Northwest Observer / June 4-10, 2020 by pscommunications

June 4 - 10, 2020

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Summerﬁeld council mulls old Laughlin school for town hall Estimated cost of renovating the historic property is $4.7 million, according to a Guilford County Schools’ facilities study by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – Renovating the historic, formerly all-black Laughlin school, which now serves as a professional development center for teachers, has emerged as an option for a new Summerfield town hall. Mayor Pro Tem Tim Sessoms told fellow council members last week he wants them to consider refurbishing the old school facility for a new town hall and public meeting space that may include a community library. Until now, the council’s public discussions about

Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO

The historic Laughlin school has been used as a professional development center since 2012; Guilford County Schools may close the 34,500-square-foot facility as part of an effort to consolidate its administrative buildings and redirect funds to build and remodel schools and upgrade technology countywide. the possibility of tapping the town’s reserve funds for an expanded town hall and meeting space have focused on constructing a new building.

Thieves steal 14 guns in ‘smash and grab’ by CHRIS BURRITT

STOKESDALE – Four men wearing dark hoodies and masks broke into the Atlantic Outdoors gun shop around 3 a.m. Wednesday morning, stealing 12 handguns and two rifles in less than a minute after breaking into the downtown Stokesdale store. The store’s surveillance video captured the thieves smashing glass cases with their feet and a hammer. One of the thieves stuffed handguns in a bag while another put a pistol in his pants and two others pulled rifles down from wall racks, leaving two 9mm carbines on the floor as they departed.

...continued on p. 6

Renovating the school property on Summerfield Road would spread costs over various projects, such as creating office space for town staff and remak-

IN THIS ISSUE Your Questions ..................................4 Towns seek public input on budgets ...5 Pets & Critters ...................................7 Guinea pigs find the good life ............8 Pet Adoptions..................................10 NWO Kids’ Korner ............................11 Fitness enthusiasts move outdoors ..14 Crime/Incident Report ......................15 Student Profiles ...............................16 Grins and Gripes ..............................18 Cub Scouts celebrate transition ........19 Classifieds ......................................20 Index of Advertisers .........................23

ing the school’s library into a community library, Sessoms said during a special called council meeting last Thursday, May 28, to discuss the town’s proposed budget. “It’s not like building a new building and having to pay for it all at the same time,” Sessoms said in an interview after the meeting. Summerfield would need to acquire the old Laughlin school, located on Summerfield Road near its dead end on Summer Haven Drive at U.S. 220, from Guilford County Schools (GCS). Last November, schools Superintendent Sharon Contreras proposed closing Laughlin and 10 other administrative buildings in a consolidation, as part of a $2 billion plan to build and remodel schools and upgrade technology countywide. The school system’s facilities report outlining the proposed changes signals

...continued on p. 2

Fitness moves outdoors

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

“It is quite a ride right now,” said Sabrina French, juggling boxes of tire tubes needed for the ﬂood of cycles being repaired at Downtown Bicycle Works and Downtown BMX. She owns the Summerfield business with her husband, Adam. See article on p. 14

LAUGHLIN

...continued from p. 1 that the Laughlin property may, in fact, become available if GCS abandons it. Consolidating administrative services would allow the district to “repurpose or sell vacated administrative campuses to help offset other facility expenses,” according to the report. Representing students and families in Summerfield, school board members Darlene Garrett (District 6) and Pat Tillman (District 4) didn’t reply to requests for additional comment. “As far as I know, this is the first any of us have heard about this proposal,” GCS Chief of Staff Nora Carr wrote

in an email earlier this week. If GCS were to refurbish Laughlin’s nearly 34,500 square feet of facilities, repairs would cost an estimated $4.71 million, according to the report. Noting those expenses, Town Manager School Whitaker said in an email earlier this week “the town will continue to do its due diligence just as we do with all major capital considerations.” Town leaders discussed years ago the possibility of sharing the Laughlin facility with GCS, according to Whitaker. Such an arrangement would have resulted in scheduling conflicts and technology problems, he said, while also noting the property hasn’t been for sale. Whitaker called Laughlin school “a

treasure for Summerfield from a historical standpoint.” Since Sessoms raised the prospect for the facility to become the new town hall, those responding on the Northwest Observer’s Facebook page were mostly positive about the possibility, although the size of the facility and estimated renovation costs were not stated at the time. Sessoms emphasizes he’s not opposed to considering construction of a new town hall, but wrote in a Facebook post that “before committing to a large expenditure from our fund balance, I would like to explore the possibilities of saving an old beloved building that has a lot of character and history. I think we all want to have something that is not just a standard town hall and is uniquely Summerfield.” Laughlin has served as the school district’s professional development center since 2012. Its history dates back to 1866, when it began educating the children of freed slaves in present-day Peace United Methodist Church on Scalesville Road. In the early 1900s, the school evolved

into Summerfield School, relocating to the corner of N.C. 150 and Summerfield Road, now the parking lot of Town Hall. In 1934 it moved to its present location, where black students were educated until 1970 when integration of the county schools was completed. It operated as Laughlin Primary School for kindergartners and first graders until it closed in 2011 after Summerfield Elementary School expanded. A year and a half later, Laughlin became home of the school system’s professional development center. Mayor Pro Tem Sessoms mentioned Laughlin as a possibility for a new town hall near the end of last week’s meeting during which Town Manager Scott Whitaker and Finance Officer Dee Hall presented the final draft of the town’s proposed budget for the fiscal year starting July 1. The budget earmarks $500,000 for architectural planning and the start of construction of a town hall; the expense comprises 51.5 percent of proposed capital spending of $971,110 for next fiscal year. Sessoms recommended the council keep the $500,000 in the final budget

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even if it doesn’t proceed with plans to design and begin building a new town hall next year. The council plans to consider adopting the final budget during its regular monthly meeting next Tuesday, June 9. “I would like to suggest that we explore all alternatives and keep this money in the budget in case we find something,” Sessoms said during last week’s meeting. “I would like us to keep the train on the tracks and moving. “I’m certainly open to a new town hall; I’m not against that idea,” he said. Laughlin school is also an option “because of the historical value there” and the potential for the buildings to be refurbished for town staff and the community. Last month, council member Lynne Williams DeVaney presented her vision for “Summerfield’s Forever Home,” a new town hall and meeting space possibly built on the 13.3 acres the town owns on Summerfield Road across from the existing Town Hall; the tract is bounded on the east by U.S. 220. “I’m ready to break ground,” DeVaney told fellow council members last week, reiterating that she’d like to see a new town hall underway in 2021, the 25th anniversary of Summerfield’s incorporation. Next year’s proposed budget totals $2.16 million, an increase of $387,485 over the current year’s spending plan, according to Whitaker’s presentation. Revenues are projected to cover operating costs, with $868,975 appropriated from the town’s reserves for capital projects. As of April 30, the town’s unassigned fund balance totaled nearly $7.1 million, creating the opportunity for Summerfield to build a new town hall without borrowing or increasing taxes, DeVaney noted. The budget recommends leaving the property tax rate unchanged at 2.75 cents per $100 valuation. That amounts to $96.31 in annual taxes for a house worth $350,200, the median value of an owneroccupied home in Summerfield, Hall said. Council member Teresa Pegram recommended the council reduce the town’s property tax and postpone capital projects. “People are hurting out there,” she said, referring to COVID-19-related job losses and spending of savings and retirement

funds by individuals to pay essential bills. “I think we should halt the projects for a year and give taxpayers a break,” Pegram said. In an interview after the meeting, she said she opposes spending for a new town hall, whether to build one or refurbish Laughlin school. “There is plenty of room in Town Hall for all of the employees there,” she said, adding she favors “low, limited services government” for Summerfield as spelled out in its comprehensive plan. The lack of a kitchen in the current town hall requires employees to wash dishes in the bathroom sink, according to Whitaker. The meeting space is too small for the council’s regular and special called meetings, so the town rents space in Summerfield Community Center on Centerfield Road for those meetings. Town staff, council members and residents set up folding tables, chairs and audio equipment before the meeting and place them in storage afterward. The makeshift nature of meetings “is not the type of thing that is representative of a professional, well-run town, which is what this town is,” Mayor BJ Barnes said last week. “This council is committed to being good stewards of our tax dollars,” the mayor asserted. “But we’re also committed to giving our citizens the things they need and that they want to make us the town we can be even more proud of.” Next year’s budget for capital projects also sets aside $100,000 toward the purchase of Bandera Farms, a 113-acre tract on Bunch Road and I-73 that the Piedmont Land Conservancy has agreed to acquire for development of a public recreation area with walking, biking and horseback riding trails. Another $100,000 is designated for legal fees related to a Superior Court judge’s ruling in an appeal brought forward by residents Dwayne Crawford and Don Wendelken. In another suit, homeowners on Tannery Road are suing over storm water flooding of their yards from the historic Hoskins house, a new dental practice building and the sheriff’s District 1 office on Summerfield Road.

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JUNE 4 - 10, 2020

The Jumping Bean announced several months ago it was going to open a second location in Stokesdale. I have not heard anything else. Is this still going to happen? We recently spoke with Jumping Bean owner Kevin Murray at his coffee drivethrough in Summerfield Square shopping center on U.S. 220. He told us that after learning costs for opening a coffee hut on U.S. 158 in downtown Stokesdale were going to run much higher than he had anticipated, his plans to expand into Stokesdale are on hold for at least a year from now. Murray had hoped to open a second Jumping Bean on property adjacent to the Polar Ice Station on U.S. 158 in downtown Stokesdale, beside the building where Subway and Hot Heads

Beauty Salon are located. However, when he began estimating costs, he said he found that cutting a driveway

Celebrating 60 years of marriage on June 9

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from the highway to Ellisboro Road on the back of the property would cost more than he was willing to spend. The driveway would have served customers driving past the building to buy beverages and pastries. Murray said he recently contacted Friends of Stokesdale, a group promoting revitalization of the downtown area, in hopes its members will assist him in looking for other possible locations for his second coffee drive-through. “We still have an eye on expanding into Stokesdale,” he said. “It’s a big deal and we want to do it right.”

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Budgets ready for public input Proposed spending plans tap reserves for capital expenditures in Summerﬁeld and Oak Ridge while Stokesdale takes more conservative approach by CHRIS BURRITT and PATTI STOKES NW GUILFORD – The town councils in Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale are weighing public feedback before adopting their towns’ budgets for the fiscal year starting July 1. The final draft of Oak Ridge’s spending plan appropriates $944,200 million for capital expenses, including $900,000 for the initial development of the Whitaker property for an expansion of Town Park. Another $266,400 is earmarked for paying back the town’s borrowing to buy the 58 acres on Linville Road. Most of the $1.21 million set aside for capital expenditures is going to parks and

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recreation expenses, except for $11,000 earmarked for computer equipment for Town Hall. The proposed budget draws $907,045, a quarter of Oak Ridge’s reserves, for capital projects. “Using funds from the reserves to develop the Whitaker property will benefit the people of Oak Ridge and northwest Guilford for decades to come,” Mayor Ann Schneider said in an interview earlier this week. Oak Ridge has applied for a $450,000 grant from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund to defray the town’s proposal to spend $900,000 for planning, engineering and the start of construction on the Whitaker property. The council will hold its meeting at 7 p.m. this Thursday, June 4, via Zoom. Despite the negative impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on sales tax receipts, anticipated revenues cover operating expenses by more than $300,000 next fiscal year, Schneider said. Oak Ridge’s budget projects spending of $2.47 million next year, with property tax receipts providing a third of revenues.

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It proposes leaving unchanged the property tax rate of 8 cents per $100 of assessed property value. In Summerfield, the proposed budget sets aside $500,000 for architectural planning and the start of construction of a new town hall. During a special called budget meeting last week, Mayor Pro Tem Tim Sessoms recommended the council keep the $500,000 in the final budget even if it doesn’t proceed with designing and building a new town hall next year. (See related article on front cover.) The Summerfield council plans to consider adopting the final budget during its monthly meeting next Tuesday, June 9. Next year’s proposed budget totals $2.16 million, an increase of $387,485

over the current year’s spending plan. The plan appropriates $868,975 from reserve funds to cover capital projects, while projecting revenues will cover operating costs. The budget recommends leaving the property tax rate unchanged at 2.75 cents per $100 valuation. In Stokesdale, the town council held a budget workshop May 21 and a special called budget meeting June 3 via Zoom. See next week’s issue for highlights of the June 3 budget meeting and proposed budget. A public hearing for citizen feedback on Stokesdale’s proposed budget for next fiscal year is scheduled for June 15, 7 p.m. Visit oakridgenc.com, stokesdale.org and summerfieldnc.gov to view the proposed budgets and for information on how citizens can offer feedback.

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JUNE 4 - 10, 2020

‘SMASH AND GRAB’

...continued from p. 1

“It was smash and grab,” Mark Yonjof, Atlantic Outdoors’ owner, said in an interview Wednesday afternoon in his store at 8216 U.S. 158. “They left $2,000 handguns on the floor and they took cheap guns. They dropped as much as they carried on the way out.” The Guilford County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the robbery. Yonjof said he expects investigators from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to arrive Thursday, June 4, partly to take an inventory of weapons to confirm the number that were stolen. The subsequent break-in and theft of weapons from Idol’s Gun Rack in Kernersville early Wednesday morning led investigators to suspect the two thefts were coordinated, according to Yonjof. Atlantic Outdoors’ two alarm

systems that Yonjof had armed before leaving the store Tuesday did not go off during the robbery, he said. He’s not sure whether the thieves disabled the alarms or they failed for other reasons. It took the thieves several minutes, if not longer, to break into the store, Yonjof said. It appeared they tried to cut through a dead bolt between the two glass front doors, but eventually gave up and instead broke out the glass in one of the two doors, which were secured by a pair of metal gates. Then, they shot and broke open a lock holding the gates together, giving them access to the store. Yonjof said they fired 12 shots from a .40-caliber handgun to shatter the lock, judging by the casings he picked up in front of the doors. The shots left one of the store windows badly cracked. It was the first time that Atlantic Outdoors has been robbed, said Yonjof, who opened the store about two and a half years ago. In recent weeks, after

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(Above) Atlantic Outdoors owner Mark Yonjof inside his downtown Stokesdale store, which was broken into around 3 a.m. Wednesday morning. (Right) Yonjof holds a doorgate lock that thieves shot multiple times before shattering it and gaining access to his store in downtown Stokesdale on June 3. thieves hit other gun shops in the Greensboro area, he’s increased security measures, including the installation of new safes. He said over the next few days he’ll evaluate how to further increase security in his store. So far this year, Atlantic Outdoors is generating its strongest sales ever, Yonjof said, reflecting the purchase of weapons during the COVID-19 outbreak

and recent incidents of civil unrest that led to a nighttime curfew in Greensboro earlier this week.

“With all the anarchy in Greensboro, people were scared,” he said.

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June 2020 a monthly feature of the Northwest Observer James Mitchell of Oak Ridge wrote that his cat, Jessie, loves spending her days basking in the sunshine and frolicking in the backyard of her home.

Tucker is a 12-year-old American Staffordshire terrier. He enjoys spending his days lying out in the sun and going for walks in the evening in his Summerfield neighborhood, Henson Forest. His owner, Jannette Wysong, says Tucker is a very sweet and loyal boy!

Ella (left) and Rudy Stokes cuddle up together as they patiently wait to go out for a game of fetch. Ella, almost a year old, loves to chew, run and cuddle. Rudy, 6 years old, is much more laid-back, always happy to just be with his humans. Summerfield residents Leon and Patti Stokes are the humans who belong to these two sweet Cavalier King Charles spaniels.

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or animal photos, and so do our readers! e-mail them to: photos@nwobserver.com

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After surviving rocky start, guinea pigs are enjoying the ‘good life’ by ANNETTE JOYCE

that her guinea pig had run away. Niffler wasn’t doing so well either, having been quite shaken up from his bumpy ride in the wagon.

Julie Surprenant and her 10-yearold son, Cole, are enamored with two cute, cuddly guinea pigs named after their favorite Harry Potter characters – Niffler and Hagrid. While the two boars are well-fed, happy and now living in luxury, their life with the Surprenants got off to quite the rocky start.

When the neighborhood kids learned of Hagrid’s disappearance, they quickly formed a search party and took to the woods with the seemingly impossible task of finding a tiny, 2-month-old, mostly black critter that was set on keeping himself hidden from human eyes.

It was a hot and humid June day when Julie and Cole brought the pair to their Oak Ridge home. Introductions to the family dog, Shadow, didn’t go so well after Shadow “went crazy” and tried to attack them, so Cole decided to put the newcomers in his wagon, take them away from the house and try to calm them down.

Having lived inside a climate-controlled cage where food and water were always available and predators were of no concern, Hagrid was not equipped to fend for himself in the wild, where the woods were filled with creatures that would have enjoyed turning him into their next delicious meal.

At the time, neither he nor his mom realized how adept these little rodents were at escaping, nor how fast they could run. As Cole was pulling them along, Hagrid suddenly jumped from the wagon and disappeared into the woods beside the Surprenants’ home.

Fortunately, his black coloring was very similar to the forest floor, which provided camouflage from those potential predators. That was the plus. However, on the down side, Hagrid’s coloring made him almost

Julie said Cole was hysterical when he returned home and had to tell her

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Cole (left) and Julie Surprenant, along with their dog, Shadow, enjoy showering affection on their two guinea pigs, Nifﬂer and Hagrid.

invisible to the humans who were frantically looking for him.

was very willing to help Cole find the runaway rodent.

Determined to find Hagrid, Cole and his father went searching for him again on the third day. Julie chuckled as she confessed her husband is not the biggest guinea pig fan, but said he

“When they came back, they said they thought they had found him,” Julie said. “They saw something black run across the ground and into a hollow log.”

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cardboard toilet paper rolls and boxes. “They really like to hide in the boxes,” Julie said as she gently slid Hagrid out of a soft-drink carton. As the two critters recently scurried around in a makeshift pen on the Surprenants’ back porch, munching on carrots and a celery stick, it was easy to see the bond the pair has developed. Surprisingly, they’ve also bonded with another family member – Shadow.

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

Guinea pigs Hagrid and Nifﬂer have become a comfortable part of the Surprenant family.

Julie went back with them into the woods and shined a light into the log – and that’s when she saw two little eyes staring back. Hesitant to stick her arm into the unknown, she set a no-kill trap and filled it with lettuce and spinach. Within hours, Hagrid had come out of hiding and was reunited with his buddy, Niffler.

tious, she wanted something more than a typical cage and has dedicated a corner of her family room to a spacious abode for the pair.

It’s been two years since that event and it’s doubtful either of these guinea pigs would venture far from their home.

In constructing their home, Julie searched online until she found two used hobby train tables. Putting those together to form a base, she used cubed caging to create a two-level living and playing area. She furnished it with toys and fleece – but tunnels, balls and chewie toys?

Wanting to make sure her babies enjoy nothing but the best, Julie has built a virtual mansion for Niffler and Hagrid. Extremely creative and ambi-

Nope. She quickly discovered her rambunctious pets cared nothing for the colorful toys that were being touted for pocket pets. Her boys love

In return, the pair provide Julie and Cole with plenty of enjoyment. “They’re so cute,” Julie said. “I just love to watch them.”

“I like their faces and how they lick you,” Cole added. Most guinea pigs are quite capable of communicating their likes and dislikes to their humans. Of the two, Nibbler is the most vocal. When they’re separated, Julie said they will look for one another and make a crying sound.

“Shadow thinks they’re his children,” Julie said. “They love Shadow, and sometimes they’ll try to cuddle up with him.” Guinea pigs are relatively easy to care for. They enjoy having plenty of space to roam and exercise, a clean habitat – and of course, a consistent supply of guinea pig-friendly food. Niffler and Hagrid’s daily diet consists of 80% hay, 10% guinea pig pellets, and the remaining 10% fresh vegetables and fruits such as lettuce, peppers, carrots, blueberries and strawberries.

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Julie also takes the pair to be groomed every couple of months.

When they’re excited – especially around feeding time – they often make a high-pitched squeal or whistle. Purring might mean they are content, or in some cases fearful. They also make chirping and hissing noises. With all the happy noises they make and the cuddles they offer, these two small critters have let the family know their rocky start in the Surprenant household has been forgiven… and forgotten.

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2837 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro Mon - Fri 8 am - 6 pm • Sat 10 am - 4 pm

carpetsbydirect.com

JUNE 4 - 10, 2020

Milkshake is a beautiful 8-pound, 4-year-old spayed female black-and-white domestic shorthair. Shelter staff members say she is friendly and very talkative! Milkshake has a grade 4 heart murmur, but she doesn’t let that slow down her chatter! Milkshake’s hobbies include collecting pictures – but she has only black-and-white photographs in her collection, of course. Please ask for her by ID#A021024

CARMEN Carmen is a beautiful 7-year-old, 47-pound spayed female pit bull mix. She is heartworm positive. This is a curable condition, and Carmen cannot transmit it to other animals. She is eligible for the HaveA-Heart program, which includes a 30% off voucher for heartworm treatment. Carmen doesn’t let heartworm keep her from enjoying her favorite tune from her namesake opera, the famous Habanera by Georges Bizet. Please ask for Carmen by ID#A020861

Guilford County Animal Shelter

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

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

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

GUINEA PIG WORD SEARCH

r e n r o K ’ s Kid Guinea pigs... did you know? • There are three basic types of domestic guinea pigs, which can be identified by their hair type. • American/English: short, smooth coat or hair • Abyssinian: wiry coat with hair that swirls in rosettes • Peruvian: straight hair that is long and silky

• A female guinea pig is called a “sow” and a male is called a “boar.”

RODENT

• Guinea pigs are not actually related to pigs at all; they are rodents. Their scientific name is ‘Cavia porcellus’, which is why they are sometimes referred to as ‘cavies’. • When excited, guinea pigs may repeatedly perform little hops in the air, also known as “popcorning.” • They need to eat lots and lots of hay. As mini grazers, not only does this help their digestive system to work properly, gnawing on hay keeps their constantly-growing teeth the right length. They also eat grass, and fresh fruits and vegetables. • Guinea pigs have an odd number of toes. They actually have 4 on their forefeet and 3 on their hind feet.

PERUVIAN

ABYSSINIAN MAMMAL

HAY

CAVIES

BOAR

POPCORNING

GRAZER

SOW

GRASS

HAIR

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touchless wash • soft bristled brushes

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new automated system Summertime at Oak Ridge Commons has always been about family fun, community camaraderie and old-fashioned good times. Although the pandemic has slowed things down a bit over the last few months, folks are anxious to get the good times rolling as they take into consideration caution and social distancing guidelines.

type feel,” Oak Ridge resident Mike Stone said. An avid car enthusiast and owner of three classic cars himself, Stone was the driving force behind the event’s creation several years ago and is looking forward to seeing everyone again this summer.

Sponsored by the shopping center’s owner, JPC Monroe, LLC, the monthly Classic Car Cruise-In is a summertime favorite. This year’s first cruise-in takes place Tuesday, June 16, and the event continues every third Tuesday thereafter through October.

“I have a blast getting to meet and connect with people,” he said. “There are always the stories that start with, ‘Well, my first car was a…’ and almost always end with, ‘I wish I had that car today.’ It’s the memories that have always been the attraction for me.”

Although he loves the cars, Stone said for him, the cruise-in is actually more about the people he meets.

The stars of the show – that would be “It’s fun to see parents walking togeththe cars – start rolling in around 4:30 p.m. er with their kids and talking about the and hang out until about 8 p.m. (weather cars they ne .agreed Randy s: used toodrive,” pire rs. Limintg salons exFloss, permitting). r e i f t e f an Oak Ridge resident who helps a f o p f

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SHOP • DINE • ENJOY

Oak Ridge, at the corner of NC Highways 68 and 150

they’ve looked at the cars, they can just hang out, listen to music and spend some time together.” Live entertainment adds a festive touch to the cruise-in and this month, local favorite Kris Ferris will provide the music.

Take-out and Delivery ONLY

“He’s been here many times and plays easy listening rock. A lot of classics from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and some current stuff,” Floss said. The Oak Ridge Commons Cruisein will be “supercharged” again this year by EuroHaus...The European Auto Pros. They’ll be sponsoring a “People’s Choice” award, in which attendees vote for their favorite ride and the winner receives a cool trophy and a gift card from a business in the Commons. As he finalizes plans to align with current pandemic restrictions that take into

Individual and family-size dinners with sides... and awesome desserts!

File photo

Hot rods, classics and customs populate the Oak Ridge Commons parking lot during the monthly Classic Car Cruise-In. account social distancing, Floss is optimistic the event will come together without a hitch and provide a fun outlet for the entire community.

Hours of operation Tuesday - Saturday 4pm - 8:30pm

Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center | 336.298.7102 | www.oakridgediner.com

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2205 Oak Ridge Road Oak Ridge

we’re ready when you are Wake Forest Baptist Health looks forward to welcoming you back. As we resume surgeries and in-person care, our promise is to keep you safe,, healthy and COVID-19-protected..

Following the advice of our Infectious Disease experts, we are: • Practicing social distancing in all of our clinic locations. • Minimizing wait times in common areas. • Asking our patients to join all providers and clinic staff in wearing masks and providing masks upon arrival. • Limiting visitors, with few exceptions. • Cleaning our facilities following strict sanitation protocols. • Conducting screenings for COVID-19 symptoms—for our providers and for you upon arrival. • Providing COVID-19 testing for all patients undergoing surgery. • Offering expanded access to virtual visits via phone or video. • Staffing ten designated respiratory assessment clinics for patients with COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms, separate from regular clinic locations.

For more information, visit WakeHealth.edu/GetCare. To schedule an appointment, call 888-716-WAKE.

Christopher Ohl, MD Infectious Disease Specialist

care for life

Fitness shifts outdoors as COVID-19 keeps gyms closed Trainers shift sessions to parks and neighborhoods as ﬁtness centers await the state’s permission to reopen

fitness centers, forcing owners to offer classes online and trainers to go outdoors.

“I want to keep going and keep training,” Langlois said.

“We’re doing what we can to be careful,” Smith said, “but we’ve missed each other. We’re more of a social group who exercises together.”

“Half of my clients meet me outdoors now and have maintained their regular training times,” said Kelly Cox, who operates Kelly Cox Personal Training from her Summerfield home. “We try not to by CHRIS BURRITT discuss the stressful situations created by COVID-19 during their hour so their body NW GUILFORD – When Dave Langlois arrived for his workout at Oak Ridge Town and mind can destress. They all comPark earlier this week, Snap Fitness trainer ment on how they need the activity even more now.” Mickael Young greeted him with an exerEarlier this week, CrossFit Oak Ridge reopened – not for members to exercise inside the cavernous gym, but for the blast of music by rock band AC/DC to reach them outside Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO while doing reverse “I want to keep going and keep training,” said Dave Langlois, worklunges and ing out at Oak Ridge Town Park with trainer Mickael Young of Snap burpees. Fitness, which temporarily closed its Oak Ridge gym in March due to COVID-19 restrictions. “This is the first cise mat, two 25-pound barbells and a workout we’ve had in two and a half resistance band attached to a maple tree. months,” said Mark Smith, one of In the shade, Young pushed his CrossFit’s owners and leader of a group 45-year-old client through a circuit of exercising outside, while taking care exercises, taking advantage of a park to wipe down mats (as they had done bench for step-ups that left Langlois before the virus outbreak) and leaving with wobbly legs. them in the sun.

The easing of COVID-19 restrictions on many businesses hasn’t yet allowed the full reopening of gymnasiums and

JUNE 4 - 10, 2020

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Some gym owners sued North Caro-

lina Gov. Roy Cooper, saying his May 22 executive order requiring gyms, indoor exercise facilities and entertainment venues to remain closed deprives them of their right to earn a living. While allowing restaurants to reopen at limited capacity during Phase Two of easing of restrictions statewide, the governor said fitness establishments pose a greater risk for the spread of COVID-19. Snap Fitness, which closed March 22 due to virus restrictions, is waiting for Cooper to authorize the reopening of gyms before opening its doors, according to Kimberly Stoll, who owns the fitness club on N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge with Paul Benz. Snap has been offering its members virtual classes and is allowing them to rent barbells and other equipment to work out at home, Stoll said in an interview earlier this week. “A lot of people are turning their garages and bonus rooms into gyms,” said Vic Burgess, manager of Play It Again Sports in Greensboro. The store is hard-pressed to keep some equipment, such as barbells, in stock due to demand during the virus outbreak. The governor’s stay-at-home order has led to a surge of bike sales for Adam and Sabrina French, owners of Downtown Bicycle Works and Downtown BMX in Summerfield. Families looking for activities have pulled old cycles from their garages, boosting demand for repairs as well.

“It is quite a ride right now,” Sabrina said last Saturday morning as customers began entering the store in Summerﬁeld Square.

While plans aren’t final, Snap Fitness hopes to accommodate about 10 people at a time when it reopens, Stoll said. Before closing temporarily, the small neighborhood gym typically attracted an average of 15 people during peak hours. “We think we’re going to be fine,” said Stoll, explaining that staff has sanitized the gym and put 6-foot social distancing stickers on the floor. When the gym reopens, it will limit the use of elliptical and other cardio equipment to every other piece of machinery. Snap Fitness also plans to shift from being open 24 hours a day to 12 hours with a staff member present, Stoll said. Starting this week, Spears Family YMCA and other YMCA branches in Greensboro began offering group outdoor exercise classes and lap indoor swimming, by reservation. It plans to offer summer camp for kids, as does Proehlific Park, according to an email to members last week. Proehlific said it plans to offer reservations-only outdoor fitness classes starting next Monday, June 8. Personal trainer Cox said she’s heartened that all of her clients have continued to exercise, partly to counteract additional snacking while at home. For some, exercising during time off due to the virus “has helped slow down their hectic lifestyle and reinforce what is really important: their health and their family time,” Cox said. “For that reason, I believe the exercise habits formed throughout this pandemic will be habits people will continue.”

submit your

events online at nwobserver.com

Your event will appear on our online community calendar and be considered for print publishing Visit our homepage and click “community calendar”

CRIME / INCIDENT report

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

ALCOHOL May 29 | An 18-year-old male was arrested at 2 a.m. in the 2000 block of Oak Ridge Road/Linville Road for driving while impaired, and also cited for a rear lamp violation.

ASSAULT May 28 | A 32-year-old male at a service station in the 8400 block of Stokesdale Street (near downtown) reported an assault involving a knife. May 28 | A 66-year-old male in the 8000 block of Dorsett Downs Drive in Oak Ridge (off N.C. 68 N) reported an assault involving a blunt object; a 32-year-old female was arrested at 2:30 a.m. for assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. May 29 | A 49-year-old male in the 700 block of Savory Court in northwest Greensboro (near N.C. 150 W) reported an assault.

DRUGS May 27 | A 24-year-old female was cited at 4 a.m. in the 1700 block of Oak Ridge Road/Beeson Road in Oak Ridge for possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance (marijuana). May 28 & 29 | Law enforcement officers seized two separate packages

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on May 28 and May 29 containing illegal drugs at the FedEx Ship Center on Old Oak Ridge Road in northwest Greensboro.

FRAUD May 26 | A resident of the 8200 block of Brotherstwo Road in Colfax (near Pleasant Ridge Road) reported an unknown suspect stole his personal identity information. May 26 | Two residents of the 1000 block of N.C. 150 W in Summerfield reported unknown suspects stole their personal identity information.

THEFT May 27 | A citizen in the 7200 block of Northmoor Trace in northwest Greensboro (near Lake Brandt Road) reported an unknown suspect stole several items from his vehicle, including two Apple iPads and four Blu-ray discs, worth about $920 altogether. May 31 | A citizen in the 5500 block of Spotswood Circle in Summerfield (near the intersection of U.S. 158 and I-73) reported an unknown suspect stole several items from his vehicle, including random tools, two log chains, power tools, two ratchet straps, four hitches, four ball hitches, a tool kit and a pair of pliers, worth about $1,215 altogether.

Luxury service. Southern hospitality.

Now offering courtesy pickup and delivery

(336) 643-7577 or 1-800-467-8299 info@samanderscpa.com www.samanderscpa.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

THE EUROPEAN AUTO SERVICE PROS

6716 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale Just 1/4 mile off I-73 EuroHaus.pro / 336.891.3876

JUNE 4 - 10, 2020

Student Profiles brought to you by

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Summerfield and Greensboro

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.

NORTHWEST GUILFORD Taylor Soukup, lacrosse by MEREDITH BARKLEY Taylor Soukup can thank his mom, Jennifer, for introducing him to lacrosse. She enjoyed playing the sport herself in high school, and when he was in fourth grade, she insisted he give it a try.

But as Soukup, a Northwest Guilford senior, recalls, taking up lacrosse wasn’t an easy sell. “Initially I was opposed to it,” he told the Northwest Observer. At his mother’s urging he attended some lacrosse camps, and was also encouraged by a friend who played lacrosse. “I had a lot of fun with it,” he said. “It was really good to be out there, and there was so much adrenaline to it. It was awesome to play.” He’s been playing ever since – first through Oak Ridge Youth Association’s lacrosse program and then on North-

Who will be the VOICE for this child?

west Guilford’s lacrosse team. Understandably, he took it hard when the coronavirus pandemic forced schools to close this spring and sports activities to be canceled, thus ending his high school career. “It was really disappointing,” Soukup said. “We’ve been working so hard to build ourselves up this season. We put a lot of effort into it. To have it all end so soon, it’s really unsatisfying.” To prepare for this season, last fall he and teammates were up early many days so they could practice before school. On those mornings, he said, he’d “grab a granola bar and drink and drive to the school to start practice at 6 a.m.” To bring it all to an abrupt end, he said was “heartbreaking. That’s the best way to describe it.” He expects to finish high school

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JUNE 4 - 10, 2020

academically near the top of his class of over 500, then head to the University of Florida, his father Bryan’s alma mater. He hopes to continue playing lacrosse in college, on Florida’s club lacrosse team. “I can’t give up the sport,” Soukup said. From the beginning of his lacrosse playing days, he’s been a midfielder – he didn’t choose the position, he said, rather he was put there by coaches because of his speed. “From there I developed a deep appreciation for the multiple roles attached to playing midfield,” he said. Since he was young, Soukup has also played a sport near and dear to his father’s heart – soccer. He said he played soccer a couple years in high school before giving it up to focus on lacrosse. He and his father still share a love of the game and Soukup plays in recreational

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library FREE MONTHLY BOOK PROGRAM for children under the age of 5 living in Guilford County. Register online!

soccer leagues around the area. “I’ve been playing soccer and lacrosse basically my whole life,” he said. “My dad made it very clear it’s possible to play deep into your older years.” At Florida, Soukup plans to study electrical engineering, his father’s profession.

NORTHERN GUILFORD

lacrosse in high school, urged him to give it a try. He hung with it, and after a couple years began to see his size as an advantage. “I really trained on speed and agility,” said Santomauro, a Northern Guilford senior attacker. “I could make quicker moves and get to the goal. In the last couple years, I felt like no one could stop me.” Last season his 53 goals put him among team and conference leaders.

Giacomo Santomauro, lacrosse by MEREDITH BARKLEY Giacomo Santomauro wasn’t sure he’d like lacrosse when he started playing at age 6 or 7. Other players were just so much bigger. But his father, who’d played

“I was really looking forward to this year,” he said. “I was going to top that and break all my records.” Then the coronavirus pandemic swept in, changing everything. Sports seasons were halted, schools closed, long-anticipated events like prom, Senior Night, and the graduation ceremony were either canceled or altered significantly. “I felt like this year was going to be one of our best.” The team, he said, “had the goal of winning states.”

The Nighthawks’ spring season was off to a good start – when it abruptly ended in mid-March, they were 4-0, having outscored opponents 67-9. “Sadly,” he said, they didn’t get the chance to see how far they could go. Over the years, lacrosse developed into a year-round activity for Santomauro. When he wasn’t playing for his high school team in the spring, he was playing for a travel team. “I’ve always had lacrosse,” he said. “I’ve played most of my life and have always put in the effort.” Among his chief influences, he said, is Northern lacrosse coach Anthony Meley. Not only has Meley coached him in high school, but he also coached Santomauro as a youth. Meley, he said, “really pushed me to start this sport, to get involved.” Santomauro’s favorite class in school has been Spanish. He said he has taken it for eight years and had spent much of this year developing conversational skills and tutoring younger high-schoolers

through the Spanish National Honor Society. In the fall he’s headed to Appalachian State, where he plans to study accounting. He’s not sure he’ll play lacrosse there, although he said it’s “always on the table for me.” He picked accounting as his major because he’s fascinated by how money works. He’s also intrigued by the stock market. But he said he doesn’t want to become an accountant and spend much of his time at a desk, rather he’s hoping for “something more active” – perhaps working with his father, who owns Giacomo’s Italian Market near Battleground Avenue and New Garden Road in Greensboro. Santomauro has spent much of his unexpected free time this spring working out and helping at his father’s market. “There isn’t much to do with all the quarantine stuff going on,” he said. “If I didn’t have this, I’d probably go crazy.”

MEATS • SEAFOOD • ARTISANAL CHEESES SPECIALS: JUNE 5 - 11

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Food & Pantry

Fresh Mozzarella 1 lb. Pork Belly

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Bone-In Pork Loin

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NR Ribeyes 1 inch Thick Frozen Breakfast Strip Steaks 2/pk. Frozen Strip Steaks 2/8 oz.

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Fully Cooked Meatballs 2 lbs.

$7.00 $4.50/pk. $10.00 $7.00

Cheese Ravioli 2 lbs.

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Roland Polenta 5 lbs.

$8.50

Assorted Fronte Pasta

$1.25

Household

Foam Bathroom Cleaner 25 oz.

$4.50

Hand Sanitizer 16 oz.

$8.50

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JUNE 4 - 10, 2020

We offer one guarantee: 100% customer satisfaction

GRINS and GRIPES

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

words or less

online: nwobserver.com e-mail: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion. 9 p.m. That’s customer service!  Summerfield Elementary and PTA volunteers for organizing signs to recognize our fifth-graders. We are proud of you all!  Food Lion in Stokesdale and Summerfield for being two of the few places that don’t make customers feel like potential deadly enemies. There is some sanity left in this world!  Powell Shelton Jr. for putting an American flag at all the veterans’ graves in the Stokesdale Methodist Church cemetery.

Piedmont Truck Tires &

Automotive Center

FULL-SERVICE SHOP Full automotive repair & maintenance • Tune-ups Wheel & tire repair/alignment • NC inspections ASE certified technicians

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Mitch Glover

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(336) 668-0091 • 312 S Regional Rd, Greensboro 11 locations open M-F 7:30-5:30 Emergency roadside 24/7/365 • Shuttle service within 8 miles

www.piedmonttrucktires.com JUNE 4 - 10, 2020

 Summerfield Elementary administration, teachers and staff for accepting the challenges the pandemic has presented. The time spent on lesson planning, communication, teacher parades, and providing lunches made this difficult time easier on the students.  The M&M (Madison-Mayodan) librarians who’ve kept the library open for call-in requests, putting the books in bags and setting them out at covered curbside for pick up. Thank you! We’ve been able to travel the world in books while staying home.  Oak Ridge Post Office staff for excellent service. You found and delivered shipping boxes when none could be found and picked up hundreds of packages without a complaint. We appreciate you and your hard work.  Bank of Oak Ridge and Chad Welch. After my bank, Wells Fargo, failed for weeks to process my PPP loan, Bank of Oak Ridge got the loan approved at

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

 Food Lion in Summerfield. All employees were wearing face masks when I shopped there this week, and those in deli department wore gloves. Didn’t experience any cashiers reaching around the plexiglass to speak with customers, and store was very clean.  The adorable children in the New Chartwell neighborhood (Oak Ridge) who handmade precious COVID-19 “Stay Safe” cards for our entire neighborhood. What great parents! We treasure the card and it absolutely made our day.  Tire Max in Stokesdale for their excellent customer service and for helping get us home and back to the shop when our car was ready for pickup – even though I forgot my tire for a tire swing!  Summerfield Elementary staff, and especially the fifth-grade teachers, for celebrating our fifth graders during the drive-through promotion. We appreciate your efforts during this challenging time!  Jason Woods and all those at Bank of Oak Ridge who pushed hard to process all the PPP loan applications for area businesses. It was a lifesaver for my small business, as I’m sure it was for many others.  N.C. State Trooper Gordy for helping me get safely off the road and for changing my flat tire – in the dark and pouring down rain on the side of N.C. 68!  Shaved Ice for providing a muchneeded smile to my son’s face with your yummy drinks.

...continued on p. 23

Cub Scouts celebrate transition from Bear to Webelos rank

(L-R) Assistant Cub Scout Den Leader Vern Combrink, Webelos Scout Dominik Hanson, Cub Scout Den Leader Mark Hanson.

Story contributed by Cub Scout Pack 600 OAK RIDGE – On Tuesday, May 26, a group of third-grade Cub Scouts from Pack 600 in Oak Ridge gathered for a bridging ceremony that marked their advancement from the Bear to the Webelos rank. This was the first time these Scouts had gathered in-person with members of their den since schools closed in March and Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, where the Scouts regularly meet, closed its facilities to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Due to COVID-19 mitigation guidelines, the rising Webelos were honored in two separate ceremonies, held on Oak Ridge Military Academy’s football field, to accommodate the 16 Cub Scouts and their families who participated. Cub Scout den leader Mark Hanson, a 2002 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, said he got the idea to approach ORMA about using its football field after watching his alma mater conduct a “socially distanced” early graduation ceremony in April. “The Academy served as a perfect location for our promotion ceremony and a meaningful and memorable evening,” Hanson said. “We wanted this evening to be special for our Scouts because they have been deprived of a lot of things this spring, such as school activities, sports, birthday parties and many other important events. “Becoming a Webelos Scout is signifi-

IS YOUR SYSTEM READY FOR THE

UPS AND DOWNS OF SPRING TEMPERATURES?

Photo courtesy of Heather Jamieson/ Cub Scout Pack 600

cant,” Hanson continued. “The focus now changes from becoming better Cub Scouts to preparing to join a Scouts BSA Troop in February 2022, when their motto will transition from ‘Do Your Best’ to ‘Be Prepared.’ During this interesting time in history, they will likely come to understand that motto’s importance and live it first-hand.” “As leaders, we challenged our Webelos to watch and learn lessons from how adults respond to COVID-19,” Hanson said. “Someday when these Webelos are leaders facing a challenge, they should remember and emulate what the current adults have done right and find ways to improve any areas where the adults may have fallen short.” Even if social distancing practices remain in effect, Hanson said Pack 600 will find ways to maintain high quality programming by taking advantage of outdoor meeting opportunities, using video conferencing and other technology, and working in smaller groups. “The coronavirus situation means we may have to be more flexible and creative as we continue to help these Scouts develop into future leaders. We have a fantastic group of leaders and parents who will make sure we adapt as needed to provide the best Scouting experience possible,” Hanson said.

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8004 Linville Road, Suite E-3, Oak Ridge

(336) 643-4623

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

• Trust Administration • Corporate Work • Real Estate Matters

want to join?

Any child in kindergarten through fifth grade is welcome to join. For more info, email the Cub Scout Pack 600 cub master at jon.s.scouts@gmail.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Tra

Tracy Williams, attorney

JUNE 4 - 10, 2020

 AUTO SALES & SERVICE CHOICE TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE. Oil changes, inspections, alignments and general automotive repairs. 1080 US Hwy 66 S, Kernersville, NC. (336) 992-9002. 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.

 EMPLOYMENT 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 ........ 20 Employment .................... 20 Public Notice........................20 Save the Date......................20 Yard Sales ....................... 20 Home Services ........... 20-22 Misc. Services......................22 Misc. for Sale .................. 22 Misc. Wanted .................. 22 Pets & Animal Services .... 22 Real Estate ...................... 22

20 20

JUNE JUNE44--10, 10,2020 2020

AUTOMOTIVE/INDUSTRIAL INTERNET SALES. Opportunity for strong salesperson with automotive/industrial market experience. Internet driven sales leads requiring contact with customers and precise quoting to their responses. Computer savvy and written communicative skills needed. Base salary paid weekly ($300-$400) plus weekly commissions based on booked sales. M-F, 40 hours. No beneﬁts until proven success. Location Reidsville, NC. Email your resume to wbtm1m@yahoo.com.

 PUBLIC NOTICE In order to comply with Governor Cooper's Executive Order No. 141 and to promote and protect the safety and well-being of our community, the Annual Meeting of the Oak Ridge Fire and Rescue Company, Inc., scheduled for Monday, June 8, 2020, at 7:30pm, will be postponed until July 13, 2020, at 7:30pm. This meeting is being rescheduled to this date in anticipation of Phase 3 re-opening and may be subject to further postponement as necessary to comply with any executive orders or to preserve public health and safety. The purpose of the meeting includes the election of corporate officers and directors, the presentation of the annual performance and financial reports for the fiscal year ending June 8, 2020, and other business of the corporation. Anyone interested in seeking a position on the Board should contact Administrative Assistant Gale Long to obtain and file the required candidate forms. Due to this postponement, the previous filing period has been re-opened as of May 30, 2020, and will

now close on June 12, 2020. Anyone desiring to vote at the meeting must be a registered voter in the Oak Ridge Fire District and be listed on the voter registration rolls as maintained by the Guilford County Board of Elections eﬀective as of June 12, 2020. Those seeking additional information or candidate forms may contact Gale at 8325 Linville Road, Oak Ridge, NC 27310, or by telephone at (336) 643-3783.

 SAVE THE DATE PUBLIC HEARING. The Oak Ridge Town Council will hold a public hearing to consider the fiscal year 2020-21 budget ordinance, June 4, 2020; 7pm. The meeting will be held electronically on Zoom. Another public hearing will be held later in June (date TBD). Copies of the budget are available at Town Hall and on the Town website at www. oakridgenc.com. For information on how to see and/or comment at the meeting, visit the Town website and click on the meeting agenda under the Town Council tab. ART SALE! 30-70% off. One day only. Sat., June 6; 11am-4pm. 4110 Oak Ridge Rd., Summerfield. crystaleadiemiller.com.

 HOME SERVICES CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Will ﬁt to your budget. Pet taxi/pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838. DUST FAIRY CLEANING. Spring PROMO, $100 for a 1,200 sq. ft. home. Please call Tammy, (828) 279-1464. CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING Gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com (336) 595-2873

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

Need an electrician? Call BLACKMON ELECTRICAL, INC. Free est. Comm. & res. Licensed & insured. Call (336) 430-5018. Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? Call Coble Electric LLC at (336) 209-1486.

The Northwest Observer Keeping you connected since 1996!

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

MOVING SALE. Sat., June 6, 7am-1pm. Rain date, June 13. 2760 Ellisboro Rd., Stokesdale, cornor of Ellisboro and Linwood.

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.

MOVING SALE! Furniture, tools, china, crystal, etc. Saturday, June 6, 8-11am. 8209 Hunting Cog Road, Oak Ridge. Rain or shine. Everything must go! Cheap prices.

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.

 HOME SERVICES

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

 YARD SALES

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING A-ACTION AIR. A/C Spring checkup, $49.99. Call (336) 382-3750 or (336) 268-6768.

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.

CLEANING

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

PAOLA CLEANING SERVICE. Residential & commercial. Insured. (336) 669-5210.

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

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 HOME SERVICES

GRADING / HAULING

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

DTW GRADING & HAULING, INC. Oﬀering complete bobcat services and hauling. Fill dirt, asphalt millings, stone and more. Daniel Wilson, (336) 339-0212.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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. E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, demolition, lot clearing, excavating, bobcat work, etc. (336) 451-1282. ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt, available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035.

OLD SCHOOL

HOME REPAIR/IMPROVEMENTS “No Job Too Small”

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

(336) 669-7252

oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com

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

Your business should be here! place your ad today at

www.nwobserver.com

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. TRACTOR SERVICE. Experienced and local. Bush hogging and garden tilling. Mike, owner/operator. (336) 486-9837. HILL LAWNCARE & OUTDOOR SERVICES. Free est. Call (336) 669-5448. WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Lawn maint., landscaping. Irrigation/ landscape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 years exp. (336) 399-7764. ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. (336) 643-9157. 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. FAY'S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Complete tree removal & trimming. Storm damage clean-up. Landscaping & hardscaping. Insured. Taylor, (336) 458-6491.

ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875. AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Quality irrigation systems. NC licensed contractor. We service all systems. Free estimates. (336) 644-1174.

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. JUNK & DEBRIS REMOVAL, construction, remodeling, and general cleanup, out buildings, garages, basements, yard waste, etc. Call (336) 706-8470.

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

PAINTING & DRYWALL

STILL PERFECTION PAINTING. Reliable, skilled, aﬀordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com. LAWSON'S PAINTING. Custom decks, pressure washing, boat docks, block ﬁll, wood repair, stain work, textured ceilings, sheetrock repair. Call (336) 253-9089.

BEK Paint Co. Residential & Commercial David & Judy Long, owners

(336) 931-0600

BEKPaintCompany.com • References Available • Licensed & Insured • All Work Guaranteed

PLUMBING BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR. No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic./ Ins. Cleanliness in your home is our #1 priority. 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.

continued on p. 22

JUNE4 4- 10, - 10,2020 2020 JUNE

21 21

HOME SERVICES

MISC. WANTED

REAL ESTATE

PRESSURE WASHING

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

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.

HOMES FOR SALE

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

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.

PLACE YOUR AD: nwobserver.com 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.

ROOFING BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Lifetime shingle and metal roofing. We finance. Free Estimates. Since 1979. Please call (336) 362-6343.

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.

CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC. Residential roofing, rubber flat roofs, roof coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience. Call (336) 643-8191 or (336) 268-1908.

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

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

DOUGLAS CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING, LLC. Custom Builder, sunrooms, garages, additions, kitchens, baths. Licensed & Insured, BBB A+ accredited. Free est. Visit www.douglascr.com or call (336) 413-5050.

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

Offer a home service?

FAT RABBIT FURNITURE REFURBISHING. Furniture restoration, repair or refurbishing, (indoor or outdoor, antiques and more). For our rating, pictures of our work and reviews, check us out on Google. Please give us a call today! (336) 816-3641.

Place your ad online at

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.

22 22

JUNE JUNE44--10, 10,2020 2020

MISC. SERVICES

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

COME VISIT OUR PARADE HOMES Saturday & Sunday 1-5PM

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

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

REAL ESTATE HOME FOR RENT NEWLY REMODELED, 2BR, 1BA, mobile home. All appliances incl. Near intersection of 158/220. $500/mo. (336) 908-6553.

Williard Road/Oak Ridge 34 acre+ HOMESITES

7 BUILDERS TO CHOOSE FROM Builders MD offered at $749,000 Walraven Signature Homes at $760,000 Building Dimensions at $834,900

Nancy J. Hess

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

LAND FOR SALE 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.

EAGLE LAKEVIEW RIDGE ATPARADE BELEWSHOMES CREEK Come Visit Saturday & Sunday 1-5PM

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

We Help Everyone! SELLERS & BUYERS

Two custom homes by

Builders MD offered at $695,000 each Otey Construction at $699,000 Conveniently located off Pleasant Ridge Road in Summerfield

Nancy J. Hess

(336) 643-4248

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

www.ANewDawnRealty.com

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

2008 STARWOOD MCKENZIE LE. 29-ft. travel trailer, sleeps six, double bed. Call (336) 382-6862.

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and tell them where you saw their ad. Without their partnership, the Northwest Observer could not be free to you, our readers! ACCOUNTING

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC.....15

Stokesdale Heating & Air...................19

AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE

INSURANCE

EuroHaus .......................................... 15 Piedmont Truck Tires Inc. ..................18 Prestige Car Wash ............................. 12

Gladwell Insurance ..............................2

CELEBRATIONS

MEDICAL CARE / SUPPLIES

Mitch & Evon Lawson 60th Anniversary..4

CHILDREN’S SERVICES

Guardian Ad Litem ............................ 16 Parents as Teachers Guilford Cty. ...... 16

CHURCHES Oak Ridge United Methodist ...............2

COMMUNITY NOTICE Town of Stokesdale Water Survey ........7

EVENTS Parade of Homes ................................3

GROCERY STORE

LEGAL SERVICES

Barbour & Williams Law ....................19 LeBauer HealthCare ............................4 MG12 ................................................ 11 Novant – Forsyth Pediatrics ............... 13 Oak Ridge Physical Therapy .............. 13 Wake Forest Baptist Health ............... 14

ORTHODONTIC CARE

Olmsted Orthodontics ....................... 12 Reynolds Orthodontics ...................... 16

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital .................9 Northwest Animal Hospital ..................8

REAL ESTATE

Great Clips ........................................ 12

A New Dawn Realty ..........................22 Brooklyn Lawson, A New Dawn...........6 Nancy Hess, Berkshire Hathaway ......22 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX ....................4

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

RESTAURANTS

Southern Foods ................................. 17

HAIR CARE

BEK Paint Company ..........................21 Carpets by Direct ...............................10 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery ..8 Old School Home Repair ...................21 ProStone, Inc. ......................................9

Bistro 150 .......................................... 13 Oak Ridge Diner................................ 13 Rio Grande Mexican Kitchen ............. 12

YOUTH SPORTS / CAMPS

Oak Ridge Youth Association ..............4

GRINS AND GRIPES ...continued from p. 18

 My facemask – you are a living petri dish on my face, suppressing my immune system and making me sick! You are uncomfortable and I spread germs after I adjust you and then touch other things. Go away, facemask.  The Northwest Observer for irresponsibly publishing gripes from ignorant people resistant to wearing masks. Giving a platform to those who think masks are “dangerous” is helping to spread misinformation. Stop engaging in “bothsidesism” on this issue. Health experts recommend masks. Editor’s note: I suspect there are much worse things for a newspaper to be guilty of than allowing people to express opinions on different sides of an issue. Obviously, whether healthy people should wear a face mask is an issue of debate, as evidenced by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control, which have published conflicting statements on the topic.  Neighbors who take to social media to call other neighbors out, rather than talking to them directly. Not very neighborly!

Outside the The following reader-submitted GRIPE expresses an opinion about a national topic, and has been separated from the local gripes as a courtesy to those who do not want to read others’ opinions on national political and other non-local topics in a local newspaper.

 Those who litter in our parks and open spaces. Wouldn’t it be nice to leave them better than you found them, versus the other way around? BTW, I picked up the trash others left behind, but I wish I didn’t have to.  Those complaining about non-mask wearers. Simply, we know the micron relationship between the mask and COVID particles equals that of mosquitoes flying through a chain link fence! Get the facts.  The person griping about paid banners at Oak Ridge Swim Club. Really? With everything going on in the world today, that is what you gripe about?! Sheesh.  Gripers who were never concerned with who was/wasn’t wearing masks when they needed food, meat, TP during beginning of COVID-19 panic. My NWO will go to the trash before I continue reading about my employer being bashed week after week.

…  The breathtaking misrepresentation and mendacity of the media, who describe looters and rioters as political protesters. As Confederate monuments are defaced, they even claim it’s “white supremacists,” but the looters are clearly Leftists. What a contrast to the Tea Party.

On the go? So’s the

NWO!

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JUNE 4 - 10, 2020

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Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22 ECRWSS

                                                                                                                                                                                              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