Northwest Observer / December 3-16, 2020 by pscommunications

Dec. 3 - 16, 2020

bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996

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Giving thanks in 2020 – Part 2 Pause on in-person compiled by ANNETTE JOYCE Last month we asked our readers to share what they were most thankful for this past year. In our issue just before Thanksgiving we published the first round of their responses and the following are the remaining responses we received. As always, we’re thankful for our readers, and especially thankful to those who took a few minutes to share their thoughts of gratitude. “I am thankful for a special husband and wonderful family, glad that 2020 is almost over and hopeful next year will be prosperous and safe for us all.” Dena Barnes, SUMMERFIELD “I am thankful for the food we eat, the love we share. I am thankful for family, friends, and a roof over my head.” Isabella Shepherd, 9, OAK RIDGE “In this year of 2020, we are so thankful that we live in Oak Ridge and that we are retired. Although our age puts us in the high-risk category, we have been able to mostly go about our normal lives using all the precautions. Thankfully, our immediate family here, in Pennsylvania and in Georgia are all healthy and have not contracted COVID. “I am thankful and so enjoying our retail gift booth, Sensibly Chic, at Golden Antiques (in Summerfield) and we are having fun finding and

IN THIS ISSUE News in brief .....................................................2 Your Questions .................................................4 Dirt track racer wins championship .............9 Fleeting days of fall, harbingers of winter..10 Pets & Critters ................................................. 11 Rescued goldens get new leash on life .... 12

buying new holiday products and other items to put in our booth. “One of the good effects of the early quarantine was to make me slow down and stay home! I love gardening and I have so enjoyed being able to work in my flower beds doing all the things I kept putting off, like moving plants, dividing plants and planting many more perennials that we will get to enjoy in years to come.” Barbara Engel, OAK RIDGE

learning this week highlights frustration

“I am thankful for my family and my friends, my house, and my ability to learn.” Gabriella Shepherd, 11, OAK RIDGE “Little things are what sustain us during this crazy year. Blessed with a third grandchild, Huxley, and a new daughter-in-law, Amanda, our family is growing. Jay and I celebrated our 40th anniversary this year, so it has definitely been filled with some milestones.” Bobbie Gardner, STOKESDALE “So thankful for my family and neighbors who are more like family than friends!” Megan Key, GREENSBORO “In the midst of COVID, I am thankful for my family and friends who are alive and well – and so very thankful for the doctors, nurses, first

...continued on p. 26 NWO Kids’ Korner .................................... 14, 21 Crime/Incident Report ................................. 15 Youth Sync...................................................... 18 Community Calendar ..................................22 Grins and Gripes ...........................................24 Classiﬁeds ......................................................27 Index of Advertisers ......................................30 NWO On The Go / Staycation .....................32

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Due to upticks in the number of people infected with COVID-19, third- through 12th-grade students will continue with distance learning until next month. When they return to school, middle and high schoolers will attend two days a week in person, while continuing with distance learning three days a week.

As the coronavirus outbreak worsens, students, teachers and parents continue grappling with difﬁculties of remote learning by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – School buildings are dark this week after Guilford County Schools (GCS) paused in-person instruction as a COVID-19 health precaution following the Thanksgiving weekend. It’s the latest coronavirus-related disruption to the school year that has forced younger students and teachers to once again adjust to remote learning and social isolation while requir-

...continued on p. 20

NEWS in brief

Have you gone ‘all out’ with Christmas decorating this year?

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If you or someone in your neighborhood has gone “all out” decorating for Christmas this year, we’d love to know about it! Email patti@nwobserver.com and include the address where others can enjoy seeing your outside decorations when driving by and we’ll add this to a “Northwest Guilford ‘all out’ for the Holidays” list to be published in our Dec. 17 issue. And if you went “all out” on the inside of your home, we’d love to hear from you as well (although address will not be published except by permission); be sure to include any comments about why you decorated so enthusiastically this year, how much time it took to place the decorations, etc.

Preview: Dec. 3 Oak Ridge Town Council meeting

care for life

by CHRIS BURRITT

serving you locally

336-333-6443

DEC. 3 - 16, 2020

336-702-5635

OAK RIDGE – Town Manager Bill Bruce plans to recommend Oak Ridge Town Council approve its annual usage agreement with Oak Ridge Youth Association (ORYA). The proposed 2021 agreement provides a $30,000 stipend from the town to help ORYA cover expenses for the use of fields and lights in Town Park and services such as field preparation and painting of lines. It follows the same structure

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

and policy as the six-month agreement approved by the council in July, Bruce told the council in a Nov. 25 memo. In early 2020, Mayor Ann Schneider called for the creation of a youth sports subcommittee to explore the relationship between the town and ORYA and seek ways to improve the annual usage agreement between the two parties. The six-month agreement incorporated recommendations of the subcommittee that

...continued on p. 31

The Town of Stokesdale’s Events Committee proudly presents

2020 Christmas Cruise-Thru Saturday, Dec. 12, 5 -8 pm

A Good Samaritan Ministries Food Collection/Cash Donation Event The Cruise-Thru was designed to share the Christmas spirit while keeping the community safe. Due to the COVID-19 virus, please enjoy the festivities from the safety and comfort of your vehicle.

Christmas Cruise-Thru Route (follow signs posted along route) Estimating Cruise-Thru route at ~30 minutes from start to ﬁnish

BEFORE YOU START! Volunteers from Stokesdale United Methodist Church have recorded folks from our community singing Christmas songs or reciting poems. Look for speciﬁc instructions on how to listen from your vehicle at the beginning of the Cruise-Thru.

•

Cruise-Thru begins at the intersection of Stokesdale Street and Belews Creek Road (across from Dollar General and Village Pizza). The route continues through the Stokesdale Christian Church parking lot; however, please DO NOT use the Stokesdale Christian Church entrance as the Cruise-Thru entrance.

•

From Stokesdale Christian Church, take a right on Belews Creek Road/Highway 158 through downtown.

•

Take a right into Stokesdale United Methodist Church (about 500 feet past the ﬁre station).

•

Upon entering the parking lot, please stay right through the parking lot, veering off to the right and behind the church. Take a left on Stokesdale Street and immediate left back into Methodist Church parking lot. Exit on same driveway you came in and take a right on Highway 158 and drive to Stokesdale Elementary School to the ﬁnal stop of the Cruise-Thru, where you’ll see Santa.

While Cruising-Thru the school, please be sure to wave and thank the teachers and staff of Stokesdale Elementary School! We are so proud to recognize ALL of them as the grand marshals of this year’s event! 2020 has been a tough year for all, including our teachers and staff who have handled virtual teaching like champs!

Interested in your business/organization participating? It’s not too late! Accepting applications through Dec. 7. Visit www.stokesdale.org and click on “Events” for more information, or email stokesdaleevents@yahoo.com.

Please share in the Christmas spirit and remember the Good Samaritan Ministries with your food or cash donation. Their station will be at Stokesdale Christian Church (the ﬁrst stop on the Cruise-Thru). Food items needed: Mac & Cheese, spaghetti noodles, canned green beans or corn, bags of rice or beans, instant oatmeal, canned beef stew, canned fruit, peanut butter/jelly (no glass jars please). Cash or checks made out to Good Samaritan Ministries also appreciated. Thank you!

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your QUESTIONS www.nwobserver.com /northwestobserver @mynwobserver @northwestobserver

OUR TEAM Patti Stokes, editor/publisher Laura Reneer, marketing manager Kelli Jessup, publisher’s assistant Rene Collins, administrative assistant Yvonne Truhon, graphic designer Leon Stokes, IT director Lucy Smith, finance manager Linda Schatz, distribution Chris Burritt, staff writer; Helen Ledford, Meredith Barkley, Lily Pierce and Annette Joyce, contributing writers

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Tony Krasienko, municipal sales manager for Republic Services, says valid recyclables are not taken to the landﬁll, as some people fear. However, “residual contamination” items – i.e., such things as yard waste, baby diapers, clothing, etc., which are not recyclable but placed into recycling containers for pickup – are sorted out at the company’s materials handling facility and disposed of at a landﬁll.

I heard the recycling landfill is full, so recyclables are going to the same place as garbage. Is that true? To answer this question we reached out to Tony Krasienko, municipal sales manager for Republic Services, the solid waste service provider for the towns of Summerfield and Stokesdale as well as many other areas in Guilford County. Krasienko told us that recyclables collected by Republic Services in Guilford County and surrounding areas are taken to the company’s Material Recovery Facility (MRF) on Bishop Road in Greensboro. “Material collected is sorted by material type, baled and sold for reuse in manufacturing,” Krasienko explained in an email this week. “Republic

Services recently invested $6 million updating equipment and technology at this facility to provide a more efficient process while recovering more material. (To see how an MRF works, visit https:// youtu.be/6Bwlii0m39M.) “There have been various news stories about the economic stresses in the

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recycling markets due to China and other countries no longer accepting or limiting this material,” Krasienko continued. “This has affected the pricing we are able to sell the material for, but we continue to sell all material that is recovered – recyclable material is not landfilled. Over 97% of the materials collected at the Greensboro MRF are sold domestically and stay in the U.S., and this has been the historic and current trend.” Krasienko added that the company does collect non-recyclable materials placed in customers’ recycling containers (yard waste, clothes, trash, food waste, plastic bags, etc.). This “residual contamination” is sorted out and disposed of at a landfill. “We provide educational information to our customers on what items are recyclable to avoid contamination and encourage customers to visit www. recyclingreimagined.com for additional information and videos on best recycling practices,” Krasienko said.

With all of the new residential communities off of Haw River Road and a posted speed limit of 45 mph (rarely ...continued on p. 31

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Pick up your “angel(s)” with Christmas wish lists for Private Appointments local children in need at Pineapple Porch, U.S. 158 in Available downtown Stokesdale (across from fire station) *Ask about poster framing special Tuesday-Friday, 12 to 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or request to adopt an angel or a family by contacting Patti Stokes (Northwest Observer) at patti@nwobserver.com or contact Terri Johnson (GSM), (336) 643-5887Tues. or - Fri. Noon to 5:00pm Sat. 1 0:00am to 5:00pm terrij1957@yahoo.com.

336.298.4502 Return unwrapped and labeled gifts for your “angel”

N/Battleground Ave. by Monday, Dec. 14, to 4533 homeUS of HWY Terri220 Johnson in Stokesdale North Carolina (call or email Terri for Summerfield, address and details). www. Blissfu/ArtandFraming. com

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Experience the gift of giving! Good Samaritan Ministries

Support small local business

invites you to participate in our annual Angel Tree Pick up your “angel(s)” with Christmas wish lists for local children in need at Pineapple Porch, U.S. 158 in downtown Stokesdale (across from fire station) Tuesday-Friday, 12 to 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or request to adopt an angel or a family by contacting Patti Stokes (Northwest Observer) at patti@nwobserver.com or contact Terri Johnson (GSM), (336) 643-5887 or terrij1957@yahoo.com.

Return unwrapped and labeled gifts for your “angel” by Monday, Dec. 14, to home of Terri Johnson in Stokesdale (call or email Terri for address and details).

Ask us about our safe shopping experience 336.292.1736 | cassjewelers.com 4008-G Battleground Avenue. Just minutes away from the NW area.

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Northwest Observer Gift Guide

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DEC. 3 - DEC. 16

Northwest Observer Gift Guide

Heavy equipment operator finds stress release in dirt track racing “I’ve won at all three of those tracks this year,” he said. “We went down there (to Charlotte) initially as a test – to see how we stood against all those boys.” After finding success there, Hopper said he’s considering stepping up to modifieds, which race in a higher division. The win at Charlotte, said teammate and fiancée Chelsea Burchett, was “a really big deal” because the event is the most important for dirt track racing on the East Coast. Providing care for adults and children for over 10 years

“It was quite a shock,” she said of the win. “This is something we always dreamed about. You don’t win a ton of money, but it’s the publicity.” She said they started receiving sponsorship inquiries soon after the win. Hopper figures he has about $7,000 tied up in his car – $3,500 in the engine alone. “I just like the thrill,” he said of racing. “It’s more of a stress reliever for me. I can release everything I’ve got bottled up. It’s worse than drugs, though. You’ll spend everything you’ve got on it to make it go a little faster.”

Photo courtesy of Michael Boggs Photography

Chase Hopper, 25, of Stokesdale, celebrates after recently placing ﬁrst in an event at the ﬁfth annual Drydene World Short Track Championship held at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

‘I can release everything I’ve got bottled up,’ said Chase Hopper, who recently placed ﬁrst in a world short track championship event by MEREDITH BARKLEY STOKESDALE – Chase Hopper’s racing career cruised past a milestone in late October when he took the checkered flag at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s dirt track during an event at the fifth annual Drydene World Short Track Championship. Hopper, 25, of Stokesdale, drove his 2003 Honda Civic to victory in the VP Racing Fuels Hornet division in his first time racing at the top level. “Man, I was so excited!” said the 2013 Northwest High School graduate. “We worked hard this year trying to run with them boys.” Along with the trophy he brought home, Hopper garnered $500 in prize money, a helmet and safety equipment. He was running third in the 15-lap

race when the top two drivers – Alan Carter and Eddie McGrew – developed car problems. That gave Hopper the lead and he held off Daniel Moody for the win. His time: 11:18.077. “He did a really good job,” said Kelley Carlton, who provides oversight and technical support for the event and who owns SCDRA (Sports Compact Dirt Racing Association), a sanctioning body for sport compact race cars, also known as hornets. “He stayed out of trouble and was in the right place at the right time. He capitalized on those issues.” The win at the .4-mile track came during Hopper’s second and final race of the event. He’d finished third in an earlier race. He was one of six winners in the division, which was one of seven divisions competing during the three-day event. Hopper, who operates heavy equipment for Doggett Construction of Summerfield, started racing go karts at age 8. He bought his Honda and got into dirt track racing three years ago. He’s been competing locally at 311 Speedway in Pine Hall and at dirt tracks in Elkin and Ararat, Virginia.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

DEC. 3 - 16, 2020

Fleeting days of fall, harbingers of winter by HELEN LEDFORD “‘Come, little, little leaves,’ said the wind one day. ‘Come over the meadow with me and play. Put on your dresses of red and gold. Summer has gone, and the days grow cold.’” These words of an autumn song I learned in first grade still resound in my head as trees have become almost bare and the calendar has succumbed to Daylight Saving Time while Indian Summer days are almost depleted. I am thinking back to childhood autumns when my siblings and I had endless fun raking leaves (no leaf blower!) into large piles. After jumping into them numerous times, burying each other underneath and scattering fallen foliage everywhere, we raked the colorful bounty into neat heaps again. Later, with adult supervision, we set our leaf-mounds ablaze, along with fallen limbs taken down by the wind. When

the fire became red-hot embers, we roasted “weenies” on sticks whittled to a point with a pocket knife. Often, we might also throw in a sweet potato or apple to bake – tasty for the palate, and now, offering up a wonderful memory from bygone days. At this writing, we are deep into a season that tiptoed in softly (past the pandemic) during the waning days of September. That month gave us the harvest moon and hurricanes that churned up the Gulf Coast. October followed with two full moons, more storms and discussions about the wisdom of allowing kids to trick or treat amid reports of COVID-19 cases spiking. Now, with Thanksgiving behind us and the Christmas holiday looming, the virus seems to be dictating how we celebrate traditional family gatherings. I can only imagine the beauty of living once again in even a semi-normal world! The arrival of fall is what many of

Happy

Holidays Tracy Williams, attorney

from all of us at

Barbour & Williams Law 8004 Linville Road, Suite E-3, Oak Ridge

my hot-natured, cold-weather friends live for. I definitely am not among those who spend their summers wishing for frosty mornings, fleece underwear and sipping pumpkin-spice lattes. In the rural setting in which I grew up, there were no Starbucks’ coffee shops, but when days became cooler, Mama’s homemade hot chocolate hit the spot! And we grew our favorite snacks – pop-

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...continued on p. 25

INVENTORY

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corn and peanuts – plucked from vines that had been dried in the sun. Nothing better than “goobers,” shelled and roasted in a big bread pan! Autumn days on the farm were different from those of our school friends who lived in town. It was an exceptionally busy interval, when Mama made her green tomato catsup, sauerkraut, and jams and jellies. Along with our schoolwork, my brothers, sisters and I shared chores that included cutting and shucking corn, digging sweet potatoes and finishing the tobacco harvest. The last leaves at the top of each tobacco stalk were called “tips,” and what a celebratory time it was when the final load of the year’s crop was hoisted into the barn for curing! In the ‘40s and ‘50s, tobacco was the main source of income for Southern farm families. Therefore, there was unspeakable thankfulness when the golden crop was taken to large warehouses across the state line

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Nicole E. Gillespie, SPS

REALTOR®/Broker

RE/MAX Realty Consultants 336.210.3895 cell 1.800.965.1893 efax www. NicoleGillespieRealty.com

December 2020 a monthly feature of the Northwest Observer

Tucker is a 21-year-old Palomino Welsh pony who loves his job at HorseFriends Therapeutic Riding Program. Santa and Tucker are ready to greet visitors on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 3-6 p.m. for HorseFriends’ Christmas on the Farm drive-thru event at Still Water Farm, 7169 Strawberry Road in Summerfield. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available on the website, HorseFriendsNC.org. Proceeds benefit their free therapeutic riding program. Canned and boxed food donations will also be collected for Backpack Ministry.

Dash (left), a beloved Greater Swiss Mountain dog who belonged to Oak Ridge residents Danny and Linda Yanusz until his death in July 2019, and his constant companion, Cabot, in front of the Yanuszes’ fireplace two years ago. Danny said Dash realized the chairs were small for his size, but Cabot often napped in one (and still does) after bending himself up like a pretzel with his head usually draped over one of the arms of the chair. “Of course when I walk in the room, he bolts out of the chair as if he is saying he was never in there to begin with!” Danny said.

Adopt-A-Pet Jorge, an American bulldog, was adopted from the Guilford County Animal Shelter by Summerfield residents Seth Collins and Connor Dougherty. Though dogs of this breed are often not adopted due to their potential to be aggressive, Seth and Connor report that Jorge is one of the most gentle, loving dogs they have ever met. Jorge loves his people and his two best cat friends, whom he sleeps with!

PANDA MOM Meet Panda Mom, a spayed female, black and white domestic shorthair. About 2 years old, this sweet kitty (unlike the giant panda she resembles), won’t require you to feed her 20 to 30 pounds of bamboo shoots each day. A can of Fancy Feast will do nicely, thank you! Panda Mom enjoys chasing her tail and watching movies (especially “Kung Fu Panda” and “The Amazing Panda Adventure”). She has years of love to give her new “fur-ever” family; please ask for Panda Mom by ID#A023912 and give her the gift of a loving home.

Guilford County Animal Shelter

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

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

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Emily, a 9-year-old golden retriever, was living with seven other retrievers in a 40-foot x 40-foot pen in western North Carolina when volunteers from Triad Golden Retriever Rescue (TGRR) found her back in April. Part of a backyard breeding operation, the dogs’ only shelter was underneath their owner’s mobile home. Catching the dogs was difficult because they ran away from anyone who came near. Weighing in at 53 pounds, Emily had a deformed front paw which made walking difficult. TGRR brought Emily

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

and three of the other dogs back to Greensboro, while the remaining dogs went to a rescue group from Knoxville, Tennessee. After their initial check-up at Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital in northwest Greensboro, the dogs were vetted by TGRR and placed into foster homes. Fitting Emily for a prosthetic device was one of the first things the organization did to help her. Her foster family soon discovered that beneath Emily’s frightened and shy demeanor was an “affectionate and attentive” pup who enjoys car rides and having both her coat and teeth brushed.

With the exception of extremely aggressive dogs, TGRR is committed to working with any dog regardless of age, medical condition or behavioral problems. TGRR president Faye Wilhite said most of the money the organization raises goes to veterinary care, which makes it possible to work with dogs like Emily. Dogs rescued by TGRR often have such health issues as heartworms and Lyme disease. One of the dogs currently in the nonprofit’s care is Hopper, a 1 1/2-year-old who had cataracts and was having multiple seizures a day. Happily, Hopper’s seizures are under control and he is recovering from having recently had his cataracts removed. Although he’s up for adoption, there’s a good chance his foster family, who has fallen in love with him, will provide his forever home. Like most rescue organizations, TGRR relies on foster volunteers to determine what type of home would be best for each dog.

“Our dogs are not perfect. No rescue dog is,” Wilhite said. “But our fosters really get to know the dogs so we can make the right match for their forever home.” To further ensure the best fit possible, potential owners are also exten-

sively evaluated. “We do phone interviews and home visits,” Wilhite said. “It’s very seldom that we have a dog come back to us. But if there’s a problem, we will always take our dogs back.” TGRR is always on the lookout for dedicated volunteers. They don’t need to know a lot about dogs, or even have a dog, just a little time to offer and a desire to help find homes for homeless dogs. TGRR does not have a facility, so there’s no place where volunteers can come to groom, walk or play with the goldens – that all happens in foster homes where all the dogs stay before they can be adopted. Because of this, fosters are high on the rescue’s list of needed volunteers. While the organization can put many volunteer skills to use, TGRR is currently looking for help in updating and adding functionality to their website and would love to have someone who has experience with WordPress, MySQL and Beaver Builder, and who is available between 10 and 15 hours each week. In addition, volunteers are also needed to make phone calls, transport dogs to the vet, help with the organization’s social media presence and maintain the database. Fundraising, publicity, educational outreach, home visits and adoption fairs are a few other areas where help is needed. As Wilhite looks to the organization’s future, her hope is that TGRR will continue making an impact on the lives of these needy dogs and the people who grow to love them.

want to help? Visit tgrr.org; email tgrr@tgrr.org; message TGRR on Facebook; or call (336) 288-9944.

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TGRR is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, humane treatment and placement of homeless golden retrievers, and to educating the public about the breed. Emily is just one of over 2,500 golden retrievers and mixed goldens that the nonprofit, all-volunteer organization has rescued and placed since forming in 1990.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

DEC. 3 - 16, 2020

Can you find the

10 differences?

r e n r o K ’ s Kid Golden Retrievers... did you know? In this issue’s pet feature article on page 12, we learn about Triad Golden Retriever Rescue, a nonprofit organization that rescues goldens and golden mixes. Learn more about golden retrievers here. • The first goldens came from Scotland. Lord Tweedmouth wanted a sporting dog that was great on land and in the water. • They have webbed toes. Goldens’ toes are joined together by thin webs of skin (part of the reason why they are such great swimmers!). • They make great service dogs. Golden retrievers are often used as guide dogs for the blind, support dogs for kids with anxiety and as military and police dogs. • First on Instagram. The first ever image on Instagram was of a golden retriever in 2010! • They can be loud. A golden holds the record for the loudest bark every recorded. Charlie, an Australian golden, had a 113.1-decibel bark recorded. • They are very smart. Goldens are known for their intelligence and being very easy to train.

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CRIME / INCIDENT report

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

Nov. 17 | A 31-year-old male was arrested in the 100 block of Gilrock Court in Stokesdale (near I-73) for breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, and obtaining property by false pretenses; a 21-year-old female was arrested on the same charges, and also charged with identity theft.

BURGLARY

Nov. 30 | A resident of the 8500 block of Julina Drive in Oak Ridge (off Haw River Road) reported an unknown suspect opened her front door and then fled the scene.

COMMUNICATING THREATS

Nov. 19 | A resident of the 5900 block

of Tarleton Drive in Oak Ridge (off Oak Ridge Road) reported an unknown suspect called him several times between Nov. 11 and Nov. 19 and threatened to harm him.

DRUGS

Nov. 19 | A 36-year-old male was arrested at 1:50 a.m. in the 5300 block of Bunch Road/Northwest School Road for possession of a Schedule I controlled substance and forgery of instrument; he was also cited for possession of drug paraphernalia. Nov. 24 | A 42-year-old male was arrested in the 6100 block of Bar-Mot Drive in northern Greensboro (off N.C. 150 W) for possession of a Sched-

ule IV controlled substance; he was also cited for driving with a revoked license, fictitious tags and no liability insurance. Nov. 29 | A 21-year-old male was cited in the 8100 block of Witty Road/Scalesville Road in Summerfield for possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance.

Nov. 30 | A resident of the 9000 block of U.S.158 in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect used his banking information between Oct. 20 and Nov. 23 to wire $46,049.14 to credit card companies to pay outstanding balances.

FRAUD

ROBBERY

Nov. 19 | A resident of the 8100 block of Chestershire Road in Oak Ridge (near N.C. 68 N) reported an unknown suspect used his personal information to file for unemployment. Nov. 23 | A resident of the 7000 block of Summerfield Road in Summerfield reported an unknown suspect used her banking information to make purchases totaling $685.82 at a Walmart in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Nov. 23 | A resident of the 6200 block of Winchester Drive in Summerfield (off Hamburg Mill Road) reported an unknown suspect had used her banking information several times since Sept. 2 to make fraudulent charges totaling $1,991.

Nov. 23 | A resident of the 8100 block of Bartonshire Drive in Oak Ridge (off N.C. 68 N) reported a known suspect attempted to rob him by brandishing a firearm and demanding money.

THEFT

Nov. 29 | An employee of Circle K in Colfax reported two unknown suspects left the gas station with five cases of alcoholic beverages worth $88 that had not been paid for.

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Soaring with the Eagles HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO OUR VIKINGS FAMILIES! We are deeply grateful for the support of our families, community partners and so many generous sponsors, volunteers and dedicated coaches to provide our kids with much-needed opportunities during these challenging times. We wish you all a happy, safe and healthy holiday season and will see you on the fields and courts in 2021!

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DEC. 3 - 16, 2020

Three members of Troop 219G are among ﬁrst females in the country to achieve their Eagle rank by PATTI STOKES

NW GUILFORD – As of 2018, Boy Scouts of America has welcomed girls 5 through 10 years of age into its Cub Scouts program. In February 2019, the organization changed its name to Scouts BSA in conjunction with allowing girls 11-17 to participate in the Boy Scouts program and earn their Eagle rank. As soon as the first all-female Boy Scouts troop, sponsored by Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, began meeting the following month, Selby Chipman and Caroline Ruppel of Oak Ridge, and Alexandra Santiago of Summerfield hit the ground with their feet running and joined two other girls in the newly formed group. Though Selby and Caroline, both students at Northwest High School, had met in their earlier years of Girl Scouting, it wasn’t until their new Boy Scout troop formed that they met Alexandra, who attends Northern High School. The three Scouts have since enjoyed many hikes, camping and canoeing trips and other Scouting experiences together and along with other members of their

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

growing troop (as of this writing there are 13 members), have forged a bond they believe will last a lifetime. Selby, Caroline and Alexandra all said they were influenced by older brothers and other family members who were involved in Boy Scouts. For Selby, 16, it was her father and her father’s father, both Eagle Scouts, and a younger brother, 14, who is close to achieving his Eagle Scout rank. When she expressed an interested in joining Boy Scouts, Selby said her father and mother supported her 100%. Caroline has an 18-year-old brother who is an Eagle Scout. “I saw him go through Scouting and I just thought it was the most amazing thing,” she said, noting her brother was very supportive of her decision to join the local Boy Scouts program. “He knew how much he had learned from Scouting and what it had done for him,” she said. Alexandra has two older brothers, both Eagle Scouts, and she said many pictures of her when she was younger were of her tagging along with the family to her brothers’ Cub Scout trips and events, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Since joining the Scouts BSA program last year, Alexandra said it’s given her an opportunity to forge new friendships while learning new skills – like putting

participating in water activities, hiking or just being in nature. The girls give credit to Mike Matzinger, scoutmaster for the all-boys Troop 600 Caroline Ruppel Alexandra Santiago Selby Chipman and for the allgirls Troop 219G, for welcoming them into the local Boy up a tent (“I can probably now put one Scouts program and developing a plan up blind-folded,” she said with a laugh) for them to achieve their Eagle rank. and tying knots. A lover of outdoors, she especially enjoys the opportunities to go “He’s very organized and prepared, on long hikes with her Scout troop. which is helpful,” Selby said. Caroline especially enjoys the camping trips and like Alexandra, says she’s acquired some useful skills – for example, she’s gotten very good at pitching a tent, has learned a lot about cooking outdoors, tying knots and taking care of the environment. It’s the hands-on activities like using power tools that Selby especially enjoys, as well as being outside, whether that’s

Last month Selby, Caroline and Alexandra celebrated a very important accomplishment together. They became among the first females in Old North State Council – and in the country – to earn their Eagle rank, the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program of the Boy Scouts of America. “We learned a lot,” Selby said. “We

were focused on getting everything done quickly but carefully; we were fast, but we were thorough.”

violence shelters in Greensboro and High Point.

Regarding some of the most valuable things they’ve gained from Scouting, all Besides meeting every Monday evening, the Scouts in Troops 600 and 219G three girls agreed it’s been the leadership and other life skills, feeling of accomplishparticipate in several communities activities throughout the year such as Veterans ment from earning badges and advancing in rank, and developing lifelong Day ceremonies, as well as monthly friendships. outings, adventure trips, summer camp, advanced training in areas including First As they look to the future, Selby, Aid and CPR, and scuba certification. It’s who enjoys math and science, plans to enough to fill their days and many weekpossibly pursue a career in biochemistry ends, but besides their schoolwork, Selby, or biomedical engineering. Caroline is certain she wants to become a lawyer, Caroline and Alexandra find time to also although the specific type of law she’ll engage in other activities. Caroline is on focus on is still undetermined. And Alexa top-placing underwater robotics team andra wants to become a veterinarian and plays on sand volleyball and indoor and work at either a zoo or an aquarium. volleyball teams. Selby, an avid soccer player, plays on Northwest’s girls soccer For now, though, they’ll continue to team as well as with a club soccer team. enjoy being part of Troop 219G until they Alexandra is a cheerleader for Northern age out at 18, and after that they all plan High School and plays on the school’s to remain involved in Scouting and serve lacrosse team. She’s also involved with as mentors and assistant scoutmasters so Junior Guild of Greensboro, a student-run they can play a role in helping younger NEW Lfemale ocatBoy organization that focuses on supporting ionScouts reap some of the in Kernsame clients living in Family Service domestic ersbenefits they have from Scouting.

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PAUSE ON SCHOOL ...continued from p. 1

ing parents to juggle work and arrange for childcare. Uncertainty caused by the worsening outbreak is further tempering expectations for older students to return to the classrooms for the spring semester. “I’ve heard from a lot of parents and students, and all in all, we are frustrated,” Northwest Guilford High School Principal Ashley Young said in an interview earlier this week.

“Teachers are frustrated as well. We are looking to have some sense of normalcy.” Most students in Guilford County Schools have learned remotely since August, with pre-kindergartners and kindergartners returning to classrooms on a voluntary basis starting in late September. They were followed by the return of first and second graders earlier this month. Older students are scheduled to return to school after the winter break, which starts Dec. 23 and ends Jan. 5. On that day, students in the third, fourth and fifth

grades are slated to return to classrooms, followed by sixth graders Jan. 7, seventh and eighth graders Jan. 11 and high school students Jan. 21, according to the schedule posted on GCS’ website. Middle school and high school students will return to classrooms two days a week, with no more than half of students in attendance at the same time, according to the schedule. They will continue learning remotely three days a week. At Greensboro Academy, a public charter school, classroom instruction came to a halt in mid-November, after students had begun returning a month earlier. Upon the return of students earlier this fall, principal Doug Hower read “Ralph S. Mouse,” a children’s novel by Beverly Cleary, to third graders. He’s now recording chapters of the book so that students can listen remotely. “Until we can get the students back in the building, we’re doing the best we can to make sure they feel connected,” Hower said in an interview earlier this week. The school plans to resume in-person learning Jan. 11. While it’s possible the lingering virus may delay GCS’ reopening plans in January, Young said Northwest Guilford High School’s staff has prepared for the return of students

by setting up classrooms and putting markings on the floor to encourage social distancing. Safety protocols are in place, such as checking students’ temperatures before they enter the buildings, she said. “To have them back in the building will be amazing,” Young said. “There’s been a huge void for all of us. Such a big piece of education is missing when students are not in the building.” Seniors hope to enjoy at least some of the rituals of their final year, though large gatherings for events such as prom may not be possible. “We want to acknowledge and celebrate their accomplishments however we can,” Young said. “Though I am heartbroken that my children’s senior year has been high-jacked by the pandemic, I would personally prefer that schools re-open only if the medical experts deem it safe to do so,” said Stephanie Brady, president of Northwest Guilford High School’s PTSO and mother of twins, Caden and Harper, both seniors this year. Laura Soto, the mother of three students, began homeschooling her sixthgrade daughter, Savannah, last month after recognizing that live online instruction wasn’t the best option for her.

As an example, Savannah was distracted when some students blurted out comments and repeatedly asked the same questions during online classes, according to Soto, a former middle school teacher who withdrew her daughter from Northwest Guilford Middle School. For her, remote learning “has all of the negatives of middle school but none of the positives,” Soto said in an interview earlier this week. “You don’t get to sit with your friends at lunch or talk to your friends in the hallway.” Annie Badger, president of Northern Guilford High School’s student body, said social isolation among students is a rising concern. The absence from school is also impeding learning for some, she said. “Social isolation has definitely gotten worse,” Badger said in an interview earlier this week. “There’s really no social interaction at school.” Some students are filling the void by gathering in small groups at their homes and in parks, while cultivating friendships online, she said. “We miss the social aspects of school,” Badger said. “I do believe we are learning, but probably not as much as we would if we were in the building.’’

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Christmas Songs Emoji Game Try to guess popular Christmas song titles written with emojis.

Name That Christmas Song Match each song to the correct description. 1. One of the oldest Christmas songs of all time. Written in Latin in the 9th century and translated in English in 1851 2. This song was written in only 15 minutes and recorded in August 1994

Jingle Bells

White Christmas

Do You Hear What I Hear?

3. The first Christmas song to mention Santa Claus 4. A violin version of this song done in 1906 was the second piece of music ever broadcast on the radio

Silent Night

5. Top selling Christmas song of all time

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

6. Christmas song originally written to celebrate Thanksgiving 7. Originally named “Tinkle Bells,” this song’s name was changed when the song writer’s wife informed him of the double meaning of the word ‘tinkle’ 8. Written as a plea for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962

STUMPED? Look on page 30 for the answers Up On the Housetop

All I Want For Christmas Is You

Silver Bells

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THURSDAY, DEC. 3

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NOW THROUGH DEC. 21, 24

 Holiday Stores | Morehead United Methodist Church

at 3214 Horse Pen Creek Road in northwest Greensboro is hosting a Dewey’s Bakery holiday store MondayFriday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Dec. 21. Moravia Moravian Church in Oak Ridge is also hosting a holiday store Monday-Thursday, 12 to 6 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 2205-Q in Oak Ridge Commons (in the Oak Ridge Room next to Bistro 150). Curbside pick-up is available if you order via deweysbakerypartner.com.

NOW THROUGH DEC. 14

 Angel Tree | Good Samaritan Ministries’ Angel Tree is set up at The Pineapple Porch, 8414 U.S. 158 in Stokesdale (across from the Stokesdale Fire Department). “Angels” – Christmas gift wish lists for children in need – may be picked up there Tuesday-Friday, 12 noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or contact Terri Johnson at (336) 643-5887 or TerriJ1957@yahoo.com to request a wish list or item from a child’s wish list.

 Town Council meeting | Oak Ridge Town Council

will hold its monthly meeting Dec. 3, beginning 7 p.m., in Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. Visit www.oakridgenc.com for a detailed agenda or see News Briefs in this issue. Council meetings are livestreamed on the town’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

SATURDAY, DEC. 5

 Veterans’ Coffee | Veterans of the Triad invite area

veterans and their spouses to join them for coffee and doughnuts Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, at Ai Church, 1306 N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge. The event will also be a Toys for Tots drop. More info: Rita at (336) 688-8119.  Christmas on the Farm | Due to the rise of COVID

cases, HorseFriends’ “Christmas on the Farm” on Dec. 5, 3 to 6 p.m., will be a drive-thru event. The nonprofit’s horses, ponies and minis will be dressed in their Christmas outfits and ready to greet visitors as they drive through the front of the farm, located at 7169 Strawberry Road in Summerfield. There will also be photo ops with Santa. Tickets are $25 per family and must be purchased in advance; tickets include a to-go bag of s’mores and hot chocolate mix for four, take-home Christmas crafts, and a “Rain Check” ticket for a TBD 2021 family hayride, bonfire and carriage ride. Those arriving at the farm are asked to check in at the tent to receive their to-go bags; this will also

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be the drop-off spot for canned food donations to benefit Backpack Ministry, which serves families in our area. Purchase tickets or get more info at horsefriendsnc.org. A portion of proceeds from this event benefits HorseFriends’ free therapeutic riding program for those with special needs.

TUESDAY, DEC. 8

 Town Council meeting | Summerfield Town Council will meet Dec. 8 at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road, beginning 6:30 p.m. For a detailed meeting agenda, visit www.summerfieldnc.gov. Meetings are livestreamed on the town’s Facebook page.

THURSDAY, DEC. 10

 Town Council meeting | Stokesdale Town Council will meet Dec. 10, beginning 7 p.m. in Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel-Pardue Road. For a detailed agenda, visit www.stokesdale.org.

SATURDAY, DEC. 12

 Christmas Cruise-Thru | In lieu of its annual Christmas parade, the Town of Stokesdale will host a Christmas CruiseThru this year on Saturday, Dec. 12, 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown Stokesdale. See ad on p. 3 for event details. For more info or to request an application for a station: visitstokesdale.org; call Town Hall at (336) 643-4011; or email Town of Stokesdale Events Committee at stokesdaleevents@yahoo.com.

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Ordinary peOPLE,

Extraordinary impact “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall

Making a difference at home and across the world by ANNETTE JOYCE OAK RIDGE – When schools and extracurricular activities shut down last March in response to the pandemic, many students were left with extra time on their hands. Rather than waste those hours, Jana Yan, a 17-year-old senior at Northwest Guilford High School, decided she wanted to help deal with the deadly virus. With that in mind, she founded Guilford Mask Project, a 501(c) corporation focused on providing local and global communities with free reusable masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19. An accomplished seamstress, Yan had set up an Etsy storefront in 2017. Her store, StitchByJ, sold handmade, monogrammed and embroidered items. Yan was making a substantial profit which she was funneling back into her business and putting into savings. After realizing people were having such a difficult time getting masks, Yan decided to put her skills and business profits to good use and help others. “My parents are friends with several health care professionals, and they were concerned that they weren’t able to get masks,” Yan said. “I had a sewing machine, so I offered to make masks for them.”

Soon a group of doctors from Duke University Hospital in Durham asked her to make masks for them. From that point, the requests grew exponentially and extended beyond the health care community. In the past few months, the organization has made and sent over 9,000 masks to places as close to home as Guilford and Forsyth county schools and as far away as Zambia in Africa. Masks have been shipped to Native American nations around the country, homeless people at various locations and a Samos refugee camp in Greece, an area devastated by an earthquake and fire.

supply masks to those who need them the most.

“I’m still in shock that I’ve been able to help so many people and see people around the world wearing one of my masks,” Yan said. Yan founded Guilford Mask Project with the philosophy of donating masks to those in need while bringing awareness to why masks are important. The organization’s primary goal is to

Stokesdale

Located at Kings Crossing

7705 Highway 68 N (336) 441-8066

Madison

Photo courtesy of Jana Yan Since April, Northwest Guilford High School senior Jana Yan has supplied over 9,000 free reusable masks to people around the world.

Summerfield

4420 US Highway 220N (336) 793-5391

High Point

NEWEST LOCATION High Point

706 Burton Street 619 Greensboro Road 2410 Eastchester Dr (336) 548-6674 (336) 885-4321 (336) 841-6553

“I think there’s too much of a gap between those who are wealthy and those who are poor,” Yan said. “You should be bigger than yourself. There are so many people who have much less than I do.” Yan, who lives with her parents, Kelvin and Elaine Yan, in Oak Ridge, hopes to attend either Duke University or the University of Pennsylvania and double major in social work and environmental science.

For more information, visit www.guilfordmaskproject.org

or the organization’s Facebook page.

Thanks to Tire Max for sponsoring this monthly feature in which we recognize “ordinary” people in our readership area who make an extraordinary impact on others. To nominate an “ordinary” person for this feature, email editor@nwobserver.com with their name, a detailed description of how they positively impact others, and your contact info.

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Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion.

GRINS to... Admitted in Georgia, North Carolina, and U.S. Tax Court. DRC Certified MediatorSuperior Court

122 acres for $219,000 in Henry County, Virginia

A nice tract of land and timber that has potential for many uses. Ideal for hunting and has many building sites for the perfect getaway or permanent residence. Lots of road frontage on Old Well Road. The property is about a 45-minute drive from NW Guilford County.

Call listing agent, James D. Coleman Jr., for more details 276-732-0734 DEC. 3 - 16, 2020

online: nwobserver.com e-mail: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com

Hagan Barrett PLLC | 300 N Greene St, Suite 200, Greensboro, NC 27401 336.232.0650 | www.haganbarrett.com

Delighted or dismayed by something in your community?

 The grounds crew at Oak Ridge Town Park for working tirelessly every day to keep the park looking beautiful.  Tim at Computer Warehouse in Greensboro for getting the boysenberry syrup out of my laptop (as much as possible) and not treating me like a ninny for spilling it in the first place. Great to have a usable keyboard again!  Joan Baer, Northern Guilford High School’s Student Council advisor, and all those who donated to the school’s hatand-gloves drive for Northwest Guilford Area Backpack Ministry. They collected enough hats and gloves to keep our 200+ students warm for the winter!  Reidsville Police Department for getting RNs’ fingerprints so they could be licensed to work here. Even though they were closed, they went out of their way to help!  The guy in the red truck with the Biden/Harris sticker. Congratulations – I love it!  The little girl who distributed “I love you” treats in the Stonehenge neighborhood. Such a sweet and kind gesture!  The healthcare workers at the drive-in COVID testing center on Green Valley Drive in Greensboro who are working outside every day while testing many individuals.  All who tailgate me, convincing me to slow down and go exactly the speed limit. Now neither one of us has to worry about getting a speeding ticket. Merry Christmas!  The gentleman who paid for my food at Food Lion on Thanksgiving evening at 5:30. I was taken by surprise, and I will pass it on! I hope you and your family had a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

 Our neighbor on Maynard Road in Summerfield. Your fantastic Christmas display delighted our grandchildren when they visited us. Grateful for your tremendous effort to help us all celebrate.

GRIPES to...

 Those people speeding through the school zone at Stokesdale Elementary. We are already worried about our babies and the pandemic – we don’t need to be worried about them getting obliterated by a speeding vehicle.  Guilford County for charging $150 for a 25-minute sewage system check. I understand the necessity to have them, but we already pay enough property taxes that this ridiculous expense should be included!  Guilford County voters for allowing Skip Alston and the liberals to take back control of the county commissioners. If you wanted the county to go the same way as Greensboro, congratulations, your taxes are going up!  Management at the local restaurant who, after being told their employee stole our credit card while working, did not fire her. A secondary gripe also for no masks. 25 years of being a good customer gone.  Rockingham County Sheriff Department for refusing to help RNs obtain fingerprints for licensing. According to Reidsville Police Department, there are many who have refused. Those RNs are here from out of state to help your community during COVID.  Food Lion for not doing the right thing and monitoring mask usage. I drive farther to shop at Harris Teeter or Lowes because their staff and customers understand wearing masks keeps the community safer.  People who ignore the law regarding

fireworks. NC law prohibits fireworks that leave the ground. Your Roman candles, etc., are illegal, and cruel to veterans, parents trying to get their kids to sleep, pets and wildlife. Please show

some consideration.  Lowes Foods for charging so much for the same generic blue paper masks that every other store hands out as a courtesy – for free.

Outside the

non-local topics in a local newspaper.

…

The following reader-submitted GRIPES express opinions about 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 national political and other

 President-elect Joe Biden, who didn’t want Harris as his running mate but the extra ballots that just materialized were already printed.

FLEETING FALL DAYS

for one full day and curtains were taken down, starched and ironed to perfection. Floors were swept clean and mopped more strenuously than usual. Winter coats were hung on the front porch on hangers to air out in the brisk wind, and if warm enough, doors and windows were flung open to capture fresh, clean air. If I were caught in a time warp and could magically become a youngster again, I would probably be running up the long farm road to our mailbox. It would be about time the Sears Christmas catalog was due, and I would want to prevent my siblings from getting their hands on it first! Mama would be shopping for her fruitcake supplies, and my brothers would be out in the woods squirrel hunting. Fall was, and is, a glorious time, with woods awash in every hue imaginable! But there is a down side… Some people (like me) suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), a very real condition which can be present in any season, but is mostly evident in fall. Observing the breaking away and falling of leaves can bring sadness. Watching the sun’s movement each day lower to the horizon from its overhead hot-month zenith, plus having shorter periods of daylight, is joyless. If one has lost friends or family through death, fall holds its own kind of grief. My remedy? Staying positive and in sunlight, even on the most frigid days! By the way, a wooly worm (weather predictor) was found on my yellow rose bush recently, and it was totally blonde. Yay! Maybe that means a mild winter, y’all!

...continued from p. 10

to be sold. How exciting for us youngsters and our family to share the experience of hearing, on cold and frosty mornings, the staccato chant of auctioneers as the results of our labor were rewarded. Later, we got to spend some of that hardearned cash on new shoes, school supplies and splurging on yummy banana splits at F.W. Woolworth’s lunch counter! Back in the day, a sure sign of fall was the sound of Canadian geese honking as they traveled from far-off northern regions into warmer southern areas to spend the winter. No matter what (even if we were at the dinner table), everyone ran out to see the large fowls on their yearly journey. Although the geese have since become commonplace “residents” as they fly from lake to lake, in our rural setting decades ago those strange, long-necked creatures in flight were a majestic sight to witness as they passed overhead in perfect V-formation. In preparation for winter’s onslaught, balmy days were ideal for hauling logs to the house for sawing. My sister and I had to sit on the logs to hold them in place while two brothers worked with a crosscut saw to cut them into desired lengths for burning, and afterward everybody helped to fill the woodshed. As in the spring, all family members were involved in the inevitable fall house cleaning. Mattresses were dragged out into the yard for soaking up the sun’s rays

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For more information contact Carlos Gomez, Independent Agent, at (336) 681-8999 or insurethetriad@gmail.com Some policies build cash value, which the client may receive upon request, less any loans, if the policy is fully surrendered. At the end of the Enhanced Surrender Value Period (Cash Back Option Period), the Enhanced Surrender Value (Cash Back Option Value) of the policy will equal the total amount of premiums paid for the base policy, not including any premiums paid for riders. 2Riders are optional, available for an additional cost, and may not be available in all states. Americo Financial Life and Annuity Insurance Company is authorized to do business in the District of Columbia and all states except NY. Home Mortgage Series Plus (Policy Series 301/302/303/315); Accidental Benefit Rider (Rider Series 2165); Chronic Illness Accelerated Death Benefit Rider (Rider Series 2191/2196), and Terminal Illness Accelerated Death Benefit Rider (Rider Series 2192/2197); Disability Income Rider (Rider Series 2145); Waiver of Premium for Disability Rider/Waiver of Monthly Specified Premium Rider (Rider Series 2158/2158-UL); Involuntary Unemployment Waiver of Premium Rider (Rider Series 2140) are underwritten by Americo Financial Life and Annuity Insurance Company and may vary in accordance with state laws. Some products and benefits may not be available in all states. Certain restrictions apply. Consult policy and riders for all limitations and exclusions. Carlos Gomez is an independent, authorized agent of Americo. 1

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

DEC. 3 - 16, 2020

THANKFUL IN 2020 ...continued from p. 1

responders, etc. who are taking care of us. My kids were working this Thanksgiving, but we were able to gather a few days later. Grateful that God is taking care of us!” Laura Althouse, STOKESDALE “I’m thankful for my family, our time together, my wonderful husband, our beautiful children, our dog Riley, our parents and siblings – they’re all so special to me. “I’m very thankful and blessed to have such wonderful neighbors and friends nearby. Time with them has filled my life with such joy and hope during this time. God has blessed my life abundantly this year, I can’t begin to thank Him enough for everything He’s given me in 2020.” Tonya McMahan, STOKESDALE “I’m thankful to God for every morning I wake up. A lot of people might not understand this, but I’m thankful that Jo

(my wife who passed away this past June) is in heaven and not hurting anymore. I’m very thankful for all the angels who take me to dialysis throughout the week. And I’m thankful that I have the best son-inlaw in the United States, Vernon Carter.” J.C. Williams, OAK RIDGE “Having family close by.” Hailey Harrell, SUMMERFIELD “Especially this year, I’m thankful for my computer so that I can connect with my friends virtually.” Wilson Kepley, 13, OAK RIDGE “My great thankfulness includes being surrounded by a loving family and living in an exceptional country. Beyond the traditional thanks for good health and close friends, I extend my graciousness to the wonderment of Mother Nature itself, and my keen senses that perceive its perpetual beauty and wonder. “I acknowledge taking much for granted, and admire those who stand up for what is right and good. I am thankful for those willing to compromise everything excluding principle and

reason. The countless blessings that surround me keep me grounded and I constantly seek ways to repay and share them with others. “Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, to be sure, and I share Robert Brault’s sentiment when he exclaimed ‘Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.’” William Edwards, OAK RIDGE “I’m thankful for my family and my house and that we haven’t gotten the virus.” Amelia Harrell, 6, SUMMERFIELD “I try to practice gratitude daily, and I am always thankful for another day, great friends, and family. “This year, I am especially thankful for being a healthcare worker. Not only did I have a job while many others were laid off, but I had the honor and privilege of visiting older patients in their homes. “Due to the stay-at-home order, sometimes I was the only person they saw that day or even that week. These visits may have served more of a social

purpose than anything else, and I was thankful that I could play a role in people’s mental health just as much as their physical well-being.” Valery Kepley, OAK RIDGE “This year, especially with COVID, I’m thankful to be able to keep my job and work from home and be able to spend more time with my family because we have a new grandbaby.” Carol Boone, KERNERSVILLE “I’m just glad God’s taking care of me. I don’t know what I’d do without Him. I’m also thankful for my Christian friends around me.” Patsy Benigo, OAK RIDGE “In the face of all the craziness that’s going on in the world, I feel very blessed. I’m thankful for my family, that I’m able to go to church right down the street and for my neighbors. I’m also thankful for all the people who fight for us – law enforcement, fire and rescue and EMS – those guys we sometimes take for granted who are in the shadows and there to help us.” Randy Braswell, STOKESDALE

Virtual Care from Your Home e All LeBauer HealthCare practices are now offering virtual care appointments with your provider through a video visit! To control the spread of COVID-19, we are scheduling virtual visits as an alternative to in-person office visits. Connect with the healthcare provider that you know and trust from the comfort of home. Virtual appointments are billed to your insurance just like your regular office visits. To schedule a virtual visit, please call your provider’s office today!

SCHEDULE YOUR FLU SHOT TODAY

lebauer.com ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS 26

DEC. 3 - 16, 2020

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

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

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

Auto Sales & Service ........ 27 Donation Available .......... 27 Employment .................... 27 Home Care Available ....... 27 Save the Date.................. 27 Home Services ............27-29 Misc. Services .................. 29 Misc. For Sale .................. 29 Misc. Wanted .................. 29 Pets & Animal Services .... 29 Real Estate ................. 29-30

HEALTHCARE, INC. Quality In-Home Staffing Nurses/CNAs/Aides Licensed & Insured

Dignityhealthcarenc.com (336) 298-7248 Serving all your healthcare needs with pride and dignity

 DONATION AVAILABLE KIMBALL SPINET UPRIGHT PIANO. Free to a church or organization. Must pick up by appointment only. If interested, please call (336) 668-0124.

 EMPLOYMENT TOP NOTCH CLEANING is hiring P/T residential / new const. cleaning positions. (contratando P/T residential/new const. posiciones de limpieza). Call (336) 453-0266. LEAD TEACHER POSITION available in childcare center. Childcare credentials required. (336) 643-5930.

Gca?n help! H IR IN We

Reach over 26,600 readers, all in northwest Guilford County, right here! Place your classiﬁed ad online at

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 HOME SERVICES 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.

DECORATING

 SAVE THE DATE

2020 CHRISTMAS CRUISE-THRU. Saturday, December 12. 5-8pm. Presented by the Town of Stokesdale's Events Committee. Supporting Good Samaritan Ministries. See details in ad on page 3.

NEED HELP?

INDEX

DIGNITY

Join us for "LIGHT UP THE NIGHT," a free outdoor Christmas program with classic carols and the Christmas story. Sunday, Dec. 6, 5pm, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Rd., Stokesdale. Watch from your vehicle or bring a chair. COVID-19 safety guidelines will be followed.

Place online at

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

 HOME CARE AVAILABLE

Something going on?

Place your Save the Date classiﬁed ad online at www.nwobserver.com.

 HOME SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING A-ACTION AIR. Will your furnace work this season? 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. 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.

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

CUSTOM FRAMING, BLISSFUL STUDIOS. Private framing appts. available. Local art & gifts. 4533 US Hwy 220 Summerﬁeld. Located across from Golden Antiques. (336) 298-4502. INTERIOR DÉCORATING SERVICES FOR FREE, to help build my portfolio! lbkdesigns.wixsite.com/blog. 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. Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? It's generator season. Call Coble Electric LLC at (336) 209-1486. 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.

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

continued on p. 28

DEC. 33 -- 16, 16, 2020 2020 DEC.

27 27

HOME SERVICES

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

DTW GRADING & HAULING, INC. Offering a sum of aggregates, including but not limited to: fill dirt, stone, asphalt millings, and crushed concrete. We also offer full bobcat services. Driveways, minor clearing, drainage solutions and snow removal. Daniel Wilson, (336) 339-0212.

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.

MASONRY

OLD SCHOOL

HOME REPAIR/IMPROVEMENTS “No Job Too Small”

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

(336) 669-7252

oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com

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. SMALL ENGINE AND MOWER REPAIR is back at a new location. Welding available. Call or text Morris at (336) 880-7498. FIX YOUR MOWER! Service and repairs. Spring specials. "We do it right." Free pickup & delivery. Call Rick, (336) 501-8681.

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

PLACE YOUR AD: nwobserver.com

28 28

DEC. DEC. 33--16, 16, 2020 2020

BRAD'S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS. LLC. Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647. GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150. H&L GRADING, LLC. No job too tough or too small. Call us first! We are a full-service grading company that specializes in residential projects. Owner/ operator Timmy Hart has more than 30 years of grading and equipment experience. Fully licensed and insured. Land clearing, debris removal, driveways, French drains and much more. (336) 543-7867.

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

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 643-9332. www.carolinastumpandtreeservices.com. GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490. HILL LAWNCARE & OUTDOOR SERVICES. Free est. Call (336) 669-5448. 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.

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. EXTERIOR GREENSCAPES. Lawn maintenance service. Call for a free estimate (336) 682-1456. DELIMA LAWNCARE. Commercial & Residential. Free estimates. (336) 669-5210. FAY'S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Complete tree removal & trimming. Storm damage clean-up. Landscaping & hardscaping. Insured. Taylor, (336) 458-6491. ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981. SOUTHERN CUTZ LAWN CARE, offering complete lawn maintenance services & bush hogging. Nathan Adkins, (336) 430-6086. 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.

Your business should be here! Place your classified ad online at

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

SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes. How about a new patio or fire pit? We can help with all of your outdoor living and entertainment spaces! Fire pits, driveways & sidewalks, patios and more! Give us a call at (336) 399-6619 for all your concrete and landscape needs. MASONRY CONCEPTS, brick, block, stone concrete & repairs. Free est. (336) 988-1022, www.masonryconceptsgso.com. COLONIAL MASONRY. 40 yrs. exp. Specializing in outdoor living spaces; dry-stack natural stone and flagstone. Let us help you plan your patio, fire pit, fireplace, kitchen – or anything else you would like! Call (336) 949-9019. www.colonialmasonry.com.

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS 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 STILL PERFECTION PAINTING. Reliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com. LAWSON'S PAINTING. Custom decks, pressure washing, boat docks, block fill, wood repair, stain work, textured ceilings, sheetrock repair. Call (336) 253-9089. CARLOS & SON PAINTING. Interior and exterior. 24 hours/7 days a week. Free estimates, licensed/insured. (336) 669-5210. PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR, 40 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. Average BDRM walls $100. Insured. Call Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186.

 HOME SERVICES

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

(336) 931-0600

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

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.

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION 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.

 HOME SERVICES

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

ROOFING

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. Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, rooﬁng, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 41 yrs. exp. (336) 362-6343. 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 AN AD: nwobserver.com KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION. N.C. General Contractor with 30 years experience. Specializing in new homes, room additions, kitchens & baths, garages, decks, vinyl siding and windows, painting, tile, laminate and vinyl plank, and remodeling of all kinds. Quality for the Right Price. Free est. Call (336) 362-7469.

AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIRS. One call ﬁxes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350. DOUGLAS CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING, LLC. Custom Builder, sunrooms, garages, additions, kitchens, baths. Licensed & Insured, BBB A+ accredited. Free est. Visit www.douglascr.com or call (336) 413-5050.

Services TM Construction , INC

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Screened porches | Sunrooms | Patios

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

 MISC. FOR SALE

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

Teddy Bear Nativity Set

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Lifetime shingle and metal roofing. We fi nance. 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.

 MISC. SERVICES

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

Gated access with 24/7 camera surveillance We carry moving & shipping supplies

(336) 643-9963 • 8207 B & G Court, Stokesdale

 MISC. FOR SALE PERSIMMON PULP and more. At The Old Mill on Saturdays, or call (336) 816-3441. SELLING MY COLLECTION. Dec. 4 & 5. 7am-5pm. 8200 Chestershire Road, Oak Ridge. Rain or Shine. Apollo 14 safety line, carried on the moon; autographed Derek Jeter glove; comic books; graded PSA sport cards; shop tools and other collectibles. SEASONED FIREWOOD. $80/pickup truck load delivered & stacked. (336) 253-7615. SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered & stacked, 1/2 cord, $80. Call (336) 686-6373.

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

Ten ceramic teddies representing the Holy Family, Wise Men, etc. Vintage Homco figurines; original box. $

25 | Please leave message: (336) 416-6422

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

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

 REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SPACE AVAILABLE. 350 sq. ft. Located at Haircraft, 2601 Oak Ridge Rd. Separate entrance. Great for nail tech. or oﬃce space. $600/mo. Available Nov. 1. Call (336) 609-1300.

LAND FOR SALE 1.2-ACRE WOODED LOT. Ready to build. 7507 Bentridge Forest Dr. Northwest School Dist. (336) 509-8315. NOW AVAILABLE, SUMMERFIELD'S BEST-KEPT SECRET! Presenting “The Hermitage.” Only 14 exclusive custom homesites for the discriminating buyer, one phase only. These gorgeous 1 +\- acre homesites are the most beautiful building sites in our area. Call (336) 430-9507 today for your personal site visit.

continued on p. 30

DEC. 33 -- 16, 16, 2020 2020 DEC.

29 29

 REAL ESTATE

LAND FOR SALE

HOMES FOR SALE

LARGE TRACTS, SUMMERFIELD AREA. 3 tracts available: 4+ acres, 11+ acres and 25+ acres. Beautiful property. NO HOA DUES! These won’t last and are priced to sell! Call (336) 430-9507 today for your personal appointment and tour.

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS

NEW CONSTRUCTION IN OAK RIDGE!

and tell them where you saw their ad!

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Build your dream home in The Farm at Oak Ridge.

We Help Everyone!

Choose your lot and builder! Spec homes available, or design yours from scratch! Oak Ridge/Northwest Guilford schools – call DeDe for details and availability.

SELLERS & BUYERS

DeDe Cunningham (336) 643-4248

www.ANewDawnRealty.com

Answer Key

LEGAL SERVICES

Beamer Tire & Auto ...........................19 EuroHaus .......................................... 27 Piedmont Truck Tires ..........................13 Prestige Car Wash ..............................16 Tire Max ............................................ 23

MEDICAL CARE / EYE CARE

BUILDING / REMODELING CHILDREN’S SERVICES

TM Construction Services .................. 29

DANCE / MUSIC / ACTING Destination Arts..................................17

DENTAL SERVICES Open Sunday 2-4 pm

buyshugart.com

Only 2 left!

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

HOME FOR RENT IN STOKESDALE. Rockingham County. 3 BD, 2 BA. Well water. Washer/dryer hook-up. Central heat and air. Large covered front porch. Large back porch. Small storage building. We do background checks at potential tenants' expense. $875/month. First and last months' rent required. (336) 209-8070.

to Kids’ Korner (pg. 21)

AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE

(336) 509-1923 dedesrealestategroup.com dedecunningham@kw.com

AUTUMN RIDGE TOWNHOMES IN OAK RIDGE!

SINGLE-WIDE HOME for rent. 2 BD, 1 BA. Located in Stokesdale, Rockingham Co. Well water. Washer/dryer hook-up. The inside has been remodeled. Covered front porch. We do background checks at potential tenants' expense. $450/month. First and last months' rent required. (336) 209-8070.

Kim Wilson

kwilson@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 662-7805

Magnolia Shores Family Dental ......... 25 Summerfield Family Dentistry .............. 9

ENTERTAINMENT

The Wright Stuff ................................ 22

EVENT

Stokesdale Christmas Cruise-Thru........ 3

FLORIST

Daly Floral Design ............................. 22

GROCERIES / SUPPLIES

Southern Foods ................................... 6

HEALTH / FITNESS

Chris Jessup ......................................... 8

HAIR CARE

Name that Christmas Song O Come, O Come Emmanuel All I Want For Christmas Is You Up on the Housetop Silent Night White Christmas Jingle Bells Silver Bells Do You Hear What I hear?

DEC. DEC. 33--16, 16, 2020 2020

INSURANCE

Carlotta Lytton, CPA.......................... 22 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC......12

GSM Angel Tree .................................. 7 Guardian Ad Litem ............................ 22

NICE 1-LEVEL TOWNHOUSE, convenient Guilford College area, quiet neighborhood. 2BR/2BA. $975 per month. (336) 392-1454.

30 30

ACCOUNTING

REALTOR®/Broker NC Licensed Contractor

HOMES FOR RENT

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Please support our advertisers,

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Christmas Song Emoji

12 Days Of Christmas Joy To The World Let It Snow, Let It Snow Angels We Have Heard On High Santa Claus Is Coming To Town O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

Great Clips .........................................17

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

BEK Paint Company .......................... 29 Eanes Heating & Air ...........................15 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery ..31 Old School Home Repair ................... 28 Stokesdale Heating & Air....................12 Stokesdale Storage ............................ 29

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

Carlos Gomez – Insure the Triad ........ 25 Gladwell Insurance Agency.................. 4 Barbour & Williams Law .................... 10 Scott Tippett – Hagan Barrett Law .... 24 Dignity Health Care ........................... 27 LeBauer HealthCare.......................... 26 Novant – Forsyth Pediatrics Oak Ridge 17 Oak Ridge Physical Therapy ...............16 Vision Source Eye Center of the Triad ..20 Wake Forest Baptist Health ................. 2

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS / LESSONS

Moore Music Company ................. 8, 21

ORTHODONTIC CARE

Olmsted Orthodontics ........................17 Reynolds Orthodontics ...................... 18

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ................14 Northwest Animal Hospital .................12

REAL ESTATE

A New Dawn Realty .......................... 30 DeDe Cunningham, Keller Williams ... 30 James D. Coleman – Land for Sale .... 24 Nancy Hess, Berkshire Hathaway ...... 30 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX .................. 10 Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams .......... 22

RESTAURANTS / CATERING

Bistro 150 ............................................ 7 Oak Ridge Diner.................................16 Rio Grande Mexican Kitchen..............16

RETAIL

Blissful Studios & Gallery ..................... 5 Cole Pottery......................................... 5 Cass Jewelers ...................................... 7 Moravia Moravian Dewey’s Store......... 8 Old Mill of Guilford .............................. 8

YOUTH SPORTS / CAMPS

Oak Ridge Youth Association ............ 18

NEWS in brief

next year’s meetings of the council, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the Planning and Zoning Board, the Historical Preservation Commission and the Board of Adjustment.

...continued from p. 2 remain part of the proposed agreement for next year. For one, the introduction of the $30,000 subsidy to help cover ORYA’s expenses helps the town quantify its financial contributions to the nonprofit association. Second, the council will retain its representation on ORYA’s board “as part of an overall effort to improve communication and facilitate cooperation” between the parties, Bruce said. During its Nov. 19 meeting, the town’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted unanimously to recommend the council approve the proposed agreement. Earlier, the youth sports subcommittee in consultation with ORYA leaders reviewed the agreement, according to Bruce. In other business, the council will consider adopting the town’s holiday schedule for 2021, setting the days that Town Hall will be closed to the public. It will also consider adopting dates for

2021

Separately, Thursday night’s meeting sets aside a period for public comments. People who want to speak can attend the meeting in person or they can submit their comments by calling Town Hall at (336) 644-7009 or emailing Town Clerk Sandra Smith at ssmith@oakridgenc.com. People submitting comments must provide their full names and addresses. Their comments must be clearly described as a public comment during the phone call or labeled as a “public comment” in the subject line of the email.

want to attend? The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. this Thursday, Dec. 3, at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. Due to Gov. Roy Cooper’s public gathering restrictions, the number of people in the council chambers will be limited to 25.

13th annual edition

coming soon! Don’t be left out of the

only community directory

AMARYLLIS

specifically for northwest Guilford County d by publishe

HURRY! Special early birdDelta pricing ends Dec. 11 Pansies For more information,$17.99 contact Laura (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 advertising@nwobserver.com

Choose from dozens of varieties!

YOUR QUESTIONS ...continued from p. 4

observed), are there any plans to add sidewalks between the neighborhoods? Or discussions of lowering the speed limit to 35 mph, as in other residential areas and in Oak Ridge’s town corridor around N.C. 68 and 150?

Oak Ridge Town Manager Bill Bruce told us in an email this week that the town has no plans to build sidewalks on Haw River Road. The Town Council adopted a pedestrian plan in 2013 that serves as the guiding document for funding and installing sidewalks in Oak River; the plan puts a priority on building sidewalks along N.C. 150 and Linville Road to connect schools and the entire town business core and historic district. Oak Ridge’s Comprehensive Pedestrian Transportation Plan is posted on the town’s website at oakridgenc.com. To view the document, click on the Ordinances/Plans tab in the left-hand column of the homepage. Bruce suggested that residents concerned about speeding in their neighborhoods contact the District 1 sheriff’s office (the non-emergency number for the office is (336) 641-2300). Residents wishing to start the pro-

Adobe Stock photo

Residents wishing to have NCDOT consider lowering the speed limit in the vicinity of their neighborhood are advised to contact their town’s staff or council members as the ﬁrst step in the evaluation process. cess of evaluating whether the speed limit in the vicinity of their neighborhood should be reduced can contact town staff or council members, Bruce advised. “Speed limit reductions require concurrence from Town Council, but ultimately it is a NCDOT (North Carolina Department of Transportation) decision,” Bruce said. If deemed feasible, NCDOT would conduct a technical analysis based on traffic counts, sight distances and other factors before approving a speed limit reduction, Bruce said.

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New Garden Gift Cards Available in Any Denomination

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

DEC. 3 - 16, 2020

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POBox Box268, 268,Oak OakRidge, Ridge,NC NC27310 27310• •(336) (336)644-7035 644-7035 PO

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Photos courtesy of Bay O’Brien Photography Sisters Ally & Adalyn Finney (left) and Adeline Thompson (below right), all dance students at Destination Arts in Oak Ridge Commons shopping center, take a moment to check out the latest community news during a photo shoot at PS Communications’ world headquarters in Oak Ridge last month.

Faith Ann Hopper, age 3, enjoys a few to quiet moments at her home in Stokesdale a such at Even catch up on the local news. s young age, this intuitive child already know one! a good read when she sees

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