Continuing the late-game rally, R.J. Brooks smacked a single to move Robert Bix, who was running for Frye, to third. Bix scored on a single up the middle by Josh Folks, giving the Vikings a 2-1 lead going into the bottom of the seventh. They held on for the win.

Because of the stage and La Mirada’s reputation, Gann said the win may have been the biggest win of his

15 years as head baseball coach at Northwest.

Northwest finished tied for sixth of 16 teams.

Mortenson, who got the complete game win against La Mirada, was 5-10 at the plate for the tournament and played error-free ball at shortstop. Gann credited him with “two spectacular plays” at that position.

Mortenson learned on the way to the prom – via Twitter – that he had been named to USA Baseball’s high school All-Tournament Team.

“Definitely a crazy way to find out,” he said.

“We were very humbled and appreciated” the opportunity to play in the invitational, Gann said. “It was an absolutely amazing experience. I’ve been pleased with this year and I’m really proud of the guys. I hope we have a strong finish.”

The Vikings, last year’s conference champions, are 15-6 overall this season and 7-1 in Metro 4A Conference play.

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APRIL 18 - 24, 2019

31

ertical date

GRINS and GRIPES Delighted or dismayed by something in your community?

Share your thoughts in words or less

40

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

GRINS to...  Van Tanner for seeing a need in the younger Oak Ridge population and acting as a voice for ORYA volunteers, youth and teens who could use a central meeting spot. He presented

a workable solution and should be heard/supported.  An employee at Chick-fil-A on Pisgah Church for presenting my milkshake with style! It was an amazing performance. Bravo! (And the milk-

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shake was delicious too.)  All the staff at Kings Crossing Animal Hospital, especially Dr. Fuller, who took amazing care of our puppy when she became ill. We are so very thankful for you all and all you do.  The Stokesdale Community Choir on their Easter cantata. Outstanding.

We praise God for this group!  All the parents at Oak Ridge Presbyterian Preschool for an amazing Teacher Appreciation Around the World. On behalf of all the teachers, we are blessed to have you and your children.  Councilman Doug Nodine for voicing support at the recent town council meeting for the ORYA, which serves youth athletes in Oak Ridge.  Janelle Robinson for practicing good citizenship in Summerfield. Your actions benefited all Summerfield residents who care about decent government.  Northwest Observer for highlighting controversy over use of the vacant home on Town Park property. ORYA has been serving Oak Ridge families for 30 years and can use the property for youth events, gatherings, fundraising, registrations and much more!

GRIPES to...

 The landscaping company (name withheld) in Oak Ridge that cut my grass and left a big mess. Rude owner and bad customer service, too. *Editor’s note: Due to the volume of gripes we are receiving about specific businesses and the limited time/ resources we have to investigate their validity before accepting responsibility for publishing them, we’ve declined to disclose the company name in the gripe above. Readers who feel their experience with a business is worthy of filing a report with the Better Business Bureau are encouraged to do so – and then if desired, to re-submit their gripe along with a BBB file number.  Democrats who hope to find some-

32

APRIL 18 - 24, 2019

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

thing on President Donald Trump that the IRS has not been able to.  Companies that put signs advertising their businesses along our roads.

It’s trashy and illegal. Don’t reward those companies with business.  Oak Ridge Town Council members who clearly know nothing about youth sports today. The standards have changed. The demands are greater, the costs are higher and they require more time, more space and more volunteers. Be part of the solution!  Summerfield Mayor Gail Dunham for only sending her community “news”letter to select citizens who agree with her and commend her for a job well done. Leaders listen to – and learn from – all viewpoints and you, Madam Mayor, are no leader.  Tractor Supply, whose ear-piercing alarm went off around 10 p.m. April 15 and droned on until about 4 a.m. I understand the need for the alarm, but letting it go overnight was decidedly un-neighborly to those of us who live nearby.

Editor’s note: We reached out to Tractor Supply and spoke with manager Don Jaquish, who asked us to offer his apologies to those who were disturbed by the alarm’s piercing sound during the night of April 15.

Jaquish said that unfortunately, the closest employee who could respond when the alarm initially went off lives in Walnut Cove.

“She got to the store as soon as she could, met the police there, and walked the outside of the building a couple times,” Jaquish told us. “The alarm code said ‘side lot,’ so they searched for what might be setting the alarm off, but found nothing. The employee ended up making three trips because the alarm kept going off, but they were never able to find anything.”

Jaquish said he can’t be sure, but suspects either an animal or the wind

...continued on p. 34

12 | 24 | 36

MONTH

FINANCING*

$0 DOWN PAYMENT - WE’RE COVERING THE INTEREST DON’T WAIT! Get the medical equipment you need today!

Proactive Home Health Program

336.441.8900

MyDoveStore.com/Proactive

Lift Chairs

Home Ramps

Patient Lifts

Hospital Beds

www.MyDoveStore.com Retail locations in: Greensboro - (336) 574-1489 Summerfield - (336) 441-8900 Kernersville - (336) 365-1911 Scooters

Portable Oxygen

Electric Wheelchairs

* Terms and conditions apply.

Subject to credit approval.

SHOPPING CENTER REVIVES

...continued from p. 16

building across the parking lot from the Dollar General store and the vacant storefront being refurbished by Golden Antiques & Treasures.

Photo courtesy of Blissful Studios & Gallery

After closing their store off U.S. 220 in Stokesdale last month, Golden Antiques owners John and Gina Childress are relocating to Summerfield Square and will occupy the same space the business occupied for many years under previous owners Kevin and Wendy Golden.

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Popi Makris, owner of After School Brilliance, said her classes and camps will encourage young people to have fun while learning about robotics, computer coding and other technology skills.

Melissa Berg teaches a painting class at Blissful Studios & Gallery, which is relocating from Winston-Salem to Summerfield Square.

Kotis Properties, the Greensboro-based developer that manages Summerfield Square, hopes to lease all of the center’s vacant space over the next few months, setting the stage for renovations, company CFO David Swift said in an interview last month.

Adam and Sabrina French relocated their bike shop, Downtown BMX and Downtown Bicycle Works, to Summerfield Square from downtown Greensboro last month.

Although it hasn’t opened, the space

formerly occupied by Summerfield Family Chiropractic is being remodeled for a tanning salon. Efforts to reach the owner for comment weren’t successful.

The buildings and parking lot in Summerfield Square have slowly deteriorated since the departure of Food Lion as the anchor tenant 19 years ago. The shopping center struggled for nearly a decade until Golden Antiques

GRINS & GRIPES

...continued from p. 32 blowing something around caught the eye of the alarm sensor.  Town of Oak Ridge for allowing obstructive structures to be built in a residential area. Why can’t a religious complex such as a temple be built on N.C. 68 where it’s already a commercial and business area?

Editor’s note: Although the property on Alcorn Road where a Hindu temple is planned is actually zoned agricul-

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APRIL 18 - 24, 2019

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

took over the supermarket’s old space.

French and Berg said they’re eager to help pump new life into the center by sponsoring events in the parking lot such as BMX cycling demonstrations and art shows.

“My hope is that there will be a lot of collaboration between the businesses,” Berg said. “We want to become a destination and part of the community.”

tural, not residential, a portion of the property does abut the Golden Acres subdivision (another part of the property borders the area of the bridge over I-73 that was completed last year).

Regardless, Oak Ridge Town Manager Bill Bruce confirmed that places of worship are permitted in all zoning districts, including agricultural and residential districts. Like any other structure built in Oak Ridge, the temple will be required to adhere to the town’s parking, signage, lighting and other development guidelines as outlined in the town’s development ordinance.

 AUTO SALES & SERVICE

 EMPLOYMENT

 SAVE THE DATE

2019 HONDA CIVIC-SPORT TRIM for sale.

5,427 miles, in great condition. White exterior, black interior. One owner; still under factory warranty. Fully loaded, always garaged, non-smoker. Comes with Honda Sensing Safety Package. $20,900. Call or text (336) 312-7536.

LAND SURVEYING CREW MEMBER position available. Previous experience is preferred but not required. Career opportunity. Call to set up interview, (336) 275-8084, or visit www.hughcreedassociates.com.

COMMUNITY GRAND OPENING AND CAR SHOW! JBE Sports, an indoor baseball and softball facility, will host a car show for its Grand Opening weekend. Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5, 9am-4pm at 490 K-Fork Road Madison, NC. Come see the cars and indoor training facility. Raffles, door prizes and food for sale.

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

 EMPLOYMENT

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

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

INDEX

Auto Sales & Service ................... 35 Employment ............................... 35 Save the Date ............................. 35 Yard Sales ................................... 35 Home Services ....................... 35-37 Misc. for Sale .............................. 37 Misc. Services.............................. 37 Misc. Wanted .............................. 37 Pets & Animal Services ................ 37 Real Estate .................................. 37

Kings Crossing Animal Hospital in Stokesdale is looking for a PART-TIME, experienced VETERINARY RECEPTIONIST to join our growing team. Full-time would be considered for the right applicant. The applicant should be comfortable using veterinary scheduling software – Cornerstone preferred, but will consider a candidate who is proficient with other clinic management software. Candidate must also have excellent client communication skills and be familiar with sales. Good attitude and genuine interest in our patients is a must. Interested applicants should call (336) 644-7606 or email kch@kingscrossinganimalhospital.com.

ASSISTANTS AND COOK POSITIONS available in child care center. Call (336) 643-5930 for information.

Hiring EXPERIENCED TREE WORKERS with valid driver's license and clean driving record. (336) 643-9157.

RECEPTIONIST NEEDED at Summerfield Veterinary Hospital. Part-time. Clerical, invoicing, data entry and assisting clients.

Please apply at Summerfield Veterinary Hospital 4318 U.S. Hwy. 220 N. Drug testing and background checks a must.

G? !

H IR IN We can help

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

nwobserver.com

 YARD SALES MULTI FAMILY Yard Sale, Saturday, April 20.

7am-12pm. 8299 Stafford Mill Rd, Oak Ridge.

 SAVE THE DATE

 HOME SERVICES

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA at Central Baptist Church, Saturday, April 20, 1pm, 1715 N.C. 68 N., Oak Ridge. Egg hunt, inflatables and Kona Ice. More info: visit www.oakridgecbc.org.

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

GEARS & STEERS RIDE FOR HOSPICE. Sunday, May 5, 10am. Bike ride 25-, 35-, or 54-mile options. www.triforhospice.org to register.

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

Something

THE CLEANING TECHNICIAN INC. For a one-time clean or bi-weekly, I can fit your schedule. Licensed, bonded and insured. Call Lisa (336) 207-0770.

?

going on

Tell northwest Guilford County Place your Save the Date online at

TOM BROWN MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT, hosted by Oak Ridge Lions Club, Friday, May 3, 7:30am at Greensboro National Golf Course, 330 Niblick Drive, Summerfield. Mail entry fee, players' names, handicaps and phone numbers by April 26 to: LION Doug Nodine, 1400 N.C. 68 N., Oak Ridge, NC 27310. $75/player for preregistration; $85/player for same-day registration. Red "T" option $5 each. Call LION Danny Yanusz (336) 455-1722 for more info.

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

A-ACTION AIR. Repair and service. Checkup special $39.95. Call (336) 382-3750.

CLEANING

CastleWorks WINDOW CLEANING Includes gutters, pressure washing, chandeliers and other high ladder work. Fully insured and bonded, free estimates. (336) 609-0677. www.castleworkswindowcleaning.com.

PURE CLEANING. Residential cleaning services. Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or occasional. We will work with your budget.

Free Estimates. (956) 562-3407.

DUST FAIRY CLEANING SERVICE Reliable and professional, with years of experience. Call Tammy anytime for a free estimate. (828) 279-1464.

MAIDS OF HONOR HOME CLEANING $25 off! Locally owned, bonded staff. 40 years in service. BBB A+ rating. (336) 708-2407.

... continued on p. 36

APRIL1818- 24, - 24,2019 2019 APRIL

35 35

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

KOONTZ CLEANING SERVICE, serving Summerfield and surrounding areas since 1985. Quality carpet and upholstery cleaning, tile and grouted floors, leather furniture, Oriental rugs. Ask about our hardwood floor deep-cleaning system and finish application. Spring specials. Please call (336) 643-6323 or (336) 392-8802.

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.

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

SOUTHERN CUTS LAWN CARE, complete lawn maintenance services. 13 years experience. Nathan Adkins, (336) 500-1898.

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

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.

ELECTRICAL Need an electrician? Call BLACKMON ELECTRICAL, INC. Free estimates. Commercial & residential. Licensed & insured.

Call (336) 430-5018.

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

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

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

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

OLD SCHOOL

HOME REPAIR/IMPROVEMENTS “No Job Too Small”

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

MOWER DECKS WELDED & REPAIRED. Pickup and delivery available. Call or text Morris at (336) 880-7498.

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.

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

PEARMAN QUARRY HAULING Fill dirt, gravel, sand rock, mulch & more.

Joel Richardson, (336) 803-2195.

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

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

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

FAY'S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Complete landscape maintenance & hardscaping. Tree work. Reasonable & honest.

Call Taylor, (336) 458-6491.

AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION Quality irrigation systems. NC licensed contractor. We service all systems. Free est. (336) 644-1174.

thanks

our advertisers for

making each weekly issue possible!

PIEDMONT FORESTRY MULCHING Competitive pricing, free estimates. Visit us at Piedmontforestrymulching.com or on Facebook.

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

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

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.

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

ATCHISON LAWN CARE. Dependable.

Honest. Local. Call (336) 486-9837.

FIX YOUR MOWER. Free pickup & delivery.

Call Rick, (336) 501-8681.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Commercial & Residential. (336) 669-5210.

Contact us for a free estimate!

(336) 669-7252

oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com

36 36

APRIL 2019 APRIL1818- 24, - 24, 2019

TheThe Northwest Observer • Totally local local since since 19961996 Northwest Observer • Totally

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.

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

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

MASONRY SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes.

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

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

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

PAINTING & DRYWALL

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

(336) 931-0600

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

CINDY’S PAINTING. Interior painting, wall-paper removal. References & free estimates available. (336) 708-9155.

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

MISC. WANTED

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

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

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

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

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 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. & insured. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924.

PRESSURE WASHING HOUSE & ROOF SOFT WASH CLEANING. We take the hassle out of cleaning your castle. Call us today (919) 931-0856.

MartinsPressureWashing.com.

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

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION

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

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.

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.

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

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

Want to reach northwest Guilford County residents?

The Northwest Observer reaches EVERY MAILBOX with an Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale mailing address.

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

MISC. FOR SALE YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OIL distributor, Lisa P. Shaw. www.myyl.com/yleo4me.

ITEMS FOR SALE: GE black refrigerator used 4 mos., $299; exercise bike, $50; Kirby vacuum w/attach., $150; maple table w/6 chairs, $175; extension ladder, $75. Call (336) 644-7076.

E-Z-GO GOLF CARTS – 2014, Gas carts, Model TXT, EC, $2,700, 40 available.

Please call (336) 707-0559.

ITEMS FOR SALE: Beach toys, 3-piece hutch, side table, buffet table, Oak roll-top desk, bistro table/leather chairs, kitchenette table/chairs, new fire pit, silver side table, 2 antique lamps, pressure washer, former casual corner wood/glass countertops, brand new sewing machine, and ping pong table. Call (336) 601-9292.

FREE composted horse manure. You load and haul. (336) 643-1451.

Have Something to Sell?

Place an ad online at

FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, golf carts, ATVs, generators, power washers, chain saws, mini-bikes, go-carts, any gasoline items.

(336) 689-4167.

PETS & ANIMAL SVCS. LOST PET MISSING female domestic shorthair cat.

Last seen on Southard Road in Stokesdale.

If found, please call (336) 613-6730.

PET SITTING KRISTIN'S PET SITTING, dog walking, daily visits, medications, etc. Vet tech experience. (336) 337-8172.

WENDY COLLINS PET SITTING. Registered & Insured. Follow me on Facebook! Call or text, (336) 339-6845.

REAL ESTATE HOMES FOR RENT NEWLY REMODELED MH FOR RENT. 2BR/1BA in clean, quiet MHP near 158/220.

All appliances, garbage collection and water included. $500/month. (336) 908-6553.

CONVENIENT ONE-LEVEL TOWNHOUSE, no stairs, 2BR/1BA, $800, (336) 392-1454.

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

Call (336) 643-8191 or (336) 580-3245.

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.

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.

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, roofing, rotted wood.

Sr. disc., 39 years exp. (336) 362-6343.

ROOFING. Best prices in town! Shingle and metal roofing. Top-notch quality. Res./comm., licensed & insured. Financing available.

Belews Creek Construction, (336) 362-6343.

MISC. SERVICES

COMMERCIAL FOR SALE/LEASE

FURNITURE REFURBISHING Fat Rabbit Furniture And More, LLC. Give us a call today for all your furniture needs.

Whether it’s a minor repair or you want your whole bedroom suite, antique piece, or kitchen table set painted or stained, we can do that for you! Making old new again is what we do! Contact us today at (336) 816-3641.

For SALE or LEASE. 7005 U.S. Hwy. 158, Stokesdale. 1.92 acres zoned LI (Light Industrial). .07-acre fenced-in rear yard. Two storage trailers and a shed with additional storage area available. Security cameras.

1,120 SQ modular office building. Sale price: $218,000. Lease Price: $2,750 per month NNN. For information, please contact: Alan Wedit, CCIM, (336) 312-6868, or Alan@ Carolinare.com.

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

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

... See Land, Homes for sale, p. 38

APRIL18 18- -24, 24,2019 2019 APRIL

37 37

 REAL ESTATE

 REAL ESTATE

 REAL ESTATE

LAND FOR SALE

HOMES FOR SALE

HOMES FOR SALE

LAND with SMALL HOUSE for sale in Stokesdale (Rockingham County). 5.75 acres.

Call (336) 549-9599.

UNBEATABLE UPDATES!

LOTS OF STORAGE!

131 Cobblestone Walk Drive

8408 Lillys Court

NORTHERN SCHOOLS, wooded 1.5+/- acre lot. No HOA, no dues. Approved for 4BR septic. Priced to sell. Call (336)430-9507.

SUMMERFIELD, AWESOME LOCATION. Fantastic piece of property with open & wooded acreage, creek on back of property. Magnificent estate/horse farm site. Call (336) 430-9507 anytime!

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.

Gorgeous custom home in Northern school district with updates that cannot be beat! Open floor plan with dream chef’s kitchen, master and library on main level. Private backyard complete with covered deck, custom landscaping, sprinkler system, and built-in grilling station and firepit. $714,900

This beautiful home features full finished basement and bedroom. Open bright plan with views of wooded backyard.

Master on main level and unfinished bonus room up for additional living space option. Additional 2-bay parking with lots of storage.

Angie Wilkie

Angie Wilkie

Broker/Realtor ®

Broker/Realtor ®

(336) 451-9519

(336) 451-9519

angie.wilkie@allentate.com

angie.wilkie@allentate.com

$589,000

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!

HOMES FOR SALE

NORTHERN SCHOOLS!

OPEN HOUSE: Sat, April 20 • 11am-3pm

8271 Coldwater Road, Stokesdale

Executive Country Home on 2 acres of cleared land. Beautiful in all seasons!

Transitional home in the quiet country, with a short commute to Greensboro and WinstonSalem. In addition to an attached garage is an oversized detached garage large enough for hobbies/boat storage for the nearby lake!

Heated, customizable basement has full bath. Take a break from the heat with a dip in the saltwater swimming pool! $550,000

1472 Bethan Drive, Summerfield

Perfectly maintained home in Northern school district. Three bedrooms down with bedroom and bonus up. Kitchen features gas stovetop, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. Enjoy the beautiful backyard either from the screened-in porch or the covered porch. $359,900

Brittany Dawson

Angie Wilkie

Broker/REALTOR

Cell: (336) 402-6763

Broker/Realtor ®

brittany.dawson @thelaketeam1.com

(336) 451-9519 angie.wilkie@allentate.com

on the

read our

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

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

GO? so is NWO!

e-edition online at www.nwobserver.com (Pssst! Reading the e-edition is free.)

38

APRIL APRIL1818- 24, - 24,2019 2019

TheThe Northwest Observer • Totally local local since since 19961996 Northwest Observer • Totally

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

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS

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

ACCOUNTING

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

By the Book Accounting ................... 40

BEK Paint Company .......................... 36

Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC..... 14

Budget Blinds ................................... 26

AUTOMOTIVE SALES/SERVICES Vestal Buick GMC, Inc. ..................... 32

BUILDING / REMODELING

Carpets by Direct ................................ 7 Nature’s Select .................................. 34 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery 17 Old School Home Repair .................. 36

Builders MD ...................................... 16

Prostone Inc. .................................... 24

Dezern Construction ......................... 22

Southern States ............................Insert

Disney Custom Homes ..................... 18

Stokesdale Heating & Air .................... 4

Don Mills Builders ............................. 23 Greensboro Builders Association ...... 13 Johnson & Lee, LLC .......................... 20 Lansink Custom Homes .................... 22 Naylor Custom Homes ..................... 21 R&K Custom Homes ........................ 19 Ray Bullins Construction ................... 18 Walraven Signature Homes .............. 18

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS After School Brilliance ........................ 5 Guardian Ad Litem Program ............. 28

CHURCH Central Baptist Church........................11

INSURANCE Justin Fulp, Farm Bureau Insurance ... 26

LEGAL SERVICES Barbour & Williams Law .................... 24 Scott Tippett, Hagan Barrett Law ..... 31

MEDICAL CARE Dove Medical Supply ........................ 33

Reynolds Orthodontics ........................ 2

Summerfield First Baptist Church......... 6

Northwest Animal Hospital ................. 8 Westergaard Kennels ........................ 10

Borden Dentistry ................................. 9

REAL ESTATE

Summerfield Family Dentistry ........... 26

A New Dawn Realty ......................... 40

Forbis & Dick Stokesdale .................. 40

• Thank you for another great edition. The Northwest Observer (NWO) serves our communities well!

• Thanks for all the great coverage of local issues in this week’s paper!

Olmsted Orthodontics ....................... 30

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital .............. 26

FUNERAL SERVICES

• Love you guys!! Thanks for what you do for our community!! Happy New Year!!

ORTHODONTICS

Pathways Church ............................... 29

Oak Ridge Lions Club ........................ 25

What some of our 13,000-plus Facebook followers are posting about us –

• Yes, love the NW Observer . . . . have for 20 years!

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

EVENTS

direct-mailed to over 11,800 mailboxes in northwest Guilford County every week, plus an additional 1,500 copies available at about 70 local business locations for free pickup, and online 24/7 at nwobserver.com

LeBauer Healthcare ............................ 3

Oak Ridge UMC .................................. 5

DENTISTRY

22 years and going strong!

Angie Wilkie Team, Allen Tate .......... 38 Berkshire Hathaway Yost & Little ...... 15 Bob Brodie, Brodie Real Estate .......... 26 Brittany Dawson, SellState Select ...... 38 Dede Cunningham, Keller Williams .. 14 Jason Smith, Smith Marketing .......... 18

HEALTH/FITNESS

Nicole Gillespie, Remax ..................... 17

YMCA of Greensboro ........................ 12

Piedmont Rental Homes ................... 26

advertise with us For advertising info, contact Laura Reneer, marketing manager (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 advertising@nwobserver.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

APRIL 18 - 24, 2019

39

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

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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.

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

www.ANewDawnRealty.com

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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