Northwest Observer / June 18-24, 2020

June 18 - 24, 2020

bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996

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Takeaways from the pandemic DRIVE-THROUGH Over the last few months, the world as we knew it has changed dramatically.

Thanks to the readers who responded to our question about how the pandemic has affected them and what lessons they will take into the future

compiled by CHRIS BURRITT Doug Nodine, Oak Ridge town council member: “I guess my first takeaway is how

poorly we have been served by federal government scientists – the ones we see on television who have been employed by the taxpayers for 30 to 40 years, but they cannot provide accurate estimates of the impact of the COVID-19 virus nor can they provide a realistic course of action. I believe this poor performance by these scientists has allowed

GRADUATION 2020

...continued on p. 22

‘Transfer’ or ‘reimbursement’ is sticking point in budget talks Among other things, Mayor John Flynt and Councilman Derek Foy go head to head over amount redirected from water enterprise account to general fund account for shared overhead expenses

by PATTI STOKES STOKESDALE – Of the 14 municipalities in Guilford County, Stokesdale is the only one that operates without a property tax.

Ensuring the town does not “live beyond its means” so that such a tax is not necessary is the one thing the town’s council

...continued on p. 2

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Northwest Guilford High School held its drive-through graduation June 12-13 in a parking lot behind the school’s main campus. See more photos from this event on p. 6 and more photos and videos on Facebook.com/NorthwestObserver.

IN THIS ISSUE News in brief.....................................................2 Your Questions .................................................4 NWHS drive-through graduation photos .......6

Sunday, June 21

Parade of Homes draws serious buyers ...... 14 NWO Kids’ Korner...........................................24 Grins and Gripes ...........................................26 Calendar Events ............................................27

Summerfield Town Council meeting .............7

Classifieds ......................................................28

NWO Business & Real Estate ...........................9

Crime/Incident Report .................................. 31

Real Estate/Business briefs ........................... 10

Index of Advertisers ...................................... 31

COVID 101: Business owners learn............... 12

NWO On The Go / Staycation ......................32

NEWS in brief

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Oak Ridge to hold final public hearing on proposed budget OAK RIDGE – Residents get a final opportunity to offer their views about Oak Ridge’s proposed budget during a public hearing at 7 p.m. this Thursday, June 18.

The Town Council will hold the second of two public hearings during a special called meeting, using the Zoom application to meet remotely due to public gathering restrictions related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

People who want to offer their views about the proposed budget for the fiscal year starting July 1 can submit comments before the hearing or speak during the

meeting. For instructions on how to do that, visit the town’s website www.oakrdigenc.com. On the left side of the homepage, click on “Town Council” and tap the link to the agenda for the June 18 meeting. It explains how to listen to the meeting on Zoom, as well as how to submit comments and speak during the meeting.

The council plans to consider formal adoption of the budget during a special called meeting at 2 p.m. Monday, June 22.

People can view the meeting on Zoom, but there will be no period for public comments.

BUDGET

get which she said included input from all five council members. Since then, council members have wrestled over how much money to allocate from the water enterprise fund to the general fund for shared overhead expenses.

Budget workshops on March 5, May 14 and June 3 have not brought the five council members any closer to compromise, and in the council’s June 11 regular meeting Flynt said he would not vote in favor of the budgets when the council meets virtually June 26 to adopt them for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

During the council meeting, a suggestion by Foy to limit unauthorized one-time expenses to $500 (unless approved by council) in order to “hone in on spending” prompted Flynt to respond “that’s bullcrap.” The mayor argued that with Foy’s proposal, any unforeseen occurrence requiring immediate action – such as repairing a burst waterline – will necessitate an emergency meeting of the council before it can be addressed.

“If it ain’t broke…” he said in response to Foy’s request for a counter proposal.

Regarding “honing in on expenses,” Flynt noted several line items that tipped expenses over in the current fiscal year, including additional attorney fees and parking lot repair due to a long-term

...continued from p. 1 members seem to agree on, but how to go about that has become a matter of intense debate.

As budget preparations for the upcoming fiscal year got underway in early March, Councilman Derek Foy and Mayor John Flynt openly sparred over the town’s spending trend the last two fiscal years.

Since being elected last November along with Jim Rigsbee and Jimmy Landreth, Foy has urged his fellow council members to abide by the town’s financial policies, reduce the dollar amount of onetime expenses that can be authorized without a vote of the council, and “hone in on spending.”

For the upcoming fiscal year, draft budgets for the town’s general fund and water enterprise fund were prepared

by Town Finance/Budget Officer Alisa Houk (who also serves as town clerk).

When presented for council review in March, the budgets drew criticism from Foy and Landreth, who said they only reflected input from Flynt and Mayor Pro Tem Thearon Hooks. Kimberly Thacker, the town’s contracted accountant, later prepared a separate preliminary bud-

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JUNE 18 - 24, 2020

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

water drainage issue.

“The council didn’t spend any money for the last six years,” he argued.

“But we were going to spend $540,000 this (coming) year,” Foy responded, referring to the initial draft budget Houk presented March 5 which projected general fund revenue for next fiscal year at $400,000 and expenses at $544,931.

“We could fire staff – that would save us about $100,000,” Flynt said. “Or, we could only open Town Hall two days a week.” He added that Stokesdale citizens would appreciate the town spending more money on things like its park.

Citing the approximate $2.8 million the town has in general fund reserves, Flynt said he didn’t understand why some of the council members “don’t want to spend any money …”

Foy’s suggestion to limit the amount of authorized one-time expenses to $500, except by vote of the full council, was ultimately tabled for discussion at a future business meeting.

Later in the council meeting, Foy’s

proposed “policy for overhead allocation of costs” associated with operating the town’s water system drew more sparks from Flynt. In his proposal, the councilman suggested the water enterprise account reimburse the general fund account for 40% of the town clerk/finance officer’s salary; 80% of the deputy town clerk’s salary; and a percentage of accountant fees, attorney fees and shared overhead expenses including office equipment, supplies, utilities and upkeep of Town Hall.

As he had previously, Flynt again questioned whether it was legal to “transfer” money from the water enterprise fund to the general fund. Both Thacker and Foy insisted the transaction was not a transfer of funds, but a reimbursement, and as such, was legal and a common practice for municipalities.

“I think you’re sending a bad message to the town that ‘We don’t give a damn about the water system,’” said Flynt, accusing the council members supporting the allocation method of “bleeding the water enterprise fund” and not caring about growing the water system.

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“You’ve got 600 customers depending on us… if you jeopardize the water system and let it become antiquated, those people are going to be hurting,” he said.

“Cost allocation is not jeopardizing (the system),” Foy insisted. “It lets Council make better decisions about future plans.”

“Quite honestly, I think it’s a really good idea, Derek, to have this in writing each year to explain how you went through the allocation for that upcoming budget year so that everybody knows,” Town Attorney Tom Medlin interjected.

“It will make the auditor’s job a lot easier each year and it’s going to make the local government that reviews that audit happy as well.”

After verifying the town has $2.8 million in general fund reserves and $1.5 million in water enterprise reserves, Thearon Hooks asked, “Why are we taking from the lesser and giving it to the richer? … We have two

businesses under this roof: the business that is a statutory obligation of governing the town and a side enterprise (the water system). How are we going to justify taking money from the water enterprise fund?

We’ll be under $1 million (in reserves). I don’t understand how to explain that to somebody. I shall not vote for it.”

The council ultimately voted 3-2 to approve Foy’s proposed overhead allocation method, with Flynt and Hooks opposed. Based on the adopted allocation method, the proposed budget for next fiscal year shows the water enterprise fund reimbursing the general fund $130,806.96 for shared overhead expenses.

The council scheduled a special called virtual meeting Friday, June 26 at 6 p.m. to vote on the proposed general fund budget and water enterprise budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year; the budgets will take effect July 1.

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Now that the Federal Aviation Administration’s new flight control tower at Piedmont Triad International (PTI) Airport is nearing completion, will the iconic tower in operation since 1974 be removed?

We checked with the airport authority, and Executive Director Kevin Baker told us “the old tower must be removed once the new one is constructed.”

It appears as though the COVID-19 pandemic has extended the life of the 46-year-old tower, however.

Completion of the new tower will be delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak that slowed and, in some cases, postponed federal aviation projects.

“The schedule for its opening will most certainly slip, but how much it will slip is unclear,” Baker said in an email earlier this week.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a statement just over a year ago it plans to commission the new tower in 2022. It broke ground on the project in April 2019.

The structure rises 180 feet tall – twice the height of the existing tower – and is projected to cost $61 million.

Both towers sit just southwest of PTI’s terminal and parking lots.

Funding for the new tower covers $41 million for construction and $20 million for new equipment, as well as an unspecified amount for demolishing the existing tower and disposing of the old equipment, according to the FAA. In a statement last month, the

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JUNE 18 - 24, 2020

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

The Federal Aviation Administration’s 46-year-old flight control tower at Piedmont Triad International Airport stands 90 feet tall, half the height of the new tower under construction in the background. The old structure will be torn down when the new one goes into operation, according to the federal agency.

agency’s media office said it had no updates to share about its new tower at PTI, but confirmed the FAA temporar-

ily halted most construction projects at its facilities nationwide to ensure public safety during the coronavirus outbreak.

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Northwest Guilford drive-through graduation June 12 & 13

Northwest Guilford held its drive-through graduation ceremony June 12-13. Over the two-day period, the school’s 518 graduates walked onto a temporary stage set up behind the main campus to receive their diploma as family members and friends cheered them on and took pictures while remaining in their vehicle.

With high school diploma in hand, Aaliyah Atkins waves to her family.

After receiving her diploma, Lydia Esbrandt poses beside the large student-painted rock in front of the school’s entrance.

See more photos and videos on Facebook.com/NorthwestObserver

Khari Carson waves to his family from the stage.

Families in decorated vehicles cheered and took pictures as they passed their graduate on stage.

Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO

Austin McClinton, still rec overing from a near-fatal vehicle accident in July 2018, rec eived loud cheers and app lau se wh en he walked toward the stage and received his high sch ool diploma.

SUMMERFIELD town council

June 9 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT Mayor BJ Barnes called the monthly meeting to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Tim Sessoms and council members John O’Day, Lynne Williams DeVaney, Teresa Pegram and Reece Walker present. The council recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Sessoms gave an invocation.

Attendance at the meeting in Summerfield Community Center was limited and the council abbreviated its meeting agenda due to gathering restrictions related to the COVID-19 outbreak. As a result, Walker read out loud reports from the Summerfield Fire District and the sheriff’s District 1 office.

CONSENT AGENDA  4  1 (Pegram opposed) to

approve the meeting agenda, closed session minutes for the May 19 meeting and open session minutes for the special called budget meeting May 28.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Committee openings. Town Manager Scott Whitaker said the town’s Board of Adjustment, Trails and Open Space Committee and Historical Committee are looking for volunteers to serve on their committees.

2020 census. Whitaker urged residents to complete the 2020 Census by mail, email or telephone. Door-to-door visits by Census workers to those who haven’t responded have been delayed; instead of starting in June, they will begin Aug. 11 and run through Oct. 31, he said.

With a response rate of 77%, Guilford County ranks 11th among the 100 counties in North Carolina

in terms of residents completing the survey, Whitaker said.

Music in the Park. Council instructed town staff to determine whether the town should proceed with plans for an outdoor concert scheduled for July 18.

The decision will depend upon Phase 3 of gathering restrictions, which is expected to be imposed by North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper later this month.

EMERGENCY SERVICES Fire District. Walker read a report from the Summerfield Fire District stating that the district responded to 25 fire-related calls, 52 EMS-related calls and 26 other calls in May; firefighters also installed 11 child safety seats.

Sheriff’s Office. The District 1 office responded to 118 calls in Summerfield last month, Walker said.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Don Wendelken read a notice distributed in 1996 stating that residents who supported the town’s incorporation wanted to pay no taxes while maintaining local control. Citizens voted to incorporate the town later that year.

WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted: (Mayor Pro Tem Tim Sessoms and council members John O’Day, Lynne Williams DeVaney, Teresa Pegram and Reece Walker voted on the following issues during the June 9 meeting, which was accessible to the public via Facebook Live. Mayor BJ Barnes presided over the meeting, but in Summerfield the mayor votes only to break a tie.

 4  1: Approve (Pegram opposed) the meeting agenda, closed session

minutes for the May 19 meeting and open session minutes for the special called budget meeting May 28.

 4  1: Approve (Pegram opposed) the town’s $2.16 million budget for

the fiscal year starting July 1; the current tax rate of 2.5 cents per $100 property valuation will remain unchanged.

 4  1: Hire (Pegram opposed) Wade Greene, an accountant in Whiteville, North Carolina, as the town’s auditor for the upcoming year.

 5  0: Reappoint Clark Doggett and Clint Babcock as Zoning Board

alternates.

 4  1: Proceed (Walker opposed) with the June 22 meeting of the Zoning Board while canceling the meetings of the Finance Committee, Trails and Open Space Committee and the Historical Committee in June.

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No citizens submitted comments in advance or requested to speak on the town’s proposed budget for the fiscal year starting July 1.

 4  1 (Pegram opposed) to

approve the $2.16 million budget, with the tax rate remaining unchanged at 2.75 cents per $100 of property valuation.

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TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 7

The council appropriated $868,975 from the town’s reserves to cover capital projects estimated to cost $879,300, while projected revenues will cover operating costs.

The budget earmarks $500,000 for architectural planning and the start of construction of a new town hall – if the council decides to proceed with a new facility. It’s also exploring the possibility of relocating Town Hall to the old Laughlin school, which is owned

by Guilford County Schools and operated as a professional learning center for teachers.

In an interview after the council meeting, Pegram said she voted against the proposed budget because she doesn’t think Summerfield needs a new town hall and opposes the appropriation of money to proceed with the project.

BUSINESS FROM MANAGER Summer intern. Whitaker said Brad

Rentz has joined the town as a summer intern. The Summerfield resident is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration from Appalachian State University. Previously, he served as an intern for the town of Oak Ridge and for Wake Forest Baptist Health. Rentz was not physically present, but viewed the meeting via Facebook.

 4  1 (Pegram opposed) to hire

Wade Greene, an accountant in Whiteville, North Carolina, as the town’s auditor for the upcoming year. He replaces Gibson & Co., which conducted the town’s audit the previous three years.

The hiring of Greene will put “a fresh set of eyes” on the town’s finances, following the recommendation of the UNC School of Government and the town’s Finance Committee to switch auditors periodically, Finance Officer Dee Hall said.

Hall said Greene’s proposal to conduct the audit for $11,000 was the least expensive of three bids submitted to the town.

 5  0 to reappoint Clark Doggett and Clint Babcock as alternates to the Zoning Board. Frank Ficca’s term as an alternate also recently expired, but he does not wish to continue serving on the board, according to Whitaker.  4  1 (Walker opposed) to

proceed with the June 22 meeting of

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the Zoning Board while canceling the meetings of the Finance Committee, the Trails and Open Space Committee and the Historical Committee in June.

Council members discussed whether to conduct committee meetings remotely or allow committee members to meet in person as long as they follow gathering restrictions.

In an interview after the meeting, Walker said he opposed the motion because he preferred that other committees also be allowed to meet.

Athletic field rental. Whitaker said rental of fields at Summerfield Athletic Park has resumed on a limited basis as part of the easing of gathering restrictions.

BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL July meeting. The council decided to proceed with its regular meeting July 14, partly to consider a request for the rezoning of almost 46 acres abutting the Birkhaven subdivision to allow for construction of as many as 33 houses.

Wooten study update. Responding to Pegram’s question, Whitaker said the town is still waiting for feedback from the Wooten Group, a Raleighbased consultant, regarding updating its 2016 study that estimated costs for installing water tanks in Summerfield

for fire protection.

Henson Lake. Sessoms said he’s heard from residents of Henson Farms that the neighborhood’s lake has become muddy, raising a question about whether it’s been caused by runoff from site grading for the Revolution Academy charter school.

Whitaker said the cause of the muddiness isn’t clear, although “right now we don’t have any reason to think” that runoff from the school site is the cause. Instead, it may be due to recent heavy rainfall.

Whitaker said town planner Chris York met with Landmark Builders, the school project’s developer, and Guilford County staff responsible for erosion control. The town’s oversight is limited to reviewing efforts to control storm water runoff, the manager said.

Water study funds. Barnes said Rep. Jon Hardister (R-District 59) and Rep. John Faircloth (R-District 62) told him recently they “feel confident” the state legislature will vote to divide among Summerfield, Oak Ridge and Stokesdale $3.4 million in state appropriations left over from the feasibility study of a regional water system for northwest Guilford County.

With no further discussion, the council adjourned its meeting at 8:13 p.m.

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COVID 101:

Business owners learn lessons during pandemic Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

A sign on the front door of L&T Small Engine Service on N.C. 150 in Oak Ridge reminds customers entering the office of social distancing restrictions. Business is booming at the local repair shop, said Justin Wright, who runs the business with his parents.

10 In Brief

Industrial park near Summerfield, Stokesdale lands 403 jobs

of Homes 14 Parade draws serious buyers as demand for new homes is “on fire”

homes will replicate 18 New those already in Birkhaven, developer says

DIGGING FOR RELICS

REAL ESTATE/BUSINESS briefs

Industrial park near Summerfield, Stokesdale lands 403 jobs

by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – A Belgian company plans to spend $96 million to build a 403-employee manufacturing facility in southern Rockingham County, creating opportunities for job seekers and home builders in northwest Guilford County.

“It’s going to be valuable to us,” Summerfield Mayor BJ Barnes said in an interview earlier this month, following an announcement by Ontex Group NV that it will build its first U.S. factory as the initial tenant in a 300-acre industrial park owned by Greensboro developer Roy Carroll.

Ontex, based in Erembodegem, Belgium, makes diapers and other dis-

posable hygiene products in facilities in 16 countries.

“Not only is it going to create more than 400 jobs, but it is also going to be close enough to us to contribute significantly to our real estate market,” Stokesdale Mayor John Flynt said.

The Stokesdale Fire Department provides service to that section of Rockingham County, so investments in the industrial park are going to generate additional tax receipts for the fire department, Flynt said.

The park is located near the V-shaped juncture of N.C. 68 and Interstate 73 (U.S. 220), about two miles northeast of Stokesdale and

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From left, metal detecting enthusiast Tim Key of Summerfield digs for relics in front of Saunders Inn last week as Historical Committee member Anna Heroy and Summerfield Farms’ Misty McCall take part in a final search for artifacts around the historic structure on N.C. 150 in Summerfield. “We did not find anything of significance,’’ Summerfield Historical Committee chairman Gary Brown said. An earlier search unearthed several pieces of metal including what appeared to be the lid of a heavy cast-iron pot and a saw blade or machinery gear. Summerfield developer David Couch, who owns the inn and Summerfield Farms, plans to salvage bricks, lumber and other materials before the deteriorating, overgrown house is demolished, a process that’s going to start soon and take several days, Brown said. The two-story inn opened in 1822, reportedly as a stopping point on the wagon road from Georgia to Pennsylvania.

In recent months, the front wall of the structure has been gradually collapsing after slipping off the foundation, Brown said.

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JUNE 18 - 24, 2020

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less than five miles from Summerfield. The opening of I-73 put the park a roughly 10-minute drive from Piedmont Triad International Airport through northwestern Guilford County, proving attractive to companies reliant on air delivery as well as ground transportation around the airport.

Industrial development just north of Summerfield is going to create demand for housing in Summerfield,

gems in

boosting property tax receipts, Barnes told the Summerfield Town Council last month. As the park adds new industrial and distribution tenants, Northwest Guilford is poised to attract executives and managers who want to live within an easy commute to work, Barnes said in an interview after the meeting.

“The project is going to employ an awful lot of people, including white-

collar managers who are going to want to live close to Greensboro but not in Greensboro,” he said. “When they look at where they want to live, Summerfield is going to be top on their list.”

Hiring of workers may create demand for subdivisions along Highways 68 and 65 between the Stokesdale town limits and the industrial park, Flynt said.

community conversation: /NorthwestObserver

... Briefs continued on p. 18

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COVID 101:

Business owners learn lessons during pandemic The coronavirus outbreak is changing the way small businesses operate and offering new insights as the economy gradually recovers

to align their operations by studying their customers’ buying behavior,” said Terry Helms, who runs Helms Marketing Group in Summerfield with his wife, Robin. The couple helps companies with their brand strategy, market research and other services.

The gradual economic recovery will give businesses the opportunity to bear down on the basics – making their products familiar to customers, easy to buy and socially acceptable, Helms, who also serves as president of the Summerfield Merchants Association, said. He added that consumers “are more likely to buy products that make them feel good.”

by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – When Sandy’s Beauty Shop in Oak Ridge closed in late March, owner Sandy Moskel and her two stylists, Ashley Bradsher and Hannah Long, suffered financially. Now that the easing of COVID-19 restrictions has allowed them to return to work, they realize their livelihoods and lives have changed in other ways.

Aside from the fundamentals of business, the pandemic “may also have an unintended consequence – reminding us that nothing we do is so big and important that it should muscle joy out of the picture,” Helms noted.

“When I look back in five or 10 years, I’m going to remember how gracious my customers have been when they came back,” Moskel said one afternoon earlier this week as she loosened the curls of Winnie Lewis, a customer for 42 years. “It was devastating to us. My clients are like my little family.”

For small business owners, the disruptions of the coronavirus outbreak offered a crash course in survival during an emergency. They sat at the front of the class in observing how the crisis was changing the way people behave and how they needed to adapt to outlast the financial hardships of losing customers and, in some cases, closing temporarily treet, Oakdue to virus-related restrictions.

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Closing her hair salon on N.C. 150 in Oak Ridge for nine weeks left Sandy Moskel “devastated,” partly because it separated her from longtime clients, such as Winnie Lewis (shown in photo). “We’re a close-knit family,” the owner of Sandy’s Beauty Shop said.

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Families are spending more time together, partly because more parents are working from home. The shift may extend beyond the pandemic and influence the way homebuilders design new houses and real estate agents market them, said Hess, an agent

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“I think there will be a paradigm shift in the way we market products and the way we shop for products, including real estate,” she said. “New home floor plans should change to include at least one work-at-home office, and maybe even two.”

The increasing number of people working from home may, in fact, boost demand for houses in smaller cities such as Greensboro and surrounding communities where the COVID-19 outbreak has been less severe than in major U.S. cities, according to homebuilder Don Mills.

“We’re getting ready to have a big demand for houses,” said Mills, who owns Don Mills Builders with his wife, Annette. They recently sold a house in the Woodrose subdivision in Greensboro to a couple in their 30s from New York City.

“I think we’re going to get an influx of people moving out of cities,” Mills said. “These young people in their 30s and 40s can work from home. Their homes can be anywhere.”

Remote selling has gained amid virus-related restrictions on public gatherings. Last month, relying largely upon Facetime, R&K Custom Homes entered into a contract to build a $1 million house in Summerfield’s Birkhaven subdivision for a couple from Farmington, Connecticut.

“We’re doing a lot more remotely,” said Kathy Dumas, R&K’s vice president; she owns the company with her husband, Rich. The couple is communicating virtually with the Connecticut buyers to design the house.

Using Facetime, R&K also sold a home in Summerfield’s Farm at Lake Brandt subdivision to a Colorado couple who viewed the house virtually, said Kathy, who believes conducting business remotely is going to keep gaining traction even after COVID-19 passes.

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“It’s like online shopping,” she said.

Gina Childress said she felt responsible not only for her business, Golden Antiques and Treasures, but also for the vendors who sell furniture, home décor and other products from booths

... continued on p. 20

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JUNE 18 - 24, 2020

13

Parade of Homes draws

serious buyers as demand is ‘popping’

by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – Virus-related gathering restrictions prompted the Greensboro Builders Association (GBA) to delay the spring Parade of Homes from late April and early May until earlier this month, when it showcased more than 35 new houses constructed by 26 builders.

For Stokesdale-based homebuilder Casey Johnson, the Parade of Homes held Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7 and June 13-14, illustrates the upward direction of the housing market.

“We didn’t see quite the turnout that we normally do during Parade, but the people we did engage with seemed more likely to be potential customers than somebody just window shopping. It led to a lot of positive leads,” said Johnson, who owns Johnson & Lee with his father, Commie, and another father-son team, Rich and Mike Lee.

Demand for housing “is popping,” he added. “The market is definitely on fire right now.”

Other northwest Guilford builders shared Johnson’s view, reporting serious lookers among visitors to their houses during the two-weekend Parade of Homes tour.

Several builders said they’re selling speculative houses (houses that are built before going under contract) while they’re still under construction, and signing contracts to construct custom-built homes for buyers unfazed by the COVID-19 epidemic.

“Interest rates are the big driver,”

14

JUNE 18 - 24, 2020

said Don Mills, who owns Don Mills Builders with his wife, Annette. The company is starting three new houses in northwest Guilford after selling or putting all of its completed houses under contract.

Two emergency rate cuts by the Federal Reserve due to negative fallout from the coronavirus on the labor market, consumer spending and housing have pushed mortgage rates lower.

As of June 11, the U.S. weekly average fixed rate on 30-year mortgages was 3.21%, down 0.62 point from a year earlier, according to Freddie Mac. The government-sponsored mortgage loan company forecast that rates will remain low, falling to a yearly average of 3.4% this year and 3.2% in 2021.

Mills and Patti Disney, who owns Disney Construction Co. with her husband, Francis, and son Mark, said they believe restrictions resulting from the

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COVID-19 pandemic are spurring more people to move out of large cities.

“I think we’re going to get a lot of people from up north moving down here,” Mills said. Disney added, “I think you’re going to see more people wanting to relocate to areas that are rural. People are tired of being on top of each other.”

Disney has sold its existing inventory, including a house in Stokesdale’s Northridge subdivision that sold during the Parade of Homes and therefore wasn’t open for visitors. The company has two spec houses under construction in Belews Ridge, also in Stokesdale, that are already drawing interest from potential buyers.

Johnson & Lee’s five spec houses range in price from the $340,000s to $560,000s; one of the houses is under contract. The company is also building one custom home, with four others getting ready to start; all of them are under contract with buyers, Johnson said.

R&K Custom Homes has contracts on 15 of the 20 houses it’s building, according to vice president Kathy Dumas, who owns the company with her husband, Rich.

The average sales price of R&K’s houses is $700,000, with four houses selling for $1 million, Kathy said.

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The buyers are generally “executives and the higher-income people who are still working” amid COVID-19, she noted.

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CUSTOM BUILD “My wife and I never had a house built before, but we decided to build our retirement home. Many of our friends warned us about the stress and frustration that they experienced when they built their own houses. I can tell you we never went through these issues because of Johnson and Lee’s communication They are honest people who do and the quality of their workmanship. edible schedulers who always show what they say they will do and are incr ly. Everything is done so professionup and consistently work methodical t you will be completely amazed. ally and with such craftsmanship tha expectations. We are fortunate we Our house significantly exceeded our found Johnson & Lee to build it.”

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Ray Bullins started in the construction business in the 1970s, when as a 12-year-old boy he helped his father with remodels, renovations and restorations around Kernersville.

“My father often told me, ‘Come on, let’s go learn how to do something,’” Ray said. “I made cement, brick and mortar mix, drove nails, just whatever he told me to do around the site.”

In 1993, Ray and his wife, Lisa, Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO started Ray Bullins Construction Co. They sold their first house in 1994 Mitch Bullins, (center) recently joined his parents, Lisa and Ray Bullins, at Ray Bullins Construction Co. for $83,000. Ray figures he’s built more than 200 homes since then, most now ranging from $350,000 to entire family,” and they’re committed to $750,000 (or more) and between 2,500 to ensuring their homeowners experience this 7,000 square feet. as the company builds living spaces that are both elegant and comfortable – without The company recently welcomed the sacrificing quality. next generation of builders with the addiWhen Karen Smith and her husband, tion of the couple’s 24-year-old son, Mitch, Gary, met Ray and Lisa at last year’s who graduated from Appalachian State Parade of Homes, they already had a house University in December.

While also learning the construction side plan and were simply looking for a builder.

“We walked into their house, met Ray of the business from the ground up, Mitch’s and Lisa and threw away our plans,” Karen primary focus is on the business side, said, explaining she and Gary chose to especially on incorporating technology and duplicate the Parade home plan on the social media.

“He’s been assigned the task of bringing couple’s 16-acre farm in Walkertown.

“Ray built houses as a young man workus into the 21st century,” Ray joked. “He’s ing with his dad. He knows what he’s doalready done a remarkable job in getting our name out and improving our communi- ing,” she added. “We trusted him, and he was open and willing to talk things through cation processes, and we’re happy to have with us. I can’t complain about one thing.” him with us.”

Things went so well, in fact, that Ray Part of what has enabled Ray Bullins is now working with Karen’s daughter in Construction Co. to be so successful is the construction of her home on the family its ability to work so closely with clients, property.

Ray noted, while crediting the company’s emphasis on customer service and commuMelanie Huffman said quality of nication to Lisa, who is not only his wife but construction was evident in the home she his business partner. and her husband, Ricky, purchased in Oak Ridge’s Knight’s Landing.

Ray and Lisa Bullins believe building a “Ray’s quality really stands out,” she custom home should be “an exciting event said. “We loved the extras, the details, filled with hope and expectation for the

Brought t

Ray Bullins Construction Co. has established a reputation for building quality homes with a unique feel. (Right) Located in Greensboro’s Owl’s Roost community, this Ray Bullins home was the company’s Spring Parade of Homes entry.

Photos courtesy of Ray Bullins Construction Co.

and the upgrades. The floorplan was a big seller, too. Ray is also easy to work with as well as fair. We’d let him build another house for us in a heartbeat.”

“Most custom builders in northwest Guilford use custom features,” Ray acknowledged. “The way we incorporate features into the final design and look of the house is what really stands out to our clients.”

Ray Bullins Construction Co. is currently building homes in the Owl’s Roost community in northwest Greensboro and the Knight’s Landing community in Oak Ridge, and is preparing to begin construction in Angel’s Landing in Summerfield.

Ray also mentioned that he and a small group of custom home builders

are looking at an exciting opportunity in Oak Ridge.

Besides building in some of the area’s newest communities, the company works with future homeowners who’ve purchased their own lots throughout the Triad.

A regular participant in the Greensboro Builders Association’s fall and spring Parade of Homes, Ray was pleased with the twoweekend event that ended June 14.

“We sold our Parade house the first weekend and attracted some other clients who came through the house,” Ray said, confirming the company’s “best form of advertising” comes from prospective homeowners being able to walk through one of their homes and see for themselves the care that goes into its design and construction.

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BUSINESS/RE briefs

...continued from p. 11

New homes will replicate those already in Birkhaven, developer says

by CHRIS BURRITT

planner Chris York.

SUMMERFIELD – Developer Rob Jessup plans to build as many as 33 houses on almost 46 acres abutting Birkhaven that would be similar in design and prices to houses in the upscale neighborhood.

Town staff facilitated the open house for residents to learn about Jessup’s request to rezone the property at 3016 Rear Oak Ridge Road from AG (agricultural) to RS-40 (residential).

The town’s Planning and Zoning Board will consider the rezoning request during its June 22 meeting and then forward its recommendation to the Town Council for a final decision to be made during the council’s July 14 meeting.

“We’re going to do the same thing that’s already there,” Jessup, owner of RMJ Builders, said in an interview after an open house in Summerfield’s Town Hall on June 10. Housing prices in the Birkhaven subdivision on N.C. 150 generally start in the $500,000s.

The open house drew about 15 homeowners concerned that construction of new houses might congest the entrance road into Birkhaven and strain the supply of well water. Due to public gathering restrictions related to the COVID-19 outbreak, residents entered Town Hall in small groups to view preliminary plans for the new houses and talk to Jessup and town

“We’ve only got one way in and out of the neighborhood,” Scott Muthersbaugh, president of Birkhaven’s homeowners association, said in an interview as he waited to enter the open house. “We already have more than 70 houses in the neighborhood.”

Summerfield’s development ordinance contains no provision to limit the number of lots based on traffic considerations, according to York.

The North Carolina Depart-

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Homeowners in the Birkhaven subdivision off N.C. 150 who attended a June 10 open house expressed concerns that construction of 33 more houses on abutting property might congest their neighborhood’s only entrance and exit and strain water supplies.

ment of Transportation will require a driveway permit as part of the subdivision process, and it’s possible the agency may require alterations to Birkhaven’s entrance area at N.C. 150 and Birkhaven Drive, York said in an email earlier this week. But, he added, “I don’t think that’s likely.”

York said he encourages developers of new houses to preserve as many trees as possible for managing soil erosion and providing screening between adjacent properties. He reviewed setback requirements for lots in a RS-40 zoning district: 40 feet on the front,

15 feet on the side, 30 feet on the rear and 40 feet on the side street if the lot is located on a corner.

“I strongly encourage developers and house builders to clear the area necessary to develop the house, garage, driveway and septic areas,” said York, adding he recommends leaving trees, shrubs and grass untouched.

York said the drilling of wells and its potential impact on adjacent wells falls under the purview of Guilford County Environmental Health officials, which enforce state regulations that require permitting for new wells.

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JUNE 18 - 24, 2020

Mitch Bullins (center) recently joined his parents, Lisa and Ray Bullins, at Ray Bullins Construction Co., Inc.

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COVID 101

...continued from p. 13

inside the Summerfield business.

“My ‘aha moment’ was ‘how am I going to reach customers for my vendors when my doors are closed?’” said Childress, who owns the business with her husband, John.

“We became creative with our marketing,” she said. Using Facebook and Instagram, they posted photos of merchandise for sale, answered questions over the phone and offered curbside pickup.

“I realized I had been a little slow or apprehensive learning that side of this business,” Gina said. “It has become a constant part of the business even now that we are open, and people still love it.”

For the most part, she said, customers are respecting social distancing rules while they shop.

“I feel the way we have to do things now will be around for quite a while, so adapting is the key,” she said.

For retailers and restaurants, operating during the pandemic has brought close encounters with customers dealing with stress caused by financial and health worries. Increasingly, people confined to their homes starting in March are antsy for a return to normalcy, said Justin Wright, who runs L&T Small Engine Service in Oak Ridge with his parents, Laura and Tom. “If their equipment is repaired, they’ve got something to keep them busy,” said Justin, who in recent weeks has hustled to repair a backlog of mowers and other machinery crowding L&T’s parking lot. “They just

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“It beat us to death financially,” she said.

After reopening for limited sit-down service last month, she said sales are recovering as customers who patronized Bistro 150 for takeout orders are now returning for traditional eat-in dining.

“Fortunately I do have a lot of loyal customers,” said Mun, who has operated the restaurant for five years and had never anticipated her business being disrupted by a health crisis. During the lull, she said she realized that previously, “everybody, including me, had wanted to go, go, go.”

“It seems everybody was searching for work and success,” she said. “This COVID has taught us about love, and caring about each other. It automatically brings success.”

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ting the company “in the center of the COVID-19 health crisis,” owner and Chief Executive Officer Tammy Bridges said.

The company sells medical supplies including personal protection equipment (PPE) to individuals, medical kits and other products to companies, and PPE and virus-testing products to healthcare providers and the various U.S. military branches.

Even though Dove Medical purchases supplies directly from manufacturers, strong demand has caused some items, such as masks, to be sold out. Dealing with unhappy customers falls on employees, Bridges said.

“The ‘oh, no moments’ are when customers are frustrated and blame our employees,” Bridges said.

“The ‘aha moments’ are when customers with health issues know we will take care of their needs no matter the circumstance.

“My point is that we need to be kind and offer support to each other during any crisis,” she said.

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Jennifer Mun, owner of Bistro 150 in Oak Ridge Commons shopping center, said she’s “looking forward to having a normal business” after the loss of customers during the pandemic cut her sales by 60 percent.

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want to get back to normal.”

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

COMFORTABLE

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COVID TAKEAWAYS ...continued from p. 1

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.

many politicians to take over this crisis and prescribe a mandate that will be of political benefit to them.”

Kimberly Sweatland, of Oak Ridge: “My takeaway is that what was done didn’t work. We are still seeing new cases daily. Which begs the question: If it had just been allowed to run its course, would it be over by now?

“Also, our kids need school! They need the socialization part of it. And online learning is useless. They need to be with their friends and teachers.

They learn how to work with others at school and that’s just as important as the education part.”

• Providing COVID-19 testing for all patients undergoing surgery.

Summerfield Mayor BJ Barnes:

• Offering expanded access to virtual visits via phone or video.

“COVID-19 has been a gamechanger for our country and its economy. I feel the pandemic has been poorly handled from the beginning. The first week of lockdown was appropriate and should have been used to explain how serious this virus may be. Telling the citizens they need to social distance, clean their hands and surfaces touched by others, stay home and quarantine if sick and wear a mask in public was the right call.

• 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

“Then, citizens should have been told these things would be a fact of life until either the virus was eradicated or a cure and vaccine was found. These protocols should be continued today.

“Our most vulnerable should continue on lockdown protocol as needed, but the rest should have been allowed to continue their normal lives while following the safety protocols in place.

care for life

22

JUNE 18 - 24, 2020

“This lockdown has been dramatic and harmful to society as we know it.

Businesses and people should have been allowed to work. I, for one, believe the public can and will do the right thing. I believe quarantines should be

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

voluntary. If you do not feel safe out, stay at home. There is nothing that will protect you better than you using your own common sense to make decisions best for you.

“I know I have been more conscious of my space, have washed my hands more, avoided touching my face and wear a mask where needed. You never know about the person standing next to you and there is no way of protecting yourself unless you avoid others forever.

“It’s always been that way and we have survived. I don’t believe government making broad catchall decisions is helpful or needed.”

Oak Ridge Mayor Ann Schneider: “Today, I’m even more committed to small government and American freedoms. All businesses, and all jobs, are essential because they represent the lives and livelihoods of real people. Let the government provide information and guidelines, but trust businesses and individuals to make decisions that make sense for their own situations. Fewer regulations and more common sense are what’s needed now. Also, I’m glad Zoom is there, but I’ll never like it as well as in-person meetings!”

Summerfield finance officer Dee Hall: “We found out a close family member had COVID-19 two days before my daughter gave birth to our grandson in April. We have only seen my father-inlaw through a nursing home window since March 11. It has been a hard and trying time, but we are thankful for the recovery of loved ones and the gift of a precious little one. If we have learned anything, it is to never take for granted the freedoms and carefree joys of hugs, visits, family time and good health.”

We’ll be back with more responses in next week’s issue and would love to include yours. Please send them to editor@nwobserver.com.

You dream it ...let us build it

“The whole R & K team was amazing to work with. Amazing family and their work and craftsmanship is top notch. They work with your vision to help you create the home you have dreamed about. Such a great experience and couldn’t be happier with our new home.”

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Celebrating 28 years of building custom homes in the Triad At R&K Custom Homes, we design home plans to fit each homeowner’s wants and needs. When planning the home of your dreams, your input is critical and we’ll listen carefully before getting your project underway. While building your home, we’ll incorporate timeless architecture, inviting ambiance and fully-equipped modern rooms that Currently building in: reflect the highest quality attention to detail Birkhaven • Cedar Hollow • Wolf Ridge and craftsmanship.

Riverside • Linville Ridge • Farm at Lake Brandt Building in the Triad since 1992, R&K is Woodrose and Arbor Run at Charles Place a respected, multi-gold award-winning home Owl’s Roost • Parkers View at Bethel Ridge builder. Having built over 400 homes ranging (L-R, seated) Daughter Kristen with owners Rich & Kathy Dumas ...or on your lot! in price from the $500,000s to $2 million, our wide range of construction types separates us from the others. We’ll walk you through every detail as we show you our passion for not just crafting homes, but building memories.

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40

words or less

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

Southern Foods, for the great quality meat at fantastic prices. Our filets on the grill last night were amazing!

We’ll be back soon!

New York China at Kings Crossing. We love your food and we miss you – hope you will be reopening soon!

Ms. Jordan, our USPS carrier for Riverside neighborhood, for being kind and hardworking. We have a long, long driveway. Some carriers leave boxes exposed by our garage, but not her – she never fails to walk ours up to our doorstep.

All the 2020 graduates, and Northwest High School for a fabulous drive-through graduation. It was fun to decorate our vehicle and cheer our grad while she walked across the stage. We liked this way more than a formal ceremony!

Drivers who decrease their speed

and create distance between their vehicles and people exercising and/or walking their dogs in neighborhoods without sidewalks.

merfield Food Lion who were not wearing face masks. This is a public safety issue, and as public servants this shows a blatant disregard for the community you are supposed to protect.

The “mask police.” Stop calling people who do not agree with you selfish when the opposite is true. By the way, are hazmat suits next?

Oak Ridge Town Council’s deception that deferring capital spending is justification for affording a permanent salary increase. If annual expenses exceed revenues, it’s just a matter of time before property taxes will increase. Deferring capital spending is a ruse.

Oak Ridge Town Council members who voted for employees to get a cost-of-living raise this year. As a healthcare worker who worked every day, I had to take a 1% pay cut.

Shame on giving town staff a raise with our taxes.

The three firemen I saw in Sum-

Outside the

…

The following reader-submitted GRIPES express opinions about state and/or national topics, and have been separated from the local grins and gripes as a courtesy to those who do not want to read others’ opinions on

state and/or national political and other non-local topics in a local newspaper.

GRIPES to...

Gov. Roy Cooper for making the

MEATS • SEAFOOD • ARTISANAL CHEESES SPECIALS: JUNE 19 - 25

OPEN: Mon-Fri: 10am - 5pm

Sat: 8am - 12pm 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 items available while supplies last.

All major credit cards accepted.

26

JUNE 18 - 24, 2020

Food & Pantry

Fresh Tenders Certified Angus Beef 2/8 oz.

$15.00/pk.

Fresh Ground Beef (80/20) 5lb.

$17.50/pk.

Certified Angus Beef Porter House 16oz.

Fresh Salmon Sides Fresh Black Berry Oysters 100ct

$21.00 $5.75/lb. $45.00/pk.

Certified Angus Beef Choice Brisket’s

$4.00/lb.

Upstate Farms 4oz yogurt 10/pk.

$2.50/pk.

Bulk pack Joyce Chicken Wings Fresh

$3.00/lb.

New York Style Cheesecake 10 inch Fresh Boston Pork Butt

$5.00 $1.00/lb.

Household

Disinfecting Spray

$4.75

Dial Hand Soap

$4.50

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

call not to allow the Republican convention in North Carolina. We all know why he did this – it isn’t science that changes daily! Big loss for N.C. and Charlotte’s economy.

The chronic and pervasive deception of the mass media, including British outlets who describe the citizens defending statues of Winston Churchill

and Abraham Lincoln from left-wing desecration as “far right.” I guess I must be far right....

The saying, “All lives can’t matter until black lives matter.” Everyone protests for equality, but if it were equal, shouldn’t all lives matter? All lives can’t matter until Jesus matters!

Get woke!

mark your

calendar

THURSDAY, JUNE 18

 Special Called Meeting | Oak Ridge Town Council will hold a special called

meeting June 18 at 7 p.m. via Zoom for a public hearing to receive citizen input on the proposed operating budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

Visit www.oakridgenc.com for a copy of the budget or a link to join the virtual meeting.

MONDAY, JUNE 22

 Special Called Meeting | Oak Ridge Town Council will hold a special

called meeting June 22 at 2 p.m. via Zoom to vote on whether to approve the proposed operating budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1. Visit www.oakridgenc.com for a link to join the virtual meeting.

Carpet Vinyl Tile

Hardwood Laminate Area Rugs

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INCLUDES installation, pad, moving furniture, take-up and disposal!

See store for details. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

WE PROMOTE PRODUCTS MADE IN AMERICA

 Special Called Meeting | Stokesdale Town Council will hold a special called meeting June 26, 6 p.m. to vote on adopting the proposed general fund and water enterprise budgets for the fiscal year beginning July 1. Copies of the 2020-21 budget drafts can be found at www.stokesdale.org (select “Department,” then “Finance,” then “Financial Documents”) or at Town Hall during business hours.

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(336) 288-6643

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

carpetsbydirect.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JUNE 18 - 24, 2020

27

 AUTO SALES & SERVICE

 YARD SALES

 HOME SERVICES

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

GIANT MOVING SALE. Saturday, June 20, 8am-2pm. 6094 Windsor Farme Road, Summerfield.

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

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 ........ 28 Employment .................... 28 Save the Date......................28 Yard Sales ....................... 28 Home Services ........... 28-30 Misc. Services .................. 30 Misc. for Sale .................. 30 Misc. Wanted .................. 30 Pets & Animal Services .... 30 Real Estate ...................... 30

28 28

JUNE JUNE18 18--24, 24,2020 2020

SUMMERFIELD VETERINARY HOSPITAL is seeking a part-time receptionist. Please apply in person or email resume to Lydia@ summerfieldvet.com. 4318 US Hwy. 220 N., Summerfield, NC 27358. (336) 643-6326.

LARGE CHILD CARE CENTER in Greensboro is looking for a part-time maintenance person. Light electrical/plumbing experience a plus. A criminal background check is required. If interested, call (336) 288-8924.

HELP WANTED. Affordable Home Repair.

Must have license and clean criminal record. Call (336) 564-8256.

SELL TOP-QUALITY CBD PRODUCTS. Incredible incentives available for early preferred customers and affiliates. Please call (336) 937-3289.

 SAVE THE DATE PUBLIC HEARING / SPECIAL MEETINGS. Oak Ridge Town Council will hold a special meeting to consider the draft FY 2020-21 budget on Thursday, June 18, at 7pm.

The meeting will be held electronically on Zoom. Public comments on the budget will be accepted before or during the meeting or for 24 hours afterward. The budget will be formally adopted at a special meeting on Monday, June 22, at 2pm on Zoom. The draft budget is available at Town Hall and at www.oakridgenc.com. For info on how to see the meetings and/or comment, visit the Town website.

Follow us on Facebook for updates! facebook/northwestobserver

MOVING SALE. Sat., June 20, 7am-1pm.

214 South Bunker Hill Road, Colfax. Household goods, including lamps, pictures, rugs, and some furniture; also dishes and glassware. Everything must go!

Planning a yard sale?

The Northwest Observer reaches over 25,000

OLD SCHOOL

HOME REPAIR /IMPROVEMENTS “No Job Too Small”

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

Contact us for a free estimate!

(336) 669-7252

oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com

readers in your neighborhood every week!

Place your ad online at

www.nwobserver.com.

 HOME SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING A-ACTION AIR. A/C Spring checkup, $49.99.

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

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

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.

CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING Gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com (336) 595-2873 MAGIC MAIDS, LLC. Fully insured and bonded. Free estimate. Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or one-time. Move-in or move-out.

Call Patty, (336) 932-0245.

ELECTRICAL 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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

GRADING / HAULING 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.

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

Fill dirt, asphalt millings, stone and more.

Daniel Wilson, (336) 339-0212.

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

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

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

MASONRY

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

TRACTOR SERVICE. Experienced and local. Bush hogging and garden tilling.

Mike, owner/operator. (336) 486-9837.

Your business should be here!

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

Let us introduce you to our readers.

Place your classified ad online at

www.nwobserver.com

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

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

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

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

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING TWO TEENS to do your yard work. Hard workers and cheap rates. Please call or text: (336) 423-9334.

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.

AFFORDABLE LANDSCAPING for all your landscaping needs, including irrigation, installation and repair. Call Joe at J. Gibson Landscaping, an Americanowned and operated small business. Built on capitalism, not socialism. In God we trust. (336) 419-7236.

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

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. Commercial & Residential. Free estimates. (336) 669-5210.

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

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

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.

SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes.

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

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

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

Place your classified ad online at

nwobserver.com

www.

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.

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

JUNK & DEBRIS REMOVAL, construction, remodeling, and general cleanup, out buildings, garages, basements, yard waste, etc.

Call (336) 706-8470.

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.

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

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

 HOME SERVICES

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

(336) 931-0600

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

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

PLUMBING WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING, Inc. (336) 992-2503. Licensed, insured, bonded.

24/7 service. Plumbing, drain cleaning, well pumps. Give us a call, we do it all! Go to www.webstersplumbing.com for more info.

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

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

PRESSURE WASHING 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.

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

continued on p. 30

JUNE1818 - 24,2020 2020 JUNE - 24,

29 29

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

ROOFING

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

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

HOME REPAIRS, remodeling, additions.

Full-service general contractor in business since 1996. Newly reopened. Short wait list. Please call (336) 225-7478.

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

KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Specializing in room additions, kitchens & baths, garages, vinyl siding and windows, painting, ceramic tile, laminate, hardwood and linoleum floors, and remodeling of all kinds. No job too small. Free est. Call (336) 362-7469.

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

DOUGLAS CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING, LLC. Custom Builder, sunrooms, garages, additions, kitchens, baths.

Licensed & Insured, BBB A+ accredited.

Free est. Visit www.douglascr.com or call (336) 413-5050.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 MISC. SERVICES 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.

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

FREE HAY (fescue), ready to be mowed/ baled, 12-15 acres. Stokesdale. Please call (336) 202-5877.

 MISC. WANTED

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

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

pet or animal photos

email: photos@nwobserver.com JUNE JUNE18 18--24, 24,2020 2020

HOMES FOR SALE CLASSIC SOUTHERN CHARM

 REAL ESTATE 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.

VACATION PROPERTY MYRTLE BEACH RENTAL. Two BR, two BA. 7/5 thru 7/10. $600. (336) 643-7442.

Henson Farms – Offered at $675,000 Charmer with wrap-around rocking chair porch & side screened porch overlooking masterful landscaping.

Chef’s kitchen, master suite with fireplace, neighborhood pool & tennis.

4,800+ SF, 4 BR, 4 ½ BA

Nancy J. Hess

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

HOMES FOR SALE PERFECT STAYCATION!

 MISC. FOR SALE

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.

30 30

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

 REAL ESTATE

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

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

share your

 PETS & ANIMAL SVCS.

Oak Ridge – Offered at $579,000 Private setting, lush landscaping & in-ground pool in this former model.

Patio spa, 3-car garage & pool house.

4,100+ SF, 4 BR, 4 ½ BA

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

Nancy J. Hess

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

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

Deadline: Monday prior to each issue

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

CRIME / INCIDENT report

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

ASSAULT

June 11 | A 30-year-old female in the 7700 block of Eversfield Road in Summerfield (off Oak Ridge Road) reported an assault.

June 13 | A 61-year-old female in the 100 block of N. Bunker Hill Road in Colfax reported an assault.

June 15 | An 18-year-old female in the 2900 block of Oak Ridge Road reported an assault.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT

June 14 | A 51-year-old female in the 3300 block of Rebecca Drive in Summerfield (off Strawberry Road) reported a known suspect made unwanted comments to her.

DRUGS

June 9 | A 22-year-old male in the 1600 block of N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge was arrested for driving while impaired and felony possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance.

June 10 | A 50-year-old male and 51-year-old female in the 1600 block of N.C. 68 N/Kelly Ford Road in Oak Ridge were both arrested for possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine) and cited for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Thanks to our DISPLAY ADVERTISERS in this issue ACCOUNTING By the Book Accounting .............................. 11 Carlotta Lytton, CPA ...................................31 Kimberly Thacker Accounting ......................31 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC ...............31 AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE EuroHaus ...................................................25 Vestal Buick GMC Inc. ...................................2 BUILDING & REMODELING Disney Construction Company .....................15 Don Mills Builders .......................................21 Friddle & Company, Inc. ..............................19 Johnson & Lee LLC .....................................16 Lansink Custom Homes ...............................18 Naylor Custom Homes ................................ 17 R&K Custom Homes ...................................23 Ray Bullins Construction Co. ........................13 RS Dezern Construction ..............................15 Walraven Signature Homes .........................15 CHILDREN’S SERVICES Guardian Ad Litem........................................8 CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES Oak Ridge Chiropractic .................................2 CHURCHES Oak Ridge United Methodist Church ............14 DENTISTS Borden Dentistry ...........................................7 FUNERAL SERVICES Forbis & Dick Stokesdale ............................. 11 ENTERTAINMENT The Wright Stuff ...........................................3 Tax & Consulting Services For Individuals & Businesses

EMBEZZLEMENT

 Tax Returns  Tax Planning  Payroll Service  Bookkeeping  Financial Reports  Budget Analysis

June 12 | Goodwill in Oak Ridge reported an embezzlement incident that cost the store $108.12.

FRAUD

June 12 | A resident of the 7500 block of Summerfield Road reported an incident of identity theft.

June 12 | A resident of the 3300 block of Travers Court in Summerfield (off Strawberry Road) reported an incident of identity theft.

June 14 | Jack Hedrick Auto Sales in Oak Ridge reported an incident of unauthorized use of conveyance involving two vehicles.

THEFT

June 15 | A resident of the 1800 block of Cude Road in Colfax (off Pleasant Ridge Road) reported an unknown suspect stole a set of car keys and a vehicle.

A resident of the 1800 block of Brotherstwo Road in Colfax off Cude Road also reported an unknown suspect stole one or more vehicles along with two Kate Spade purses and a Kate Spade wristlet.

8400 Hwy 158 • PO Box 469 Stokesdale, NC 27357 kim@kimberlythacker.com

GROCERIES / SUPPLIES Southern Foods...........................................26 HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES BEK Paint Company ....................................29 Carpets by Direct ........................................27 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery .............8 Old School Home Repair .............................28 ProStone, Inc. ...............................................4 Stokesdale Heating & Air.............................20 LEGAL SERVICES Barbour & Williams Law ..............................10 MEDICAL CARE / SUPPLIES Dove Medical Supply .....................................5 Eagle Physicians at Brassfield ........................3 IK Massage...................................................3 LeBauer HealthCare....................................13 MG12 .........................................................24 Wake Forest Baptist Health..........................22 ORTHODONTIC CARE Olmsted Orthodontics .................................25 PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital .........................31 Northwest Animal Hospital .......................... 12 REAL ESTATE A New Dawn Realty .................................... 11 DeDe Cunningham, Keller Williams..............12 Nancy Hess, Berkshire Hathaway ................30 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX ............................13 Smith Marketing, Allen Tate ........................15 YOUTH SPORTS / CAMPS Oak Ridge Youth Association .......................20

Laser and Acupuncture SERVICES

(336) 665-1286 www.bel-airevet.com

(336) 644-2741 office (336) 644-2743 fax

Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC 32 Years Experience

Individual, Corporate, Partnership & Payroll Tax Electronic Tax Filing  Estate Planning Bookkeeping & Compilations

Serving the NW Triad area since 1991

Carlotta Lytton

, CPA, PC

Individual & Corporate Tax Returns Specializing in Payroll & Accounting for Small Businesses

Oak Ridge Business Center 8004 Linville Rd, Suite G, Oak Ridge (336) 643-7577 or 1-800-467-8299 info@samanderscpa.com www.samanderscpa.com

7805 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale clyttoncpa@bellsouth.net

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

phone: (336) 644-7033 fax: (336) 644-7038

JUNE 18 - 24, 2020

31

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

Janiese McKenzie Northern Guilford High School principal last of her ng nishi enjoyed a good read June 4 after fi rs. McKenzie senio g uatin 345 laps in honor of each of her grad ¾-mile 13 rode and started her bicycling trek in early May or shine, rain , kday wee laps around the school property each as she for g ridin was she calling out the name of the senior began each lap.

Neighbors in the Meadow Ridge subdivisio n off Haw River Road recently graduated their high school seniors in style! Coach “E” (Egle ston) from Northwest Guilford High Scho ol was the emcee for the ceremony they put together, and each graduate received Meadow Ridg e diplomas.

After receiving their diplomas, the graduate s enjoyed diving into the local news. Cong ratulations, Class of 2020!

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