Northwest Observer l Jan. 9-15, 2019

Jan. 9 - 15, 2020

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Civility, transparency and water Summerfield, Oak Ridge and Stokesdale mayors lay out their goals for the coming year

BJ Barnes, mayor of Summerfield

by CHRIS BURRITT

BJ Barnes

Ann Schneider

IN THIS ISSUE News in brief ............................2 Your Questions..........................4 Horse show to return? ...............5 Pets & Critters ..........................7 Charlie and me .........................8 Pet Adoptions ........................ 10 Take me to the Bark Park! ....... 11 To have and to hold ............... 12 Business Notes ...................... 14 Calendar Events..................... 15 Crime/Incident Report............. 18 High School Sports ........... 19, 25 Student Profiles ..................... 20 Grins and Gripes .................... 24 Classifieds............................. 27 Index of Advertisers ............... 31 NWO on the Go!..................... 32

John Flynt

My goal in serving as mayor is to bring back civility to a town that’s a great place to live. I want to bring more dignity to the office.”

NW GUILFORD – Mayor BJ Barnes said he’s going to return civility to Summerfield. Oak Ridge plans to start video recording its council meetings as Mayor Ann Schneider and the

council commit to keeping residents better informed.

In Stokesdale, Mayor John Flynt is focusing on ways to improve and expand the Town’s water system.

...continued on p. 26

‘One’ is lonely number for dissenting town council members Council members Pegram in Summerfield and Nodine in Oak Ridge said their nay votes represent supporters’ views. Voting with the majority is ‘just plain ludicrous,’ said former Stokesdale council member Tim Jones

Teresa Pegram

Doug Nodine

Tim Jones

by CHRIS BURRITT

like I have 1,100 people sitting down behind me.”

NW GUILFORD – Town council members Teresa Pegram in Summerfield and Doug Nodine in Oak Ridge hoped the Nov. 5 election would shift the balance of power on their councils.

Pegram was the top voter getter in Summerfield’s Town Council election in November 2017, collecting 1,169 votes.

Facing reelection in two years, she was hoping that voters in last November’s election would support the five Voices for Summerfield candidates whom she backed.

It didn’t, and now Pegram and Nodine find themselves in the same position as before the election. They typically cast the only dissenting votes when fellow council members consider contentious topics – such as whether their towns should establish municipal water systems.

“I will still stand on my platform,” Pegram said in an interview shortly before Christmas. “When I sit down, I feel

All five of the candidates lost, however, leaving Pegram as the lone advocate on the council to voice their views.

They oppose easing of housing density regulations and establishing a municipal water system for fire protection. Pe-

...continued on p. 22

NEWS in brief

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SUMMERFIELD – Gail Dunham wants the Town of Summerfield to turn over all Town business-related emails distributed between Oct. 1, 2017, and Nov. 19, 2019, including ones distributed through seven accounts that she said belong to Town Manager Scott Whitaker; Dunham was sworn into office as the Town’s mayor Dec. 12, 2017, and served until Dec. 10, 2019.

The Town said it will comply with Dunham’s request as long as she pays $9,400 for staff time to review the documents and remove confidential, nonpublic information.

Dunham’s request reignites her criticism of Whitaker. During her tenure as mayor, she criticized his conduct of town business that she said sometimes excluded her and council member Teresa Pegram from town-related emails.

“I want a record of all town business while I was mayor,” she said in an interview earlier this week.

Whitaker said not all of his townrelated emails ``included Gail or even all council members’’ when the topic wasn’t relevant to them, such as discussion of an event that Dunham wasn’t attending. ``I sometimes email one, two or more council members,’’ he said in an email earlier this week. Summerfield will provide the emails to the former mayor as long as she pays $9,400 for Town staff and the Town attorney to review the documents and remove privileged and confidential information such as discussions about personnel, he said.

“There is no information to be culled

out,” Dunham said. “Just download (the emails) and email them to me.”

Half of the $9,400 payment is required up front, Whitaker said, explaining the Town’s “public records policy and state law allow the Town to charge a special service charge related to extraordinary requests.”

If Dunham believes the fee is unfair, she can request the state’s chief information officer mediate the dispute.

“I’m not going to pay him $10,000,” Dunham said. “I will go to court before I pay $10,000.”

Over the past two years, the release of emails by council members and Town staff was a cause of mistrust and dissension that pitted Dunham and Pegram against Whitaker, Mayor Pro Tem Dena Barnes and council members John O’Day and Reece Walker.

Dunham didn’t seek reelection last November. Former Guilford County Sheriff BJ Barnes replaced her as mayor.

His wife, longtime council member Dena Barnes, didn’t run for reelection.

Late last year, Dunham hired Raleigh lawyer James Crouse to request the townrelated emails. He wrote letters Nov. 19 to Whitaker and then-Town Attorney Bill Hill asking for electronic copies of “all emails, sent or received, relating to the Town of Summerfield.”

In reply, Bob Hornik, the town’s new attorney, wrote Crouse explaining Summerfield’s position. Whitaker declined to share Hornik’s letter, but explained its content.

“The gist is that Mrs. Dunham, through her attorney, requested a lot of data,” Whitaker said, “and it will take a considerable amount of staff and/or attorney review time to remove that which is privileged/confidential.”

Non-profit group explores returning train depot to town

by CHRIS BURRITT STOKESDALE – A group dedicated to reviving Stokesdale’s downtown area is exploring the possibility of bringing the historic train depot back to the Town.

“I can’t imagine what a huge project this would be, but I’m hoping this is something that might just be possible,” Kathy Bunthoff, a member of Friends of Stokesdale, said in an email earlier this week.

“This idea is in its very early stages.”

Owner Mary Hunter put the depot, located south of Madison, up for auction in September 2019. After the property drew no bidders, Friends of Stokesdale members began talking among themselves about returning the depot to Stokesdale, as part of efforts to invigorate and promote the downtown business district on U.S. 158.

As a first step, the group is trying to

determine whether the Stokesdale community would support relocating the depot. Members of the group may present the idea during the Town Council’s meeting this Thursday, Jan. 9.

Without broad community support, efforts to raise money from donors and grants would falter, according to Joe Thacker, president of Friends of Stokesdale. The group wouldn’t seek Town funds for the project, he said.

“We are enthusiastic about it,” Thacker said in an interview earlier this week. “We want to see if there are enough people who live in and around Stokesdale to bring it back.”

During the auction, auctioneer Jeff Eanes said the tax value of the depot and its two-acre tract was $183,722, the lowest price for which it would have sold if any bids had emerged. It’s now listed for sale on Zillow for $195,000.

File photo

Friends of Stokesdale seeks community support for buying and bringing the historic train depot back to Stokesdale – an idea “in its very early stages,” one proponent said.

If Friends of Stokesdale were able to raise enough money, buying the building would be the first of several steps, Thacker said. The group would need to find downtown property for the depot and secure permission from the North Carolina Department of Transportation to move it nine miles from its Rockingham County location to Stokesdale.

“It’s going to take a lot of money

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

and effort,” Thacker said.

For more than a century, the depot was at the center of commerce in Stokesdale, with trains passing through as they hauled pulpwood and passengers. It fell into disuse as rail traffic slowed in the 1970s. Retired carpenter Sam Heffinger bought the depot for $500 in 1977 and moved it to his

...continued on p. 4

JAN. 9 - 15, 2020

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What information or documents are subject to public record requests?

Chapter 132 of North Carolina’s General Statutes outline the broad scope of the law pertaining to the public’s access to records made or received in connection with the transaction of public business.

According to UNC’s School of Government (SOG), “the law applies to all types of state and local government agencies, and all types of records, including paper and electronic records, recordings, films, videos, and photographs. A record that falls within the scope of the statute is subject to public access unless an exception provides otherwise.”

Financial records, leases and contracts, insurance policies, reports, agency minutes, permit applications, emails, and information in computer databases are all examples of records that generally must be made available to the public upon request.

It’s important to note that records related to the transaction of public business are public, even if they are created using private resources. For example, if an elected official uses a private email account to communicate about public business, that official’s public business-related emails are considered public record.

Details on the full scope of North Carolina’s laws pertaining to public record requests can be found online at www.ncleg.gov – type “public record requests” into the Search bar. email your questions to: questions@nwobserver.com or submit at nwobserver.com

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NEWS in brief

...continued from p. 3 property on U.S. 220. He renovated the building into a home for himself and his wife, India. Both are deceased.

The building traveled by truck north on Ellisboro Road to its new home.

State troopers accompanied the trans-

port, along with telephone and electricity crews that lowered utility lines, and in some cases cut down poles, Rudy Heffinger, Sam and India’s son, said in an interview in September.

After buying the property, Mary and Robert Hunter moved into the depot in 2003. Mary put the depot up for sale after her husband had died and upkeep became more than she could handle.

Residents asked for wish list of park improvements

by CHRIS BURRITT STOKESDALE – The Town of Stokesdale plans to mail a survey to about 1,500 households within the next week, asking citizens to rank their preferences for new features at Town Park.

The results of the survey will guide Town leaders in deciding which improvements to pursue with the help of state and federal grants, Mayor John Flynt said in an interview earlier this week.

The survey lists 15 possible recreational features such as an amphitheater, a dog park and basketball courts.

A camping area, rock climbing and a splash area are other options.

The Town will ask residents to complete and return the survey to Town Hall

by Feb. 14, giving the council enough time to incorporate the results in its application for a state grant to be awarded this summer.

Conducting the survey is a requirement of the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. It plans to award

$4 million in matching grants this summer, and Stokesdale plans to seek $100,000 for Town Park improvements, Flynt told the council during its Dec. 12 meeting.

If the Town is awarded $100,000, it would be required to contribute $100,000 to the improvements.

Besides ranking recreational options, the survey asks for citizens’ opinions on the mix of “passive” outdoor activities including nature trails and “active” activities such as additional playgrounds and athletic fields in Town Park, which is located on 25 acres behind Town Hall at 8325 Angel Pardue Road.

Citizens are also asked whether the park should be connected to other parts of the community by trails and sidewalks.

The survey also addresses how the improvements would be paid for. Among the options aside from applying for grants are tapping the Town’s general fund, charging usage fees and seeking private

...continued on p. 6

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Organizers plan return of Oak Ridge Horse Show horse owners would be required to pick up poop dropped by their animals, she noted.

Efforts to bring back the Oak Ridge Horse Show are progressing, said Lewandowski, who is talking to the Piedmont Saddle Club at 8001 Leabourne Road in Colfax about hosting a one-day show this fall.

The Oak Ridge Horse Show ended in 2012, after the volunteer-run event had raised money for local charities and causes for 68 years. For many decades, the show was held Easter weekend on

File photo

Local horse enthusiasts hope to bring the Oak Ridge Horse Show, a 68-year tradition that ended in 2012, back to the area next fall. They’re holding their first organizational meeting this Thursday, Jan. 9, at Oak Ridge Town Hall.

by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – A recently organized group of horse enthusiasts is planning to bring a horse show back to northwest Guilford while pushing leaders in Oak Ridge to allow horseback riding on trails planned for Town Park.

The group plans its first meeting at 6 p.m. this Thursday, Jan. 9, at Oak Ridge Town Hall, according to Rita Lewandowski, who is organizing efforts with her mother, who is also named Rita. They created a Facebook page called “Horses of Oak Ridge” several weeks ago that’s already attracted more than 150 members.

“There are a lot of horse riders in the area,” Lewandowski said in an interview last week. “Everyone is looking for new places to ride.”

Lewandowski said she is urging

Mayor Ann Schneider and other Town Council members to allow horseback riding on trails planned for the 58 acres on Linville Road the town purchased from Frank Whitaker Jr. in 2018 for the expansion of Town Park.

The council is evaluating how to redevelop the Whitaker property. At its meeting at 7 p.m. this Thursday, it will hear a presentation by McGill Associates planner Jim Ford about his firm’s recommendations for future park projects such as new trails, athletic fields and neighborhood parks.

Allowing horses on trails has raised three primary concerns among some council members, Lewandowski said.

They question whether there’d be enough parking for trailers and trucks, and they also worry that horses would poop on the trails, she said. Third, people who aren’t accustomed to being around horses are often afraid of them.

“The biggest thing we’re trying to do right now is educate people,” Lewandowski said. Like dog owners,

the grounds of Oak Ridge Elementary School. An expansion of the school in 2004 forced the event to be moved to Steeple Hill Farm in Summerfield.

The show would return on a smaller scale, Lewandowski said. At the outset, it would focus on what’s known as Gymkhana, a series of equestrian competitions such as barrel and flag racing attractive to children as well as adults.

“It’s going to be a fun show,” said Lewandowski, explaining it would

...continued on p. 6

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NEWS in brief

want to participate?

and corporate donations. Additionally, residents will be asked if they are willing to pay a property tax for improvements – or seek a combination of the other options “with the goal of avoiding a property tax.”

If you’re a Stokesdale citizen and do not get a survey in the mail within the next week, pick up a copy at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road, during business hours or email deputyclerk@stokesdale.org and request a copy be emailed to you.

...continued from p. 4

Preview: Jan. 9 Oak Ridge Town Council meeting

by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge Town Council will hear recommendations for the expansion of the Town’s parks and recreation facilities and activities at its monthly meeting this Thursday, Jan. 9.

McGill Associates planner Jim Ford plans to discuss the draft of his firm’s master plan for proposed parks and recreation projects and their estimated costs over the next decade. Expanding parks and recreational activities in Oak Ridge – with new trails and athletic fields, a new playground and three neighborhood parks – would cost nearly $7 million, according to McGill’s report that’s already been reviewed by the Town’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

In other business, the council will consider approving proposed rules for establishing and operating a municipal

water system that would initially serve new subdivisions with 30 or more houses.

Users of existing private and community wells wouldn’t be required to switch to the municipal system.

In his report, Town Manager Bill Bruce will present for the council’s consideration a policy dictating requirements for nonprofit groups seeking public funds, discounted or waived usage fees or any other form of public-private partnership.

To be considered for funding, an organization must provide the council with a statement from a certified public accountant or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) confirming the group’s current status as a tax-exempt organization under IRS rules.

The organization also must provide a statement that it “does not and will not directly or indirectly participate in, or intervene in, any political campaign for or

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against any candidate for elective office,” in compliance with IRS requirements, according to the policy. The group is also required to state that it’s capable of complying with all financial and performance requirements for activities that may be specified by contract with the Town.

Bruce plans to update the council on the Town’s annual agreement with Oak Ridge Youth Association (ORYA) for use of Town facilities. The current agreement, which expired Dec. 31, remains in effect until the new agreement for 2020 is finalized.

Bruce will share with the council a Dec. 20 letter from GFL Environmental, the town’s trash and recycling service, asking for a rate increase of 1.6 percent effective March 1. It would increase the

monthly trash pickup rate to $16.77, $1.02 for recycled goods, $10.61 for bulk items, $15.94 per white good and $1.56 per bag of yard waste.

In other business, the council will receive updates from the Town’s finance officer, sheriff’s office, fire department and 10 Town committees and community organizations.

As always, residents will have two opportunities to offer comments, one before the monthly financial and community updates and the other immediately following them.

want to go?

Oak Ridge Town Council will meet at 7 p.m. this Thursday, Jan. 9, at Town Hall, 8135 Linville Road.

Preview: Jan. 9 Stokesdale Town Council meeting

by PATTI STOKES Stokesdale Town Council will meet this Thursday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. The proposed meeting agenda includes public safety, administrative and financial reports, two periods for citizen comments, and discussion and a vote on four suggestions the Town’s auditor has presented after conducting the annual audit last fall.

The council will also vote on whether to approve former council members Frank Bruno and Tim Jones to serve on the Planning Board and Deanna Ragan

HORSE SHOW

...continued from p. 5 operate along the lines of Oak Ridge’s Canine Capers, an annual event with fun competitions such as tail wagging and cookie eating. The horse show would offer demonstrations of dressage, drill teams and other activities requiring highly skilled horses and riders, she said.

to serve on the Ordinance Review Committee.

Creating a part-time staff position for a director of events and parks will be discussed, with a proposed net monthly salary of $350.

Council members are also expected to discuss feedback they have received regarding Republic Services’ change to its recycling pickup schedule late last fall, from every week to every other week; the attorney access policy; adding a midmonth business meeting; and whether to approve a budget amendment to provide funds for more attorney fees.

want to go/help?

Horse enthusiasts who want to help bring back the Oak Ridge Horse Show are invited to an organizational meeting at 6 p.m. this Thursday, Jan. 9, at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. Can’t make it, but want to help? Reach out to the event organizers via the Horses of Oak Ridge Facebook page.

January 2020 a monthly feature of the Northwest Observer These chickens, many adopted through Red Dog Farm, are enjoyir ing breakfast at home on the ld. rfie me Sum of th farm just nor They particularly love dried mealworm treats.

Pearson’s Nancy and Keith , sits with grandpuppy, Rufio rdan. Residing their grandson, Jo his family, it was no in Stokedale with d , a fiercely loyal an surprise that Rufio st be became loving dog, quickly rdan.

Jo th friends wi ly, calm Luna is a friend ue who lives 12-year-old resc mily he Schneider fa in Oak Ridge. T er field m m Su in a family om fr na Lu d adopte of puppies an entire litter d ue sc re d ha Farm who on the Red Dog na Lu ed is rt ve and ad usic in the ves to go to M lo na Lu . te si web o), to e is in this phot Park (where sh and o in yc r a pupp coffee shops fo . er at w anywhere with

Found at US Industrial s Piping in Walkertown, thi and rra To r, pai ter -sis brother-and at only a few Cosmos, were rescued resident Lowrey weeks old by Stokesdale their own, Torra Barrow. Unable to eat on ttle fed for sevand Cosmos had to be bo ught Bareral weeks. The two bro ! row’s pet count up to 10

ge Tiah (L) and Brogan of Oak Rid e gam y ndl challenge each other in a frie r. wa of brother-sister tug-of-

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Still on the nose work trail

by ANNETTE JOYCE About seven years ago my lovable lab, Charlie, and I embarked on a nose work journey. The years since then have been filled with countless hours of training, some disappointments and loads of victories – but mostly lots of good times for me and my favorite canine companion.

Canine nose work is a sport in which dogs and their owners search for specific odors – birch, anise and clove. It’s the dog’s job to sniff out a hidden odor in four different environments within certain time constraints.

The owner must be able to identify when his or her canine partner has found the source and call “alert.”

There are five different levels – 1, 2, 3, Elite and the recently added Summit. Each level becomes progressively more challenging. Although Nose Work 1 (NW1) is the easiest, Photo by Alyssia Greiner

After checking out various scents in the woods during a recent nose work competition in Asheboro, Charlie, a lovable black lab whose human is Northwest Observer contributing writer Annette Joyce, zeroes in on a vehicle.

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with only one hide to find in each of four areas – on a vehicle, in a room (interiors), in an outdoor environment (exteriors) and among a group of small containers – it took Charlie and me seven tries before we mastered that level. Mind you, Charlie is very good at what he does; as his handler, I was the one holding him back.

With all that practice, we breezed through Nose Work 2 (NW2) on the first try and moved to the next level.

Lots of things change in Nose Work 3

(NW3); there are more hides, and inside we search three rooms instead of one or two. We don’t have the advantage of knowing how many hides are in an area – and usually we don’t know until the end of the day whether we’ve gotten the title or not. Plus, to advance to the Elite level, we must successfully complete three of these stress-producing trials.

At this point, we’ve competed in eight NW3 trials, earned two titles and are working on the final one.

Our most recent adventure took place a couple weekends ago when we traveled to Asheboro.

been laid out for volunteers, which we had to pass by before we reached the start line.

Having participated in so many trials, you’d think I’d have come to terms with the nervousness of competing. It’s getting better, but I’m still always stressing.

The door opened into the dining hall. Our rooms were to the right, but Charlie’s nose veered to the left as he caught the enticing aroma of Italian food. With a bit of coaxing – okay, a great deal of pulling – I herded him to the first room. There, he finished his work and before I could get his leash hooked, the door opened and he headed for lunch. I managed to grab his hind legs before he could race to the table.

On the other hand, Charlie’s never been nervous about anything. My happy-go-lucky guy just wants to find those hides as quickly as possible.

Things started out a bit dicey when I found out we would be searching vehicles that were essentially parked in the woods. When Charlie’s nose hit the start line, he was bombarded by an odor buffet. It was almost like he’d never seen a vehicle, although we had searched them hundreds of times.

Pungent, woodsy smells and longgone critters overcame the familiar odor that would result in a favorite food reward.

We ran out of time before we could find the second of two hides.

Right off the bat, we’d lost our eligibility for a title.

It was time to play.

Our next search was interiors, where we were to check out three different rooms. My only concern was the tempting lasagna lunch that had

A large bathroom was our next challenge, and after detecting two hides we were out the door to the final room. I let Charlie off the leash, within seconds he dashed in, nailed the hide and quickly turned to head back out the door. After all, he’d done his job and obviously believed he was entitled to that big pan of lasagna.

Thankfully, we made it successfully through interiors and later, exteriors and containers. The only thing preventing us from coming home with the ribbon was the one hide left behind earlier that morning.

Of course, Charlie didn’t care, and surprisingly it didn’t bother me that much either. We had a great time and now we’re just waiting for the next opportunity to move on to the Elite level.

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• Dogs’ sense of smell overpowers our own by orders of magnitude— it’s 10,000 to 100,000 times as acute, scientists say. “Let’s suppose they’re just 10,000 times better,” says James Walker, former director of the Sensory Research Institute at Florida State University, who, with several colleagues, came up with that jaw-dropping estimate during a rigorously designed, oft-cited study. “If you make the analogy to vision, what you and I can see at a third of a mile, a dog could see more than 3,000 miles away and still see as well.”

• Dogs possess up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to about six million in humans. In addition, the part of a dog’s brain devoted to analyzing smells is, proportionally speaking, 40 times greater than ours.

• Dogs’ noses also function quite differently. When humans inhale, we smell and breathe through the same airways within our nose.

When dogs inhale, a fold of tissue just inside their nostril helps to separate these two functions.

• Dogs have a second olfactory capability that human’s don’t

Information from an article by Peter Tyson: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/ nova/article/dogs-sense-of-smell/

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When a dog breathes out, the expired air blows out the side slits of its nostrils in such a way as to augment the sampling of new odors.

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JAN. 9 - 15, 2020

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Pet Adoptions

Red Dog Farm Animal Rescue Network AURORA Aurora, a 3-month-old female hooded rat, along with her two sisters, Maleficent and Belle, are some of the sweetest rats you’ll ever meet. All three love to play and will need to be adopted together. Rats are very intelligent and make great pets.

If you are interested in giving them a forever home, apply online at www.reddogfarm.com.

DELICIOUS Delicious, a 15-year-old off-track thoroughbred, was surrendered to us just a few months ago. According to her paperwork and research, she appears to have raced and then been sold as a “repo” mare before landing with her previous owner. While she was loved very much, Delicious has too much “go” and not enough “whoa” for her owner. She has put on some weight in her foster home and has now moved to our farm facility to start the next phase of her rehabilitation.

So far she has demonstrated excellent ground manners and we look forward to working with her more. Visit www.reddogfarm.com to learn more or apply to adopt Delicious.

For more info or to apply to adopt Aurora, Delicious or other animals in need of loving homes, visit www.reddogfarm.com

Guilford County Animal Shelter PERITAS Peritas is a neutered brown brindle and white terrier mix. Fans of Mary Renault will recall him as Alexander the Great’s favorite dog.

The name Peritas, says Wikipedia, may be derived from the Macedonian word for January, which makes this a particularly auspicious time to adopt this handsome fellow. He may not have a city with his name, but Peritas will return love and loyalty with lifelong devotion, just as his namesake did more than 2,000 years ago. Ask for him by ID#A019096.

NOTE: The shelter also has a dog named after Alexander himself, or at least for the Persian variant of his name: “Skander.” Another available animal is named for Alexander’s mother, Olympias of Epiros.

TARZAN This jungle cat’s name is Tarzan, after the character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs and portrayed in writing, on the silver screen and on stage for more than 100 years. A neutered brown tabby and white domestic shorthair, Tarzan is about 4 years old. Let him swing into your heart and home by asking for him using ID#A018379.

Guilford County Animal Shelter

4525 W. Wendover Ave., Greensboro • Mon-Sat 12-6pm (closed Tues), Sun 1-5pm To check animals’ availability, call (336) 641-3400 or visit

www.guilfordcountync.gov/our-county/animal-services/animal-shelter

Take me to the Bark Park, please!

• Mad Pilgra, the barmy border collie, is as frantic and frenetic as ever, and the club’s best kisser by far. Don’t be caught with your mouth open!

• Sport, the red-haired rascal, has recently exhibited a studied indifference to the goings-on of the club, but he too is one of our, ahem, more mature members.

• Border collie Brice exhibits the boundless energy of his breed, and has assumed possession of a smelly deflated old soccer ball which he found in the back of the park. It’s Adobe Stock photo

Canines and their humans have enjoyed Oak Ridge Bark Park since it opened in early 2014. The 1.5-acre wooded park has separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, an obstacle and agility course and park benches where humans can relax while their dogs run and play. To get there, enter the park’s main parking lot off Lisa Drive and head right toward the amphitheater; the bark park is located in the woods, behind the playground.

A 2019 update on Oak Ridge Bark Park … from one of the ‘regulars’

by CHRISTOPHER REES As custodian of the club’s most senior member, it falls to me to submit the annual report on behalf of Oak Ridge Bark Park Club “regulars” and their humans.

Yes, Charley has attained the grand old age of 13 1/2 (in two-legger years) and has begun to insist that he be referred to as “Sir Charles of Oak Ridge,” which is indeed much more befitting of a Canine-American of his standing. If in expansive mood, he will also permit the term “Person of Fur” – but please do not use the D-word. It’s sooo 20th Century...

Among new members we have adorable Tessa, the golden retriever pup; Ryder, the labradoodle (wanna throw a stick?); Oreo the Unpredictable; Caico of Caribbean extraction; Dash of, um, all-American extraction;

now “Brice’s ball” and he likes to parade it tauntingly under the noses of his peers. Finders keepers...

• Punch and The Prof. are happy to wander their own way, and Hoppy the happy boxer hops along happily (try saying that with a Milk Bone in your mouth).

Speaking of Milk Bones, Charles has just informed me it’s past time for afternoon tea. One must not be kept waiting!

Happy New Year!

Charley’s dad (aka Sir Charles’ manservant)

One team…

Care for all ages

and of course, Rooney the Looney (well, he is Irish).

Among “members in disgrace,” I am relieved to say the group is empty, although Charley himself came close when he fertilized the Bark Park right in front of everyone in the midst of a monthly meeting. We all looked the other way. I disposed of the evidence before charges could be brought. It’s all part of my doggy daddy doodie... er, duty.

Departed members include only dear Bandit, an Antipodean who has departed to Wisconsin, not the Antipodes nor the Grim Reaper.

Among committee members: • Gus the English lab continues to display the stiff upper lip and sangfroid of his island race, thus lending a much-needed degree of gravitas and dignity to the organization.

Dr. Renee Kuneff LeBauer Oak Ridge Now accepting new patients!

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• Sam the standard poodle is even more aloof and refined – but then, he is French.

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LeBauer Healthcare at Oak Ridge 1427 NC-68 • Oak Ridge, NC 27310 (336) 644-6770

lebauer.com JAN. 9 - 15, 2020

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To have and to hold … in sickness and in health After 42 years of marriage, Oak Ridge residents Danny and Linda Yanusz face their biggest challenge yet with humor, creativity and determination

outgoing, Danny struck up a conversation with Linda and unknowingly made her fiancé so jealous that the couple had a “screaming match” in the parking lot and ended their relationship.

The next night Danny ran into Linda again at a disco club. Back then, Danny was so enthralled with disco dancing that he hit the clubs every night. That evening he saw Linda sitting at the bar “dressed to kill.”

by ANNETTE JOYCE “…To have and to hold, from this day forward. For better, for worse. For richer, for poorer. In sickness and in health. To love and to cherish… till death do us part.”

Danny and Linda Yanusz made that traditional marriage pledge to one another 42 years ago. At the time they had no way of knowing just how much those wedding vows would be put to the test and how their love story would unfold.

Photo courtesy of Danny Yanusz

Oak Ridge residents Linda (left) and Danny Yanusz’s love story began over 42 years ago.

Originally from Long Island, New York, Danny, now 65, and Linda, 67, met at a wedding where they were seated at the same table. Perpetually

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

He likes to joke that Linda picked him up in a bar, but it’s clear that Danny was smitten.

“That was the second prettiest you’ve ever looked,” Danny said to Linda as they recently sat in their living room while sharing their story. “The prettiest, of course, was on our wedding day.”

Ten years after they married, the couple and their two young girls moved to Oak Ridge. They immediately got involved in the community and brought creativity, passion and caring to everything they did.

Sometime in 2015, Linda started having tremors in her right hand. For a while she hid the tremors by always keeping something in her hand or sticking her hand in her pocket. But when she started making obvious mistakes at work, Linda’s employer was so concerned he contacted Danny.

By the summer of 2016, Linda was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and later with Lewy body dementia.

Both conditions are chronic and progressive and adversely affect a person’s physical and mental capabilities.

There is no cure for either condition and the symptoms and progression are different for every individual.

The couple took this life-altering news as they have everything else in their lives – with determination, creativity and humor.

Because of the effects of the disease, Linda had to retire. “(That was) the hardest thing to accept,” she said. “I understand why I couldn’t work anymore, (but) work was really important to me.”

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Danny volunteered in various She also had to give up driving. capacities with the Town, including 8004 Linville Road, Suite E-3, Oak Ridge serving four years on Oak Ridge Town Council. Together, he and Linda joined “I miss driving,” she said.

Oak Ridge Lions Club,barbourwilliams.com volunteered “It’s like part of my life is for school and community events and gone. I loved driving – but it became familiar faces around town. wasn’t safe anymore.”

Their love of Swiss mountain dogs was (and still is) well-known, and they were always venturing to different locations Within months of her diagnosis, to compete in dog events.

Danny also retired so that he could care for Linda full-time and take over They did all this while working fulltime in challenging jobs that they both daily household tasks as Linda lost the ability to handle them. thoroughly enjoyed. Danny worked in the lighting industry, specializing in “She can’t do the microwave, the large design projects. Linda was the computer or the phone anymore,” he office manager for a financial advisor, said. “I’m her shadow throughout the which grew from three employees to day.”

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coming Linda’s coach and cheerleader – which includes coming up with ways

fought hard to maintain their connection to community and friends. One group they’re particularly thankful for is the Lions Club.

Photo courtesy of Danny Yanusz

Danny (left) and Linda Yanusz enjoyed a family vacation at the beach this past summer with their two adult daughters and spouses, and their grandson.

to keep her mentally and physically challenged.

“We have to keep her brain engaged as much as possible and we do this through physical activity, which keeps the blood going to the brain,” he said.

Because of this, the Yanuszes’ weekly schedule is quite regimented.

On Mondays, you’ll find the pair at the YMCA for a Parkinson’s spin class where about 30 people show up for a 45-minute, high-intensity workout. ‘“Miss Linda’ really likes this and she’s pretty good at it,” Danny said.

Tuesdays and Thursdays are devoted to “Rock Steady Boxing,” a 90-minute class designed specifically for Parkinson’s patients.

“Everybody has a boxer name.

She’s ‘Boom-Boom Linda.’ She’s done over 100 classes,” Danny said as he proudly pointed to Linda.

Linda’s not as impressed by the number of classes she’s done as she is with how the classes make her feel.

“I like goofing off and playing with the people,” she said.

Every other Friday, the two go to Parkinson’s yoga and do the class together.

“Thank goodness for the Lions Club members,” said Danny, who has been president of the organization for the past few years. “They look out for Linda. All of the ladies really keep an eye on her.”

Since every caregiver needs to also be mindful of taking care of themselves, Danny does a 90-minute routine with a personal trainer on Wednesdays. He goes to the same gym where Linda boxes so she’s comfortable going along with him.

“It gives me a chance to blow off steam,” Danny said.

“Linda comes to watch me and patiently waits for me.

Sometimes she struggles with it, but all the staff know her and watch out for her.”

Along with the physical activities, there are also mental tasks that Danny gives Linda to help keep her mind sharp. For instance, he’ll give her pennies and ask her to sort them by date, count them or put them in groups of 10. ‘“Miss Linda’ doesn’t like mental activities as much as physical activities,” he chuckled.

In many cases, people in this situation would find themselves extremely isolated; however, the Yanuszes have

While they try to look for the positive in their situation, Danny freely admits that life isn’t all sunny and he and Linda have their moments of frustration and anger. There are times when Linda doesn’t recognize Danny.

At other times he’s found things in odd places – such as a shoe in the refrigerator. And there are times when Linda so badly wants to be able do something she can no longer do.

“She was always very organized, very disciplined,” Danny said. “I’ve had to change my expectations of what she can execute and of course, Linda has her frustrations with me and her circumstances.”

They’ve also had to become accustomed to the attention the disease draws when they’re in public. Parkinson’s causes a lot of jerky, uncontrolled movements which often lead to lots of stares – and sometimes accidents. For

example, Danny mentioned an incident that happened at a local craft fair this past fall, when Linda knocked over a display.

Feeling everyone’s eyes on her, Linda became upset. Fortunately, the owner was very understanding and forgiving, and another vendor came over to help make everything right.

“Linda and I are at a point in our lives where we’re dealing with what we’re dealing with,” Danny said. “You just have to get through it, and that’s what we’re doing.”

At that point, Linda leans over and pats Danny on the stomach.

“See,” he grinned. “I got a pat from my honey.”

“I don’t know how to say it, but I want to thank him for everything,” Linda said.

“A lot of people don’t understand how much the (spouse) is involved. He’s been very patient with me. A lot of men wouldn’t do what he’s done.”

“Our life is not going to get better,” Danny concluded. “But we can go down fighting.”

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Revolution Academy

BUSINESS notes Welcome to our new advertisers!

Please support the businesses and organizations which make our newspaper possible and tell them you saw them here!

Oak Ridge Youth Association ORYA was founded in 1990 as a means to provide organized sports programs and events for local kids. The non-profit, volunteer-run organization has over 2,000 members.

ORYA allows our children to experience all the benefits of playing youth sports. Through partnerships with the school, Town of Oak Ridge, and local businesses we offer programs that give kids the opportunity to practice and play at local athletic fields.

About how many kids participate in ORYA sports programs? Over 1,000 registered athletes are participating in ORYA’s fall/winter sports programs this year, and many more will participate in spring sports’ programs including baseball and softball.

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Besides focusing on sports, is ORYA involved in any other activities/events?

ORYA is definitely focused on more than just sports. We supported the ORES Colts Run Club by hosting their Colts Dash race and we threw a Get Out the Vote event before last November’s election. We also have a Teen Leadership Team, which ran our firstever Halloween Terror Trail in October and a flag football tournament on Thanksgiving Eve. Additionally, we recently installed new lights in Oak Ridge Elementary School’s gym, repaired the school’s concession stand doors, hosted a Coaches Appreciation night, and had our first ORYA Night at the annual RidgeFest event in late May. What do your volunteers do in their spare time? We have no leisure time; we have kids who play sports!

Does ORYA have a motto? Yes, our motto is “That’s what trunks are for!”

A new 60,000-square-foot facility is planned for 3718 Oak Ridge Road.

The school will open in a temporary facility at 300 N.C. 68 until the permanent building is ready, hopefully early next fall.

Revolution Academy is a backto-basics, traditional school that will offer a classical academic program anchored by the Core Knowledge curriculum. Special features include an optional early release kindergarten day, recess twice a day for K-5 students, a move-up math program, Latin and logic in middle school, formal grammar in all grades, and a special enrichment focus where students will study topics such as keyboarding, financial literacy and etiquette.

Because charter schools do not have attendance zones, any student who resides in North Carolina and is eligible to attend public school will be eligible to attend Revolution Academy.

As a public charter school, Revolution Academy will not charge tuition nor have any academic achievements required for admission.

“Charter schools are great equalizers,” Sauer said. “If you have money, you have always had a choice in how and where your children are educated.

With more charter schools, more parents will have a choice about what kind of education their children get.”

Revolution Academy will provide busing to community stops, with priority given to economically disadvantaged students, and free and reduced lunches to students who qualify.

All Revolution Academy students will learn cursive handwriting and wear uniforms.

See ad on p. 5

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Mary Catherine Sauer, a long-time Summerfield resident, will be the academy’s principal. She and her husband, Mike, have four children who all attended Greensboro Academy from kindergarten through eighth grade. Three

See ad on p. 3 for more info about Revolution Academy and application deadline for grades K-6, or visit www.revolutionacademyk8.com.

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Revolution Academy, a public, tuition-free charter school, is coming to Summerfield. For the 2020-2021 school year, it will enroll 400 students in grades K-6. Each year a grade level will be added until it reaches a maximum capacity of 727 students in grades K-8.

of the Sauers’ children graduated from Northern High School as either valedictorian or salutatorian. Their youngest son graduated from Piedmont Classical High School, a charter school Mary Catherine founded in 2015.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

community news with your neighbors e-mail: communitynews@nwobserver.com

mark your

contact Stokesdale Town Hall at (336) 643-4011 or stokesdale@stokesdale.org.

 Town Council Meeting | Summerfield Town

 Town Council Meeting | Stokesdale Town

Summerfield, will offer a monthly program and lunch for senior citizens (age 60 plus) Jan. 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Center United Methodist Church, 6142 Lake Brandt Road in Greensboro.

To learn more and/or RSVP, call the church at (336) 643-7765. (You do not have to be a church member to attend this program).

merfield, will offer a monthly program and lunch for senior citizens (age 60 plus) Jan. 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Summerfield Peace United Methodist Church, 2334 Scalesville Road. Please RSVP by calling Amanda Clark at (336) 373-4816, ext. 265. (You do not have to be a church member to attend this program).

Council will hold its regular monthly meeting Jan. 14,  Town Council Meeting | Oak Ridge Town Council 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 will hold its next regular monthly meeting Jan. 9 (one Centerfield Road. Visit www.summerfieldnc.gov for a meeting agenda. week later than usual because of the New Year’s holiday last week), starting at 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge THURSDAY, JAN. 16 THURSDAY, JAN. 9 Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. There will be two  Merchants Association | Merchants of Oak Ridge  Marine Corps League | Marine Corps League designated periods for citizen comments during the invites business professionals who live in or operate Detachment 1314 invites active, reserve and veteran meeting. More info about what’s on the meeting a business in Oak Ridge to join them for networking Marines to its next meeting Jan. 9 at the Moose agenda can be found in this issue’s News Briefs, or and a business meeting Jan. 16, 7:45 to 8:45 a.m.

Lodge, 1250 E. Mountain St. in Kernersville. Social contact Oak Ridge Town Hall at (336) 644-7009. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. Learn hour is from 6 to 7 p.m. followed by a business meetmore at merchantsofoakridge.com. ing. More info: Mark Brennan, (336) 393-0505, or TUESDAY, JAN. 14 Joe Vodenichar, joevodenichar@yahoo.com. Learn  Senior Program | Senior Resources of Guil Senior Program | Senior Resources of Guilford more at nwt1314.com/DoNC.html. ford County, in partnership with the Town of County, in partnership with the Town of Sum-

calendar

Council will hold its next regular monthly meeting Jan. 9, starting at 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. There will be two designated periods for citizen comments during the meeting. More info about what’s on the meeting agenda can be found in this issue’s News Briefs, or

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JAN. 9 - 15, 2020

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CRIME / INCIDENT report

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

The District 1 office, one of three district offices in Guilford County, encompasses Oak Ridge, Summerfield, Stokesdale, Colfax and northwest and northern Greensboro. It is bounded by Rockingham County on the north, runs east along U.S. 29 South, west along Forsyth County and south along the Greensboro city limits.

THEFT Dec. 27 | A Stokesdale resident reported one of his properties in the 8600 block of U.S. 158 had been broken into by an unknown suspect who entered through a front porch window. The incident occurred sometime between Dec. 26 at 2:30 p.m. and Dec. 27 at 2:30 p.m.; damage to the window was estimated at $50,

but nothing was reported stolen from the residence. The Stokesdale resident reported another property of his in the same block had been broken into by an unknown suspect in the same timeframe; in this instance, the suspect pried open the front door, causing an estimated $250 in damage, and stole a spool of copper wire worth $25.

Jan. 2 | An employee of the Circle K

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DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED Jan. 1 | A 58-year-old female was arrested at 11:40 p.m. in the 8600 block of West Way Lane in Colfax (off N. Bunker Hill Road) for driving while impaired.

ASSAULT Jan. 3 | At 3:25 a.m. in the 1700 block of N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge, a 30-yearold male reported his girlfriend, a 31-year-old female, assaulted him; he sustained minor injuries but refused EMS treatment; the female was arrested for simple assault, driving while impaired and being intoxicated and disruptive.

VANDALISM Dec. 26 | A 44-year-old male in the 100 block of I-73 N near exit 114 in

Summerfield reported an unknown suspect threw an unidentified object out their car window and caused an estimated $1,000 worth of damage to his vehicle’s front left bumper.

Dec. 27 | A resident of the 5400 block of Bunch Road in Oak Ridge reported at 7:56 a.m. that part of a bridge near his home had been spray-painted with graffiti between Dec. 25 at 11 p.m. and Dec. 26 at 5 p.m.; the cost to remove the graffiti was estimated at $500.

Jan 3 | The manager of Prestige Car Wash in Oak Ridge reported an unknown suspect damaged vacuums three times between Dec. 30 and Jan. 3, causing an estimated $800 worth of needed repairs.

COUNTERFEIT CURRENCY Dec. 27 | An employee of Food Lion in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect had used counterfeit money to buy two 12-packs of Twisted Tea, with a retail value of about $33, at 4:16 p.m. that day.

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on Norcross Road in Colfax reported an unknown suspect stole two 18-packs of Corona beer with a retail value of about $46 from the refrigerator in the back of the store. The incident occurred Jan. 1 at 10:14 p.m.

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Off and running

by MEREDITH BARKLEY The Haley Hackett era at Northwest Guilford is off to a good start.

The firstyear girls’ head basketball coach has guided her Coach team to a 12-2 Haley Hackett record against a challenging nonconference schedule.

Along the way, her Vikings picked up some hardware – claiming the CresCom Bank Holiday Invitational title in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and defeating Page, Greensboro Day and Ragsdale to claim Greensboro’s HAECO Invitational title. Both tournaments were in December.

That’s all been a warmup to the allimportant Metro 4A Conference part of Northwest’s schedule, which begins Friday at High Point Central (0-14).

“The most impressive thing to me is how hard they’re playing right now,” Hackett said of her team. She credits the team’s senior captains Reagan Kargo, Thalia Carter and Megan Harkey for their leadership and work ethic.

They’re great teams.

But our girls fought for 32 minutes. That’s what’s going to make the difference for us in the long run.”

Coach Haley Hackett, NWHS Hackett, who played college ball at Appalachian State and spent the past seven years assisting Northern Guilford’s girls head basketball coach, Kim Furlough, figured she had the talent to bring home a winner. But she said she wasn’t sure what to expect from them.

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“They’re adjusting to a whole new coaching staff,” Hackett explained.

“They’ve done a really good job.”

The Vikings’ two losses came at the hands of highly rated out-of-state teams. They dropped a lopsided 77-36 decision at Princess Anne of Virginia Beach, which earlier in the season was ranked in MaxPreps’ top 25 nationally; the team is currently ranked second in Virginia.

Last week the Vikings lost 51-48 at the buzzer to undefeated Hebron

...continued on p. 23

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JAN. 9 - 15, 2020

19

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NORTHWEST GUILFORD Riley McCallister, swimming

by MEREDITH BARKLEY Riley McCallister has loved swimming for nearly as long as she can remember.

When she was a preschooler her mom took her for swim lessons

and was struck by how comfortable she was in the water, said McCallister, now a Northwest Guilford senior and a swim team captain. Her mother got her involved in a summer swim team league. She took to it quickly.

She swims the individual 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard breaststroke.

She’s also part of the 200-yard medley relay and 200-yard freestyle relay teams.

Coach Jennifer Lovato said McCallister brings the team “great energy” and needed leadership.

“She is willing to do whatever she needs to for our team. It is amazing,” the coach said. “She’s one I can really rely on to help out with others” in both coaching and swimming.

She also likes being part of a team.

It is, she said, “like a family ... very welcoming.

High school swimming is a winter sport, with the competition season going from November to February. When the spring season arrives, McCallister hangs up her swim suit and heads for the lacrosse field.

“It was a sport I came to love very fast,” she said.

“It’s so different from what I’ve always done,” she said. “It’s something

“I like the workout aspect,” McCallister said. “It’s a full-body workout.”

new for me to learn.”

Her favorite subject in school: humanities. In that class, she said, she and classmates study art from different periods as well as novels their teacher hopes will have an impact on their lives.

Among the novels: “The Chosen”

by Chaim Potok, which is about two friends growing up in a Brooklyn, New York, neighborhood during the 1940s.

“It was one of the most influential books I’ve ever read,” McCallister said.

She described it as “a story about friendship and what it means to be a friend.”

It hit home to her, making her realize “how necessary a friend is to have,” she said.

When she heads off to college next year, she expects to study nutrition and dietetics. She has an aunt who is a

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saw her sister doing, and dancing was all she wanted to do when she was young.

gets lost in the movement, “which is cool.” And then, “before you know it, the dance is over.”

“I decided to follow in her footsteps,” McCallister said. “I also was very interested in how diet would affect an athlete’s performance.”

She later began taking dance lessons herself, and started competitively dancing at age 9. Dancing at the competitive level was more intense, but she views it as a good experience and said early on she learned a lot about taking responsibility for herself – like being prepared to go on stage, from having her costume and accessories ready to practicing her performance.

Broken bones and, recently, a concussion, have been among the dancerelated injuries Harris has experienced.

NORTHERN GUILFORD Madeline Harris, dance

by PATTI STOKES As a toddler, Madeline Harris spent time in a dance studio while her sister was there taking lessons. She said she often copied the moves she

She’s performed many times since then, but admits she still gets some pre-performance jitters.

She admits the “random” injuries have been frustrating, but despite the setbacks, she’s learned to take them in stride and use her time off the dance floor wisely.

“If I’m injured, I can still do movement with my arms, and use my brain to think about the choreography,” she said.

“I just want to perform my best,” she explained. “There are always those opportunities to mess up. I just try to talk myself down and stay calm.”

Besides practicing dance at home and at her dance studio, Nan’s School of Dance on New Garden Road, Harris said she also runs and works out with friends to stay physically conditioned.

Once she’s on stage, she said she

Of the dance teachers who have

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helped her along the way, she gives a special nod to “Ms. Christine (Stevens)” at Nan’s for teaching her technical skills and “that you can do so many more things with dance than move your body.”

Before going to Northern this year, Harris was accepted to Weaver Academy, a Greensboro-based magnet school which focuses on performing and visual arts and advanced technology. She opted to attend Northern instead, partially so she wouldn’t be separated from her friends, and partially because she had met with Northern dance instructor Kerrie-Jean King and was immediately drawn to her teaching style.

And although as a freshman she’s only been under King’s tutelage for

...continued on p. 26

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21

‘LONE RANGERS’

the meeting that he’d return civility to the conduct of council meetings.

regional water system in northwest Guilford County had been conducted.

gram and her supporters believe these steps would encourage higher-density development and imperil Summerfield’s rural character.

During the meeting, Pegram cast the sole nay vote on five issues.

Among them was the election of Tim Sessoms as mayor pro tem; Pegram nominated Lynne Williams DeVaney for the position.

“I know they would like to have unanimous votes,” Pegram said in the interview last month. “But come on.

Not everybody is the same out there. I love a diverse council.”

...continued from p. 1

Pegram claims she’s had trouble getting items placed on the agenda for council meetings, a step that requires the support of a majority of council members. She also said she was surprised and angered when she returned from a recess during the council’s Dec. 10 meeting, when newly elected council members were sworn in, to find she had been assigned a new seating location at the council table.

In Oak Ridge, Nodine sailed to reelection in November. He was the top voter getter with 1,055 votes, leaving him to question the sanity of local politics.

Minutes later, the council authorized DeVaney to sign checks issued by the Town. Pegram voted yes along with other council members.

“We’re going to bring you along,” Barnes joked to Pegram. Ignoring his attempt at humor, she replied she wasn’t sure about that.

Pegram said she insisted on having her old seat back because she believed she’d have trouble hearing meeting deliberations in the new seat.

Later in the meeting, Pegram was the only council member to vote against a resolution by the Town seeking $1.1 million of state appropriations remaining after a feasibility study for a possible

“It hit a bad nerve,” she said, leading her to question newly elected Mayor BJ Barnes’ comments later in

“It’s kind of schizophrenic the way our politics are,” Nodine said in an interview last month. “I got the most votes, but I’m still the ‘1’ in the 4-1 votes on the council. I base my votes on what I think my supporters want.”

In recent months, Nodine has

opposed a proposal by former Mayor Spencer Sullivan for Oak Ridge to establish a municipal water system that would initially serve new subdivisions with 30 or more houses. He questioned financial projections that annual revenues would exceed costs for operating a water system for new subdivisions with 30, 40, 55 and 75 houses.

During the council’s meeting in September, Nodine said unanticipated costs for replacing equipment or problems with community wells may result in the expenditure of tax dollars to cover those expenses.

“If I ever showed up at the bank trying to get a loan with those kinds of numbers, they’d throw me out of the bank,” Nodine said, referring to the financial projections for the proposed water system.

During campaigning, Nodine said he talked to many voters who oppose the proposed system, even though they’re open to exploring other long-

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Dec. 5 - 11, 2019

bringing the local news

IN THIS ISSUE................ 2

News in brief................. .......................5 Sullivan says so long on 22 years..6 Dena Barnes reflects .............. 7 Pets & Critters ................. ........ 8 Pet therapy team ................. ............ 10 Pet Adoptions................. .............. 11 Report ident Crime/Inc lighting ......... 12 Summerfield tree

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Summerfield, Oak seek Ridge, Stokesdale state water funds ng from the study $3.4 million remaini system would of a regional water three towns be split among the solutions to “to pursue their own mayor said water,” Oak Ridge’s

by CHRIS BURRITT

d and in Oak Ridge, Summerfiel NW GUILFORD – Leaders million in among themselves $3.4 Stokesdale want to divide study of a left over from the feasibility state appropriations County. for northwest Guilford regional water system plans to consider a resolution Oak Ridge Town Council

...continued on p. 18

...continue

t II We give thanks: Par

entertained Dancers with Bella Ballerina tree lighting attendees.

....... 13 Calendar Events ................. .........20 Student Profiles ................. awards .........22 S’field Fire District

be with us. I can but God will always their love, supput peace and still with me. Having truthfully say He has ship means the those times. port and companion joy in my heart through I get, my time the wonderworld to me. The older “I am so thankful for more precious.” and pastors with them becomes ful family, friends, church Robin Priddy, Stokesdale for me too – all that have been there Father.” heavenly house my warm are gifts from “I’m thankful for my with the days.”

Nancy Creider, Kernersville In this issue we continue and bed on cold, rainy we received 7), Summerfield Mommy, reader survey responses Lizzie Daniels (age “I’m thankful for my question: “What the family.” asked am my I we what when Daddy, Sissy and “When I think about for this year?”

Stokesdale things come to are you most thankful Carter Stone (age 4), thankful for, so many another year for so grateful for my “I’m so thankful for mind, but I am most “In my heart, I am grateful Christ.

So many I would like to salvation through Jesus with both my parents. many blessings! Today, lost one or both John 16 that people I know have ...continued on p. 14 “The Bible tells us in years. It makes tribulation, parents in the last few we can expect to have that mine are me even more grateful

l Readers are gratefu s for their many blessing

JOYCE compiled by ANNETTE

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.............. 23 Bits & Pieces ................. ......24 Grins and Gripes ................. ................. 27 Classifieds ................. s .................. 31 Index of Advertiser ....... 32 NWO on the Go! .................

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

term options for providing a reliable source of water for Oak Ridge.

“When it comes to tax money, I’m pretty conservative financially,” Nodine said. “People pay taxes not because they want to, but because they’re forced to. When people are forced to spend their money, I want to take a hard look at what we’re spending their money on.”

During the council’s meeting Dec. 5, Nodine voted against the Town’s resolution asking the state legislature to reallocate to Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale $3.4 million remaining from what it had budgeted to be used for a regional water system. He said he didn’t think the Town had done its due diligence in this matter, as indicated in the resolution.

Nodine said his independence on the council reflects his 40-year career developing office parks and shopping centers.

“My whole life I’ve worked by myself,” he said. “I don’t go along just to get along.”

In Stokesdale, former council member Tim Jones claimed that, like Pegram, he had difficulty getting items placed on the agenda of the council’s monthly meetings.

“I have had countless issues with accessing Town documents, Town financials and other Town information,” Jones said in an email last month.

Jones failed to win reelection in the Nov. 5 election, ending his four years

HACKETT

...continued from p. 19 Christian Academy of Dacula, Georgia, in an Atlanta tournament.

“They’re great teams,” Hackett said of Princess Anne and Hebron.

“But our girls fought for 32 minutes.

That’s what’s going to make the difference for us in the long run.”

Looking at the conference sched-

on the council. He was often the lone nay vote against Mayor John Flynt, Mayor Pro Tem Thearon Hooks and council members Deanna Ragan and Frank Bruno.

He cast seven no votes during the council’s meeting Oct. 10 on issues including approval of minutes from the council’s meeting in September, the hiring of an electrician for work in the Town park shelters and a budget amendment to increase two line items by $53,000.

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“I would stress that I have voted my conscience while in office and I do not believe I had any legal or moral obligation to go along with the rest of the Stokesdale Town Council members,” Jones said. “I feel I did the job I was elected to do.”

Jones said some residents believed his nay votes represented “voting against the Town somehow when, in fact, I was voting against a motion I did not agree with on behalf of the citizens who elected me.”

“The idea that I am somehow supposed to follow the mayor as a council member is just plain ludicrous and in my opinion has no place under our U.S. Constitution,” Jones said. ule, two of the five conference teams have winning records at this point: Northwest and Ragsdale. Both are sitting at 12-2. The rest of the conference teams are struggling. Grimsley is 3-7, Page is 2-12 and High Point Central still seeks its first win.

Northwest and Ragsdale’s Tigers have already met this season, though not in conference play. The Vikings downed the Tigers 52-30 last month for the HAECO crown.

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JAN. 9 - 15, 2020

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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 Post Office.

Employees are always polite, even when busy.  Janelle Robinson for her eloquent response (Dec. 19, 2019-Jan. 8, 2020 issue) to the editorial by Melanie Martinez the previous week.  The Animal Hospital at Lake Brandt. It’s been an amazing place to work over the past 6 1/2 years. The clients, pets and staff are all amazing and deserve a huge round of applause. I’ll miss you all so much!  BJ’s Grill owners for their compassion in helping bring the broken back to life. As a past user, the realization that time was taking the life from me was enough to change. I just wish others could understand this concept.  Kurt Sundermann for stepping up and helping another student on the bus when he had a medical emergency. You’re a rock star!  The publisher and support staff of the Northwest Observer. It’s a tough job to provide weekly non-partisan news with limited staff, budget and time. We appreciate the balance it takes to cover various stories to keep us informed.

Church for their backpack ministry and weekly giving to Stokesdale Elementary. Your generosity and kindness are greatly appreciated.  Lowes Foods for allowing the Salvation Army to ring their bell for donations over the holidays – which gave all of us a chance to help those who need it most in our community.

GRIPES to...  Speeders. Can we please keep in mind that the speed limit on Linville Road is 45 mph. Some of us live on that road and the speeding is out of control.  Colfax Post Office. I ride right past it and instead go to Oak Ridge because Colfax employees have been rude and short many times, even when slow.  People who assume their credit’s excellent because they live within their means. You must purchase in the form of an affordable monthly payment to build your credit or you have none. Please don’t tell a loan specialist that it’s excellent.

 Summerfield Eye Care for fixing a pair of glasses for a little girl in need!

Your generosity doesn’t go unnoticed.

 Northwest Observer. I did not care for the “Jolly Holidays” shirts (in the newspaper’s staff photo on back cover of Dec. 19, 2019-Jan. 8, 2020 issue). I much prefer “Merry Christmas”… that is the reason for this season!

 Oak Ridge United Methodist

 Those who oppose the “new year,

 Our corrupt justice system for

allowing violent offenders multiple continuances while violating the Speedy Trial rights of society. These court-appointed lawyers should start considering the dangers of the defendant’s charges imposed on citizens to help protect our communities!

Northern girls basketball

by MEREDITH BARKLEY With the meat of the conference looming, Northern Guilford’s girls basketball still has title hopes.

“We like our chances moving forward,” said Assistant Coach Josh Evans, who is guiding the Nighthawks while head coach Kim Furlough recovers from treatment for a breast cancer recurrence.

Northern is 9-4 overall at the moment, 3-1 in the Mid State Athletic 2A/3A Conference; that puts the team in second place behind Western Alamance (4-0, 11-1).

“It’s where we expected to be,” said Evans, still smarting from the 44-39 loss Jan. 3 to conference foe Eastern Alamance (7-3, 2-1), which he said shouldn’t have happened.

“We should have won, but Eastern came in here and took it from us,” he said. “We won’t let that happen again.”

He was pleased with his girls’ performance in the Greensboro HAECO Invitational in December, even though they lost by eight points to Greensboro Day (17-2) and 12 points to Ragsdale (12-2).

“We competed well at the HAECO,” the assistant coach said.

“We lost both of those, but we were in them. We were pleased with the effort in both those games.”

The Nighthawks won one of their HAECO games, defeating Dudley (6-6) by 21 points.

“We’re continuing to work the kinks out and get the girls up to speed,” Evans said. “The preconference schedule is good for us.”

With only three seniors, the Nighthawks are young this year. Eight of the 14 players are freshmen or sophomores. They’re also small – none stand six feet or more. But Evans notes the team has talent and speed.

“Our goal is still to win the conference,” he said. “We still think we can accomplish it.”

Evans said Furlough is recovering well from a December procedure and expects to be back on the sidelines by late January.

“She’s got good reports from the doctor,” he confirmed.

Coming up: The Nighthawks will play Rockingham County (7-5, 0-3) in an away conference game this Friday.

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25

MAYORS SHARE GOALS The mayors of the three northwest Guilford towns are entering 2020 with fresh ideas as well as proposals for addressing issues left unresolved last year. Barnes and Schneider are serving

...continued from p. 1

their first terms while Flynt is entering his third year as mayor.

Barnes, Schneider and Flynt shared their goals for the coming year in interviews earlier this week…

“My goal in serving as mayor is to bring back civility to a town that’s a great place to live,” Barnes said. “I want to bring more dignity to the office.”

Barnes defeated Danny Nelson, one of five candidates in a block aligned with Mayor Gail Dunham, who didn’t seek reelection in the Nov. 5 election.

During her two-year term, Dunham sided with council member Teresa Pegram in criticizing Town Manager Scott Whitaker’s handling of town business.

The pair sparred with other council members on issues ranging from property rezoning to capital spending.

“Seeing how things were handled was an embarrassment, and my goal is to make sure that doesn’t continue,” the mayor said. “I got elected for the purpose of leading the Town.”

Barnes lacks the authority to make decisions in the same manner as he did in his previous job as Guilford County’s sheriff for 24 years. Summerfield’s mayor doesn’t vote on issues except in the case of a tie vote by other council members.

“I do have to work to try to get consensus with all of the council folks,” Barnes acknowledged.

Mayor Flynt is eyeing $1.1 million in possible state funds for improving and expanding Stokesdale’s water system.

the videos on the Town’s website and Facebook page.

“It’s not definite, but possible,” she said.

Schneider said she’s also discussed with staff the idea of distributing a weekly update “about what’s going on around here.”

While plans aren’t set, she’s seeking suggestions from residents about

Maintaining adequate water pres-

OAK RIDGE “You are communicating, communicating, communicating,” said Mayor Schneider, explaining the role of Oak Ridge leaders in keeping residents informed. “I would like for our council and Town staff to do more of that.”

The mayor said the Town is considering video recording the council’s monthly meetings, starting as soon as the Feb. 6 meeting, and posting

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“These are small things, but I think

they’re meaningful,” the mayor said.

“Sometimes we’re told by residents, ‘Oh, we didn’t know that was happening,’” she said. “Our Town is doing so much. I want there to be a resource full of information about what’s going on in Oak Ridge.”

STOKESDALE

SUMMERFIELD

2020

the best way for sharing Town happenings. Possibilities include posting the information on Oak Ridge’s website and Facebook page as well as on social media sites such as Nextdoor, she said.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Like Summerfield and Oak Ridge, Stokesdale passed a resolution last month asking the state legislature to reallocate to the three towns $3.4 million left over from the study of a proposed regional water system for northwestern Guilford County.

Each town would get about $1.1 million to spend on municipal water projects. While the legislature hasn’t yet acted on the request, Flynt is working with the engineer of the Town’s water system to assess the need for improvements.

STUDENT PROFILES ...continued from p. 21

one semester, she credits King for already helping her further develop her dance skills.

Of Harris, King said she sees much potential and is “really excited to watch her growth and development over the next four years!”

Harris enjoys spending free time with friends and family and credits her parents and grandparents for being positive influences in her life.

“My mom has these little sayings that help me get through things,” she said.

Her favorite classroom subject is AP Human Geography. She loves music, and said her favorite musicians and genre of music varies widely

sure in the system is a growing concern as residential development accelerates in Stokesdale, the mayor said. At present, the Town has approved plans by developers to build about 450 houses, he said.

The Town buys water from WinstonSalem and it travels to Stokesdale in a line running along U.S. 158. Laying a second line from Winston-Salem is another of Flynt’s priorities.

“What we’d ideally like to do is get a secondary source of water in case something happens to our line on 158 so we could continue to operate,” he said. “It would offer protection and a guaranteed water supply for a long time.” depending upon her mood.

Although college is still a few years away, she said she won’t likely major in dance but may minor in it. Regardless, she hopes dance will always fit into her life, and that someday her kids will be involved in dance.

Of the valuable life lessons dance has taught her, she said, “If I want to master something, I have to keep working at it.” And, “enjoy your dance and what you’re doing, and put all of your emotions into it.”

Fun facts about Madeline Harris: “I have little handshakes that I do with all the girls in my studio and we hype each other before we dance. I’m also very musical. I taught myself to play the ukulele and I got a guitar for Christmas and am teaching myself to play it now.”

 AUTO SALES & SERVICE

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

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

INDEX Auto Sales & Service ............27 Employment .......................27 Home Services .............. 27-29 Misc. for Sale .....................29 Misc. Services .....................29 Misc. Wanted ......................29 Pets & Animal Services ....... 30 Real Estate ......................... 30

 HOME SERVICES

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

STEPHANIE'S CLEANING SERVICE. 10 years exp. (336) 423-2239.

KNIGHT IMPORT SPECIALTY SERVICE. European Auto Service & Repair, 4559 US Highway 220, Summerfield (across from Food Lion). Specializing in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. BMW, Audi, Volvo, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Mini and Porsche. 32 years experience. (336) 337-0669.

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

 EMPLOYMENT

Place online at

 EMPLOYMENT

PART-TIME CLEANING ASSISTANT. Experience preferred; weekdays; please leave message. (336) 549-2474.

RECEPTIONIST/OFFICE ASSISTANT, part-time to full-time hours available.

Please send resume to Office Manager, P.O. Box 443, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 or email LRALLCmanager@gmail.com.

Gca?n help!

H IR IN e W

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

nwobserver.com

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 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 errands, etc. If interested, please mail resume to 5850 Stanley Huff Road, Summerfield, NC 27358.

Something going on?

Tell our readers about it with a Save the Date classifi ed.

Place your ad online at www.nwobserver.com, or call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10.

DELIVERY PERSON. PS Communications, publisher of the Northwest Observer, is seeking an extremely reliable, conscientious part-time person to prepare our weekly newspaper and five annual/ semi-annual special-focus publications for direct mail and deliver them to post offices in Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale on Thursdays, and fill our news boxes and racks throughout northwest Guilford County on Thursdays and Fridays.

C0

M 100

Y 100

K5

C0

M 100

Y 100

K 100

C0

M0

Y0

K 60

PLEASE NOTE: this is a very physical job; you must be able to lift and pack over 220 bundles of newspapers into postal containers holding about 400+ papers each and load and unload them for postal delivery.

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

THE CLEANING TECHNICIAN INC. For a one-time clean or bi-weekly, I can fit your schedule. Licensed, bonded and insured. Call Lisa, (336) 207-0770. $25 off! MAIDS OF HONOR HOME CLEANING. Locally owned, bonded staff. 40 years in service. BBB A+ rating. (336) 708-2407.

DECORATING

Must have excellent driving record and work reliability track record. Must also be professional in appearance and demeanor and positively represent our company as you visit local businesses to fill up our news boxes and racks.

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

Average 9 to 10 hours per week, two to three weeks per month (will alternate weeks with our longtime delivery person): Thursdays, from about 6:45 a.m. to about 12:45 p.m.; Fridays and Mondays, 8:30 a.m. to about 10:30 a.m. Pay: $16.50/ hour. Interested applicants should email qualifications, work experience and work references to patti@nwobserver.com and confirm that you are physically able to undergo strenuous lifting.

Like us on Facebook and keep up with all the news!

 HOME SERVICES

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

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

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

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

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

FLOORING

A-ACTION AIR. Will your furnace work when it's time? Call (336) 382-3750.

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

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

The Northwest Observer • Totally 1996 The Northwest Observer • Totally locallocal sincesince 1996

continued on p. 28

JAN.9 9 - 15,2020 2020 JAN. - 15,

27 27

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

GRADING / HAULING

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

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

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

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

Commercial & Residential. (336) 669-5210.

GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS

L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE "We get you mowing!" Comm./res., all models.

2103 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge. Call (336) 298-4314, LandTsmallengineservice.com.

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

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

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

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

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.

GREENERTIMES SMALL ENGINE Sales & Service Center. All types sold and repaired; comm./res. 9428 NC Hwy. 65, Stokesdale.

(336) 548-9286 or (336) 312-3844.

CLOCK DOCTOR. Free house calls for sick clocks. (336) 643-9931 or (336) 392-4124.

thanks

our advertisers for

making each weekly issue possible!

H&L GRADING, LLC. No job too tough or too small. Call us first!

We are a full-service grading company that specializes in residential projects. Owner/ operator Timmy Hart has more than 30 years of grading and equipment experience.

Fully licensed and insured. Land clearing, debris removal, driveways, French drains and much more. (336) 543-7867.

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

Didn’t get your NWO? Please let us know!

Direct-mailing the NWO is one of our largest expenses, and one of our most important commitments to our readers!

28 28

WILSON SEAMLESS GUTTERS, newconstruction, repairs, replacement, leaf guards. Free estimates. (336) 420-0200.

If you live in zip code 27310, 27357 or 27358 and didn’t receive your copy on Thursday/Friday, please email info@nwobserver.com.

SOUTHERN CUTZ LAWN CARE, offering complete lawn maintenance services & bush hogging. Nathan Adkins, (336) 430-6086.

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

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.

Get the news when it happens!

Facebook.com/NorthwestObserver

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

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

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

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

SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes.

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

COLONIAL MASONRY. 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.

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS

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

ON EAGLE'S WINGS residential home design/drafting. Call Patti, (336) 6050519.

ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. (336) 643-9157.

WILSON SEPTIC PUMPING & REPAIR. Family owned since 1972. Mention you saw this ad in the NWObserver for a discount.

(336) 643-6427.

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.

PAINTING & DRYWALL

JAN. 9 - 15, TheObserver Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 The2020 Northwest • Totally local since 1996

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

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

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

PLUMBING

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

ROOFING

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

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

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

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

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

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 39 years exp. (336) 362-6343.

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

BEK Paint Co. (336) 931-0600

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.

• References Available • Licensed & Insured • All Work Guaranteed

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

Residential & Commercial David & Judy Long, owners

BEKPaintCompany.com

PAINTING – INTERIOR & EXTERIOR 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.

PRESSURE WASHING GUTTER CLEANING & HOUSE WASHING. Premier power washing, 100 % satisfaction guaranteed. (336) 420-0666.

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

Jam-packed with valuable info for northwest Guilford County residents

12th annual edition coming soon!

In print every January and online year-round at nwobserver.com

0 2 0 2 n editio nual n a 12 th

The Northwest Observer 23 years and still counting!!

Thanks for your continued support.

WWW.EAGLEHARDSCAPES.COM Founded in 1981. Patios, outdoor kitchens, landscape design, all your rock needs, pool decks, fountains, room additions, rock walls, retaining walls and more!

Please visit our website.

RENOVATION WORKS, INC. New construction, remodeling, additions, kitchen, bath and decks. We are a locally owned, full-service design and build company, A+ accredited with the BBB. Visit www.myrenovationworks.com or call (336) 427-7391 to start your next project.

KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION

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.

 MISC. SERVICES BOAT and RV STORAGE. $40/month; with 3 month minimum. 701 Brigham Rd. Located near Pleasant Ridge Road and Hwy. 68. (336) 663-3051.

 MISC. FOR SALE SEASONED FIREWOOD. $80/pickup truck load, delivered & stacked. (336) 253-7615.

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.

H & L Grading, FIREWOOD FOR SALE. $250 per dump truck load delivered locally.

(336) 543-7867.

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.

Have something to sell?

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

by hed publis

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

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

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

SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered and stacked, 1/2 cord, $80. Call (336) 686-6373.

Place an ad online at

 MISC. WANTED FABRIC NEEDED for Sew to Sow Ministry to make dresses for girls in Kenya. Cotton fabrics work best, any amount. Also need buttons, ribbon, lace trimming, elastic and thread.

Call Beth, (336) 644-8155.

The Northwest Observer • Totally 1996 The Northwest Observer • Totally locallocal sincesince 1996

continued on p. 30

JAN.9 9 - 15,2020 2020 JAN. - 15,

29 29

MISC. WANTED

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

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

LAND FOR SALE

HOME FOR SALE

HOME FOR SALE

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.

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.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

NWO On The Go photos!

Where do you take your NWO?

We Help Everyone!

Share your vacation pics with our readers! Email your photos to

SELLERS & BUYERS

photos@nwobserver.com.

PETS & ANIMAL SVCS. KRISTIN'S PET SITTING/DOG WALKING Professional, insured and experienced.

Call (336) 337-8172.

WENDY COLLINS PET SITTING LLC. Bonded & Insured. Follow us on Facebook. Call or text (336) 339-6845.

(336) 643-4248

www.ANewDawnRealty.com

8240 Montgomery Ridge Rd • Belews Creek Meticulously maintained 3BR /2BA home overlooking a less-traveled portion of Belews Lake. Enjoy sipping coffee with a view in the large heated/cooled sunroom.

Better yet, feel the lake breeze on one of the 3 boat slips. Lower your boat into the water by pushing a button on the electric lift. Finish your day relaxing in the upgraded master bath. Plenty of room for lake toys in the oversize basement garage.

Kris Cayton (336) 613-2235

See p. 10 for adoptable animals ready for a forever home!

TOWNHOUSE, 2BR/2BA with loft; fantastic location near Saint Paul on Horse Pen Creek Road, $1,100. Please call (336) 392-1454.

26,000 READERS OUINR

Place your real estate ad today (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 3809 Eagle Downs Way 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

special-focus section.

Bi Rite Moving

Owner David Wrenn (left) said he has no plans to retire any time soon, and shows no signs of slowing down. Wrenn plans to build a new, bigger grocery store t near Bi Rite’s curren location next year.

To reserve your space in the third issue of each month, email advertising@nwobserver.com,

30 30

knocking on Stokesdale’s door

We’ll help you reach northwest Guilford County!

PRICE REDUCED!

(336) 338-0136

24

in Summerfield, Oak Ridge and Stokesdale every week. Plus, it’s available for free online and at local restaurants, grocery stores, post offices and more.

kcaytonrealtor@msn.com www.ANewDawnRealty.com

Jake Letterman

Commercial development

The Northwest Observer reaches over 12,000 mailboxes

HOME FOR RENT

Ready for a new family member?

REACH OUT TO

RELAXING LIVING ON THE LAKE

Selling or renting?

e Briefs

eal Estat 16 Business/R Diner opens,

Oak Ridge offerings.

Domino’s debuts new

or call (336) 644-7035, ext. 11

e Q&A 22 Real Estatabout land being Readers ask dale cleared in two Stokes locations.

JAN. 9 - 15, TheObserver Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 The2020 Northwest • Totally local since 1996

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ACCOUNTING

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC........ 9

Stokesdale Heating & Air...................... 2

AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE

LEGAL SERVICES

EuroHaus ........................................... 21 Piedmont Truck Tire Inc...................... 25 Prestige Car Wash .............................. 17

Barbour & Williams Law ..................... 12 Scott Tippett, Hagan Barrett Law ....... 18

CHARTER SCHOOL

LeBauer Healthcare ........................... 11 Novant – Forsyth Pediatrics ................ 16 Oak Ridge Physical Therapy ............... 17

Revolution Academy ............................. 3

CHILDRENS’ PROGRAMS Guardian Ad Litem ............................. 23 Parents as Teachers Guilford Cty. ....... 18

DENTISTRY High Point Pediatric Dentistry ............. 19 Summerfield Family Dentistry ............. 20

HAIR CARE Great Clips ......................................... 17

HEALTH & FITNESS Chris Jessup, Personal Trainer ............. 20 Oak Ridge Youth Association ............... 5 SNAP Fitness........................................ 2 YMCA of Greensboro ......................... 15

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES BEK Paint Company ........................... 29 Budget Blinds ..................................... 15 Carpets by Direct ................................ 24 Old School Home Repair .................... 15 ProStone, Inc. ....................................... 8

on the

MEDICAL CARE

ORTHODONTIC CARE

Olmsted Orthodontics ........................ 16 Reynolds Orthodontics ....................... 21

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ................ 10 King’s Crossing Animal Hospital ......... 15 Northwest Animal Hospital ................... 9

REAL ESTATE A New Dawn Realty ...........................30 Carolina Real Estate Pathways.............. 6 Carolyn Cudd, Allen Tate ...................... 4 Jake Letterman, Berkshire Hathaway .30 Kris Cayton, A New Dawn ..................30 Maureena Shepherd, Allen Tate ......... 17 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX ................... 14 Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams ........... 13

RESTAURANTS

Bistro 150 ........................................... 16 Rio Grande Oak Ridge ....................... 16

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JAN. 9 - 15, 2020

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ECRWSS

waiting While trying to stay warm and ade to Par Day ng givi for the Macy’s Thanks nley Sta and nt Gra is begin, Frank and Dor local the on up ght cau and Laura Cornelius per top 9 201 the news. In their opinion, thNor er form was former in the parade ing band west Guilford High School march rched ma who us, neli member Charles Cor d. ban ity’s vers Uni a with Western Carolin DJ Key and daughter Laina Key of Stok esdale pose with Honest Abe during Laina’s fifth-g rade school trip to Washington, D.C., on Nov 22, 2019.

Laina attends Huntsville Elementary Scho ol and enjoyed bringing a little piece of her hom e town to the big city.

ir Northwest Laura and Bobby Craven took the st. Pictured here at Observer on an adventure out We visited Grand Teton Jackson Hole, Wyoming, they also zy Horse and Mount National Park, Yellowstone, Cra Rushmore, South Dakota.

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