Northwest Observer l Aug. 22-28, 2019

Aug. 22 - 28, 2019

bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996

www.nwobserver.com

Teachers, staff prepare for students’ return to the classroom Students at two local charter schools begin the new school year Aug. 22, while other students in the county’s public schools return to school Monday, Aug. 26 Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

“I want my classroom to be welcoming and happy when students walk in,” said Rachel Francisco, a first-grade teacher at Stokesdale Elementary School.

IN THIS ISSUE

by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – Rachel Francisco has decorated the door of her first-grade classroom at Stokesdale

Elementary School and hung blue, gray and red Chinese lanterns from the ceiling.

Signs on the walls of fifth-grade teacher Amanda Hall’s classroom in Summerfield Charter Academy read “Be the nice kid” and “Make yourself proud.” Her fellow teacher down the hall, Melody Lowman, has organized the curriculum for her fourth-grade reading students.

Now all that’s missing is the kids – but not for long.

Summerfield Charter Academy and Greensboro Academy welcome back students Thursday, Aug. 22, while other students attending Guilford County public schools resume classes Monday, Aug. 26.

Now that open houses for parents and kids are over, teachers said they’re hoping to capitalize on the excitement of the new school year by creating an inviting environment.

“I want my classroom to be welcoming and happy when students

...continued on p. 26

Months of added airplane noise over Cardinal approaching end

News in brief........................................ 2 Your Questions .................................... 4 Summerfield Town Council Meeting.. 8 Calendar Events ................................ 11 Bits & Pieces .......................................12 Crime/Incident Report ......................15 Youth Sync .........................................16 New school, new role for Hughes ....18 This could be the year! .....................19 New coach = turnaround season ... 20 Student Profiles.................................. 20 Grins and Gripes............................... 22 Classifieds ..........................................27 Adobe Stock photo Index of Advertisers...........................31 The permanent re-opening of a runway at PTI Airport around Oct. 1 NWO on the Go! ............................... 32 should lessen the noise from added air traffic residents of the Cardinal have experienced in recent months.

A runway that closed in May for repaving and other improvements will temporarily re-open next week, close again for more work and then open permanently around Oct. 1

by CHRIS BURRITT GREENSBORO – The reopening of Piedmont Triad International Airport’s original runway is a few weeks away, giving residents of the

...continued on p. 5

NEWS in brief

Preview: Aug. 22 Oak Ridge P&Z Board meeting

by CHRIS BURRITT

Photo courtesy of Tim Long

A contractor hired by the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority demolishes the clubhouse of the former Pleasant Ridge Golf Course earlier this week, as part of redevelopment of the 132 aces on Pleasant Ridge Road as the site for aviation companies to set up operations.

GOLFERS WANTED Northwest Guilford Kiwanis

Golf FORE Kids Tournament Please help us help children in our community!

All proceeds benefit local Kiwanis children’s charities

Saturday, Sept. 21 8:30 am Shotgun Start

Pine Knolls Golf Course in Kernersville CAPTAIN’S CHOICE • $60 per player / $240 per 4-player team Single players and ladies welcome!

Awards lunch / Goodie bags for all golfers

OAK RIDGE – A rezoning request to be heard by the town’s Planning and Zoning Board this Thursday, Aug. 22, seeks to prevent demolition of historic properties on the campus of Oak Ridge Military Academy (ORMA).

The academy requested the rezoning to allow it to proceed with leasing of its old armory building on N.C. 150 to Wright Stuff Flight Simulation Center, a business which charges customers to sit in replicas of cockpits and engage in World War II dogfights and other simulated games.

ORMA’s request consists of two rezoning cases for two different tracts of land. The P&Z Board will hold a public hearing for each of the two cases to gather citizens’ feedback.

The board will also hold a third public hearing on a text amendment proposed for the town’s ordinance governing a proposed municipal water system for Oak Ridge.

The P&Z Board will forward its recommendations on the two rezoning requests and the text amendment to the Town Council, which will hold public hearings on the matters during its next monthly meeting Sept. 5.

Mayor Spencer Sullivan has proposed the town create a water system for new subdivisions consisting of more than 30 houses. Amending the town’s development ordinance would specify requirements, including construction standards, for community wells built in new subdivisions, Town Manager Bill Bruce wrote in an Aug. 16 memo to the P&Z Board.

“No existing individual wells or existing community wells will be impacted by this amendment,” Bruce noted.

ORMA’s rezoning request follows the council’s decision in April to rezone 1.9 acres of the school’s property on the south side of N.C. 150 to accommodate the Wright Stuff. The rezoning imposed a condition requiring the school to grant a historic preservation easement to Preservation Greensboro, a nonprofit organization, to protect structures located on academy property from demolition.

The easement hinged on the approval of ORMA graduate Rob Holcomb, who had loaned money to the school years ago. If he weren’t willing to subordinate his lien, or legal claims to school assets, the easement wouldn’t be granted and the rezoning would be

GREAT PRIZES – CASH AWARDS PUTTING CONTEST • $5 FOR 3 PUTTS Thanks to our sponsors: Rio Grande Kitchen & Cantina EPES Transport • Lowes Foods • Pepsi Ventures • Forbis & Dick Northwest Observer • Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center Edward Jones - David Bowman • Hilco Transport Frito-Lay Snacks • Coca-Cola Bottling Consolidated

To enter, contact Mark Masters (336) 260-1970 • mmasters895577@gmail.com Entry forms also available at Lowes Foods in Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center

2

AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

A+

Visit our showroom for FREE estimates!

(336) 574-2755 Greensboro: 312 Dougherty Street prostoneusa.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Granite

Quartz

$29.95/sq. ft.

$45/sq. ft.

starting at

installed

starting at

installed

Locally owned and operated

FEATURED ON

165 KEEL COURT, STOKESDALE

Perfectly appointed home in popular Belews Landing has finished basement & is move-in ready! Spacious floorplan has hardwood floors throughout main-level common areas & designer touches: vaulted ceiling, shiplap accent walls & coffered ceiling. Basement boasts kitchenette w/full bathroom, living area, bedroom & hidden wine cellar! Large loft area on second floor is perfect for den or playroom.

Cul-de-sac location offers convenient access to the walking/golf cart trails to Belews Lake.

Minutes to Carolina Marina! $459,000

Nicole E. Gillespie, SPS REALTOR®/Broker

RE/MAX Realty Consultants 336.210.3895 cell 1.800.965.1893 efax

File photos

www. NicoleGillespieRealty.com

If approved by Oak Ridge Town Council next month, a proposed rezoning request would prevent the demolition of eight historic buildings on Oak Ridge Military Academy’s campus, including Alumni Hall (above) and Linville Chapel.

void, Sullivan said in May. Negotiations with Holcomb are still underway, according to Sean Taylor, the town’s planning director. As a result, the rezoning amendment being sought by the school would eliminate the requirement for the historic preservation easement, allowing the Wright Stuff to proceed with opening in the former armory, Taylor said in an interview last week.

The easement covers eight buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Properties. The buildings, including Alumni Hall and Linville Chapel, are located on the south and north sides of Highway 150, leading ORMA to seek the rezoning of an additional 69.9 acres on both sides of campus.

If approved by the Town Council, the rezoning would prevent the demolition

of the historic buildings unless the council circled back later and changed the zoning ordinance, council member Ann Schneider said in an interview earlier this week.

At present, the town’s Historic Preservation Commission can deny permits for demolition of structures in Oak Ridge’s historic district. However, state law allows that local authority by allowing property owners to proceed with demolition a year after denial of their initial demolition permits, Taylor said.

want to go?

The Planning and Zoning Board will meet at 37 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, in Town Hall at 8315 Linville Road.

News Briefs continued on p. 6

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

3

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

OUR TEAM Patti Stokes, editor/publisher Laura Reneer, marketing manager Kelli Jessup, publisher’s assistant Yvonne Truhon, graphic designer Leon Stokes, IT director Lucy Smith, finance manager Linda Schatz, distribution manager Chris Burritt, staff writer; Helen Ledford, Meredith Barkley, Lily Pierce 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 hours: M-F 9am-2pm (or by appt.)

WANT TO ADVERTISE? Contact us at (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 display: advertising@nwobserver.com classified: classifieds@nwobserver.com Independently owned & published by

What’s going on at the building formerly occupied by Southern Hardware on Main Street in Stokesdale? It’s

been boarded up for months and I don’t see any activity there. I thought another business bought it and was planning to move into it a while back, or am I mistaken?

You’re not mistaken. The building was purchased last year by MCM Construction.

Owner Matt Moorefield told us he still plans – and very much looks forward – to locating the company’s office there, but “we’ve just been too busy.”

Moorefield said he had a crew in the building months ago and they put in all new steel flooring with poured and polished concrete, and exposed the interior brick.

“And then we stopped,” he said, explaining that every time he assigns someone to work on further renovating the building he has to pull them off to work on another job.

“We don’t have a spare second to turn to the project,” he said. “We really want to, but we’ve been blessed with a lot of business and we just haven’t had a chance.”

MCM Construction, which is currently based in a small building in Madison, does strictly commercial projects and works with Cone Health System and Novant Health, as well as high-end retailers throughout the country. On the day we spoke with Moorefield he was driving back from a project in Pennsylvania and said one of the company’s current projects underway is in Manhattan.

and trustworthy, which has put us in this niche,” he said.

Moorefield and his wife grew up in High Point and later moved to Summerfield, then to Stokesdale. The couple has three children, all married and living in Stokesdale.

AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

He said he hopes to finalize the

Nature's Select works with nature to enhance and enrich your soil for a healthy, beautiful lawn and landscape.

Ask for your Free Estimate today!

Now booking for

Fall Aeration & Seeding

Select Lawn Care

Shrub & Tree Care

Nature’s Select Biological Lawn, Shrub and Tree Care

“We work all over the country.

We’re really low-key but we’re likable

4

“We live close by and we’re looking forward to relocating our office to Stokesdale,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity and we’re excited about being there, we just can’t seem to find the time right now.”

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

SM

Mosquito Control

MySelectLawn.com

336-544-4554

building plans and pull permits within the next few weeks, “and then we should be able to turn the corner.”

Regarding the building’s interior design, Moorefield said, “It will be a nice mix of some of the cool stuff we do.”

We spoke to Bill Royal, co-chair of the committee, and he explained the decision to work with designers through crowdsourcing “mostly came down to timing, efficiency and cost.”

I was interested to read in the Northwest Observer about the logo for the Oak Ridge Mountains-to-Sea Trail Committee.

“By using a crowdsourced approach, we got to work with over a dozen designers, rather than just a few local professionals who might have shown interest in our project,” Royal said.

Can you explain how crowdsourcing works and why the committee didn’t work with local designers?

Crowdsourcing is a method by which individuals or organizations solicit information or assign tasks to a large group of people over the Internet. In the case of Oak Ridge’s MST Committee, Royal and other commit-

RUNWAY

The runway is scheduled to reopen temporarily next Wednesday, Aug. 28, after the initial phase of construction is finished. It will remain open until around Sept. 14, Akkoush said.

At that point, construction will resume during the day and night and the runway will again close – this time for about 11 days – followed by a few days of daytime closure for the contractor to finish its work.

After final work is completed around Oct. 1, the runway will reopen permanently for normal service, Akkoush said, noting the reopen date is pending adverse weather or other contingencies.

Even after the reopening of the runway, pilots and the Federal Aviation Administration’s Air Traffic Control will decide which of the two runways will be used by aircraft, according to Akkoush.

...continued from p. 1

Cardinal and nearby neighborhoods relief from noise caused by planes using a second runway.

The runway’s reopening will occur in stages during August and September, according to an update by Suzanne Akkoush, the airport authority’s project manager.

Starting in May, Runway 5R/23L closed for repaving and other improvements. During construction, flights have shifted westward to parallel Runway 5L/23R, built a decade ago to accommodate the FedEx cargo hub.

The two runways run in a southwest/ northeast direction. As a result of the westward shift, flights are taking off and landing over residential areas.

tee members worked with a company called 99designs.com. The committee provided a design brief for the logo, with details such as colors and fonts, to 99designs. It, in turn, ran the design process as a contest, Royal said.

The committee paid 99designs $499, which covered the prize to the winning designer. “We chose a pricing tier near the bottom and got great participation from several designers from all over the world,” Royal said.

The committee also got full ownership of the winning design with highresolution files, he said.

Fifteen designers submitted 148 entries. The committee whittled the

number of entries down to six in the first round and then selected three concepts as finalists. As they narrowed down the list, committee members communicated via email before voting during a meeting for the winning logo, Royal said.

“The whole process, start to finish, took about four weeks, but there were really only about nine or 10 days where designers were actively making design concept submissions,” Royal said. “To run a design contest without the 99 designs framework (or something similar) would have taken much more effort, with likely poorer participation and less optimized results.”

compassionate

personal caring responsive

20% OFF DENTAL CLEANING during Sept. 2019 Karen Nasisse, DVM

1692-J NC Hwy 68 N, Oak Ridge • (336) 643-8984 northwestanimalhospitalnc.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

5

NEWS in brief

...continued from p. 3

Summerfield Zoning Board debates housing in UDO draft One proposal recommends mixing smaller and larger lots in the same neighborhoods

by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – The town’s Zoning Board continues its review of 419 pages of proposed rules and regulations for residential and commercial development, with the topic of smaller houses on smaller lots sparking debate among board members and town staff.

The board recently discussed two proposed zoning districts in the draft of the town’s UDO (Unified Development Ordinance). First, the open space residential district would encourage “compact residential development with a variety of single-family housing types” in rural areas. Second, the open space mixed use district would accommodate “compact, integrated development” with various housing types and businesses intended to serve the neighborhoods.

Both districts would allow for smaller lots than the roughly one acre required for RS-40 residential. Establishing the districts would “encourage the preservation of community character through innovative land planning and site design concepts” while adhering to “policies for variety and moderately priced housing” in the town’s comprehensive plan, according to the UDO draft.

The zoning would allow developers to build houses of different sizes in some subdivisions, Town Planner Chris York told Zoning Board members Monday.

“No developer is going to mix development,” said Frank Ficca, an alternate board member. “It is not going to happen in Summerfield.”

Residential density came to the forefront in 2016 after a proposed text amendment to the town’s development ordinance would have added a PD (Planned Development) zoning district and allowed higher-density housing on large tracts. The issue became so

Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO

Out with the old and in with the new

... continued on p. 25

The Town of Stokesdale’s elevated water tank on U.S. 158, beside Stokesdale Elementary School, recently got not only an overdue interior cleaning and painting but an exterior paint job as well. The tank’s newly painted body (right) now sports a rich blue color with the message “Welcome to Stokesdale.”

Saturday, August 24, 6:30p–9:00p Summerfield Community Park Amphitheater (5404 Centerfield Rd.)

Special Occasion Band

. . .beach, oldies, top 40

free concert . . .

Ghassan’s food truck, Kona Ice on site!

Free parking! Bring blankets, chairs, friends.

6

AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

w w w. s u m m e r f i e l d n c . g o v Check town’s Facebook page for weather updates.

FREE

FREE

CK & B A C K P AU P P L I E S S SCHOOL SE IN NEED! O H T FOR

5

S E L B A T A L INF URSE, O O B S TA C L E C ID E , G IA N T S L E R , D J A C O B ’S L A D & MORE

AUG 24 4-6PM

FREE

FOOD, KONA ICE GAMES &

Pathways is located across from Proehlific Park

Pathways Church has been ministering since 1996 and we are excited to be joining the Greensboro community! Pathways is a Bible believing, Bible teaching, Non-Denominational church.Through real life conversation teaching, our goal is for our faith and life to collide.

@PathwaysGSO

SUMMERFIELD town council Tuesday, Aug. 13 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT Mayor Gail Dunham called the monthly meeting at Summerfield Community Center to order. Mayor Pro Tem Dena Barnes, Dianne Laughlin, Teresa Pegram and Reece Walker were present. Councilman John O’Day was traveling on business.

 4  1 (with Pegram opposed)

to allow O’Day to participate in the meeting remotely and vote on agenda items.

Rev. Larry Kirby, associate pastor of Summerfield First Baptist Church, offered the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the introduction of council members and town staff.

 4  1 (Pegram opposed) to

WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted: Mayor Pro Tem Dena Barnes and council members John O’Day, Dianne Laughlin, Teresa Pegram and Reece Walker voted on the following issues during Summerfield’s Town Council meeting Aug. 13. (Mayor Gail Dunham doesn’t vote except if/ when there is a tie vote.)

approve the meeting agenda, closed session minutes for the May 14 meeting and the open and closed session minutes for the June 16 meeting.

 4  1: Allow (Pegram opposed) Councilman John O’Day to participate in

Amendments to reduce three budget line items by a total of $48,820, due to an error in the budget worksheet, were also approved.

 4  1: Approve (Pegram opposed) the rezoning of 6.7 acres on N.C. 150

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Town Manager Scott Whitaker invited citizens to attend free music by the Special Occasion Band at Summerfield Community Park Saturday, Aug. 24, from 6:30-9 p.m. This will be the last of the town’s Music in the Park

the meeting remotely

 4  1: Approve (Pegram opposed) the consent agenda (meeting agenda, minutes of May 14 and June 11 meetings and budget amendment)

at Interstate 73, matching the zoning of 79 surrounding acres proposed for the Henson Village shopping center

 5  0: Approve amending the ordinance recognizing committee members for their volunteer service

 5  0: Approve selling the town’s mobile generator  5  0: Approve a budget transfer of $50,000 events for the summer.

EMERGENCY SERVICES Fire District. Asst. Chief Jenna Daniels reported Summerfield Fire District responded to 25 fire-related calls, 73 EMS-related calls and 23 other calls in July. Firefighters also installed 15 car seats and eight smoke detectors.

Sheriff’s Office. First Lt. Jeremy Fuller said the sheriff’s District 1 office responded to 153 calls for service in Summerfield last month; four of the calls related to property thefts and one to a residential burglary.

Fuller said Capt. George Moore, a veteran of the sheriff’s department, has taken over the role of District 1 office’s divisional commander. Moore replaces Capt. Brian Hall, who is now over the department’s SRO (school resource officer) division.

Fuller and Daniels urged motorists to be extra cautious and look out for children and school buses when the new school year gets underway next Monday, Aug. 26.

COMMITTEE REPORTS Historical. Chair Gary Brown said the

8

AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

committee is discussing potential sites for four signs marking the entrance to the Town’s historical district. Later in the meeting, Whitaker presented concepts for historic district signs measuring 28 inches tall and 22 inches wide. Each would cost about $1,200, he said.

During meetings in June and July, the committee discussed plans for archaeological investigations in Summerfield and cleaning up the Charles Bruce cemetery, Brown said.

Trails and Open Space. Chair Jane Doggett urged residents to look at the sidewalk being constructed along U.S. 220 to connect the Atlantic and Yadkin Greenway from where it currently ends at a pedestrian tunnel underneath the highway to Summerfield Road. The opening of the tunnel in late September or early October will allow cyclists and joggers on the greenway, which originates in downtown Greensboro, to travel north to Summerfield Road.

PUBLIC COMMENTS  Michael Lopez, representing the town on Piedmont Triad Airport (PTI) Authority’s Citizens Advisory Noise

Committee, said measurements of noise and traffic are underway at the airport.

who oppose high-density zoning because they said it threatens the town’s rural character.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is evaluating noise around the airport to determine whether the agency needs to revise maps showing areas most heavily impacted by plane traffic. Residential development is limited in areas where the noise is loudest.

“I believe in slow, controlled growth in Summerfield,” Nelson said.

PUBLIC HEARING  4  1 (with Pegram opposed)

to approve a rezoning request for 6.7 acres on N.C. 150 at Interstate 73, advancing plans for the Henson Village shopping center. (See related article in our Aug. 15-21 issue.)

Lopez said the FAA and PTI may release findings in October defining areas where residential development isn’t suitable due to noise.

 Pegram and Mayor Dunham said the Public Hearing notice sign posted in front of the property was illegal because it doesn’t display detailed information such as the date of the Aug. 13 public hearing. The town attorney confirmed there were no legal issues with the Public Hearing sign, which has been in use since the Town redesigned the sign in 2015 to make it larger and more visible, and Walker questioned whether Pegram and Dunham were trying to “stonewall” to

 Beth Kaplan said she was excited about the near completion of the U.S. 220 sidewalk and the opening of the pedestrian tunnel.  Danny Nelson, running for mayor of Summerfield in the Nov. 5 election, and three council candidates – Rich Schlobohm, Sean Dwyer and Dana Luther – introduced themselves. They are part of a bloc of five candidates

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Paving of the parking lot at Summerfield Community Park was recently completed.

Shown in photo, Jason O’Bryant, superintendent for Bar Construction Co., removes orange cones from the parking lot earlier this week.

delay the rezoning case.

Rezoning of the 6.7 acres from agricultural and residential to Conditional Use-General Business matches

the zoning of 79 surrounding acres, allowing developer Blue Ridge Companies to create a master plan for all of

...continued on p. 10

BUILT BUILT FOR LIFE’S EVERY EVERY TURN THE NEWLY REDESIGNED MICHELIN PREMIER LTX TIRE ®

®

®

THE NEWLY REDESIGNED MICHELIN® PREMIER® LTX® TIRE

Our friendly, knowledgeable team of experts is ready to serve you EXCLUSIVE EXCLUSIVE OFFER OFFER

100 100

$

1 1

GET upGET to up to

via Mastercard® Reward Card after submission1 with via Mastercard Card aftertires submission purchase of four Reward new MICHELIN 18 incheswith or larger. ® purchase four new MICHELIN tireswith 18 inches or larger.

Or $501 viaof Mastercard Reward Card purchase of four ® $ Or 50 via Mastercard Reward Card with purchase of four new MICHELIN tires 17 inches or smaller. new MICHELIN® tires 17 inches or smaller. ®

1

®

1

®

®

OFFER VALID VALID 8/21/19 8/21/19 –– 9/19/19 9/19/19 OFFER

Tires | Alignments | Tire repair & flat repair Batteries & electrical system | Brakes | Custom wheels Oil changes | Tune-ups | State inspection We honor all national accounts

UP TO 50% LONGER TREADLIFE THAN ITS PREDECESSOR The new MICHELIN Premier LTX tire features a redesigned tread compound for greater longevity. And it’s backed by our new 60-day MICHELIN Promise Plan .

2

®

®

®

Stokesdale

®

Located at Kings Crossing

™ 3

Get $100 via Mastercard Reward Card after submission when you buy a set of four new MICHELIN passenger or light truck tires with a rim size of 18” or larger. (MICHELIN passenger or light truck tires with a1 rim size of 17” or smaller® qualify for a $50 Reward Card.) Reward Card eligibility is limited to tire purchases from participating dealers only. See redemption form for complete offer details. Offer expires ® ® Get $100 viaVoid Mastercard Reward Card submission when buy a set ofadditional four new MICHELIN or light truck tires with aCard rim size of 18” (MICHELIN passenger or light truck tires with 09/19/2019. where prohibited.

The after Reward Card cannot beyou reloaded with funds, nor passenger can it be used at an ATM. Reward expires six or (6)larger. months after issuance.

No cash access.

Fees apply. a rim size of terms, 17” or smaller qualify a $50 Card.) Reward Cardin eligibility is package. limited toReward tire purchases from participating See redemption complete details.International Offer expires For complete conditions and for fees, see Reward the Cardholder Agreement your card Card issued

by U.S. Bank dealers Nationalonly.

Association pursuantform to afor license fromoffer Mastercard 09/19/2019. Void where prohibited.

The trademark Reward Card cannot be reloaded with additional funds, nor can it be used at an ATM. Reward Card expires six (6) months after issuance. No cash access. Fees apply.

Incorporated.

Mastercard is a registered of Mastercard International Incorporated.

For complete terms, conditions and tires fees,in see the235/60R18 Cardholder107V Agreement in your card package.

RewardLTX CardDT) issued U.S. Bank107H National Association pursuant a license fromHonda Mastercard Based on two treadwear tests using size (MICHELIN Premier LTX , Premier andby 235/60R18 (MICHELIN Defender LTXto M/S) on 2017 PilotsInternational and 2018 Honda Incorporated.

Mastercard is a registered trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

CR-Vs. Actual on-road results may vary.

2 ® ® ® ® ® Based on two treadwear tests using tiresSee in size 107V (MICHELIN , Premierand LTXdetails.

DT) and 235/60R18 107H (MICHELIN® Defender ® LTX® M/S) on 2017 Honda Pilots and 2018 Honda Certain conditions and limitations apply. the 235/60R18 Michelin Owner’s Manual forPremier completeLTX description CR-Vs. Actual on-road results mayAmerica, vary. Inc. All rights reserved. The Michelin Man is a registered trademark owned by Michelin North America, Inc. Copyright © 2019 Michelin North 3 Certain conditions and limitations apply. See the Michelin Owner’s Manual for complete description and details.

Copyright © 2019 Michelin North America, Inc. All rights reserved. The Michelin Man is a registered trademark owned by Michelin North America, Inc.

1

2

3

®

®

®

®

®

®

®

®

®

®

®

7705 Highway 68 N (336) 441-8066

Summerfield

4420 US Highway 220N (336) 793-5391

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Madison

706 Burton Street (336) 548-6674

AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

9

TOWN COUNCIL

...continued from p. 9

the 86 acres.  During the hearing, Doug Stimmel, the landscape architect representing Blue Ridge, said developing the 86 acres as a whole will reduce the number of entrances into the development on N.C. 150.  Dwayne Crawford said he opposed the rezoning request, arguing the Town Council’s rezoning of the property in 2013 wasn’t “proper and legal.” Earlier in the meeting, he said the Zoning Board had failed to lawfully inform the

council about its June 24 recommendation for the rezoning of the property.

BUSINESS FROM MANAGER Volunteer Recognition.

 5  0 to amend the town’s

Consolidated Committee Ordinance to clarify how members of committees are recognized for their volunteer service. A new section of the ordinance states that when volunteers leave committees after one to five years of service, they will receive a certificate

A dental practice for the whole family

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Construction on the new sidewalk along U.S. 220 in Summerfield has been completed, allowing for the possible opening of the pedestrian tunnel underneath the highway later this week, said Jason O’Bryant, superintendent for Bar Construction Co. Bryant secured rolls of grass seed alongside the sidewalk earlier this week; he said Town staff will inspect the work and confirm it is satisfied before deciding when to open the tunnel.

of appreciation; committee members who have served more than five years will receive a plaque. Volunteers will be recognized publicly at council or committee meetings.

the Town’s sign rules in the agency’s highway right of way inside the town limits. (See related photo/brief in the Aug. 15-21 issue.)

Mobile Generator.

 5  0 to transfer $50,000 that

 5  0 to sell a mobile genera-

Call today to make your appointment!

Providing care for adults and children for over 10 years

(336) 643-1440 Healthy Smiles. Happy Patients.

6161-A Lake Brandt Rd. Summerfield

Learn more about our care at SummerfieldDentist.com

10

AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

tor the Town had purchased about 20 years ago. The generator requires nearly $4,000 in radiator repairs and is no longer needed as a backup in the event of an electrical outage at emergency shelters at Summerfield Peace United Methodist and Center United Methodist churches, Whitaker said, noting that Guilford County Emergency Management will provide or procure a generator for the town if an emergency arises.

Highway Signs.

After Town Planner Chris York told the Council he had received several calls from residents complaining about signs in the NCDOT’s right of way along U.S. 220 at Auburn Road, the Council instructed Whitaker and York to ask NCDOT for authority to enforce

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Funds Transfer.

had been designated by the council in 2006 for transportation expenditures.

Over the past 13 years the money hasn’t been spent for transportation projects, so Finance Officer Dee Hall recommended the council shift the money from the Town’s fund balance for transportation to the fund balance for unassigned projects.

MAYOR/COUNCIL BUSINESS

The council scheduled Saturday, Sept. 7, and Monday, Sept. 9, to interview the four applicants for the position of town attorney. The Town is seeking an attorney to replace Bill Hill, who resigned in May and agreed to serve in the post until his successor is hired.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:43 p.m.

mark your

and the volunteer opportunities we have available.

Coffee and donuts offered at 8 a.m. with orientation/ training following at 8:30 a.m. More info: Sharon Neely, (336) 601-5577, or info@horsefriendsnc.org.

REGISTER NOW

SATURDAY, AUG. 24

calendar

 TRI for Hospice | Register now for the annual

 Music in the Park | The Town of Summerfield

TRI for Hospice on Aug. 31, 8 a.m. to noon beginning at Ridgewood Swim & Tennis Club, 808 James Doak Pkwy., Greensboro. The event includes a 200-meter pool swim, 10-mile bike ride and 2-mile run. All proceeds from registration fees go to Hospice & Palliative Care Greensboro. Register at www.RunSignUp.com. Questions? (336) 255-5655 or Karen@coachbuxton.com.

invites the community to a free concert Aug. 24, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Summerfield Community Park Ampitheater, 5404 Centerfield Road. Special Occasion Band will be performing beach music, oldies and Top 40 hits. Ghassan’s and Kona Ice will have food and beverages available for purchase on site. Parking is free. Bring chairs, blankets and friends! More info: facebook.com/TownofSummerfield.

THURSDAY, AUG. 22

MONDAY, AUG. 26

 Community Prayer for School Year | The commu-

nity is invited to join local churches coming together to pray for K-12 students, teachers and the school year on Aug. 22, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Northwest High School gym parking lot, 5240 Northwest School Road.

SATURDAY, AUG. 24

Submit your events online at

 Community Choir | The community is invited to

join Stokesdale Community Choir, which resumes Aug. 26, starting at 9:30 a.m. (and every Monday except for holidays) at Gideon Grove United Methodist Church, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road. All you need to join is a desire to sing and fellowship. More info: Sondra Beene, (336) 453-8017.

 Volunteer Orientation | HorseFriends Therapeutic

TUESDAY, AUG. 27

Riding invites the community to a volunteer orientation and sidewalker training Aug. 24, 8 to 10 a.m. at 5920 Khaki Place. Come learn about what we do

 MS Support Group | The MS Be Strong self-help

group invites the community to a meeting Aug. 27, 6:15 to 8 p.m. at Main Street United Method-

we here

Click “community calendar” on the left-hand side

Deadline for inclusion in each week’s issue is

9 a.m. on Mondays ist Church, 306 S. Main St. in Kernersville. The group helps those with multiple sclerosis live their best lives by sharing information and experiences.

Those living with multiple sclerosis, family members, friends and caretakers are all welcome. More info: triad.ms.newlydiagnosed@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 28  Preservation Oak Ridge | The community is in-

vited to a Preservation Oak Ridge meeting Aug. 28, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. This non-profit organization works to preserve historic structures in Oak Ridge. More info: Doug Nodine, (336) 209-1999.

Keep your furry friend in style Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are grooming days for all dogs. Cats welcome too!

live • work • shop • volunteer (336) 383-1715 budgetblinds.com Blinds • Shades • Shutters • Drapes • Home Automation

Call Me. I’m I’m Here to Local.

Help.

Serving the northwest Triad area since 1991

(336) 665-1286 • bel-airevet.com Find us on Facebook & Instagram

full-service animal hospital | boarding & grooming | laser therapy & acupuncture

Covering your community – and ours – since 1996

336-409-4552 336-409-4552

1TV 150 Channels w/locals $40 A MONTH 1TV 225 Channels w/locals $50 A MONTH

Justin Justin FulpFulp Agent Agent

ncfbins.com

NCSVBB44140 NCSVBB44139 NCSVBB44140 *North Carolina Farm Bureau® Mutual Insurance Co. *Farm Bureau® Insurance of North Carolina, Inc. *Southern Farm Bureau® Life Insurance Co., Jackson, MS *An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association *North Carolina Farm Bureau® Mutual Insurance Co. *Farm Bureau® Insurance of North Carolina, Inc. *Southern Farm Bureau® Life Insurance Co., Jackson, MS *An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

nwoberver.com

/NorthwestObserver

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

CALL NOW! 336-378-5070

HBO FREE 1yr.

AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

11

Service with a Earlier this summer we introduced a “Service with a Smile” feature on the Northwest Observer’s Facebook page, which received a lot of positive feedback. Because of its popularity, we’ve decided to extend this feature to our newspaper so that all of our in-print readers can enjoy it as well.

Michelle Wallace, Stokesdale Elementary School’s media specialist, is rarely seen without a smile. Wallace received a much-deserved “Grin” from a reader several weeks ago for opening up the school’s media center three mornings this summer so that kids could come in and enjoy crafts, snacks, and check out books. A true believer in “Books are Rad” (as noted by the T-shirt she’s wearing in this photo), Wallace finds countless ways to get kids excited about reading (including dressing up as Dr. Seuss) and brightens the days of all those she comes in contact with.

BITS & PIECES

Mom organizes ‘MailBox Bows’ campaign to raise funds for kids with cancer

After losing her 11-year-old son to bone cancer, Casey Crossan is committed to keeping his legacy alive while helping other kids with cancer

Have comments you’d like to share about Michelle Wallace? Visit Facebook.com/NorthwestObserver and search for the post about her dated Wednesday, Aug. 21.

WANT TO NOMINATE SOMEONE?

We’re on a mission to recognize employees in our readership area who always have a smile to share and a contagious positive attitude. If you know someone who meets this description and want to nominate them, please email editor@nwobserver.com. Be sure to include your name, reason(s) for nominating them, and if possible, a high-res photo of them to share on our Facebook page and in a future Northwest Observer (if you can’t include a photo and your nominee is selected, we’ll try to make arrangements to take a photo of him/her).

And in case you missed them, here are the two “Service with a Smile” honorees we featured on our Facebook page this summer: (posted June 24)

(posted July 2)

Kevin Murray, owner, and Trina Apple,

Jonathan Fowlkes,

manager

customer service manager

The Jumping Bean – A Coffee Drive Thru

Tire Max in Stokesdale

“I love starting my day with a great cup of coffee served by smiling, friendly folks who enjoy what they do - and The Jumping Bean- A Coffee Drive Thru owner Kevin Murray and manager Trina Apple certainly fit that bill.” – submitted by Patti Stokes/NWO editor/publisher

12

AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

“Between my two personal vehicles and our two company vehicles (one of which is a very old van that needs lots of loving care), we’re at Tire Max fairly often. Jonathan and his team are always quick, efficient, friendly and do a great job taking care of us - and, no matter how busy they are, Jonathan always has a smile to share.”

– submitted by Patti Stokes/NWO editor/publisher

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Courtesy photo

In honor of her son Conner, who lost his life at age 11 to bone cancer, Oak Ridge resident Casey Crossan is spearheading the Mailbox Bows campaign and inviting residents to purchase bright gold bows made by local children and display them on their mailboxes during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September.

Casey Crossan knows firsthand what kids go through when dealing with cancer. Her son, Conner, fought a two-year battle with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, which took his young life a little over a year ago at the age of 11.

Crossan, an Oak Ridge resident, is determined to keep Conner’s legacy alive and help other children who have been dealt a similar hand.

As part of her efforts, Crossan is spearheading the area’s Mailbox Bows campaign. Big, bright gold bows have been made by local kids and are available for $20.

During September, which is Childhood Cancer Awareness month, Crossan hopes area residents will line the roads and highways of northwest Guilford County with these bows to show support in the fight against childhood cancer.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will go to MIB Agents, an organization that seeks to “Make It Better” for kids with cancer by providing items of comfort and entertainment during treatment and long hospital stays, offering peerto-peer support for kids and their families and arranging end-of-life wishes for kids when treatment options are no longer available.

Crossan noted there are over a dozen different types of childhood cancer.

“There are several children in our community who have battled and are still battling cancer,” she said. “It does happen here. Please show your support during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September.”

want to purchase a bow?

Go to www.mibagents.org/bows.

Questions? Call Casey at casey@mibagents.org.

Hike the MST Sept. 6-8 weekend The annual hike will celebrate the Mountains-to-Sea Trail’s 42nd birthday

42-Mile Challenge. Hike 42 miles on the MST near Blowing Rock over two days while raising funds to support the trail. (If interested in this option, hurry, because as we reported this only 10 spots were left.) Based out of Julian Price Park Campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Joe Miller (GetGoingNC) will lead two long hikes Saturday and Sunday. Camp-

Offer expires 12/31/2019

Limit one per household. No cash value. Access card fee, other fees and some restrictions may apply. Valid only for local residents on first visit at participating clubs. ©2016 Snap Fitness, Inc.

OAK RIDGE 1433-B (68 Place) Hwy 68 N (336) 643-5501 | snapfitness.com/oakridgenc

NORTH CAROLINA – Registration is open for the third annual Mountainsto-Sea Trail birthday celebration hike Sept. 6-8. There are several ways to participate in this event: Guided hikes. Over the Sept. 6-8 weekend, local guides and hike leaders will accompany hikers as they hike from 1.5 to 12 miles, on easy to strenuous terrain. “Because of this great variety, you will be able to find a hike that suits you most anywhere in the state. Make a weekend of it and explore our unique trail towns,” Friends of MST advises.

Back to school WORK YOUR MIND, WORK YOUR BODY & FEEL GREAT

Barbour & Williams Law

Ba

8004 Linville Road, Suite E-3, Oak Ridge

(336) 643-4623

Photo courtesy of Friends of MST

Register now for the annual hike to celebrate the 42nd birthday of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Shown in photo taken by Tracy Brown is a segment of the MST near Blowing Rock.

ing, breakfasts, trail snacks, some fun swag and Joe’s guiding expertise are included as part of the Challenge.

You’ll hike through meadows, hit overlooks, climb a few tough spots, all while raising funds to keep the trail fit for another 42 years.

barbourwilliams.com • Probate & Estate Administration • Estate Planning (Wills & Trusts)

Hike on Your Own. Hike anywhere, anytime, with whomever you choose.

Just remember to report back so your

• Trust Administration • Corporate Work • Real Estate Matters

Tra

Tracy Williams, attorney

...continued on p. 14

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

13

BITS & PIECES

...continued from p. 13

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS! Hiking this event? We’d love to have a (high-res) photo of you or your group (selfies welcome!) hiking the MST over the trail’s 42nd birthday celebration weekend. Send your photo(s) to photos@nwobserver.com.

Map courtesy of Friends of MST

Peace of mind

A portion of the MST’s 64-mile Segment 8, which runs from Hanging Rock State Park to Bryan Park, is in northern/northwest Guilford County and includes a trail segment through Summerfield and Oak Ridge. For more details about this segment or any of the MST’s 18 segments, visit mountainstoseatrail.org/the-trail/segments/.

Westergaard Kennels

more info / register

hike is included in the MST’s “tales from the trail.”

A portion of the MST’s 64-mile Segment 8, which runs from Hanging Rock State Park to Bryan Park, is in northern/northwest Guilford County and runs through Summerfield and Oak Ridge.

is knowing your dog is loved and cared for while you’re away

DOG BOARDING

Celebrating 31 years of caring for your dogs 5719 Bunch Road, Oak Ridge (336) 643-5169 • westergaardkennel@icloud.com

Visit www.mountainstoseatrail.org to register or for detailed information about all the trail town hikes, 42-Mile Challenge and Hike on Your Own options.

www.westbengoldens.com

Exceptional Care at Summerfield Village Dr. Katherine Tabori • Cody Martin, PA-C LeBauer HealthCare at Summerfield Village 4446-A US Hwy 220 N, Summerfield

(336) 560-6300

Accepting new patients: Dr. Camille Andy Dr. Andy specializes in family medicine and has particular interests in diabetic care, women’s health and contraception. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1991 and her M.D. from University of Michigan Medical School in 1995.

Call (336) 560-6300 today for an appointment with Dr. Andy!

lebauer.com 14

AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

SROs’ reassignment will help them remain vigilant, sheriff says GUILFORD COUNTY – Middle and high school students returning to class Aug. 26 will see some new faces on campus. The Guilford County Sheriff’s Office issued a press release last week announcing all School Resource Officers (SROs) have been reassigned to new schools as part of efforts to cross-train personnel and keep officers on school campuses vigilant.

“Our SROs serve not only as law enforcement officers, but as mentors,” the press release said. “While the fundamental duties of an SRO are fairly consistent from school to school, each school has its own unique challenges. Successful strategies of reaching students at one school may or may not always work at another school… Despite the best efforts of SROs, there are occasionally students the SRO simply cannot reach or connect with. It is the desire of Sheriff Rogers and the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office to reach every student and create a positive change in the relationships between stu-

dents and law enforcement officers. The reassignment of SROs within the county schools is the first step in our efforts to achieve this goal.”

The reassignment is intended to keep officers from becoming complacent or “too comfortable in their environments,” the press release further explained.

“To provide the greatest possible security for our schools, officers must remain vigilant at all times. As with any position in law enforcement, overexposure in the same environment can often lure officers into a false sense of security.

Additionally, officers who have spent many years in more active schools are at higher risk for burnout and fatigue.”

The School Resource Officer program was initiated in Guilford County in 1994.

Capt. Brian Hall, who was assigned last December to the sheriff’s District 1 office, which encompasses northwest and parts of northern Guilford County, has been reassigned to command the SRO division.

CRIME / INCIDENT report

District 1 Sheriff’s Office

has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest Guilford County ...

SHOPLIFTING

Aug. 13 | The manager of Lowes Foods in Oak Ridge reported that around 12:30 p.m. two known suspects stole about $50 worth of alcohol and food.

The 37-year-old female and 24-year-old male were both arrested and charged with larceny misdemeanor.

DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED

Aug. 13 | A 21-year-old female was arrested at 10:12 p.m. in the 1000 block of N.C. 150 and booked at the Guilford County Jail for driving while impaired.

ASSAULT

Aug. 15 | A 33-year-old male in the 6900 block of Summerfield Road reported that a known suspect hit him in the back of the head.

Aug. 16 | A 57-year-old male, also in the 6900 block of Summerfield Road, reported a known suspect pushed him to the ground.

Aug. 19 | A 42-year-old female in the 1800 block of N.C. 68 N reported at 12:11 a.m. that a 54-year-old male and her were both assaulted by a known suspect.

Aug. 19 | A 20-year-old male in the 7700 block of Springdale Meadow Drive in Stokesdale was arrested at 1:05 a.m. and charged with assault on a female and communicating threats.

BURGLARY

Aug. 18 | A resident of the 5600 block of Atando Drive in Summerfield reported that sometime between Aug. 17 at 2:30 p.m. and Aug. 18 at 12:37 a.m. an unknown suspect came through the back door of her home and stole her black-and-white dog.

firstcitizens.com/wealth

What Kind Of Legacy Will You Leave?

The choices you make today can make a difference for decades yet to come.

Your investments in securities, annuities and insurance are not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency and may lose value. They are not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by any bank or bank affiliate and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

First Citizens Wealth Management is a registered trademark of First Citizens BancShares, Inc. First Citizens Wealth Management products and services are offered by First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company, Member FDIC; First Citizens Investor Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, an SEC-registered broker-dealer and investment advisor; and First Citizens Asset Management, Inc., an SEC-registered investment advisor.

Brokerage and investment advisory services are offered through First Citizens Investor Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. First Citizens Asset Management, Inc. provides investment advisory services.

Bank deposit products are offered by First Citizens Bank, Member FDIC.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

15

Carpet Vinyl Tile

Hardwood Laminate Area Rugs

336.288.6643

336.288.6643

LOWEST PRICES PERIOD Area’s largest selection of

PET-FRIENDLY FLOORING

2 YRS INTEREST-FREE FINANCING* *ON SELECT PRODUCTS WITH APPROVED CREDIT

ALREADY GOT A PRICE?

We’ll Beat It! GUARANTEED

Welcome to

A weekly section in the Northwest Observer focused on our local youth and the adults who positively impact them.

Childhood encounter leads to desire to help refugees Karun Prasanna, 18, has interviewed over 100 refugees in the Greensboro area from 20 countries and believes public policies could be more targeted to helping them

by MEREDITH BARKLEY

FREE

*

INSTALLATION *On select products. Cannot be combined with any other offer. See store for details.

Call today and we’re on our way!

Serving North & South Carolina since 1960 Greensboro • Wilmington • Myrtle Beach 336.288.6643 2837 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro Mon - Fri 8 am - 6 pm • Sat 10 am - 4 pm

carpetsbydirect.com

16

AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

A chance meeting with refugee children when he was much younger launched Karun Prasanna on a time-consuming quest that may well influence the direction of his life.

Since that meeting, Prasanna, 18, who recently graduated from Northwest Guilford High with a slew of honors including presidential recognition, has poured into issues surrounding refugees and immigration.

He has interviewed more than 100 people who fled their homelands, and has talked with local people who work with them.

He even created a blog – The Greensboro Project: Many Voices, Many Stories – in which he tells a number of their stories. (Find his blog at facebook.com/GreensboroRefugees.)

What Prasanna learned from those he met touched him in ways he could not have imagined. The headlines of war and ethnic violence in far-off places became both very real and very personal. He now knew people from

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Courtesy photo

Karun Prasanna graduated from Northwest High School in June and began classes at UNC-Chapel Hill this week.

For his volunteer work with the local refugee population over the last few years, he received a service learning award from Guilford County Schools and the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

many of those places. He’d visited their homes, their places of worship and their work. He’d heard their stories.

“It puts a face on these kinds of issues,” Prasanna said, noting people he met from the refugee communities were thankful someone cared enough to visit them, hear their stories and write about their lives and struggles.

“He learned a lot about other cultures,” said Sokcheat Chiep, 35, a member of the Khmer Buddhist Temple on Liberty Road and vice president of the Cambodian Cultural Center of North Carolina. Through Prasanna’s blog posts, she said, “he made it public so other people can be aware of other cultures here in Greensboro.”

Prasanna feels convicted to do

something about the difficulties these people face. This week he started classes at UNC-Chapel Hill, where he plans to major in business (he won a Pogue Scholarship to UNC’s Kenan Flagler School of Business). He is considering a second major in public policy, saying he’s seen what an impact it can make.

Scott Bennett, Prasanna’s debate coach and economics teacher at Northwest, is not surprised.

“I saw him become curious about solving problems through economics,” he said. “There’s such power in helping people be seen through their own stories.”

Prasanna is especially interested in public policies aimed at improving health outcomes. He grew up in a family of healthcare providers. Both his parents – father Kumar Basavegowda and mother Chamu Shanmugam – as well as sister Mrinalin Prasanna are physicians.

“I want to work with health and well-being in all sorts of situations, not just refugees,” Prasanna said.

chatting, he learned something of the difficulties that led them to flee their homes.

Then the summer before his senior year he “decided to double down” on his project.

in over 420 volunteer hours. He was also a member of the National Honor Society and German Honor Society.

He was too young at the time to have ongoing interaction. Still, their plight piqued his interest and he did a lot of reading and studying about refugees. By the end of his sophomore year of high school he wanted to learn more about North Carolina’s refugee communities, especially those in Greensboro, which he found hosted a “huge” population.

“I interviewed so many people I lost count,” he said.

For his volunteer work, primarily with refugees and other immigrants, Prasanna was awarded a President’s Volunteer Service Award and received a letter from President Donald Trump.

As he delved into the issues that consumed local refugees and immigrants – the difficulties they face, understanding their backgrounds, hopes and goals – he found families living in unsafe and hazardous conditions, and wondered if they were any better off after coming to this country.

“They’re leaving their country to escape horrible situations, but they come here and they’re placed in housing that’s just as bad,” Prasanna said.

During his junior year of high school he started his blog and began to not only tell the stories of refugees, but also the reflections of those who worked with the local refugee population.

A smile sometimes

His interest in the issue started when he was a child, on a visit to the doctor’s office. Also in the waiting room that day were several refugee children about his age. As they began

says it all

“It was nice to get that extra layer of knowledge,” he said of the aid workers.

He also volunteered at a summer camp for refugee children through New Arrivals Institute in Greensboro.

“He’s very dedicated to his work,” Chiep of the Buddhist Temple said.

Prasanna graduated Summa Cum Laude from Northwest and was recognized as a National Advanced Placement Scholar and North Carolina Academic Scholar. He was awarded a Service Learning Diploma by Guilford County Schools for putting

“It has shown me that this problem exists and there are things that can be done about it,” he said.

Since 2008

Wishing our community students and teachers a great 2019-2020 school year!

Set up your FREE consultation today with Dr. David Lorczak (336) 644-8078 | orchiro.com Oak Ridge Business Center (Linville Rd & NC 68)

Let us help you complete your back-to-school checklist Dr. Matt DeVaney | Dr. Sam Bartlett

DeVaney

He said his work with those who have come seeking a new life has touched him deeply, and as he looks to his future, he thinks public policy issues may well figure prominently.

Now accepting new patients

dentistry at Oak Ridge

(336) 643-5515 | 1580 Hwy 68 N, Oak Ridge | drdevaney.com The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

✓ ✓

school su pplies

n e w c l ot hes

dental check-up AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

17

New school, new role for NWHS’s longtime athletic director Former NWHS teacher and coach John Hughes, who has served as the school’s athletic director for the last 16 years, accepts an assistant principal’s position at Eastern Guilford High School

by MEREDITH BARKLEY Northwest Guilford has been John Hughes’ professional home all his adult life.

In his earlier years at the school he coached baseball, girls basketball, soccer and taught social studies and history.

Sixteen years ago he was named the school’s athletic director and has been in that role until a few weeks ago. Hughes even has children enrolled at Northwest.

So it was no easy decision to leave it all to become vice principal at Eastern Guilford.

“It’s very different,” Hughes, 46, said of his new job. “I’m very excited but I’m really sad as well. This is the only adult role I’ve ever had.”

wanted to go in a little different direction, more on the instructional side.”

Most high school students aren’t on a sports team, Hughes noted, John Hughes and he wanted a chance to influence the direction of their lives.

“They’re the ones more at risk,” he said. “You just have to take a step back and say: ‘I want to have a different impact. I need to be in a more diverse school to better myself as an educator.’

That’s really where I want to be.”

Hughes is enrolled in a master’s of school administration program at NC A&T and expects to finish next spring, with the goal of eventually becoming a school principal.

During his time as athletic director at Northwest, the high school has won several state titles, including last year in wrestling and two in girls basketball, and dozens of conference titles.

Still, he’s confident it’s the right move.

“You get to the point in life you reach a crossroads,” Hughes said. “I felt like I

He’ll be missed.

Boys basketball coach Lee Reavis praised Hughes’ ability to work with

coaches, especially during difficult times.

He also noted the importance of Hughes’ work in the community, where he has strengthened all-important ties with businesses, parents and residents that have led to broad support for Northwest.

“John has a very good understanding of how to communicate with people,” Reavis said. “That’s part of the job and something he excels at.”

Nancy Everett, Northwest’s volleyball coach, described Hughes as a “people person,” and said “he wants what’s best for the student-athletes, not only on the playing field but in the classroom.”

She also applauded him for bringing additional sports, like field hockey, to the school in an effort to get more students involved.

“We feel if they’re involved in sports it keeps them out of trouble,” Everett said.

Hughes, who grew up in New Jersey and played baseball at Duke, said he was attracted to Eastern Guilford in part because his friend Lance Sockwell is principal there. The two got to know each other well several years ago when Sockwell was an assistant principal at Northwest.

Among those whom Hughes credits with guiding his career at Northwest and mentoring him are current principal Ralph Kitley, former baseball coach Sandy Gann Sr., who took him on as an assis-

tant coach, and Bob Yow, with whom he coached girls basketball and soccer.

NWHS Principal Ralph Kitley offered these comments about Hughes: “While I know Coach Hughes will be great as an assistant principal at Eastern Guilford High School, I know just how close Northwest is, and always will be, to his heart. He has given his blood, sweat and tears to the betterment of Northwest, and not just in athletics.

“Whether it has been sponsoring a club (FCA), driving a school bus (a yellow bus, not just an activity bus), teaching a social studies class, mentoring students in ISS, etc., John has made a huge impact at Northwest,” Kitley continued. “He came to this school straight out of college, and Northwest helped shaped him as much as he helped shape Northwest.

He has worked tirelessly to advocate for all students at Northwest. As an AD, he always looked out for the student-athlete.

Folks on the outside never truly get to see all of the things that happen behind the scenes. As an AD, you’re often in the middle. John has facilitated many difficult conversations/situations with one goal in mind: to do what’s in the best interest of the student-athlete.

“I’ll miss working alongside John Hughes, and Northwest will miss him dearly,” Kitley said.

Get to know your local Culligan Man! Backed by Culligan’s 80+ years of experience, Culligan of the Triad has the perfect solution for your family’s water concerns.

Culligan Aqua-Cleer® Advanced Drinking Water Filter System helps you enjoy cleaner, better-tasting water with PFOA/PFOS reduction.

Culligan High-Efficiency Water Softener is designed to reduce contaminants* and scale buildup, plus extend the life of your plumbing and appliances.

CULLIGAN® OF THE TRIAD

205 Atwell Ave. • Greensboro, NC 27406

YOUR NEW LOCAL WATER EXPERTS

Call today for a free home water analysis

(336) 288-2662 18

AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

• www.culligantriad.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

*Contaminants may not be in your water.

This could be the year

Photo by Meredith Barkley/NWO

Northern Guilford soccer team aims for a state championship while preparing to take the 23-game regular season one game at a time

by MEREDITH BARKLEY Northern soccer tryouts earlier this month presented Coach Aaron King with a problem.

A good one, to be sure, but anxiety-laden nonetheless.

About 35 hopefuls showed up – all talented. He had to pare that to 22.

“I still feel that’s a lot,” King said after a practice the following week. Every cut was hard. “When people come out during the summer and work hard I want them to contribute.”

Northern is among schools lucky enough to benefit from strong youth soccer programs. That shows in their record. The Nighthawks last lost a Mid State 3A Conference game in 2015 – before this year’s seniors had even reached high school.

Senior Nic Hasler said he’s never lost a conference game since he started playing on Northern’s soccer team.

Senior JD Livaudais noted, “We’re

Northern Guilford soccer players (L-R) Nic Hasler (cocaptain), JD Livaudais, Jesse Auger (co-captain) and Josh Auger (co-captain) are among the 22 team members who will try to carry the school’s soccer legacy forward and win a state title this season.

one of the few teams in our conference that has to make cuts. There’s just a ton of talent.”

Players expect the run of conference titles to continue and they’re tempted to look beyond the conference season to the post season. Last year they made it to the fourth round, two wins from a shot at the state title.

“We want to raise our standards a little more and aim for the state championship,” said senior Josh Auger, who is co-captain with Hasler and brother Jesse Auger.

King, heading into his third season as head coach, sees his job as making sure his team takes it one game at a time and takes each one seriously.

“We lost a lot of quality (players) last year,” he pointed out. “I think other teams are thinking ‘This is finally a year we can beat Northern.’ I am an over-preparer. I feel like that’s all I can do.”

With so many players on the team, he knows some worry they won’t get much playing time.

“I know those long looks,” he said.

“I want everyone to play. I don’t know if we’ve been this deep before.”

The Nighthawks’ 23-game schedule kicked off at home Aug. 20 against Ragsdale and ended in a 1-1 tie.

Scott K. Tippett Attorney at Law • Estate Planning and Administration, including Wills, Trusts, and Probate • Corporate and Business Law • LLC’s • Partnerships • Tax Planning, Advice and Preparation • Real Estate

• Civil Litigation

“I protect my clients, their families, and their businesses, now and in the years ahead.”

Admitted in Georgia, North Carolina, and U.S. Tax Court.

DRC Certified MediatorSuperior Court

Hagan Barrett PLLC | 300 N Greene St, Suite 200, Greensboro, NC 27401 336.232.0650 | www.haganbarrett.com

WE HAVE A BETTER WAY TO KEEP COOL www.trane.com

Ask about special financing Subject to credit approval, see store for details

7101 US 158, Stokesdale • (336) 643-7397 NEW SYSTEM INSTALLATION • SERVICE • REPAIR

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

19

New coach, talented roster = turnaround season fourth and lost lopsided matches to McMichael and Person.

New coach Justin Paggao, associate director and coach at the Piedmont Volleyball Club, vows to relegate all that to ancient history.

“I feel very confident how we’ll compete against them,” Paggao said of McMichael and Person, whom he expects to be the teams to beat in the Mid State 3A Conference again this year. “Those schools have walked Northern the past two years. I’m here to change that.”

Photo by Meredith Barkley/NWO

Northern Guilford volleyball teammates Aimee Pack (left), junior, and Rheana Zaino, senior, are optimistic about the upcoming season under Coach Justin Paggao. “He really cares about it and he’s committed. It makes you want to be committed as well,” Zaino said.

Northern’s volleyball program hopes to get the lift it needs under Coach Justin Paggao

by MEREDITH BARKLEY Northern Guilford volleyball has sloped downward in recent years, but a new coach and talented roster bring hopes of a reversal.

It’s been a slow decline since 2016 when the Sharon Parks-led Nighthawks won the conference after a 23-game season and made it to the third round of the state playoffs. In 2017, Parks’ final season, Northern finished third, and last year the team slumped to

20

AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

He said about 80 percent of his girls also play club ball, which gives them a leg up in high school competition. Only one of his Nighthawk players – junior Bella Wooden – is on his Piedmont club team, but several others are on teams Piedmont has played against, so he’s seen them in action.

“The tools are here,” said Paggao, who is involved with volleyball year-round. “It’s a matter of ‘can we put it all together and do it in the right way?’ The girls just have to want it.”

His players are confident and anxious for the season to start.

“I think the energy he brings to the team and how hard he pushes us is going to make a difference,” junior Aimee Pack said of Paggao and what she refers to as the team’s “rebuilding year.”

Said Rheana Zaino, a senior: “He really cares about it and he’s committed. It makes you want to be committed as well.”

The season was scheduled to begin Wednesday at home against Southwest Guilford.

STUDENT PROFILES Thanks to the coaches and teachers at Northern and Northwest High Schools for their student recommendations and input, which make it possible to recognize these talented, dedicated students for their accomplishments in academics, athletics and cultural arts.

NORTHERN GUILFORD Tyler Anderson, varsity football: linebacker

by MEREDITH BARKLEY Tyler Anderson says CrossFit workouts have made him a better football player for Northern Guilford.

His dad got him involved in the varied strength and conditioning program several years ago after trying it himself. It didn’t take Anderson long to get hooked.

“Every day is a different style of workout with different movements,” said the Northern Guilford linebacker and defensive leader. “It gives you diversity and really helps with endurance.”

Sometimes, for example, his football team unit faces fast-paced, hurry-up offenses that can exhaust the defense, he said. That’s among the times he feels CrossFit training kicking in and helps him keep going, he said.

Anderson has gotten good enough at the CrossFit regime that when he com-

peted in the Reebok CrossFit competition in 2018 he was ranked 11th overall in the country in the 16-17 age division.

(According to online CrossFit benchmark stats, he back squatted 400 pounds and dead lifted 435 pounds).

“I really enjoyed the competition,” said Anderson, a senior who moved from Alabama to the northern Guilford County area with his family as an eighth grader. “It’s been good.”

Head varsity football coach Erik Westberg said Anderson is a preseason all-area prediction by the News & Record.

Anderson, who stands 5-feet-11 and weighs 200 pounds, has stats to back it all up. According to MaxPreps.com, he had 130 tackles last season – the third best in the Mid State 3A Conference.

Nineteen of his tackles were for losses and five were sacks.

He wants to head off to college next year and major in mechanical engineering.

His favorite book? “Harris and Me”

by Gary Paulsen. It’s about a youngster who spends the summer on his aunt’s and uncle’s farm and has a time to remember with cousin Harris.

“It’s just a good read,” Anderson said.

Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC 31 Years Experience

Individual, Corporate, Partnership & Payroll Tax Electronic Tax Filing  Estate Planning  Bookkeeping & Compilations

Oak Ridge Business Center

8004 Linville Rd, Suite G, Oak Ridge

(336) 643-7577 or 1-800-467-8299 info@samanderscpa.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

www.samanderscpa.com

Student profiles brought to you this week by:

Your smile has waited long enough.

New smile, new you!

Matthew J. Olmsted, DDS MS Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center 2205 Oak Ridge Road, Suite CC (336) 441-7007

olmstedorthodontics.com NORTHERN GUILFORD Evan Klick, varsity football: special teams

by MEREDITH BARKLEY When Evan Klick saw how some special needs students at Northern Guilford were being treated, he said he decided to do something about it.

Klick, a senior on special teams for the Nighthawks’ varsity football team, figured he’d make sure they knew people cared.

“I’ve seen a lot of people be real nasty to them,” he said. “So I decided I’d be nice to them. I’d be their friend.”

He said he keeps up with their birthdays and brings small gifts like cupcakes.

“They’re some of the sweetest kids I know,” Klick said. “Most people don’t know that.”

He often sits with them at lunch, sometimes joined by Nighthawks’ quarterback Will Lenard.

“The kids’ faces just always light up when they see someone coming to sit down with them,” Klick said. “I consider those kids my closest friends.”

He even takes it beyond school, helping out at Special Olympics events.

Head football coach Erik Westberg said Klick is “really good with those kids” and “an extremely hard worker” and

“very good student” who makes a key contribution on special teams.

“He’s a big special teams player for us, which is very important,” Westberg said.

For fun and relaxation Klick said he likes to go fishing with teammate and friend Chuck Conaway. Most weekends they grab their gear and head to a favorite fishing spot, usually looking for largemouth bass and catfish.

If they catch a big one, they may save it for dinner. Otherwise, it’s catch and release.

Klick said he plans to head to college next year and major in mechanical engineering.

NORTHWEST GUILFORD Stephen Vega, varsity football: lineman

by MEREDITH BARKLEY Does senior Stephen Vega, a rock on the offensive and defensive line for Northwest Guilford football, want to take his skills to the college level?

“If I can,” he said. “But more important at the moment is academics.”

That’s where he sees his future. Vega said he enjoys history and science, sees a link between the two and is excited to see where it all leads.

“You see how the world has been and where we are going,” said Vega, a 6-foot, 3-inch, 250-pounder, of the link between

the two disciplines. “History is our past and we can learn from it and get better.”

He sees his future in medicine or engineering – “or somehow related to them.” Perhaps biomedical.

Following that path, he figures he “can help people make the world a better place.”

Vega was part of Northwest’s state championship wrestling team last year.

He wrestled in the 220-pound weight class and won his match at the championships. He also throws the discus and shot put for the track team.

“He’s just a kid you wish you had 11 of,” said Kevin Wallace, Northwest’s head varsity football coach. “He wants great academics to go with it.”

Vega, who moved here from California as an eighth grader, said he is a voracious reader, absorbing mostly history and science fiction.

“I’ve read too many books to have a favorite,” he said.

He’s looking forward to the coming football season, thinks the Vikings should do well and hopes folks will recognize the contribution linemen will be making in the outcome.

“We don’t get much praise,” he said.

“But in my opinion we’re the most important players.”

halfpintharmonies.com (678)-687-1116

Register Today!

Mixed-age music classes Ages 0-4 | 10-week sessions AWARD-WINNING CURRICULUM spaces limited

PLUS

Check out our new partnership with

MUSIC & MOVEMENT Ages 0-3 • Fridays • 9:15-10:15 Ages 3-5 • Fridays • 4:30-5:30

Over 250 children in Guilford County will go to court alone Become a Guardian Ad Litem and advocate for an abused or neglected child

(336) 412-7580 | volunteerforgal.org

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

21

We offer one guarantee: 100% customer satisfaction

GRINS and GRIPES

22

Delighted or dismayed by something in your community?

Share your thoughts in

40

words or less

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

GRINS to...  The Guilford County sheriff’s deputy who stopped by our house to let us know we left the doors to our van open (we didn’t realize we had done so). Super nice guy, and appreciate all that you do.  Piedmont Natural Gas for quickly responding after lightning struck our property and caused two gas leaks. They worked on Sunday evening of a holiday weekend for six hours, until 2 a.m., to repair the line and never once complained.

Piedmont Truck Tires &

Automotive Center

FULL-SERVICE SHOP Full automotive repair & maintenance • Tune-ups Wheel & tire repair/alignment • NC inspections ASE certified technicians

Dan Rice

Mitch Glover

President

VP/GM of Greensboro

(336) 668-0091 • 312 S Regional Rd, Greensboro 11 locations open M-F 7:30-5:30 Emergency roadside 24/7/365 • Shuttle service within 8 miles

www.piedmonttrucktires.com AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

 Central Baptist Church youth group, leaders and volunteers who helped the teachers at Stokesdale Elementary set up classrooms and prepare for the new school year. We are so very appreciative of your service!  The CVS staff in Oak Ridge for the fast and courteous service I received Aug. 14. Y’all are great!  Oak Ridge Fire Department and the EMS crew for the fast and great service we received when my husband had to be transported to the hospital. Thanks for all you do!  Republic Services crew in Summerfield. They have a thankless job and are hardworking, friendly, and never complain about the homeowners’ trash and recycling – regardless of the weather!

They even help me bring those large cans down my driveway!  Vulcan Materials in Stokesdale for the awesome breakfast you provided for the Stokesdale Elementary staff on our first day back from summer break. Thank you for all you do for our school!

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

 Hope and PJ at Lowes in Oak Ridge for helping find the earring (50th birthday gift from my husband) I lost in the produce section. PJ even offered to take apart the produce cooler. Luckily, Hope found it on the floor.  Lifeguard Bryson Moore at Bur-Mil Park’s swimming pool for jumping into action to save a girl who was drowning.

You, sir, are a true hero!

GRIPES to...  Summerfield Town Councilwoman Teresa Pegram for not preparing for the Aug. 13 council meeting and for downright lying. Before you vote, know the facts about roads and public notice signs. BTW, can we impeach her?  Employers who don’t pay at least $15 an hour for any position. If you cannot pay that wage, then maybe you should not even be in business.  People who set off illegal fireworks!

We have noise, public fireworks’ ordinances, and fire-spreading-during-dryseason laws, not to mention child safety laws. This is a quiet community. Let’s keep it that way!  Oak Ridge CrossFit for letting parking for football practice get out of control Saturday, Aug. 17. Cars parked illegally everywhere and totally blocked the post office parking lot. No way of conducting needed postal business that day.

Editor’s note: We reached out to CrossFit to give them an opportunity to respond to this gripe and got this from Chad Gimbert, one of the CrossFit owners: “We apologize for any inconvenience

...continued on p. 24

Countdown to Kickoff

7th annual edition coming Aug. 29!

pt in-de Your

h prev

iew o

t Guilford Nor thwes d n a n r e f Nor th

fall High Schools’

Your in-depth preview of Northern and Northwest Guilford High Schools’ fall 2019 football season 2019 football season

SUE IN THISotbIS nd coaches all teams a

Meet the fo edules sch 2019 game results n so a formances hing bands se 2018 s and marc g bands’ halftime per er d ea rl ee in Meet the ch review of the march kp Get a snea

published by PS Communications

Look for it in next week’s Northwest Observer and online year-round at nwobserver.com

GRINS & GRIPES

Recent conversations on

...continued from p. 22

facebook.com/NorthwestObserver

experienced on Saturday morning due to the traffic/parking around CrossFit Oak Ridge. Turnout for the event that we agreed to host was much larger than expected and we are working with our friends who rent the fields to make sure that it does not happen again.”

Outside the

…

The following reader-submitted gripe(s) express opinions about state and national topics, and have been separated out of a courtesy to those who do not want to read others’ opinions on national political and other non-local topics in a local newspaper.  President Trump, for being the “business man” whose tariffs on Chinese imports do nothing but hurt the consumer, create a global economic slowdown, and raise the likelihood of the next recession happening sooner rather than later. #ChineseCentury #AmericanDecline #@realDonaldTrump

S om et h in g to

C el eb ra te ?

how legal the sign was.

Posted Wednesday, Aug. 14, at 7:25 a.m.

Summerfield Town Council voted 4-1 last night to rezone 6.7 acres of land on N.C. 150 at I-73, advancing plans for the Henson Village shopping center.

Council member Teresa Pegram voted against the rezoning request, saying the sign in front of the property notifying people of the request was illegal - partly because it doesn’t display information such as the date of last night’s public hearing.

Mayor Gail Dunham echoed Pegram’s concerns. A clear plastic tube attached to the sign contains a sheet of paper with details of the rezoning case.

“There is no legal issue,’’ said Town Attorney Bill Hill. Councilman Reece Walker questioned whether Pegram and Dunham were trying to “stonewall’’ to delay the rezoning case.

How do you feel about Pegram waiting until last night to bring up concerns about the Public Hearing notification signs the Town uses versus voicing those concerns a few months ago when the Public Hearing sign for this property rezoning was first posted?

Grant P. I mean what does she want a flashing road sign or a billboard like at the Harris Teeter gas station on Battleground?

Landy R. Teresa and Gail are clowns that just want to cause trouble they should be impeached or recalled for their idiotic shenanigans Lexie C. She’s going to vote against everything the other members vote for every time.

Honestly, I am not surprised at this point, but the “reasons” for her concerns are becoming increasingly laughable.

Ask us about pricing for wedding announcements, engagements, and other celebrations

| 336.644.7035 advertising@nwobserver.com

24

AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

Judi B. Vote for the people who can best represent Summerfield.

Carolyn L. Teresa is against any and all development in Summerfield. It wouldn’t matter

Jennifer N. I’m just glad we were able to move.

The traffic is already increased because of the highway. There are plenty of shopping centers on 220 already, including new ones not filled.

The widening of the 220 all but devastated the one shopping center. Parking is horrible. The building is available where Pergsons was. Why put a shipping (sic) center there? Housing makes more sense and while it would bring more traffic it won’t bring the volume a shopping center will.

Why worry about when she challenged the posting. Worry about when they’ll have to widen the road because of the traffic and accidents.

Northwest Observer Jennifer N., I think the main issue with Pegram’s opposition is that she said the Town had acted illegally - and whether that’s because of signage or something else, if it’s valid, shouldn’t it be addressed? And if it isn’t valid, it puts the Town in a precarious situation to use it as a reason to deny a rezoning request.

Lee L. Jennifer N. Housing is the problem. You keep adding people they want convenience to shopping and other things. The housing has what’s ruined the rural aspect of Summerfield.

These are not normal houses either they are inviting the affluent higher income people and they want everything at their disposal.

Theresa D. If you buy out here you should plan on driving to shop. Otherwise, buy in Greensboro - or at least closer in. Why would people buy houses and then want purchasing options brought to them?

Steve S. Lee L. Like Mayor Dunham who lives in one of those “affluent” neighborhoods?

Mike S. The issue (non-issue in my opinion) is the public notice. Oak Ridge recognized that our public notice signs were too small and ineffec-

tive. We (citizens) brought this to the attention of P&Z and they took action to improve signage.

But let’s be honest, driving down the street at 45 mph and seeing the sign is supposed to selftrigger interested people to do something more to get information... if you’re interested. Waiting until the TC meeting to raise a concern doesn’t do a thing to help the citizens.

Northwest Observer. The Town of Summerfield actually updated their Public Hearing signs in January 2015 to make them larger and more visible and the signs have been used in the 4 1/2 years since. Oak Ridge followed suit about two years ago, I believe.

Beth K. I believe Oak Ridge actually copied Summerfield’s public notice signs did they not?

Northwest Observer. Yes, and ironically, I just passed by Oak Ridge Military Academy, where Oak Ridge Planning Director happened to be placing a Public Hearing sign. I stopped to ask him about the sign and he confirmed the Town of Oak Ridge patterned its larger Public Hearing signs a few years ago after those that Summerfield started using in 2015.

Whitney L. How many public hearings has the town had since Teresa Pegram and Gail Dunham took office? How many times have they both seen the updated public hearing notification signage? These two want to question the legality of the sign and method of public notification 2 years well into their reign of an elected position when other public notices have come and gone that they both participated in. Pegram and Dunham should have presented their legality opposition prior to now since the public hearing notification signage was approved and changed at least 4 years ago. They have had plenty of time to dispute the method before now. They’ve certainly had more than enough time and notification to prepare for this rezoning hearing.

I have to agree with Councilman Walker that this was a failed attempt to stall the rezoning.

See more responses and join the conversation: facebook.com/NorthwestObserver The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Recent conversations on

facebook.com/NorthwestObserver Posted Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 12:12 p.m.

OK, be honest. Are you exceeding the posted 35 mph speed limit on N.C. 68 through Oak Ridge’s commercial district? Maybe, even after six months, it still sneaks up on you (like it does on me). Would ``rumble strips’’ – the grooved pavement that jars your car when you drive over them – slow you down? How about the return of the electronic speed limit warning signs placed on the roadside earlier this year?

The Oak Ridge Town Council discussed options at its meeting last week. Have any suggestions about how to remind drivers of the 35 mph speed limit that went into effect last December?

Stuart G. Speed limit warning signs do seem quite effective, IMO. Seems they have some more permanent ones placed in the 20mph zone in Kernersville Mary J. I do it every time ! I have never been ticketed in my life but if it happens its going to be there, I can’t get it through my head that it was changed.

Dennis G. Rumble strips.

Leslie A. Rumble strips are a good reminder.

They are used in VA a lot.

Keith B. I’ll rumble right over them full speed ahead

Nathaniel H. Two state troopers steady handing out tickets for a week, that will make a great reminder.

Amanda J. Speeding ticket fixed it for me.

tions when we do have our yearly blizzard.

Speed Cameras are technically unconstitutional since you cannot confront your “accuser” in a court of law and Greensboro removed them all years ago for various reasons. Getting rid of the 50mph sign right before the change would definitely help. I like the idea of permanent “This is your speed” lights in that area.

Harold S. remove the 50 mph sign that is just before and put in a sign that says caution 35 mph ahead

Shannon P. Had a kid pass me on double yellow lines cause I slowed down to the speed limit..

Sandra O. One of those trooper cars with dummy in it. I went up to one for directions one time in SC

Mike S. Suggestions of “handing out tickets” is a terrible idea. The last thing any town needs is the reputation (perceived or earned) of having a speed trap. Striping the highway is a good idea even if it means having to address on an annual basis .........

Linda T. I try but it’s hard to brake from 50 a couple feet from the 35 mile zone Bob B. Speed limit signs are really speed suggestion signs here in NC

Amy P. I would go for either the sign or the rumble strips. I think the rumble strips are something that be able to stay over time.

Michael C. The town folks must be board. I’m sure they will have several town meeting and studies to discuss.

Brady K. Change it back to 50 all the way through Cheryl A. Afraid I’m so guilty of going over 35. Even with reminders in the car telling me about the limit change.

Todd K. It doesn’t need to go down to 35 until you’ve passed the Bojangles’. Half the time you get stuck behind an 18-wheeler who can’t find his gear (or the I-73 bypass) to begin with.

Diana R. Maybe the flashing lights atop the limit sign Bud B. Firefighters and paramedics do not like the impact rumble strips have on their vehicles. Imagine trying to run a life saving IV on a patient while rumbling along? Get their input first and foremost.

Phil P. Put the cops out and start ticketing.

They will slow down!!

highly contentious that it divided many residents, with “No PD” and “Vote Yes for PD” signs dotting local roadsides in the months leading up to the November 2017 election.

During public comments at Monday’s meeting, Town Council candidate Priscilla Olinick asked whether open space mixed use development would be limited to certain highway and road corridors in Summerfield. It’s not restricted in the current draft of the UDO, board Chairman Dick Feulner said.

The board plans to resume discussions of the UDO at its meeting next Monday, Aug. 26, when it will review proposals for regulating mixed use and residential development in the town’s core along Summerfield Road, according to York.

After the Zoning Board completes its review of the UDO and gathers residents’ feedback during a public hearing, it will pass along its final recommendations to the Town Council. The council will then consider the board’s recommendations and hold another public hearing as part of its review and revision of the ordinance. A vote by the council is required for adoption of the ordinance.

want to go?

Margaret S. I really try to obey the 35 mph speed limit and it never fails somebody on my rear trying to push me down the road.

Why are these people in such a hurry and no regard for the posted speed limit?

The next meeting of the Zoning Board is scheduled for 6 p.m. next Monday, Aug. 26, at Town Hall, 4117 Oak Ridge Road (N.C. 150).

Join the conversation

Dave R. They need rumble strips there and on Linville Road between 150 and past the 2nd entrance to the park. That whole section should be 35mph past the park.

Hayden N. Speed cameras would definitely work.

Steve H. Stokesdale is bad for people running stop lights and speeding on every road something needs to be done

Tina R. First 35 is a ridiculous speed for that area! Should be 45

Jennifer S. I live around there and would hate driving on rumble strips every freaking day, plus it’s going to jam up traffic even more with everyone slowing down.

Sarah W. I always forget!

Jack R. Rumble strips would interfere with (or be destroyed by) snow clearing opera-

Gary T. Put a bunch of fake deer on the side of the road

Renee D. I like the idea of rumble strips.

NEWS in brief

...continued from p. 6

facebook.com/ NorthwestObserver

See more responses and join the conversation: facebook.com/NorthwestObserver The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

25

.

GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL YEAR ...continued from p. 1

walk in,” said Francisco, starting her third year as a teacher after graduating from East Carolina University.

She’s decorated her classroom with a mixture of items she purchased herself and obtained as donations from the wish list she posted on Amazon and her Facebook page.

Francisco softened the harsh fluorescent lights with colorful filters and put a blue couch from her parents’ house in the corner of the classroom set aside for reading. Children will gather around her as she sits crosslegged in a tent where she reads them stories.

Francisco, 24, comes from a family of teachers, including her mother, Denise Francisco, principal at Oak Ridge Elementary School. Two cousins and two aunts also teach.

“I grew up seeing what teachers did,” Francisco said in an interview earlier this week.

As a third-year teacher, Francisco is considered a beginner by Guilford County Schools, requiring her participation in a mentoring program in which more experienced teachers in the school offer advice and guide them through rough spots.

so consumed by their work that they start planning for the next school year as soon as the current year ends, leaving them little time to enjoy the summer break from the classroom, Bull said.

Harrell said she began planning for the school year when she returned to the school earlier this month.

“It’s easier for me to plan when I can look at the layout of the classroom,” she said.

“If you are young and right out of college, teaching is a challenge,” said Lindsey Bull, Stokesdale Elementary’s curriculum coordinator and lead mentor.

At Summerfield Charter Academy, fifth-grade science and social studies teacher Amanda Hall returned to school last month. She put her classroom back in order after the walls had been painted.

Lindsay Harrell teaches first grade down the hall from Francisco. She’s been a teacher for 12 years, long enough to learn to idle her brain over the summer and think about things other than teaching.

“I think we’re ready,” said Hall, teaching her fifth year at the academy.

“This is probably the first summer where I did not feel overwhelmed and thought I needed to come in early and start getting things done.”

By contrast, some new teachers are

Down the hall, Melody Lowman

is teaching reading to three classes of fourth graders. A change in the school’s curriculum encourages teachers to read out loud.

Reading to students has always been part of Lowman’s teaching style in her seven years at Summerfield Charter Academy. She said she models proper reading techniques to students by reading from books as she walks around the classroom.

Lowman’s love of teaching goes back a generation, when as a first grader she knew she wanted to teach.

“It has always been a calling,” she said. “I’ve never thought of doing anything else. The impact that you can make in a child’s life socially, emotionally and academically is huge.”

Family-owned since 1968

“Comfort for Every Moment” TRUSTED for OVER 50 YEARS We Service ALL Brands / 24-hour Emergency Service High Point 336-883-3903

26

AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

Greensboro 336-294-8044

Winston-Salem 336-727-0120

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

EanesComfort.com

AUTO SALES & SERVICE

HOMECARE AVAILABLE

SAVE THE DATE

NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5L SL. Gun Metallic Grey, bought Nov. 2016, one owner, highest spec & tech package. Heated leather seats, Bose speakers. Excellent condition. 26K miles, 3-yr. extended warranty. $18,000. Call (336) 644-8757.

EXPERIENCED HOMECARE PROFESSIONAL available for all home care needs.

Specializing in dementia and Alzheimers.

CNA certified, 11 years experience. (336) 987-3953.

LIVE MUSIC WEDNESDAYS AT GRAY GABLES! On September 4, Stereo Doll will be performing live at Gray Gables!

Doors will open at 5:30pm and music will bever be from 6:30-9:30pm. Food and beverages will be available on-site for purchase.

Come out and enjoy some good music, fun yard games, and great local company! For more information, call (336) 643-0005, or visit our event page, https://www.facebook. com/events/336329353700681.

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

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

EMPLOYMENT DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

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

INDEX

Auto Sales & Service ................... 27 Employment ............................... 27 Homecare Available ................... 27 Save the Date ............................. 27 Yard Sales .................................. 27 Home Services ....................... 27-29 Misc. for Sale ............................. 29 Misc. Services.............................. 29 Misc. Wanted .............................. 29 Pets & Animal Services ................ 30 Real Estate.................................. 30

NOW HIRING DUMP TRUCK DRIVERS CDL and medical card required. Must have dump truck experience. Call Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm, (336) 949-9060. Pay based on experience.

Laugh & Learn Child Care Center seeking TODDLER TEACHER. Assoc. degree preferred. (336) 643-6140.

ELDERLY COUPLE needs help around the house and siting with an 80-year-old handicapped man. Please reply to PO Box 610, Oak Ridge, NC 27310.

LA SALON booth rent available. Call and ask about free rent. (336) 286-2006.

ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE. Help wanted. Call (336) 643-9157.

COOK, ASSISTANTS, TEACHERS AND SUB POSITIONS open in child care center. Call (336) 643-5930 for information.

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

SAVE THE DATE GCUMC CHILDREN'S CONSIGNMENT SALE, Thursday, August 22, 5:30-9pm; Friday, August 23, 9am-7pm; and Saturday, August 24, 9am-1pm, 1205 Fleming Rd., GSO. (www.kidznmore.net).

HorseFriends VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION & SIDEWALKER TRAINING, Sat., August 24, from 8:30-10:30am. (Come early at 8am for fellowship, coffee and donuts!)

Address: 5920 Khaki Place, Summerfield.

Call (336) 420-4588 or (336) 601-5577 for more info. horsefriendsnc.org.

SOMETHING GOING ON? Place your Save the Date classified ad online at www.nwobserver.com, or call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10.

YARD SALES NANA'S GARAGE SALE, Sat., August 24, 8am-2pm, 6767 Brookbank Road, Summerfield.

MOVING SALE, Saturday, August 24, 7am-12n, 6977 Brandi Wood Circle, Summerfield. Furniture, clothes, household & more! No early birds please!

COMMUNITY YARD SALE, Sat., Aug. 24, 7am, Jessup Ridge. Multi-family sale at J. Carroll Jessup Pkwy. (off Cedar Hollow Rd. near the intersection of NC 150 and Spencer Dixon Rd).

HOME SERVICES

SHAVED PARAD-ICE frozen treats will be at the Stokesdale Farmers Market on Tuesdays, including next Tuesday, August 27, 4-7pm, Stokesdale Town Park.

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

ENCORE KIDS CONSIGNMENT Check out our fall & winter items, premierpremier ing Friday, August 30, 305 W. Mountain Street, Kernersville. (336) 993-3444.

CLEANING

Ridgewood TRY-A-TRI FOR HOSPICE, Saturday, August 31. For more info, visit www.TriforHospice.org. Ad sponsored by Downtown Bicycle Works. 100% of registration fee goes to Hospice & Palliative Care Greensboro.

KIDS CONSIGNMENT SALE, Friday, Sept. 13, 9am-8pm; Sat., Sep 14, 8am-1pm (some items 50% off on Sat.), St Paul's Catholic Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road, GSO, www.stpaulskidssale.com.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

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

A CLEANER LIVING – Residential cleaning, 17 years exp. When details matter, only the best will do. Call or text (336) 669-8569.

HATE CLEANING? I'm looking to provide cleaning services for your home or small business/office. For more info, call Annette, (336) 239-1224.

HOUSE CLEANING. 20 years experience cleaning the northwest area. References avail., reliable, consistent quality work.

Weekly/biweekly. (336) 646-2063.

continued on p. 28

AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

27

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

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

UTILITY TRAILERS WELDED & REPAIRED. Pickup and delivery available.

Call or text Morris at (336) 880-7498.

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

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

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

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

AMERICAN MAID. All your housecleaning needs. Weekly/biweekly/as needed. Call for your free estimate. (336) 409-4554.

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.

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

ELECTRICAL

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

GARY’S HANDYMAN HOME SERVICES “Providing value for the home-ownership experience.” Gary Gellert, serving NC’s Piedmont Triad area. Garygellert@gmail. com, (336) 423-8223.

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

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.

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

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

FIX YOUR MOWER. Free pickup & delivery.

Call Rick, (336) 501-8681.

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

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

Contact us for a free estimate!

(336) 669-7252

oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com

28 28

AUG. - 28, 2019 AUG.2222 - 28, 2019

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

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

H&L GRADING, LLC. No job to tough or to small. Call us first! We are a full service grading company that specializes in residential projects. Owner/Operator Timmy Hart has more than 30 years of grading and equipment experience. Fully licensed and insured. Land clearing, debris removal, drive ways, french drains and much more. (336) 543-7867.

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.

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

Commercial & Residential. (336) 669-5210.

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

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

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

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

ATCHISON LAWN CARE. Dependable.

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

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 est. Call, (336) 669-5448.

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.

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.

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

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

The The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 1996 Northwest Observer • Totally local since

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.

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) 430-6086.

The Northwest Observer

22 years and still counting!!

Thanks for your continued support.

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

SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes.

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

COLONIAL MASONRY, MADISON NC 40 years experience. Call (828) 312-0090 or visit us online at www.colonialmasonry.com.

MISC. SERVICES & PRODUCTS HAVING TROUBLE CLIMBING THE STAIRS? Want to stay in your home?

Need an elevator? A stair lift may be the answer for you! Call us for a free estimate!

Romar Elevators, Inc. (434) 836-5321 or 800-876-6271. Check us out online at www.romarelevators.com.

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

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

MISC. SERVICES

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

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

PIANO LESSONS, all ages and levels, Summerfield area. Patti, (336) 298-4181.

PAINTING & DRYWALL

PRESSURE WASHING

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.

BEK Paint Co.

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

David & Judy Long, owners

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

Residential & Commercial

(336) 931-0600

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

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

CUSTOM FAUX FINISH SPECIAL Mantle and/or built-in cabinetry finishes.

Get the look of stone, marble, driftwood, rustic or metallic shimmer. Visit us at www.newlookfinishes.com/faux.

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

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

PAINTING – INTERIOR & EXTERIOR 32 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. No job too small. Insured. Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186.

PLUMBING BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed.

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

WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING, Inc. (336) 992-2503. Licensed, insured, bonded.

24/7 service. Plumbing, drain cleaning, well pumps. Give us a call, we do it all! Go to www.webstersplumbing.com for more info.

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

TM

Construction Services, INC

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Feature walls

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

DOUGLAS CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING, LLC. Custom Builder, sunrooms, garages, additions, kitchens baths. Licensed & Insured, BBB A+ accredited. Free est. Visit www.douglascr.com or call (336) 413-5050.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BEST PRICES IN TOWN! Shingle and metal roofing. Top-notch quality. Res./comm., licensed & insured. Financing available.

Belews Creek Construction, (336) 362-6343.

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

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

RED RHINO ROOFING, based in Oak Ridge, NC. Storm damage specialist experienced with all types of roofing. BBB accredited A and listed with Angie’s List. Call (336) 944-6118, or visit redrhinoroofing.com.

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

MISC. FOR SALE NEW CAR CADDY CADDY, used one time. (336) 430-6901, ask for Buddy.

FURNITURE! Due to upcoming move, lots of quality furniture available. By appointment only. Please call (336) 681-7752.

LAWN AND POWER TOOL SALE! John Deere LA135 riding mower and accessories; Echo blower/vacs; Toro weed eater/edger; Remington electric chain saw; Home lite chain saw; Craftsman miter saw; Makita table saw. Much, much more. Call (336) 870-0727.

Something to sell?

Tell our readers about it! www.nwobserver.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

ERRANDS AND MORE, LLC. Corporate and busy families - we are here to run your errands and lighten your stress! House sitting, along with appointment scheduling, waiting for deliveries, repairmen or installation! Senior care services including companionship and transportation. Insured & bonded. Call (336) 202-2420 or email us at errandsandmore64@gmail.com.

HEY ATHLETES! Want to do some extra conditioning before the fall sports season starts? Join me, Chris Jessup, at Proehlific Park, two or three mornings a week (based on your needs) at 6am (the best rise early and get after it!), 7am, 8am or 9am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays. You do your part, I'll do mine, and together we'll work to get you ahead of the competition.

For inquiries and pricing for one-on-one and small group strength & conditioning training sessions, email cjessup.fit@gmail.com.

Tell our readers about your business!

Locally owned & operated

Gated access with 24/7 camera surveillance 6705 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale • (336) 643-9963 (affiliated with Stokesdale Storage)

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

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

WILL PAY CASH FOR reasonably-priced golf cart needing repair. (336) 689-4167.

continued on p. 30

AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

29

 PETS & ANIMAL SVCS.

 REAL ESTATE

 REAL ESTATE

 REAL ESTATE

PET SITTING

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

HOMES FOR SALE

HOMES FOR SALE

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

EVENTS HorseFriends VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION & SIDEWALKER TRAINING, Sat., August 24, from 8:30-10:30am. (Come early at 8am for fellowship, coffee and donuts!)

Address: 5920 Khaki Place, Summerfield.

Call (336) 420-4588 or (336) 601-5577 for more info. horsefriendsnc.org.

 REAL ESTATE HOMES FOR RENT STOKESDALE DUPLEX, 2BR, 1BA, $725/ month. (336) 706-1887.

3BR, 2BA, STOKESDALE, $825/mo. plus deposit, NW schools. Call for details, (336) 643-6838 or cell, (336) 416-4956.

Selling or renting?

Tell all of NW Guilford County right here!

LAND FOR SALE 1.36-ACRE HOME SITE in Gwynedd, off Bunch Road. $85,000. (336) 643-7071.

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!

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

ACREAGE, Summerfield address in Southern Rockingham County. 15 mins. to Greensboro airport area. 5 to 25 acre tracts.

Gorgeous trees, creeks, pond and gentle terrain. No HOA or dues. Paved road frontage. Call (336) 430-9507 anytime.

45 +/- ACRES AVAILABLE in southern Rockingham County. Gorgeous property, call (336) 430-9507.

30

AUG. - 28, 2019 AUG.2222 - 28, 2019

We Help Everyone!

SUMMERFIELD RETREAT!

(336) 643-4248

Come enjoy this 4BR/3.5BA retreat in Armfield. Beautiful detail everywhere: moldings, coffered ceilings and meticulously maintained grounds. The Paradise deck alone is worth a look! Ceiling fans, a fireplace, bed swing and beadboard ceilings entreat you to come and relax.

Come and see this home, it might be yours!

Offered at $619,500

STAYCATION IN OAK RIDGE!

SELLERS & BUYERS

www.ANewDawnRealty.com

Call for Buyer or Seller Representation

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

Nancy J. Hess

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

JustCallGil.com

5802 Autumn Gate Drive, Oak Ridge

Hurry to see fabulous stately brick 2-story home with swimming pool & serene backyard. Modern newly remodeled kitchen ready for you!

Must see!$479,900

For superior marketing, call Ramilya Siegel CRS, GRI, SRES, Chairman’s Circle Award

( 336 ) 215.9856 rsiegel@kw.com

gilvaughan@gmail.com

SUMMERFIELD PASTORAL ESTATE!

NEW PRICE – NO HOA!

33 acres surround a 3-acre stocked lake. Southern-style home with 5 BR and 4.5 BA; wrap-around porch with incredible views of the lake. Outdoor kitchen, screened porch for entertaining, and barn with attached apartment!

Offered at $2,300,000

4906 Leadenhall Road, Oak Ridge

If you'd like to tell our readers about your business or service, we'd love to help!

Call Laura at (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 for advertising info!

HOMES FOR SALE SIMPLICITY AND STYLE!

Nancy J. Hess 3807 Eagle Downs Way Artfully designed home with popular open plan. Current yet classic architectural elements. Spacious dining room, bedrooms with en suites. Incredible gathering area in the designer kitchen / keeping room/ great room combination. Designer colors for selected countertops and tiles. A must-see master bath and closet. Enjoy the beautiful private view from back porch. $669,000

Jake Letterman (336) 338-0136

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

The grandeur of this all-brick home with stunning private level yard await! NEW HVAC 2014/2019. 4BR/3BA & 2 bonus spaces. Immaculate! Call for more details! $429,900

DeDe Cunningham REALTOR®/Broker NC Licensed Contractor

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

Realtors, get your real estate listings noticed “ by placing showcase ads in our classifieds.

Contact me for more info.”

Laura Reneer, marketing manager (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 • advertising@nwobserver.com

The The Northwest Observer • Totally local local since since 1996 1996 Northwest Observer • Totally

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS

Please support our advertisers,

and tell them where you saw their ad!

ACCOUNTING

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

MEDICAL CARE

Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC...... 20

Oak Ridge Chiropractic ..................... 17

Budget Blinds .................................... 11

LeBauer Healthcare ........................... 14

ART / DANCE / KARATE

CHURCH

Carpets by Direct ............................... 16

ORTHODONTIC CARE

Northern Arts / Mike Carr Karate ........ 3

Pathways Church ................................. 7

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE

DENTIST

Piedmont Truck Tires, Inc. ................. 22 Tire Max .............................................. 9 Vestal Buick / GMC .............................. 5

DeVaney Dentistry ............................. 17 Summerfield Family Dentistry ............ 10

Old School Home Repair ................... 28 ProStone Inc. ....................................... 2

BANK

EVENTS

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ............... 11 Northwest Animal Hospital .................. 5 Westergaard Kennels ......................... 14

Gray Gables Fall Concerts ................... 8 Kiwanis Golf FORE Kids Tourney ......... 2 Summerfield Music in the Park ............ 6

Rymack Storage ................................ 29 Stokesdale Heating & Air ................... 19

REAL ESTATE

HEALTH & FITNESS

Justin Fulp, Farm Bureau Insurance .... 11

First Citizens Bank ............................. 15

BUILDING / REMODELING TM Construction ................................ 29

SNAP Fitness ..................................... 13

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS Guardian Ad Litem Program ............. 21 Half-Pint Harmonies .......................... 21

Culligan of the Triad .......................... 18 Dr. Johns H2O ............................. Insert Eanes Heating & Air .......................... 26 Nature’s Select .................................... 4

INSURANCE LEGAL SERVICES

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Barbour & Williams Law ..................... 13

BEK Paint Company ........................... 29

Scott Tippett – Hagan Barrett Law .... 19

Olmsted Orthodontics ....................... 21

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

A New Dawn Realty ..........................30 DeDe Cunningham, Keller Williams ...30 Gil Vaughan, Keller Williams ..............30 Jake Letterman, BHHS Yost & Little ..30 Nancy Hess, BHHS Yost & Little ........30 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX ..................... 3 Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams ..........30

Stokesdale Summerfield Oak Ridge

target

northwest Guilford County

advertise with us

(336) 644-7035, ext. 11 • advertising@nwobserver.com The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

AUG. 22 - 28, 2019

31

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Postal Patron

Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22

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

ECRWSS

Cathy Hill and Glen n Myrick of Oak Ridg e and their friends Cliff an d Leslie Lewis of Lewisville to ok an expedition to Svalbar d, a Norwegian archipelag o, in June. The only thing that could make sipping champagne on the pack ice of the Arctic Ocean any be tter is... the Northwest Obse rver.

g with ak Ridge, alon O of l ea N e ik Simone Marcie and M Ray Chaney, d, ol rn A ne ia and D w friends from friends Terry Jerry Peters, ne , rk sort Pa ni Jo , er, and their re Nannery w Po a nd ho R and eir recent Canada David bserver on th O t es w th or N eir Catching up friend, took th an Republic. ic in om D a, Can of the trip! trip to Punta as a highlight w s w ne l ca lo on the

takes her Mary Litchford ver far and deep Northwest Obser at the Marriott during her stay in Jordan.

Dead Sea Resort

Madison, Sydney an d Kendall McDonald made sure they didn’t miss out on anything happ ening back home in no rthwest Guilford Co unty while visiting family and friends in Albuqu erque, New Mexico. As sym bolized by the hot air balloon in the sky, Albuquer que is home of the annual International Balloon Fiesta, the world’s lar gest gathering of hot air balloons, held each October.

Where do you take your Northwest Observer?

Email your photo to photos@nwobserver.com