Northwest Observer l Feb. 13-19, 2020 issue by pscommunications

Feb. 13 - 19, 2020

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‘HGTV, we would love for you to take over our hometown!’ With the help of a local video production company, Friends of Stokesdale recently entered HGTV’s ‘Home Town Takeover’ contest by PATTI STOKES

November could wind up so sick. “I fell in love with her,” Hawkins recalled when she cradled the 4-pound Morkie, which began coughing soon after she bought it from Happytail Puppies on N.C. 150 in Oak Ridge. A veterinarian diagnosed Ginger with an upper respiratory infection that worsened into pneumonia, requiring several weeks of antibiotics and medical care costing $500. Hawkins is speaking out, along with other Happytail customers reporting

STOKESDALE – HGTV “Home Town” hosts Ben and Erin Napier have gained fame for their efforts to rescue and enhance dozens of homes in their hometown of Laurel, Mississippi, and to help revitalize its downtown area while working to preserve its historic character. Now, the couple is ready to take on an ambitious and first-of-its-kind project by helping breathe new life into an entire small town by giving it a complete makeover. Friends of Stokesdale (FOS), a non-profit formed last year, hopes Stokesdale will be that town. In roughly one week, Kemppel Studios, a local video production company founded by Stokesdale native Calvin Kemppel and his wife, worked with FOS to produce a three-minute video to accompany photographs and a brief written overview of Stokesdale. Earlier this month, the materials were submitted to HGTV for the network’s “Home

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Photo by Meredith Barkley/NWO

Northern Guilford wrestlers and coaches celebrate after capturing the 3A NCHSAA State Championship title Feb. 8 at the Greensboro Coliseum and bringing home Northern’s ﬁrst state wrestling title in its 13-year history. See story on p. 15.

IN THIS ISSUE

News in brief .................................2 Horsey debate in Oak Ridge .....3 Friendship, God and laughter ....8 Calendar Events ......................... 10 Congrats Nighthawk wrestlers! ..11 Student art graces Greensboro..12 NWHS art, dance students ........ 13 Student Profile............................. 14 High School Hoops .................... 15 Law Enforcement Q&A .............. 16 Crime/Incident Report .............. 17 Grins and Gripes ........................ 18 Opinion/Letters .......................... 19 Classifieds ...................................20 Index of Advertisers ...................23 NWO on the Go!.........................24

Buyers of sick puppies from Happytail voice concerns Owner Sonya Mackovic said the business is now licensed by the state, an improvement aimed at quieting criticism that the N.C. 150 operation is a puppy mill by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – In hindsight, Rachel Hawkins wondered how the “fluffy and freshly bathed” puppy she bought last

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SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield Town Council voted 4-1 during its meeting Feb. 11 to hire WithersRavenal to prepare a master plan for developing the town’s parks and recreational facilities and open space, at a cost not to exceed $38,500. Town Manager Scott Whitaker recommended WithersRavenel, the lowest bidder among four contractors who submitted proposals by the Feb. 7 deadline. Last year, the consultant prepared master plans for improvements at the intersection of Summerfield Road and N.C. 150 and for developing a park on 13 acres bounded by Summerfield Road, N.C. 150 and U.S. 220. The council has taken no action on those proposals. WithersRavenel will be required to complete the master plan by Aug. 11. Council member Teresa Pegram voted against making a decision to hire

the firm, saying she had not had time to review all four proposals after receiving them the afternoon before the council meeting. According to its request for proposals (RFP), the town is seeking a 12-year parks and recreation plan that dovetails with its comprehensive plan. Adopted by the council in 2010, the comprehensive plan encourages the construction of sidewalks, bikeways and trails and preservation of the town’s rural character and open spaces, while promoting improvements to parks and recreational facilities and major roads and intersections in Summerfield. The master plan will estimate project costs and provide a year-by-year timeline for completing the work, the RFP said. It will also prepare maps showing existing parks, trails and open space, as wells as how future projects would align existing trails, such as the A&Y Greenway.

Particulars of horses (and their poop) debated in Oak Ridge Oak Ridge’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board has been asked to evaluate whether a horse trail should be established on the 58-acre Whitaker property the town purchased in 2018 for park expansion.

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by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – Former Mayor Ray Combs warned Oak Ridge Town Council members that he was going to use “graphic terminology” in explaining his opposition to putting horse trails on the Whitaker property. “Horses are not house trained,” Combs told the audience of about 30 people at the council’s meeting last Thursday, Feb. 6. “Of the many trails I’ve ridden, I’ve never seen a rider stop, dismount, pick up his horse’s poop and remount.” Combs, a former horse owner who once served as chairman of the Oak Ridge Horse Show, countered the view expressed by horse enthusiasts in recent months. Urging the council to create equestrian trails on the 58-acre Whitaker tract on Linville Road, they’ve said horses would be compatible with walkers, joggers and cyclists. “You are not going to have horses running around the Whitaker property,” Rita Lewandowski, organizer of Horses of Oak Ridge, told the council. “As rid-

ers, we will dismount and clean up after our horses.” Lewandowski and Combs spoke during a public hearing for the council to gather residents’ feedback about Oak Ridge’s draft master parks and recreation plan, a blueprint for improvements over the next decade. After voting 5-0 to adopt the plan, the council will decide which projects – playgrounds, athletic fields and running paths, for instance – to pursue at Town Park and the adjacent Whitaker property. In a separate unanimous vote, the council instructed the town’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to investigate the feasibility of establishing horse trails on the Whitaker property. The council wants a recommendation from the board by June 30. The development of the master plan for parks and recreation didn’t envision horse trails, leaving council members reluctant to endorse or oppose the idea without further research. The P&R board reviewed other projects late last year before recommending their top

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FEB. 13 - 19, 2020

‘TAKEOVER’

...continued from p. 1 Town Takeover” contest. www.nwobserver.com /northwestobserver @mynwobserver @northwestobserver

OUR TEAM Patti Stokes, editor/publisher Laura Reneer, marketing manager Kelli Jessup, publisher’s assistant Rene Collins, administrative assistant Yvonne Truhon, graphic designer Leon Stokes, IT director Lucy Smith, finance manager Linda Schatz, distribution Chris Burritt, staff writer; Helen Ledford, Meredith Barkley, Lily Pierce and Annette Joyce, contributing writers

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The video includes comments by FOS members Kathy Bunthoff and Joe Thacker, the group’s president, who touched on some of the town’s history as well as its potential; it also includes interviews with two local business owners, images from the town’s earliest days, and an aerial view of one of the town’s major intersections and the downtown area. Once a bustling area that evolved when businesses formed around the A&Y railroad track in the late 1800s, Stokesdale’s downtown still boasts several historic buildings; sadly, many of them stand vacant. “They have a lot of potential to attract small businesses,” Bunthoff said in the video produced for the HGTV contest. “We would love to preserve the buildings, but we really want them to be

File photo

Friends of Stokesdale recently entered HGTV’s “Home Town Takeover” contest in hopes that the town of Stokesdale and speciﬁcally, its downtown area, will win a “whole-town makeover.” spaces that are inviting to small businesses. We want this area to flourish with small businesses.” Thacker acknowledges Stokesdale faces tough competition because there are a lot of other small towns vying to be “taken over” by HGTV’s Home Town hosts. “I don’t know if we even have a

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chance, but we thought we would try it,” he said. “We have buildings over 100 years old – they just need some remodeling and tender loving care and to use them. We’re not just about the downtown area, but that’s an important part of the town and we want to work on it first. We want to try to get some sort of activity there and get people

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interested in what’s going on in town.” Calvin Kemppel, 25, said working on the video was personally special because he grew up in Stokesdale and still has family living in the town. Producing the video brought back memories. “I can remember walking down Main Street when I was little, and there was a hardware store open then,” Kemppel said. “Those were the kinds of things we really wanted to hit on (in the video).” Kemppel noted he also learned a lot while working on the project. “I knew a little bit about Stokesdale before – I knew there was a railroad going through town at one time, but that was about the extent of what I knew,” he said. “… It was really cool to put a history to this town.” The small town that is selected for the Home Town Takeover will be richly rewarded for its efforts at revitalization. “Citizens of the selected town can expect to witness the rehab of multiple

HORSES AND ... ...continued from p. 3

choices to the council, and the proposal for horse trails is going under the same review. It’s possible that horse trails may be added to the master plan, depending upon the outcome of the board’s investigation, according to Mayor Ann Schneider. The town may also schedule an open house to gather residents’ views about horses on the Whitaker property, she said. “This is a very new step for us to consider something with horses in one of our parks,” Schneider said. “It’s not the same as just considering a playground. We need to get broad input. There are questions and concerns.” Allowing horses on the Whitaker property would pose safety risks, according to Combs. “Horses, hikers and cyclists don’t mix,” he said. “Horses

individual family homes as well as the revitalization of public spaces – parks, local diners or restaurants and outdoor recreation areas,” according to HGTV’s website. “This is a big one,” Erin Napier said on the network’s website. “HGTV has never, ever taken on a whole-town renovation and restoration project, and we’re so proud and excited to be leading the team that will get it done.” The network will air the transformed town selected for its Home Town Takeover in a special six-episode series in 2021.

want to learn more? View the three-minute video Friends of Stokesdale submitted to HGTV and stay updated on the group’s efforts to revitalize downtown Stokesdale at Facebook.com/FriendsofStokesdale. For more information about the “Home Town Takeover” contest, visit HGTVHomeTownTakeover.com.

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He added that “horse riding will eventually degrade the property that it’s on.”

She invited council members to meet her four horses to help alleviate safety concerns. They “are like big dogs,” she said. “They love children. They are not spooky animals.”

have an opinion on this topic? Comment at Facebook.com/ NorthwestObserver (see our Feb. 11 post that leads with, “Do ‘horses, hikers and cyclists’ mix?”), or email editor@nwobserver.com.

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have been known to spook, especially at barking dogs.”

Lewandowski disagreed, pointing to Salem Lake Trail in Winston-Salem as a possible model for Oak Ridge because it accommodates equestrians, runners, walkers and cyclists.

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FEB. 13 - 19, 2020

HAPPYTAIL

...continued from p. 1 sick puppies, because she’s fearful dogs with contagious illnesses may be infecting other dogs in the facility. Danielle Gram says she was drawn to Happytail after having an unfortunate experience with a large shelter dog she and her husband had fostered for a few weeks. In an email to the Northwest Observer she wrote, “As much as we thought we wanted to get a dog from the shelter, we didn’t want to risk adopting a dog that might bite our daughter.” “I (incorrectly) assumed the only ‘bad’ place to buy a dog was a pet shop, because I’ve heard stories about how they come from puppy mills,” Gram wrote in her email. “When I found Happytail, they were local and appeared to be breeders with a variety of non-shedding small dogs that we were looking for, it looked to be based out of someone’s home, and so I assumed they were safe.” Beauty, the Morkie that Gram bought for her daughter in December 2017, had ear mites and suffered from a knee disorder linked to overbreeding. The puppy also defecated in her crate, which Gram was told is an oddity for dogs unless they’re accustomed to being confined. “This business is selling sick ani-

mals,” said Susan Evans, who paid $1,048 for a Cavachon puppy last month and soon afterward, another $2,347 for emergency vet services to treat Trooper’s collapsed lung and pneumonia. “The community wants to know what is going on behind the white fences.” Evans referred to the enclosure blocking the view and access to Happytail’s sheds with crates for as many as 300 dogs and areas for veterinary exams, bathing and puppy photo-taking. To the left of the fenced area is a single-story house converted into offices and the visiting room where prospective customers meet puppies. “We are not hiding anything,” said Happytail owner Sonya Mackovic, who relocated the business to N.C. 150 in 2018 after raising small dogs at her Summerfield home for about 15 years.

“We are extremely responsible,” Mackovic said when interviewed earlier this week. “Don’t even say the ‘PM’ word to me.” “PM” is Mackovic’s shorthand for puppy mill, a commercial operation that confines female dogs to cages for the purpose of birthing large numbers of

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puppies. Mackovic said she buys some of her puppies from Amish breeders in Ohio, an area targeted by animal rights groups such as the Humane Society of the United States and the Puppy Mill Project as a center for inhumane puppy breeding. More than a half dozen Happytail customers have contacted the Northwest Observer since the paper published a complaint last week by the owner of a sick puppy purchased from the company. In interviews, the customers expressed similar experiences – they found puppies on Happytail’s website and fell in love with them after visiting the business and getting to hold them. When they detected health problems, such as coughing, they took the puppies to vets who confirmed they were sick, sometimes seriously. “He was up all night, worse than a baby with colic,” said Denise Barricks, who paid $1,500 for a cockapoo from Happytail a year ago. A vet diagnosed Chase as suffering from a collapsing trachea, a congenital disorder that inhibits the flow of air in the windpipe. The dog has gotten better, she said. “I don’t trust Happytail and the breeding there,” Barricks said. According to Mackovic, none of Happytail’s puppies are suffering from contagious illnesses, despite recent claims. “It seems the complaints go in waves,” she said. “Somebody gets somebody riled up.” Over the past week, a thread on Nextdoor.com drew complaints about Happytail, which has also drawn negative Better Business Bureau customer reviews. Reviews online are mixed, with Mackovic saying, “We have far more positive feedback than negative.” Some customers also complained that Happytail staff has been slow to respond, if responsive at all, to their phone calls, texts and emails seeking reimbursement for their sick puppies’ vet bills.

“They also try to sell you a ‘warranty’ in the form of a monthly subscription to their particular vitamins,” Gram wrote in her email. “The vet said they are not needed at all, as long as you have a good-quality food. It’s a racket. And clearly, it still doesn’t guarantee they’ll call you back or ‘guarantee’ anything.” When customers seek reimbursement for vet bills, Mackovic said her staff asks them to submit copies of the bills and vets’ reports and diagnoses for review by Dr. Michael Cotton, a Greensboro vet responsible for testing Happytail puppies for parasites, and Happytail’s vet technician, Nathan Lerman. Often customers’ complaints aren’t backed up by medical evidence, Mackovic said. In some cases, she said she agrees to reimburse customers for vet bills in exchange for removing negative online reviews about Happytail. Mackovic said she buys only from Ohio breeders licensed by state and U.S. regulators. “If they weren’t good breeders, they wouldn’t be licensed,” she said. Late last year, Happytail obtained a license from the N.C. Department of Agriculture. The agency contacted Mackovic in response to a complaint from a vet that turned out to be a computing error in the company’s paperwork, according to Heather Overton, an agency spokeswoman. During the inquiry, the agriculture department learned that Happytail wasn’t federally regulated, so it began the process for regulating the business as a pet store under the state’s Animal Welfare Act. Happytail had applied for a U.S. De-

Photos by Chris Burritt/NWO

partment of Agriculture license last year, but hasn’t yet been inspected by the agency, Overton said. Previously, the business was inspected by Guilford County Animal Control, Mackovic said. Last fall the state’s facility compliance inspection found several problems, such as the need for new lights, vent fans and ceiling fans to improve airflow in the facility. Happytail made those improvements, according to an Oct. 24 inspection report by state inspector Christie Shore, who licensed the facility. The report stated that, on the day of the inspection, the facility contained 81 enclosures holding 269 dogs out of its 300-dog capacity. During this week’s interview, Mackovic wouldn’t allow a tour of the facility beyond the office and visiting room where a couple was looking at a puppy. She said the buildings behind the fence are restricted to employees. “We go beyond the protocol of the state,” Mackovic asserted. As an example, she said she hired Lerman last month to monitor the health of puppies and “to stop craziness. I’m just going to continue to do better so people have a harder time criticizing us and saying that we are terrible people.”

A sign with an image of a dog’s pawprint lets visitors know they are at Happytail Puppies on N.C. 150 in Oak Ridge, east of Harrell Road. A fence in front of the business blocks the view to the main building and access to sheds with crates for up to 300 dogs. The buildings behind the fence are restricted to employees. In an interview, Lerman said he refers health concerns to Dr. Cotton. Among his duties, Cotton performs fecal tests to determine whether puppies suffer from illnesses related to worms and parasites.

“There are so many pets without homes that need homes,” said Dr. Kelley Gebhardt, owner of Happy Tails Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Greensboro. The practice is not affiliated with Happytail Puppies in Oak Ridge.

Before puppies are shipped from Ohio, Dr. Joseph Varga, a veterinarian, inspects them for ear infection, heart murmurs and other physical problems, Mackovic said.

Dr. Angel Fuller, owner of King’s Crossing Animal Hospital in Stokesdale, recommended that buyers check their emotions when shopping for a dog. Investigate common problems with particular breeds and ask for documentation such as medical records for the dogs and their parents and an explanation of how the dogs have been raised.

Two local vets we spoke with urged people who want dogs to consider adopting them from rescue organizations and animal shelters.

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“If you are paying that much money for a puppy, you have every right to ask those questions,” Fuller said. “You deserve an answer that is not defensive. If there is any defensiveness, that’s a red flag.” Susan Evans said she wished she had been more careful before buying Trooper last month. When she was holding the puppy in the Happytail visiting room, she said, “I think he was calling to me. But when you get a sick dog, you see a lot of red flags you should have seen.”

we value your feedback Have either a positive or negative experience with buying a dog from Happytail or another local breeder or retailer? Email editor@nwobserver.com. To register your concerns, or to ask about a local breeder or pet store, email the N.C. Department of Agriculture’s animal welfare section at AGR.AWS@NCAGR.gov.

FEB. 13 - 19, 2020

Lovsteories to warm your heart In celebration of February being “American Heart Month,” in this issue we continue our “Stories of the Heart” series

Friendship, God and laughter at center of 49-year marriage by ANNETTE JOYCE It was the summer of ’69. Fifteenyear-old Ann Stanley and her best friend were hanging out at Greensboro’s Lindley pool waiting for a boy that her friend had a crush on. When he showed up, he brought along a friend of his own, Roger Brooks, 17. Ann and Roger both attended Page High School – she was a rising junior and he was headed into his senior year – but they’d never met until that day. Although they began their relationship as friends, they soon fell in love and marriage wasn’t far behind. Next month, on March 14, the couple

will celebrate 49 years of being happily married. When asked what first attracted them to one another, the two northwest Guilford residents immediately mention the other’s sense of humor. “He was funny. He’s always making jokes and making people laugh. And he was cute to boot,” Ann said, her eyes twinkling. “I just liked everything about her. I liked her personality. She liked to have fun,” Roger said. “As we started dating, we got closer and closer and realized we wanted to be together for the rest of our lives.”

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The couple became engaged in November 1970 and were planning a June Photo courtesy of Roger and Ann Brooks wedding to take place after Ann’s graduation from As teenagers, Roger and Ann Brooks discovered deep, high school. However, the lasting love. Vietnam War and Roger’s Certain things stand out from low draft number put a crimp in those plans. Wanting to enter the military on that day. For instance, Ann mentioned it was an unseasonably warm his own terms, he joined the U.S. Air 80 degrees and no one had thought to Force and ended up in San Antonio, turn on the air conditioner. Texas, for basic training. “The preacher was very strict, and Although Uncle Sam wouldn’t we weren’t allowed to kiss at the end allow him to return home for his June wedding, Roger did have a few days of of the ceremony,” Roger added. They both laugh as they recalled leave in March. With four days’ notice, the reaction of Ann’s sister-in-law, who he and Ann did the only thing they was a bridesmaid. could do – move the wedding date up a few months. Fortunately, Ann said, “She stood at the front of the all the dresses had arrived, the plans church and sobbed through the entire had been finalized and the vendors service,” Ann chuckled. “She bellowed. were more than willing to accommoMy brother had to hold her up.” date the young couple. Since Roger had only a few days’ leave, the honeymoon was short and Because Ann has such a huge sweet. They stayed at a Holiday Inn in family and both she and Roger had Charlotte and spent part of their wedso many friends from high school, ding night at a drive-in watching the their wedding turned out to be quite a original black-and-white version of the large affair with regard to the number very unromantic horror movie “Night of attendees. Even so, it was a simple of the Living Dead.” event. Ann’s father gave them $1,000 Three days later Roger left for which covered all the expenses – the Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, wedding gown, flowers, photos and Texas, and Ann stayed behind to finish the reception in the church basement.

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

Ann and Roger Brooks will celebrate their 49th wedding anniversary next month. The couple agrees that marrying your best friend and keeping God in your life are key to enjoying a long, loving marriage.

they gave me my life back Garrett Costanzo

her senior year in high school. She graduated on a Friday night in June and on Sunday left her mom crying on the porch as she took off to join her new husband.

with the couple’s grandchildren. Roger also loves being with the grandkids and delights in embarrassing the older ones with his silliness.

care for life

Together they enjoy spending time with their family and their church community, shopping, taking trips, especially to the beach – and laughing, always laughing.

For 15 years, Garrett Costanzo dealt with shoulder pain that eluded diagnosis and forced him to leave the Navy. The hand and shoulder specialists at Wake Forest Baptist Health found what others had missed — Garrett had shattered his shoulder socket years earlier.

When asked what their secret is to a long and happy marriage, they gave several responses.

Our orthopaedic experts rebuilt his socket, and Garrett is back doing things he missed for years. Says Garrett, “They gave me my life back.”

“The first thing is that you need to establish a good friendship and for longevity, you’ve got to have the Lord,” Ann said. “So, marry your best friend and keep God in your life.”

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The couple spent a year in Fort Worth before moving back to the Greensboro area where Roger continued his career as a firefighter and Ann worked in the financial industry. After six years of marriage, the couple had their first child, a daughter, and later, a son. Their family continued to grow as their kids got married and each had two children of their own.

“Don’t marry someone with the idea that you’re going to change them,” Roger added. “If you don’t like them before you say, ‘I do,’ you’re doomed.

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“Staying together is harder work, walking away is the easy way out,” he continued. “Anything worth having is worth working for and the rewards for that work are definitely worth it.”

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Now that Roger and Ann have retired, they’ve expanded their interests. Roger enjoys competitive cornhole and spends a lot of time practicing and competing in tournaments. Ann spends much of her time doing things

Next year, on their 50th anniversary, the couple plans to publicly celebrate all those rewards when they renew their vows during a beach ceremony surrounded by their family and friends.

That first year wasn’t easy. The couple was a thousand miles from home with no family nearby, very little money and a run-down, roach-infested apartment as their first home. But both Ann and Roger believe that experience gave their marriage a strong foundation right from the start. “We were on our own,” Ann said. “We had to build our life together; depend on one another. We couldn’t just run home to family.”

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FEB. 13 - 19, 2020

mark your

calendar

THURSDAY, FEB. 13

 Town Council | Stokesdale Town Council will

hold its next regular meeting Feb. 13, starting 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. There will be a designated period for citizen comments. More info: (336) 643-4011 or stokesdale@stokesdale.org.

SATURDAY, FEB. 15  Oak Ridge Democratic Party | Oak Ridge Demo-

cratic Party will host an organizational meeting Feb. 15, starting 11 a.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. More info: (336) 662-3158 or oakridgedemocrats1@gmail.com.

On the

TUESDAY, FEB. 18  Kiwanis Club | The Kiwanis Club of Northwest

Guilford, a non-profit engaging in projects to support children in our community, will meet Feb. 18, starting at noon at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge. More info: Annette Joyce, (336) 382-8629.

THURSDAY, FEB. 20  Senior Program | Senior Resources of Guilford

County will host a monthly program and lunch for senior citizens (age 60 plus) Feb. 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Summerfield Peace United Methodist Church, 2334 Scalesville Road. This month’s program is “Fun & Games with Connie,” featuring bingo, trivia and other games. To RSVP, call Marsha McDaniel at (336) 373-4816, ext. 265. (You do not have to be a church member to attend.)  Alzheimer’s Community Forum | The Western

Carolina chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association invites those with Alzheimer’s, their caretakers,

family members, etc., to a Q & A forum Feb. 20, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Forsyth County Central Library, 660 W. Fifth St. in Winston-Salem. The forum will address experiences with and resources for living with Alzheimer’s, as well as other topics. More info: (800) 272-3900 or infonc@alz.org.  Horses of Oak Ridge | Horses of Oak Ridge

will host an interest meeting Feb. 20, 6 to 8 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. The group hopes to gather information from local residents and equestrians to potentially help develop horse trails in the community and bring back the Oak Ridge Easter Horse Show, along with creating new equestrian events and/or opportunities for the community. More info: Rmel9287@gmail.com.  Lions Club | Oak Ridge Lions Club, a non-profit

organization that helps people who are sight or hearing-impaired, will meet Feb. 20, starting at 6:30 p.m. For meeting location, contact Danny Yanusz, (336) 643-6424 or danny.yanusz@gmail.com.

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Healthy Smiles. Happy Patients.

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

Welcome to

Photo by Meredith Barkley/NWO

Northern senior Heath Gonyer, shown here with an NCHSAA ofﬁcial, was named 3A NCHSAA State Championship tournament MVP and was also presented the tournament’s sportsmanship award. Gonyer, who enters the regionals this weekend undefeated at 55-0, is slated to wrestle at Appalachian State next year.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Northern Guilford wrestling team captures state title Nighthawks defeat Enka High School 41-29 to claim ﬁrst state wrestling championship in school’s 13-year history by MEREDITH BARKLEY Battling for their first state wrestling title Saturday, Northern Guilford’s 24-10 lead over powerhouse Enka had narrowed in minutes to 24-23 by the time senior Jacob Barlow stepped onto the mat. “I knew I had to win my match to give us a chance to win,” said Barlow, wrestling at 220 pounds. “I knew he (Enka’s Colby Maxwell) was a good wrestler. But I also knew I was a good wrestler.” Barlow said he figured if he took care of Maxwell and gave his Nighthawks breathing room, freshman heavyweight Noah Lampkin could wrap things up against Enka’s Daniel Gath. “I was confident he could do it,” Barlow said. And that’s what happened. Barlow won his match, Lampkin pinned Gath, the Nighthawks picked up a forfeit and defeated Enka 41-29 to claim the school’s first 3A NCHSAA Dual Team State Wrestling championship at the Greensboro Coliseum’s Fieldhouse last Saturday. “That’s a big win,” said coach Justin Harty, who suffered medical issues during the match, was taken away before it was over and spent the night at Moses

Cone Memorial Hospital. “That’s a big win. That state title is huge, absolutely huge!” Harty said by phone that he was “doing great today (Sunday)” and expected to be back leading the team as it prepares for the regionals Friday and Saturday and the state individual championships at the Greensboro Coliseum Feb. 19-21. “We’re hoping to get 10 qualifiers (from the regionals) into the states,” Harty said. That also would be a first for Northern. In addition to the state title, Heath Gonyer, a senior wrestling at 138 pounds, was named 3A tournament MVP and was also presented the tournament’s sportsmanship award. Gonyer, who enters the regionals undefeated at 55-0, is slated to wrestle at Appalachian State next year.

“I’m just gratified, thanking God, ” said Gonyer, who dominated Eli Foster 19-3 for a technical fall. “I train hard every day. I give it all I have.”

addition to Gonyer, junior Kory Paschal’s record after Saturday was 50-7, freshman Garrett Benfield’s was 50-5, and seniors Max Benfield’s was 52-5 and Barlow’s 54-1. Freshman Cohen Beane was at 49-6, and seniors Owen Elwonger at 48-6 and Cameron Kluttz at 45-8.

“We’ve been building a program for years,” Matthew Benfield said. The state title, he said, should give the program a big boost since “students want to be associated with a winning program.” Five of the Nighthawks’ 14 competing wrestlers have 50 wins or more this season. Another three are close. In

In addition to Gonyer, Barlow and Lampkin, Nighthawk winners during the match were Beane, James Poole at 120 pounds, Max Benfield at 132 pounds, Zach White at 145 pounds and Chase Crews at 160 pounds, according to the NCHSAA. “This whole time I knew we could do it,” Max Benfield said. “We finally got everyone together on the same page and made it happen.”

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Northern (49-3) won the Mid State 3A Conference title, then knocked off Cleveland, Union Pines, Chapel Hill and Fike in the state tournament to reach the title match. Assistant coaches Matthew Benfield and Billy Gonyer took over the team after Harty’s departure and guided it to the win.

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Stokesdale Elementary student’s art spicing NWHS art, dance stud up downtown Greensboro’s signal boxes GREENSBORO – An artistic statement is being made on signal boxes throughout downtown Greensboro. A joint project between Downtown Greensboro, Inc. (DGI), SynerG and the Downtown Residents’ Association (DRA), the goal is to add beauty to the center city and showcase Greensboro’s talented students on 20 signal boxes. To date, 15 signal boxes feature artwork by three students, one of whom is Stokesdale Elementary student Madilynn Androw. Madilynn’s artwork, “Skyline,” can be seen on signal boxes located at the corners of Elm/ Lewis; Elm/McGee; Elm/Washington; Elm/ Friendly; and Eugene/Smith.

“This is a fun project connecting our schools, the DRA, SynerG young professionals and DGI, to beautify our community through art,” said Zack Matheny, president and CEO of DGI. “So why not take a Photo courtesy of Downtown Greensboro Inc.

Next time you’re in downtown Greensboro, look for this artwork by Stokesdale Elementary student Madilynn Androw, entitled “Skyline,” on ﬁve signal boxes located at the corners of Elm/Lewis; Elm/McGee; Elm/Washington; Elm/Friendly; and Eugene/Smith. Artwork by a student at Western Guilford High School and a student at Canterbury School can be seen on 10 other signal boxes in downtown Greensboro.

mundane object like a signal box and spring it to life with beautiful art? Something that seems so simple is adding life to our city streets. It’s a wonderful thing to see.” The chosen works of art were among dozens of submissions by art students throughout Guilford County Schools and private/charter schools in the city. A committee of DRA members, DGI and SynerG staff selected the final designs.

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Mary Beth Green was awarded “Best in Show” in Digital Media for the entire high school visual arts division at NCASA’s Art Showcase Feb. 8.

Northwest High School students scored big at North Carolina Association for Scholastic Activities’ (NCASA) Art Showcase state finals and the high school Dance Festival held at Cox Mill High School in Concord on Feb. 8. Mary Beth Green was awarded “Best in Show” in Digital Media for the entire high school visual arts division and Madeline Seganish was awarded

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line Seganish was awarded ﬁrst Painting at NCASA’s Art Showb. 8.

 Katie Horne received honorable mention in Collage at NCASA’s Art Showcase Feb. 8.

 Sarah Lamb received honorable mention in Printmaking at NCASA’s Art Showcase Feb. 8.

first place in Painting. Two Northwest art students received Honorable Mention: Katie Horne in Collage and Sarah Lamb in Printmaking. Northwest, which earned a combined score of 4.07 in the Art Showcase, fell second to Myers Park High School, which posted a 4.33 score; 30 schools participated in the event. Northwest dance students brought home a state championship in the Jazz-

Small Ensemble category, one of five events in the North Carolina Scholastic Dance Festival in which 17 high schools participated. The Joe Childers Scholastic Cup and NCASA Challenge Cup will be awarded in May to the high schools and middle schools with the best overall performance among the 22 major scholastic competitions in North Carolina. Points are awarded for participation and excellence in NCASA and partner competitions.

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FEB. 13 - 19, 2020

Student Profiles brought to you by

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www.EuroHaus.pro • 336.891.3876 STUDENT PROFILE compiled by MEREDITH BARKLEY Thanks to the coaches and teachers at Northern and Northwest High Schools for their student recommendations and input, which make it possible to recognize these talented, dedicated students for their accomplishments in academics, athletics and cultural arts.

NORTHWEST GUILFORD Stephanie Oh, art

For Stephanie Oh, art has been a journey of discovery. For years the Northwest Guilford sophomore drew with pencil and colored pencils, but after adding acrylics and gouache (a method of painting with opaque watercolors) to her artistic mix, she’s been happy with the results. She was led to acrylics through an art class assignment. “I really liked how it worked, so I started experimenting with it at home,” Oh said. Later, she noticed class friends using gouache, tried it, and “ended up really liking it,” she said.

Oh focuses her art on live subjects like people and animals, saying they are more interesting for her to draw. She particularly likes to work with detailed features like faces and eyes. Those kinds of challenges have made art her favorite class. “That’s a period when I can just relax and create,” Oh said. She also likes AP World History, where she’s learning “how society evolved into what we have now.” Oh enjoys art so much that she’s mulled over the idea of becoming an art teacher. But she has left herself open to a wide variety of other career options, including orthodontics, perhaps, or politics. A friend’s older sister is headed for a career in orthodontics, she said, and “just listening to her, I feel like that would be an interesting career path.” Of politics, Oh said she started thinking of the part it plays in society while participating in the school’s Debate

Club. That experience, she said, made her realize the importance of keeping up with the news. Music is often a stress reliever for Oh. On the piano, she plays songs that give her enjoyment. And, she’s learning the flute because she likes the way it sounds. She’s a committee chair in National Arts Honor Society and is a member of the Environmental Club, where she and fellow members are making plarn mats. To make those, she explained, they recycle plastic shopping bags, cut them into yarn strips and weave the strips into sleeping mats for the homeless. “I’d never heard about it before,” Oh said; the Environmental Club hopes to make 12 mats this year. “It takes a while because they’re large,” she said. “I really enjoy the idea behind it – the idea of recycling plastic bags so they don’t end up in the landfill, and also the idea of helping people in need.”

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High school basketball teams set sights on conference tournaments by MEREDITH BARKLEY NORTHWEST/NORTHERN GUILFORD – Basketball teams from both local high schools are wrapping up the regular season this week and looking toward next week’s conference tournaments. Northwest Guilford’s boys and girls are undefeated in Metro 4A Conference play and, while Northern Guilford’s boys and girls both have losses, they’re either atop their conference or tied for the lead. “It’s a huge week for us,” Northern Coach Kellen Parrish said. His boys team (13-8,11-2) seized command of the Mid State Athletic 2A/3A Conference Tuesday night, taking down contender Morehead (16-6, 9-4) on the road 90-89 in three overtimes. Even though Northern’s boys are assured the regular season title, they still have a tough game at home against Western Alamance in the season finale. The Western Warriors are in second place at 9-3 in the conference, 17-5 overall, and are one of only two conference teams to defeat the Nighthawks this season, prevailing 53-46 in their Jan. 21 meeting at Western.

“It’s a very competitive conference,” Parrish said. “We’re taking one game at a time.” Northern’s girls are tied with Eastern Alamance for the conference lead – both at 11-2. The Nighthawks take on third-place Western Alamance (9-3) Friday night in the final regular season game. In their Jan. 21 meeting at Western, the Nighthawks won 70-62. “It’s our senior night,” said coach Kim Furlough, who returned to the sidelines in late January after missing much of the season while undergoing treatment for a breast cancer recurrence. “They’re playing really well right now. We’ve got to come prepared for them.”

Eastern closes out the season Friday at fifth-place McMichael (11-8, 5-6). Northern and Eastern Alamance were 1-1 against each other during the season. Furlough’s team has been to the state playoffs every year since the school opened in the 2007-08 season, and she expects this year to be no different. Current projections, she said, give her team a high seed. Northwest Coach Haley Hackett said she’s excited for her girls team and “hopefully we can keep rolling.” Her team entered this week 6-0 in the Metro 4A Conference and 20-2 overall. MaxPreps has them ranked No. 7 in the state. The Vikings faced secondplace Ragsdale (18-3, 5-1) at home in a big game Wednesday evening.

“We will need to win that to solidify No. 1” in the conference, Hackett said. “We don’t want to leave any gray area.” The team’s goal, she said, is to “make a deep run in the (state) playoffs” which begin Feb. 25. “It was a goal we set in the beginning of the year. These girls work really hard and play really hard.” The Viking girls finish the season this Friday at home against Grimsley (6-14, 2-4). Northwest boys are also 6-0 in the conference, and 19-3 overall. They, too, faced Ragsdale (7-14, 1-4) Wednesday, but Coach Lee Reavis expects their biggest hurdle to come this Friday, when they will face Grimsley (15-6, 6-1) in an away game. The Viking boys have already defeated Grimsley twice in tough contests – 74-72 in Greensboro’s HAECO tournament in December (which didn’t count in conference standings) and 66-52 at home in late January. That game was decided at the free throw line in the fourth quarter. Conference tournaments begin next Monday.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

FEB. 13 - 19, 2020

your QUESTIONS about LAW ENFORCEMENT How many sheriff’s district offices are in Guilford County, and how are they staffed? Besides having offices in downtown Greensboro and High Point, the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office operates three patrol districts in the county: one is based in Summerfield, another in Jamestown and a third in McLeansville; each district office is staffed with a

captain, a lieutenant, four to five sergeants, several detectives, 19 patrol deputies and an office manager. The sheriff’s District 1 office, located at 7504 Summerfield Road (across from Summerfield Elementary School), covers an area bounded by Rockingham County on the north, running east along U.S. 29 South, west along Forsyth County and south along the Greensboro city limits. It includes Oak Ridge, Stokesdale, Summerfield and unincorporated areas of northwest Guilford County.

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A Stokesdale resident voiced concerns at Stokesdale Town Council’s Jan. 9 meeting about seeing fewer patrol cars in town than in previous years, and wondered whether law enforcement coverage in the area has decreased since a new sheriff was elected in November 2018. We recently met with Capt. George Moore and Lt. Jeremy Fuller of the sheriff’s District 1 office and asked,

“Have there been any changes in coverage of northwest Guilford County in the last year since a new sheriff settled in?” “We do have the same amount of coverage we have always had,” said Moore, who came to the District 1 office about a year ago after working for several years in various positions with the Sheriff’s Office, including as head of Special Operations. He confirmed one District 1 officer who was shot last year is still out and won’t likely return for a few months; another officer was recently injured and is on light duty; one detective position is open and two officers are serving in the military (one is due to return this month). “So, we’re about four officers short, but we’re full on paper (meaning the officers are still employed with the sheriff’s department, but are not actively patrolling),” Moore said. “We have three people training – so you’re not going to see shortages as far as patrol officers. Even if we were short, they opened up overtime to everybody, so we made sure it was safe to work in the district, and that there was enough coverage. “I don’t think we’re doing anything differently than we have in the last

several years,” Moore continued. “We have the same amount of cars and we still have four to five officers patrolling on each shift.” Moore said it takes an average of three minutes from the time a call for service comes in until a deputy is responding. However, “When a ‘hot call’ (emergency) comes into 911, the dispatcher can immediately dispatch someone to that call,” he said. “Ninetyeight percent of our calls for service are not ‘hot calls,’ but when we do get an emergency call, we’ll drop what we’re doing and run to it.” Moore also said on weekdays, he and any other officers on duty can provide backup to deputies if/when needed. As for officers working excessive hours, as was stated at the Jan. 9 council meeting, Moore said overtime is an option for officers who want to earn extra money, but is not mandatory. Law enforcement agencies across the nation are short-staffed, Moore noted, explaining changes in healthcare coverage and longevity pay combined with the job’s high risk have made the average starting salary of $39,000 for an entry-level officer with the sheriff’s department less attractive. “This is a tough job,” Moore said. “$39,000 to put your life on the line …” Moore noted that Sheriff Danny Rogers has taken extra steps to recruit new personnel, and based on the number of applicants, these steps are paying off.

Have a question relating to law enforcement

in northwest Guilford County? e-mail: questions@ nwobserver.com

CRIME / INCIDENT report

District 1 Sheriff’s Office

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

ASSAULT

Feb. 7 | A 32-year-old male was arrested in the 5900 block of Tarleton Drive in Oak Ridge (near the intersection of Oak Ridge Road and Linville Road) for assaulting two police officers as they investigated a potential incident of assault on a female.

CHILD ABUSE

Feb. 4 | A 31-year-old female was arrested in the 8400 block of Pheasant Ridge Drive in Colfax (off N. Bunker Hill Road) for child abuse and assault in the presence of a minor.

DRUGS

Feb. 3 | At about 2 p.m., law enforce-

ment officers seized an unknown quantity of marijuana and a cigar in the 5200 block of Northwest School Road in Greensboro.

FRAUD Feb. 10 | A male minor in the 4700 block of Cedarline Drive in Greensboro (off Alcorn Road) reported being a victim of fraud after he sent $400 to an unknown suspect for a motor vehicle part on Feb. 2.

THEFT Feb. 4 | The owner of R.S. Dezern Construction in Colfax reported an unknown suspect stole $4,000 worth of hardwood flooring from a house

under construction in the 8400 block of Peony Drive in Stokesdale sometime between Feb. 1 and Feb. 3. Feb. 10 | A resident of the 7100 block of Mackintosh Place in Summerfield (near the intersection of Northwest School Road and Bunch Road) reported an unknown suspect pried open the back door to his garage and stole about $9,600 worth of items between Feb. 8 at 4:30 p.m. and Feb. 10 at 1:30 p.m. The stolen items include a black Harley-Davidson helmet, a black Arai helmet, black Harley-Davidson boots, a gray/orange Stihl power tool, a black Pioneer 61” plasma TV, a black Mitsubishi DVD player, a black Klipsch surround sound system, a black Yamaha radio, a multicolored Tiffany lamp, a black Pentax digital camera with five lenses, a black Bose surround sound system, a black Haiber 53” LCD TV, a black Xbox gaming system and a black PlayStation gaming system.

VANDALISM Feb. 6 | A resident of the 4600 block of Golden Acres Road in Oak Ridge (off Alcorn Road near I-73) reported an unknown suspect attempted to force entry into the front door of his home between 12:30 and 5:30 p.m. that day; although the suspect did not gain entry, about $700 worth of damage was done to the door frame. Feb. 7 | A 30-year-old male in the 9100 block of U.S. 158 in Stokesdale reported a known suspect caused $1,000 worth of damage to his truck by kicking it and jumping on the hood.

District 1 Sheriff’s Office

7504 Summerfield Road Main number: (336) 641-2300 Report non-emergency crime-related incidents by calling:

(336) 373-2222

8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/ our-county/sheriff-s-office

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FEB. 13 - 19, 2020

a ditch. Nice to know there are still some people willing to lend a helping hand.  Dignity Healthcare, for helping care for our father and WWII veteran the last months of his life. You provided personal care and respect to help us honor his wishes.  Those working toward bringing horses back to Oak Ridge. With its two playgrounds and numerous playing fields, our park is wonderful for kids. Let’s now honor the horse show tradition in our community.

GRINS and GRIPES

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

words or less

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

GRINS to...

standing behind your truck so we only saw the stream and not your man parts.

 The residents working to incorporate horse trails into Oak Ridge’s new park property. More nature and less fencing and concrete! Let’s bring back some of what made this town so desirable all those years ago!

 IN RESPONSE

 Supporters of a horse trail at the park. There is nothing more beautiful than a rider on a horse enjoying these beautiful creatures. The pleasure of watching these beautiful animals is a gift.

 The hostess at Rio Grande in Oak Ridge. As the first person you see when you enter, she is always smiling and happy. I truly hope that management appreciates her for all that she does, because she’s awesome!

 The many Oak Ridge residents, our Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Mayor Ann Schneider, and council members Martha Pittman and George McClellan for supporting the preservation of the historic Redmon house.

 The yard guy who was urinating on the side of N.C. 150 last Monday, for

 Justin Stewart for coming out on a cold, rainy Friday night to help pull a car out of

Regarding the gripe in last week’s issue about the bird feeders at Stokesdale Town Hall, Town Clerk Alisa Houk has offered this response: “The Stokesdale Elementary children handmade these birdhouses and bird feeders and the teachers asked if they could place them in the trees around Town Hall and the Town Park. There were about 40 sets of little hands that made these bird feeders and houses with pride, and there was no way we were going to turn down an op-

portunity to feed the birds and show off our children’s beautiful artwork.”

GRIPES to...

 Drivers who speed through school zones. This is a huge problem near Greensboro Academy off Battleground Avenue during the afternoon. Please slow down – it’s only 35 mph for less than half a mile!  Businesses that use the NWO Grins forum as free advertising. You’re worse than the folks who put up advertisement signs at our intersections.  The rude lady who thought I didn’t know how the speaker system worked at middle school during the thunderstorm on Feb. 6. I know how it works, I’m just nice enough to wait until they’re ready to speak to me.  Northwest Observer for not acknowledging the death of Bill Newman. He devoted a great part of his life to the town of Oak Ridge. The fire department and the High Point police department honored him. Shame on you!

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706 Burton Street (336) 548-6674

Editor’s note: Bill Newman dedicated many years to Oak Ridge Fire Department – including serving as chief from 1996 to 2009. While we did acknowledge his passing on our Facebook page, where we also shared his obituary, we certainly could have done more, and agree Newman and his many years of service to the Oak Ridge community are worthy of recognition. Anyone who would like to share favorite thoughts or stories about Newman is invited to email editor@nwobserver.com for publication in a future issue.  Inconsiderate drivers who drive with their bright lights on. Your new SUV lights are blinding enough without your brights on – someday someone is going to run into you because you blinded them.  The person saying dogs running free on Lemons Road are “part of living in the country.” No! Just because we live in the country doesn’t mean all rules and laws go out the window. Have more respect for others!  Summerfield Manager Scott Whitaker.

Doesn’t he know that, in local government, nothing, by state statute, is confidential? Everything belongs to the people, especially planning for land use changes, financials, etc. By statute, the only thing confidential is personnel information. Editor’s note: Regarding “…the only thing confidential is personnel information,” issues subject to attorney-client privilege and discussions about potential real estate transactions may also be considered confidential, therefore exceptions to what is public record.  Driggers Septic Tank and Muellers Septic Services. After Guilford County recently inspected my septic system, I contacted these two companies for repair service. Both advertise on their website that they offer repair service, but failed to respond to my request. Disappointing.  The horse trail griper. There are indeed a lot of horses in Oak Ridge! I encourage you to focus on the history of Oak Ridge. Horses were here long before most of us and they deserve a nice walk in the park.

Barbour & Williams Law 8004 Linville Road, Suite E-3, Oak Ridge

(336) 643-4623

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

• Trust Administration • Corporate Work • Real Estate Matters

Tracy Williams, attorney

Outside the

…

The following reader-submitted GRIPE expresses an opinion about a national political topic, and has been separated as a courtesy to those who are disturbed by encountering others’ opinions on national topics in a local newspaper.  The politicization and degradation of the merit and importance of the Presidential Freedom Medal. Common sense says it should go to those who unite and not those who divide. Rather unfortunate, but not surprising in our current situation. Editor’s note: The Presidential Medal of Freedom received a lot of publicity recently when President Trump awarded it to radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh during his State of the Union address. For those who aren’t familiar with it, this prestigious award was initiated by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 and

is the nation’s highest civilian honor. It is awarded by the president of the United States “to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of America, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors,” according to www.whitehouse.gov/medaloffreedom. During his eight years as president, Barack Obama awarded 123 Presidential Medals of Freedom, the most of any president (Ronald Reagan awarded the second most, at 102). Past recipients, deemed “movers and shakers” in their field, have fallen into a broad range of categories, including dancers, artists, actors and actresses, talk show hosts, writers, musicians, athletes, judges, business professionals, educators, historians, medical professionals, and congressmen, senators and other politicians.

LETTERS/OPINIONS Submit your letters (maximum 350 words)

Barbour & Williams Law

online: nwobserver.com e-mail : editor@nwobserver.com Include your name, daytime phone number and name of community. Letters from the same writer will be published no more than every 30 days.

8004 Linville Road, Suite E-3, Oak Ridge

U.S. academic standards shocking (336) 643-4623

In the State of the Union address fear of a “vicious” backlash. Ironically it barbourwilliams.com the President referred to our “failing was I who was accused of faint-heartgovernment schools.” I was born and edness for hiding behind anonymity educated in the UK, and I was shocked – which is rich coming from the same at the low academic standards I dispublisher who created Grins & Gripes as covered at university here. I had been an anonymous forum. Why would I not issued more demanding and interesting put my name to my sentiments? work as a 13-year-old in Yorkshire. My name is Christopher Rees, and Americans are no less intelligent here are some oft unmentioned facts than Britons; it is their education system for the government school monopoly. that is failing them, as the President Grins to: “Our teachers who are some pointed out. So, the fawning over and of the hardest-working (sic), lowestidolizing of educators and their adminpaid (sic) people I know – yet they are istrators always causes ire and amusemolding our children and thus shaping ment in equal measure. Tracy Williams, attorney our future (published in the Northwest A recent Grin in this newspaper Observer’s Jan. 23-29 issue).” prompted a robust Gripe in response – which the publisher refused to print for ...continued on p. 23

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

FEB. 13 - 19, 2020

 AUTO SALES & SERVICE 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.

 CONSIGNMENT SALE

Place online at

TRINITY TOTS TO TEENS Spring Consignment Sale! March 13, 9am-7pm, & March 14, 8am-1pm. Trinity Evangelical Covenant Church, 5200 W. Friendly Ave, Greensboro. For more information visit trinitytotstoteens.wordpress.com.

 EMPLOYMENT DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

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

INDEX Auto Sales & Service ............20 Consignment Sale ...............20 Employment .......................20 Preschools ...........................20 Save the Date......................20 Home Services ............. 20-22 Misc. for Sale .................... 22 Misc. Services .................... 22 Misc. Wanted ..................... 22 Pets & Animal Services ....... 22 Real Estate .....................22-23

20 20

SUMMERFIELD VETERINARY HOSPITAL is seeking a part-time receptionist. Please apply in person at 4318 U.S. Hwy. 220 N., Summerfield, or you may email resume to Lydia@summerfieldvet.com. (336) 643-6326. BILL'S PIZZA PUB, Oak Ridge. Energetic & responsible individuals wanted. If you would like to work for a company who values you, please apply in person today! We are looking to hire daytime hosts, as well as nighttime cooks, servers and hosts, immediately. We will keep you busy and work with your goals. Come work with a company who has been serving this area for 50 years! DEPENDABLE staff needed for childcare center. Teacher & assistant positions available. Childcare credential/experience preferred but not required. (336) 643-5930. BOOTH RENTAL, full or part-time available, at newly remodeled La Salon. Ask about FREE rent. (336) 286-2006.

Ga?n help! H IR IN e W c

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

nwobserver.com

 PRESCHOOLS

halfpintharmonies.com | (678) 687-1116

R e g i s t e r To d a y ! Classes begin 3/9 Ages 0-5

MUSIC & MOVEMENT 10-week sessions | mixed-age music classes

 SAVE THE DATE KIDS CONSIGNMENT SALE. Friday, February 28, 9am-8pm, & Saturday, February 29, 8am-1pm, (some items 50% oﬀ on Saturday), St. Paul's Catholic Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro. www.stpaulskidssale.com.

 HOME SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING A-ACTION AIR. Will your furnace work when it's time? Call (336) 382-3750.

 SAVE THE DATE CAROLINA STRIKERS 11U BASEBALL is looking to add 2 players. Open tryouts Mondays and Fridays @ 6pm. JBE Sports, 490 K Fork Rd., Madison, NC. Jan. thru Feb. (336) 331 2049. OAK RIDGE DEMOCRATIC PARTY organizational meeting. Feb. 15, 11am. Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. (336) 662-3158 or oakridgedemocrats1@ gmail.com.

Like us on Facebook and keep up with all the northwest-area news! LIVIAH LEMONS GRIFFIN turns 100 years YOUNG on February 16, 2020. Her family will host a celebration February 15, 2-4 pm at Gideon Grove United Methodist Church, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Rd., Stokesdale. Light refreshments will be served. No presents required – she would enjoy your visit much more than a present! Please join GIDEON GROVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH on Fat Tuesday for FREE pancakes & prayer. Feb. 25, 5-7pm. Pancakes, sausage or bacon, and fellowship. 2865 Gideon Grove Church Rd., Stokesdale For more information, please call Laura, (336) 643-6042. ENCORE KIDS CONSIGNMENT Check out our spring & summer items, premiering Friday, Feb. 28, 305 W. Mountain Street, Kernersville, (336) 993-3444.

FEB. 13 -The 19, 2020 Northwest Observer Totally1996 local since 1996 NorthwestThe Observer • Totally local•since

CLEANING CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING Gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com (336) 595-2873. STEPHANIE'S CLEANING SERVICE. 10 years exp. (336) 423-2239. CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Will fit to your budget. Pet taxi/pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838. 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. •Weekly/bi-weekly/monthly •Deep/move-in, move-out •Post-construction/airscrubber •Odor remediation

Focus on what matters most We’ll handle the rest 336.897.0928 maidright.com/greensboro ELECTRICAL Need an electrician? Call BLACKMON ELECTRICAL, INC. Free est. Comm. & res. Licensed & insured. Call (336) 430-5018.

HOME SERVICES

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

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

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

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.

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

WARREN'S DRYER VENT / DUCT CLEANING. Prevent dryer fires. Clothes dry faster. Save on energy. Bonded, insured, and licensed. Call (336) 207-2338.

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

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707. FIX YOUR MOWER! Service and repairs. Spring specials. "We do it right." Free pickup & delivery. Call Rick, (336) 501-8681. 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.

OLD SCHOOL

HOME REPAIR/IMPROVEMENTS “No Job Too Small”

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

(336) 669-7252

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

GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS WILSON SEAMLESS GUTTERS, new construction, repairs, replacement, leaf guards. Free estimates. (336) 420-0200.

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

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

DELIMA LAWNCARE. 24 hours/7 days a week. Free estimates, licensed/insured. Mowing, pruning, mulch/pine straw and much more. Commercial and residential. delimalawncare@live.com. (336) 669-5210.

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.

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

oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com

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

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

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

MASONRY SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes. How about a new patio or fire pit? We can help with all of your outdoor living and entertainment spaces! Fire pits, driveways & sidewalks, patios and more! Give us a call at (336) 399-6619 for all your concrete and landscape needs. MASONRY CONCEPTS, brick, block, stone concrete & repairs. Free est. (336) 988-1022, www.masonryconceptsgso.com. 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 JUNK & DEBRIS REMOVAL, construction, remodeling, and general cleanup, out buildings, garages, basements, yard waste, etc. Call (336) 706-8470.

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

WILSON SEPTIC PUMPING & REPAIR. Family owned since 1972. Mention you saw this ad in the NWObserver for a discount. (336) 643-6427.

PAINTING & DRYWALL

Carlos & Son

PAINTING

Residential • Commercial Licensed & Insured

FREE ESTIMATES

Owner: Carlos Ruiz Cell: 336.669.5210 carlospainting14@live.com PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR, 40 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. Average BDRM walls $100. Insured. Call Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186. STILL PERFECTION PAINTING. Reliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com. LAWSON'S PAINTING. Custom decks, pressure washing, boat docks, block fill, wood repair, stain work, textured ceilings, sheetrock repair. Call (336) 253-9089.

PLUMBING WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING, Inc. (336) 992-2503. Licensed, insured, bonded. 24/7 service. Plumbing, drain cleaning, well pumps. Give us a call, we do it all! Go to www.webstersplumbing.com for more info. FREEMAN PLUMBING – new construction, remodel and repair. For ALL your plumbing needs! (336) 580-4525.

continued on p. 22

FEB.13 13- 19, - 19,2020 2020 FEB.

21 21

 HOME SERVICES

 MISC. FOR SALE

 PETS & ANIMAL SVCS.

BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic. & insured. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924.

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

KAUFMAN TRAILER. 5 x 10 utility, 3,500 lb. axle, full-size tires with spare. Very good condition. New wood & paint in 2018, bearings & seals in 2019. $450. (336) 949-4070.

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

PRESSURE WASHING PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Fully insured. Crystal Clear, www. windowcleaningnc.com or (336) 595-2873. HOUSE SOFT WASHING, roof soft washing, driveway pressure washing. Let us do the dirty work for you. Serving the Triad. (919) 931-0856. MartinsPressureWashing.com.

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

Construction Services, INC

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Screened porches | Sunrooms | Patios

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

RENOVATION WORKS, INC. New construction, remodeling, additions, kitchen, bath and decks. We are a locally owned, full-service design and build company, A+ accredited with the BBB. Visit www.myrenovationworks.com or call (336) 427-7391 to start your next project. KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Specializing in room additions, kitchens & baths, garages, vinyl siding and windows, painting, ceramic tile, laminate, hardwood and linoleum ﬂoors, and remodeling of all kinds. No job too small. Free est. Call (336) 362-7469.

Your business should be here! Visit www.nwobserver.com to place an ad or call (336) 644-7035 for more info.

22 22

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. JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com. ORTIZ REMODELING – Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981. PREMIER CONSTRUCTION for all your remodeling/renovation needs. (336) 430-9507. BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, rooﬁng, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 39 years exp. (336) 362-6343. 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.

ROOFING BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Lifetime shingle and metal roofing. Financing available. Free Estimates. Since 1979. (336) 362-6343. CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC. Residential roofing, rubber flat roofs, roof coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience. Call (336) 643-8191 or (336) 268-1908. KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Residential shingle & metal roofing. Free est. (336) 362-7469. PREMIER ROOFING, LOCALLY OWNED. Catering to all your roofing needs. Call (336) 430-9507 for free assessments.

H & L Grading, FIREWOOD FOR SALE. $250 per dump truck load delivered locally. (336) 543-7867.

Need something? Find it here in the

classifieds submit your ad at

nwobserver.com SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered and stacked, 1/2 cord, $80. Call (336) 686-6373. SEASONED FIREWOOD. $80/pickup truck load, delivered & stacked. (336) 253-7615.

KRISTIN'S PET SITTING/DOG WALKING Professional, insured and experienced. Call (336) 337-8172. DOBERMAN PINSCHER pups. $900, AKC. Text (336) 404-3983.

 REAL ESTATE LAND FOR SALE LOTS, LAND, ACREAGE Gorgeous property! Nothing else like it! Wooded, open and water. Creeks and pond. 4 acres up to 23 acres. You choose. Call (336) 430-9507 anytime.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

We Help Everyone! SELLERS & BUYERS

 MISC. SERVICES (336) 643-4248

www.ANewDawnRealty.com

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

Gated access with 24/7 available here camera surveillance We carry moving & shipping supplies

(336) 643-9963 • 8207 B & G Court, Stokesdale

Call for Buyer or Seller Representation

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

 MISC. WANTED FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, ATVs, generators, power washers, chain saws, mini-bikes, go-carts, grills & metal items, etc. (336) 689-4167. $$$ – WILL PAY CASH for your junk / wrecked vehicle. For quote, call (336) 552-0328.

FEB. 13 -The 19, 2020 Northwest Observer Totally1996 local since 1996 NorthwestThe Observer • Totally local•since

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

 REAL ESTATE

HOMES FOR SALE

HOMES FOR SALE ENTERTAINER’S DREAM!

NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS!

The Farm at Oak Ridge

Welcome home to Oak Ridge’s newest community. Homes from 2,000 square feet and up featuring four local custom home builders! Now reserving lots – call for details and more information!

The entertainer’s dream! Located on a private 4-acre spot in sought-after Summerfield. Gathering spaces galore – bar room, billiard room, pool, outdoor cooking and dining, multiple outdoor living areas, sports court and home theater. Offered at $1,295,000

DeDe Cunningham

Nancy J. Hess

REALTOR®/Broker NC Licensed Contractor

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

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

read our (FREE) e-edition online LETTERS

...continued from p. 19.com at nwobserver

HOMES SALE Gripes to: FOR “Self-aggrandizing schoolteachers who portray themselves as saints and  REAL martyrs, workESTATE nine months a year, quit at 3pm, get paid an average of $54,000, HOMES FORand SALE retire in luxury, produce semi-literate ignoramuses who rank around 27th in global testing (not published, at Northwest Observer editor’s discretion).” And “Patti’s Rules” prohibit a response to any assailants. Christopher Rees, OAK RIDGE Editor’s note: As I explained to Christopher Rees, the Grins and Gripes present a unique opportunity to our readers and a responsibility for me. While readers enjoy the freedom of anonymity, as owner/editor of this newspaper, the ultimate responsibility for what is

ACCOUNTING

Carlotta Lytton, CPA........................... 10 Kimberly Thacker Accounting............. 10 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC...... 10

2- 4 pm Open Sunday

Agent on site Sunday 2-4pm

Nancy J. Hess

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

Kim Wilson

kwilson@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 662-7805

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

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

AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE

EuroHaus ........................................... 14 Piedmont Truck Tires, Inc. .................. 13 Tire Max ............................................. 18

REACH OUT TO IN OUR

NWO Business & Real Estate section

(336) 644-7035, ext. 11 •

find friends nt, fulfillme with success rry e advertising@nwobserver.com esyldruerb p

LEGAL SERVICES ad today

Barbour & Williams Law ..................... 19 (336) 644-7035, 112 Scott Tippett, Hagan Barrett ext. Law .........

advertising@nwobserver.com MEDICAL CARE

LeBauer Healthcare ........................... 16 Wake Forest Baptist Health .................. 9

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

ORTHODONTIC CARE

Guardian Ad Litem ............................. 12 Half-Pint Harmonies ........................... 20

Olmsted Orthodontics ........................ 14

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

Oak Ridge Chiropractic ........................ 7

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ................ 10 Northwest Animal Hospital ................. 12

DENTISTRY

REAL ESTATE

CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

1S4 ield ummerf

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

ProStone, Inc. ....................................... 8 Stokesdale Heating & Air...................... 5 Stokesdale PlaceStorage your............................. real estate 22

TM Construction Services ................... 22

BUILDING / REMODELING

Borden Dentistry................................... 4 Summerfield Family Dentistry ............. 10

26,000 READERS

Selling or renting?

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS

TOWNHOMES IN OAK RIDGE!

Twin townhomes starting at $275,900 within Oak Ridge town core. Move-in ready units available in spring 2020 or seize the opportunity to pick your floor plan and options!

published in Grins and Gripes rests on my shoulders, and it’s not uncommon for me to get the backlash when a Grin or a Gripe offends someone. With that said, I make no apologies for reserving the option to decide which ones will be printed and which ones will not be – and which ones I’ll accept the backlash for and which ones I won’t. I have received many grins and The Northwest Observer gripes from Christopher Rees over the reaches over 12,000 years, and in only a few cases, includmailboxes ing this one, have I declined to publish them. out weaknesses our inPointing Summerfield, Oak Ridgeinand educational system is one thing, labeling Stokesdale every week. Plus, it’s students as “semi-literate available for free onlineignoramuses” and at local is another. If “Patti’sgrocery Rules” stores, – i.e., reservrestaurants, ing the right to decide what anonymous post offices and more. grins and gripes I’ll be responsible for – seem unreasonable, so be it. As a private reach businessWe’ll owner,help I will you continue to exercise thatnorthwest right when IGuilford deem appropriate. County!

Balex Electric ........................................ 2 BEK Paint Company ............................. 4 Budget Blinds ....................................... 5 Carlos & Son Painting......................... 21 Eanes Heating & Air ........................... 17 Maidright Cleaning ............................. 20 Old School Home Repair .................... 21

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

A New Dawn Realty ........................... 22 Dede Cunningham, Keller Williams .... 23 Gil Vaughan, Keller Williams ............... 22 Nancy Hess, Berkshire Hathaway ....... 23 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX ................... 15 Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams ........... 11

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Well-Spring Retirement Community ...... 3

YOUTH SPORTS

Oak Ridge Youth Association ............... 6

FEB.1313 - 19, 2020 FEB. - 19, 2020

23 23

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

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

PAID

Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22 ECRWSS

Mike and Kim Adams of Sum merﬁeld took their Northwe st Observer with them to the Wailing Wall in Jerusa lem. The Wailing Wall, 160 feet long and 60 feet high, is all that remains of the Sec ond Temple of Jerusalem, des troyed by the Romans in the ﬁrst century.

Katie and Tyler Krueger of Summerﬁeld pose with their Northwest Observer in front of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, during a holiday trip. The Winter Palace was the ofﬁcial residence of the Russian emperors from 1732 to 1917. Today it is a museum that attracts nearly 3.5 million visitors annually.

Where do you take your Northwest Observer? Email your photo to photos@nwobserver.com