Northwest Observer / April 30 - May 6, 2020

April 30 - May 6, 2020

bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996

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Small business owners waiting – and waiting – for federal aid Greensboro Performing Arts gets a loan while other northwest Guilford business owners wait to hear whether they’ll get coronavirusrelated financial help

by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – Suzanne and Garland Vandergrift, owners of Greensboro Performing Arts, didn’t hesitate to apply for federal assistance to help cover their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We filed right away,” Suzanne said, adding the couple believed they would qualify for a federal loan. They lost business after temporarily closing their dance studio in northwest Greensboro due to health risks for children and teachers.

As it turns out, the Vandergrifts’ hunch was correct. They recently received a loan through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration while other northwest Guilford business owners pinched

IN THIS ISSUE Summerfield planner loses credential ...... 2 News in brief ................................................. 3 Hope chests, once-nostalgic necessities..10 NWO Kids’ Korner ....................................... 12 Mercy Hill supports foster care, adoption ..13 Student Profiles ........................................... 14 Crime/Incident Report .............................. 16 Bits & Pieces ................................................ 16 Letters/Opinions ......................................... 18 Grins and Gripes ........................................ 19

...continued on p. 6

Photo courtesy of Oak Ridge Physical Therapy

Hair, nail salon owners brace for more weeks of being closed Hair and nail salon owners were among the first businesses forced to close when Guilford County declared a state of emergency last month – and they will likely be among the last to reopen

by PATTI STOKES

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Sandy’s Beauty Shop

Index of Advertisers ................................... 23

OAK RIDGE – After hair and nail salons were among the businesses in Guilford County forced to shut down as of March 25 at 5 p.m. in response to the corona-

NWO On The Go / Staycation .................. 24

Oak Ridge Physical Therapy patient care coordinator Beth Browning (left) takes the temperature of Maegan Rankin, physical therapist assistant, before a recent workday got underway. Monitoring staff members’ temperatures is one of the precautions the practice, which is considered an “essential business,” has implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.

virus pandemic, Sandy Moskel said she didn’t quite know what to do with herself.

“I was lost at first,” said Moskel, owner of Sandy’s Beauty Shop on N.C. 150 in Oak Ridge. “Then the second week I kind of chilled. Since then, I’ve been anxious and ready to go back.”

Being idle is just not Moskel’s style. She marked her 50th year of being a hairdresser April 15, the last 47 years of which have been spent working in a quaint, yellow/green-painted shop that rests along N.C. 150, just inside Oak Ridge’s easternmost town limits. She’s typically on her feet non-stop from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays,

...continued on p. 8

Summerfield planner loses credential after Facebook post

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – A Facebook post that criticized Summerfield Scoop’s Don Wendelken in February has cost town planner Chris York a professional credential for at least six months.

The Ethics Committee of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) temporarily suspended York’s credential last week following an investigation, according to Roberta Rewers, a spokeswoman for the American Planning Association.

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In his post, York was reacting to Wendelken’s decision to post a photo of Finance Officer Dee Hall’s car parked in a handicapped-only spot at the Summerfield Community Center during the Feb. 11 Town Council meeting.

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After the incident, Hall issued an apology on the Northwest Observer’s Facebook page.

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“It was my car,” she wrote. “After the meeting, Chris (York) and I walked out after cleaning up and tearing down, and I was mortified to realize that I had accidentally parked in a handicapped space. The sign was in front of the space beside it, not in front of that space, it was dark and I didn’t see the spray-painted sign on wet pavement. I would never in a million years park in a handicapped parking space on purpose.

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Wendelken, who administrates the Summerfield Scoop Facebook page, filed a misconduct complaint against York in late February. Earlier in the month, York had criticized Wendelken in a Facebook post, making inappropriate comments under another name.

APRIL 30 - MAY 6, 2020

“After a friend told me about the post Don Wendelken made on the Scoop, I sent him a Facebook message telling him it was an accident and asking him to take down the picture since my license plate is clearly shown,” she continued.

“He did not answer me. I’m deeply sorry for the drama this mistake caused, and

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I’m thankful to work with people who care about me, even if Chris went too far in his defense of me.”

York initially apologized publicly for his Facebook post and said in an interview last week that he “regretted the negative attention it has brought to the town, my co-workers and myself.”

The suspension of his AICP credential “is a fair treatment for the seriousness of my mistake,” he said, adding that he may regain the credential in six months if he satisfies conditions imposed by the organization’s Ethics Committee. He declined to discuss the conditions, saying they are confidential.

Certification by AICP, the American Planning Association’s professional institute, is a nationwide, independent verification of planners’ qualifications.

Although certification isn’t required, it’s essentially a seal of approval for planners who “demonstrate academic qualifications, relevant work experience and mastery of essential skills” in public planning, according to the group’s website.

“It’s valued in the planning field,” York said, adding that he has “learned professionally and personally” from the Facebook incident.

York’s duties remain unchanged, according to Town Manager Scott Whitaker. Hired a year ago, the town planner is responsible for reviewing building applications and rezoning requests and other day-to-day planning activities.

“Chris’ actions were addressed as a personnel matter at the time” of the Facebook post, Whitaker said in an email last week. “He’s doing solid work and I’m grateful for his planning expertise and service.”

In an interview last week, Wendelken said his complaint against York cited a requirement in AICP’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct that planners refrain from behavior “that reflects adversely on our professional fitness.”

NEWS in brief

State’s stay-at-home order extended through May 8

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

A sign over I-73 near PTI Airport reminds drivers the state’s stay-at-home order remains in effect. On April 23, Gov. Roy Cooper announced the order was being extended to May 8 and easing of restrictions will be phased in over a period of several weeks, if not months.

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NORTH CAROLINA – While weekly protests led by supporters of ReOpen NC have become increasingly emotional, Gov. Roy Cooper announced April 23 the state’s stayat-home order was being extended through May 8; the governor simultaneously outlined a three-phase plan to reopen the state over a period of what could be several weeks – or longer, depending upon whether there is a spike in the number of people infected with COVID-19.

“The health and safety of people in North Carolina must be our top priority,” Cooper said April 23 in a prepared statement when announcing

his plan to reopen the state. The plan, he said, “provides a roadmap for us to begin easing restrictions in stages to push our economy forward.”

In going forward, Cooper focused on three things that will determine how quickly social distancing restrictions are phased out: testing, tracing and trends.

In extending the stay-at-home order which went into effect March 30 and was initially set to expire April 29, Cooper said, “North Carolina has not yet seen a downward trajectory of those metrics needed to begin gradually lifting restrictions.”

...continued on p. 4

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NEWS in brief

...continued from p. 3

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APRIL 30 - MAY 6, 2020

Acknowledging “North Carolina cannot stay at home indefinitely,” Cooper went on to say, “We have to get more people back to work. Right now, the decision to stay at home is based on the public health data and White House guidance. North Carolina needs more time to slow the spread of this virus before we can safely begin lifting restrictions. I know that this pandemic has made life difficult for many people in our state and I am focused on keeping our communities safe while planning to slowly lift restrictions to help cushion the blow to our economy.”

According to the governor’s website, www.governor.nc.gov, North Carolina is testing approximately 2,500 to 3,000 people per day and is working to increase that amount to at least 5,000 to 7,000 per day.

Cooper also shared information about how North Carolina can gradually re-open over three phases “to prevent hot spots of viral spread” while also beginning to revive the state’s economy.

Phase 1, which could be altered as new information emerges, includes: • Modify the stay-at-home order to allow travel not currently defined as essential and allow people to leave home for commercial activity at any business that is allowed to be open, such as clothing stores, sporting goods stores, book shops, house-

ware stores and other retailers • Ensure that any open stores implement appropriate employee and consumer social distancing, enhanced hygiene and cleaning protocols, symptom screening of employees, accommodations for vulnerable workers, and provide education to employees and workers to combat misinformation • Continue to limit gatherings to no more than 10 people • Reopen parks that have been closed, subject to the same gathering limitation • Continue to recommend face coverings in public spaces when 6 feet of distancing isn’t possible • Encourage employers to continue teleworking policies • Continue rigorous restrictions on nursing homes and other congre-

gant care settings Phase 2 of the governor’s plan would be implemented at least two to three weeks after Phase 1 goes into effect and Phase 3 would be implemented four to six weeks after Phase 2 goes into effect.

“Gov. Cooper and Dr. Cohen both underscored the need for the testing, tracing and trends to move in the right direction for each of these phases to move forward,” according to a statement on the governor’s website. “If there is a spike in infections, tightening of restrictions may be needed temporarily.”

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Visit www.governor.nc.gov to read the governor’s April 23 statement in its entirety and to view informational slides from his press briefing.

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financially by virus-related restrictions are anxiously waiting to hear whether their loans have been approved.

The collapse of the travel business due to the pandemic has put Ginny Maurer, owner of Cruise Planners in Summerfield, in a position she never imagined, and she’s among those hoping to get assistance from the government.

In the meantime, she is working seven days a week, canceling and rebooking reservations for clients and putting a dent in her income.

“I don’t get paid until they travel,” she said. “I’ve never worked so hard in my life to lose money.”

Maurer recently applied for a PPP loan to help cover her wages and those

of her administrative assistant.

Virginia applied for loans, he said.

“It’s not something I wanted to do, but it’s something I have to do,” said Maurer, who joined those waiting to hear about the status of their loans.

The PPP offers a direct incentive to small businesses by making loans forgivable if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks after the loan is approved and 75% of the loan amount is used for payroll, with up to 25% allowed to be used for rent, mortgage interest or utilities. The federal loan program resumed a second round of lending activities this past Monday, April 27, after businesses across the country had exhausted the first round of funding totaling $349 billion in just two weeks.

Kevin Murray, owner of the Jumping Bean coffee hut in Summerfield, said he’s not heard back after his local banker filed his application for the first round of loan funding that became available earlier this month.

Andy Michels, owner of Oak Ridge Physical Therapy, also filed an application after restrictions related to the pandemic cut his business in half.

Fewer people are undergoing elective surgeries such as joint replacements, reducing demand for physical therapy during recovery, he said.

“I have a lot of friends who own small businesses in the Greensboro area and they’ve heard very little,” said Mark Klunk, a physical therapist assistant at ACI Physical Therapy in Summerfield. Its parent company in

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The revelation that large corporations, including publicly traded restaurant chains Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Potbelly, received loans has drawn criticism that some banks filed applications of big companies first to generate higher processing fees than they’d get from submitting applications for smaller clients.

For Greensboro Performing Arts, the loan is not only helping pay teachers, but it’s also enabling the studio to reduce and defer tuition payments for families suffering financially during the pandemic, Suzanne said.

With the closing of the studio, classes for ballet, tap, voice and other performing arts have shifted online, with teachers using the Zoom app to connect with students.

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Technical glitches caused outages in the SBA’s application portal earlier this week, leading to further delays and adding to the uncertainty for business owners. Some who had applied for loans initially are hoping their applications will get priority in the second phase of funding.

“Their world has been turned upside-down,” she said, referring to students with lives that revolve around performing arts. “Staying connected with our kids has been our mission.”

Businesses including hair salons and retail stores deemed non-essential

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by Gov. Roy Cooper’s stay-at-home order have closed temporarily, forcing layoffs and reduced hours for employees as revenues vanished. A lack of spending by consumers has hurt many other businesses – from pest control to lawn mower repair to marketing – prompting owners to consider seeking federal loans.

Some have been discouraged by the evaporation of the first round of funding, partly to big companies, and wonder whether they’d get money in the second phase if they qualified for loans.

“It’s just something we’ve not gone through with,” said Laura Wright, who operates L&T Small Engine Service in Oak Ridge with her husband, Tom, and their son, Justin.

The parking lot of their repair shop on N.C. 150 is crowded with lawn mowers and other equipment, leading the owners to conclude that restrictions imposed by the governor’s stay-at-home order had, in fact, helped their business. This past Monday, the shop took in 23 pieces of equipment, including 10 riding lawn mowers.

“People are sitting at home and they’re watching their grass grow,” Justin said.

As it turns out, L&T’s revenue is lower so far this year than a year ago, indicating that some equipment owners are spending as little as possible to repair their machinery, Laura said.

“We feel slammed, but people are not wanting to spend as much money,” she said.

Employers have also had some unexpected challenges which make it difficult for them to abide by the requirements of PPP loans, which is to keep employees working. Some employees prefer to be laid off so they can collect unemployment benefits from the state and an additional weekly

amount from the federal government.

State law permits a maximum weekly unemployment payment of $350.

One of the federal programs – pandemic emergency unemployment compensation (PEUC) – provides an extension of state benefits and an additional $600 in federal benefits for 13 weeks to people who have exhausted their weekly state benefits in the past 12 months.

Losing employees can be “financially draining” for companies that invest in training and provide health insurance coverage, according to Billy Tesh, owner of Pest Management Systems, a pest control company based in Greensboro. He hasn’t applied for a PPP loan, he said.

Pest Management has actually added staff to accommodate employees who need to reduce hours to care for children, Tesh said. The company has also adjusted hours for workers, allowing some to work from home while separating others who remain in the office, he said.

Technicians performing pest control wear masks and gloves and take other steps to protect themselves and their customers.

“First and foremost, when we

realized that COVID-19 was going to be an issue, we made sure we didn’t compromise the safety of our customers, technicians and staff,” Tesh said.

“In January, we weren’t thinking about social distancing and isolation,” he said. “We never thought about what we would have to do to survive financially.”

Financial hardships for North Carolinians and employers related to virusrelated restrictions are going to persist until at least May 8, the latest expiration date for the state’s stay-at-home order. In an announcement last week, Cooper set guidelines for the gradual reopening of businesses, based upon the leveling or declines of four trends: the occurrence of COVID-like illnesses and the number of lab-confirmed cases of the illness, positive test results and hospitalizations.

Once the trends show improvement for 14 days, some businesses including clothing stores, sporting goods stores, book shops and houseware stores will be allowed to reopen, according to the governor’s order. Two or three weeks later, the state plans to allow limited opening of restaurants, bars, fitness centers, personal care services and other businesses willing to take precautions including possibly reducing the capacity to serve customers.

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“We’re just hunkering down,” said John Berg, owner of Blissful Studios & Gallery in Summerfield. He temporarily closed the gallery in the Summerfield Square shopping center off U.S. 220 more than a month ago.

Berg also shuttered his business that delivers supplies to frame makers across North Carolina after his New York-based supplier closed due to the virus. He’s also gotten fewer orders for custom framing and demand for art has dried up.

In total, Berg said his revenue is down about 80 percent, which forced him to lay off two employees.

Berg didn’t apply for a PPP loan.

He said he didn’t think he’d qualify because his business isn’t operating.

“We’re closed,” he said. “We think this is going to last maybe four more weeks. We can survive that. I would like to get back to business as soon as I can, but I’d rather my employees and customers be safe.”

For Damian Cox, owner of Cox Pool Service, stay-at-home restrictions have helped his Greensboro-based business. Some families at home with children are “going stir-crazy,” he said, prompting them to prepare their swimming pools earlier than normal.

Cox said a homeowner recently told him that removing the cover from the pool raised the spirits of his family.

He said his company’s revenues are 25 to 30 percent higher in recent weeks than a year ago.

“I’m one of the fortunate ones,” he said. “I know the restrictions have hurt a lot of businesses.”

Martin Buchanan, owner of Oh Shoot Productions, a Summerfieldbased video production company, said he lost business due to the cancellation of events, including the Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro. He recently introduced a new service, iShoot.video, which enables him to

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Having an income is important, but especially at this point in her life the 66-year-old is motivated by much more than money. Her customers, many of whom have been coming to her for the last 47 years since she opened her own shop, are her friends, and together they’ve gone through all kinds of chapters in life.

“Some customers have been coming here the entire 47 years I’ve had my shop.

Some come every week – the same day and the same time,” she said. “And they have their same friends who they didn’t know before, but their appointment is before theirs or after theirs and they’ve become ‘beauty shop buddies.’

Together, we’ve been through deaths, illnesses, births, marriages, graduations – the good and the bad.

“We do a lot of cooking without a stove; we’ve planned lots of weddings and we’ve planted lots of gardens while they’ve gotten their hair done,” she says with a laugh. “For me, it’s about much more than just doing hair.”

Over the last several weeks Moskel has called each of her customers – about 300 – at least twice, just to check in.

“Every morning I do that for about four hours before I leave my desk,” she said. “Staying in touch, that’s what people love. It’s especially amazing for those people who haven’t seen anyone else. When you call them, you can just see them light up.”

While she waits for the restrictions on her business to be lifted, Moskel and her husband are remodeling the shop’s front foyer and bathroom. They had originally planned to complete the project on her off days, but instead they’ve been working on tearing up the floors, painting and putting in new ceilings almost every day except Sundays. It’s kept her occupied, but she’s still anxious to get back to the work she loves most – doing her customers’ hair while nurturing the friendships they’ve developed over the years.

In the meantime, she said she can deal with the temporary loss of income – depending on when it’s over.

“If it’s this month or next month, we’ll be okay,” she said. “But if it goes on for six months, that will be a different story.”

Kathy Dao, owner, Kathy Nails Kathy Dao opened her nail salon on Battleground Avenue near its intersection with Horse Pen Creek Road in northwest Greensboro in 2001.

She, her sister and a sister-in-law all routinely work in the salon six days a week, nine to 10 hours a day; besides Sundays, the business is closed just a

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few days a year for holidays.

Dao said she had been in angst prior to Gov. Roy Cooper declaring all hair and nail salons must close March 25 at 5 p.m.

“I was scared we were going to get sick from the virus,” she said. “Money was my second concern, but staying

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Kathy Dao, owner of Kathy Nails in northwest Greensboro, said even when she’s allowed to re-open her nail salon, she fears she may still not have enough masks and gloves to keep herself, coworkers and her customers healthy.

healthy was my first concern… If I had closed on my own, I would have been concerned about where my customers would go. But since the government told me to close, in a way I felt happy … I don’t want to get sick and I don’t want to pass it on to my family.

“Before we were told to close, we were sanitizing our work stations after every customer, wearing masks and taking extra steps,” she said.

Despite being concerned about lost income in recent weeks, Dao said she worries about staying healthy after she’s allowed to reopen – especially since supplies like masks, gloves and hand sanitizer are still on backorder.

And regardless of how soon she reopens, Dao expects the usually busy spring and summer months will be much slower than usual.

“When people are short on money, they need to spend what they have on food first. Getting their nails done is a luxury,” she said matter-of-factly.

In the coming months, regular customers who are senior citizens and therefore more at-risk for getting the virus may be more hesitant about venturing out to

get their nails done, she realizes. And then there’s the social distancing – limiting the number of people in the salon at one time to seven besides herself, her sister and sister-in-law will mean sometimes turning customers away.

Despite the concerns and uncertainties, there have been some definite upsides to the current situation, Dao notes.

“I’ve worked for 20+ years and hardly ever take vacations,” she said.

“It’s hard to even get a day off. Truly, this is my vacation time… I’ve been spending a lot more time playing with my kids (ages 10 and 12),” she said. “I know my kids more. It’s very good to spend time together as a family.”

With the help of YouTube, she’s also enjoyed learning to cook more dishes and bake.

“The problem now is, I’m gaining weight!” she laughed.

As for income, Dao said she’s okay for the short run.

“In the long run, though, we’ll get in trouble, because the bills keep coming even when the money doesn’t,” she said.

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APRIL 30 - MAY 6, 2020

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Hope chests, once-nostalgic necessities for brides-to-be

by HELEN LEDFORD Years ago, it was tradition that a bride-to-be usually owned a “hope chest” containing a collection of saved-up or handmade treasures she would carry into her marriage. It was expected that young females began planning early in their life for that special day above all others when they would walk down the aisle, and they did not have to be engaged to begin acquiring and squirreling away new or inherited useful household items.

Hope chests, not inexpensive, were usually made of aromatic cedar wood for safe and sweet storage of those precious acquirements.

However, many would-be brides I knew could not afford the large, ornate trunks. I never owned one, and opted for a special dresser drawer in which to stash things away for my future life as a wife.

Three of my sisters had genuine cedar receptacles, and all filled them over several years with painstakingly handcrafted items.

Their bounty included patchwork quilts, bedspreads and pillowcases, beautifully embroidered dresser scarves, tablecloths, and crocheted doilies and aprons. In those days, sewing and other skills were learned at home – and from extremely patient home economics instructors in high school!

In my day, a large number of females opted to enter the state of marital bliss immediately after graduating from

high school. Others sought employment, and working for a few years provided added time to enrich the contents of their hope chest.

Laura Ingalls Wilder of “Little House on the Prairie” fame married her farmer groom, Almanzo, during a simple home wedding. Afterwards, they rode off into the sunset to a house he had provided. Laura’s mother had given her an array of pots, pans and dishes, packed away neatly in their rustic wagon, with a milk cow tied to the back. Now that four-legged gift was one that would surely keep on giving!

It was not unheard-of for moms to share with their daughters family heirlooms such as antique platters, cherished photos, or other priceless family memorabilia.

In the ‘50s, when I was engaged to be married, my husband-to-be was overseas in

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Germany during the Korean War. While there, he sent silverware and sets of china. That added to our treasure trove, but by this time my one-drawer “hope chest” had spilled over into two or three others! I had purchased a set of everyday dishes, and graduation had brought many gifts, among them lovely lingerie, jewelry and toiletries. These I smugly hid away for my future wifely use.

While my beloved was serving time on behalf of Uncle Sam, he purchased a cookbook published by the officers’ wives in his division in Bad Kreuznach.

Especially during my early years of marriage, I relied on that little volume – my bridegroom was particularly proud of my German delicacy, Weiner schnitzel, for which he had acquired quite a taste!

The contents of the cookbook are long yellowed with age, tattered and splotched from endless use, and the cover and several pages are missing, but I still have that tired collection of recipes that are held together with a large rubber band.

In some ways a filled hope chest is akin to a dowry, which in times past was brought by the bride to her intended and consisted of property, money or other valuables. According to tradition, if the marriage did not work out, all valuables involved were returned to the bride’s parents. In turn, a “bride price” was an arranged matter between both sets of in-laws; the more wealth a bride’s family had, the more desirable the bride was to the groom and his parents.

The dowry tradition continued in India until the early ‘60s, when it was banned; however, the ban has been difficult to enforce. Often, if the bride’s family does not pay the full dowry price, there is discord, bitterness, and sometimes even violence and bloodshed!

the ravages of moths. Often, it has transitioned into a “catch-all” for odds and ends, photo albums, old clothing and such. One of my sisters kept her wedding dress in her cedar chest, where it remained as fresh and new as when she wore it in 1947. Another sister kept a hefty store of new towels in her chest, along with a hodgepodge of other things acquired over the years.

Strangely, among her array of odds and ends there was later discovered a small medicine bottle containing her gallstones, removed during an operation in the mid-‘50s!

As for me, over time I emptied my “hope chest” drawers and put their contents to good use!

As with many customs, the desire for hope chests has likely waned in these modern times. Since my aforementioned, ancient cookbook winged its way across the Atlantic via airmail several months before I was a bride in 1955, I learned to cook quite well from it and still consider it part of my “dresser drawer hope chest.” Below is one of my family’s favorite recipes from that cookbook for a fun cake to make all in one pan, without milk or eggs.

Wacky Cake

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In an 8-inch round or square baking pan, dump 1 ½ cups flour, 1 cup sugar, ¼ cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt.

Mix gently together until blended.

Make three “wells” in the mixture. In one, place a tablespoon of vinegar, in another, a teaspoon of vanilla, and in the third, 6 tablespoons of vegetable oil.

Gradually pour on a cup of warm water, mixing all ingredients thoroughly. Bake for 35 minutes.

When a couple grows older, and perhaps one from thisHours Reserved for Senior Customers 9 AM toor10both AMpass Shopping When slightly cooled, sprinkle earth, a well-used hope chest is usually with powdered sugar, then top with passed on to children or grandchildren.

Cool Whip or vanilla ice cream.

Most likely, it has been used for keepEnjoy! ing blankets and other woolens from

WAITING FOR AID

band, David, said the couple collects Social Security, possibly making them ineligible to qualify for a PPP loan.

remotely take control of individuals’ iPhones to create professional videos.

He’s gotten two new clients, a health and wellness advisor and a public relations company, for whom he’s pulling together business presentations for a virtual conference.

“I don’t know how long this social distancing is going to last,” said Buchanan, who works from home with Bodhi, his Siamese cat. He doesn’t plan to apply for federal aid, partly because he’s got few overhead costs.

The company’s painters are “basically working job to job,” a slowdown for the typically busy spring season.

Until recently, homeowners have been reluctant to meet David for quotes, even for exterior painting jobs that would provide ample space for social distancing, Judy said.

...continued from p. 7

“It’s not costing me anything to sit here and do nothing,” he said.

Judy Long, who owns BEK Paint Co. in Summerfield along with her hus-

Part of the worry is financial, due to job losses and uncertainty, she explained.

“The economy is the biggest scare,” Judy said. However, she added that the company has gotten more calls to quote painting jobs over the past week.

“I think the recovery is going to be slow, but I think we’re starting to come out of it,” she said. “I see an awakening, people starting to say ‘I need to go on.’”

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Mercy Hill Church raises over $270,000 for foster care, adoption As part of its campaign to receive foster and adoptive children into members’ homes, the church exceeded an anonymous donor’s challenge to raise money in support of local families story contributed by Rachel Smedley, Mercy Hill Church NW GREENSBORO – The United States is in the midst of a domestic orphan crisis, one that began before the pandemic and that will likely become exacerbated in months to come. The country’s foster care system reported half a million children in its care in 2018, with about 123,000 children awaiting adoption into a permanent home. The need for safe, supportive homes for displaced children has never been greater, and northwest Greensboro-based Mercy Hill Church has chosen to answer the call.

Last November the church began a campaign to see 200 families raised up from its congregation by 2025 to care for vulnerable children in the Triad foster care systems.

Adoption and foster care can come with unexpected financial obstacles.

Foster families, for example, find themselves suddenly needing a car seat for a 2-year-old, or supplies of diapers and wipes for an infant. Adopting families face administrative and legal costs that can easily top $40,000 to $50,000.

Challenged by a matching gift of $100,000 from an anonymous donor, the church met and exceeded its goal, seeing $170,688 come in during a three-month campaign. In addition to the total $270,688 raised, members filled overflowing donation bins with clothing, blankets, toys and other essentials – including over 23,000 diapers!

When sharing the church’s heart behind the campaign, Mercy Hill lead pastor Andrew Hopper said, “Every Christian knows they have been adopted into the family of God, not by their merit, but by the love of a great God and Father. With this as our testimony, we are equipped to be a church that adopts and fosters hundreds of children.”

Photo courtesy of Mercy Hill Church

Stepping into A collection area near the entrance to one of Mercy Hill Church’s four campuses is filled with car seats, the fray, Mercy stuffed animals, clothing – and 23,000 diapers. Besides monetary gifts, the items were among those Mercy Hill hopes to one Hill Church members recently donated to help support families fostering or adopting displaced children. day see the Triad’s foster care system emptied of children in need of a safe and loving home.

The church is well on its way to reaching its 2025 goal. At last count, 104 church families have come forward to max out foster care licensing classes, begin adoption paperwork, or have already brought children into their families.

want to learn more?

Mercy Hill Church, one of the nation’s fastest-growing Christian churches, officially launched in 2012 and now has three campuses in Greensboro and one campus in High Point where each week over 2,500 people gather to worship together. For more information about the church or its foster care/adoption campaign, or to view an online service, visit www.mercyhillchurch.com.

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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 CJ Thousand, baseball

by MEREDITH BARKLEY It was his father’s love of the sport that led to Northern Guilford’s CJ Thousand finding a home on the

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baseball diamond.

“He started me at a really young age and I just fell in love with it,” said Thousand, a senior shortstop.

He plans to take his skills to the next level in the fall and play at West Virginia Tech in Beckley, West Virginia.

“I wanted to find a good engineering school and a place I could play baseball, and it kind of fit,” said Thousand, whose father, Chad, played college ball in California and at Greensboro College.

“I love how humbling it is,” Thousand said of the game of baseball.

“You can have a terrible day and go 0 for 4 (batting) and the very next day go 3 for 4 and be back at the top of the stats. It changes so quickly.”

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Thousand admits to being dismayed that his final season of high school baseball has been scuttled by the coronavirus pandemic. Still, he understands the reasons for the disruption.

“I’m disappointed,” he said. “But being safe is more important.”

14

APRIL 30 - MAY 6, 2020

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Memories are now what’s left of his high school baseball career – like his first home run on Northern’s team, which came during his junior year against Morehead, and the grounder between shortstop and third early this season that brought in the winning run in the bottom of the eighth against East Forsyth.

“That was a big moment for me,” Thousand said. Then he added, “It kind of sucks about this season… But I’m trying to stay optimistic.”

He said West Virginia Tech is sending a workout schedule and nutrition guide so he’ll be physically prepared for college play when he arrives on campus – whenever that is. He’s also staying fit by running and hiking.

As for baseball hopes beyond college, Thousand said he wants to take baseball as far as he can and notes his dad was once with the Philadelphia Phillies’ organization.

“But I also want to have a good backup plan, and that’s where engineering falls in,” he said.

He anticipates taking a couple years of college before deciding what area of engineering he wants to pursue.

“But right now, I kind of want to go into the cybersecurity side of software engineering,” Thousand said, crediting a school project for pointing him in that direction. “It’s a huge growing field and people are always going to need protection, whether it’s online or in person.”

NORTHWEST GUILFORD Izzy Parrett, lacrosse

by MEREDITH BARKLEY When a back injury ended her gymnastics career at age 12, Izzy Parrett found herself on the hunt for another athletic outlet.

At about that time her family moved from High Point to Oak Ridge and Parrett ended up in class with Carlie Saums, who soon became her best friend. Saums played lacrosse for a recreation center team and encouraged Parrett to join in.

“We’re all really, really bummed,” she said. “We’ve all been looking forward to this since field hockey time.”

(She and several teammates play field hockey in the fall.)

ing to a schedule. She’s up at 7 a.m. each day, is hitting the books by 8 a.m. and is at it until about 2 p.m., when she heads for workouts with siblings or virtually with teammates.

Parrett hopes to one day play lacrosse at the college level. She has attended “prospect days” since freshman year, which is when high school athletes first get in front of college coaches.

“So that’s kind of my day,” Parrett said. “I have to remain on a schedule, otherwise I’ll be tempted to watch TV all day.”

Colleges, she said, aren’t allowed to approach high-schoolers until they’re juniors. Still, this was supposed to be the year she and other sophomores were hoping to start showing them their talents and skills in game situations.

When school was in normal session she also participated in Key Club and

Vikings for Greensboro, both of which do service projects in the community.

“You’re helping others, and we all need to do that, especially if we’re able to,” she said.

Among her family’s favorite getaways, she said, is boating at Belews Lake. She likes wake boarding and picking up new water-related tricks.

“It makes me excited and very happy,” Parrett said.

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“It’s our big year before recruiting,” Parrett said. “So we’re all pretty bummed about that.”

“It felt weird. It was familiar, like I’d been doing it my whole life,” said Parrett, a sophomore mid fielder for Northwest Guilford. “The sport really got me. It was so much fun to be able to control part of the game.”

The college that recruits her – which she figures will have a lowerlevel Division 1 lacrosse team – will have to offer engineering, she said, noting she’s drawn to aerospace and electrical engineering.

That’s all over for this year, though, as the N.C. High School Athletic Association has canceled spring sports in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Parrett and her teammates are understandably disappointed.

Her favorite high school classes: science and math.

With school buildings closed for the rest of the school year and distance learning in place, Parrett said she’s taking her studies seriously and stick-

Look for details this Friday at Facebook.com/NorthwestObserver and in next week’s Northwest Observer to see how you can help us honor Northwest Guilford’s and Northern Guilford’s Class of 2020.

Talent may get you on the field, but it’s effort and attitude that will keep you there. – Russell Wilson

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CRIME / INCIDENT report

BITS & PIECES

District 1 Sheriff’s Office

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

ALCOHOL April 26 | An 18-year-old male was cited in the 7200 block of Wyatt Drive in Summerfield (off Brookbank Road) for underage possession of a malt beverage/unfortified wine.

DRUGS April 21 | A 57-year-old male was arrested in the 8300 block of Loyola Drive in Stokesdale (near the downtown area) for possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine); the man was also cited for possession of drug paraphernalia.

THEFT April 21 | An employee of Pick N Go in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect broke into the business around 12 a.m. by smashing a front window with a hammer; once inside, the suspect stole 113 individual packs of Newport cigarettes, worth $925.68 altogether; the damage done to the window and a glass door is estimated at $1,300.

April 24 | An employee of Circle K in Colfax reported an unknown suspect walked out of the store at 12:45 a.m. with a can of beer that wasn’t paid for and drove away in a silver four-door sedan with a Florida license plate.

April 27 | A customer at the Shell gas station in Colfax reported at 12:14 a.m. an unknown suspect got in his car, which had been left with the keys in it and motor running, and drove away; the vehicle, a 2004 Toyota 4Runner, is estimated to be worth $10,000.

April 27 | A resident of the 1500 block of N.C. 150 W in Summerfield reported a known suspect broke into the house adjacent to hers, which is part of her family’s property, at 3:27 a.m.; the suspect stole a black/brown .22 leveraction rifle, a black/brown single-shot gun, a black revolver pistol, 50 pieces of gold and silver custom jewelry and a silver marquise-cut diamond ring with a gold band, worth about $1,000 altogether.

WEAPONS April 20 | A resident of the 6100 block of Mill Chase Court in northern Greensboro (near Lake Brandt Road) reported a 24-year-old male discharged a firearm into her home and struck the living room window; the suspect was arrested for discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling and also charged with obstructing a police officer, contempt of court and violating a protection order.

Adobe Stock photo

A weekly farmers market will open Wednesday, May 6, 4 to 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Park, 8325 Angel-Pardue Road.

Farmers Market opens May 6 With social distancing practices initially in place, the farmers market at Stokesdale Town Park will kick off next Wednesday and be held every Wednesday through late October.

park (behind Stokesdale Town Hall), 8325 Angel-Pardue Road; the market will open every subsequent Wednesday, through Oct. 28.

STOKESDALE – The town of Stokesdale recently announced its weekly farmers market will open Wednesday, May 6, 4 to 7 p.m. in the town

Interested vendors can obtain a vendor application by calling Stokesdale Town Hall at (336) 643-4011 or emailing deputyclerk@stokesdale.org.

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APRIL 30 - MAY 6, 2020

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RDFARN receives matching grant After Red Dog Farm’s largest annual fundraiser is canceled, an anonymous donor has offered a matching grant of up to $10,000

STOKESDALE – Every spring for the past 10 years, almost 400 people have gathered for an evening of entertainment and to show their support for Red Dog Farm Animal Rescue Network, a public charity dedicated to the rehabilitation, fostering and adoption of animals of all sizes. The much-anticipated event, “Dogs on the Catwalk,” is the Stokesdale-based nonprofit’s largest annual fundraiser, and event proceeds help pay for animal vaccinations, food, training and other animalrelated services and supplies. This year the event was to be held April 17 – but like so many other events, it was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic and stay-at-home restrictions.

Realizing the organization serves hundreds of animals each year and has ongoing financial needs, an anonymous supporter of RDFARN recently stepped forward and offered to match donations received between now

CUTTING-EDGE HUMOR

and May 15, dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000.

“If we can fully realize this matching challenge, it will mean $20,000 to help support the cats, dogs, farm animals and exotics that need our help now,” RDFARN’s executive director Lauren Riehle wrote in an email to the organization’s supporters earlier this month.

“The animal rescue world has seen a positive side effect to the global pandemic: an increase in animal adoptions,” Riehle continued. “Many families have decided that now is the ideal time to bring a new pet into their home. Your donation of any amount will help us bring in more animals in need and match them with loving families looking for their new best friend.”

want to donate?

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

A sign in front of Great Clips at 2202 Fleming Road in northwest Greensboro offers some humor to passers-by.

Share your

Visit www.reddogfarm.com and make a donation by May 15 for it to be counted toward the matching grant offer of $10,000 – or mail a check made out to Red Dog Farm, 8653 N.C. 65, Stokesdale, NC 27357.

community news

Besides donations, RDFARN’s greatest need at this time is for individuals/families to foster mediumto large-breed dogs.

e-mail: communitynews@nwobserver.com

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APRIL 30 - MAY 6, 2020

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LETTERS/OPINIONS Submit your letters (maximum 350 words)

online: nwobserver.com e-mail : editor@nwobserver.com Include your name, daytime phone number and name of community.

Letters from the same writer will be published no more than every 30 days.

Fire department helps make 8-year-old’s birthday ‘best ever’ I want to thank the Oak Ridge Fire Department for something they did recently for my son.

On a moment’s notice, they took time out of their busy schedule (on a Saturday) to come to my neighborhood and lead a parade of vehicles for his eighth birthday. He Photo courtesy of Cher Myers has a pre-existing health Oak Ridge resident Cher Myers sent this picture of condition and literally her son celebrating his eighth birthday last week with a hasn’t been off our prop- neighborhood parade led by members of Oak Ridge Fire erty since the last day of Department. school in March. I think Thank you so much, Oak Ridge he thought his birthday was going to Fire Department – what a wonderful be pretty boring. Instead, he told me, and selfless act of kindness!

“Mom, this has been the best birthday Cher Myers, OAK RIDGE ever!”

‘It takes a village’ In a recent issue of the Northwest Observer an amazing, anonymous individual put out a heartwarming “grin” about the 8-year anniversary of our “Iron Man,” Johnny, first being diagnosed with leukemia. The “grin” not only touched our hearts, but it also reminded us to finally get around to thanking the incredible friends, neighbors, church family, schools and so many others who we are blessed with in Summerfield, Oak Ridge and other nearby towns.

To state the incredible obvious, our family was crushed to its core when

18

in 2012 we first heard these words in a small Brenner Children’s Hospital waiting room: “I am so sorry, it’s leukemia.” Never for a moment did we fully comprehend the enormity of those words and of the nightmare our 8-year-old Johnny was about to endure. And certainly none of us ever considered for a moment that eight years later, at 16 years old, Johnny’s battle would still be ongoing.

Johnny is doing great, is in full remission, and is working hard to live life to the fullest to make up for the many things this battle has

APRIL 30 - MAY 6, 2020

Photo courtesy of the Van Kemp family

stolen from him. He inspires us every second of every day with his courage and determination, and has an inner strength that could move a mountain.

He is the toughest person we have ever met – and oh yes, he just happens to be our son.

Most inspiring, however, is Johnny’s unwavering faith in God, a faith that has carried him from the very beginning and will carry him for the rest of his life.

In the fog of those first moments back in 2012 when the oncologist first told us of the horrible world we were about to enter, he cited the African proverb, “It takes a village,” and told us we should be open to support from everyone and anyone because we were going to need so much from so many.

Little did we know how visionary that oncologist was, as our family

Stay

Johnny Van Kemp, 16, has been battling leukemia since 2012, when he was first diagnosed while in third grade at Summerfield Elementary School. Now a student at Northern Guilford High School, Johnny is shown here sitting outside his Summerfield home petting a stray cat that his family has “kind of” adopted, according to his dad. “Johnny has many ‘gifts’ in life – a huge heart, his caring for others, his courage and inner strength, and so many more qualities, but one that we also admire is his incredibly gentle ways with animals.

We used to call him our ‘dog whisperer’ with our dog Rosie, but he also has the same soothing effect on cats, horses, and well, all animals,” Johnny’s dad, John Van Kemp, wrote earlier this week on the family’s CaringBridge page.

has been blessed with incredible love and support from the principals and teachers of Summerfield Elementary, Northern Middle and Northern High Schools, Summerfield Fire Department, our loving church family at Oak Ridge United Methodist, the Summerfield Recreation Association, Patti Stokes and the Northwest Observer, local businesses, friends and neighbors, people we have never met and well, a “village” that God had surrounded us with.

In short, that oncologist was right – “It takes a village!”

God bless all of you, and from the bottom of our hearts, we offer our deepest gratitude and appreciation for your caring and support!

Johnny, Sharon and John Van Kemp SUMMERFIELD

distant but

not disconnected /NorthwestObserver

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GRINS and GRIPES

Delighted or dismayed by something in your community?

Share your thoughts in

40

words or less

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

GRINS to...  Northern Elementary staff for being the best!

Even now you are here for kids and families, answering questions and helping us at every turn.  The kind, unselfish lady who shared her sanitizer to wipe down my basket on April 18 when Dollar General did not supply any. Smiles, and be safe!

 Small businesses that hurt the economy by hiring “street employees” or felons to avoid paying suitable wages for a certain trade while jeopardizing the safety of their customers.

What a way to save money when the employees won’t pay taxes!

 Luigi’s in Summerfield for not only providing great takeout during this trying time, but also for feeding the kids in the community.

 Stokesdale Town Council, who last year got the largest pay raise in history and are refusing to do the same duties as past council members. Instead, you want to hire more employees at the town’s expense.

Stop the ever-growing Stokesdale government.

 Everyone who supports our public schools, not just the “proud supporters.” As taxpayers, we have no choice in the matter – even when we homeschool – and are forced to fund our education system whether we use it or not.

Editor’s note: Just to clarify, not all council members are in favor of hiring people to organize the town’s events and look after the town park/property maintenance, and although that has been suggested, the suggestion has not been voted on.

 Jennifer Mun and her crew at Bistro 150 in Oak Ridge Commons for continuing to offer warm smiles and positive, encouraging words with our take-out meals, especially when your restaurant has been so hard hit.

 The driver of the pickup truck who stopped at our driveway on Southard Road (Stokesdale) and overloaded our garbage cans. Shame on you – pay for your own service.

GRIPES to...  The alarming number of parents unconcerned with their child’s education during the pandemic. The government allows 185 days to teach life skills, so please help provide children with opportunities to expand their knowledge for a future with a desirable wage.

 Cooks at a Colfax restaurant offering take-out who weren’t wearing gloves while handling my food (observed this at the pick-up window).

Was told the Health Department doesn’t require them to wear gloves!?  Gov. Roy Cooper for extending statewide stay-at-home order. COVID-19 does not warrant broad draconian measures anymore. Keep targeted restrictions in place to protect the vulnerable,

...continued on p. 23

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$9.49/each

ALL ITEMS AVAILABLE WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.

Quality Food AT WHOLESALE PRICES 336.545.3664 407 WESTCLIFF RD • GREENSBORO, NC 27409 Located near I-40 & Hwy 68, in Industrial Park behind Embassy Suites All Major Credit Cards Accepted

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

APRIL 30 - MAY 6, 2020

19

 AUTO SALES & SERVICE

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

1964 FALCON SPRINT. 5-speed, air, power steering, disc brakes, and more. New wheels and tires. $17,500. Call (336) 643-9197 or (336) 314-2885.

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

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

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

FLOORING

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

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

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.

Place online at

 HOME SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

A-ACTION AIR. A/C Spring checkup, $49.99.

Call (336) 382-3750 or (336) 268-6768.

CLEANING

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

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.

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

INDEX Auto Sales & Service ........ 20 Home Services ........... 20-22 Misc. for Sale .................. 22 Misc. Services .................. 22 Misc. Wanted .................. 22

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

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

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

Pets & Animal Services .... 22 Real Estate ...................... 22

20 20

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

APRIL APRIL30 30--MAY MAY6,6,2020 2020

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

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

OLD SCHOOL HOME REPAIR See display ad on page 16.

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.

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

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

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.

Your business should be here!

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

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

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.

FIX YOUR MOWER! Service and repairs. Spring specials. "We do it right." Free pickup & delivery. Call Rick, (336) 501-8681.

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

DTW GRADING & HAULING, INC. Offering complete bobcat services and hauling.

Fill dirt, asphalt millings, stone and more.

Daniel Wilson, (336) 339-0212.

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

place your ad today at

www.nwobserver.com

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

STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. Free est. Lic./Ins. 40+ years experience.

All phases of tree work. Lots & natural area thinning and cleanup. Large shrubbery jobs, chipping. Oak Ridge. Call (336) 643-1119. Hire a local with references.

EXTERIOR GREENSCAPES. Lawn maintenance service. Call for a free estimate (336) 682-1456.

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.

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

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

MASONRY

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

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.

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

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

COLFAX LAWNCARE. Core aeration & seeding. Fertilizing, mowing, trimming, pine needles. Complete lawn care maintenance. Res./comm. Fully insured. Serving the triad for 32 years. (336) 362-5860.

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

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

COLONIAL MASONRY. 40 yrs. exp. Specializing in outdoor living spaces; dry-stack natural stone and flagstone. Let us help you plan your patio, fire pit, fireplace, kitchen – or anything else you would like! Call (336) 949-9019. www.colonialmasonry.com.

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.

Place your classified ad online at

www.nwobserver.com

AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Quality irrigation systems. NC licensed contractor.

We service all systems. Free estimates.

(336) 644-1174.

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS

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.

COX POOL SERVICE. Openings, closings, routine maintenance, weekly service. No contracts, free estimates! (336) 327-5122.

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

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

HILL LAWNCARE & OUTDOOR SERVICES. Free est. Call (336) 669-5448.

The Northwest Observer Keeping you connected for 23 years . . . and counting!

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

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

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

(336) 643-6427.

PAINTING & DRYWALL 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

PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR, 40 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. Average BDRM walls $100. Insured. Call Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186.

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

BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR. No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic./ Ins. Cleanliness in your home is our #1 priority. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924.

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

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.

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.

PRESSURE WASHING CUTTING EDGE PRESSURE WASHING. Affordable, dependable. Please call anytime for free estimate. (336) 706-0103.

EAST COAST PRESSURE WASHING & LAWN SERVICE. Soft washing, surface cleaning of driveways and patios. See us on Facebook. (336) 207-3625.

HOUSE SOFT WASHING, roof soft washing, pressure washing. Check out our 5- star reviews online! Please visit our website, MartinsPressureWashing.com.

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

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

(336) 931-0600

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

• References Available • Licensed & Insured • All Work Guaranteed

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 41 yrs. exp. (336) 362-6343.

BEKPaintCompany.com

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.

The Northwest Observer • Totally The Northwest Observer • Totally locallocal sincesince 19961996

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.

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

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

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

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

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

continued on p. 22

APRIL - MAY6,6,2020 2020 APRIL 3030 - MAY

21 21

 HOME SERVICES

 MISC. WANTED

 REAL ESTATE

 REAL ESTATE

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Lifetime shingle and metal roofing. We finance.

Free Estimates. Since 1979. Please call (336) 362-6343.

FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, ATVs, generators, power washers, go-carts, mini-bikes, golf carts, 4-wheelers, etc. (336) 689-4167.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

HOMES FOR SALE

Share your pics of the creative ways

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

you're staying at home with your NWO

Got stuff?

Need stuff?

with our readers! Email your photos to

during the COVID-19 pandemic photos@nwobserver.com.

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

(336) 643-4248

www.ANewDawnRealty.com HOMES FOR SALE TOWNHOMES IN OAK RIDGE!

SKYPE TUTORING. ECG Grad. #7 ranked in U.S. News. Call/text (336) 423-3369.

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

Newly constructed equestrian estate in Oak Ridge on 22.45 acres.

Golden opportunity to own a turnkey facility that is brand new. Covered and outdoor arenas, 8-stall barn, workshop and 3,100 SF home. $1,597,000

Nancy J. Hess

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

 REAL ESTATE  MISC. SERVICES

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY

SELLERS & BUYERS

NWO Staycation photos!

 MISC. FOR SALE

Place your ad online at

We Help Everyone!

Available Virtual Tours

LAND FOR SALE

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!

LAND. Large tracts. Rockingham County and Summerfield. Want social distancing?!

Only three 10-acre tracts left. If 10 acres isn’t enough, one 25-acre parcel remains.

Perfect for a mini-estate, laying hens, and a garden too. Hurry, this land won’t last!

Call (336) 430-9507 anytime.

Nancy J. Hess

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

SELLING OR RENTING? We can help you reach ALL of northwest Guilford County!

Call (336) 644-7035, ext. 11, or Place your ad online at

Kim Wilson

“How do I find my local public schools?” p. 62 “Who are my elected representatives?” p. 46

kwilson@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 662-7805

“Where do I register to vote?” p. 55

“Where can I find a doctor or urgentcare facility?” p. 73

Find the answers to these questions and more in the FINDER. It’s jampacked with valuable information for northwest Guilford County residents.

In print every year • Online year-round at nwobserver.com

22 22

APRIL APRIL30 30--MAY MAY6,6,2020 2020

Deadline: Monday prior to each issue

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

020

12 th annual edition

, y d n a h t Keep i often use it published by

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

LEGAL SERVICES

Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC ....17

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

AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE

Scott Tippett – Hagan Barrett Law .....3

EuroHaus .........................................16

MEDICAL CARE / SUPPLIES

Prestige Car Wash ..............................9

Dove Medical Supply ..........................5

CHILDREN’S SERVICES Guardian Ad Litem ...........................14

CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES Oak Ridge Chiropractic ....................14

GROCERY STORE Southern Foods ................................19

LeBauer HealthCare .........................10

 The man mowing his lawn with a child on his lap. When I was a child my neighbor did this. The boy fell off and it was fatal. Please don’t do this.

Let us help you

CELEBRATE Congratulations, Sarah!

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ..............16 Northwest Animal Hospital ...............17

REAL ESTATE A New Dawn Realty .........................22

BEK Paint Company .........................21

Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX ...................9

GrowinGreen Inc. ...............................4

Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams............7

Old School Home Repair ..................16

speeding and revving his engine loudly all the way down Highland Grove Drive at 7:30 a.m. Saturday. Not a good way to wake up. Please respect your neighbors – also, the speed limit is 25 mph!

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

Nancy Hess, Berkshire Hathaway .....22

New Garden Landscaping & Nursery..11

but let the rest of us get back to work!  People who toss trash from their vehicles along Strawberry Road, between U.S. 220 and N.C. 150 – worse here than when I lived near Friendly Shopping Center in the center of Greensboro! Call the sheriff with tag number if you see this.  The motorcycle driver who was

Wake Forest Baptist Health.................2

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Nature’s Select ...................................8

GRINS AND GRIPES ...continued from p. 19

RESTAURANT Bistro 150 .........................................12

ProStone, Inc. ...................................15

RETAIL

Stokesdale Heating & Air....................6

David Cole Pottery..............................3

INSURANCE

YOUTH SPORTS / CAMPS

Gladwell Insurance Agency.................7

Oak Ridge Youth Association ...........15

merfield Sarah Smith, Sumas s of 2020

NC State University, Cl tion Business Administra

u! Continue to smile Sarah, we are so proud of yo s. We are excited for wn through all life’s ups and do pter. - Mom & Dad cha life you as you enter a new

Interested in a celebratation ad? Call or email for details.

(336) 644-7035, ext. 16 | celebrations@nwobserver.com Engagements | Graduations | Birthdays | Anniversaries | Birth Announcements | Weddings

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

APRIL 30 - MAY 6, 2020

23

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

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

PAID

Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22 ECRWSS

A New Dawn Realty team members (L-R) Brooklyn Lawson, Realtor; Phillip Stone, Realtor/broker and agency co-owner; Robin Bates, licensed transaction coordinator; Janet Sullivan, Realtor; and Dawn Stone, Realtor/broker and agency co-owner, excitedly congregated around the Northwest Observer one day last year (before social distancing requirements were in place) to read the local news. As you can see by their expressions, the Stokesdale-based real estate agency’s crew obviously found the community newspaper’s content to be fascinating, informative and entertaining.

n o i t a c stay ussion performance art Scott Irving’s Clang Quartet show, a perc 9. While he enjoys some ID-1 COV to show for Jesus, is off the road due g is working on new music and, extra time at home in Stokesdale, Irvin r! of course, reading his Northwest Observe

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