Dec. 12 - 18, 2019
bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996
www.nwobserver.com Judge Lawrence McSwain (left) prepares to swear BJ Barnes into office as mayor at Summerfield Town Council’s Dec. 10 meeting. To Barnes’ right is his wife, Dena Barnes, who served on the council for 22 years, and close friends Sam Page, Rockingham County sheriff, and Terry Johnson, Alamance County sheriff. Story on p. 23
Sullivan given state’s highest service award
Cherished memories of Christmases past Thanks to the following readers who shared some of their most treasured Christmas memories and traditions (and as always, we invite others to weigh in by emailing your memories and traditions to editor@nwobserver.com). We’ll be back with more in next week’s issue.
by ANNETTE JOYCE Angela Hoffman of Stokesdale wasn’t really aware of an important family tradition until last year on Christmas morning. “Over the years we had always
IN THIS ISSUE Councils seek funds ......................2 Aviation training in works .............3 Questions/News in brief ...............4 Oak Ridge Town Council ..............6
wrapped the kids’ gifts from me and my husband and Santa had left his gifts unwrapped,” Hoffman said. “Everything was waiting under the Christmas tree for them when they came downstairs.” But last year, Santa got a little ambitious and decided to wrap all his gifts as well. When her children, Kara, 22, and Thomas, 16, saw the packages under the tree, they were a bit put out that things were different. “It was actually kind of funny,” she said. “Needless to say, Santa won’t be wrapping his gifts this year.” Bits & Pieces .................................12 Crime/Incident Report................ 14 Calendar Events ..........................15 Parade/Tree Lighting Photos ......16 Teen finds healing .......................18 Student Profiles ............................20 NWHS Cheerleaders No. 1..........22
Roger Howerton grew up in Oak Ridge in the 1930s. Back then, Christmas gifts were scarce. “Most of the time we’d get fruit, nuts and candy,” he recalled. “Sometimes we might get a toy.” He does, however, remember two gifts he especially enjoyed receiving on two different Christmases – a hatchet and a “pretty red wagon.” “I was about 6 when I got the hatchet, which was like an axe but smaller,” he said. “I was so proud of
...continued on p. 10 Grins and Gripes .........................24 Comments on Dena Barnes .......25 Letters/Opinions ..........................26 Classifieds ....................................27 Index of Advertisers ....................31 NWO on the Go! ..........................32
Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO
Mayor Spencer Sullivan gathers his thoughts after being presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine at Oak Ridge Town Council’s Dec. 5 meeting.
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine was presented to the former councilman and mayor on Dec. 5 by PATTI STOKES OAK RIDGE – Not long after the Dec. 5 council meeting got underway, Oak Ridge Town Councilman George McClellan called Mayor Spencer Sullivan to the front of the room and
...continued on p. 26
Councils seek $1.13 million from remaining water study funds
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After spending $170,000 for a study to determine the feasibility of establishing a regional water authority, the towns of Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale say they’re ready to independently pursue other waterrelated projects by CHRIS BURRITT/ PATTI STOKES
NW GUILFORD – Oak Ridge Town Council voted 3-1 at its Dec. 5 meeting to pass a resolution requesting the state legislature reallocate to Summerfield, Oak Ridge and Stokesdale $3.4 million left over from the study of a proposed regional water system for northwestern Guilford County. Summerfield Town Council voted 4-1 at its Dec. 10 meeting to pass a similar resolution, and Stokesdale Town Council is expected to vote on a resolution at its Dec. 12 meeting. Each of the three towns would get about $1.13 million to spend on waterrelated projects if the General Assembly passes the legislation. All three resolutions state that after a water feasibility study was completed, each Town “believes that a Regional Water Authority would place a tremendous financial burden on our Town and the other members of the regional study” and that no further action on a regional water authority is envisioned by the local participants. Responding to Oak Ridge Councilman George McClellan’s motion to adopt the resolution, Councilman Doug Nodine, who ultimately cast the only opposing vote, said he didn’t think the
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Town had done its due diligence in this matter, as indicated in the resolution. “If we’re willing to strike that part, I’d be happy to vote for it,” he said. Councilwoman Martha Pittman said reallocating the funds would help with efforts to meet Oak Ridge’s needs versus regional needs. Mayor Ann Schneider said the Town’s due diligence in this matter was ongoing and “This resolution and reallocation of funds to support a potential water system would be a great boon to our community. I would hope we could see some benefit from those dollars in our community.” Summerfield’s resolution stated the Town views its most pressing waterrelated needs are “specifically regarding quicker and reliable access to water during fire events.” Council member Teresa Pegram voted against the resolution, suggesting Summerfield’s share of the state funds go to Oak Ridge, where town leaders are evaluating the establishment of a municipal water system, and Stokesdale, which already operates a water system and wishes to expand it. “I don’t see the need” in Summerfield, Pegram said. “We have enough water.” A house fire on Lake Brandt Road last year required several fire departments that provided water and assisted Summerfield firefighters, said Reece Walker, a council member and Summerfield fireman. “The fire could be here tonight, God forbid, or it could be in one of our neighbor’s houses,” Mayor BJ Barnes said. He explained that use of the state funds would assist the Summerfield Fire Department and reduce the odds that the department would impose taxes to pay for fire suppression.
...continued on p. 5
Aviation training in works for new NW Guilford high school A proposal to create an aviation technology magnet program signals efforts to prepare students for good-paying jobs around Piedmont Triad International Airport by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – A job posting on the website of HAECO Americas, which repairs airplanes at Piedmont Triad International (PTI) Airport, offers a $3,000 signing bonus for a generalpurpose mechanic. On average, aircraft mechanics in the Greensboro area earn $25.75 an hour while airplane inspectors fetch nearly $41 an hour, according to Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC). The college’s website said the national average for mechanics who maintain landing gears and other systems is about $50,000 a year. Those wages would be available to an increasing number of high school graduates in Guilford County if plans materialize for a magnet program for aviation technology. Construction of a new high school in the northwestern section of the county would create 1,200 seats – 800 for traditional students and 400 for students attend-
ing the magnet program, according to a proposal unveiled last month by Guilford County Schools. The emphasis on technical training addresses the deepening shortage of skilled labor – locally and nationally – in industries ranging from construction to plumbing to aviation. Companies looking to expand operations are attracted to cities that offer skilled workers and specialized training programs, according to school board member Pat Tillman, representing District 3 schools including Northwest High. “The idea is to create an aviation technology curriculum so that students can be career-ready for jobs that are going to be available not just in 2019 and 2020, but in 2025 and 2030,” Tillman said in an interview last week. The proposed Northwest high school is part of a $2 billion facilities plan proposed by Sharon Contreras, the district’s superintendent. It calls for constructing and renovating schools over the next 10 to 15 years to relieve overcrowding and improve security and technology. On average, schools countywide are more than 50 years old, spurring plans to demolish some facilities and replace them with new construction. Though construction of the new high school in the northwestern Guilford area may be several years away, plans for the aviation magnet
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program reflect collaboration among school leaders and economic developers in the Triad. Over the past decade, the growing operations of HAECO Americas and Honda Aircraft Co. at PTI have boosted demand for aviation workers. As a result, GTCC has expanded its aviation curriculum. Approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, the college’s curriculum provides federally required certifications for mechanics to work on aircraft. Among the students are high school juniors and seniors participating in Guilford Apprenticeship Partners (GAP).
The program offers five career paths – including aviation mechanics – to students who compete for apprenticeships with local employers, including HAECO Americas, according to GAP’s website. Students pay no tuition and get paid by employers for working and attending classes, Ann Flynt, coordinator of apprenticeships for the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, said in an interview earlier this week. The GAP program consists of on-thejob training and classes at GTCC. Over
...continued on p. 5
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I understand that Tim Sessoms was elected Dec. 10 by his fellow council members to serve as Summerfield’s mayor pro tem.
I wonder why Lynne Williams DeVaney wasn’t selected to that position since she was the council member who received the largest number of votes in the Summerfield Town Council election Nov. 5. We covered the Town Council meeting this past Tuesday, Dec. 10, when Sessoms was elected Mayor Pro Tem by his fellow council members. Here’s how the discussion about the selection of mayor
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pro tem played out. Councilman John O’Day introduced a motion to appoint Sessoms as mayor pro tem. Council member Reece Walker seconded O’Day’s motion. Council member Teresa Pegram then nominated DeVaney, noting that she was the council member receiving the most votes in the election. “She can certainly run that position,” Pegram said. Pegram’s motion didn’t receive a second by any other council member. BJ Barnes concurred that DeVaney was qualified to serve as mayor pro tem. However, he said other council members – including his wife, Dena Barnes, and Elizabeth McClellan – weren’t named mayor pro tem after collecting the most votes in previous elections. “We have a council member who’s also been mayor,” O’Day said, referring
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to Sessoms who served as mayor from 2015 through 2017. “I’m always the one who will go with the experience.” DeVaney joined Sessoms, O’Day and Walker in the 4-1 vote electing Sessoms as mayor pro tem. Pegram opposed the decision. The primary role of the mayor pro tem is “to preside over Council meetings in the mayor’s absence,” according to information prepared by town staff for this week’s council meeting. “It’s not a given that the mayor pro tem would automatically become the ‘permanent’ mayor in the event of a departure of a sitting mayor.”
NEWS in brief
Stokesdale Town Council meeting preview Stokesdale Town Council will meet Thursday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall on Angel-Pardue Road. The council has a full meeting agenda, including a presentation of the 20182019 audit by Rouse, Rouse, Gardner and Rouse. Outgoing council members Frank Bruno and Tim Jones, who did not win their bids for reelection in November, will be recognized for their service and presented with proclamations. Incoming council members Derek Foy, Jim Rigsbee and Jimmy Landreth will be sworn into office, after which a mayor pro tem will be elected from among the new council. The council will vote on a resolution to request the state legislature reallocate $3.4 million in remaining funds from a water feasibility study to Oak Ridge, Stokesdale and Summerfield. There will also be a discussion and vote on changes in staff benefits for 2020, and discussion and a vote on the park grant process and survey.
TOWNS SEEK FUNDS ...continued from p. 2
Earlier in the meeting, outgoing Mayor Gail Dunham said adoption of the resolution “would create a Summerfield water authority to help the Summerfield Fire Department,” something she strongly opposed. Town Manager Scott Whitaker said Dunham’s statement was not true. Adoption of the resolution would put Summerfield in the position to receive state funds to improve the supply of water for firefighting if the legislature approved the requests by the three towns, he said. Dunham and Pegram echoed concerns raised by five unsuccessful candidates for Summerfield Town Council in the Nov. 5 election. Running together as “Voices for Summerfield,” the candidates raised the scenario that the installation of water lines and tanks to assist firefighters would eventually be used by developers to supply water to
new subdivisions. In his opening statement as mayor, BJ Barnes said, “Our wells and septic are something we want to retain. At this point we have no interest in a town water system… Any system needed for development of any property should be at the cost of the developer. The developer should be responsible for providing water access for fire protection for any of their development – again, at the cost of the developer. “It is not fair to our citizens to pay for water for the profit of the developers,” he said. A study conducted for the Town of Summerfield three years ago presented options for providing water for fighting fires. The council hasn’t acted on the recommendations; however, it could decide to use the state appropriation to pay for fire-suppression efforts, Whitaker said. “This is a no-brainer asking for this money,” council member John O’Day said.
AVIATION TRAINING ...continued from p. 3
four years, it is worth $125,000 and leads to two-year associate’s degrees and certifications sought by employers, according to the program’s website. Students earn from $9 to $15.50 an hour as they progress through the apprenticeships. “Companies have the opportunity to employ highly skilled young people whom they’ve mentored,” Flynt said. “It benefits the local economy, creating a promising future for our young people and keeping them here.”
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DEC. 12 - 18, 2019
5
OAK RIDGE town council
Dec. 5 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by PATTI STOKES Mayor Spencer Sullivan called the monthly meeting to order before recognizing N.C. Rep. John Faircloth, Judge Stuart Albright, and N.C. Sen. Michael Garrett for being in attendance. Following a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance, the meeting agenda and Nov. 7, 2019 regular council meeting minutes were approved.
REPORTS GC Sheriff’s Office. Capt. George Moore of the sheriff’s District 1 office reported there were 73 calls for service in Oak Ridge in November, compared to a monthly average of 80 calls this year. A few of the recent incidents involved residential break-ins; one person who stole wire from homes in Oak Ridge, throughout Guilford County and in Kernersville has been apprehended “Tis the season for ‘porch pirates,’” Moore said, advising residents to have someone pick up any packages delivered to their homes versus leaving them out and visible until they get home. When asked about recent car break-ins at Town Park, Moore pro-
vided details of the incident in which a suspect broke the windows of three vehicles and stole purses and other valuables. (See details on p. 14.)
4 0: Elect Ann Schneider as mayor 4 0: Elect Jim Kinneman as mayor pro tem 3 1: Pass (Nodine opposed) a resolution requesting $3.4 million in
state funds be reallocated in equal portions to the towns of Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale
4 0: Extend ORYA’s 2019 facilities usage agreement while proposed changes are being reviewed
On a safety note, residents were reminded to keep their fresh Christmas trees watered.
4 0: Accept the financial report as presented
RESOLUTION, PRESENTATION
Councilman George McClellan presented Sullivan with a resolution in appreciation of his many years of service to the community, to his church, to national and international missions to help those in need, and his eight years of service on the town council. Following that presentation, N.C. Sen. Michael Garrett presented Sullivan with the governor’s highest civilian award in the state, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. (See FC article for details.)
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Mayor Ann Schneider, council members George McClellan, Doug Nodine and Martha Pittman voted on the following issues (Jim Kinneman was absent):
Fire Department. Capt. Ryan Rice reported Oak Ridge Fire Department responded to 66 calls for service in November and firefighters received 337.5 hours of training.
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WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted:
3 1: Approve (Nodine opposed) a draft water system management plan and draft water rules
lan and Doug Nodine, who both won their bids for reelection in the November election, and newly elected council member Martha Pittman were sworn into office by Judge Stuart Albright.
ELECTION OF MAYOR, MAYOR PRO TEM
After McClellan, Nodine and Pittman took their seats at the council table with Councilwoman Ann Schneider, McClellan nominated Schneider to serve as the Town’s mayor; Nodine in turn nominated McClellan, but McClellan declined the nomination.
4 0 to elect Schneider as
mayor.
4 0 to approve McClellan’s
motion to elect Jim Kinneman (who was not present) as the Town’s mayor pro tem.
NEW BUSINESS Resolution. Schneider thanked N.C. Rep. John Faircloth, Sebastian King, candidate for N.C. Senate, and McClellan for working together on a proposal to request the state legislature reallocate budgeted state funds of $3.4 million – what remains after paying $170,000 for a feasibility study to establish a regional water authority – in equal portions to the towns of Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale, and then read a resolution formally stating that request.
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3 1 (Nodine opposed) to ap-
prove the resolution (see News Briefs for discussion before the vote).
MANAGER’S REPORT
Town Manager Bill Bruce gave an update on the Town’s annual agreement with Oak Ridge Youth Association (ORYA) for use of Town facilities. The Parks and Rec Advisory Board is reviewing several requests from ORYA that affect the agreement, and will continue to discuss them at their Dec. 19 meeting, Bruce said. He recommended the current agreement, which expires Dec. 31, remain in effect until a new agreement is finalized.
4 0 to extend ORYA’s 2019 facilities usage agreement until the Advisory Board and the council have reviewed all requested changes.
Draft Water System Rules, Plan. Bruce said a draft of the water rules and regulations and a draft of the water system management plan for the Town’s proposed water system has been on the Town’s website for public review and printed copies were available at a Nov. 21 open house. If approved by the council, the next step is to seek bids for a water system operating and business services contract. The water rules is a 74-page document that contains industry standard policies for things like billing, discontinuance and restoration of service, etc. The water system management plan establishes responsibilities for maintenance, staff qualifications, training for water system operators, standards for system monitoring, record keeping, etc.
Santa knows where to shop ...continued on p. 8
Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO
As she takes the mayor’s seat at Oak Ridge Town Council’s Dec. 5 meeting, Ann Schneider gives a nod to Councilman George McClellan (left), who nominated her to serve as the Town’s mayor. Although McClellan was also nominated, he said he had no interest in serving as mayor and Schneider was subsequently elected mayor by a 4-0 vote of her fellow council members (Councilman Jim Kinneman, who was absent from the meeting, was elected mayor pro tem).
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TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 7
Nodine said this was similar to the earlier resolution the council voted on, in that the Town had still not done its due diligence. “This is a losing proposition,” Nodine said. “Certainly on (new) 30-unit developments, we will lose about $2,000 a year.” Nodine noted money would have to be spent from the time the first house in a development is sold and over the year or so the development is being built out, the Town would be responsible for any shortfall of running water to the homes already sold.
“That cost will probably be in the neighborhood of between $20,000 and $30,000 per development,” he continued. “…I think we’re going too fast and we don’t have good numbers yet. I don’t know why we’re proposing to adopt a plan to put us on that course. I don’t think we’ve done our due diligence.” “I have been really itching to get my hands and my brain into the real numbers,” Pittman said. “Not a model, but something that is actually a proposal for how the system would work. My understanding is, before we can ask for proposals we have to set the parameters and guidelines of what we are going to be asking the operating company to do. And that’s what the draft water
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plan and water rules will do. “So although it feels out of order, it is necessary that we get these in place so we can dig in and get to the nitty-gritty,” she said. “We need to acknowledge that by adopting this management plan and rules, this doesn’t guarantee we are going to implement this system as proposed. It’s just the next step so that we can get to the proposals.” Schneider said she understood the Town is looking at preliminary numbers and estimates and emphasized, “These documents do not commit us to pursuing a water system. They are simply the next step.” In response, Nodine said he felt the Town’s hired consultant should provide “some numbers” before approving the water management plan.
When McClellan said an RFP (Request for Proposals) would give the Town the numbers it is looking for, Nodine responded, “This sounds like ‘we have to pass this in order to see what’s in it.’” “It’s nothing like that, Sir, and you know it,” McClellan responded.
3 1 (Nodine opposed) to approve the draft water system management plan and water rules.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS Andre Broom said he is a daily walker at Town Park and after several vehicle break-ins there, has become increasingly uncomfortable. After reading a Gripe in the current Northwest Observer about a woman’s car being broken into and
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her wondering why security cameras couldn’t be purchased, he said he supported the reader’s comments wholeheartedly, and urged the council to consider purchasing security cameras. Rita Lewandowski also spoke in favor of increasing security at Town Park, but encouraged the council to carefully think through what kind of security system would be implemented, where cameras would be installed, what staff would be needed to monitor video footage, etc. “There’s a little more to it than just putting up a camera,” she said.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Finance Officer Sam Anders said the Town has received property tax revenue and several disbursements of funds from solid waste disposal tax receipts, cable tax receipts, special events revenue, veterans memorial donations and other park revenues.
4 0 to accept the financial report as presented. COMMUNITY UPDATES
Oak Ridge Military Academy. Dr. Steve Wilson introduced himself as the headmaster/president of the academy and said the cadets are participating in several holiday parades. He thanked those responsible for getting crosswalk lights in front of Alumni Hall on N.C. 150. Enrollment continues to grow, especially at the middle school level, Wilson said, noting people are being drawn to the academy because of its family atmosphere and small class size. Wilson encouraged everyone to ride by the academy’s campus and enjoy the Christmas lights – this year for the first time the rapelling tower is also decorated with lights. Also, the historic house on campus, Maple Glade, is decorated for Christmas and tours are being conducted over two weekends to raise money for interior and exterior renovations.
Vaping is a tremendous problem for academy students and students at all schools, Wilson noted, citing the addiction and health concerns associated with the practice. He encouraged the town to do anything it could, including passing an ordinance to ensure the “tobacco shop” that operates behind the Quality Mart/Shell station does not sell vaping products to underage customers. Wilson then said the cadets conducted their annual Toys for Tots campaign a few weeks ago at the N.C. 150 and 68 intersection, and cadets collect several thousand dollars there every year. After confirming with the town manager that the Town has an ordinance prohibiting solicitation at the intersection, Wilson said they decided to solicit there anyway. However, a sheriff’s officer later called the academy and said they had a complaint from a council member (Ann Schneider) concerned about the cadets being in the intersection and the officer subsequently ushered the kids away from the intersection.
“I know this is an ordinance and we violated it. But when I worked in the pharmacy, every weekend someone came in without a refill on their heart or blood pressure medicine, and I gave them medicine. I broke the law because the person’s health and welfare was in jeopardy,” Wilson said. He said he has been working very hard to develop a good relationship with the Town and asked that the Town participate in academy events more, and that it also consider showing grace to those raising money for non-profits.
Planning & Zoning. Ron Simpson said at the board’s Nov. 21 meeting they
reviewed changes in the law concerning zoning and development, which are described as “significant.” “Whether they have a significant effect remains to be seen,” he said. Town Attorney Michael Thomas said the changes are intended to take 90 years of “intermittent patchwork planning regulations” and reformat them in a more logical way. Eventually, the Town’s development ordinance will have to be written to incorporate the changes, Thomas said.
MST. Bill Royal reported that work continues on the Mountains-To-Sea Trails Committee’s second trail construction project along the Haw River, between Pepper Road and Linville Road, and a trail segment in this section extending almost three-fourths of a mile has been completed. Trail workdays are planned on Dec. 18, Jan. 15 and Jan. 25, 9 to noon. The committee will be conducting an online survey on a trail naming proposal. An overall signage plan is also in the works and temporary signs are being placed in Cascades Preserve. Historic Preservation Commission. Debbie Shoenfeld said she and HPC member Caroline Ruch have been working closely with designers, Oak Ridge Military Academy alumni, businesses and sponsors to host tours of the historic Maple Glade home on ORMA’s campus Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 12-14. Tickets are $20 at the door. Special Events Committee. Town Clerk Sandra Smith said the Thanksgiving Parade with Santa (postponed from Nov. 23 due to inclement weather) was on schedule for Dec. 7, as were several other after-parade Christmasrelated events. The committee is also working with the HPC on the historic Maple Glade home tours and is beginning discussions on possible placement of the veterans memorial in Town Park. ORYA. Joel Rose said the winter sports
season started this past week with over 300 kids and 50 volunteer coaches signed up for the basketball season. Destination Arts is partnering with ORYA to work with its cheerleaders. Registration for boys lacrosse is now open. ORYA’s Teen Leadership team had its second annual flag football game on Thanksgiving Eve, with over 75 kids participating, and the Colts Dash was a “smashing success,” he said. The youth association has worked with Guilford County Schools to acquire new lights for Oak Ridge Elementary’s gym. The association’s annual public
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meeting will be held Dec. 15, 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
Parks & Rec. Phyllis Anders, advisory board vice chair, said the board is reviewing six requests from ORYA and working on compromises on the facilities use agreement with the Town. The board will meet again Dec. 19.
PUBLIC COMMENTS Frank Whitaker spoke in support of the Town’s solicitation ordinance and said he had seen horrific wrecks at the N.C. 150 and 68 intersection and no amount of supervision would protect those standing in the middle
...continued on p. 26
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2424 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge • oakridgeumc.org 8:15 am Worship in Sanctuary • 9am Worship in Family Life Center 10 am Discipleship classes for all ages • 11:15 am Worship in Sanctuary
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DEC. 12 - 18, 2019
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CHERISHED MEMORIES ...continued from p. 1
it and carried it around all the time. When my dad would go out to cut wood to burn in the tobacco barns, I’d go along and cut a few limbs here and there.” After he got his new red wagon on another Christmas, Howerton said he found that hauling wood into the house was something he looked forward to rather than it being a dreaded chore. Summerfield resident Theresa Davis-Wilson and her family started a
favorite Christmas Eve tradition when her children were small. “We would get dressed up for church, put coffee (for the adults) and hot chocolate (for the kids) in travel tumblers and get in the car,” she said. “Then we would drive around the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights, and afterward go to the 11 p.m. candlelight service. “The candlelight service made it Christmas for me because when it ended, it was midnight and it was actually Christmas morning.”
Some of Val Kepley’s most unusual Christmas memories date back to the two years that she, her husband, Bill, and their son, Wilson, lived in St. Croix while Kepley taught classes at a local university. Although the Oak Ridge residents came home for the Christmas holiday, they were also able to experience the celebrations in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The festivities started in December and went through January. During that period, Kepley said there were 10 official government holidays, with everything shut down during that time (with all the revelry going on, that was probably a good thing). There were numerous parades, including an adult parade, a kids’ parade and Kepley’s favorite, a boat parade.
Do you decorate while singing along to Handel’s “Messiah”? Bake cookies for everyone in the family? Go caroling with your church choir?
Share some of your most treasured Christmas memories and traditions with your neighbors! Email your memories and traditions to editor@nwobserver.com
“The boats were decked out with loads of lights, decorations and some even had live bands,” she said. “Santa was at the end of the parade in a boat being led by eight reindeer.” Kepley noted the St. Croix version of Dancer and Prancer is not what you’d see in most Christmas parades – these reindeer were bikini-clad girls with antlers on their heads, each paddling her own paddleboard. Another tradition that Kepley found a bit startling was the J’ouvert, a massive street festival that began around 4 a.m. “It felt like the middle of the night, when we were suddenly awakened by loud music,” Kepley said. “There was this band playing on a flatbed trailer that was being pulled through the streets. People were following them in their pajamas. It was a sight to see!” When asked about a favorite Christmas gift, Stokesdale’s Lindsey Harrell had an immediate answer – “a Barbie Dream House” from Santa. “I was 6 or 7 years old and that’s what I really wanted,” Harrell said. “It was all set up with furniture, kitchen
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DEC. 12 - 18, 2019
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supplies, pillows and Barbies. All decked out just like a real house.” One of Graham Royal’s favorite Christmas memories took place in 2010 when he was 8 years old. He and his older brother, William, got up really early to see what Santa had brought. “We had spent about an hour playing with all of the toys, when we discovered two random ping pong paddles and balls,” said Royal, who lives in Oak Ridge. “We quickly realized these were clues from Santa.” The boys ran excitedly through the house in search of the hidden gift. Finally, they checked the garage. “And, there it was, the answer to our mystery Santa gift – a ping pong table,” he said. Debbie Crews’ best Christmas gift ever started out as a letdown. She was 6 years old and had returned from a Christmas party to discover that Santa had stopped by her house early. “There was a box in the den for me. I lifted it up … and there was nothing there,” the Kernersville resident said. “Boy, was I disappointed! There were surprised looks on Mom and Dad’s faces.” It turns out Crews had actually been given the gift she most desired – a puppy! Unfortunately, the mischievous little critter had chewed her way out of the box and was exploring her new home. “We found her in my brother’s bedroom, and she was the cutest little puppy ever,” Crews said. “My uncle had kept her for a week and fallen so in love with her that he got one of her sisters!” Of the many fond memories that Dina Smith has of growing up in Moundsville, West Virginia, many of them involve Christmastime. A favorite tradition was the annual Christmas Eve party that her parents hosted. “We looked forward to it all year
long,” she recalled. “Family, friends and neighbors would all come together. The adults were always in the basement and us kids had free run of the upstairs.” Another cherished memory for this northwest Greensboro resident involved her and her older sister, Christi. As teens, the two would take on the names “Chip” and “Dale,” Disney’s two famous chipmunks, and drive through neighborhoods delivering surprise gifts to their unsuspecting friends.
“We’d make up these little bags of candy and sign them ‘Chip and Dale.’ Christi was Chip and I was Dale,” she chuckled. “Then, we’d put them on our friends’ doors, knock and run away before they could see us. Thinking about it still makes me smile.” Oak Ridge resident Danny Yanusz recalls a Christmas reminiscent of scenes from the popular movie, “A Christmas Story.” In fact, Yanusz said he grew up in a neighborhood in Long Island that looked much like the neigh-
borhood depicted in that film. One of his favorite memories revolves around the Christmas tree. “It was the late ‘50s, back in the ‘olden days,’ as my daughter likes to say,” Yanusz chuckled. “You rarely saw an artificial tree. All the trees were natural.” The Yanusz family lived in a traditional house with an 8-foot ceiling and a large bay window. Insistent that the tree fill up the bay window, Yanusz’s father would purchase a 12-foot tree, cut the top off to make it fit, jam it into the space and secure it by running a wire from each wall. Yanusz said the tree looked like it extended through the ceiling. Although there was always a tree topper, it was hidden by all the branches. Once the tree was up, his dad put the lights on the tree. Yanusz described a contraption that featured a box with eight strings of lights running from it. “The box allowed you to adjust what the lights did. It was very cutting edge back then,” he said. “When the lights were on, the electricity in the box made a little chirping sound. It sort of sounded like there was a cricket in the tree.” At this point, his dad would step back and let the rest of the family handle the decorations. There were always
plenty of beautiful glass ornaments and loads of tinsel. Yanusz and his three siblings were charged with putting on the tinsel – one strand at a time. After the tree was completely decorated, the family would turn off the lights, gaze at the glowing tree and just soak in the magic of the moment. This time of year, Bobbie Gardner’s mind always wanders back to past Christmas seasons. “My daddy used to take me out every year to shoot mistletoe out of the trees,” said Gardner, who lives in Stokesdale. “He had an old single-shot .22 he would let me use. I haven’t done that in years, as we don’t have any trees with mistletoe.” Even though she hasn’t been able to recreate that tradition, she has continued a Christmas ritual her mother established many years ago. “My mother started the tradition of a huge country breakfast and I have kept this tradition alive,” she said.
“Christmas morning in our house is filled with all the smells of a farmhouse breakfast. Everyone looks forward to that breakfast!” Affectionately known as “Mr. Christmas,” Todd Harmon absolutely loves the season and at a moment’s notice can tell you the number of days until Christmas (even months in advance of the holiday). Although he has hundreds of favorite holiday memories, one ongoing tradition stands out above the others. On Christmas Eve, Harmon and some of his friends meet in Durham where they spend the afternoon shopping, have dinner at the WashingtonDuke Inn and then attend the Christmas Eve service at Duke Chapel. “These are special times spent with friends just enjoying the hustle and bustle and then the beauty and majesty of a beautiful worship service,” he said. “The peace, calmness and quiet of Christmas Eve always amazes me.”
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Funds raised through the sale of laserengraved brick pavers, which will be placed at the existing flag pole paver terrace in Oak Ridge Town Park, will be used to create a veterans memorial in the park sometime next year.
BITS & PIECES
Proceeds from brick sales to help fund veterans memorial OAK RIDGE – The Town of Oak Ridge is planning to create a memorial for U.S. military veterans in the Town Park. Its location will be based on the Town’s park master plan, which is in the process of being finalized before adoption by the town council. Completion of the memorial is anticipated during 2020. The Oak Ridge Parks and Recreation Commission and Special Events Committee are raising funds for the memorial by selling commemorative laserengraved brick pavers to be added to the existing flag pole paver terrace in the center of the Park. Individuals, organizations and
companies can help fund the Veterans Memorial through the purchase of brick pavers engraved with a name, in honor of the memory of a loved one or to pay tribute to a close friend or relative. As a permanent part of the Park, a business or organization can communicate their name, reach members of the community, show support of the Town and give back to the community in which they do business. Contributions, through the purchase of brick pavers, will not only help fund development of the Veterans Memorial but also become a way for those who treasure their time in Oak Ridge to leave a legacy.
Photo courtesy of John Garrett
want to purchase a paver? Contact Terry Lannon, Parks and Recreation director, at (336) 644-7009 or tlannon@oakridgenc.com. For more info, visit www.oakridgenc.com.
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Supporters of Oak Ridge native Brandon Gray (center, wearing dark jacket) gathered at Bistro 150 in Oak Ridge Commons Dec. 4 to celebrate Gray’s filing earlier in the day to run for N.C. House District 62. Courtesy photo
Stokesdale resident Bryant Joyner died of a drug overdose in February 2018 at the age of 28. For the second consecutive year, friends and family members partnered with Bryant’s father and stepmother, Barry and Lisa Joyner (shown above, at right), owners of BJ’s Grill on U.S. 158 in Stokesdale, to provide a Thanksgiving Day meal to anyone who wanted to come to the restaurant from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day; there was no charge for the meal, but donations were accepted for ARCA (Addiction Recovery Care Association). Shown above, Bryant’s nephew, Joshua, hands a check for over $3,000 to an ARCA representative for the donations collected in Bryant’s memory.
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Three vehicles broken into at Oak Ridge Town Park Law enforcement personnel warn residents to lock vehicles, keep valuables hidden Capt. George Moore of Guilford County Sheriff’s District 1 office confirmed there were three vehicles broken into last week at Oak Ridge Town Park in one incident. The thief entered each of the vehicles by breaking a window glass; at least two purses were stolen.
Moore said an officer who was in the area at the time got a call and while on his way to respond to it, he saw a suspicious car along the side of the road. About five minutes later, he heard a call come in about three vehicle break-ins at the park. As the suspect was driving off, one of the victims followed him in his car and got a license tag number. The officer who had noted the suspicious car ran the tag number the victim
provided and confirmed it was linked to the same car he had seen earlier. Moore said the purses were recovered after the suspect threw them out the window of the car he was driving; the suspect will be charged with three counts of breaking and entering a motor vehicle. “Smash and grab” incidents such as those noted above are more prevalent at places like parks and fitness clubs, Moore confirmed. “They (the thieves) want to get in and out really quickly; they know
people leave valuables in the car and they probably have a pretty good chance of getting something there,” he said. “As soon as they do, they go to the bank, grocery store, etc., and try to use the cards before people get back and even realize something has been stolen.” Moore reminds citizens to always lock their vehicles when leaving them unattended and if possible, do not leave valuables inside. If you must do so, however, be sure to store them well out of sight.
CRIME / INCIDENT report
District 1 Sheriff’s Office
has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest/northern Guilford County ... ASSAULT
DRUGS
Dec. 2 | A 26-year-old female in the 8500 block of Hudson James Road in Summerfield (off U.S. 158) reported a known offender punched her in the face during an argument; she left the residence and called 911.
Dec. 7 | A 21-year-old female was cited at 12:08 a.m. in the 5800 block of Old Oak Ridge Road near I-73 N for possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance (up to a half ounce of marijuana) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Dec. 4 | A 54-year-old female in the 2800 block of Fleming Road in northwest Greensboro reported she pushed a 55-year-old male into an in-home appliance while arguing about their dog; the incident left a visible cut on the man’s elbow; the woman was arrested for simple assault. Dec. 8 | A 23-year-old female in the 2500 block of Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge reported a known suspect threw a mouthpiece at her.
THEFT Dec. 3 | A woman reported that around 12:10 p.m. she found the windows broken out in her vehicle, which was parked at Oak Ridge Town Park on Lisa Drive in Oak Ridge (off Linville Road); a Coach handbag and $12 cash were stolen, but the handbag was recovered.
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DEC. 12 - 18, 2019
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED Dec. 7 | A 38-year-old male was arrested at 5:09 a.m. in the 8200 block of Kelly Ford Road (off N.C. 68 N) in Oak Ridge for driving while impaired. Dec. 8 | A 47-year-old male was arrested at 1:38 a.m. in the 7600 block of N.C. 68 N/Haw River Road in Stokesdale for driving while impaired.
District 1 Sheriff’s Office
7506 Summerfield Road Main number: (336) 641-2300 Report non-emergency crime-related incidents by calling:
(336) 373-2222
8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/ our-county/sheriff-s-office
mark your
RETURN BY DEC. 15
calendar
DEC. 12-14
Christmas at Maple Glade | Tour this majes-
tic historic home, fully decorated for the holidays, Dec. 12-14, 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday or 1 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, on the campus of Oak Ridge Military Academy, 2309 Oak Ridge Road. Light refreshments will be served; decor will be available for purchase. Tickets cost $20 each at the door. More info: oakridgenc.com or call Town Hall, (336) 644-7009.
DEC. 13-14 Follow the Star | Oak Ridge United Method-
ist Church, 2424 Oak Ridge Road, will host “Follow the Star: A Journey to the Manger,” a tour through seven scenes narrated by characters in the Christian nativity story, on Dec. 13, 6 to 8 p.m., and Dec. 14, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tours begin every six minutes and last 45 minutes. Wheelchairs will be available for use. Visit oakridgeumc.org to learn more.
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Town Council | Stokesdale Town Council will hold its
its Christmas Angel Tree at Stokesdale Fire Department, 8401 U.S. 158, with Christmas wish lists for local children in need. Please drop by to pick up a wish item or a child’s entire wish list from the tree – or contact Terri Johnson (contact info follows). After your gifts are purchased, return them unwrapped to the fire department by Dec. 15, or contact Johnson to make other arrangements. More info or to request a child’s wish list: Terri Johnson, (336) 643-5887, or terrij1957@yahoo.com.
next meeting Dec. 12, starting at 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. There will be a designated period for citizen comments. More info: (336) 643-4011 or stokesdale@stokesdale.org.
NOW THROUGH DEC. 20, 24 Dewey’s Bakery | Three local churches and a school
organization are operating a Dewey’s Bakery holiday store this Christmas season: Morehead United Methodist Church, 3214 Horse Pen Creek Road in Greensboro, is operating its store until Dec. 20; Moravia Moravian Church of Oak Ridge is operating a holiday store in Oak Ridge Marketplace off N.C. 68 N until Dec. 24; Summerfield Peace UMC is operating a store in Summerfield Shops off U.S. 220N until Dec. 24. Northwest High School’s Band Boosters is operating a store at 3722-A Battleground Ave. (next to Big Lots).
SATURDAY, DEC. 14
Christmas Parade | The Town of Stokesdale will
hold its annual Christmas parade Dec. 14, starting at 2 p.m. in downtown Stokesdale. Bring the whole family for some festive fun; there will be plenty of candy thrown out for the kids, so be sure to bring something for them to carry it in. You may also want to bring lawn chairs to sit on while watching the parade.
THURSDAY, DEC. 19
Basketball Fundraiser | Stokesdale Elementary
School will host a parents vs. teachers basketball game Dec. 19 to raise money for the fifth grade trip to Washington, D.C. The game will be played at 7 p.m. at Northwest High School, 5240 Northwest School Road. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Concessions will be available, and several vendors will be selling jewelry, desserts, etc. Tickets cost $2 for students and $3 for adults (pay at the door). More info: Brandy Barnes, (336) 508-8877, or brandybarnes83@gmail.com.
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Town of Oak R idge
h ig L & e d a r a P g in Thanksgiv 7 | Oak Saturday, Dec.
The Town of Oak Ridge held its ďŹ rst Thanksgivin weeks due to inclement weather on Nov. 23). Sp and riders, sheriff’s deputies, motorcyclists, antiq military cadets and others parading down Linville the Summit Church Oak Ridge provided hot cho left), a professional photographer to take picture c backdrop (at right), and a Snowball Alley for the Park was lit after Oak Ridge Elementary student Christmas songs, and luminaries lined the walkw
ht Up The Night
k Ridge Town Park
ng Parade Dec. 7 (postponed by two pectators enjoyed seeing horses que cars, church groups, Oak Ridge e Road. Afterward, volunteers with ocolate (volunteer group photo at far es in front of a beautiful winter holiday children. The Christmas tree in Town ts entertained the crowd by singing way through the park.
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Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO Page Design by Kelli Jessup/NWO
View more photos from this event at
Teen finds healing through love and support of new family, home Northern Guilford senior Chase Henderson is healing from his mother’s sudden death last February, thanks to the support of friends, Northern faculty and staff, and lacrosse coach Anthony Meley and his family by MEREDITH BARKLEY At age 3 his parents divorced, leaving Chase Henderson without a father at home to guide him through his formative years. And then last February his mother died suddenly, bringing the life he knew to a halt. “I had no idea what was my future,” Henderson, a Northern Guilford senior who has excelled at lacrosse and soccer, said of his mother’s death. “My world basically ended.”
Over the long months since, Northern classmates, faculty and staff have stepped up to offer their support – and none more so than lacrosse coach Anthony Meley and his wife, Lee, who have given Henderson the love of family and a new place to call home. “This kid had to grow up fast,” Meley said. “He’s seen stuff kids don’t need to see.”
Henderson’s father, Dave Henderson, a Baltimore paint contractor, had expected to take his son back with him after Chase’s mother died. But Meley and others persuaded him to let Chase finish high school here. He’s glad he agreed. “It’s exactly what he needs,” Dave Henderson said. “Chase is a new person.” That fateful February day unfolded much like any other. Chase’s mother – Samantha Henderson – had texted her love, wishes for a great day and plans to pick him up after lacrosse practice. She sent similar text messages most days. But Samantha, a struggling single
Courtesy photo
Northern lacrosse coach Anthony Meley and his wife, Lee, welcomed Chase Henderson into their home and family after Chase’s mother died suddenly last February. mother, wasn’t there when practice ended. A half hour went by, and then an hour, and she still wasn’t there. She’d been late before, so he wasn’t alarmed. After an hour and a half, one of his school friends drove him home and dropped him off. He wandered through the house as he called her name, but there was no answer. Finally, he found her face down in her bedroom. He tried to rouse her, but
couldn’t. After dialing 911 he was led through CPR while paramedics rushed to his house. When they arrived, they continued resuscitation efforts. She didn’t respond. By then Chase, still grasping at hope, was suspecting the worst. Finally, a female Guilford County Sheriff’s deputy confirmed his fears. “I’m sorry for your loss,” he recalled her saying. For Chase, it all seemed surreal.
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“It’s meant the world to me,” he said. “I couldn’t be in a better place. They’ve spoiled me.” Well, not exactly spoiled, Meley said, although given all Chase has been through, Meley no doubt understands why he’d think that. “I want him to live the life of a normal teenager,” Meley said. “I don’t want him to miss something because of not having enough money.” While Chase’s life has taken an unexpected turn for the better in recent months, his transformation began his freshman year when he joined the lacrosse team. Meley was excited because he need-
ed a good face-off specialist, and wrestlers such as Chase excelled at that. The turnaround began early in his time on the team when he and Meley had a talk about expectations. “I talked with him about the importance of working hard,” Meley said. “You choose the route you want to go, and what kind of person you want to be.” Meley became the caring, demanding father figure Chase needed. And the young man responded.
“He’s been the hardest working kid since that day,” the coach said. Last year Chase was All Conference, All Region and All State in lacrosse, as well as an academic All Conference selection. This fall he was selected All Conference in soccer. Next fall he’ll head to Greensboro College to play lacrosse. There he’ll join the Meleys’ sons, Michael and Will, both of whom were All Americans at Northern. Attending Greensboro College has become a family tradition. Meley also played at the college and helped start the lacrosse program there, he said. “Lacrosse gave me direction,” Chase said. “It really gave me the idea I could potentially go to college for this.” Before Samantha’s death Chase and his father had stayed in touch by phone and occasional visits, but over the months since they’ve become closer and talk much more frequently. And Dave Henderson has also developed a relationship with Meley. “He’s got family around,” Dave Henderson said of his son. “He’s got friends at school. I can’t imagine taking him away from all that. I’m happy because Chase is really happy. He loves his school. He’s doing so much better. He highly respects Anthony. He’s got a good outlook. He’s starting to turn into a man. “Chase really hasn’t had a father around,” Dave Henderson continued. “That’s what he needed.”
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“It’s exactly like a movie,” he remembered of his mother’s accidental death and its aftermath. A flurry of activity ensued. Chase called his father, who drove six-and-ahalf hours to get here. Chase’s grandparents – his mother’s parents, who live in Pleasant Garden – picked him up and took him to their home for several days. “I didn’t go to school for a week,” he said. Meley, who had by then coached Chase for two years and developed a strong mentoring relationship with him, offered to take him in. But Chase’s family arranged for him to live with the mother of his half-brother. That arrangement lasted until a week before school started in August. That’s when he moved in with the Meleys, who had just become empty nesters. Their youngest son – Will – had left for college days before. They promptly got a health care power of attorney and went through a lawyer to get guardianship until Chase graduates high school in June. “We wanted it all legal,” Meley said. While legal guardianship will end in several months, the Meleys say Chase is family now and that won’t change. Chase calls his new home “very warming” and “an amazing environment.”
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STUDENT PROFILES compiled by MEREDITH BARKLEY 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.
NORTHWEST GUILFORD Riley Edwards, wrestling Riley Edwards, whose win in last year’s state wrestling championship match secured the title for Northwest Guilford, has been at the sport since elementary school and hopes to continue it in a Division 1 college in a
couple years. “My dad wrestled when he was in high school and college,” he said of his father, John Edwards, who wrestled for Muskingum College in Ohio. “I wanted to give it a try.” Edwards was involved in other sports as a youngster, but he settled on wrestling because he liked it best. “It’s hard – it challenges you a lot,” said Edwards, a junior who is wrestling this year in the 126-pound weight class. “It keeps you busy.”
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sports-speci�ic preparation for athletes ages 16 and up morning or evening training sessions available 2 or 3 days a week In fact, he wrestles year-round. When high school season ends in late winter he works out with another organization and wrestles in various tournaments. He said his father encourages him to stick to a strict diet to keep his weight under control – one of the challenges of wrestling. At Northwest, his favorite course is anatomy, which he expects to factor into his career goals. “I’ve always wanted to do something with health and the body – something like physical therapy or (something) health- and nutrition-related,” Edwards said. As he looks toward college, he’s trying to position himself as a wrestling prospect.
“I want to get a little bit bigger after this year,” he said. “And I want to wrestle some bigger kids who will help me improve my technique for college.” While the lowest high school weight class is 106 pounds, college weight classes begin at 125 pounds. Edwards hopes to wrestle at 133 pounds or 144 pounds in college. During last year’s state title match, Edwards, who wrestled at 113 pounds, wrestled last. As he took to the mat, Northwest had a slim lead over Laney. He knew he had to win to preserve that lead and take the team title. “It was pretty exciting,” he said. “I didn’t get that nervous, but I still knew if I didn’t win the team didn’t win.”
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He won by decision in three rounds.
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NORTHERN GUILFORD Mikayla Penn, basketball Basketball runs in the family for Northern Guilford point guard Mikayla Penn. She’s got an uncle and grandfather who played basketball in high school. They make it to every one of her games to cheer her on. “I’ve got some good motivation,” said Penn, a 5-foot-6 junior who serves as a captain on the girls
Penn said head coach Kim Furlough has been working with her since eighth grade to develop her basketball skills. The game, she said, seems to come naturally.
“I just started last year,” she said. But her best discus throw of 94 feet was three inches shy of the school record. She won the conference in the discus last year and made it to the regionals.
“I feel it,” Penn said. “It’s like I’m in the mood.”
She’s also a member of the school’s drumline.
“She’s one of the tougher kids we have on the team,” said assistant coach Josh Evans. “She wants to win. As point guard, she does a good job of setting the tempo.”
“I can make my own music,” she said.
basketball team.
Later in the school year, Penn looks forward to throwing the discus and shot put on the track team.
Time is
RUNNING OUT
Penn’s favorite course at Northern: math. “It clicks with me,” she said.
“My dad used to wash cars at a funeral home in Madison,” Penn said. “He’d be washing cars and I’d sit inside.” She found something about it all that appealed to her. Folks at the funeral home helped guide her, although they wouldn’t let her into the embalming area, she said. “But, I do know the process,” Penn said. “They told me about that. It’s just something I really want to do. I feel like I could have a funeral home of my own in the long run.”
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“I’m a musical person,” Penn said, noting that on the drumline she enjoys the freedom to ad lib some.
Her career goal? To become a mortician.
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DEC. 12 - 18, 2019
21
NWHS cheerleaders win second state championship by PATTI STOKES Jennifer Loveday-Donovan, head coach for Northwest Guilford varsity cheerleaders, knows the thrill of winning a state championship. Last year a team comprised of 26 of the school’s varsity cheerleaders took first place in North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s Cheerleading Invitational in their division for the first time in the school’s history. And this year, they did it again.
Jennifer Loveday-Donovan
What started out as a team of 22 competing cheerleaders grew by two more right before a regional competition this fall.
“We as coaches didn’t feel we had done our best,” Loveday-Donovan said. “So, right before we went to regionals we had decided to add our two alternates … these two young ladies had shown up every day, and any time anyone was out or missing they were always willing to jump in. As a coach, I felt they should be rewarded.” The additional two cheerleaders bumped the team into the NCHSAA’s “Super Large Varsity” division, made up of six large high schools. That threw a little kink in things, but it ended up being the least of their worries. Armed with feedback from a regional competition held weeks before, Loveday-Donovan said she sat down for 14 hours and worked on revamping the team’s routine; when she was done, all but 45 seconds of the 235-second competition was new, including “tweaked” music. On the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the coaches and their team worked on perfecting their new routine. Then they performed before the student body at the Northwest/Northern Breast Cancer Awareness game. “It was a super cool thing,” Loveday-Donovan said. “Parents helped roll out the mats; and then kids came out of the stands to help them, and we didn’t even ask. To me, that says a lot about the cheerleading culture and how things are changing at Northwest. There were four parts of our routine where the
22
DEC. 12 - 18, 2019
Courtesy photo
Members of Northwest Guilford Viking competition cheer squad, which won the Super Large Varsity NT D1 State Championship Saturday at the NCHSAA Cheerleading Invitational at the Raleigh Convention Center Dec. 7, include: Alli Stovall, Ava Berry, Avery Leggett, Avery Payne, Carley Pope, Elaina Edwards, Elizabeth George, Emily Casey, Emma Craig, Emma Penizotto, Isabella Joyner, Kaleigh Young, Kenley Pope, Kamryn Sprague, Layton Howard, Mackenna Myers, Mileah Godette, Mya Hulse, Olivia Carr, Reagan Piland, Sheridan Been and Samantha Rucker; Dylan Thompson, Claire Surette and Mackenzie Pigg, team managers. The girls are coached by Jennifer Loveday-Donovan, Autumn Martin, Kaitlyn Crews and Victoria Thompson.
fans gasped … That was awesome to experience!” To add a little pre-competition “excitement,” mistakes in the cheerleading uniform order placed last June weren’t fully corrected by the company until a few days before the state competition on Dec. 7. But there were also mistakes with the signs they were to hold up during their competition, which took a lot of last-minute scrambling to compensate for. Of the challenges, Loveday-Donovan, always the optimist, said, “Our girls work best under pressure. They are performers. If we had not changed the routine, I don’t know how they would have done. It was the nuance of things being new. We gave them something they practiced for two weeks and they killed it!” After being announced the state’s winners in
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
their division, the girls were shocked, Loveday-Donovan said. “Last year, after performing, they kind of knew they were going to win,” she said. “This year was far more dramatic, with all the challenges of switching people around, the signs and the uniforms not coming in correctly – and we lost 12 seniors last year to graduation. We just dealt with a lot more adversity this year.” When asked whether winning a state championship a second time is just as exciting as the first, Loveday-Donovan said, “I don’t know that winning a state championship could ever get old. So many schools aspire to do that – if you took it for granted, it would be in vain. So many schools dedicate their time and effort. It absolutely felt just as good this year!”
BJ Barnes sets ‘fresh’ course for Summerfield Town Council Outgoing Mayor Dunham offers parting words before leaving the meeting early by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – In his first remarks after being sworn into office as Summerfield’s new mayor on Dec. 10, BJ Barnes laid down the law on the conduct of council meetings, banning vulgarity, personal attacks and shouting that he said would be “an embarrassment to our town.” Barnes, who served as Guilford County’s sheriff for 24 years, took charge from outgoing Mayor Gail Dunham, who did not run for reelection in November. Before stepping aside, Dunham urged the new council not to adopt parliamentary rules of order recommended by Town Manager Scott Whitaker. Dunham then departed the meeting at Summerfield Community Center last Tuesday after receiving a bouquet of flowers and a plaque thanking her for her two years of service as mayor. During her tenure, she often criticized Whitaker’s handling of town affairs and clashed with Mayor Pro Tem Dena Barnes and council members John O’Day and Reece Walker on topics ranging from zoning to fire protection to the release of council members’ emails related to town business. “Madame Mayor, it’s no secret that we may have had a few disagreements, but I’d like bygones to be bygones,” Walker said when presenting Dunham with a plaque before she left the mayor’s seat. “It takes a lot for anyone to run for office, especially for local office – because you know everybody, and issues are passionate on both sides,” he continued, and then on behalf of the Town of Summerfield,
he thanked her for her service. “Thank you very much,” responded Dunham, who didn’t stay for refreshments served by town staff in recognition of departing and newly elected council members. In Barnes’ first moments as mayor he read an opening statement. “What has occurred in the past should stay there, but we should learn from it,” he said. “We as a council begin fresh, together building a town responsive to the needs of our citizens.” Newly elected council members Lynne Williams DeVaney and Tim Sessoms joined Barnes on the council, along with O’Day and Walker who were reelected. The five candidates ran as a block in the Nov. 5 election, calling themselves “Summerfield Proud.” They defeated five candidates running as “Voices for Summerfield.” The coalition warned that proposed changes to the town’s zoning rules would allow high density housing and commercial development that would destroy Summerfield’s rural character. Dena Barnes, BJ’s wife, and Dianne Laughlin didn’t seek reelection. Teresa Pegram, an ally of Dunham, has two years remaining on her fouryear council term. The council elected Sessoms, a former Summerfield mayor, as mayor pro tem, and appointed Devaney as the council member to sign checks issued by the town. In its first order of business, the new council adopted the parliamentary procedures recommended by Whitaker. The rules are based upon a condensed version of Robert’s Rules of Order prepared by UNC School of Government associate professor Trey Allen for municipal governments.
The council voted 4-1 to adopt the rules, with Pegram voting nay. She said she’d prefer to consider rules specific to Summerfield’s council. Pegram echoed concerns earlier raised by Dunham, who said the council shouldn’t adopt Allen’s suggested rules in their entirety. In response, Barnes told Pegram the rules of order would serve as a basis that the council could change later. Robert Hornik, the town’s new attorney, said the rules address many of the procedural questions confronted by municipal governments. The rules adopted by the council deviated from Allen’s suggestions in one regard: a motion by a council member for the full council to discuss a topic must also be seconded before it can be deliberated. Allen’s suggested rules don’t require a second. The council also reduced the length of time for citizens to speak during the Public Comments period, from five minutes to three minutes. Pegram objected, saying she believed the proposed change was aimed at certain individuals who’ve spoken frequently in the past. She didn’t identify those individuals.
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During his introductory comments, Barnes said, “To those who say we are stifling citizen input, I say, the Gettysburg address was about two minutes long and it was historic. The speech before it was two hours long; no one remembers it.” Barnes also addressed development concerns raised by Voices for Summerfield candidates during the election. He said residents and property owners will get the opportunity to view and offer their opinions about the proposed unified development ordinance (UDO), which will regulate residential and commercial development, before the council considers its adoption. Town planner Chris York presented a memo to the council outlining steps for the consideration of UDO, which is being reviewed by the Zoning Board. As part of the process, the council would hold an open house for residents to discuss the proposed rules with town staff and council members. The Zoning Board and the council would also hold public hearings to gather input from residents. “The UDO will make sure that everyone is on a level playing field, fair to all,” Barnes said. Fini s h
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DEC. 12 - 18, 2019
23
GRINS and GRIPES
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... Oak Ridge resident John Colby for asking the critical question about a possible municipal water system; why? It’s unnecessary, unneeded and unwanted. If our predictably bien-pensant PC council members prefer big city life, go live in Charlotte! Mr. Jimmie, my son’s bus driver. You are wonderful with the kids and I appreciate you. Gilley’s Small Engine Repair on
U.S. 220N for repairing my leaf blower in a matter of minutes and recommending an oil change to extend the life of the machine. A small-dollar repair saved me $300 on a new one. Maureena Shepherd with Allen Tate Realtors for passing out full-size candy bars during the Oak Ridge parade. Wow! Oak Ridge Special Events Committee for organizing an amazing parade on Dec. 7 – even after it had to be postponed for two weeks because of earlier bad weather, you pulled it off!
SUMMERFIELD
Destination Arts in Oak Ridge for hosting my daughter’s sixth birthday. It was so much fun; the kids loved the mini dance lesson, and DA staff set up/cleaned up. Stress/hassle-free for this mama! Best birthday party yet! #DACfamily Coach Haley Hackett and her amazing Northwest Lady Vikings basketball team. They are a great team on the court, but even greater off court as they battle for those facing cancer and other challenges. The Summit Church Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge Lions Club, and all the volunteers and sponsors who made the Oak Ridge luminary event a fantastic one. The tree looks great. Good work, Town of Oak Ridge!
The extravagant spendthrifts of Oak Ridge Town Council. Not one, but two multi-million dollar spending projects, including a white elephant water system (just like the big
Owners of the eyesore house on Belews Creek Road, closest to N.C. 68. I noticed other houses on the same property were demolished over the years, so please finish what was started to improve Stokesdale’s appearance.
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DEC. 12 - 18, 2019
Oak Ridge parade organizers for not planning better for handicapped people. Roads were blocked and it was a long way to walk, so we didn’t get to attend. Police and firemen did not seem informed about what to do.
GRIPES to...
…
The following reader-submitted grin expresses an opinion about a national topic, and has 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.
Sunday school • 9am & 10:30am Sunday traditional service • 9am Contemporary service • 10:30am AWANA • 5pm Evening worship • 6pm Wednesday activities • 6:30pm
Our neighbors who complained about the loud vehicles on Harper Ridge Court. Please go to the source next time and not write about it in the paper. Merry Christmas!
People who constantly complain about Amazon, UPS, etc., drivers. If you’re so concerned about your package, go to the store and buy it yourself! The holiday season is stressful enough for delivery drivers, and you aren’t making it any easier.
Outside the
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
cities). It’s fun spending other people’s money! No wonder our property tax is outrageous.
@summerfieldfbc The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
The Trump administration for tightening work requirements for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. Now, please start drug testing applicants with dependents. I must take a drug test to help supply people with benefits, so they should be tested to receive them.
Reserve now for the Christmas & New Year’s holidays!
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About Dena Barnes In last week’s issue we shared an article about Summerfield Town Council member Dena Barnes, who served on the council for 22 years. This week we follow up with just a few of the comments we received about Barnes from those who served with her during her time on the council, which ended Dec. 10. “Occasionally in local government one encounters a political gem like Dena—someone “all in” for the community who consistently serves without a hidden agenda, is politically astute, willing to invest the time to be effective, and has the intestinal fortitude to persevere when the environment isn’t rosy. Part of her honorable legacy shone recently when another elected official referred to Dena as a political mentor. “I appreciate her fairness to me over the years and her ability to view the “long game” for Summerfield. Town work isn’t always about today; vision and planning are integral for the public good and she understands that and the value of relationships. Multifaceted and strong — a gem who will be missed at the Council table.” Scott Whitaker Summerfield town manager “The Town of Summerfield will be much poorer with the retirement of Dena Barnes. Her handprint is on all the accomplishments in Summerfield, including being an excellent steward of our tax money. She and I worked together for the betterment of this town since its incorporation and I will miss Dena’s stability on the council. Good job, Dena Barnes!” Jane Doggett Former Summerfield Town Council member, longtime volunteer, and chair of the Town’s Trails and Open Space Committee
“Dena has been a constant in Summerfield government for the last 20+ years. It just will not be the same without her. I’ve gotten to know Dena fairly well in our time on Council together. She loves our community and has worked tirelessly on behalf of Summerfield’s citizens. We were able to collaborate on several projects to benefit our community. “It will be different without Dena’s calm, steady, and thoughtful presence at our meetings. I will especially miss our one-on-one conversations, and her sense of humor.” John O’Day Summerfield Town Council member “I think it is amazing for any individual to be so dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in their community that they consistently take the high road in serving with grace and dignity for 22 years. This is especially true in the current climate of negativism fostered by social media, which offers a climate of anonymity, misinformation and discordance. Yet Dena has addressed her responsibilities with a passion and integrity often not found in public service. Her measured approach to resolving conflicts and difficult issues, while always placing the interests of Summerfield first, is a quality highly respected. “It was an honor and privilege to have had the opportunity to serve on the first elected Town Council of Summerfield with Dena. I always felt comfortable in knowing that if our opinions and conclusions on a particular matter differed, she was available and anxious to discuss the situation and work to achieve consensus with all parties in a professional and amicable manner. She recognized that differing opinions offered opportunities for all to become win-
Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO
Dena Barnes sits at the council table Dec. 10 for the last time. Barnes, who served on the council for 22 years, did not run for reelection in November.
ners through appropriate discussion, concession and compromise. I have the greatest respect and admiration for Dena Barnes, her approach to governance, and her contributions to
our community. She will be missed.” Gary Brown Former Summerfield Town Council member, longtime volunteer and chair of the Town’s Historical Committee
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DEC. 12 - 18, 2019
25
TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 9
of it while soliciting funds. Rita Lewandowski said “the horses are here” and 42 horses and their riders had signed up to participate in the Town’s holiday parade. Oak Ridge Horse Show, which was held from 1945 until it went on hiatus in 2011, has been a very important part of the Town’s heritage and on Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. a group of volunteers will meet to start the process of bringing the horse show back, she announced. Lewandowski said she has attended some Parks and Rec Advisory Board meetings and at one of them a woman said she would give $10,000 to the Town to put in a horse trail. Rep. John Faircloth said one of his family businesses is to breed and sell Arabian horses and for many years North Carolina was known for its equine business. Oak Ridge Horse Show was the first horse show his daughter participated in, and he thanked those working to bring it back. Faircloth reminded the council that $100,000 in state funds has been appropriated for a town park security system and although the state’s budget situation has not been resolved, that appropriated money “is not going anywhere.” He invited the council to let him know if this amount does not sufficiently address its security issues, and to provide input on other needs to the state legislature. “Don’t feel like you are intruding. We have to know what your needs are,” he said.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Following council comments and words of appreciation to Town volunteers, to those who recently elected and reelected three council members, to the council members who voted for Schneider to serve as mayor, and to Spencer Sullivan for his service, the meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
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DEC. 12 - 18, 2019
LETTERS/OPINIONS Submit your editorials (maximum 350 words) online: nwobserver.com e-mail: editor@nwobserver.com mail: Opinions, PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 Include your name, a daytime phone number where you can be reached and name of community in which you live. Letters from the same writer will be published no more than every 30 days.
Live elsewhere until you can afford to live in Summerfield An article in the Northwest Observer’s Nov. 21 issue states that Rev. Cecil Donahue warned Summerfield Town Council he was “going to stop preaching and go to meddling now.” Yes, it may be difficult to find affordable housing in Summerfield for kids like Rev. Cecil Donahue’s son. But until any individual has established a good work ethic, a solid income, great credit history, money in the bank, etc., and the desire to be part of a fabulous community like Summerfield, they will have to live elsewhere until they can afford to live in Summerfield. When I moved to Greensboro I knew immediately that my goal, when raising my family, was to live in Summerfield. So, I sacrificed
for years, saved for years, worked two jobs for years and put myself through college just so I could afford the opportunity to live in Summerfield. The citizens of Summerfield also worked hard to earn the right to live in this fabulous community. For those of you who want affordable housing or to downsize, there are plenty of opportunities in and outside of Summerfield and plenty of homes available for less than $300K. So why should we, the residents of Summerfield who worked for years to establish a solid economic base, be forced to accommodate the wants and desires of those who simply want to live here? Melanie Martinez SUMMERFIELD resident for 30 years
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SULLIVAN
...continued from p. 1
presented him with the Town’s resolution of appreciation for eight years of service on the town council (the last four of which were as the Town’s mayor) and over three decades of service to the Oak Ridge community, to his church, and to those in need of clean water and safe cooking stoves in other countries. But that wasn’t all. Sullivan was visibly floored when N.C. Sen. Michael Garrett then presented him with something else – the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Granted by the State of North Carolina “to individuals who have shown extraordinary service to the state,” it is the highest award for state service granted by the governor. After receiving the resolution and the award, Sullivan, who served on the Oak Ridge Town Council from Dec. 1, 2011, through Dec. 5, 2019, offered these parting words… “My faith has always been my guide. Jesus Christ is my example. “I have sought always to serve with humility. To serve with integrity. To treat everyone with respect. And to try to foster a real sense of collaboration among our staff and among our town council. I think I have largely been successful with that, and I think what we have accomplished the last eight years is testament to that. “I can’t take credit for what has happened here. I have had incredibly talented people to work with. Our staff is the best you can find anywhere. And our council – there are so many talented people sitting up there, and I’ve taken advantage of that. And we have been very fortunate that they have chosen to run and others continue to run to serve our town. “I am floored by this (being awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine). And all I can say is ‘thank you.’ All I ever wanted to do was to serve and to give back to this community for everything that has been given to me… And I’m not going to stop. There will be other ways I can serve this community and I will certainly continue to do that. I thank you for the privilege of serving you.”
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INDEX
Auto Sales & Service ................... 27 Employment ............................... 27 Save the Date ............................. 27 Home Services ...................... 27-29 Misc. for Sale ............................. 29 Misc. Services ............................. 29 Misc. Wanted .............................. 29 Pets & Animal Services ................ 29 Real Estate.................................. 30
HOUSEKEEPER WANTED! $500 per week. Housekeeping and other household duties to include cleaning and maintenance of interior of home, grocery shopping, errands, pet care, and other duties as needed. Hours can be set around school-aged children during most weekdays. Some weekends and over overnight (pet sitting) will be expected and extended stays (pet sitting) for family vacations. Candidates must have transportation and be willing to use personal vehicle for running er errands, etc. If interested, please mail resume to 5850 Stanley Huff Road, Summerfield, NC 27358.
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Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? Call Coble Electric LLC at (336) 209-1486. BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC. Got Power? Residential, commercial and solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192. Need an electrician?
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GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES FIX YOUR MOWER. Free pickup & delivery. Call Rick, (336) 501-8681. OLD SCHOOL HOME REPAIR. Please see display ad on page 15. 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. CLOCK DOCTOR. Free house calls for sick clocks. (336) 643-9931 or (336) 392-4124.
continued on p. 28
DEC. 12 - 18, 2019
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DEC. DEC.1212- 18, - 18,2019 2019
WILSON SEAMLESS GUTTERS, newconstruction, repairs, replacement, leaf guards. Free estimates. (336) 420-0200.
LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 643-9332. www.carolinaStumpAndTreeServices.com. WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Lawn maint, landscaping. Irrigation/ landscape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 years exp. (336) 399-7764. ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. (336) 643-9157.
care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981. ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875.
MASONRY COLONIAL MASONRY. 40 yrs. exp. Specializing in outdoor living spaces; dry-stack natural stone and flagstone. Let us help you plan your patio, fire pit, fireplace, kitchen – or anything else you would like! Call (336) 949-9019. www.colonialmasonry.com. MASONRY CONCEPTS, brick, block, stone concrete & repairs. Free est. (336) 988-1022, www.masonryconceptsgso.com.
GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490.
SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes.
STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. FREE EST. Lic/Ins. 40+ yrs experience. All phases of tree work. Lots & natural area thinning and cleanup. Large shrubbery jobs, chipping. Oak Ridge. Please call (336) 643-1119.
tertainment spaces! Fire pits, driveways &
DELIMA LAWNCARE. 24 hours/7 days a week. Free estimates, licensed/insured. Commercial & Residential. (336) 669-5210. 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. FAY'S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Complete tree removal & trimming. Storm damage clean-up. Landscaping & hardscaping. Insured. Taylor, (336) 458-6491. SOUTHERN CUTZ LAWN CARE, offering complete lawn maintenance services & bush hogging. Nathan Adkins, (336) 430-6086.
TheThe Northwest Observer • Totally local local sincesince 19961996 Northwest Observer • Totally
How about a new patio or fire pit? We can help with all of your outdoor living and ensidewalks, patios and more! Give us a call at (336) 399-6619 for all your concrete and landscape needs.
Tell our readers how you can help.
Call or email Laura for advertising info (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 advertising@nwobserver.com
MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS ON EAGLE'S WINGS residential home design/drafting. Call Patti, (336) 605-0519. WILSON SEPTIC PUMPING & REPAIR. Family owned since 1972. Mention you saw this ad in the NWObserver for a discount. (336) 643-6427.
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
PAINTING & DRYWALL
REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION
PAINTING – INTERIOR & EXTERIOR
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
CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC. Residential roofing, rubber flat roofs, roof coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience. Call (336) 643-8191 or (336) 268-1908.
32 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. No job too small. Insured. Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186. 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.
BEK Paint Co. Residential & Commercial David & Judy Long, owners
(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.
PLUMBING FREEMAN PLUMBING – new construction, remodel and repair.
For ALL your
plumbing needs! (336) 580-4525. 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.
PRESSURE WASHING PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Fully insured. Crystal Clear, www. windowcleaningnc.com (336) 595-2873.
(336) 427-7391 to start your next project. KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Specializing in room additions, kitchens & baths, garages, vinyl siding and windows, painting, ceramic tile, laminate, hardwood and linoleum floors, and remodeling of all kinds. No job too small. Free est. Call (336) 362-7469. DOUGLAS CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING, LLC. Custom Builder, sunrooms, garages, additions, kitchens baths. Licensed & Insured, BBB A+ accredited. Free est. Visit www.douglascr.com or call (336) 413-5050. PREMIER CONSTRUCTION for all your remodeling/renovation needs. (336) 430-9507. JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com. ORTIZ REMODELING – Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981. BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 39 years exp. (336) 362-6343.
ROOFING PREMIER ROOFING, LOCALLY OWNED. Catering to all your roofing needs. Call (336) 430-9507 for free assessments. BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION ROOFING. Lifetime shingle and metal roofing. Financing available as low as $59 per month. Free Estimates. In business since 1979. (336) 362-6343.
KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Residential shingle & metal roofing. Free est. (336) 362-7469.
Place your
classified ad
online at
for just 4 per line $
Deadline is the Monday prior to each issue
MISC. SERVICES
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED
&
Gated access with 24/7 available here camera surveillance We carry moving & shipping supplies
(336) 643-9963 • 8207 B & G Court, Stokesdale
MISC. FOR SALE SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered and stacked, 1/2 cord, $80. Call (336) 686-6373. PERSIMMON PULP & more. At The Old Mill on Saturdays, or call (336) 816-3441. SEASONED FIREWOOD. $80/pickup truck load, delivered & stacked. (336) 253-7615.
MISC. SERVICES FAT RABBIT REFURBISHING LLC. Give us a call today! We offer in-house repairs for business & residential, delivery and pickup. We can paint, stain and/or repair items from your antique furniture to that dining room table that’s all scratched up from years of use. Call for your free estimate! (336) 816-3641. BOAT and RV STORAGE. $40/month; with 3 month minimum. 701 Brigham Rd. Located near Pleasant Ridge Road and Hwy. 68. (336) 663-3051. NEW IK MASSAGE STUDIO open in Summerfield serving the Triad. Offering most styles of table massage and bodywork. Most popular massages include Swedish Massage. New customers promotion $10 off. For appointments call Irma Castaneda at (336) 740-0182 or for more information please visit us online at www.ikmassage. massagetherapy.com. NEW PILATES STUDIO open in Colfax. Privates, duets, & classes available. Contact Ruth Edwards at (336) 688-8039, or visit Reignitepilates.weebly.com.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
H & L Grading, FIRE WOOD FOR SALE. $250 per dump truck load delivered locally. (336) 543-7867.
MISC. WANTED FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, ATVs, generators, power washers, chain saws, mini-bikes, go-carts, most gas & metal items, etc. (336) 689-4167. $$$ – WILL PAY CASH for your junk / wrecked vehicle. For quote, call (336) 552-0328.
PETS & ANIMAL SVCS. WENDY COLLINS PET SITTING LLC. Bonded & Insured. Follow us on Facebook. Call or text (336) 339-6845. AKC GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES. Pedigree from the Netherlands, Czechoslovakia, USA and Germany. More info: www.SeaDogPuppies.com or please call (336) 560-6222 (ask about pups).
continued on p. 30
DEC. 12 - 18, 2019
29
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
HOMES FOR RENT
HOMES FOR SALE
HOMES FOR SALE
HOMES FOR SALE
TOWNHOUSE, 2BR, 2BA with loft, fantastic location near Saint Paul on Horsepen Creek Road, $1,100. Call (336) 392-1454. 2 BED, 2 BATH, duplex in Oak Ridge. $800/month. For info call (336) 549-0501.
Selling or renting in northwest Guilford County?
is your friend! The Northwest Observer reaches
TOWNHOMES IN OAK RIDGE!
BELEWS LANDING LOT
PRICE REDUCED!
Lakefront lot in gated Belews Landing. Bring your builder or use one of ours. Situated on the end of a cove, giving you long water views. Community pool, trails, putting range, marina and fishing. Come build your dream home. Offered at $199,900
Otey Construction does it again! Dramatic vaulted master with freestanding soaking tub, mainlevel office or study, open kitchen great room with large island, second bedroom for guests with adjoining full bath. Turning staircase leads to two very large bedrooms on the second level plus a huge bonus room and another flex space – second office or TV room, playroom or study. Three-car garage! $729,000
Twin townhomes starting at $275,900 within Oak Ridge town core. Move-in ready units available in spring 2020 or seize the opportunity to pick your floor plan and options!
3809 Eagle Downs Way
Agent on site Sunday 2-4pm
Nancy J. Hess
nancy.hess@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 215-1820
Nancy J. Hess
Kim Wilson
Jake Letterman
nancy.hess@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 215-1820
kwilson@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 662-7805
(336) 338-0136
every mailbox with an Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale mailing address. Place your ad online at www.nwobserver.com or call (336) 644-7035, ext. 0.
REACH OUT TO
26,000 READERS IN OUR MONTHLY
LAND FOR SALE LAND, LAND, LAND. Northern Guilford County and Southern Rockingham County. All shapes and sizes available. Individuals, builders and developers, we've got what you need. (336) 430-9507 anytime.
special-focus section
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
14 Tenants envision
We Help Everyone! SELLERS & BUYERS
www.ANewDawnRealty.com
30 30
DEC. DEC.1212- 18, - 18,2019 2019
nty?
Summerfield Square as ‘community center’
2NW0Guilford builders reap benefits ofmes Parade of Ho
(336) 643-4248
sing 16 Affinordnorablthwe hou est Guilford Cou
usiness Briefs
te/B activity. 18 Real Esta on for illegal closes after citati Business
22
A Real Estate Q&
opment, t Treeline devel Readers ask abou N.C. Highway 68. n on new constructio
18 Now open
Wright Stuff Flight Simulation has opened for business on N.C. 150 in Oak Ridge.
12 Real Estate Briefs
22 Ask the Builder
A former train depot in Stokesdale that was moved to Madison in 1977 and converted to a private residence will be sold at auction Sept. 28.
Builders share glimpses of how they’re preparing to showcase their homes on the fall Parade of Homes tour Oct. 12-13 and 19-20.
12 Real Estate Briefs
Subdivision on N.C. 150 is approved by Oak Ridge Zoning Board.
12 Real Estate Q&A
Reader asks about building activity in two northwe st Guilford County areas.
14
This Old Barn
One-time Stokesdale farm, barn and outbuildings offer glimpses of the past.
24 Real Estate Q&A
Reader wonders what’s being built along N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge.
der
26 Ask thetalkBuil irrigation about installing Builders s. custom home systems in their
To reserve your space in the third issue of each month, email advertising@nwobserver.com, or call (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 TheThe Northwest Observer • Totally local local sincesince 19961996 Northwest Observer • Totally
index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS
Please support our advertisers, and tell them where you saw their ad! ACCOUNTING
Carlotta Lytton, CPA........................... 15 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC........ 6
AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE
HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES ProStone, Inc. ..................................... 11 Stokesdale Heating & Air.................... 13 Stokesdale Storage ............................. 29
EuroHaus ........................................... 15 Piedmont Truck Tire Inc...................... 19 Vestal Buick / GMC ............................. 14
INSURANCE
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
Barbour & Williams Law ....................... 2
Guardian Ad Litem ............................. 20
CHURCHES
Oak Ridge United Methodist Church .... 9 Summerfield First Baptist Church........ 24
DENTISTRY
Borden Dentistry................................. 11 High Point Pediatric Dentistry ............... 5 Summerfield Family Dentistry ............. 15
EVENTS
Blissful Studios & Gallery ...................... 3 The Gardens at Gray Gables ................ 5
HEALTH & FITNESS
Chris Jessup, Personal Trainer ............. 20
HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES
BEK Paint Company ........................... 29 Budget Blinds ....................................... 2 MaidRight Cleaning............................ 27 Old School Home Repair .................... 15
Gladwell Insurance Agency................. 25
LEGAL SERVICES MEDICAL CARE
LeBauer Healthcare ............................. 8
ORTHODONTIC CARE
Olmsted Orthodontics ........................ 20
PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS
Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ................ 15 Northwest Animal Hospital ................... 6 Westergaard Kennels.......................... 24
Time is RUNNING OUT to reserve your ad space in the 12th annual 2020 northwest FINDER!
Be part of the ONLY
business directory
2020 al 12th annu
edition
REAL ESTATE A New Dawn Realty ...........................30 Carolyn Cudd, Allen Tate ...................... 3 Jake Letterman, BHHS Home Svcs.....30 Nancy Hess, BHHS Home Services ....30 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX ...............4, 23
RETAIL
Cass Jewelers ....................................... 7 Moravia Moravian Dewey’s Store........ 18 Summerfield Farms .............................. 7
and
resource guide
for northwest Guilford County
d by publishe
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DEC. 12 - 18, 2019
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out west to enjoy Cody and Dylan Morris headed During Veterans Day weekend to catch up on homethe Hoover Dam they stopped warmer weather. While visiting Observer. town news with the Northwest
Jacob Delveaux of Stokesdale attended his first football game at Lambeau Field, a 24-16 victory for the Green Bay Packers. Snow and cold provided the perfect atm osphere for football. Jacob passed the time waiting for his retu rn flight by reading the Northwest Observer.
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