Feb. 20 - 26, 2020
Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO
Gene Robertson with Yates Construction, the town of Stokesdale’s utility contractor, refers to a subdivision plan while speaking at the town council’s Feb. 13 meeting and explaining why the town needs to standardize its water system infrastructure. “We are trying to get ahead of the building,” Robertson said. Read article about Stokesdale’s projected housing boom on p. 22.
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IN THIS ISSUE News in brief .......................................2
Early voting available now through Feb. 29. Town seeks ‘fresh start’ with ORYA .... 3 Your Questions ...................................4 Oak Ridge Town Council ..................6 Liviah Griffin, ‘100 years loved’.........8
Complaint leads to surprise inspection of Happytail Puppies A second complaint to the N.C. Agriculture Department reveals that Happytail’s training facility isn’t licensed by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – A complaint against Happytail Puppies on N.C. 150 led to a surprise inspection last week by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, which also learned that the company’s training facility on Alcorn Road isn’t licensed. The Agriculture Department won’t discuss the ongoing investigation, agency spokeswoman Heather Overton said in an interview earlier this week. As of Wednesday, Feb. 19, the results of the investigation still weren’t available. After learning about the Alcorn Road facility, state inspectors notified Guilford County Animal Control, which looks into complaints of animal abuse, Overton said.
The developments over the past week follow complaints by several people who bought puppies from Happytail that were later diagnosed by veterinarians with respiratory and other illnesses known to be contagious. Some owners learned from their vets that their dogs showed signs of being confined to crates for long periods of time after they were born. Owner Sonya Mackovic, who opened the facility in 2018, said in an interview last week that the puppies she sells aren’t sick and that they’re not mistreated by her staff or by licensed breeders in Ohio where she buys the dogs. The facility can house as many as 300 dogs, according to state inspection reports. The unannounced inspection last Friday, Feb. 14, followed a complaint prompted from a reader of an article about Happytail Puppies in last week’s issue of the Northwest Observer, according to Overton. The Agriculture Department’s animal welfare section investigates complaints against kennels, animal shelters and pet retailers.
...continued on p. 12
Reflecting on her long life, this centenarian says, “Age is just a number.”
Photo by Lily Pierce/NWO
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Summerfield Town Council ............. 10 NWO Business & Real Estate ........... 13 McMichael log house ..................... 14 Center Grove Grill ............................ 16 Stokesdale anticipates 500 houses .22 Crime/Incident Report ....................26 Calendar Events...............................27 High School Sports ...........................28 Youth/School News .........................29 Student Profiles .................................30 Letters/Opinions...............................32 Grins and Gripes ..............................34 Classifieds .........................................36 Index of Advertisers .........................39 NWO on the Go!...............................40
been as a result of developers paying to install water lines and connect their new subdivisions to the system.
NEWS in brief
Town votes to standardize water system requirements by PATTI STOKES STOKESDALE – The town of Stokesdale’s water system began operating
gems in
in 2003, three years after the town received a $3 million grant to address contamination issues. Most of the system’s expansion over the years has
With a significant amount of residential growth on the horizon, Gene Robertson with Yates Construction Company, the town of Stokesdale’s utility contractor, explained at Stokesdale’s Feb. 13 town council meeting why the town needs to take steps to standardize specifications for its water system.
...continued on p. 32
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“When the water was brought into the town (in 2003), it was brought for one particular reason (contamination),” Robertson explained. “We had some areas that had to have water. We were trying to get every foot of line that we could, and try to serve every corner that we could. The problem was, we stopped at that. The thought wasn’t given to, ‘what happens down the road when we
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Oak Ridge seeks ‘fresh start’ in relationship with ORYA by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – Town leaders are asking Oak Ridge Youth Association (ORYA) leaders and parents for their views on enhancing youth sports programs. A subcommittee of Town Council is seeking recommendations from residents after Mayor Ann Schneider earlier this month called for a review of the town’s relationship with ORYA, the biggest user of Town Park. The effort follows increasingly contentious relations last year between the council and ORYA President Tom Collins, who endorsed Van Tanner in the Nov. 5 council election. The candidate’s platform criticized Oak Ridge for spending too little on youth sports. “Throughout the process, I would like everyone involved to ‘suspend judgment’ and let the conversation and ideas flow freely,” council member and subcommittee chair Martha Pittman wrote in a Feb. 8 email to ORYA leaders. Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman, Town Manager Bill Bruce and Terry Lannon, the town’s parks and recreation director, also serve on the subcommittee.
Schneider called for creation of the subcommittee during the council’s Jan. 9 meeting, during which council members voted unanimously to amend the town’s parks and recreation ordinance. One of the changes required P&R board members and alternates to be legal residents of Oak Ridge, leading to the immediate removal of Collins, who lives in Summerfield.
“Our charge asks us to take a ‘fresh look’ and I would suggest that this is an opportunity for a fresh start as well,” Pittman said in her email last week. “Tapping into the experience and knowledge of the ORYA leadership will be crucial to our success.” Pittman said the subcommittee wants to talk to each ORYA officer, director and board member in small groups or individually. Or they can offer their views in writing in questionnaires being prepared by the subcommittee, Pittman said.
Collins shared Pittman’s email with ORYA colleagues and families. In an email, he urged them to provide feedback to the subcommittee and take advantage of the opportunity to “be interviewed to provide your honest input of the impact ORYA has had on your children, your family, and the overall local youth sports scene.” The town is also seeking broad input, urging residents in a news release Feb. 13 to suggest ways to improve youth sports. The release is posted under the News & Notices tab on the town’s website, www.oakridgenc.com. Scrutiny of ORYA by the council and the parks and recreation board has increased since late last year after the group sought more financial assistance from the town. As part of that effort, the subcommittee is studying how other towns support and interact with youth sports groups in an effort to bring “best practices” to Oak Ridge. Schneider asked the subcommittee to present recommendations, including proposed budget changes, to the council by April 1.
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I’m confused about who owns the property where Summerfield Community Park has been developed, off Centerfield Road. I thought the town had a long-term agreement with Guilford County to use the property, but then I read Summerfield Community Center owns it. Which is correct? Actually, both. In February 2000 the town of Summerfield and Guilford County executed a 50-year lease that allows the town to use a 34+-acre tract the county owns “for public park and/or open space purposes only” at no charge. The lease agreement states the town can make improvements to the property – which it has – as long as the improvements are paid for by the town, and the park must remain open to the public. Summerfield Community Center, Inc., is a non-profit that owns a 16.78-acre
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Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO
The town of Summerfield built this amphitheater at Summerfield Community Park for outdoor events such as Music in the Park and Movies in the Park. The amphitheater is on property owned by Summerfield Community Center, Inc., which the town uses at no charge according to a 30-year lease agreement between the town and the non-profit.
tract adjoining the county’s property on Centerfield Road. The property includes the Community Center building, parking lots, lake and core of the community park; in January 2004, the town and SCC entered into a 30-year lease agreement. The agreement states the town can use the property at no charge, and just as the agreement with the county, it must be used for “public park and/or open space purposes only;” improvements can be made to the property as long as they are paid for by the town; and the park property must be open to the public.
The Community Center building, which the town rents for regular council meetings and other special events, is maintained by SCC. Private citizens may also rent the building for birthday parties, reunions and other special events. Last September, SCC offered to deed its park property to the town; the issue was discussed at the town council’s Jan. 14 regular meeting and at its annual retreat earlier this month, although no decision has been made on whether the town will accept the offer.
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stopped since,” he said. LJ Custom Homes has developed the Rymack subdivision in Oak Ridge, built several commercial buildings, numerous custom homes throughout the area and has handled several remodeling jobs. Bellagio at Oak Ridge, a beautiful 65-acre subdivision on Beeson Road, is LJ Custom Homes’ latest endeavor. Over the last year the company has already built and sold nine of the 44 planned homes in Bellagio, and are talking with several potential clients. After spending some time with the Stewarts and seeing their work, it’s evident why people select them as their homebuilder. Having previously worked in fastpaced fields, Justin and Lindsey have strong work ethics and know the importance of meeting deadlines and getting a job done as quickly and efficiently as possible, all while maintaining their standards for high quality. Every new home starts with a meeting of the minds, so before the homebuilding process gets underway, the couple sits down with their clients and goes through “every single option right
down to the hardware on the doors so that when we’re finished, we have a solid plan,” Lindsey said. Clients appreciate that the Stewarts typically complete their homes within two to three months – not because they cut corners, but because they work smart. Their subcontractors have been with them since the beginning and are very familiar with how the process flows. Plus, Justin is on-site every day and available to clients 24/7. If there’s a problem or concern, he can handle it immediately. Justin also doesn’t like having things undone and will work a few extra hours to finish a task that’s close to completion rather than leave it until the next day. While Justin is hands-on at the construction site, Lindsey expertly handles the behind-the-scenes details. “Lindsey’s scheduling is very tight,” Justin said. “She’s also persistent and keeps everything moving.” Selecting a builder is a big decision, and the couple doesn’t take that lightly. “It’s not just sticks and mortar,” Justin
Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO Justin (left) and Lindsey Stewart, owners of LJ Custom Homes, founded their home building business 15 years ago on the Golden Rule.
said. “We’re building our clients’ dream home and we are focused on what they want and how we can make it happen.” “We place a high value on the trust our clients have given us,” Lindsey added. “Along the way, our clients have become friends. For us, that’s one of the highest compliments we can get.”
On a personal note Justin, 39, and Lindsey, 40, have been married 20 years and have two children, Ryan, 13, and Mackenzie, 11. The Stewarts enjoy spending most of their free time involved in sports including hockey, volleyball, basketball, soccer and softball. Justin’s mom, Patti O’Neil, moved from California several years ago to manage the day-to-day operations of Stokesdale Storage and later, Rymack Storage, both in Stokesdale.
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OAK RIDGE town council
Feb. 6 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT Mayor Ann Schneider called the monthly meeting to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan, Doug Nodine and Martha Pittman present. Town Manager Bill Bruce was absent due to illness and Town Clerk Sandra Smith was on vacation.
armed robbery at the McDonald’s restaurant at 8000 Marketplace Drive on the morning of Jan. 7 before it opened for business. Fuller said investigators have not made any arrests, though the incident has been linked to other robberies in this area of the state.
Former council member Mike Stone offered the invocation. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the council approved the meeting agenda and Jan. 9 meeting minutes.
Fire Department. Captain Ryan Rice reported the Oak Ridge Fire Department responded to 77 calls in January; 43 of these were related to medical issues. Firefighters obtained 213 hours of training.
PUBLIC SAFETY
PUBLIC HEARING
Sheriff’s Office. Lt. Jeremy Fuller reported Guilford County Sheriff’s District 1 office responded to 78 calls in Oak Ridge in January, including an
A public hearing for residents to express their views about the town’s proposed master parks and recreation plan mostly drew comments for and against
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WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted: Mayor Ann Schneider, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan, Doug Nodine and Martha Pittman voted on the following issues during Oak Ridge Town Council’s Feb. 6 meeting.
5 0: Approve the meeting agenda and minutes of the Jan. 9 meeting 5 0: Approve the master parks and recreation plan 5 0: Update emergency contact information for town leaders 4 1: Hire (Nodine opposed) consulting firm McGill Associates to assist
town staff in preparing an application for a matching $500,000 state parks and recreation grant
5 0: Hire engineering firm Freese and Associates to assist town staff in preparing a request for proposals from contractors to help the town evaluate a possible municipal water system
a proposal to build horse trails on the Whitaker property along N.C. 150, which abuts the Town Hall property. A draft of the master plan didn’t envision horse trails on the 58 acres where the town plans to expand Town Park, but in recent months equestrian enthusiasts have urged the council to incorporate horse trails in its long-range planning.
Paslaru noted that Oak Ridge is “in a unique position” to allow horses on multipurpose trails on the Whitaker property to complement more traditional recreational activities in Town Park.
Before hearing from citizens, the council instructed the town’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to investigate the feasibility of creating horse trails on the Whitaker property and provide a recommendation by June 30.
Former Mayor Ray Combs voiced opposition to horse trails on the Whitaker property. “Horses are not house trained,” he said, noting that they poop wherever they want. “I’ve never seen a rider stop, dismount, pick up his horse’s poop and remount,” said Combs, a former horse owner who once served as chairman of the Oak Ridge Horse Show.
“We have heard that not everyone wants to see horses in the park,” said Patti Paslaru, a supporter of equestrian trails. “Not everyone wants to see more ballfields or dog parks, either.”
Rita Lewandowski, organizer of Horses of Oak Ridge, disagreed with Combs, saying riders would pick up after their horses. “You are not going to have horses
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TOWN COUNCIL MEMBERS
Ann Schneider
Jim Kinneman
mayor
mayor pro tem
George McClellan
Martha Pittman
Doug Nodine
running around the Whitaker property,” she said.
for a $500,000 matching grant from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (NCPARTF).
and recreation plan. Nodine didn’t vote on the motion; however, an abstention counts as a vote in favor of the motion unless there is a stated conflict of interest (in which case the council must approve the member abstaining).
McGill, which developed the Town Park’s original master plan, will be paid no more than $19,350 for its services.
5 0 to adopt the master parks
The council will now decide which projects – playgrounds, athletic fields and running paths, for instance – to pursue over the next decade. (See related article on p. 3 of our Feb. 13-19 issue.)
MANAGER’S REPORT Continuity of government
5 0 to update town leaders’ emergency contact information to reflect Schneider’s election as mayor. Planning Director Sean Taylor confirmed that in the event an emergency required town leaders to request assistance, Schneider is now listed as the first contact, followed by the mayor pro tem, town clerk and town manager. NCPARTF grant assistance
4 1 to approve (Nodine opposed) hiring McGill Associates to prepare a master plan for the Whitaker property and assist the town in applying
Nodine objected to the expense after town staff wasn’t able to provide McGill’s success rate when preparing grant applications for municipalities.
for the town to record and live stream council meetings, with prices for staffoperated systems ranging from $3,000 to $15,000. The most expensive option would rely upon two cameras that zoom in and pan the audience, while simultaneously showing documents under discussion by the council. Kinneman recommended the $15,000 option, citing its ease of use and sound quality for streaming. Nodine suggested an option using refurbished iPhones and iPads from a service called Switcher Studio. Schneider asked Nodine to investigate and arrange testing of the Switcher Studio option and report back to the council. Pittman said she wants to understand more about the various options. While saying she would like the town to spend enough to conform with best practices among municipalities, Schneider said she’s “ just worried about the price tag” of the most expensive option outlined by Kinneman.
NEXT MEETING Thursday, March 5 • 7pm Oak Ridge Town Hall
CONTACT YOUR TOWN (336) 644-7009 ssmith@oakridgenc.com www.oakridgenc.com
PUBLIC COMMENTS Lee Haywood, chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party’s 6th congressional district, said he’s running for the district’s seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Mark Walker. A Republican, Walker didn’t seek reelection after redrawing of the district favored Democrats. Rita Lewandowski announced that Oak Ridge Community Center, which ran the Oak Ridge Horse Show from its start
...continued on p. 35
“None of us are grant writing experts,” Pittman countered. “If I’m not an expert, I want to rely on experts. Even if it’s not guaranteed, it does increase my success rate.”
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Municipal water system assistance
5 0 The council voted 5-0 to hire engineering firm Freese and Nichols to assist town staff in developing a request for proposals for a contractor to operate a proposed municipal water system. The town will pay the firm no more than $8,130 for the assistance. The contractor will help the town evaluate whether to proceed with a water system that would initially serve new subdivisions with 30 or more lots. Users of existing private or community wells wouldn’t be required to tap into the municipal system. Video recording of meetings Kinneman presented three options
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Liviah Griffin, who turned 100 on Feb. 16, grew up in this farmhouse on Lemons Road in Rockingham County.
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Surrounded by friends, neighbors, church and family members, the longtime Stokesdale resident was honored with a surprise birthday party last week to celebrate her century of life by LILY PIERCE Liviah Lemons Griffin was born Feb. 16, 1920, and grew up living on a farm with her parents and eight siblings in Rockingham County. Her century of life was celebrated this past Saturday during a surprise birthday party given in her honor at Gideon Grove United Methodist Church in Stokesdale, where she has been a member for decades.
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As a child, Liviah visited Stokesdale every week thanks to a neighbor, who drove her sister and her to Gideon Grove UMC on Sundays.
During the week, she juggled attending school with being responsible for various chores, including milking the cow early each morning. On Saturdays, she and her sister thoroughly cleaned their two-story home. Liviah said they also did many other chores typically associated with living on a farm, like feeding pigs and helping get meals on the table (she learned to make homemade biscuits at an early age).
“People don’t know what they’re missing if they didn’t grow up on a farm,” she said. When prompted to share some of her favorite childhood memories of farm life, Liviah recalled the cat waiting nearby while she was milking the cow, and her shooting him a swallow of fresh milk every so often. Although most of the animals in the barnyard were appreciated by Liviah, not all of them were – especially the goose. Her dad “didn’t care nothin’” for the nuisance of the
creature, who chased him around and pinched him. Her sister, she said, kept a stick beside the front door to defend herself from the goose when she went outside. In 1950 Liviah moved closer to downtown Stokesdale and in the latter part of that decade, she got a job at Bi-Rite. Back then, Bi-Rite was located where Subway in downtown Stokesdale sits today, and Bi-Lo was another grocery store down the road. Recalling those days almost 70 years ago “feels like a dream,” Liviah said. She and her late husband actually owned the Bi-Rite for some years, she noted. They bought the store from Fletcher Powell, a name which may ring familiar to older Stokesdale residents. She still attends Gideon Grove UMC and participates in United Methodist Women (weather permitting). Regarding her decades of service to the church (and to the community), she modestly admitted she had at one time or another served on all the church’s committees, although she can’t remember the names of all of them anymore. “I was involved with most anything that went on,” she said, in her typically straight-forward, humble manner. Liviah said she is blessed with multiple children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In this chapter of her life she spends most days with her friend, Virginia, going out to eat and running errands – or just relaxing at home. When asked if there are things about the past she misses, or changes
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she did or didn’t welcome in Stokesdale or society in general, she said she “just goes with the flow” (maybe that is the key to long life!). Then after pausing, she did think of one thing she misses: the days when annual family reunions were common.
Regarding her secret to living long and well, she laughingly said, “Eat good and sleep well; that’s about all you can do. I love to eat.” Then she added, “Age is just a number. I don’t feel old!” Those who know how sharp, resilient and active Liviah still is don’t think of her as old, either.
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SUMMERFIELD town council
Feb. 11 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT Mayor BJ Barnes called the monthly meeting to order; Mayor Pro Tem Tim Sessoms and council members John O’Day, Lynne Williams DeVaney, Teresa Pegram and Reece Walker were present, along with the town clerk, manager, finance officer, planner and several citizens
Fire District ran 31 fire-related calls, 50 EMS-related calls and 39 other calls in January. Firefighters installed 19 child safety seats and seven smoke detectors.
Rev. Allen Holmes, Summerfield resident and pastor of Daystar Church in Greensboro, led the invocation. Boys Scouts of America Troop 465, an all-girls troop in Oak Ridge, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Daniels said the fire department is seeking sponsors for its fifth annual Stop, Drop and Roll 5K walk/run on April 4. Proceeds will be divided between the Summerfield Fire Fighters Charitable Corp. and the North Carolina Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Those wanting to participate can register online at jonesracingcompany.com.
CONSENT AGENDA 4 1 (Pegram opposed) to
The department is also planning its annual Easter egg hunt at Summerfield Farms April 5.
approve the consent agenda, which consisted of approving the meeting agenda and Jan. 14 council meeting minutes. It also included the council’s resolution asking the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to end state maintenance of a short dead-end road that had been part of Brookbank Road before Brookbank was relocated during construction of the I-73 interchange at N.C. 150.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Fire District. Assistant Chief Jenna Daniels reported the Summerfield
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4 1: Approve (Pegram opposed) the consent agenda 4 1: Approve (Pegram opposed) hiring of WithersRavenel to prepare a master plan for parks, recreation and open space
5 0: Reappoint Scott Henson and Jeff Davis to the Zoning Board 5 0: Amend the town’s budget planning calendar Doggett said the committee plans to discuss common goals with those in Oak Ridge who are working on developing trails in their town. As an example, Summerfield and Oak Ridge share a common interest in North Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which runs through both towns.
Founders’ Day. Town Manager Scott Whitaker said organizers of the annual Founders’ Day, which will be held May 15-16, have tentative plans to add a new activity: ax throwing. The event would occur “inside a cage,” he noted.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
At the invitation of the town council, one Summerfield business owner has the opportunity to talk about their business at the monthly council meeting.
Historical. Chair Gary Brown reported the wall holding the Bugle Boy plaque on N.C. 150 needs repair and a contractor is proposing options to fix it. Trails and Open Space. Chair Jane
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Mayor Pro Tem Tim Sessoms and council members John O’Day, Lynne Williams DeVaney, Teresa Pegram and Reece Walker voted on the following issues during the Feb. 11 meeting. Mayor BJ Barnes presided over the meeting, but in Summerfield the mayor votes only to break a tie.
Sheriff’s Office. Sgt. John Marshall reported Guilford County Sheriff’s District 1 office responded to 135 calls for service in Summerfield in January. The incidents included burglar alarms going off, theft of a car and a larceny from the Food Lion on U.S. 220.
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WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted:
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BUSINESS PROFILE
Dr. Rod Brown, owner of Summerfield Family Chiropractic, said his practice opened in a storefront in Summerfield Square in February 2000 after his patients who lived in Summerfield urged him to relocate his practice from Greensboro. Summerfield Family Chiropractic is celebrating its 20th year in Summerfield and now operates from a medical building Brown owns at Summerfield and Auburn roads. Councilman John O’Day thanked Brown for volunteering and donating to community activities in Summerfield, where he and his family live.
PUBLIC COMMENTS Dwayne Crawford presented a tally of incident reports from the North Carolina fire marshal showing the fire district responded to 16 structure fires in 2018. Of those, three occurred inside town limits. None required water to extinguish the fires, said Crawford, citing the reports. He addressed the same topic during the council’s meeting in January, arguing that the town shouldn’t spend money to install water tanks for the purpose of aiding firefighters. Earlier this month, the council instructed Whitaker to evaluate options for installing tanks. Former Summerfield resident Cyndy Haywood said she is running for the Guilford County Board of Commissioners and seeking the District 5 seat held by Jeff Phillips, who is not seeking reelection. She said she has Phillips’ endorsement. Bob Jones, president of the Henson Farms homeowners association, said residents want assurances that the developer of Revolution Academy charter school on N.C. 150 won’t build a turnaround for trucks and emergency vehicles that would eliminate trees and buffers abutting houses on Snow Hill Drive. Vehicles could turn around elsewhere on the campus, he said.
TOWN COUNCIL MEMBERS
amendment corrects the date of a Finance Committee meeting from April 23 to April 20. Signs update
BJ Barnes
mayor
John O’Day
Reece Walker
Teresa Pegram
Tim Sessoms
Whitaker said historic district signs should be installed in a week or two. Town staff is continuing to work on plans to erect two Welcome to Summerfield signs later this year.
mayor pro tem
Email distribution
Lynne W. DeVaney
Jones said residents want to schedule a meeting with Freese and Nichols, the town’s engineering firm, to explain their concerns about the possibility that rain water runoff from the school’s campus could overflow Henson Lake, causing damage to property owners downstream.
Based upon concerns by Henson Farms residents, Sessoms recommended that engineers from Freese and Nichols and NCDOT attend the council’s meeting March 10 to explain their review and plans for the project. Whitaker was asked to request an appearance by the engineers.
Jones reiterated concerns that traffic to the school, scheduled to open next fall, may lead to congestion on N.C. 150. Henson Farms representatives have scheduled a meeting with Revolution Academy organizers in March, which is “a big step forward in becoming good neighbors,” he said.
BUSINESS FROM MANAGER
Henson Farms resident and civil engineer Richard Ringler criticized the Zoning Board’s approval of Revolution Academy’s site plan last month. He said technical documents in the plan lacked review by an engineer, limiting the board’s ability to make “an informed decision” when it voted 4-1 to approve the plan. Whitaker said Summerfield has worked with Guilford County, which is responsible for review of water, sewer and storm water plans, and NCDOT, which is responsible for road improvements.
Whitaker said he talked to information technology staff for the city of Greensboro to understand how they distribute city-related emails to the public, as part of Summerfield’s efforts to improve the efficiency of releasing
NEXT MEETING Tuesday, March 10 • 6:30pm Summerfield Community Center
CONTACT YOUR TOWN (336) 643-8355 clerk@summerfieldnc.gov www.summerfieldnc.gov
town-related emails. Following comments by council members, the meeting was adjourned at 7:44 p.m.
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Master parks plan contract
4 1 (Pegram opposed) to hire
WithersRavenel to prepare a master plan for further developing the town’s parks and recreational facilities and open space, at a cost not to exceed $38,500. The firm was the lowest bidder among four contractors who submitted proposals. (See related article in our Feb. 13-19 issue.) Zoning Board reappointments
5 0 to approve the reappoint-
ment of Scott Henson and Jeff Davis to the Zoning Board, with Davis’ reappointment contingent upon his interest in serving again. Budget calendar correction
5 0 to amend the calendar for preparation of the town’s budget for the fiscal year starting July 1. The
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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
FEB. 20 - 26, 2020
11
HAPPYTAIL
Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO
Happytail Puppies, a high-volume retailer of designer puppies, can house up to 300 dogs at its location on N.C. 150 in Oak Ridge, according to state inspection reports.
...continued from p. 1 Happytail Puppies, which is licensed as a pet store, faces five possible outcomes of the investigation, Overton said. It could be found not to be in violation of its license. Or if the operation were found to be in violation, the state could issue a warning notice, levy a civil penalty, suspend its license or revoke it. In the event of a violation, Happytail would be required to correct problems to continue or resume operating, Overton said. A state inspection determines whether operators are in compliance with a checklist of more than 100 requirements. Among them, it requires veterinarian care, including the daily inspection of animals. Staff is required to remove waste and debris daily and provide adequate heating, cooling and ventilation and a continuous supply of fresh water and feeding at least once a day. Regulations require the isolation of animals being treated or observed for communicable diseases. When caged together, animals must have room to move around freely. State regulators weren’t aware that Happytail was operating a training facility in a house at the corner of Alcorn Road and N.C. 68 until the Agriculture Department received a complaint about its operation, Overton said.
Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO
Happytail Puppies is using this property it purchased at the corner of Alcorn Road and N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge as a puppy training facility. The agency referred the complaint to Guilford County Animal Control. Happytail is in the process of obtaining a county license to train dogs there, according to Gabby Anderson, who said she took over as Happytail’s director of training in January; she noted she replaced two trainers who left the retailer the month before. Neither Mackovic nor Jorge Ortega, director of Guilford County Animal Services, returned telephone voicemails earlier this week seeking comment. Happytail bought the Alcorn Road property from Crossgate Wesleyan Church in July 2018, according to the deed. Town Planner Sean Taylor confirmed the property is zoned agricultural, a classification that allows the operation of a kennel, but the company hasn’t submitted a site plan for constructing a kennel on the property. In an interview last week, Jay Carv-
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In December when he looked through the doorway into the area where the dogs were crated, Carver said he was “blown away by the filthy cages” soiled by feces and urine. “It was a pretty horrible situation,” he said. Though she wouldn’t give a tour of the facility, Anderson said in an interview earlier this week that the area where the puppies live is clean and the puppies are well fed, watered and sleep to music. Anderson said she houses no more than 10 puppies at a time, as part of training that Happytail Puppies sells at extra cost to buyers of its dogs. Two weeks of training costs $1,495 while an eight-week class runs $5,995, according to Happytail’s website.
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THE GAZEBO
er, who lives next door to the training facility, said he occasionally retrieved small dogs running on his property and returned them to the trainers.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
The puppies go outside twice a day for exercise and for lessons in sitting, staying and lying down, Anderson said, adding they also receive leash training during walks at Oak Ridge Town Park.
“I want them to be good citizens,” she said. Editor’s note: We regret any confusion between Happytail Puppies on N.C. 150 in Oak Ridge, which is a high-volume puppy retailer, and Happy Tails Veterinarian Emergency Clinic on Battleground Avenue in Greensboro. The two businesses are not connected, and our articles in this week’s issue and in last week’s issue have been solely focused on Happytail Puppies in Oak Ridge.
we value your input Following the article published in last week’s Northwest Observer, we received feedback from five more readers who wrote that they purchased puppies from Happytail Puppies in Oak Ridge. Three shared experiences similar to those we reported on last week, while two said their experiences with “adopting” puppies from Happytail were very positive and their dogs are thriving. If you have an experience with Happytail Puppies or another local breeder to share – whether positive or negative – please email editor@nwobserver.com.
22
Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO
The town of Stokesdale is bracing for growth, with almost 500 lots approved for new houses that are already underway, or will be within the next few years. Shown in photo are homes under construction in Northwest Meadows on Eversfield Road.
Houses going up ‘almost everywhere’ in Stokesdale
14 Historic House Too Far Gone to Save
With its collapsing roof and rotten floors, the McMichael log house at Scalesville and Lake Brandt roads in Summerfield has fallen into such disrepair that it’s not worth salvaging, town planner says.
16 Center Grove Grill Two sisters’ longtime dream is fulfilled in this local restaurant, where customers of all ages enjoy homestyle cooking and friendly service.
Summerfield’s historic McMichael log house beyond repair Photos by Chris Burritt/NWO
The historic McMichael log house is in such poor repair that it’s not worth saving, according to Summerfield officials. Modern additions, such as electrical meters, have additionally diminished its value.
by CHRIS BURRITT
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SUMMERFIELD – The McMichael log Demolishing the buildings will house, a remnant of Summerfield’s prevent possible injuries to people exrural past that adjoins the Farm at Lake ploring the house and barns, York told Brandt subdivision, is too far gone to 8004 Linville Road, Suite E-3, Oak Ridge the town’s Zoning Board last month. salvage. The overgrown property abuts a street With its collapsing roof and rotten where houses are under construction floors, the structure at barbourwilliams.com Scalesville and as part of the second phase of the Lake Brandt roads has fallen into such subdivision. disrepair that it’s not worth salvaging, Doors and windows are broken, according to Town Planner Chris York. giving access to rooms where floors It’s eventually going to be torn down, are sagging and rotting. The kitchen is he said. gutted; other rooms are empty except The house and adjacent farm for old lumber and debris. Back-to-back buildings fell under the care of the fireplaces are built of large stones, and Farm at Lake Brandt homeowners asa narrow stairway leads upstairs. sociation when Greensboro developer “Twenty years ago, something Buddy Lyons, of LeoTerra Developcould have been done to maintain the ment Inc., started the neighborhood of custom-built houses selling for more structure,” York told the board. “But at this point, it would be cost-prohibitive than $500,000. The Town Council Tracy Williams, attorney to do anything.” rezoned the property for residential
(336) 643-4623
development in 2015. LeoTerra is under no legal obliga-
14
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
tion to salvage the structure, according to York.
Modern changes, such as the pour-
...continued on p. 33
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by ANNETTE JOYCE Even as youngsters, sisters Lorie Pope and Rhonda Pegram thoroughly enjoyed one another’s company. As they matured into adults, they grew even closer, and going into business together just felt like the natural thing to do. Their close connection and love of cooking is at the foundation of Center Grove Grill and Soda Shop, a popular Summerfield restaurant which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. Although the two sisters ran a small cleaning business for several years, operating a restaurant had long been a dream they shared. “We love to cook and come from a cooking family,” Pegram said. “Our parents and grandparents were all ‘cooking people.’” One day in May 2005, the two noticed a building under construction at the corner of Lake Brandt Road and N.C. 150 in Summerfield. Within hours,
Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO
A popular Summerfield eatery, Center Grove Grill and Soda Shop is at the corner of Lake Brandt Road and N.C. 150.
they reached out to the owners of the building and it wasn’t long before they were acting on their dream of creating a family-friendly, fresh food grill and soda shop. Stepping inside Center Grove is like going back in time. The walls are decorated with old-timey photos and posters of Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean and other cultural icons from the ‘50s and ‘60s. There’s
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also a colorful, life-size statue of cartoon character Betty Boop in a corner. Since there wasn’t room for a full-size jukebox, the sisters placed a small replica on a shelf by the front door.
“It was always Lorie’s dream to have a ’50s-style diner and soda shop, and that’s what we’ve created,” Pegram said. While the décor is fun and elicits lots of comments, the food is the big attraction at this cozy and neighborly grill. It’s not just typical grill food, though. Sure, there are hamburgers, hot dogs and fries, but the “cookedfrom-scratch” dishes are what draw in the regulars and make repeat customers out of newcomers. The menu includes anytime items such as pork bar-b-que and grilled pimento cheese sandwiches, a variety of salads, and sides such as bacon cheese fries and homemade chips. Weekly dinner plates feature a unique
item each day, such as homemade chicken pie on Tuesdays and meatloaf on Wednesdays. The plates come with a choice of two sides, including a varying selection of fresh vegetables such as pinto beans, collards, potato salad and fried okra. The two sisters insist on their food being fresh and homemade.
“We have (a collection of) secret family recipes,” Pope said. “Our mom handed them down to us and we treasure them.” Pimento cheese, pasta salad, chicken salad and egg salad are freshly made onsite, and their mother’s recipes for chili and slaw add a special delight to a plain hot dog or sandwich. Even the ranch dressing is whipped up from scratch. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s a delicious selection of Hershey’s ice cream and other delectable ice cream concoctions – after all,
Photos by Annette Joyce/NWO
Sisters Rhonda Pegram (left) and Lorie Pope own and operate Center Grove Grill and Soda Shop at the corner of N.C. 150 and Lake Brandt Road in Summerfield. Shown at right, the interior of Center Grove Grill and Soda Shop is reminiscent of a ’50s diner and soda shop.
you can’t have a soda shop without banana splits, sundaes, milk shakes, Cheerwine and root beer floats! While the sisters are at the helm of the operation – Pegram oversees the morning and early afternoon shifts and Pope comes in to oversee the mid-afternoon and evening shifts – there are also several other family members helping the restaurant to run smoothly. Along with supplying the recipes, their mom, Gloria Chrisman, helps with bookkeeping and still makes the pasta salad. When pintos are on the menu, treet, Oaktheir dad, Billy Chrisman, shows up to cook the beans. He’s also always availrivate lotable to handle any needed repairs. Pegram’s husband, Danny, works
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at the grill and Pope’s husband, Larry, comes by in the evenings to mop the floors and take out the trash. “He works for his dinner,” Pope kidded. There are also some in-laws and even ex-in-laws who keep the food and friendly service coming, and a nephew and nieces who have worked at the restaurant while in school. And if you’re not family, it doesn’t matter. “Everybody who works here feels like family,” Pope said. That feeling also extends to the restaurant’s customers. During lunch, the place is packed with builders, Real-
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stop by. Families, couples and groups of friends tend to come out more in the evenings.
...continued on p. 33
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Smith Marketing In its 19 years of existence, Smith Marketing has earned numerous awards and recognitions in the real estate industry – including the ‘Large Team Award’ for the Carolinas On one side of Smith Marketing’s Summerfield office rests a stand of trees where deer graze in the quiet of the early morning. On the other side, the rumble of traffic on Interstate 73 breaks the silence. Both sounds are music to the ears of Betty Smith and her two sons, Jason and Jeff, who have settled into what was once a luxury home near the N.C. 150 and I-73 interchange in Summerfield. They love the bucolic setting for meetings with homebuyers and builders, and also appreciate the easy access to their listings in Summerfield, Oak Ridge, Stokesdale, Greensboro and High Point. “We’re in Summerfield, but close to Oak Ridge,” noted Jason, who like his brother is a vice president of Smith Marketing. “Being so close to I-73, we can be in Stokesdale and downtown Greensboro in less than 15 minutes.” As a result of the shortened drive between N.C. 68, south of Oak Ridge, to U.S. 220 between Summerfield and Stokesdale, residential development is poised to move northward, said Betty, the company’s president. “It’s just logical that growth will move into Rockingham County,” she said. “Our new office puts us more in the middle of the Triad. It is a great place for expansion and to reach out to a lot of other areas.”
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Betty and Jason formed Smith Marketing 19 years ago; Jeff came on board in 2005 and four years later, the familyowned business teamed up with Allen Tate. Betty and Jeff worked for several years from Allen Tate’s office on Green Valley Road in Greensboro while Jason and Tonya Gilbert operated from Allen
Tate’s office at Oak Ridge Commons. With a growing staff (currently over 25 Realtors and administrators), the Smiths decided to merge their two offices and move to a central location. The beige-brick house the company now occupies off Deboe Road in Summerfield was remodeled to accommodate offices for the Smiths and other Realtors. A conference room with a custom-made plank table overlooks two terraces, the upper with a fireplace and the lower with a pool and outdoor kitchen. “This is not a typical real estate office,” said Jason, showing off the spacious, airy kitchen with a Thermador cooktop and Sub-Zero refrigerator. “We’ve set it up to be welcoming. We’re able to prepare meals here and entertain. We want our builders to come here to meet clients.” For almost two decades, Smith Marketing has developed and maintained relationships with the area’s premier home builders – a fact that sets this real estate group apart from the rest of the pack. Ray Bullins, owner of Ray Bullins Construction, has been a long-time client. “Smith Marketing gives me access to prime building lots, a great support system and excellent assistance in negotiating and closing the deal,” Ray said. “Jason has the ability to handle multiple builder egos without making anyone feel slighted,” he added. “It’s definitely a key to his success.” “It has been a pleasure to work with Jason and his marketing team at Allen Tate-Smith Marketing,” said Patti Disney, who owns Disney Construction
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Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO
Smith Marketing enjoys operating in a unique, bucolic office setting in Summerfield that’s convenient to I-73 and N.C. 68.
Photo courtesy of Smith Marketing
The Smith Marketing team is led by Betty Smith, president (center), and her sons Jason (left) and Jeff, who serve as the company’s vice presidents.
Company along with her husband, Francis. “Together we have worked on many neighborhoods throughout Guilford County.” In partnership with its builders, Smith Marketing has been responsible for establishing some of the area’s most prestigious neighborhoods, including Lake Jeanette in northwest Greensboro, Riverside and Knight’s Landing in Oak Ridge, North Ridge and Dawn Acres in Stokesdale and The Farm and Lennox Woods in Summerfield.
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Houses going up by CHRIS BURRITT & PATTI STOKES
that, on average, they can spend less for houses in Stokesdale but still send their children to desirable STOKESDALE – Mayor John northwest Guilford public schools. Flynt scans a sheet of paper “Stokesdale is on an upshowing subdivisions for which ward track,” said Philip Stone, a Stokesdale Town Council has Realtor who owns A New Dawn approved almost 500 houses. Realty in Stokesdale with his He predicts developers will seek mother, Dawn Stone. “It is still approval for two or three new more rural than Oak Ridge and subdivisions in coming months. Summerfield, but people are will“Springtime is going to be ing to go a little farther out for busy,” he said, ticking off Northmore affordable housing.” west Meadows, Treeline Trails Last week, the council and a half dozen other subdivirezoned 17.3 acres at N.C. 65 sions in some stage of planning (Belews Creek Road) and Coldor construction. water Road from agricultural to “You look around Stokesdale RS-30 (residential, with a miniand you see houses going up Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO mum lot size of 30,000 square almost everywhere,” the mayor feet) for a new subdivision. Most said in an interview at Stokesdale Construction is brisk in Stokesdale neighborhoods such as Old Moores Mill on Eversfield Road, residential lots in Stokesdale are where home prices in the $300,000s are attracting buyers. Almost 500 lots are approved for resiTown Hall earlier this month. classified as RS-30, allowing dential construction in Stokesdale, with several houses already underway. Land for residential develophigher density than in Oak Ridge developers and home builders seeking of the county are in relatively short ment is more plentiful and generally and Summerfield, Mayor Flynt noted. to provide more affordable housing in supply, according to local Realtors. less expensive in Stokesdale than in The allowance of higher density northwest Guilford County. New housits neighboring communities of Oak has attracted so-called “tract buildThe real estate agents said an ines selling in the $300,000s in this part Ridge and Summerfield, drawing ...continued on p. 24 creasing number of homebuyers realize
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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
HOUSES GOING UP ...continued from p. 22 ers” to Stokesdale who generally offer buyers lower prices and an assortment of floor plans. In the Old Moores Mill subdivision on Eversfield Road, Windsor Homes offers nine floor plans with base prices ranging from $297,900 to $339,900, according to its website. Nearby, Keystone Homes is developing Northwest Meadows, with houses starting at $332,990. Both developers highlight that their neighborhoods are in northwest Guilford school districts. Active listings in the three northwest Guilford towns bear out that Stokesdale is no longer playing catchup in terms of housing activity. As of this past Tuesday, Feb. 18, 22 houses built since 2018 were for sale in Stokesdale, compared to 22 houses in Summerfield and 14 in Oak Ridge, according to Multiple Listing Service data compiled by Stone. The average listing price among those houses was lower in Stokesdale – $460,527 compared to $501,727 in Oak Ridge and $582,595 in Summerfield. On average, houses cost roughly $100,000 less in Stokesdale than in Oak Ridge and Summerfield. “You have more houses in Stokesdale starting out in the $300s than in Summerfield and Oak Ridge,” confirmed Betty Smith, president of Smith Marketing/Allen Tate. The Summerfield-based real estate company has listings in two Stokesdale subdivisions, Shiloh and Belews Ridge. In Oak Ridge and Summerfield, the average sales price for houses rose 3.5 percent to $397,836 in the quarter, compared to $384,244 a year earlier. The average sales price in Stokesdale was $295,386 in the fourth quarter, up 9.2 percent from the same period in 2018, according to the Greensboro Regional Realtors Asso-
ciation (GRRA.) Stokesdale is the only town in northwest Guilford County to have its own municipal water system, which was initiated after the town received a $3 million grant from the State Department of Environment and Natural Resources in 2000 to address contamination issues. Plans for the water system were approved in 2002 and the initial system was up and running the following year. Until late 2018 the town’s water system expanded only at a developer’s expense, when a subdivision was built within certain feet of a main water line. In November 2018, the Stokesdale Town Council took an unprecedented step when it voted 3-2 to spend up to $66,000 out of its water enterprise account to complete an almost 1,100foot gap in the Town’s waterline on Lester Road. Mayor John Flynt explained at the time that engineering firms hired by the town had recommended completing gaps in the water system to increase water quality and better control chlorine levels. In the year and three months since then, more subdivisions have been approved and the town’s water system has subsequently grown in response. At the most recent town council meeting on Feb. 13, the council voted to adopt standard water line and water system procedures in order to grow the system in a uniform manner and better prepare for water customers on the horizon.
“You figure we’re going to be doubling the number of customers in the next three or four years – that’s why we’re looking to see what are the proactive things we can do,” Flynt said.
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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.
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Feb. 12 | A 46-year-old male in the 8500 block of Benbow-Merrill Road in Oak Ridge (near Stafford Mill Road) reported a known suspect punched him in the head with both fists and kicked him in his sternum on Feb. 10; however, no injuries were reported.
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ASSAULT
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Feb. 15 | A Papa John’s delivery person in the 7600 block of Brisbane Drive in Summerfield (off Oak Ridge Road) reported an unknown suspect robbed him of his wallet (which contained $60 cash, his driver’s license and some personal items) at about 8:20 p.m. while using a baseball bat to intimidate him.
THEFT Feb. 12 | An employee of Stokesdale Heating & Air reported an unknown suspect cut the locks on two company trucks and stole over $7,000 worth of items between Feb. 11 at 4 p.m. and Feb. 12 at 9 a.m.; the stolen items include several black/yellow DeWalt tools, including three drills, two hammer drills, two impact drills, an angle drill, a
SKILSAW, two Sawzalls, two oscillating cutters, a flashlight and 20 20-V batteries, two black/yellow DeWalt tool bags, two silver master locks, a red/silver Victor hand torch, two silver acetylene tanks and four copper line sets. Feb. 13 | A digital scale on Feb. 10 was reported stolen in the 5200 block of Northwest School Road; the item was later recovered. Feb. 14 | The owner of Brad’s Bobcat and Hauling Services in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect broke into the side door of his business and stole $1,590 worth of items between Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. and Feb. 14 at 12:30 p.m. The stolen items included two black/ yellow DeWalt power tool sets, a black 40-inch Vizio TV, blue/orange Strapman ratchet straps and a black radio.
WEAPONS Feb. 14 | A 29-year-old male was arrested in the 7200 block of Summerfield Road for purchase/possession of a firearm by a person subject to domestic violence, domestic violence trespassing and a domestic violence act.
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 www.guilfordcountync.gov/ our-county/sheriff-s-office
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calendar
THURSDAY, FEB. 20 Horses of Oak Ridge | Horses of Oak Ridge, a
non-profit whose members are horse enthusiasts, 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 that helps people who are sight or hearingimpaired, will meet Feb. 20, starting at 6:30 p.m. For meeting location, contact Danny Yanusz, (336) 643-6424 or danny.yanusz@gmail.com.
SATURDAY, FEB. 22 Alzheimer’s Expo | The Western Carolina chapter
of the Alzheimer’s Association will host an infor-
mational gathering Feb. 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Greensboro campus of GTCC, 3505 E. Wendover Ave. Attendees will learn about two signature fundraising events, 2020 Walk to End Alzheimer’s and The Longest Day Expo, and also hear from top team captains, get equipped with valuable resources and more. Light refreshments will be served. The event is free of charge, but RSVPs are encouraged. More info: (336) 814-3722 or infonc@alz.org.
MONDAY, FEB. 24 Historic Grants | Oak Ridge Historic Preserva-
tion Commission will hold a special called meeting Feb. 24, 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall on Linville Road. The purpose of the meeting is to provide information to property owners in the town’s historic district regarding the historic heritage grants that will be awarded later this year.
TUESDAY, FEB. 25 Fat Tuesday | The United Methodist Women of
Gideon Grove United Methodist Church will host a free meal with pancakes, sausage and bacon Feb. 25, 5 to 7 p.m. at 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road in Stokesdale. A time of prayer for the community begins at 6 p.m. More info: Laura Harrell, (336) 643-6042.
OLD SCHOOL
HOME REPAIR /IMPROVEMENTS “No Job Too Small”
Submit your events online at Click “community calendar” on the left-hand side Deadline for inclusion in each week’s issue is
9 a.m. on Mondays MS Be Strong | This self-help group invites
those living with multiple sclerosis, along with their family, friends and caretakers, to their next meeting Feb. 25, 6:15 to 8 p.m. in the parlor at Main Street United Methodist Church, 306 S. Main St. in Kernersville. The group helps those with multiple sclerosis live their best lives by sharing information and experiences. More info: triad.ms.newlydiagnosed@gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 26 Historical Preservation | Preservation Oak
Ridge, a non-profit organization working to restore and maintain historical structures in the town, will meet Feb. 26, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. More info: Doug Nodine, (336) 209-1999.
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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
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
Northern Guilford girls varsity basketball coach Kim Furlough huddles with her team during the second half of their 51-37 win over Western Alamance on Valentine’s Day; the win marked Furlough’s 300th career win as a head coach; Furlough and her team scored another win this past Monday, defeating Morehead 65-21.
Northern girls basketball coach, team capture sweet victory Head coach Kim Furlough earned her 300th win on Valentine’s Day by MEREDITH BARKLEY Northern Guilford’s girls basketball team won a share of its sixth conference regular season title last Friday – Valentine’s Day and senior night – knocking off rival Western Alamance 51-37 in the Nighthawks’ final regular season game. For coach Kim Furlough, it was another game and another win. But for those in the Northern community who follow such things, it was an important
milestone in a career full of them. It was Furlough’s 300th career win as a head coach. Furlough downplayed its significance in the afterglow of her team’s win. “Honestly, it was all about winning the conference title,” she said. “We just had a lot riding on this game and that’s where our focus was.” Said assistant Josh Evans: “We’re going to celebrate tonight. But her focus was on the team winning the championship and the seniors getting the respect they’re due.” Furlough, who has been the Nighthawks’ girls basketball coach since the school opened in 2007, now has an
overall win/loss record of 301-99. She coached at Southeast Guilford for a year before coming to Northern, where she is 286-87, including two state titles. Jayla Harris, a senior on the team, called it “a great feeling” to know she was part of the team that handed Furlough her 300th win. “I know how hard she works for it
and how much dedication she puts into it,” Harris said. “She’s everything to us. We play for her,” freshman Jadyn Newsome said.
Northern boys basketball team wins conference title; Northwest girls, boys tie for title by MEREDITH BARKLEY Northern Guilford’s boys finished the regular season 12-2 in the Mid State Athletic 2A/3A Conference, winning the conference title ahead of Western Alamance and Morehead, both of which were 10-4 in the conference. The Nighthawks pummeled Rockingham County 90-32 Monday in the first round of the conference tournament and were scheduled to face Person High School of Roxboro Wednesday evening in the second round.
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At Northwest Guilford, both the boys and girls finished the season with a share of the Metro 4A Conference title. The Viking boys lost the final regular season game to Grimsley 75-60 Saturday night, after Northwest’s Christian Hampton shattered the backboard in the previous evening’s game against Grimsley while attempting a dunk; that game was suspended at halftime and resumed the following evening at Dudley High School. With the defeat, the Vikings dropped into a tie with the Whirlies atop
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
the conference at 7-1 each. The Viking boys won the conference tournament semifinal matchup 81-60 against Ragsdale on Feb. 18, improving to 21-4 for the season and advancing to this Friday’s championship game. After falling to Ragsdale 45-38 on Feb. 7, the Viking girls also dropped into a tie for the conference title, with both schools having 7-1 conference records. Northwest’s girls defeated Page 63-14 in the conference tournament semi-finals Feb. 18 to advance to this Friday’s championship game.
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Seven Northern, six Northwest wrestlers headed to state tournament Courtesy photo
Northern Guilford state wrestling qualifiers and their coaches are (L-R) Coach Billy Gonyer, Garrett Benfield, Owen Elwonger, Max Benfield, Coach Matthew Benfield, Heath Gonyer, Jacob Barlow, Chase Crews, Kory Paschal and Coach Justin Harty.
by MEREDITH BARKLEY Northern Guilford wrestlers won the 3A Midwest Regionals over the weekend for the first time and the school is sending a record seven wrestlers to the state tournament this weekend. Northwest Guilford is sending six wrestlers to the states as well. “Wow, what a great year for Nighthawk wrestling,” Coach Justin Harty, whose team won its first state title Feb. 8, wrote in an email. Qualifying for the state tournament
from Northern were Kory Paschal at 106 pounds, Garrett Benfield at 126, Max Benfield at 132, Heath Gonyer at 138, Chase Crews at 160, Owen Elwonger at 170 and Jake Barlow at 220. Gonyer and Barlow both won their weight classes and were regional champions. Qualifiers from Northwest were William Gibson at 106, James Joplin at 120, Riley Edwards at 126, Lake Price at 132, Ethan King at 145 and Marcus Harnarain at 285. Joplin and Edwards won their weight classes and were regional champions.
youth / school NEWS
For his Eagle project, Hoffman, a member of Troop 139, designed and led the construction of a Ga-ga ball pit at Summerfield Charter Academy. Ga-ga ball is dubbed as a “kinder,
Worship Service
February 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday Service Times 8:15 am & 11:15 am
Worship services (Sanctuary)
Hoffman earns Eagle Thomas Hoffman, 17, son of Dale and Angela Hoffman of Stokesdale, recently earned his Eagle Scout award, which was marked by a celebration at Oak Ridge United Methodist Church. The Eagle rank is the highest rank in Scouting and typically takes many years to earn.
Ash Wednesday 9:00 am
Crosswalk Contemporary Service (Family Life Center)
10:00 am
gentler version of dodge ball” and is played in a 3-foot-tall enclosure.
Discipleship classes for all ages 2:30 pm | First Wednesday each month Precious Memories Worship Service
“Word has it that the SCA kids Thomas Hoffman use it every day!” Photo courtesy of Angela Hoffman Angela Hoffman wrote in an email to the Northwest Observer.
...more Youth Sync on p. 33
2424 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge oakridgeumc.org • 336-643-4690
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Student Profiles brought to you by
Chris Jessup and Olmsted Orthodontics
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olmstedorthodontics.com who as the orchestra’s concert master is among its student leaders.
STUDENT PROFILES Thanks to the coaches and teachers at Northern and Northwest High Schools for their student recommendations and input, which make it possible to recognize these talented, dedicated students for their accomplishments in academics, athletics and cultural arts.
NORTHERN GUILFORD Emma Fredericks, orchestra by MEREDITH BARKLEY Emma Fredericks likes what happens when the different instruments making up Northern Guilford’s orchestra merge into one harmonious unit. “It all meshes together so well,
and it’s just pretty,” said Fredericks, a senior and first chair violinist in the orchestra. Since she began playing violin seven years ago, Fredericks has been a member of a school orchestra – three years at Northern Middle School and throughout her four years of high school. She switched from playing piano when she was young because she thought violin sounded more classical and was versatile enough to lend itself to other types of music – like fiddling. “There are lots of things you can do” with the violin, said Fredericks,
“It’s definitely one of my favorite classes of the day,” she said of orchestra. “It’s a break from other classes, it’s fun and it’s something different.” But for Fredericks, orchestra is only one activity in her busy schedule. She’s also a three-sport athlete at Northern, running cross country in the fall, indoor track in the winter and outdoor track in the spring. She’s part of the 4x800yard relay team that she says usually medals in events. She also runs the mile, two-mile and 800-meter races. And she’s good at it. Last year she was No. 6 in the state in the two-mile and has committed to run at UNCCharlotte. Her best two-mile time: 11:17. “When I have time on weekends I also work at Sky Zone,” Fredericks said, referring to the Sky Zone Tram-
poline Park off New Garden Road. There she especially enjoys helping with kids’ birthday parties. She’s also drawn to kids with special needs and has spent part of recent summers volunteering at camps for special needs kids. She said her mother, who is a therapist, works with kids with special needs and she has an uncle with special needs. In fact, she said, her interest in that population may influence her field of study at UNC-Charlotte. She’s considering majoring in either math or bioinformatics, which draws on computers, math and other disciplines to probe biological information like genetics. “I’ve always loved math and I like biology,” she said. Bioinformatics, she added, would be a way of merging the two and examining disorders that special needs people struggle with.
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NORTHERN GUILFORD
Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too.
Ella Kirkman, art by MEREDITH BARKLEY Ella Kirkman has developed a mixed media painting style that uses water colors and pen dipped in ink to capture animals as they interact with what’s around them.
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The Northern Guilford art student is aiming, she explained, for “art I can keep for a long time, that’ll make me happy in the future.” Her goal: develop a style that stands out. Her style will be so unique, she hopes, that exhibition viewers will be able to pick hers out immediately from the dozens around it. She starts by brushing on water colors, then uses pen and ink to “sketch a loose drawing over top to put my details down.” The technique, she said, allows an artist to “be very loose and creative with how you control the painting.” The final product, she said, is art with “more aspect to it than other types of painting.” The objects of her painting are animals at her family’s home – mostly dogs, goats, cats and birds. “They’re all our babies,” Kirkman, a senior, said. “My concentration right now is the connection between animals and something else.” She, for example, painted a dog looking up at the painter as well as a dog looking at a bird on a garden hose holder. Kirkman, a National Honor Society member, has long enjoyed art and has been enrolled in art classes all four years at Northern. She hopes to continue studying art at UNC-Asheville next year, although she hasn’t decided on a major.
BASEBALL FEB 23
VISIT ORYA.ORG TO REGISTER Not surprisingly, art is her favorite class at Northern. She describes it as “the most free class. You get to do art that makes you happy.” Outside of school, Kirkman’s life is filled with family. “I have quite a large family,” she said. Her family has several acres along Lake Townsend where they raise a garden and some animals. She helps with chores. Kirkman has also taken up sewing. She recently stitched together a leather purse, leather wallet and a pair of pants. “When I want something I can make, I enjoy making it instead of going out and buying it,” she said. Her family routinely gets together Tuesday evenings for dinner. There are usually 10 or 11 gathered around the table, including her married brother and sister and their families. “I always bake the dessert,” she said. “My mom cooks the whole meal. It’s a lot of fun.” Kirkman also enjoys making sure her sister’s months-old daughter is “very, very spoiled.”
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LETTERS/OPINIONS
Include your name, daytime phone number and name of community. Letters from the same writer will be published no more than every 30 days.
For future growth, Robertson said, the system must be designed to serve not just one specific development, but the land adjoining it.
Regarding the letter from Christopher Rees in the Northwest Observer’s Feb. 13-19 issue, I would like to respond to several of his points. School may let out at 3 p.m., but many teachers I know are not relaxing at home at that hour. Oh, no! They are grading papers, preparing lessons, supervising extracurricular activities, and more. Speaking of which, if such activities occur in the evening, the teacher in charge cannot leave until each student has been picked up by a responsible person. I personally know one teacher who has driven a student home because his parents were both working and couldn’t come for him. That same teacher always had food in her desk – for her students, because they often came to school hungry, or needed an afternoon snack even after receiving a reduced-price lunch. Other teachers pay for supplies out of their pockets because their school’s budget doesn’t cover all of their classroom needs.
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Teachers of art, music, theater or other “non-essential” subjects have things even worse: They often have to travel from one school to another, and the students only see them once a week. These teachers have no job security – if those subjects are cut even further, they may only be working two or three days a week. Somehow I doubt any of these people will be “retiring in luxury.” In fact, they will probably be supplementing their savings by substitute teaching or getting other part-time jobs. Yvonne Truhon, WINSTON-SALEM The writer lives in Winston-Salem but is employed by PS Communications (publisher of the Northwest Observer) based in Oak Ridge.
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As for those “nine months a year,” all my teacher friends either teach summer school or chaperone school trips abroad. If they aren’t doing that, they are working other summer jobs to supplement their income.
Student P rofiles
continuatio
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STUDENT PROFILES
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158 compiled by MERED We just say ITH BARK Thanks to what nee LEY the ds to be student reco coaches and teachers said.” The twin mmendatio s see it as at Norther the players dedicated each oth n and Nor ns and inpu on the tea er, making a way of helping students for thwest Hig t, which mak m,” Josh h Schools each oth their accomp and making said. e it possible How emotio for their er bet ter lishments to recogniz the team nally clos in academ twins? e these tale personal. bet ter. Not NORTHE e are the ics, athletic nted, hing RN GUILF s and cult ural arts. ORD “Very,” Josh Josh and It’s a twin han dy thing, folk said. whe Jesse Auge s. r, soccer soccer teamn their Northern Guilfor Having live When the d together y see tea d goes up aga they know mmates mistakes all their live inst foes. making eac they’re not s, But it can anyone and h other bet ter tha nearly as Still, they n vocal. find ways – even disc also be a bit confusi have a kind of get ting communica oncerting ng points acr of unspok their – to teamm tion that oss. like when en not even teammate the twins ates, longtime “converse” s can boa “We’re pre field. For st. on the all the wor tty direct with other,” said “We’ve bee ld, it look they’re in each s like Jesse, who n a heated pla ying togeth long that back. “Bu plays cen dispute. But nothing of er so it’s a lot t we’ ter it’s the kind, easier for understand teammates. re not like that with say the twin are seniors us to where we ” s, who and team the ball and wan co-captain The twin how we wan t to direct s. “They’ll see The special s do share tain things t to do cerbond with us going bond tha a brotherly we have er,” said t Josh (lef at each oth Jesse Aug teammate to do to gam Josh, who e,” t) and er have as win s, Jesse said see themse however, the plays cen “They’ll thin twins can . and lves as inve ter mid. k it’s an arg come in developme sted in the Coach Aar that’s just ir nt. They on King said the way we ument. But are, after twins: “Th leaders. of the communica all, team ey always end up play te. next to eac ing h other on “We’ve gro work rea wn up with lly well tog the field. They a majority ether.” of And that’s a good thin g for the
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The No
olmsted orthodon tics.com
Early voting now through Feb. 29 GUILFORD COUNTY – Early voting in the March 3 primary is available daily at several polling places throughout Guilford Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO County from now Early voting in the March 3 until Feb. 29. In the primary is available daily at northwest area, early Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 voting sites are open Linville Road in Oak Ridge, at Oak Ridge Town and at various other polling Hall, 8315 Linville places throughout Guilford Road; Bur-Mil Club, County every day from now 5834 Bur-Mil Club through Saturday, Feb. 29. Rd., Greensboro, and Leonard Recreation Voters on March 3 must vote in their Center, 6324 Ballinger Rd., Greensboro. assigned precincts. Early voting hours at these sites are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. For a complete list of early voting to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22; 1 p.m. to sites, a sample ballot and other election 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23; and 8 a.m. to information, visit www.myguilford.com/ 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 29. elections.
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Robertson and Town Clerk Alisa Houk worked together over the last year to develop a 21-page “Standard Water Line Specifications” document. It spells out requirements for all developers connect-
ing to the town’s water system, as well as companies installing community well systems in areas not served by the system. The council voted unanimously to approve the recommended standardized specifications, which include requiring that all main water lines to subdivisions be run with 8-inch PVC pipes and fire hydrants be installed in all subdivisions of five or more homes, no more than 800 feet apart. Procedures and standards for pressure testing and erosion control are also included.
tics
Just 1/4 mi
Service
Folio line
start growing?’” With almost 500 new houses on the horizon, that time has come.
Editorial did not accurately depict teachers’ hours, workload, pay
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...continued from p. 2
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NEWS in brief
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McMICHAEL HOUSE
...continued from p. 14
CENTER GROVE GRILL ...continued from p. 17
“I just love all the people who come here, love our food and just like to talk with their neighbors,” Pegram said. Both women are grateful for the support they’ve received and in turn they enjoy giving back to the community in as many ways as they can. Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO
The historic McMichael log house and adjacent farm buildings at Scalesville and Lake Brandt roads are “too far gone” to salvage. .
ing of a concrete slab under the front porch and affixing an electrical panel and meter boxes on the exterior walls, have diminished the home’s historical significance, he said, adding the structure is in such poor condition that it would fall apart if moved. “There’s not a lot to restore,” Gary Brown, chair of the town’s Historical Committee, said in an interview earlier this week. He said he visited the house
YOUTH SYNC
Two upcoming events are on Center Grove’s calendar. On Wednesday, March 11, the grill will donate 10 per-
cent of its profits to Be the Match Foundation in honor of Pope’s son-inlaw, Aaron Plaster, a leukemia survivor. The eatery will also participate in the annual Dine Out event on Tuesday, May 5, when 10 percent of that day’s profits will go to the Greensboro Urban Ministry.
want to go? Center Grove Grill and Soda Shop, located at 998 N.C. 150 in Summerfield, is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.8 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Breakfast is served on Saturdays only, from 8 to 11 a.m.
several months ago with a LeoTerra representative and Si Rothrock, a historical restoration expert in Reidsville who determined that additions were made to the original structure.
“As a historical asset, the ship has sailed on saving it,” Town Manager Scott Whitaker told the board. “It is too far gone.”
...continued from p. 29
Oops, we missed one!
Northwest High School band director Brian McMath apologizes that one of his band students, Cameron Hawks, was mistakenly left off the student list he provided for an article we published in our Jan. 30-Feb. 5 issue. Along with that article, we featured photos of 30 NWHS band students who qualified Jan. 9 for the all district band; Cameron qualified for the regional jazz band, separate from the band his other classmates qualified for.
January following a live audition.
Northwest Guilford trombonist Cameron Hawks was selected for the Central District Regional Jazz Band in
Hawks, a junior, is scheduled for his All-State Jazz audition on March 7 at Central Davidson.
“He had to prepare an etude of music, a jazz solo and also improvise over a Cameron Hawks background track Courtesy photo for a set of judges,” Northwest’s band director Brian McMath wrote in an email.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
FEB. 20 - 26, 2020
33
a special customer. I bet many others would say the same!
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... The many neighbors who contributed food items to Scouting for Food recently – on doorsteps, at mailboxes and at local grocery stores. Thank you
so much for helping Scouts alleviate food insecurity in our area! Mary and Melody, who make Bojangles’ in Oak Ridge a great place to start my mornings. These two competent, customer-centered employees are always friendly and make me feel like
301 Crows Nest, BELEWS LANDING
P R ICE
Beautiful brick home in gated community offers gourmet kitchen featuring a professional-grade SS gas range w/ pot filler, extensive Craftsman cabinetry & granite countertops. Gleaming hardwood floors lead to a fireside den. Spacious great room has coffered ceilings. Generous master suite on main w/sitting area boasts bath finished in slate & stone. Cavernous basement has in-law suite w/full kitchen, BR/BA, LR & storm shelter. Theater room up. Generator & irrigation installed. $675,000
R EDU C
ED
MOTIVATED SELLER
Nicole E. Gillespie, SPS
REALTOR®/Broker
RE/MAX Realty Consultants 336.210.3895 cell
1.800.965.1893 efax
www. NicoleGillespieRealty.com
Stokesdale Elementary School’s Kids Care Club for handmaking the birdhouses from milk cartons, coffee cans, etc., that are proudly hung at Stokesdale Town Hall and Stokesdale Park. Happy Tails Emergency Vet (on Battleground Avenue in Greensboro). We have had a wonderful, caring and compassionate experience with this practice when our pet passed away there. Hope this is not the business mentioned in last week’s Northwest Observer.
Editor’s note: No, we were not referring to Happy Tails Emergency Vet on Battleground Avenue in Greensboro; rather, our article focused on Happytail Puppies, a high-volume puppy retailer on N.C. 150 in Oak Ridge. Northwest Observer. I thoroughly enjoy your free paper, and it helps me see what is happening around me. Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated – keep up the great work! Stokesdale Town Hall employees for displaying the beautiful bird feeders the children made. I know the amount of pride children feel when doing arts and crafts. I’m sure the birds will enjoy
SPORTS KEEP KIDS ACTIVE!
Sign up for spring sports! Featuring baseball, flag football, volleyball and soccer, there’s something for everyone. Register today at ymcagreensboro.org/SpringSports Spears YMCA: 3216 Horse Pen Creek Rd., Greensboro • 336.387.9622
34
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
them as much as we do. Oak Ridge Community Center for working hard to bring back the horse show and develop trails at the Whitaker property. I am glad to support this group and their community outreach programs! The gentleman in the older white SUV who didn’t hesitate to help me push my truck the last 10 feet to the gas pump at the BP (corner of 68 and Haw River Road) last Saturday. Very much appreciated. The Oak Ridge Room and Bistro 150 for making our twin daughters’ birthday party amazing. If you want great food, awesome service and an excellent venue, this is the place. Christopher Rees for his no-nonsense and spot-on assessment of the government’s monopoly on education. The lowering of academic standards in our government schools in order to accommodate the lack of initiative in some students is atrocious and an international embarrassment. Mueller’s and Drigger’s Septic Service (regarding last week’s gripe). In the last 20 years we’ve lived here, we have had experience with both businesses and they have responded promptly every time we called them, and did exactly what was promised.
NWO Editor Patti Stokes. You handled the letters/opinion grinner/ griper in last week’s issue superbly. While I’m very proud of our country’s “free speech,” there is a time, place and way things can and should be said in public.
GRIPES to... The griper in the Feb. 6-12 issue who owns firearms but not a “30+ round clip.” I can tell you mean to insinuate a magazine, but uneducated statements like this hurt the conversation around firearms and safety as a whole. The person who disliked the crafty birdhouses hung in front of Stokesdale Town Hall. They were made by children in The Kids Care Club at Stokesdale Elementary. Imagine how proud the children were to have their artwork displayed there. Horse enthusiasts raising funds for
a horse trail at our park. Just because you pay for it doesn’t make it a great addition. It’s too much liability on the town to add horses on such a small trail. The teenage driver of the Mazda who was texting while driving and leaving the lane. People who text and drive think it won’t happen to them, but statistics prove otherwise. These accidents and deaths are so preventable! Those who invest in a hobby that requires appropriate space to enjoy that hobby and expect the government to provide it. Would we be having the same discussion if ATV owners and not horse owners wanted trails in the park? People who wear ball caps in church. Show some class and respect. Would you wear a ball cap to a wedding? Or a funeral? The guy on Peppermill Road who rides the loud motorcycle and revs the engine, making it louder and louder.
Winter, spring, summer or fall, we’ll help you
TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 7
in 1946 until the last show was held in 2012, has new leadership. Patti Paslaru is the new president while Lewandowski is vice president. Marsha McKinney is treasurer and Lewandowski’s mother, who is also named Rita, is historian. Sebastian King, a Northwest Guilford High School graduate, said he is running for the North Carolina Senate District 27 seat held by Democrat Michael Garrett. King is a Republican. Jerry Cooke, a former council member and developer of the Oak Ridge Commons shopping center, criticized the council’s plans for a municipal water system.
COMMUNITY UPDATES Special Events Committee. Patti Dmuchowski said the committee reelected her as chairperson while electing Caroline Ruch as vice chair. Creating the veterans’ memorial will be the focus of the committee’s work this year, she said. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Phyllis Anders reported she was reelected as vice chair of the board while Tracy Street was reelected as chair. Finance Committee. Chair John Jenkins said the committee has begun its work on the town’s budget for the fiscal year starting July 1.
“Every developer out here who develops property is going to come up with a solution to water,” he said. “What you are proposing is taking water from the same place we get it now, out of the ground. Why in the world do you want to take on the responsibility to have this go forward?”
Planning and Zoning. Ron Simpson said he was reelected chairman of the board while Nancy Stoudemire was elected vice chair.
Rep. John Faircloth, a Republican, said he’s seeking reelection to state House District 62. Saying his family is in the horse business, he offered to advise people trying to bring back the Oak Ridge Horse Show.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
weather it all!
totaled $71,409, Finance Officer Sam Anders reported.
Oak Ridge collected $92,106 in property tax receipts and $23,850 in sales tax receipts in January. The town’s share of receipts from the ABC store
Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Anne Steele said the committee elected her to serve as co-chair along with Bill Royal, who was also reelected. Pittman said she and other members of the newly created subcommittee evaluating ways to improve youth sports in town have begun contacting Oak Ridge Youth Association leaders and members as well as others in the community for feedback. After comments by other council members, the meeting was adjourned at about 9:25 p.m.
S om et h in g to
C e le b ra te ?
www.trane.com
Ask us about pricing for wedding announcements, engagements, and other celebrations
Ask about special financing Subject to credit approval, see store for details
7101 US 158, Stokesdale • (336) 643-7397
| 336.644.7035
NEW SYSTEM INSTALLATION • SERVICE • REPAIR
advertising@nwobserver.com
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
FEB. 20 - 26, 2020
35
AUTO SALES & SERVICE
LOST & FOUND
YARD SALE/ANTIQUES
SAM'S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 347-7470.
FOUND gold & diamond earring. Square shape with a Kay Jewelry stamp on the back. The earring is missing one diamond. Found on the CrossFit of Oak Ridge ball field. Contact Leanne, (336) 202-6493.
ESTATE SALE, 7011 Applington Road, Oak Ridge, Sat., Feb. 22, 10am-4pm. No early birds! Furniture, antiques, collectibles (advertising, knives, sports), costume & fine jewelry, household, tools, books, mobility scooter. Too much to list. See details at www.hsestatesalesva.com.
PRESCHOOLS
HOME SERVICES
THE EUROPEAN AUTO SERVICE PROS
Service that is more than just a Repair
AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING
www.EuroHaus.pro•336.891.3876 6716 US Hwy 158•Stokesdale
Just 1/4 mile off I-73
halfpintharmonies.com | (678) 687-1116
R e g i s t e r To d a y !
Place online at
DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue
NEED HELP? Call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 Mon - Fri • 9am -12:30pm
INDEX Auto Sales & Service ............36 Consignment Sales ..............36 Employment ........................36 Lost & Found...........................36 Preschools ...........................36 Save the Date......................36 Yard Sale/Antiques..................36 Home Services .............. 36-38 Misc. for Sale ..................... 38 Misc. Wanted ..................... 38 Pets & Animal Services..........38 Real Estate ......................... 38
36 36
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 SALES GCUMC CHILDREN'S CONSIGNMENT SALE, Thursday, Mar. 12, 5:30-9pm; Friday, Mar. 13, 9am-7pm, and Saturday, Mar. 14, 9am-1pm. 1205 Fleming Rd., Greensboro. www.kidznmore.net. 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 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!
HIRING? We can help you reach all of Northwest Guilford County.
Classes begin 3/9 Ages 0-5
MUSIC & MOVEMENT 10-week sessions | mixed-age music classes
A-ACTION AIR. Will your furnace work when it's time? Call (336) 382-3750.
CLEANING •Weekly/bi-weekly/monthly •Deep/move-in, move-out •Post-construction/airscrubber
SAVE THE DATE 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. 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. CANCER RUN/WALK 2020. Join the 5K (one mile) on March 21 at the beautiful Oak Ridge Park. REGISTER BEFORE MAR. 5 TO SECURE YOUR SHIRT! Registration at tinyurl.com/cancerrun2020. 100% of the profits goes towards the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. We need our unique local community to get together for this great cause!
FEB. 20 -The 26, 2020 Northwest Observer Totally1996 local since 1996 NorthwestThe Observer • Totally local•since
•Odor remediation
Focus on what matters most We’ll handle the rest 336.897.0928 maidright.com/greensboro
$25 off! MAIDS OF HONOR HOME CLEANING. Locally owned, bonded staff. 40 years in service. BBB A+ rating. (336) 708-2407. MAID-2-SHINE. Excellent service, 15 years experience. Free estimates, excellent references. (336) 338-0223.
Like us on Facebook and keep up with all the northwest-area news! 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. 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.
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
DECORATING
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.
ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. (336) 643-9157.
GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490.
CLOCK DOCTOR. Free house calls for sick clocks. (336) 643-9931 or (336) 392-4124.
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.
EXPERIENCED INTERIOR DECORATOR & personal furniture shopper will help you with style, color, shopping & furniture placement. E-mail appeninc@gmail.com or call Ann Appenzeller, (336) 314-1411.
ELECTRICAL
GRADING / HAULING
BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC. Got Power? Residential, commercial and
E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, demolition, lot clearing, excavating, bobcat work, etc. (336) 451-1282.
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.
FLOORING MONTERO'S HARDWOOD FLOORING Installation of hardwood, laminate & tile; hardwood sanding & finishing. Commercial & residential. Insured, 17 yrs. exp. Free est., exc. references. Call (336) 215-8842 or visit Monteros-hardwood-flooring.com.
GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES 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. OLD SCHOOL HOME REPAIR. See display ad on page 27. 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.
ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt. available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035. BRAD'S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS. LLC. Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647. GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150. 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.
GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS WILSON SEAMLESS GUTTERS, new construction, repairs, replacement, leaf guards. Free estimates. (336) 420-0200.
LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING
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. FAY'S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Complete tree removal & trimming. Storm damage clean-up. Landscaping & hardscaping. Insured. Taylor, (336) 458-6491. ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981.
Your business should be here! Let us introduce you to our readers. Place your classified ad online at
www.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.
HILL LAWNCARE & OUTDOOR SERVICES. Free est. Call (336) 669-5448.
AFFORDABLE LANDSCAPING for all your landscaping needs, including irrigation, installation and repair. Call Joe at J. Gibson Landscaping, an Americanowned and operated small business. Built on capitalism, not socialism. In God we trust. (336) 419-7236.
WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Lawn maint., landscaping. Irrigation/ landscape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 years exp. (336) 399-7764.
CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 643-9332. www.carolinaStumpAndTreeServices.com.
EXTERIOR GREENSCAPES. Lawn maintenance service. Please call for a free estimate. (336) 682-1456.
The Northwest Observer • Totally 1996 The Northwest Observer • Totally locallocal sincesince 1996
MASONRY COLONIAL MASONRY. 40 yrs. exp. Specializing in outdoor living spaces; dry-stack natural stone and flagstone. Let us help you plan your patio, fire pit, fireplace, kitchen – or anything else you would like! Call (336) 949-9019. www.colonialmasonry.com. SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes. How about a new patio or fire pit? We can help with all of your outdoor living and entertainment spaces! Fire pits, driveways & sidewalks, patios and more! Give us a call at (336) 399-6619 for all your concrete and landscape needs. MASONRY CONCEPTS, brick, block, stone concrete & repairs. Free est. (336) 988-1022, www.masonryconceptsgso.com.
MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS WILSON SEPTIC PUMPING & REPAIR. Family owned since 1972. Mention you saw this ad in the NWObserver for a discount. (336) 643-6427. ON EAGLE'S WINGS residential home design/drafting. Call Patti, (336) 605-0519. WARREN'S DRYER VENT / DUCT CLEANING. Prevent dryer fires. Clothes dry faster. Save on energy. Bonded, insured, and licensed. Call (336) 207-2338.
PAINTING & DRYWALL LAWSON'S PAINTING. Custom decks, pressure washing, boat docks, block fill, wood repair, stain work, textured ceilings, sheetrock repair. Call (336) 253-9089. PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR, 40 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. Average BDRM walls $100. Insured. Call Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186.
continued on p. 38
FEB.2020 - 26,2020 2020 FEB. - 26,
37 37
HOME SERVICES
Carlos & Son
PAINTING
Residential • Commercial Licensed & Insured
FREE ESTIMATES
Owner: Carlos Ruiz Cell: 336.669.5210 carlospainting14@live.com STILL PERFECTION PAINTING. Reliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com.
BEK Paint Co. Residential & Commercial David & Judy Long, owners
(336) 931-0600
BEKPaintCompany.com • References Available • Licensed & Insured • All Work Guaranteed
PLUMBING BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic. & insured. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924. WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING, Inc. (336) 992-2503. Licensed, insured, bonded. 24/7 service. Plumbing, drain cleaning, well pumps. Give us a call, we do it all! Go to www.webstersplumbing.com for more info. FREEMAN PLUMBING – new construction, remodel and repair. For ALL your plumbing needs! (336) 580-4525.
PRESSURE WASHING PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Fully insured. Crystal Clear, www. windowcleaningnc.com or (336) 595-2873.
38 38
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
PETS & ANIMAL SVCS.
REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION
BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 41 yrs. exp. (336) 362-6343.
WENDY COLLINS PET SITTING LLC. Bonded & Insured. Follow us on Facebook. Call or text (336) 339-6845.
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 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. AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350. 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.
ROOFING PREMIER ROOFING, LOCALLY OWNED. Catering to all your roofing needs. Call (336) 430-9507 for free assessments. BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Lifetime shingle and metal roofing. We fi nance. Free Estimates. Since 1979. Please call (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.
MISC. FOR SALE SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered and stacked, over 1/2 cord, $70. (336) 298-4452.
KRISTIN'S PET SITTING/DOG WALKING Professional, insured and experienced. Call (336) 337-8172.
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
Call for Buyer or Seller Representation
Gil Vaughan, REALTOR®/Broker (336) 337-4780 JustCallGil.com gilvaughan@gmail.com
SEASONED FIREWOOD. $80/pickup truck load, delivered & stacked. (336) 253-7615. H & L Grading, FIREWOOD FOR SALE. $250 per dump truck load delivered locally. (336) 543-7867. SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered and stacked, 1/2 cord, $80. Call (336) 686-6373.
MISC. WANTED $$$ – WILL PAY CASH for your junk / wrecked vehicle. For quote, call (336) 552-0328. 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.
PETS & ANIMAL SVCS. DOBERMAN PINSCHER pups. $900, AKC. Text (336) 404-3983.
FEB. 20 -The 26, 2020 Northwest Observer Totally1996 local since 1996 NorthwestThe Observer • Totally local•since
HOMES FOR SALE TOWNHOMES IN OAK RIDGE!
pm & Sunday 2- 4 Open Saturday 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! Agent on site Saturday and Sunday 2-4 pm
Nancy J. Hess
nancy.hess@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 215-1820
Kim Wilson
kwilson@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 662-7805
index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS
Please support
our advertisers,
and tell them where you saw their ad. Without their partnership, the Northwest Observer could not be free to you, our readers! ACCOUNTING
By the Book Accounting ..................... 2 Carlotta Lytton, CPA ......................... 27 Kimberly Thacker Accounting........... 27 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC...... 6
AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE
EuroHaus ......................................... 36 Vestal Buick / GMC ........................... 33
BUILDING / REMODELING
Disney Custom Homes ..................... 18 Don Mills Builders ............................. 23 Friddle & Company........................... 25 Johnson & Lee LLC........................... 20 Lansink Custom Homes.................... 22 LJ Custom Homes .............................. 5 Naylor Custom Homes ..................... 21 Ray Bullins Construction ................... 18 R&K Custom Homes ........................ 19 RS Dezern Construction.................... 22 Walraven Signature Homes .............. 18
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
Guardian Ad Litem ........................... 31 Half-Pint Harmonies ......................... 36
CHURCH
Oak Ridge United Methodist Church 29
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
GTCC ................................................. 3
DENTISTRY
High Point Pediatric Dentistry ........... 28 Summerfield Family Dentistry ........... 27
FUNERAL SERVICES
Forbis & Dick Funeral Service ............. 2
HEALTH & FITNESS
Chris Jessup, Personal Trainer ........... 30 IK Massage ...................................... 10 SNAP Fitness ...................................... 7
HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Balex Electric .....................................17 BEK Paint Company ......................... 38 Budget Blinds ................................... 27 Carlos & Son Painting ....................... 38 Carpets by Direct ................................ 9 Maidright Cleaning ........................... 36 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery 12 Old School Home Repair .................. 27 ProStone, Inc. ................................... 16 Stokesdale Heating & Air.................. 35
LEGAL SERVICES
...to the following new advertisers who have recently joined us: IK Massage • Oak Ridge Diner Well-Spring Retirement Community ...and to these advertisers who have renewed their partnership with us: Barbour & Williams Law
|since 1998
Bistro 150 / The Oak Ridge Room
|since 2007
Destination Arts
|since 2015
Eanes Heating & Air
|since 2014
Great Clips
|since 2008
Novant - Forsyth Pediatrics Oak Ridge |since 2009
Barbour & Williams Law ................... 14
Oak Ridge Physical Therapy
|since 2008
MEDICAL CARE
Olmsted Orthodontics
|since 2014
LeBauer Healthcare ..........................11 Wake Forest Baptist Health............... 26
Prestige Car Wash
|since 2004
ORTHODONTIC CARE
Rio Grande Mexican Kitchen
|since 2003
Sam Anders Accounting
|since 1996
Scott Tippett, Hagan Barrett Law
|since 2016
SNAP Fitness
|since 2009
Olmsted Orthodontics ...................... 30
PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS
Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital .............. 27 Northwest Animal Hospital ................. 4
REAL ESTATE
A New Dawn Realty ........................... 2 Berkshire Hathaway Yost & Little ...... 15 DeDe Cunningham, Keller Williams ...17 Gil Vaughan, Keller Williams ............. 38 Nancy Hess, Berkshire Hathaway ..... 38 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX ................. 34 Smith Marketing / Allen Tate ...... 18, 20
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RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Well-Spring Retirement Community .... 8
YOUTH SPORTS
Oak Ridge Youth Association ........... 31 YMCA of Greensboro ....................... 34
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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
FEB. 20 - 26, 2020
39
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PAID PAID
Oak OakRidge, Ridge,NC NC Permit PermitNo. No.22 22 ECRWSS ECRWSS
Linda and Mark Siegmund of Oak Ridge visited the Gre at Pyramid in Giza, Egypt, the New Year holiday. The over Great Pyramid is the oldest and largest of the three pyr in Egypt and is the oldest con am ids struction of the Seven Wonde rs of the Ancient World – and the only one of the seven to remain largely intact. Linda and Mark caught up on the ancient history and their cur ir rent local news at the sam e time!
son Callum Molly and Dave Koris, along with their day at the (not pictured), recently enjoyed a brisk Of course they Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. yment on the brought along their NWO for reading enjo ferry to and from Liberty Island!
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