Northwest Observer / Sept. 17-30, 2020

Sept. 17 - 30, 2020

bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996

Protecting the most vulnerable

Photo courtesy of Betty Stantliff

Hazel Weeks, the oldest resident at Countryside Village Retirement Community, celebrated her 104th birthday on Aug. 28.

A belated birthday present has arrived with the recent easing of restrictions allowing in-person conditional visits with those in healthcare and nursing facilities.

While adhering to social distancing restrictions, the effects of isolation have taken a toll on many nursing home residents and their family members

by ANNETTE JOYCE Before COVID-19, Sandy Stewart made a daily pilgrimage to Piney Grove Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Kernersville to visit her

93-year-old mother, Margaret Jester.

March 12 was the last day they were in physical contact with each other. The next day, the nursing facility was put in lockdown and in-person visits were no longer allowed. Nursing homes and long-term-care facilities nationwide imposed similar restrictions because of COVID-19 and the risks it posed to their residents.

The restrictions initially banned outside visitors from seeing their family and friends in person. However, within days

...continued on p. 12

Developer David Couch plans to present ‘future development opportunities’ The Summerfield resident and CEO of Blue Ridge Cos. will present his plan at a special called meeting Tuesday, Sept. 22

by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield resident and developer David Couch plans to discuss “future development opportunities” in his presentation to the Summerfield Town Council next week.

The presentation will be made during a special called meeting Tuesday, Sept. 22, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road; due to COVID-19 restrictions, interested citizens will not be able to attend in

person but can watch the meeting live on the town’s Facebook page.

The council initially scheduled the special called meeting last week to consider approving a contract with architectural firm Creech & Associates to design a new town hall. At Couch’s request, his presentation was added to the meeting agenda, Whitaker confirmed.

Couch did not reply to a request for information about his presentation.

According to the meeting notice posted on the town’s website, he plans to present “future development opportunities” in Summerfield.

“The intent is for all elected officials and the public to learn more,” Whitaker wrote in an email earlier this week.

Mayor BJ Barnes said in an interview that Couch has been working on a

concept for the further development of his Pleasant Ridge Road property where he operates Summerfield Farms. The property consists of a cattle and organic vegetable farm, a wedding and events venue, lodging and a market that sells food and gift items.

Couch, who owns about 800 acres of undeveloped land in Summerfield, is chief executive officer of Blue Ridge Cos. Among the real estate development firm’s projects are plans to build Henson Village, a shopping center on N.C. 150 and Interstate 73 in Summerfield.

want to view the meeting?

Interested citizens may view a livestream of the special called meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 22, beginning at 6:30 p.m., via the town of Summerfield’s Facebook page.

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IN THIS ISSUE Council chooses architect ........2 9/11 ceremony pays tribute

Photo by Mark Rogers/NWO

Will Gunter, a Scout from Troop 600, plays Taps at the annual 9/11 ceremony in Stokesdale on Sept. 11. .................3

Your Questions ............................4 Summerfield Town Council ........6 Oak Ridge Town Council ...........8 Stokesdale Town Council ........ 10 NWO Business & Real Estate .... 13 Real Estate News/Briefs............ 14 Alpacas, not houses ................ 15 ‘The world exploded’ ............... 16 Council approves rezoning .....22 NWO Kids’ Korner................ 25, 31 Community Calendar ..............26 Crime/Incident Report .............26 Educator Profile ........................28 Youth/School News ..................29 Grins and Gripes ......................32 Classifieds .................................35 Index of Advertisers .................39

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Council chooses architect for town hall design The public is invited to view a special called meeting Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 6:30 p.m., when the council anticipates approving the architectural services contract

by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield Town Council has selected Creech & Associates to design a new town hall and authorized Town Manager Scott Whitaker to negotiate a contract with the Charlotte-based architectural firm.

The 4-1 vote during the council’s Sept. 8 meeting advanced plans for construction of a single-level, approximately 9,000-square-foot building to accommodate town staff and public meetings.

Council member Teresa Pegram voted against the move, saying remodeling existing space would cost less than the initial estimated $3.5 million price tag for a new town hall.

The council scheduled a special called meeting for 6:30 p.m. next Tuesday, Sept. 22, to approve the architectural services contract. The meeting will be held in Summerfield Community Center on Centerfield Road, but due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions citizens will not be able to attend in person; the meeting will be streamed live on the town’s Facebook page.

The council chose Walter Robbs of Winston-Salem as the back-up architect in the event that Whitaker’s negotiations with Creech fail.

Whitaker presented Creech, Walter Robbs and a third firm, Lindsey Architecture of Greensboro, as his top recommendations among the 20 firms that responded to the town’s request for letters of interest and qualifications over the summer. Town staff reviewed the proposals, narrowing the number of contenders to six and then to three following a series

of interviews and follow-up questions, Whitaker said.

Based upon her analysis of the three finalists, council member Lynne Williams DeVaney recommended Lindsey Architecture as the first choice to build Summerfield’s town hall, followed by Walter Robbs.

DeVaney cited Lindsey’s work in Greensboro, which includes the renovation of Guilford County’s Metro 911 center and various projects at Piedmont Triad International Airport. She said she’d prefer to deal with a firm with offices close to Summerfield.

“If something happens and it goes downhill, we need to be able to reach across the table and say ‘hey, let’s take care of this right now,’” DeVaney said.

Councilman Reece Walker countered that he was more impressed with Creech’s portfolio, which includes the construction of town halls in Pineville, Indian Trail and Mint Hill, North Carolina. “I think Creech had

the most town halls and administrative-type buildings,” he said, adding he agreed with Whitaker’s recommendation of Creech followed by Walter Robbs.

In February, Whitaker revived discussions about a new town hall during the council’s strategic planning retreat.

Since then, the council has discussed the project during its monthly meetings and budget deliberations.

To get the project rolling, the council appropriated $100,000 in the current year’s budget for hiring an architect to begin designing a new town hall and another $400,000 for initial construction services related to the project.

Councilman John O’Day said he expects the architect to provide an estimated cost for the town hall. A draft of the town’s five-year capital improvements plan under review by the Finance Committee initially earmarks $3.5 million in total expenses for a new facility.

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(Photo above) Stokesdale Fire Chief Todd Gauldin (back row, second from left), Deputy Chief Randy Southard (front row, far left) and other first responders, along with (photo below) Scouts from Troop 600, were among those attending the annual 9/11 ceremony held at the fire station in downtown Stokesdale on Sept. 11.

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Scouts, ministers, first responders among those attending the remembrance ceremony in downtown Stokesdale on Sept. 11

by MARK ROGERS STOKESDALE – More than 40 people gathered outside the Stokesdale Fire

Department on Friday, Sept. 11, to remember the terrorist attacks that rocked our nation in 2001. The recent day offered clear blue skies reminiscent of the day 19 years ago when hijackers flew planes into the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Stokesdale resident and former council member Frank Bruno, who has

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I watched the live streaming of Oak Ridge Town Council’s Sept. 3 meeting via Zoom.

I noticed some people were “chatting” (i.e., posting comments) during and after a public hearing for a rezoning request of property on N.C. 150 and their comments were visible to everyone watching the meeting. Then the chatting suddenly stopped.

What happened?

We watched the meeting as well. Before the chatting stopped, we noticed most of the comments were posted by Merriman Estates homeowners, who were discussing their opposition to a property owner’s request to rezone nearly 22 acres of agricultural land so that nine houses could be built on it.

speakers are allotted a certain amount of time to speak during designated periods. In this case, public comments continued via the chat function long after the public hearing concluded.”

The virtual chatting was “no different than audience members continuing to talk out loud during a council meeting in an in-person setting,” Bruce said.

“Decorum is just as important in an online meeting as it is in an in-person meeting,” the mayor continued, adding she believes people tend to make comments on social media platforms such as Facebook, Nextdoor and Zoom they wouldn’t make in person.

We also spoke to Oak Ridge Mayor Ann Schneider, who said she and other council members were distracted by citizen comments appearing on their computer screens while they were participating in the Zoom meeting.

Town staff in Summerfield streams the council’s monthly meetings on the town’s Facebook page. There’s typically a steady stream of citizen comments rolling across the page – however, they’re not visible to council members meeting in person unless they’re using their phones or other devices to watch the meeting on Facebook.

“Those chats were going all over my screen,” Schneider said. Remote viewers “should be paying attention to the meeting and not talking to people.”

“When you’re doing Facebook, chats aren’t affecting people in the meeting,” Schneider said. “On Facebook, it’s like having a conversation outside the doors of the meeting.”

We contacted Oak Ridge Town Manager Bill Bruce, who explained that town staff disabled the chat feature on the advice of Town Attorney Michael Thomas.

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“Virtual Town Council meetings are meant to be conducted the same way in-person meetings are conducted,” Bruce said. “During public hearings,

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Summerfield Fire District

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Visit us online at summerfieldfire.com and click “Community” for information about volunteering

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The first engine (the “attack” engine) begins fighting the fire with water from a tanker that’s supplied though a hose; the second engine (the “supply” engine) positions itself to send the attack engine more water from its tanker, further reinforcing the attack engine’s water supply and adding some more time for water flow to the operation.

When the second tanker arrives, a portable drop tank is placed on the ground near the supply engine; when it is filled, the supply engine can now draw from this portable tank while the first tanker goes for more water.

One tanker would not be able to access and deliver water quickly enough to put out a raging fire (typically, firefighters have to drive several miles to a hydrant, pond or other static water point). At a pond or other static water point we will need another waterpoint engine to establish a draft, fill the tankers and then drive back to the fire scene. If available, other tankers are brought in from neighboring fire departments to assist.

The bigger the fire and bigger the homes, the more tankers are needed.

It takes a LOT of people and coordination from a LOT of departments to make this happen. We do a great job at this, as long as we’re not already on a call and our surrounding departments are available to assist.

Remember to always “cook with caution” and stay alert while preparing food in the kitchen

For more information, visit: firepreventionweek.org Have questions about operations of Summerfield Fire District?

Please feel free to contact us at (336) 643-4341.

We love to hear from our citizens!

Just as other departments have been experiencing, our volunteer participation has decreased over recent years while the volume of calls has increased. This presents a very good possibility that some or all of our tankers cannot get out because of multiple calls or lack of available volunteers. That’s why we have to look at other ways to better protect the people of Summerfield and our firefighters.

Water and people are what put out fires…

Our fire district is looking at requiring developers to put in a water cistern (as shown in the picture above) for fire protection in newer neighborhoods that are not within a mile of a water point. This is not an added cost to the taxpayers of Summerfield, but rather to developers, and in the event of a fire it would provide added protection to neighborhood residents as well as firefighters on the scene. This requirement will also free up tanker drivers so they can do other fireground operation duties.

Recently a lot of misinformation has been spread about what we need to fight fires and to ensure everyone’s safety. The truth is: to put out fires we need WATER and PEOPLE – and especially with larger homes, we need a LOT of water and a LOT of people.

SUMMERFIELD town council

Sept. 8 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS Planning Tech / Enforcement Officer Opportunity The town is seeking a full-time Planning Tech/Enforcement Officer who will be focused on administrative tasks, customer service, and code enforcement. The position offers planning-profession experience and involves engagement with citizens, builders/developers, local officials, and state and regional agencies.

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as reported by CHRIS BURRITT Mayor BJ Barnes called the monthly council 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 limited attendance to the meeting in Summerfield Community Center due to public gathering restrictions related to COVID-19.

Highlights from the meeting follow:

PUBLIC HEARING: Rezoning

off N.C. 150 for 27 new houses. Prior to the council’s vote, homeowners in Birkhaven expressed concerns about the impact of increased traffic the development would bring to their neighborhood and a possible decline in their property values.

Developer Rob Jessup agreed to construct a 30,000-gallon water tank to assist firefighters in the event of a house fire in his development or in the adjacent Birkhaven subdivision. (See related article on p. 14.)

Town hall architect selected

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 4  1 (Pegram opposed) to select Creech & Associates to design a new town hall and to authorize Town Manager Scott Whitaker to negotiate a contract with the Charlotte-based architectural firm. (See related article on p. 2.)

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 4  1 (Pegram opposed) to approve the rezoning of nearly 46 acres abutting the Birkhaven subdivision

 5  0 to appoint Walker, Pegram,

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Community Center

File photo

Guilford County’s Board of Commissioners voted earlier this month not to exercise the county’s first right of refusal on 16.8 acres owned by Summerfield Community Center, Inc. The town of Summerfield is now considering whether to accept SCC’s offer to donate the property, which includes Summerfield Community Center (shown in photo), to the town.

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town. Guilford County had right of first refusal on the property, but the Board of Commissioners recently voted to decline its right to assume ownership of the property, which Whitaker explained created the opportunity for the town to take ownership of it.

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Center and the surrounding 16.8 acres.

Town leaders plan to sort out specifics of a possible deed transfer with representatives of Summerfield Community Center Inc. (SCC), the property’s owner,

and the Grange and VFW, which rent meeting space in the center.

Last fall SCC approached the town about donating the community center and surrounding acreage it owns to the

Tuesday, Sept. 22 • 6:30pm Visit www.summerfieldnc.gov for details; watch live on Facebook Whitaker in a lawsuit filed against him by former mayor Gail Dunham. The council discussed the issue during a closed session that preceded the vote.

The lawsuit stems from a public records request submitted by Dunham last year in which she sought copies of all of Whitaker’s emails related to town business from Oct. 1, 2017, through Nov. 19, 2019.

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

At its Sept. 8 meeting, Summerfield Town Council recognized three citizens who earlier this year ended a combined 23 years of service on town committees. From left are Frank Ficca (Zoning Board, three years), Sue Beeson (Trails and Open Space Committee, four years) and Mike Stewart (Board of Adjustment, 16 years)

SPECIAL CALLED MEETING

Gail Dunham

Scott Whitaker

At its Sept. 8 meeting, Summerfield Town Council voted 4-1 to authorize the town attorney to defend Town Manager Scott Whitaker in a lawsuit filed against him by former mayor Gail Dunham.

 4  1 (Pegram opposed) to autho-

rize Town Attorney Bob Hornik to defend

Citing the volume of emails, Whitaker told Dunham she’d have to pay for staff and attorney time to review the emails and redact privileged information. Dunham refused to pay, opting instead to sue Whitaker.

Following their vote, council members made no further comments and adjourned the meeting about 10:50 p.m.

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SEPT. 17 - 30, 2020

7

OAK RIDGE town council

File photo

In response to motorists ignoring the 35mph speed limit on N.C. 68, within Oak Ridge’s commercial core district, the sheriff’s office will be monitoring traffic in this area more closely in the coming weeks.

Sept. 3 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT Mayor Ann Schneider called the monthly meeting to order with Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan, Doug Nodine and Martha Pittman present.

Due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, the meeting was held virtually, via the Zoom software platform.

PUBLIC SAFETY Sheriff’s Office. First Lt. Jeremy Fuller of the sheriff’s District 1 office said deputies have increased surveillance in the stretch of N.C. 68 where the speed limit is 35mph. The office also plans to place a speed-detection trailer on the roadside in response to complaints that motorists are driving too fast, he said.

Capt. Daryl Loftis introduced himself as District 1’s new commander. Loftis said he is a lifelong resident of Guilford County and has spent more than 25 years in law enforcement, including assignments with the sheriff’s department in patrol, vice and narcotics, and special operations.

Oak Ridge Fire Department. Ken Gibson, the fire department’s new chief as of July 27, reported the department,

which has stations on Linville Road in Oak Ridge and Northwest School Road in northwest Greensboro, responded to 69 calls in August, with almost half EMSrelated; the department’s firefighters also received 175 hours of training last month.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

The council scheduled public hearings on three rezoning requests, all of which were reviewed by the town’s Planning and Zoning Board during its meeting last month. A fourth hearing was scheduled to consider changing the language in the land development chapter of the town’s code of ordinances.

Historic Benbow property The council heard from Oak Ridge resident Brian Hall, who last month purchased nearly 22 acres on the south side of N.C. 150 bounded by Williard Road to the west and Billet Road to the east.

Hall requested the tract be rezoned from agricultural to RS-40 (Residential) so he can create nine housing lots (five on Billet and four on Williard). He said he plans to leave more than half of the land undeveloped, though he raised the possibility of building a home for his

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family on the property.

Knights Landing

Several residents spoke for and against rezoning the property, which is part of the late Jesse Benbow’s 19th century farm; Benbow was one of the founders of present-day Oak Ridge Military Academy.

In a memo, Planning Director Sean Taylor said staff investigated the possibility that a cemetery, perhaps where slaves were buried, is located behind the Jesse Benbow house. He concluded staff was unable to find “any significant evidence” of an abandoned cemetery on the property.

Due to a state law passed last May requiring governing bodies to postpone a vote until 24 hours after a virtual public hearing to allow for written comments from the public, the council did not vote on the rezoning at the meeting; at a special called meeting on Sept. 10, the council voted 4-1 (Nodine opposed) to approve the request. (See related article on p. 22.)

 5  0 to allow Agency Partners, LLC to withdraw a request to add a single lot to the second phase of the Knights Landing subdivision. The applicant is seeking an amendment to the PD-R (Planned Unit DevelopmentResidential) zoning classification of the property; consisting of almost 28 acres, the tract is east of Linville Road and south of Haw River Road.

Bentridge Forest Drive

 5  0 to allow owner Mary A. Leight to withdraw her request to rezone 35.6 acres from agricultural to CU-RS-40 (Conditional Use-Residential). The property is located north of Bentridge Forest Drive near its intersection with Vanhoy Road.

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 5  0 to postpone consideration of changing land development lan-

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guage in the town’s ordinances until the council’s Oct. 1 meeting.

MANAGER’S REPORT

Committee appointments

 5  0 to adopt a policy stating the council will appoint members to town committees, boards and commissions. The members “serve at the pleasure” of the council, according to the policy presented by town staff. Previously, procedures for appointments had been informal and lacked consistency among committees.

COMMUNITY UPDATES Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Vice Chair Phyllis Anders reported that due to COVID-19, RidgeFest organizers decided to cancel the three-day festival which had been rescheduled from late May to the second week in September.

Planning and Zoning Board. Chair Ron Simpson reported that during its meeting last month, the board recommended the council approve the Benbow property rezoning request and deny the Knights

Landing rezoning request.

Mountains-to-Sea Trail Committee.

Co-Chair Bill Royal reported that volunteers scheduled workdays for Sept. 3 and Sept. 19, with work on a bridge over the Haw River starting in October.

Special Events Committee. Chair Patti Dmuchowski said the committee has begun posting updates about its veterans’ memorial project on the town’s website and Facebook page and the Nextdoor social media site.

COUNCIL COMMENTS  McClellan said “the time has come” for the council to resume holding its monthly meetings in person. He said people can wear face masks and practice other precautions if the council holds its Oct. 1 meeting in Town Hall.  “COVID-19 is still with us,” said Kinneman, urging people to wear face masks, wash their hands often and practice social distancing to reduce the spread of the virus.  Pittman said she wanted to “talk about

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

 Nodine said it’s “encouraging” that playgrounds in Town Park were scheduled to reopen the following day. As part of Gov. Roy Cooper’s stay-at-home order issued March 27, public playgrounds such as those in Oak Ridge Town Park were closed until the state entered into Phase 2.5 of social distancing restrictions on Sept. 4 at 5 p.m.  “I’m just hoping that in our daily lives we can have more grins than gripes,” Schneider said. “I think we can talk to each other even when we disagree. We are all blessed to live in this wonderful town together.”

With no further council comments, the meeting was adjourned at 9:23 p.m.

some good things going on in our community” in contrast to challenges and disagreements among people. She noted that Boy Scouts are working on Eagle projects, children are riding scooters in the park, neighbors are walking and talking to each other and fundraising efforts are underway to support people in need.

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STOKESDALE town council

Sept. 10 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by MARK ROGERS Mayor John Flynt brought the monthly meeting to order shortly after 7 p.m.

Flynt, Mayor Pro Tem Thearon Hooks and Town Clerk/Finance Officer Alisa Houk were present at Stokesdale Town Hall and council members Derek Foy, Jimmy Landreth and Jim Rigsbee, along with Town Accountant Kim Thacker and Town Attorney Tom Medlin, attended the meeting remotely via Zoom.

Tree lighting, parade Foy said the Events Committee will likely elect a chairperson at its Sept. 22 meeting.

The Christmas tree lighting ceremony is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 5 at Town Hall and the Christmas parade is set for Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. in downtown Stokesdale. However, because of the large number of people who participate in and attend the parade, Foy said he will ask that it be included on the council’s Oct. 8 meeting agenda so the council can weigh in on whether it should have the Christmas parade while COVID-19 remains a threat.

If the decision to go ahead with the parade is not made until October, Flynt

asked if this would allow enough time for participants to prepare.

“In my opinion, yes, but I would like that decision to be made in October and not November for that reason,” Foy answered.

Financials Town Accountant Kim Thacker reported the town has $2,883,551.11 in its General Fund. She noted the town allocated a transfer of $15,784.69 from the General Fund account to the Water Enterprise account in July, and $9,266.99 in August.

Proclamations/recognitions  Flynt announced Constitution Week would be celebrated Sept. 17-23; an annual celebration of the signing of our nation’s Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787, was initiated at the request of the Daughters of the American Revolution.  Flynt also recognized November as National Native American Heritage Month, which celebrates the contributions of American Indians.  The mayor also acknowledged the death of Clifton Matthews, who served as the town’s first clerk and finance officer, and

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expressed his sympathy to Matthews’ family.

A/C repairs Council re-visited proposals from Stokesdale Heating and A/C for repair or replacement of one of the five air conditioning units in Town Hall. The company estimated the cost to replace a coil in the faulty unit at $3,500 and replacing the entire unit at $8,000 to $9,000; Council decided to revisit this at next month’s meeting.

Stokesdale Heating & A/C will also be asked to check the unit that cools the council meeting chambers.

Revise RS-30 zoning regulations Council discussed a revision to the town’s development ordinance that would stipulate RS-30 zoning for new subdivisions only be approved if houses within the subdivision connect to the town’s municipal water system.

 5  0 to revise the RS-30 residential zoning regulations as per Council’s discussion.

Special called meeting

 5  0 to hold a special called

meeting Tuesday, Sept. 15, to vote on rezoning property at 7105 U.S. 158, beside Culp Home Fashions, from LI (Light Industrial) to HB (Highway Business); the applicant proposes constructing a Dollar General on the 2.17-acre tract; Council also was to vote on an encroachment agreement that would allow a water line to be installed in this area so the Dollar General could tap onto the town’s water system.

In the same meeting, Council planned to vote on whether to approve rezoning a

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 4  1 (Flynt opposed) to use ADP as the town’s payroll service provider after Foy reported that because of a special promotion, Stokesdale could save $1,089 this year and more than $400 per year in the future.

Donation to Stokesdale Elementary

 4  0 (Rigsbee abstaining) to

approve an annual $10,000 donation to Stokesdale Elementary School. The money will be used to help with needs relating to distance learning, such as tripods, light filters, connecting cords and other items; and to purchase four foggers for deep cleaning and Plexiglas shields for the school building. The funds will be released to the school after the principal submits a plan on school letterhead that provides details of how the money will be spent and associated costs.

Water bill payment plan

 5  0 to approve a measure allow-

ing payment arrangements to be made for people who had delinquent water bills between March 31 and July 29, per an executive order issued by Gov. Roy Cooper which prohibited some collection practices by municipal utilities due to COVID-19.

The plan “allows the option to participate in a reasonable payment arrangement that allows repayment over at least a 6-month period.”

The meeting was adjourned shortly after 9 p.m.

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ANNUAL 9/11 CEREMONY PAYS TRIBUTE ...continued from p. 3

organized the town’s annual 9/11 ceremony for the last 10 years, has personal connections to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

“My cousin was in the first tower that got hit, and my brother was on Wall Street that day – thank God, they got out,” said Bruno, who once lived in Greenwich Village, a neighborhood on the west side of Manhattan in New York City.

To Bruno, the annual remembrance ceremony is about honoring those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks as well as a way to pay tribute to the first responders who continue to put their lives on the line to help those in need.

In recent years the ceremony was held at Stokesdale Town Hall, but Bruno said he decided to change the venue this year after thinking, “What better place to do it than the middle of downtown at the firehouse? These are the guys we are trying to honor.”

While Sept. 11, 2001, was a tragic day in our country’s history, Bruno sees Sept. 12, 2001, as a new beginning.

“It was about what we did to recover and what people across the country did to band together and help each other,” he said.

Several members of Scout Troop 600 attended the recent 9/11 ceremony, something Bruno especially appreciated since none of them had been born 19 years ago.

“We need to teach these kids critical thinking and to get the facts and know what’s going on and remember these types of things. That’s why it’s important to do this… Those Scouts are the leaders of the future,” he said.

The ceremony was briefly delayed when firefighters with Stokesdale Fire Department responded to a call. After it resumed, Bruno said that like the first responders on Sept. 11, our local first responders stand ready to answer the call.

Photo by Mark Rogers/NWO

Stokesdale resident and former council member Frank Bruno, who has organized the annual 9/11 ceremony in Stokesdale for the past 10 years, speaks to attendees about the importance of never forgetting the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, and the way people across our country united afterward.

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PROTECTING ...continued from p. 1

the virus began taking hold in some longterm-care facilities across the state, prompting N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper to institute tighter public health and safety requirements.

Some of those directives included: canceling communal activities, including group meals; taking the temperature of employees and essential personnel when they enter the facility; requiring specific personal protective equipment to be worn at all times by employees in the facility; and requiring close monitoring of residents for signs of the virus.

A resident of Stokesdale, Stewart hasn’t seen her mom face-to-face in six months but has maintained contact through window visits. Twice a week, she picks up and delivers Jester’s laundry outside an exterior door. Most times, she leaves a letter telling how things are going and how the family is doing.

When she returns with clean clothes, she goes to the window and visits with her mom through the glass. Because Jester has a hard time hearing, Stewart relies on com-

puter generated signs to communicate.

Stewart said her mom has gotten lots of window visits from Stewart’s husband, brother, daughter and granddaughter.

“She sees me more than anybody else, but she really likes seeing my husband, Randy,” she laughed. “Randy is her sweetheart. Every time I leave, she tells me to tell Randy she still loves him.”

Besides not being able to visit with family and friends, restrictions have also created an unhealthy side effect of isolation, as many residents have been confined to their rooms during this period. It’s unclear whether this particular restriction was a state mandate or put in place by individual nursing facilities. Calls to area nursing home administrators were not returned.

Stewart said it’s fortunate that her mom shows no adverse effects from the isolation.

“She’s doing really well,” Stewart said.

“It hasn’t affected her, but I know it has had a (negative impact) on a lot of the other residents.”

Having recently celebrated her 104th birthday, Hazel Weeks, who lives at Countryside Village Retirement Community in Stokesdale, has the unique distinc-

tion of being alive during two pandemics – COVID-19 and the 1918 Spanish flu – although she was an infant during the first pandemic so has no memory of it.

Weeks’ daughter, Betty Stantliff, and son, A.C. Weeks, both of Summerfield, visited their mother on an almost daily basis until the lockdown. Since then, they’ve had to rely on seeing her through a glass window.

The past few months have been difficult, and Stantliff said although her mom is generally very lucid, she sometimes thinks she’s been taken to other places, including a horse farm in Greensboro and another place in Stoneville.

“It really caught me off guard,” Stantliff said. “The nurse practitioner at Countryside has talked with her but can’t find anything wrong. It seems like it has something to do with the isolation.

It’s not Alzheimer’s. It’s like an escape mechanism, like she’s transported in her mind to somewhere else.”

Stantliff added that listening to her mother talk about events that haven’t taken place takes its emotional toll on her, and it’s been made worse by not being able to visit in person.

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Fortunately for Stantliff and others, things are slowly changing. Effective Sept. 4, Cooper eased restrictions on nursing home visitors to allow in-person visits outdoors. There are some limitations – only two people per visit, 6-foot distancing between people, all parties must wear masks and a staff member must be present at all times. It’s up to the facility to determine the length of visits, the number of visits and when those visits occur.

Stantliff said Countryside planned to begin its “porch visits” on Monday, Sept. 14. She and her brother were scheduled to visit with their mom this past Wednesday and were anxious to see her face-to-face again.

Nursing homes that have had an active outbreak cannot allow visitation until 28 days have passed without any new cases. Since someone recently tested positive at Piney Grove, Stewart will have to wait a while longer before she can be with her mother again.

“I still won’t be able to touch her or go to her room but at least I can see her, and she can get out and get some fresh air,” Stewart said.

“

That big party never happened.”

Amanda Marley, on a planned opening celebration for Real Fine Place

“

It is a crazy time right now, so I realize this is not a true test for what this business can do.”

Bill Stork, new owner of Blissful Art & Framing

“

I got all the way to the finish line and then had to put the brakes on.”

Elaine Thomas, who planned to debut her new business, Yogalane, last spring

“

“

None of that could happen because we were in a state of closure.”

Alloy Personal Training co-owner Lara Gallert, on delaying the opening of the new business by a few months

I was scared.”

Nicole Aspiazu, who temporarily

closed the doors to Enjoy Nutrition two weeks after it opened last spring Adobe Stock photo

When the pandemic surfaced at home last spring, seasoned business owners as well as those just getting started deliberated about how to make needed adjustments to survive its ripple effects.

‘The world exploded’ 16

Business owners pursue passions and livelihoods

14 Real Estate News/Briefs Rezoning approved: 27 new homes in area abutting Birkhaven

farm, not 15 Alpaca housing, is the dream of two entrepreneurs on Lewiston Road

22 Real Estate News/Briefs

Rezoning approved: Nine homes are planned on the historic Benbow property that was once part of a 19th-century farm owned by the late Jesse Benbow.

Homeowners who had expressed opposition to the request at last month’s council meeting reiterated their opposition ahead of the council’s vote by sending emails and a letter from Birkhaven’s HOA to town staff.

Increased traffic in and surrounding their neighborhood, and safety issues while construction of the new neighborhood is underway were concerns residents expressed.

REAL ESTATE NEWS/BRIEFS

Rezoning approved; developer plans 27 new houses abutting Birkhaven

“With the hilly topography, narrow streets and lack of sidewalks, it is beyond dangerous,” homeowners Brian and Cara Hubers wrote in an email, referring to Birkhaven Drive as “Death Valley” for the speed and volume of traffic.

by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield Town Council voted 4-1 to approve the rezoning of nearly 46 acres abutting the Birkhaven subdivision just off N.C. 150 for 27 new houses.

The council’s vote last Tuesday, Sept. 8, followed the Zoning Board’s earlier recommendation that the rezoning request be denied. Board members said during their June meeting they were concerned that additional traffic on Birkhaven Drive, the only entrance/ exit road into the subdivision, may impede fire trucks and other emergency vehicles responding to calls.

Council member Teresa Pegram voted against the rezoning request submitted by developer Rob Jessup, who agreed to construct a 30,000-gallon water tank for fire protection for his proposed development and the roughly 70 houses in Birkhaven.

Construction of additional houses may also increase storm water runoff and diminish the supply of well water, some homeowners said.

The tract is bisected by Duke Energy electrical transmission lines, raising added concerns among some residents that houses built near the utilities may fetch lower prices and hurt the value of existing homes.

Town Attorney Bob Hornik reminded council members they were voting to decide whether the agricultural property at 3016 Rear Oak Ridge Road is appropriate

for residential development at the density of roughly one house per acre, as proposed by the developer.

Homeowners’ specific concerns will be addressed when Jessup presents his subdivision plan to town staff and the Zoning Board, Mayor BJ Barnes said.

“We heard what you had to say,” Barnes told homeowners watching the meeting live via Summerfield’s Facebook page (the meeting was closed to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions). “The developer heard what you had to say.”

Amanda Hodierne, a lawyer representing Jessup, said the rezoning request for RS-40 (Residential) is “eminently reasonable” because it’s identical to the zoning for houses in Birkhaven.

“A ‘yes’ vote tonight doesn’t mean we will walk out of the door and pull 27 building permits tomorrow,” Hodierne said. “It is incumbent upon (Jessup) to bring you a site plan that works.”

Councilman Reece Walker said he believes the Zoning Board “is going to hold these folks accountable,” referring to Jessup and his colleagues who attended the meeting. “You’re going to have to do it right.’’

... More Real Estate News/Briefs on p. 22

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Alpacas, not houses, planned for Lewiston Road property If approved by the city of Greensboro, 19.3 acres will be rezoned for agricultural use and transitioned into an alpaca farm

by CHRIS BURRITT NW GREENSBORO – Melodi Fentress and Susan Lambert want to raise alpacas on nearly 19.3 acres on Lewiston Road, prompting them to seek an unusual rezoning of the property.

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Melodi Fentress hugs one of the alpacas she and business partner Susan Lambert plan to buy for their new farm on Lewiston Road in northwestern Greensboro, assuming their request to rezone the property for agricultural use is approved by the city of Greensboro.

“It is backwards,” said Fentress, acknowledging the rezoning request bucks conventional wisdom that nearly 20 acres in northwest Greensboro is a prime location for residential development, not slender, long-necked alpacas with soft fleece and pointed ears.

Lambert has no desire to sell the property she owns on Lewiston Road, said Fentress, who lives in a house on the property with her husband, Philip Watkins, and their 5-year-old son, Wyatt.

As an example, a subdivision called Bridleton Ridge, which is zoned for as many as three units per acre, is under construction just across the road.

Partners in Rainbow Magic Alpaca Farm, Fentress and Lambert plan to acquire seven alpacas from a farm in China Grove, North Carolina, along

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Business partners Melodi Fentress and Susan Lambert hope to get approval from the city of Greensboro to rezone nearly 19.3 acres Lambert owns on Lewiston Road in northwest Greensboro so they can raise alpacas there. Fentress, her husband, and their son live in a small house (shown above) on the property. with a van for transporting the animals to birthday parties, weddings and other events.

“It is my goal to get alpacas here and settled by the end of the year,” Fentress said.

About once a year the alpacas will be sheared and their fleece used for yarn and finished products such as hats and scarves; Fentress and Lambert plan to sell the items in a store built on the property, said Fentress, who grew up in Pleasant Garden with horses and other livestock.

She and Lambert plan to erect fences and a barn for the alpacas, which are trained and certified as therapy animals for children on the autism spectrum and with other special needs. Fentress said they may later plant and harvest lavender elsewhere on the property.

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Fentress plans to ask Greensboro’s Zoning Commission next Monday, Sept. 21, to recommend rezoning the tract of overgrown fields and woods at 3630 Lewiston Road from R-3 (Residential-Single Family) to agricultural. If the City Council approves the request, it would be the first such rezoning in Greensboro in at least five years, senior planner Luke Carter said.

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‘The world exploded’ Shaken by COVID-19, business owners hope to outlast the downturn as they pursue their passions and livelihoods

by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – Bill Stork, new owner of Blissful Art & Framing in Summerfield, misses the company of his dog, Beau, now that he no longer works from home.

Nicole Aspiazu taught herself to market on Facebook and Instagram to promote her new business, Enjoy Nutrition.

After Elaine Thomas finally opened her yoga studio, rain washed out her Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO outdoor class last weekend.

“I want to pursue my art,” said graphic artist Bill These three businesses, Stork, holding one of his paintings for sale in Sumlocated in the Summerfield merfield’s Blissful Art & Framing, which he bought Square shopping center, with his wife, Amanda. share another distinction: they’re all starting or taking over entertising world forever,” said Stork, who prises in the depth of the COVID-19 began selling his paintings in the Blissful outbreak. gallery last year. “I love art and I love interacting with people.”

As the economy has limped along the last six months due to COVID-19, The couple took over the art gallery fledging entrepreneurs across northand custom-framing business in June western Guilford County have endured from owner John Berg, who agreed to financial hardships and doubts about cover their first month’s rent and utilities their survival. These problems comto help them financially. pound challenges for startups even Stork moved his graphic design busiwhen there’s not a pandemic. ness from his home to the store, leaving behind his dog and setting up shop in “The world exploded,” said Stork, a a nook in the back of the building. He graphic artist who along with his wife, Amanda, had agreed to buy the Blissful art steps into the gallery to help customers. gallery in March. They reconsidered their As the economy picked up over decision as the virus prompted Gov. Roy the summer, framing orders and foot Cooper to order people to stay at home traffic increased, allowing the business and non-essential businesses to close. to break even in August, according to Stork. He’s heartened by the results.

Three months later, the Storks followed through with their plan after “It is a crazy time right now, so I deciding to put the dream of owning realize this is not a true test for what this an art gallery above the financial risk of business can do,” Stork said. “We want buying one. to make it work. We’re laying the foun“I don’t want to work in the adverdation for the next phase of our lives.”

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

After teaching yoga in various places around Greensboro, Elaine Thomas rented and refurbished space in Summerfield Square earlier this year. She was preparing for an open house to introduce her business, Yogalane, when COVID-19 struck.

“I got all the way to the finish line and then had to put the brakes on,” said Thomas, sidetracked last weekend when rain canceled her plans for an outdoor class. Starting this week, she is finally offering classes.

“We’re getting started gradually,” said Thomas, who is following safety precautions in her studio where she hopes to provide a physical and emotional outlet for people stressed by COVID-19. Most of her classes are for children, though she’s offering some for parents and families as well.

Ramifications of the virus “are hard to put your brain around,” Thomas said. “We’re socially isolated; kids are bouncing off the walls. All things are on hold.”

The virus hit two weeks after Nicole Aspiazu had opened Enjoy Nutrition, an Herbalife shop that sells nutritional teas and shakes. She decided to close her doors temporarily even though her business qualified as essential since its beverages are considered meal replacements.

“I was scared,” Aspiazu said, explaining she didn’t want to risk the health of her 14-month-old baby and her mother who lives with her.

Aspiazu temporarily halted her primary marketing – passing out beverage discount cards in grocery stores and other places

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Before getting a home project underway, R&K team members meet with homeowners to discuss their family’s needs, wishes and best location for their future home as well as their lifestyle and the price range they want to work within.

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Both meetings were conducted virtually via Zoom due to COVID-19 public gathering restrictions.

could develop the land.

Council members Martha Pittman and Mayor Ann Schneider pointed out the council can’t impose conditions on a rezoning request. Town Attorney Michael Thomas confirmed that if Hall were to agree to a conditional use, he would be required to file a new rezoning application and the council would need to schedule a new public hearing.

The property on N.C. 150 between Williard and Billet roads was once part of a farm belonging to the late Jesse Benbow, who helped start Oak Ridge Military Institute (now Oak Ridge Military Academy) in 1852. The land is adjacent to Benbow’s house, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Councilman Doug Nodine cast the only vote in opposition to the rezoning, saying he preferred conditions be placed on it that would limit how Hall

Smith said she investigated the possibility that a cemetery, possibly where slaves were buried, is located behind the Benbow house. She said she reviewed

OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge Town Council approved the rezoning of nearly 22 acres on N.C. 150 for new houses after research by Town Clerk Sandra Smith determined there were no slave graves on the property.

The 4-1 vote during a special called meeting last Thursday, Sept. 10, came a week after the council had held a public hearing to gather input on property owner Brian Hall’s request to rezone the property from AG (agricultural) to RS-40 (Residential).

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historical records, conducted internet research and talked to more than half a dozen people, including Jim and Ann White, former owners of the house.

All said they were unfamiliar with the existence of a graveyard, although two residents, Richard Watkins and Kyle Anders, noted that rocks had been piled up in the center of the property, probably put there by farmers as they cleared the field for planting.

Hall said a land surveyor and soil scientist he hired as part of his rezoning proposal found no evidence of graves.

Hall has proposed creating five residential lots on Billet Road and four lots on Williard Road. More than half of the almost 22 acres in the center of the tract would remain undeveloped, although Hall said he and his wife, Amy, may eventually build a house for themselves there.

Several residents of Merriman Estates, a subdivision adjacent to the

property, said they opposed the rezoning because they think development would worsen flooding of their yards.

Drainage ditches dug by farmers decades ago to channel water away from the fields pushes runoff into the neighborhood, according to Ron Simpson, chair of the P&Z Board.

Developing the property would make “it much easier for that water to run downhill,” said Billet Road resident Stephen Dehaven, explaining that runoff already floods the yard of his house on Billet Road.

Landscaping with trees, grass and ground cover installed during development of the property may help to mitigate flooding, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman said during last week’s special called meeting.

“Development might actually improve this and certainly I feel confident it won’t make it worse,” Mayor Ann Schneider said.

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Aspiazu didn’t waste her time while stuck at home.

“I learned how to use social media to drive my business,” she said, explaining she went from a basic understanding of Facebook and Instagram to learning how to generate traffic on her pages. In turn, the activity yielded customers when she began offering online orders and home delivery.

Sales were relatively small, but they were “enough to allow us to get our name out there,” Aspiazu said. “A lot of the people who were ordering deliveries are customers now.”

The pandemic has forced business owners across northwestern Guilford County to shift course and also scuttled plans for open houses and other events aimed at attracting customers.

Last spring, Amanda Marley was preparing to entertain customers and their friends at Real Fine Place, her custom furniture and interior design firm in Summerfield.

“That big party never happened,” said Marley, who instead created an online store on her company’s website. It has created “a little buzz and income” that helped offset the cancelation of furniture orders by customers unnerved by the coronavirus, she said.

“When COVID hit, it was at the beginning of the busy spring season,” she said. “All of my clients pulled out. There were a couple of points when I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to keep the business.”

Marley focused on building furniture, eschewing interior design because it would have required her to visit customers’ houses. She didn’t want to design online.

Orders for her custom-made tables, desks and other

furniture are picking up, Marley said, now that “people have realized COVID didn’t go away in two weeks as they had expected” and are adjusting their lifestyles and work schedules.

In the meantime, Marley tries to limit her visits to the houses of customers for whom she’s designing furniture, often opting to exchange ideas and photos by email.

Her husband, Trae, has been working in the back of her business on Summerfield Road since the office where he works closed.

Although Marley’s business is still recovering, she’s doing what she loves.

“I pivoted to do more wood working,” she said. “It’s more hands on. I love to create.”

Sisters Rhonda Pegram and Lorie Pope had hoped last month’s 15th anniversary of their restaurant, Center Grove Grill, would have been celebratory. Instead, they starting closing on Saturdays, hurt by the loss of young families with children who, if it weren’t for the virus, would be playing recreational sports and stopping by for a meal or an ice cream treat.

Concerns over COVID-19 have also kept away elderly customers, whom Pegram refers to as “our bread-and-butter people we know are going to come in for lunch or dinner.”

Although the Summerfield restaurant hasn’t closed during the pandemic, it hasn’t resumed sit-down dining because the configuration of tables and the cash register counter don’t allow for 6-foot distancing. As a result, customers pick up orders through a window and sit at tables on the front lawn along N.C. 150.

Pegram said they may continue serving takeout orders through the window even after the restaurant resumes in-person dining. Meanwhile, she said she, her sister and their relatives are going to keep the restaurant open, work-

ing “for free” as long as necessary to rein in costs.

Next month, Dee Privette and Tammy Cobb plan to open their second Pineapple Porch clothing and home décor store in downtown Stokesdale. Since opening their first store in Oak Ridge in May, Privette said they’ve seen increased sales monthly.

Cobb credited Privette for creating demand for apparel, jewelry and home items on the company’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, drawing customers into the Oak Ridge store.

Success of the Stokesdale store will depend upon whether the owners can create what Privette refers to as a local shopping experience, even though the new store will be only 12 minutes from the one in Oak Ridge.

“This is truly a niche business,” Privette said, explaining that customers look forward to seeing Cobb when they visit the Oak Ridge store and ask about her whereabouts when she’s not there.

Earlier this month, the easing of COVID-19 restrictions by Gov. Cooper allowed gymnasiums to reopen at 30 percent of capacity. For Lara Gallert and Kathy Massoli, owners of Alloy Personal Training in Summerfield, it was their opportunity to open the doors of their new business – a year after they had purchased the franchise.

From the outset, Gallart and Massoli planned to open in June or July, so COVID-19 delayed them by only two or three months. Even so, the temporary shutdown of many businesses and the cancelation of high school sports and events such as Founders’ Day in Summerfield crimped efforts by the owners to pre-sell memberships.

“None of that could happen because we were in a state of closure,” Gallert said.

The pandemic did create a sales pitch for Alloy.

“People are becoming less healthy,” Gallert said.

“More people need us now than before.’’

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

r e n r o K Kids’ Use this step-by-step guide to help you draw and design the outside of your dream home!

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cars without recipients getting out. To make a financial donation or request emergency assistance, contact Terri Johnson, (336) 643-5887 or terrij1957@yahoo.com.

CRIME / INCIDENT report

 Drive-In Movie Night | The Summit Church will host

District 1 Sheriff’s Office

a drive-in movie night Sept. 26, 6:30 to 9:15 p.m. at FRIDAY, SEPT. 18, & SATURDAY, SEPT. 19 Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive. Parking begins at 6:30 p.m. and the movie “Sonic the Hedgehog”  Consignment Sale | Trinity Covenant Church will host starts when it gets dark (about 7:30 p.m.). Free concesa consignment sale for children’s clothes and other items sions will be offered in accordance with COVID-19 from tots to teens on Sept. 18, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and safety guidelines. The event is free, but attendees are Sept. 19, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5200 W. Friendly Ave. in northwest Greensboro. COVID-19 safety guidelines will be asked to register so they can plan for parking and concessions; one ticket represents one vehicle. If possible, followed. More info: (336) 299-9403 or see ad on p. 36. please bring a jar of peanut butter, instant oatmeal TUESDAY, SEPT. 22 packets, and/or canned soup to donate to the North Special Called Meeting | Summerfield Town Coun- west Backpack Program. To learn more and register, cil will hold a special called meeting Sept. 22, begin- visit tinyurl.com/ORTPdrivein. More info: Amy Loflin, ning 6:30 p.m. As of our press date for this issue, the (336) 298-4194 or amy.loflin@thesummitchurch.net. meeting agenda includes two items: discussion of a contract for architectural services for a new town hall; THURSDAY, OCT. 1  Town Council | Oak Ridge Town Council will and a presentation by Summerfield resident/developer David Couch on future development opportuni- hold its regular monthly meeting Oct. 1, 7 p.m. Visit ties within the town. Visit www.summerfieldnc.gov for www.oakridgenc.com for a meeting agenda and to confirm whether the meeting will be held virtually via meeting location and more details.

Zoom or in-person at Oak Ridge Town Hall.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 26

 Food Pantry | Good Samaritan Ministries’ food pan-

try in Stokesdale will open for those in need of food on Sept. 26, 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Stokesdale Business Center, 8500 Ellisboro Road. The usual check-in procedure will be followed, and boxes of food will be placed in

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COMMUNICATING THREATS Sept. 13 | A resident of the 8200 block of Tyner Road in Colfax (off National Service Road) reported at 1:11 a.m. a known suspect threatened to use a weapon against her and her friend.

Sept. 13 | A 22-year-old male was arrested at 4:55 a.m. in the 8500 block of Springbirch Terrace in Stokesdale (near N.C. 68) on two counts of communicating threats.

DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED Sept. 15 | A 35-year-old male was arrested at 4:18 a.m. in the 8500 block of Stokesdale Street/ Vaughn Street in Stokesdale for driving while impaired and also cited for possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance (marijuana) and possession of a firearm without a concealed carry permit.

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Sept. 11 | A 57-year-old female was arrested in the 8500 block of Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale for possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sept. 14 | A 45-year-old male was arrested in the 6500 block of U.S. 158/I-73 in Summerfield for possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine) and also cited for driving with a revoked license.

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Sept. 13 | An employee of Colfax Gun and Ammo reported two unknown suspects attempted to burglarize the store at 6:04 a.m.

Sept. 5 | A 36-year-old male was arrested at 2:07 a.m. in the 8700 block of N.C. 65 in Stokesdale for possession of a Schedule III controlled substance.

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Sept. 15 | A 54-year-old male was arrested at 1:55 a.m. in the 8300 block of Stokesdale Street/ Vaughn Street in Stokesdale for possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine) and also cited for driving with an open container of alcohol.

FRAUD Sept. 1 | A resident of the 8500 block of Kelly Lee Drive in Stokesdale (off U.S. 158) reported an unknown

...continued on p. 34

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Northern Guilford teacher, curriculum facilitator named GCS high-school-level Teacher of the Year Jonathan Ball began his educational career as a lateral entry teacher after first working in the advertising field

by MARK ROGERS Jonathan Ball’s passion for teaching is evident in his role as both a teacher and as Northern Guilford High School’s curriculum facilitator.

Ball was one of six finalists for Guilford County Schools’ Teacher of

the Year award; although elementary school teacher Ebonie Jones was announced the district-wide TOY winner on Sept. 15, Ball was named the school district’s high-school-level TOY. “Being nominated for Teacher of the Year is an incredible honor, especially considering how many of my colleagues are deserving and wonderful,” Ball said.

“I work with incredible educators who have made a profound impact on my personal and professional life.

“The nomination really means that NGHS celebrates teachers who priori-

Courtesy photo

Jonathan Ball was one of six finalists for Guilford County Schools’ Teacher of the Year award.

tize relationships with students, who are committed to continuous learning and reflection, and who share their success and failures for the betterment of

the group,” he added.

NGHS’s principal, Janiese McKenzie, said Ball “just has a knack for connecting with everybody, from students to parents to his fellow teachers.”

After realizing she would need a new curriculum facilitator this year, McKenzie said she had no doubt that Ball “was my guy because he is a teacher leader and his peers look up to him and respect the things he has to say… He helps make our staff complete. He completes my admin team quite well, too.”

Before beginning his career in education about seven years ago, Ball worked in the advertising field. After realizing he didn’t want to stay in advertising permanently, he went on to work as a graduate assistant while pursuing a master’s degree in English from East Tennessee State University. From there, he came to Guilford County as a lateral entry teacher.

“I was accepted into the phenomenal GCS-ACT program and haven’t looked back,” he said. “I spent the last four years teaching senior English IV and AP Literature at Northern. At the end of last year, our curriculum facilitator (my phenomenal mentor and friend, Jo Adams) retired and encouraged me to go after her position. It was a very difficult decision, because it meant leaving the classroom that I loved.”

Ball said he decided to seek the position after having many long conversations with his wife, mentors and friends.

In his new role, he provides support to classroom teachers while drawing on resources, coaching and best practices.

“By building up and supporting our

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teachers, I hope to increase my positive realm of influence from the 150-ish students I had teaching English to all 1,386 students at Northern,” he said.

To Ball, writing is “organized and communicated thought,” and he believes helping his students become stronger writers helps them become stronger thinkers.

“While we might be talking and writing about Shakespeare or Natasha Trethewey, these mental gymnastics are preparation for the mental gymnastics the future will require,” he explained. “Our students will need to solve problems that we cannot even conceptualize right now.

It’s our noble calling as teachers to prepare them for that uncertain future.”

Making meaningful connections with his students is one of the things Ball said he loves most about his role in education.

“I love that moment when a student realizes the power in their voice,” he said. “I have had the privilege of teaching and supporting some very serious and righteous young people over the years. My students led walkouts and moments of silence after the Parkland shooting. My students took to the streets in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others. Seeing them come into their own and recognizing they can be a powerful agent for change is one of my greatest joys.”

youth / school NEWS

All GCS students and younger siblings eligible to receive lunch, breakfast at no charge

Photo courtesy of Vangie Smith, NWMS cafeteria manager

(L to R) Gabe and Kennedy Thompson, Ally Stanford and (not pictured) Ryan Stanford presented this poster to Northwest Middle School cafeteria workers earlier this week to show their appreciation to the workers, whose jobs are at risk due to the pandemic and students not eating meals in the school cafeteria. Thanks to a USDA waiver, all Guilford County Schools’ students and those younger than school age are eligible to pick up lunch for that day and breakfast for the following day, Monday thru Friday from 11 to noon, at any GCS school.

Meals are provided at no charge to every child during this pandemic, they are not based on need and there are no forms to complete.

To get your meals, simply drive up to the front of the school and tell the cafeteria worker how many children you need lunch and breakfast meals for.

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‘Go gold’ in September for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Courtesy photo

During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Oak Ridge resident Casey Crossan, whose son Conner died at age 11 of brain cancer, is selling beautiful gold bows for $20 each to display on mailboxes and help raise awareness of childhood cancer.

Oak Ridge resident Casey Crossan knows firsthand what kids and their families go through when dealing with cancer.

Her son, Conner, fought a two-year battle with osteosarcoma, a bone cancer that took his young life a little over two years ago at the age of 11. She’s passionate about keeping Conner’s legacy alive while helping other children and families who

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have been dealt a similar hand.

As she did last September for Childhood Cancer Awareness month, Crossan is once again raising money to fight and raise awareness of childhood cancer by selling fluffy gold bows to be placed on mailboxes throughout the community.

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Juniors come in first, but those in need were the real winners

NORTHERN GUILFORD – “With the annual Powderpuff football game between the juniors and seniors postponed, the Northern Student Council sponsored a food drive competition in its place,” Student Council Faculty Adviser Joan Baer wrote to the Northwest Observer this week. “Faculty geared up and managed the food drive, modeling the mission of service the club promotes.”

Proceeds from the Powderpuff football game benefit the Backpack Buddies and Northwest Guilford Area Photo courtesy of Michelle Wallace Backpack Ministry programs.

Northern Guilford High School civics/history “The organizations are currently teacher Jay Simpson (right) accepts a drive-by serving over 215 students (about food donation for the school’s junior-senior 120 families),” Baer wrote. “Donafood drive on Sept. 11. tions were made in drop-off fashion and the entire community could and $260 in cash donations. With bragdonate to either the junior or the senior ging rights on the line, there was much at contributions. The cans and cash donastake. The donations were close the entire tions resulted in over 70 yards of food day until a ‘Hail Mary’ donation by the (which was lined up on the football field) junior class vaulted them to victory.”

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Which two of these hedgehogs are the same?

r e n r o K ’ s d i K

Can you find these 17 hidden objects?

Thank you to Olmsted Orthodontics for making this week’s Kids’ Korner possible Hiding your smile? We can help!

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Happy 70th Wedding Anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Austin & Helen Phillips of Stokesdale

Married on September 15, 1950

We love you,

H. A. and Debbie (David), children; Matthew (Sarah), Dana (Wesley) and Graham, grandchildren; Ezra, Nehemiah and Hannah, great-grandchildren

“May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you, make His face to shine upon you, be gracious unto you and give you His peace.”

Happy 90th birthday, Jennie Lou! Aka ‘Mom,’ ‘Grandma,’ ‘Great Grandma,’ ‘Sister’ and friend Jennie Lou Smith was born Sept. 14, 1930, to Lawrence and Sally (Holland) Smith. She had one sister, Valasta. After her mother’s death, Jennie’s father remarried and three half-brothers, Sonny, CW and Johnny were later added to the family.

Jennie married Bill Highfill in 1948 after he returned home from the war. The couple was blessed with three children, Blaine, Keith and Rene’, four grandchildren, Matt, Lauren, Lucas and Seth, and one great grandson, Tate. Jennie and Bill were married 54 years when Bill passed away in 2002.

Jennie worked for Blue Bell (later Wrangler) for 38 years until she took “a leave of absence” to help out when her twin grandsons were born.

Jennie is the rock of her family, who adores her. Rene’ describes her as “one of the most humble ladies you will ever meet. She always puts others before herself, especially her children and grandchildren.”

A member of First Baptist Church Summerfield, Jennie worked there in the kitchen for many years and also helped in the library.

She crochets “like a machine,” and many have been gifted with her beautiful afghans. She is an avid reader, loves to stay up on current events and works puzzles on her “pad.”

“She is sharp as a tack and has the memory of an elephant,” Rene’ says of her mother. “In fact, her granddaughter, a professor at Eckerd College in Florida, uses Jennie as an example of mental sharpness in elder years when teaching her bio-psychology class.

“She is a great country cook,” Rene’ adds. “Her potato soup has cured many illnesses, and her grandson says, ‘Sorry Mom, Grandma’s corn stew and biscuits are better than yours.’ She also makes the best banana pudding!”

To know Jennie is to love her, and family, neighbors and friends agree the world is a much better place with her in it.

32

SEPT. 17 - 30, 2020

GRINS and GRIPES

Delighted or dismayed by something in your community?

Share your thoughts in

40

words or less

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

 Northwest High School and the PTSO for giving the seniors an opportunity to paint parking spaces!  Watson (the foal) and his mother at High Silver Texas Paint Farm. Amidst all the strife and stress of the world right now, I can’t help but smile when I see you.  The family on N.C. 150 for the great fireworks on Labor Day. With COVID restrictions, seeing them was such a joy! Not everyone agreed, but most of your neighbors were very appreciative for the wonderful send-off to a very stressful summer.  Those who wear their masks and socially distance, in an apolitical effort to safeguard everyone’s health.  All the courageous and tenacious entrepreneurs and small business owners who worked so hard to survive the Chinese disease, only to see their livelihoods disappear. Gibbs Hundred Brewery and Old Town Tavern have fallen victim to economic realities.  LA Nails & Tan for always having great music and consistently giving me amazing service every time I go.  Desiree Walker – her “keep on keeping on” attitude is inspiring and how we all should be handling things at this time. Fiorella DeLisa, too. You ladies rock!

Editor’s note: For those who didn’t catch it, Desiree and Fiorella are both moms who were interviewed for an

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

article in PS Communications’ recent Back to School publication.  Grocers who allow people to breathe freely in their stores. I’ll continue to do business with those that also value my freedoms. People, this is about politics, not health. (Read the box the masks come in if you don’t believe it.)  To our veterans and current service members. You are appreciated.

 The HOA president and his wife who for monetary gain chose to put our development in the middle of a John Deere commercial without prior approval or notification to the residents.  The dog walker on Billet Road in Oak Ridge (and we have a lot) who did not pick up their very large dog’s poop deposited right by our mailbox.  Oak Ridge Town Council members who clearly had their minds made up long before last week’s meeting when they voted on a rezoning request.

What’s the purpose of having a public hearing for public comments if you ignore them?  The fast food chain (I think it’s Wendy’s) that changed the feed formula for their beef cattle to reduce the amount of methane gas they emit into the atmosphere. Now my wife wants the recipe for me.  The “mask Nazi” griper from last edition. We “wear diapers,” as you so

eloquently put it, because of people like yourself. We know masks don’t prevent, but they help. Please take a seat. Let the grown folks handle things.  Oak Ridge Town Council for allowing development of over 300 acres in the last four years. Kiss our open spaces goodbye.  Stokesdale Parks and Rec. The ball games Sept. 9-11 were so over capacity, attendees parked in residents’ yards and left trash all over McCrory Road and Capri Drive. Please plan better for parking and keep our neighborhood clean!  People who are anti-mask. It’s just a piece of cloth covering your mouth and nose. Stop being a baby, grow up, and wear your mask. Workers have to wear them for hours.

Outside the

…

The following reader-submitted GRINS and GRIPES express opinions about state and/or national topics, and have been separated from the other 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.

GRINS to...

 Gov. Roy Cooper and Dr. Mandy Cohen (NCDHHS) for their restrained, pragmatic guidance during the Coronavirus pandemic. When neighboring states were peaking with increasing caseloads, our state quietly persevered

in the face of derision and mounting criticism, maintaining low percentages.

GRIPES to...

 The griper who accused President Trump of mocking disabled people.

That lie was easily debunked a long time ago.  The U.S. Postal Service, and Postmaster General (and Republican donor) Louis deJoy (whose objective supposedly was tightening the budget and avoiding overruns), for hiring a known Republican lobbyist to run interference with Congress. Creative economics: spend tax dollars for image spin.

WE’LL BE BACK IN PRINT THURSDAY, OCT. 1

(the Northwest Observer is now offered in print the first, third and fifth Thursday of each month) email: info • celebrations • photos communitynews • realestatenews calendarevents • grinsandgripes opinions • editor • questions ... @nwobserver.com for ADVERTISING info, call (336) 644-7035, ext. 11, or email advertising@nwobserver.com

The Triad’s Volume WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE

Dealer *Hurry in for Your Choice... Supplies Limited. Based on Qualification and Some Restrictions Apply.

BUICK

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

SEPT. 17 - 30, 2020

33

Special Thank You to our Newest Partners!

OAK RIDGE MILITARY ACADEMY Do you know what my favorite part of the game is?

The opportunity to play.

CRIME/INCIDENTS ...continued from p. 26

suspect used her banking information in June to make several online purchases totaling $1,034.46.

Sept. 1 | A resident of the 500 block of Barton Court in Colfax (near N. Bunker Hill Road) reported another resident in the home had banking information stolen by an unknown suspect.

– Mike Singletary

Registration Now Open

CHEERLEADING

Sept. 9 | A resident of the 7300 block of Kingsley Place in Stokesdale (off Eversfield Road) reported an unknown suspect used her banking information in August to open a Verizon account in Brooklyn, New York.

SIGN UP AT ORYA.ORG

At LeBauer HealthCare

Your Safety Comes First We want you to feel confident during your next in-person appointment with your LeBauer provider. Extra safety precautions have been implemented at all of our locations.

Don’t delay the care you need. Schedule your in-person office appointment or virtual video visit to ensure that you and your family continue to stay healthy. Learn more about what we are doing to keep you safe by visiting www.lebauer.com.

SCHEDULE YOUR FLU SHOT TODAY

Sept. 14 | A resident of the 7800 block of New Haven Drive in Oak Ridge (off Bunch Road) reported an unknown suspect used his banking information to open a Verizon account in Virginia.

STALKING Sept. 2 | A 24-year-old male was arrested in the 2000 block of Oak Ridge Road/Linville Road in Oak Ridge for stalking and was also cited for speeding and driving with a revoked license.

THEFT Sept. 8 | The sheriff’s department responded to a call about an unknown suspect who kicked in the back door of a residence in the 9000 block of Ellisboro Road in Stokesdale and stole a Whirlpool stove and a Flock pole camera between Sept. 4 at 5 p.m. and Sept. 6 at 9:45 a.m.

Sept. 9 | A resident of the 8900 block of Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect stole a dehumidifier worth $220 between Sept. 8 at 12 noon and Sept. 9 at 10:30 a.m.

THEFT OF/FROM A VEHICLE

lebauer.com

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Call today for an appointment with one of our providers!

34

SEPT. 17 - 30, 2020

Sept. 10 | An employee of TTG Imaging Solutions in Stokesdale reported a known suspect broke into a motor vehicle and stole $3,249 worth of tools and equipment between Sept. 9 at

10:33 p.m. and Sept. 10 at 1:43 a.m.

On Sept. 14, the same employee reported another theft from a motor vehicle in which two known suspects stole about $3,000 worth of tools from a company box truck between 2:01 and 2:33 a.m.

Sept. 11 | A resident of the 2500 block of Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge reported an unknown suspect stole a vehicle from his driveway between Sept. 10 at 4 p.m. and Sept. 11 at 1:30 p.m.; the owner has both sets of keys in his possession.

Sept. 12 | A resident of the 2000 block of Beeson Road in Oak Ridge reported an unknown suspect stole several items with an estimated value of $350 from her unlocked vehicle between Sept. 10 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 11 at 6:30 a.m.

VANDALISM Sept. 1 | An employee of Summerfield Family Eye Care reported at 5:14 a.m. an unknown suspect broke in through a front window, entered the business and exited out the back door; though nothing was stolen, damage to the window was estimated at $300.

Sept. 7 | An employee of Northwest Guilford High School in northwest Greensboro reported an unknown suspect entered the school building through an unlocked window in a bathroom sometime between Sept. 4 and Sept. 7, shattered a door in the library and unplugged a network interface stack, causing a loss of network connectivity throughout the school; the damage was estimated at $1,000.

Sept. 10 | A resident of the 7500 block of Sarelma Drive in Summerfield (near Scalesville Road) reported an unknown suspect cut the lock on his cable and phone box and cut the cables inside it.

WEAPONS Sept. 3 | A 31-year-old male known offender was arrested in the 8600 block of U.S. 158/Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale for possessing a firearm as a felon and also cited for driving with a revoked license.

LAST CHANCE to advertise in AT HOME!

call Laura, (336) 644-7035, ext. 11, or email advertising@nwobserver.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

 AUTO SALES & SERVICE

 EMPLOYMENT

 EMPLOYMENT

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

BILL'S PIZZA PUB in Oak Ridge is hiring for both day and night shifts. Please apply in person, 1431 NC Hwy. 68, Oak Ridge.

We're looking for happy workers for happy customers!

LAND SURVEYING CREW MEMBER position available. Previous experience is preferred but not required. Career opportunity.

Call (336) 275-8084 to set up interview, or visit www.hughcreedassociates.com.

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.

SAM'S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 965-7955.

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 ........ 35 Employment .................... 35 Public Notices ............ 35-36 Save the Date.................. 36 Consignment Sales .......... 36 Yard Sales ....................... 36 Home Services ........... 36-38 Misc. Services .................. 38 Misc. for Sale .................. 38 Misc. Wanted .................. 38 Pets & Animal Services .... 38 Real Estate ................. 38-39

Luxury Service.

Southern Hospitality.

Endura Products is proud to be a U.S. American-made manufacturer of parts for entry door systems.

We have several employment opportunities available for immediate hire in our Stokesdale, NC, operation.

Open Positions:

Production Crew Members (1st & 2nd Shift) Machine Operators (1st & 2nd Shift) Maintenance Technicians (1st & 2nd Shift) Machinist (1st Shift) Production Supervisor (2nd Shift) Maintenance Supervisor (1st Shift with ability to flex hours)

Hours:

THE EUROPEAN AUTO SERVICE PROS

Now offering courtesy pickup and delivery

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

Follow us on Facebook for updates! facebook/northwestobserver

First Shift: Monday – Friday, 6:30am – 3:00pm, possible OT on Saturdays, 5:00am-1:00pm Second Shift: Monday – Thursday, 3:30pm-2:00am, possible OT on Fridays

Preferred Skills for Production Roles: Use of tape measure/reading calipers Machine operation to include set-up and troubleshooting Previous carpentry experience or wood-working knowledge

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift up to 35/lbs repetitively Comfortable working in a non-climatecontrolled environment Ability to stand for 8-10 hours

Apply at https://www.enduraproducts.com/careers/ or call (336)665-4048 to schedule a time to come in and complete an application

Why work for Endura?

Join an established organization with a great team Weekly pay • Affordable, Competitive Benefits Package Safe Working Environment Created to Maintain Social Distancing in the Workplace • Overtime Opportunity Willing to train those with no prior manufacturing experience, but who are ready to work and eager to learn!

 PUBLIC NOTICES

 PUBLIC NOTICES

 PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC HEARING

PUBLIC HEARING

Oak Ridge Planning & Zoning Board and

RZ-20-03: AG (Agricultural) to RS-40 (Residential) . The property is located north of Bentridge Forest Drive, approximately 1,150 feet north of the intersection of Vanhoy Road and Bentridge Forest Drive, in Oak Ridge Township. Being Forsyth County Tax Parcels 6990-30-1268.00, consisting of approximately 35.6 acres. Owned by Mary A. Leight.

PUBLIC NOTICE. In order to comply with Governor Cooper's Executive Order No. 163 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, September 14, 2020, at 7:30pm, will be postponed until October 12, 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 end-

Town Council will hold separate public hearings to consider a request to amend the Official Town of Oak Ridge Zoning Map. The Planning & Zoning Board and Town Council may also consider requests for subdivisions and other matters. Any zoning decision of the Oak Ridge Planning & Zoning Board is forwarded as a recommendation to Town Council.

PLANNING/ZONING BOARD, Sept. 24, 2020, 7pm. Place: Virtually using the Zoom platform. (For meeting link, visit

All citizens will be given an opportunity to be heard at these meetings.

Ron Simpson, Planning & Zoning Board Chair Ann Schneider, Mayor

www.oakridgenc.com.)

TOWN COUNCIL, Oct. 1, 2020, 7pm. Place: Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Rd.

Planning a Yard Sale? Place your ad online at www.nwobserver.com

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

continued on p. 36

SEPT.1717 - 30,2020 2020 SEPT. - 30,

35 35

PUBLIC NOTICES ing June 8, 2020, and other business of the corporation. Anyone interested in seeking a postion 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 September 3, 2020, and will now close on September 11, 2020.

Those desiring to vote at the meeting must be registered voters 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 September 11, 2020. Those seeking additional information or candidate forms may contact Gale at 8325 Linville Road, Oak Ridge, NC or by telephone at (336) 643-3783.

SAVE THE DATE CRAFT FAIR. Sat., October 3, 10am-3pm.

8318 Maloe Ct., Oak Ridge. Local artisans.

Face coverings and social distancing expected per NC guidelines.

YARD SALES HUGE YARD SALE! Friday, Sept. 18, 8am-3pm, and Sat., Sept. 19, 8am-1pm.

7561 Suffield Rd., Stokesdale. Variety of items. Bring mask.

LARGE FAMILY YARD SALE. Saturday, Sept. 19, 8am. Joseph Hoskins Road, Summerfield. Lots of everything and a VAN! YARD SALE. Sat., Sept. 19, 8am-1pm.

8500 Springbirch Ter., Stokesdale. Furniture, household, RV items, hitch, elec. tongue jack, loading ramps. Masks please.

Rain date is Sept. 26.

YARD SALE. Sat., Sept. 19, & Sunday, Sept. 20, 8am-4pm. 6103 Morganshire Dr., Summerfield, off Bunch Rd. Clothes, including ladies size 8P business suits, books, dishes, linens, housewares, holiday décor., antiques, bookcases, and lots more.

COMMUNITY YARD SALE. Saturday, Sept. 26, 7am-noon. Linville Ridge neighborhood, Linville Rd, located between Hwy. 150 and Haw River Rd., Oak Ridge.

36 36

SEPT. SEPT.17 17--30, 30,2020 2020

CONSIGNMENT SALES

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

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

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

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

CLEANING THE CLEANING TECHNICIAN LLC. With the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be a little overwhelmed. I would like to offer my cleaning services at a discount. Licensed, bonded, and insured. Call Lisa, (336) 207-0770.

trinitytotstoteens.wordpress.com

Friday, Sept. 18

9 am - 7 pm

Saturday, Sept. 19 8 am - 1 pm Want to declutter and make some cash?

Register to become a consignor at trinitytotstoteens.wordpress.com

• Consignors can earn up to 70% of sales • Sale proceeds benefit Trinity Preschool • Unsold items are donated to Freedom House Facebook & InstagramTrinity Tots to Teens

Trinity Covenant Church 5200 W. Friendly Ave., GSO Place your yard sale or consignment sale ad at

Deadline is Monday before each issue!

ANNASARAH'S CLEANING. Excellent references. Trustworthy. Family owned business. Free estimates. (336) 543-3941.

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

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

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

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

DECORATING CUSTOM FRAMING, BLISSFUL STUDIOS. Private framing appointments available. Local art & gifts. 4533 US Hwy. 220, Summerfield. Located across from Golden Antiques. (336) 298-4502.

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

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

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

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

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

FLOORING MONTERO'S HARDWOOD FLOORING Installation of hardwood, laminate & tile; hardwood sanding & finishing. Commercial & residential. Insured, 17 yrs. exp. Free est., exc. references. Call (336) 215-8842 or visit Monteros-hardwood-flooring.com.

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

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

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.

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

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

GRADING / HAULING

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

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

PECHES LANDSCAPING & LAWNCARE. Tree service, brush cutting & clearing, mulching, landscaping & lawncare, deck, fence and retainer wall building, land clearing, wood chipping and snow removal..

Call John, (336) 451-6941, or call Brad, (336) 453-6180.

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

BOLENS TRANSPORT & GRADING SERVICES. We are a licensed & insured business with a great reputation. We specialize in grading, tree removal, lot clearing, driveway installation, and much more.

We also offer towing services for everything from cars to heavy equipment. We deliver mulch, sand, gravel, asphalt milling, rock screenings, top soil, fill dirt, river rock and more. Please contact us today at (336) 579-4584 for quotes and availability!

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.

AERATING! Lawn core plugging. You seed, or I will. Competitive prices. Now thru October. Call Steve, (336) 264-9082.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your business should be here!

Place your classified ad online at www.nwobserver.com

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

Offer a home service?

Place your classified ad online today at

MASONRY SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(336) 643-6427.

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

Call (336) 706-8470.

PAINTING & DRYWALL

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

(336) 931-0600

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

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

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

STILL PERFECTION PAINTING. Reliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com.

continued on p. 38

SEPT.1717 - 30,2020 2020 SEPT. - 30,

37 37

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 MISC. FOR SALE

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

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.

ROOFING

ART MOVING SALE! Several Originals under $500. Large giclees, $50-$100. For details visit newlookfinishes.com.

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 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.

Your business should be here!

Place your classified ad online at

www.nwobserver.com

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

TM

Construction Services, INC

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Screened porches | Sunrooms | Patios

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

38

SEPT. 17 - 30, 2020

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

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

Licensed & Insured, BBB A+ accredited.

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

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

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

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

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

AMERICAN BUILDER CONSTRUCTION INC. Repairs & remodeling, kitchens/baths, additions, decks, attics, basements. Licensed & insured. Short wait list.

NC General Contractors. (336) 225-7478.

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

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

RED RHINO ROOFING, based in Oak Ridge, NC. Storm damage specialist experienced with all types of roofing. BBB accredited A, and listed with Angie's List. Call (336) 944-6118, or visit redrhinoroofing.com.

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

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

ROOFING PRO PROFESSIONAL SVCS. Roofing, siding, windows and gutters. $500 discount for first-time buyers. Not valid with any other offers. Call Ray, (336) 419-6245.

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.

Place your ad online at

Your ad will reach every mailbox with an Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale mailing address.

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

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

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.

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

 PETS & ANIMAL SVCS. WENDY COLLINS PET SITTING LLC. Bonded & Insured. Follow us on Facebook.

Call or text (336) 339-6845.

 MISC. SERVICES ERRANDS, laundry, mowing, babysitting, doctor appts., cooking, cleaning, etc. $13 per hour. Please call (336) 209-0344.

 REAL ESTATE LAND FOR SALE LARGE TRACTS of land, Summerfi eld address, Rockingham County taxes. Call (336) 430-9507 anytime!

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

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

Got stuff?

Need stuff?

Locally owned & operated

Gated access with 24/7 camera surveillance 6705 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale • (336) 643-9963 (affiliated with Stokesdale Storage)

ANSWER KEY

Kids’Business Korner puzzle on pg.

25 & Real Estate

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

26

51 ACRES. Rockingham County, Bethany area. Mostly wooded. (336) 580-2452.

SUMMERFIELD ADDRESS, Rockingham County taxes. Gorgeous, beautifully wooded. 4+ acre homesite priced below tax value! Call (336) 430-9507 anytime.

12

8 10

 REAL ESTATE HOMES FOR RENT NICE 1-LEVEL TOWNHOUSE, convenient Guilford College area, quiet neighborhood. $975 per month. (336) 392-1454.

2 BED, 1 BATH, duplex in Stokesdale. $850/month. For info call (336) 549-0501.

HOMES FOR SALE BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS

Coming Selling Please support our advertisers, October 1 or 2 renting? and tell them where you saw their ad!

ACCOUNTING

By the Book Accounting .................... 40 Carlotta Lytton, PCA ......................... 26 Kimberly Thacker Accounting............ 26 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC....... 8

AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE

EuroHaus .................................... 28, 35 Piedmont Truck Tires Inc. .................. 30 Prestige Car Wash ............................. 10 Tire Max .............................................11 Vestal Buick / GMC Inc.. .................... 33

Vacant lots in the Triad • .15 acres on Lake Jeannette • Secluded lot on 11 acres in Summerfield with river access • 14 acres with trail access on Brookbank Road • 10 rolling acres with a water view in Summerfield

Nancy J. Hess

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

AUTUMN RIDGE TOWNHOMES IN OAK RIDGE!

Open Sunday 2-4 pm

buyshugart.com

Unique Townhomes available in Oak Ridge.

Only 5 units left! Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this wonderful community.

Nancy J. Hess

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

BUILDING & REMODELING

Disney Construction Company........... 21 Don Mills Builders .............................. 23 Friddle & Company.............................19 Johnson & Lee, LLC........................... 18 Naylor Custom Homes ...................... 20 R&K Custom Homes ......................... 27 R.S. Dezern Construction .................. 18 Ray Bullins Construction .................... 24 TM Construction Services .................. 38 Walraven Signature Homes ............... 24

CANDIDATES

Kim Wilson

PLACE YOUR AD: nwobserver.com

EVENTS

(336) 644-7035, ext. 11 Summit Church Movie in the Park ....... 9 advertising@nwobserver.com

The Northwest Observer reaches over 12,000 Forbis & Dick Stokesdale ...................

40 mailboxes GROCERIES/SUPPLIES  REAL ESTATE in Summerfield, Oak Ridge and

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

section BEK Paint Company ..........................

37in this week's issue!

Place your real estate history trends, Barbour & Williams Law ...................... 9 ad today and humor of Scott Tippett – Hagan Barrett Law ...... 6 (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 life in northwest MEDICAL CARE advertising@nwobserver.com LeBauer HealthCare.......................... 34 Guilford County Olmsted Orthodontics ........................31

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

COMMUNITY NEWS

Summerfield Fire Department ............. 5

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ............... 26 King’s Crossing Animal Hospital ........ 26 Northwest Animal Hospital ................ 10

CONSIGNMENT SALES

REAL ESTATE

EMPLOYMENT

C & H Cafeteria................................... 2 Endura Products ................................ 35 Town of Summerfield .......................... 6

s

LEGAL SERVICES

CHURCH

Summerfield Family Dentistry ............ 28

nication published by pscommu

We’ll help youincluded reach If you'd to be Carpets by Direct .................................

3 like Eanes Heating & Air ...........................14 Guilford County! asnorthwest an advertiser, give us a call!

Home-grown stories Nature’s Select ...................................15 (336) 644-7035 about everything New Garden Landscaping & Nursery 22 Old School Home Repair ................... 36 from maintaining ProStone, Inc. .................................... 22 and improving your Rymack Storage ................................ 38 Stokesdale Heating & Air..................... 4 home, to housing

ORTHODONTIC CARE

DENTAL SERVICES

fall 2020

Southern Foods ..................................17 HOMES FOR SALE Stokesdale every week. Plus, it’s HEALTH & FITNESS available for free online and at local Check out ourstores, restaurants, grocery IK Massage ........................................15 Reserve your ad space today! post offices and more.

Business & Real Estate

CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES

Central Baptist Church......................... 2

020 edition

FUNERAL SERVICES

Wake Forest Baptist Health ............... 29

Oak Ridge Chiropractic ....................... 8

Fall

Place your real estate showcase today

Carly Cooke, County Commissioner....16 Sebastian King, NC State Senate .......12 Troy Lawson, County Commissioner .... 7

Trinity Tots to Teens ........................... 36 kwilson@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 662-7805

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

A New Dawn Realty .......................... 40 DeDe Cunningham, Keller Williams ....17 Nancy Hess, Berkshire Hathaway ...... 39 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX ............ 16, 25 Smith Marketing – Allen Tate ............ 18

YOUTH SPORTS / CAMPS

In print every spring and fall and online year-round at nwobserver.com Contact us at advertising@nwobserver.com or (336) 644-7035, ext. 11, to secure your spot

Oak Ridge Youth Association ............ 34

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

SEPT.1717 - 30,2020 2020 SEPT. - 30,

39 39

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Postal Patron

PAID

Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22

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

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ECRWSS

downtown

Stokesdale At A New Dawn Realty, our team is passionate about serving the needs of our local community. We strive to offer top-notch service and have always been willing to go the extra mile to achieve our clients’ best interests.

Our team combines exceptional energy and experience, and you’ll feel confident you made the right decision if you allow us to assist you! Visit our website or Facebook page to view our clients’ testimonials.

Accounting & Tax Accounting Bookkeeping Payroll Tax Preparation Notary Public Copy Center

Anne M. Garner, EA 8304-C Hwy 158, Stokesdale (336) 441-8325 • annegarner605@gmail.com

It’s time to FALL for a great marketing plan Let us help you advertise your downtown Stokesdale business

A New Dawn Realty Tea m !

(336) 643-4248

8500 Ellisboro Road, Suite B, Stokesdale

www.ANewDawnRealty.com

Trust. Compassion. Respect.

Proudly serving generations of families in northwest Guilford County and beyond for over 75 years.

Stokesdale

8320 US Highway 158 | (336) 643-3711 direct-mailed to

12,000+ homes

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online 24/7

free pickup

Contact Laura to start your targeted ad campaign (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 | advertising@nwobserver.com

Greensboro

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1118 N Elm Street | (336) 275-8408 5926 W Friendly Ave | (336) 299-9171

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