Dec. 17, 2020 - Jan. 6, 2021
bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996
Christmas past and present by ANNETTE JOYCE There’s hardly a person who doesn’t cherish special memories or traditions associated with the Christmas season. We asked our readers about their fondest Christmas memories, and also how their celebrations will be adjusted this year in response to COVID.
Christmas past For Pepe Silva, celebrating the first Christmases with his children, Ava and Leo, who are now 14 and 10, are two of his most cherished Christmas memories. “I finally had a family of my own,” said Silva, owner of Oak Ridge’s Rio Grande Kitchen and Cantina. “It
News in brief .................................................2
Summerfield resident Ana Lorczak grew up in Spain with two older brothers, Rafa and Fernando. Lorczak recalled Rafa’s delight in pranking his younger siblings and she has vivid memories of the Christmas when she was about 7, Fernando was 9 and Rafa was 14.
Your Questions .............................................4
Because their parents worked nights, the children were home alone. It was a few days before Christmas and Rafa had figured out where the presents were stashed and set them out underneath the tree.
...continued on p. 38
The selection of Samet Corp. moves forward the long-delayed project which will be built on the town’s property fronting U.S. 220 at N.C. 150 by CHRIS BURRITT
After more than a decade and a half of deliberations, the town of Summerfield is moving forward with the construction of a new town hall that will be built on town-owned property at U.S. 220 and N.C. 150, near present-day Town Hall pictured above. Town leaders haven’t decided how the historic building will be used after construction of the new town hall is complete.
IN THIS ISSUE
brought back a lot of memories of when I was a kid and there was so much excitement.”
Town Council hires construction manager for new town hall
File photo
www.nwobserver.com
SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield Town Council has selected Samet Corp. to manage construction of a new town hall, advancing the estimated $3.5 million project slated for construction on 13.3 acres along U.S. 220 that the town owns. The council voted 4-1 during its meeting last week to hire Greensboro-based Samet to oversee construction of the estimated 9,000-square-foot building. The contract specified the site – a former mobile home park bounded by U.S. 220
...continued on p. 15
Key Club exists to serve..............................3 Summerfield Town Council meeting ........6 Oak Ridge Town Council meeting ...........8 Stokesdale Town Council meeting .........12 New Advertiser Introductions ..................16 In memory of..............................................16 NWO Business & Real Estate ....................17 Doggett family seeks ‘dialogue’.............18 Housing market buoyed by low rates ... 20 NWO Kids’ Korner ......................................26 Youth Sync..................................................31 Northern may move to 4A .......................33 Community Calendar ..............................35 Stokesdale Cruise-thru .............................36 Cedar trees remind us of Christmas.......37 Crime/Incident Report ............................ 40 Grins and Gripes .......................................41 Classifieds ..................................................43 Index of Advertisers ................................. 46
Jolly holidays and a happy news year from all of us at PS Communications!
We’ll be back in print Jan. 7
Tire Max nce Adva to Au
BP ad r Ro Rive Haw ssing r s Cro King g Cente pin p o h S
. 68
During the Dec. 10 council meeting, Mayor John Flynt voiced opposition to the amendment, saying he served on the town’s Future Land Use Plan Committee and the plan, which was adopted in 2007, recommends light and heavy industrial uses – such as warehouses – be concentrated along U.S. 158. He said a warehouse at the applicants’ property along N.C. 68 would be out of character for the surrounding properties, which are low-density residential and AG.
. 68
3 N.C
, 772
7721
Map by Yvonne Truhon/NWO
STOKESDALE – Stokesdale Town Council held a special call meeting last Sunday, Dec. 13, and voted 3-2 to amend the conditions for permitted uses on a 6.1-acre tract at 7721 and 7723 N.C. 68 North. The property has been zoned CU-HB (conditional use – highway business) since 2008; the amendment adds an additional permitted use that will allow for the operation of a climate-controlled warehouse for self-storage on up to five acres of the undeveloped property.
N .C
2
Warehouse for self-storage approved
68 N.C.
We offer one guarantee: 100% customer satisfaction
NEWS in brief
“This is a solid, well-grounded application,” Greco told the council at its Dec. 10 meeting, which was held virtually
via Zoom. “I don’t see this as being a dangerous precedent (referring to Flynt’s statement during that meeting). It is commercial on the west side of N.C. 68 (where Oliver Diesel, BP, Tire Max and Advance Auto are located).” Greco said he and Combs have invested heavily in market studies which support the fact that there is a very significant demand for this type of facility. “We’ve been involved in designing other storage facilities in Stokesdale and none have created problems,” Greco said.
SUMMERFIELD – Lance Heater has returned as Summerfield’s town clerk after President VP/GM of Greensboro he departed for a comparable position in Beaufort, North Carolina, last month. Heater returned to his previous position (336) 668-0091 • 312 S Regional Rd, Greensboro in Summerfield earlier this week, Town 11 locations open M-F 7:30-5:30 Manager Scott Whitaker confirmed in an Emergency roadside 24/7/365 • Shuttle service within 8 miles email. The manager said he also filled an opening in the town’s planning department. www.piedmonttrucktires.com Brad Rentz has taken the position of planning technician/enforcement officer and will work under the supervision of DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021 The Northwest Observerplanning • Totally local since 1996 manager Chris York.
Until Rentz’s hiring, the town contracted with a third party to enforce codes, according to Whitaker. “The planning department is at times short-staffed, depending on development and initiatives, and we wanted to improve consistency of code enforcement,” he said. This past summer, Rentz served as an intern for the town of Summerfield. He also served as interim town clerk during Heater’s brief absence. All of the town vacancies are now filled, Whitaker said.
Piedmont Truck Tires &
Automotive Center
FULL-SERVICE SHOP Full automotive repair & maintenance • Tune-ups Wheel & tire repair/alignment • NC inspections ASE certified technicians
Dan Rice
Mitch Glover
Bill Greco of Land Solutions, speaking on behalf of himself and property co-owner Kevan Combs of Combs Development, said they had done their homework and community outreach and have received no opposition from neighbors, town planning staff or the town’s Planning Board.
Heater returns as Summerfield clerk, planning job filled
Key Club exists to serve Most recently, the student-led group of Northwest Guilford high school students has been busy gathering Christmas gifts for kids being treated for cancer by ANNETTE JOYCE NW GUILFORD – Though COVID has hampered many activities near and far, Northwest Guilford High School’s Key Club has still found creative ways to fulfill its mission of “making the world a better place through service.” As in previous years, the student-led organization has tackled a multitude of projects this school year, all while adapting to various COVID restrictions. They’re currently finishing up with a project to help bring Christmas cheer
to 18 young people who are fighting osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Through connections with Oak Ridge resident Casey Crossan, development director for MIB (Make It Better) Agents, a nonprofit organization that works with kids with cancer, and the Northwest Guilford Kiwanis Club, the Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO high school group was able Northwest Guilford Key Club members and supporters gathered recently to wrap and pack gifts to take part in an existfor kids in treatment for osteosarcoma. Shown in photo: (front, L to R) Aliha Younus, Sydney ing MIB mail program that Grigg, Camilla Maldonado and Anapaula Valadez; (middle, L to R) Stephanie Oh, Casey Crossan Crossan said allows people and Martha Pittman; (back, L to R) Jason Huang, Spencer Houlden and Adan Younus. from all over the country to send letters of hope and encouragement to kids in treatment for more of a personal connection, memout a way to help people at Christmas osteosarcoma. bers requested names, photos, wish lists and spread joy,” said Sydney Grigg, a and bio information from their “cancer senior and Key Club president. “We’ve But Key Club members wanted to warriors.” worked with different organizations, do more than just send letters, so they decided to include gifts. To help form
OPEN:
SPECIALS: DECEMBER 17 - 31
Mon-Fri: 9am - 6pm Meats - Closed Sat & Sun CAB Ribeye Tomahawks Christmas Eve 9am – 2pm CAB Porterhouse Christmas Day Closed Quality Food at Wholesale Prices
336.545.3664 407 Westcliff Rd Greensboro, NC 27409 Located near I-40 & Hwy 68, in Industrial Park behind Embassy Suites All items available while supplies last. All major credit cards accepted.
...continued on p. 28
“Every year, we’ve always figured
CAB Bone-In New York Strips CAB Filet Mignon 2-pack 8oz CAB Whole Beef Briskets CAB Standing Rib Roast SMITHFIELD Bone-In Pork Butts Carve Masters Fully Cooked Hams Joyce Farms Whole Chicken Whole Beef Tenderloins - Legacy Fresh Tuna Loins Fresh Black Bass Fillets Household items Hand Sanitizers 8oz Disinfecting Wipes 80ct
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
$17.07/lb. $11.49/lb. $10.49/lb. $24.99/pk. $2.99/lb. $14.99/lb. $1.09/lb. $3.79/lb. $1.89/lb. $8.89/lb. $8.39/lb. $7.89/lb. $3.50 each $5.00 each
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
3
Photo courtesy of Melodi Fentress
your QUESTIONS
Rainbow Magic Alpaca Farm co-owner Melodi Fentress says alpacas arrived at the Lewiston Road property in late October, a few months earlier than anticipated.
www.nwobserver.com
I noticed that alpacas have arrived on the Lewiston Road property in northwest Greensboro that you wrote about several months ago. What’s going on there?
/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
HOW TO REACH US
704-251-4501
email: info • celebrations • photos communitynews • realestatenews calendarevents • grinsandgripes opinions • editor • questions ... @ nwobserver.com phone: (336) 644-7035 fax: (336) 644-7006 office: 1616 NC 68 N, Oak Ridge mail: PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 hours: M-Th 9am-noon (or by appt.)
WANT TO ADVERTISE? Contact us at (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 display: advertising@nwobserver.com classified: classifieds@nwobserver.com Independently owned & published by
4
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
We reached out to Melodi Fentress, who operates Rainbow Magic Alpaca Farm with Susan Lambert, for an update since our original article about her plans in the Northwest Observer’s Sept. 17-30 issue. In October, the Greensboro City Council approved Fentress’ request for rezoning the 19.3 acres in northwestern Greensboro from R-3 (Residential-Single Family) to agricultural. Fentress told us in an email last week that she had expected to start construction of the barn for the alpacas in mid-December. A surprise phone call accelerated those plans, she said. She had made arrangements to buy the animals from the owners of a farm info.nc@nationalflagfootball.com NationalFlagFootballNC.com in China Grove, North Carolina. They GREENSBORO - LEONARD REC CENTER called her to say they had listed their property for sale and that it had gone HIGH POINT - HIGH POINT under contract immediately. As a result, ATHLETIC COMPLEX Fentress would need to prepare a home for the alpacas by the end of October. “So we had roughly 3.5 weeks to get a temporary enclosure ready for our alpacas,” she said, explaining workers erected three 12-by-20-foot tents – one Flag football is perfect for the males, another for the females for beginning and and the third for storing hay. experienced players. One-day a week, 2-hour “We fenced off areas for the boys commitment. (and) the girls and made a corral area,” Practices will run one Fentress said. “We got everything in hour before game time. place just in time for their arrival. Since Teams are made up by then, we have just been settling in with grade, school, and buddy requests to make our herd and working on getting other for a fun environment aspects of our business set up that we for everyone. thought we would have set up before OFF the alpacas arrived.” SIGN UP BY DEC. 31 Fentress plans to start construction of
BOYS AND GIRLS
AGES 4-14
10 EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION
$
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
...continued on p. 28
ner
a
sig
an
tr con
le y,
ib
on
u
ne
n e e r, m
ti ar k e
ng
m
oke
s,
pu e dito r/
bli
sh
ite
To
r
Bu rr
it t ,
wr sta f
m
McC
oy,
r dist
u p , p u b li s h
e r ’s
We’ll be taking a break over the holidays... but look for us back in print on Jan. 7
da
S h a t z, distrib u
ti o
ly
er
s,
ad min
in
n
e
tiv
Pi
r it
t
an i
st
ll
ess
s as
lli n
a istr
Li
Ke
iJ
Co
L
n
e
as
Re
sis
ta nt
is
St
Re
on
ti
an
ra
g
t
C
hr
ic
er
tin
ph
ag
ite wr
e, c
bu ontri
Pa
Jo y c
u
n
te
La
An
et
Tr u h o n ,
gra
er
B ar k
r
th
it h , f n a n c e m
de
ng
Sm
Yv
re
di
r
cy
wr
ite r
g
ti
in
Me
t r d , co n trib u
ge
w
n
d fo
Lu
le
r it
er
He Le
e rc
e , co n
ti trib u
ng
w
from all of us at publisher of the Northwest Observer
ibu
ti
SUMMERFIELD town council
Dec. 8 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT Mayor BJ Barnes called the monthly meeting to order, with council members John O’Day, Lynne Williams DeVaney, Teresa Pegram and Reece Walker present. Mayor Pro Tem Tim Sessoms arrived late.
MANAGER’S REPORT Town Hall construction contract
WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted: Summerfield Town Council members Reece Walker, Lynne Williams DeVaney, Teresa Pegram, John O’Day and Mayor Pro Tem Tim Sessoms voted on the following items at the Dec. 8 meeting. Mayor BJ Barnes was present, but in Summerfield the mayor only votes in case of a tie.
4 1: Hire (Pegram opposed) Greensboro-based Samet Corp. as construction manager for a new town hall
4 1 (Pegram opposed) to hire Greensboro-based Samet Corp. as construction manager for a new town hall. The contract stipulates the location for the building as the roughly 13.3 acres owned by the town at U.S. 220 and N.C. 150.
5 0: Authorize Whitaker to sign documents transferring ownership of
the fiscal year starting July 1
ANNOUNCEMENTS
During public comments, Summerfield citizen Don Wendelken criticized town staff and council members for what he said was a lack of public discourse about planning for the project, estimated to cost $3.5 million.
Volunteers needed. Town Manager Scott Whitaker said the Board of Adjustment is seeking volunteers to serve as members.
“There hasn’t been any public awareness of where you’re going with the new town hall,” Wendelken said. (See related article on front cover.)
REPORTS
Community Center
The council limited attendance to the meeting in Summerfield Community Center due to public gathering restrictions related to COVID-19. Technical difficulties prevented livestreaming of the first 15 minutes of the meeting, but remaining deliberations were streamed on the town’s Facebook page.
There were no reports from the Sheriff’s Office, Summerfield Fire District or any of the town’s committees.
Summerfield Community Center on Centerfield Road to the town
5 0: Authorize spending as much as $9,000 on repairs to the community center building once the town owns it
5 0: Adopt the 2021 meeting and holiday schedule 5 0: Adopt the calendar for meetings to prepare the town’s budget for 5 0: Hire Piedmont Triad Regional Council to prepare a land use plan for Summerfield at a cost not to exceed $64,800
5 0 to authorize Whitaker to
sign documents transferring ownership of the community center building and surrounding property on Centerfield
Selling your home is the RIGHT MOVE, RIGHT NOW Demand from homebuyers has skyrocketed this year, and a high demand means sellers are poised to win big! HIGHER SALE PRICES
Compared to this time last year, the median existing home price is up 15%
This demand won’t last forever. Now is the time to move on your terms.
24 years experience Ramilya Siegel CRS, GRI, ABR, SRES Realtor®
24+ years experience rsiegel@kw.com
(336) 215-9856 Your friend in real estate
File photo
Summerfield Town Manager Scott Whitaker has been authorized to sign documents transferring ownership of Summerfield Community Center on Centerfield Road and 16.8 acres containing the core of the town’s park, a lake and parking lots to the town of Summerfield. As part of the arrangement, Summerfield Community Center Inc., which has owned the property for decades, will also give the town $9,000 toward building repairs.
Road to the town. Its owner, Summerfield Community Center Inc., offered last year to deed the building and 16.8 acres containing the core of the town’s park, a lake and parking lots to Summerfield.
5 0 to authorize spending
6
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
as much as $9,000 on repairs to the community center building once the town owns it; $9,000 is the amount the building’s owner agreed to give the town as part of the transfer.
...continued on p. 34
Summerfield Fire District
Station 9
7400 Summerfield Road (336) 643-4341
summerfieldfire.com LIF
E SAFETY
Merry Christmas
from Summerfield Fire Department
Volunteers Needed It takes a special person to fill the boots of a volunteer firefighter.
No experience necessary • Free training Visit us online at summerfieldfire.com and click “Community” for information about volunteering
DON’T FORGET – it’s a good time to check your smoke alarms and practice your fire escape plan!
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!
Station 29
1800 Scalesville Road (336) 643-5950
Station 39
6214 Lake Brandt Road (336) 643-2253
facebook.com/SummerfieldFireDistrict
EMERGENCY DIAL 911
OAK RIDGE town council
Dec. 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 and Martha Pittman present. Councilman Doug Nodine was absent. The meeting was recorded and livestreamed on the town’s Facebook page and its YouTube channel. Oak Ridge resident Steve Jolly offered the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC SAFETY Sheriff’s Office. Master Corporal D.C. Brewer reported the sheriff’s District 1 office responded to 99 calls in Oak Ridge in November; of these, he said two incidents related to assaults, two to thefts from vehicles and two to residential burglaries. Oak Ridge Fire Department. Chief Ken Gibson reported the department responded to 71 calls last month, of which 41 were EMS-related. Firefighters received 157 hours of training. Gibson turned to the audience as
he spoke, prompting a request from Councilman George McClellan that he face the council.
4 0: Adopt the town’s holiday and meeting schedules for 2021 4 0: Amend the town’s budget to allocate $5,300 to Oak Ridge Mili-
tary Academy
“I kind of like to address everyone,” Gibson responded.
Youth Association
MANAGER’S REPORT
4 0: Approve the town’s annual usage agreement with Oak Ridge
4 0 to adopt the town’s holiday schedule for 2021, setting the days that Town Hall will be closed to the public; the schedule follows the state of North Carolina’s schedule for nine holidays, starting with New Year’s Day Jan. 1.
get to allocate $5,300 to Oak Ridge Military Academy (ORMA). Last year’s Christmas open house in Maple Glade, the traditional home of the school’s headmaster, raised the money to help with restoration and maintenance of historic buildings on the campus. The event was organized by the town’s Historic Preservation Commission and Special Events Committee.
By unanimous vote, the council also adopted dates for next year’s meetings of the council, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Planning and Zoning Board, Historical Preservation Commission and Board of Adjustment.
Plans to award the money to ORMA in the fiscal year that ended June 30 were delayed, prompting Town Manager Bill Bruce’s request for the amendment to draw the funds from the current budget.
Budget amendment
NEW BUSINESS
2021 holiday, meeting schedules
4 0 to amend the town’s bud-
EXCEPTIONAL CARE
Dr. Lorczak and his staff pride themselves on providing you with the calm, gentle care necessary to promote the body’s natural healing ability.
Free consultation! Dr. Lorczak has studied ART (Active Release Technique)
Oak Ridge Business Center, Linville Rd & NC 68 | (336) 644-8078 | orchiro.com
8
Mayor Ann Schneider, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan and Martha Pittman voted on the following items during the Dec. 3 council meeting. Councilman Doug Nodine was absent.
“Your report is to us,” the councilman said.
Since 2008
Dr. David Lorczak
WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted:
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
ORYA usage agreement
4 0 to approve the town’s annual usage agreement with Oak Ridge Youth Association (ORYA). The 2021 agreement provides a $30,000 stipend from Oak Ridge to ORYA to 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 and policy as the six-month agreement approved by the council in July, Bruce noted. In early 2020, Mayor Ann Schneider called for the creation of a youth sports subcommittee to explore the relationship between the town and
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
ORYA and seek ways to improve the annual usage agreement between the two parties. The six-month agreement approved last July incorporated recommendations of the subcommittee that remain part of the proposed agreement for next year. During its Nov. 19 meeting, the town’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted unanimously to recommend the council approve the proposed agreement. The new agreement includes the introduction of the $30,000 subsidy – essentially a pool of money to help offset ORYA’s expenses. The town used a fee schedule to put a value on ORYA’s usage of Oak Ridge’s fields and services, said Pittman, who led the youth sports subcommittee. “This whole thing has been an effort to quantify the subsidy,” she said, estimating the town had historically provided about $25,000 annually to the association. Councilman Jim Kinneman, who also served on the subcommittee, said that in the new agreement ORYA is basically getting a $30,000 credit “that they can use to counter the usage… When that $30,000 is finished, they start paying like anyone else would pay for use of the fields.”
...continued on p. 13
e d i u G t f i G
Eat Local. Shop Local. Enjoy Local.
Join us in supporting our local businesses this holiday season Join us for
Mimosa Monday Dec. 21, 12-6 pm
Bring some friends and enjoy a mimosa while you shop. Mimosas served all day!
8220 Hwy 68 N, Stokesdale | (336) 644-9908 www.stonefieldcellars.com
Store Hours
Sun & Mon CLOSED Tues -Fri 12pm - 6pm Sat 10am - 4pm CLOSED 12/24/20 - 1/01/21
Men’s Night
Dec. 22, 12-8 pm 5-8 pm, Beer Served Men, tell you friends to come hang out, drink a beer, and get some shopping done. EVERYONE WELCOME!
2204 Oak Ridge Rd., OAK RIDGE 336.441.8011
8414 US 158, STOKESDALE 336.298.4356
Shop Local
Gifts. Furniture. Home Decor. Clothing. Jewelry & More.
www.pineappleporch.com
L
ocal Wine for You and Yours • Assorted Wine Gift Sets • Gift Certificates • Unique Gifts for Wine Lovers • 5% off all take home bottles, 10% off cases
Northwest Observer Gift Guide
DEC. 17 - JAN. 6
9
Celebrate the holidays with something from
WE’RE OPEN! JEWELRY POTTERY ORIGINAL ARTWORK
Cass Jewelers Private Framing Consultations Available!
Tues.-Thurs. Noon to 5pm — Fri. Noon to 6pm Sat. 10am to 6pm – Sun. 1pm to 5pm 336.298.4502 - 336.508.2010 cel.
4533 US HWY 220 N/Battleground Ave. Summerfield, North Carolina
MERRY FITNESS
Buy 4 sessions and get one FREE offer expires 12/30/20
Give the gift of fitness.
Chris works with athletes of all ages, experience levels, and abilities to accomplish their goals, helping them to get stronger, faster, and ahead of their competition.
Support small local business
Ask us about our safe shopping experience For more information, contact Chris Jessup
336.686.0692 | cjessup.fit@gmail.com 10 DEC. 17 - JAN. 6
Northwest Observer Gift Guide
336.292.1736 | cassjewelers.com 4008-G Battleground Avenue. Just minutes away from the NW area.
Convenient to Summerfield, Oak Ridge, Stokesdale
LO
, CAL
DELI
IQUE
C
Give the gift of music this holiday season
GIFT
S
Local. Delicious. Unique.
music lessons (virtual & in-person)
instruments
Country Store & Working Mill
print music (25% off) accessories (20% off)
www.oldmillofguilford.com
Open daily 9am-5pm | (336) 643-4783 1340 Hwy 68 N, Oak Ridge
(special pricing in December)
Eat, Drink, & Be Merry
Browse our country store or order online for pick-up and shipment
delicious food is on everyone’s Christmas list
Get a $50 gift card for just $40 Offer EXPIRES Dec. 24, 2020; gift cards REDEEMABLE after Christmas
Gift baskets available.
336.643.6359
615 West Market Street, Greensboro 336.274.4636 mooremusiccompany.com
Bistro150nc.com Oak Ridge Commons shopping center
Wide selection of products made at the Mill and by local artists.
Thank you for supporting our local businesses this holiday season
Holiday Store brought to you by
Moravia Moravian Church Open now through Christmas Eve
Mon-Thurs 12 pm - 6 pm |Fri-Sat 10 am - 6 pm |Sun CLOSED NEW LOCATION: 2205-Q, Oak Ridge Commons, Oak Ridge (In the Oak Ridge Room next to Bistro 150)
Moravian Cookies, Candles, Pear & Apple Butter, Sugarcake Special orders for fresh products
Northwest Observer Gift Guide
DEC. 17 - JAN. 6 11
STOKESDALE town council
Dec. 10 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by PATTI STOKES Mayor John Flynt called the monthly council meeting to order at 7 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Thearon Hooks, council members Derek Foy, Jimmy Landreth and Jim Rigsbee connected to the Zoom meeting virtually, as did the town attorney, clerk, planner and about 10 citizens.
Annual Audit. Flynt said a representative from the town’s accounting/auditing firm had called at 4 p.m. to say the annual audit report is complete but couldn’t be presented until minutes from six budget meetings held last spring have been finalized. “This was the first we heard of that,” Flynt said. “I knew we had to get the minutes, but we didn’t realize we had to get them before they presented the audit.” The minutes must be
completed by Dec. 31.
ADMIN REPORT TTHM levels. Town clerk Alisa Houk said the levels of TTHM (trihalomethanes) in the town’s water system continue to be normal. Water system. The town billed 584 customers in November, an increase of six, and sold 10 new water meters. Facebook issues. Houk said Total Computer Solutions has provided a temporary workaround to the town’s Facebook issues, but she still can’t reply to anyone posting a question via Facebook. Security system. Blaney Electric is confirming the location of utility lines in the park so they can run a trench for Sentry Watch.
State audit. Houk said she and Flynt had met with state auditors earlier in the week and Stokesdale’s financial records received a clean bill of health. Subdivision map. Hazen & Sawyer continues its work on a map of all the subdivisions in progress so the town can assess future water system needs. Water tank. SME recently inspected the town’s water tank and gave it a clean bill of health. Car lot. Houk said several people had inquired about the car lot at the N.C. 68 and U.S. 158 intersection “where it seemed like cars were just being dumped and left there.” Per the property owner, the tenant has been asked to vacate the property, remove any salvage vehicles immediately, remove all other vehicles and clean up the site by Feb. 2. Audio/visual equipment. Councilman Derek Foy said the new audio/visual equipment in Town Hall should be installed next week; equipment and installation cost will be covered by a $53,000 grant the town has received from Guilford
County through the federal CARES Act.
FINANCIAL
Foy gave the financial report on behalf of Town Finance Officer Kim Thacker. He said interest rates on 12-month CDARS were about 2% but are renewing at only .24%. “We’ll hope for a higher rate of return next year,” Foy said, noting CDARS contribute significantly to the town’s revenue flow; the town has $2.9 million in CDARS in its general fund.
SunTrust account. As a result of the SunTrust and BB&T merger last year, the SunTrust branch in Stokesdale will transition to BB&T in Oak Ridge, under the new corporate name of Truist Bank.
5 0 to close the SunTrust checking account and transfer the funds to Fidelity Bank. CITIZEN COMMENTS (none) PUBLIC HEARING: Rezoning Town Planner Oliver Bass presented
...continued on p. 14
Choose your nearest location, and stop in today to experience the Tire Max difference! Stokesdale
BECAUSE EVERY STOP COUNTS. BECAUSE EVERY THE MICHELIN PREMIER A/S TIRE STOP COUNTS. ®
THE MICHELIN PREMIER A/S TIRE ®
GET STOPPING POWER THAT ACTUALLY LASTS. Copyright © 2019 Michelin North America, Inc. All rights reserved. The Michelin Man is a registered trademark owned by Michelin North America, Inc.
12
7705 Highway 68 N (336) 642-3580
Summerfield
4420 US Highway 220N (336) 810-8250
®
GET STOPPING POWER THAT ACTUALLY LASTS. ®
Located at Kings Crossing
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
Madison
706 Burton Street (336) 642-3460
High Point
619 Greensboro Road (336) 827-9112
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
NEWEST LOCATION High Point 2410 Eastchester Dr (336) 842-0212
OAK RIDGE TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 8 Aside from negotiating the subsidy, the town and ORYA leaders gained “a greater understanding” of their relationship and improved communications between the groups, Schneider said, noting the council will retain its representation on ORYA’s board.
PUBLIC COMMENTS High speed internet
Anne Lang, a resident of Sapp Acres Lane off N.C. 68, said she and three other homeowners in the area have made arrangements with Spectrum to extend high speed internet services to their homes. However, a nearby property owner has refused to allow for the installation of Spectrum’s equipment on a utility pole on his property. As a result, Spectrum is unwilling to proceed with the installation, she said. The property owner “has decided to charge me $2,500 so that I can buy that air space,” Lang told the council. “Any advice from any of you? I hope someone can think of something to help us.” Later, Town Attorney Michael Thomas said the dispute is “a private matter.”
COMMUNITY UPDATES Special Events Committee. A report by Chair Patti Dmuchowski said last
month’s open house for the proposed veterans’ memorial gathered input from residents that will be reviewed and incorporated into the final design of the memorial. She added the committee is also considering possible names for the memorial, slated for construction on the Whitaker property on Linville Road.
Mountains-to-Sea Trail Committee. A report by co-chairs Bill Royal and Anne Steele said the completion of a bridge across a tributary of the Haw River now connects two sections of the 1.2-mile trail northwest of Oak Ridge. The trail is being added to Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail’s official online route map and guide of the trail, which runs statewide from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. A report by Vice Chair Phyllis Anders said that since the town’s application for a N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund matching grant for Whitaker property improvements had been turned down for this year, the town plans to apply for a matching grant again next year.
far during the COVID-19 ing weeks is encouraging, outbreak, most kinderthe council members NEXT MEETING gartners through agreed. Even so, second graders Kinneman said “we Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021 • 7pm have returned have another six Visit website for details to classes while months of tough CONTACT YOUR TOWN older students haul” before the (336) 644-7009 continue to vaccine is widely ssmith@oakridgenc.com study remotely, administered. www.oakridgenc.com she said. Third In the year since through fifth gradbeing elected to the ers are slated to council, Pittman said return to their classshe believes town leadrooms next month. ers have accomplished their goals despite disruptions caused by COUNCIL COMMENTS COVID-19. McClellan and Kinneman urged residents to take precautions to mini“I don’t think it has hampered us” mize spread of the coronavirus. due to efforts by town staff and council members, she said.
“Wear the doggone masks, even though it’s frustrating,” McClellan said. The arrival of vaccinations in com-
Holidays Tracy Williams, attorney
(336) 643-8984
and their families
Full service medicine, surgery and dentistry Surgical and therapeutic laser Grooming available
Wendy Camp, DVM | Karen Nasisse, DVM
1692-J NC Hwy 68 N, Oak Ridge • (336) 643-8984 nwanimalhospitalnc.com
The meeting was adjourned at 7:56 p.m.
Happy
Oak Ridge Elementary School. A report by Principal Penny Loschin said she expects traffic to increase around the school in January with the return of students from all grades. So
NORTHWEST Loving care for pets ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Schneider joined other council members in wishing the community happy holidays.
from all of us at
Barbour & Williams Law 8004 Linville Road, Suite E-3, Oak Ridge
(336) 643-4623 • barbourwilliams.com • Estate Planning (Wills & Trusts) Trust Administration • Corporate Work • Real Estate Matters
Probate & Estate Administration
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
13
STOKESDALE TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 12 an application to amend zoning conditions for property at 7721 and 7723 N.C. 68 N, on the west side of N.C. 68, from CU-HB to CZ-HB. The applicants wish to add a warehouse for selfstorage to the list of permitted uses. The property is undeveloped, surrounded by low-density residential and AG, and will be served by Stokesdale’s water system. Bass said staff recommends approval, although the proposed use is inconsistent with the Stokesdale Future Land Use Plan, which recommends industrial development be concentrated on U.S. 158. Warehouse storage in the town’s highway business district cannot exceed five acres. The town’s Planning Board voted to recommend approving the application. With no one indicating they wished to speak for or against the request, Flynt closed the public comments section of the hearing and motioned to deny the request; Mayor Pro Tem Hooks seconded. After discussion (see News Briefs, p. 2), Medlin advised the council to wait for at least 24 hours for additional public comments before voting (due to the hearing being conducted virtually)..
5 0 to vote on the application at
a special call meeting Sunday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m. UPDATE: At the Dec. 13 special call meeting, the council voted 3-2 to approve the application, with Flynt and Hooks opposed.
PUBLIC HEARING Coldwater Road, AG to RS-40. Bass presented the rezoning application for 11.89 acres on Coldwater Road, just north of U.S. 158 at the Forsyth County line; the acreage in Stokesdale and Guilford County is part of a 77.28-acre tract, 66.39 acres of which are in Forsyth County.
Proponents Paul Holst with First Carolina Homes said he plans to develop the property for 56 lots, 55 of which are in Forsyth
14
Land acquisition. Councilman Jim Rigsbee said the town made an offer to the Joyce Trust for 9.5 acres adjacent to Stokesdale Town Park; the offer was lower than the appraisal value. “For the right price it would be a good acquisition for the town,” Foy said, noting the purchase could coincide with a matching grant from the state and the property could be used by many organizations and groups in the community. The seller has received two other offers, both higher than the town’s offer, Rigsbee said.
to transition Stokesdale customers to an every-other-week recycling schedule, but plans to do that this spring. “We would like to extend the endof-term agreement for one year and implement every-other-week recycling in the spring, which gives us time to notify customers, get containers out, and educate customers on what is recyclable,” Krasienko said, noting rates would remain the same during this time. Foy commended Republic for improved communication to customers, but expressed concern about lapses in service over the summer “that were unexplainable.” Jorge Fernandez, a Stokesdale resident who is now Republic’s general manager hauling, acknowledged problems the company experienced this past summer, but said they had worked hard to fix them. “It’s been a tough year,” Fernandez said. “We’ve had unprecedented growth, coupled with COVID. After I came in, we went from 19 drivers to 29 drivers. We have switched out every single supervisor and our call (complaint) volume has been reduced significantly. We have invested in staff, two more routes in Stokesdale and more assets. Service is a big focus for us.” When asked, Houk said citizen complaints about Republic have “fallen off dramatically.” Fernandez offered his email address and said complaints should be sent directly to him. When asked about the recycling market, Krasienko said China’s restrictions have impacted it, but 97+% of recyclables collected in the U.S. stay in the country.
Republic Services. Tony Krasienko, municipal sales manager for Republic Services, requested the company’s franchise agreement with the town to handle its waste and recycling collection be extended an additional year beyond its end date, with a price freeze. Krasienko said due to COVID and the tremendous increase in curbside garbage pickup (up by about 17%), the company has not implemented its plan
Water system supply. Regarding expanding Stokesdale’s water system outside the town’s jurisdiction, i.e., when water lines are extended to the development on Coldwater Creek, Foy asked who would own the water system assets (fire hydrants, etc.). “Same as inside our limits,” Flynt responded. “Any developer has to extend
County and one in Guilford County and Stokesdale. Holst explained a public road is proposed through the Stokesdale portion of the property to provide access to the Forsyth County portion, along with an extension of the Stokesdale water system, and that requires the property be rezoned for residential use. As required for virtual meetings, council did not vote on the rezoning to allow a 24-hour period for additional public comments.
5 0 (at a special call meting
Dec. 13) to approve the rezoning request.
OLD BUSINESS Cruise-Thru. Foy reminded everyone of the upcoming Stokesdale Christmas Cruise-Thru and Good Samaritan Ministries’ food drive on Dec. 12 and thanked the Events Committee for their hard work in planning the event. (See photos, comments on p. 36 and at Facebook.com/NorthwestObserver.)
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
5 0 to approve extending Republic’s franchise agreement for one year with no cost increase.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
water lines to our specs, pay the entire cost, and then warrant the materials and work for one year; afterward it becomes the property of the town of Stokesdale.” When Foy asked who is responsible for maintaining the water lines, Houk confirmed it is the town’s responsibility and they are treated the same outside the town’s jurisdiction as if inside. Foy then asked if Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County, which sells water to Stokesdale, has agreed to the town selling water outside its limits, and Flynt said, “Yes – they asked us to do it.” Medlin noted a condition of Forsyth County’s approval for rezoning the Coldwater Road property that is within its county limits was that the development get its water from Stokesdale. Flynt noted a similar situation will be occurring on Happy Hill Road, where portions of a proposed development fall within Stokesdale’s limits and two other jurisdictions. Though Stokesdale has not been contacted, it was stated in a public hearing that the town will be supplying water to homes in that development. Foy asked if Stokesdale’s 300,000-gallons-per-day allotment from Forsyth County has been taken into account and Flynt answered the average consumption of water in Stokesdale is 110,000 gallons a day, with Culp and Countryside among the highest users. Winston-Salem has indicated it is willing to increase the town’s water capacity if needed. Landreth asked who approved the town supplying water to the Coldwater Road development, which led to a lengthy discussion. The developer will pay the entire cost of extending the water lines up Coldwater Road about 5,000 feet, Flynt said, noting this will add about $175,000 of value to the town’s water system. Additionally, $750 impact fees for each of 56 houses will bring in several thousand more dollars and each homeowner pays a $25 base rate per month for administrative fees. The town will also profit from the sale
of water to each customer, Flynt said, adding, “Winston-Salem has been our best friend on this water (purchase).” Foy then said it was common in North Carolina to charge a premium for any water customers outside a town’s jurisdiction and suggested changing the town’s water ordinance to have insideand outside-Stokesdale rates. As an example, he said Walnut Cove charges a 73% premium for supplying water outside its jurisdiction. Flynt argued vehemently that this could strain the town’s relationship with Forsyth County.
“They’re asking us as a favor to serve these customers ... think about this, two years ago we renegotiated a rate and they cut it almost in half; and they put automatic flushers on their side of the meter,” he said. “… If I were them, I’d say you might just find yourself another source of water.” Foy said the town pays Forsyth County about $200,000 a year for water and is a valued customer. Holst, the developer on Coldwater Road, said when he was analyzing costs, he looked at alternatives to Stokesdale supplying water to his development, including installing a community well system through Aqua North Carolina. “Aqua is already cheaper than Stokesdale,” he said. “So, for cost, we could have put in a community well … but based on reliability it looked like a more favorable rate (to purchase water from Stokesdale) ... if you increased the rate, we would do the math.” Rigsbee asked if it would cost much more to service the new homes on Coldwater Road and Houk said no, because the meters will be directly across the street from the town’s chlorine station.
COUNCIL HIRES CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
As the debate about whether to charge customers outside the town’s jurisdiction more for water continued, Rigsbee noted this was a bigger discussion than just the development on Coldwater Road.
...continued from p. 1
“Why upset the apple cart when we’re making money right now?” Flynt asked. “I understand using this development as a trial, but if we don’t have a policy upfront and then we raise rates later, that looks like a bait-and-switch to me,” Foy said. “If this were totally out of city limits, it would be an up or down vote, but both projects (including the one on Happy Hill Road) are going to be mixed (with part in Stokesdale and parts in bordering jurisdictions),” Landreth said, then asked again who decided to supply water outside the town’s jurisdiction. To that, Flynt responded he had been approached several months ago by Courtney Driver (director of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities), who asked if Stokesdale would be interested in serving the subdivision as a favor to them. “I said, that’s great, and I didn’t go to the other council members,” Flynt said. “I’m just asking,” Landreth said. “If it had gone to council five or six months ago, we wouldn’t be having this discussion tonight. I would probably have voted for it ... I’m just talking about the process.”
...continued on p. 47
to the east, N.C. 150 to the south and Summerfield Road to the west, near the existing Town Hall. Council member Teresa Pegram voted against hiring Samet, saying she doesn’t think Summerfield needs a new town hall. “We know you have a budget of $3.5 million, and we’re going to work hard with (architectural firm) Creech & Associates to make sure that budget is achieved,” Samet regional vice president Ken Grube told the council. Town Manager Scott Whitaker and council members revived discussions about a new town hall last February during the council’s annual retreat. Efforts to construct a new building reach back to 2004, when town leaders prepared – but didn’t pursue – architectural plans for a facility on the town’s property on Summerfield Road at Rhondan Road, next to Fire Station No. 9, according to Whitaker. Pegram and Don Wendelken, administrator of Summerfield Scoop’s Facebook page and occasional in-print newspaper, criticized the council last week for what they claimed had been a lack of public discussion about the location for the new town hall.
Check out our $2 OFF Tuesday deal Every TUESDAY use code 184490 at either pay point and receive $2 off any car wash
touchless wash • soft bristled brushes new automated system • all new vacuums • updated wash bays under NEW management • open 24 hours daily for convenient use
oak ridge • 336.643.3661 www.prestigecarwash.biz
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
“You’re talking about major, major expenses,” Wendelken said, “and the public knows very little, if anything, about the details.” Whitaker disputed Wendelken’s claim, saying the council decided during its retreat in February to proceed with planning for a town hall. Later, 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. The council also approved the town’s five-year CIP (capital improvements plan) that appropriates $3.5 million for total expenses for a new facility. “From my standpoint, we’ve identified the place (and) the price,” Whitaker said. “We certainly aren’t holding anything back.” During public meetings, council members have discussed two townowned tracts as a possible location for the town hall. The first is the one it selected, known as the northern Gordon property. The town bought the land and the nearby historic Gordon Hardware store building at the corner of Summerfield Road and N.C. 150 in 2014. The council also discussed building on 28 acres the town purchased from Ron and Linda Vandergrift in 2016. That location would put the building close to the town park and Summerfield Community Center on Centerfield Road, Pegram pointed out to fellow council members last week. Whitaker said the town wants to preserve the 28-acre tract as open space and as a trailhead for the extension of the Atlantic and Yadkin Greenway into Summerfield.
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
15
new advertiser INTRODUCTIONS Welcome to our new advertisers!
Thank you to the businesses, organizations and individuals who advertise in the Northwest Observer and make it possible to provide this community resource at no charge to our readers.
Wilson Septic Pumping & Repair “Family owned and operated since 1972” Wilson Septic Pumping & Repair’s owner, Johnny Wilson, has lived in Stokesdale all his life, just as three generations of his family before him. He is a lifetime member of Stokesdale Baptist Church, and is proud to share that he got saved at age 10 (“Ain’t God good?” is displayed on the side of his company’s truck) and as an adult, has volunteered as a youth Sunday School teacher. Wilson has two daughters from his first marriage, a son with his second
wife and another son who the couple adopted; until they adopted their son Wilson and his wife served as foster parents in Guilford County. As a young boy, Wilson said he worked part-time as a janitor and helped his uncles working in tobacco after school and in the summer. After he went to work full-time, he continued helping one of his uncles install septic tank systems. In 1992 his uncle changed the focus of his business from installing septic systems to pumping them out; when his uncle retired in 2018 Wilson bought the business from him. “Wilson Septic has always been a
...continued on p. 22
HOT. RAIN. COLD.
Tested for every weather extreme.
IN MEMORY OF Bree Anne Tanner, Nov. 16, 1983 – Nov. 6, 2020 Bree Anne Tanner departed this earth on Friday, Nov. 6. In a year where the world was marked with so much tragedy and heartache, Bree struggled to find a new beginning for her life. She did find it, just not in a way that her loved ones hoped. No matter what pain and suffering she endured, she always believed that the Lord could heal and make all things new. That trust was not disappointed. For He has made her anew in His presence and she has found the peace that eluded her for so much of her later life. Those who grew up with Bree remember a girl who had a flare for drama. She loved inventing new schemes and plays for her neighborhood girlfriends. There was never a doubt that she was the boss and her word was law. Yet, as a benevolent ruler, she made sure to include even her most hated of enemies (one of her sisters, depending on the day of the week). As she continued to dabble in playwriting throughout her early childhood
years, most of Bree’s performances would include a dance recital of some sort. Her audience was given strict instructions to sit in rapt attention of her lyrical movements. But such dictates were hardly needed, for she was, indeed, an enchanting dancer. It was a passion she pursued through most of her teen and college years. Those who were blessed to see her dance could hardly call her performances anything less than mesmerizing. Bree is survived by her children: Gabriel, 16, Kayla, 13, Mikey, 9, and Sawyer Lee Pope, 4 (adopted by Caleb & Kaitlynn Pope); her parents, Van and Gina Tanner of Oak Ridge; her sisters, Cassidy Price and Summer Tanner; grandmother, Shirley Walker of Ocoee, Florida; and nephews, Nevan Tanner and Torris Price III. Bree’s career was marked by her passion to enrich the lives of those with disabilities. In lieu of flowers, her family asks for donations to be sent to Mount Jubilee Ministries, a nonprofit that provides for underserved adults with disabilities. Donations can be mailed to Mount Jubilee Ministries, P.O. Box 81, Reidsville, NC 27323, or made online at www.mountjubilee.org/ donate/.
7101 US 158, Stokesdale NEW SYSTEM INSTALLATION • SERVICE • REPAIR
Ask about special financing
Subject to credit approval, see store for details
share
memories
of your
loved one
with your friends and neighbors for In Memory Of rates email: info@nwobserver.com • call: 644-7035, ext. 10
16
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
20
Housing market buoyed by low rates, COVID-19 recovery Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO
Pallets of bricks await construction of another house in The Farm at Oak Ridge where Realtor DeDe Cunningham said historically low mortgage rates and the desire for more at-home work space are spurring sales. On average, fixed rates on 30-year mortgages are projected to fall to 2.8% in the fourth quarter, down from 3% in the third quarter, according to Fannie Mae. The government-sponsored mortgage loan company forecasts rates will stay at 2.8% in 2021.
family seeks ‘dialogue’ 18 Doggett with Summerfield over land ponds to be 19 Woodlands, preserved in Oak Ridge Landing subdivision, developers say
rezoning request 22 ‘Backwards’ goes residential to agricultural
Doggett family seeks ‘dialogue’ with Summerfield over land by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – The family that owns Doggett Construction Co. wants to talk to Summerfield leaders about the potential for development of two tracts of land on U.S. 220 at N.C. 150. The contiguous parcels at 4961 and 4963 U.S. 220 North are located at the southwestern corner of the intersection. The 4.72 acres is being offered for sale at $595,000, according to the listing by NAI Piedmont Triad agent Sam Munday. Deb Allman explained her family’s position in a letter to Summerfield Mayor BJ Barnes in October. Allman is the daughter of Truman Doggett, who died in August at the age of 91, and his widow, Judy. The couple started Doggett Construction Co., a three-generation family business in Summerfield. Allman
manages an entity called Generations Acquisition Group LLC (GAG) that acquires and rents residential properties. It owns the two tracts on U.S. 220. “lt remains important to us – especially to Judy Doggett and the memory of Truman Doggett – that the development of GAG’s parcels contribute to the growth of the Town in a welcome way,” Allman told Barnes in the letter. She added that she and Sam Munday, a Realtor representing GAG, would be happy to discuss options with Summerfield leaders if the parcels “can be integral to the town’s longrange planning.” In an interview with the Northwest Observer last month, Allman said “the overarching purpose of the letter was to simply open a dialogue with the town of Summerfield. The town is engaging in some long-range planning
Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO
The owner of two contiguous parcels for sale at U.S. 220 and N.C. 150 seeks input from Summerfield Town Council in developing the property.
and we’d like to understand how the development of our parcels is consistent with the town’s vision.”
“what types of development does the town envision there? What would the community embrace?”
Allman said she doesn’t envision a particular type of development for the property. Rather, she said, she’s asking
Mayor Barnes mentioned Allman’s letter during Summerfield Town Council’s Nov. 10 meeting.
Precision Tune-ups
can save you up to 30% on energy costs* We Guarantee Your Comfort An EANES Precision Tune-up for your HVAC system is simply the best thing you can do to guarantee your comfort all season long. Our NATE certified technicians will ensure your system is operating at maximum efficiency with energy savings up to 30 percent.*
89 9
99
$
per system
(Regularly $118) 8)
We Service ALL Brands High Point 336-883-3903
Greensboro 336-294-8044
Winston-Salem 336-727-0120
* Actual savings may vary. Offer ends 05/31/20. Restrictions apply.
18
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
EanesComfort.com
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
“We’ve missed a giant in Summerfield with the loss of Truman Doggett,” Barnes said. “And I think his family is still invested here and they still want to continue being a positive force in this town.” Several years ago, Allman and Munday talked to former Summerfield Mayor Mark Brown and town planners about “a number of scenarios for developing GAG’s parcels,” according to her letter. Discussions ended after the town bought property fronting U.S. 220 just north of GAG’s tracts. In the interview, Allman said her family would prefer to sell the property to a developer rather than develop the land themselves. She wrote in the letter that her family was pleased to learn that municipal water and sewer services may be extended to the area. “Having additional public utilities might allow us to attract end users that would otherwise find the sites
unsuitable,” she wrote. A proposal by Summerfield Farms owner David Couch would extend water and sewer lines from the city of Greensboro for the residential and commercial development of 650 acres around Couch’s wedding and events venue on Pleasant Ridge Road. Planning is in its early stages, with the development proposal requiring the approval of elected officials in Summerfield, Greensboro and Guilford County. If water and sewer services were extended to Summerfield Farms, they could possibly be run to other areas of Summerfield, including the U.S. 220 corridor, according to Couch. If its cost could be justified, extending water and sewer service to the U.S. 220 tracts would “simply remove a layer of constraint” for a developer, Allman said in the interview. “Towards that end, it has the potential to permit site development that is more aesthetically pleasing.”
Woodlands, ponds to be preserved in Oak Ridge Landing subdivision, developers say
Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO
The developer of Oak Ridge Landing on N.C. 150 plans to sell lots around this lake as part of a design taking advantage of the rolling woodlands bisected by streams. The abandoned boathouse shown in photo will be torn down.
by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – The father-and-daughter team developing Oak Ridge Landing plans to take advantage of the rolling woodlands crisscrossed by creeks in designing the sub-
division on N.C. 150, behind Oak Ridge United Methodist Church. Barry Siegel and his daughter, Amanda Williams, are removing trees to make way
...continued on p. 22
Fa La La in love with a new home 336-312-4543
Erin Henry, Ashley Fitzsimmons and Kelly Creed
Happy Holidays
from the Fitzsimmons Group The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
19
Housing market buoyed by low rates, COVID-19 recovery Combination of lower borrowing costs and demand for bigger living, working spaces boosting northwest Guilford sales, Realtors and builders say by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – Some buyers are designing their new houses in the Farm at Oak Ridge with not just one, but two offices to accommodate couples working from home in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Outdoors, others are building swimming pools and entertainment areas as they anticipate continuing to spend more time at home even after the threat of the virus wanes. “I’m seeing more desire for home
offices and outdoor space,” said Keller Williams Realtor DeDe Cunningham, listing agent for the Farm at Oak Ridge subdivision on N.C. 150. One buyer told the agent her family wants to entertain at home because “we feel safer there.” The coronavirus essentially shut down the real estate market for several weeks last spring, but housing sales have surged in the months since as the economy has moved toward recovery. In the midst of it all, the lingering virus has shifted work and living habits for families, a trend that may gain as the holiday surge in COVID-19 cases is bringing back public gathering restrictions. “You’re going to see more people working full-time and part-time from home,” said Gil Vaughan, a Keller Williams agent.
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
20
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
Adobe Stock photo
With interest rates remaining low and many employees continuing to work from home for the foreseeable future, homeowners are searching for new houses with more private work space as well as outdoor living amenities. payments are now comparable to rent.
“I don’t think we’ll ever go back to the way it was. Too many people have gotten accustomed to working from home.” As a result, families are spending on bigger houses and renovations such as converting spare rooms into offices, confirmed other northwest Guilford real estate agents and builders. On top of that, historically low interest rates are fueling housing sales. “You would have thought COVID would slow things down, but it really hasn’t at all,” said Phillip Stone, who owns A New Dawn Realty in Stokesdale with his mother, Dawn. “It has actually heightened activity as people working from home decided to remodel or sell and purchase bigger homes. As long as there are no major changes with the economy, the trends should continue.” Cunningham said she believes low rates are largely responsible for higher housing sales, and in some cases, renters are buying houses because mortgage
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
“Whether we had COVID or not, we were going to have a bang-up year,” Cunningham said. “The rates are causing people to move.” On average, fixed rates on 30-year mortgages are projected to decline to 2.8% in the fourth quarter, down from 3% in the third quarter, according to Fannie Mae, the government-sponsored mortgage loan company. It forecasts rates will stay at 2.8% in 2021. Ramifications from the virus have also contributed to sales. Among her clients buying new houses, Allen Tate affiliate Betty Smith is working with families who have both parents working from home while their children are attending school remotely. “They all need quiet spaces, and their homes aren’t big enough (to accommodate that),” said Smith, president of Smith Marketing Inc. Several of those families are moving from Greensboro into northwestern and northern Guilford County, she said. Smith and other Realtors said
demand for housing has been so strong that sellers are often getting multiple bids for their houses, sometimes for more than list price. Summerfield-based Smith Marketing has about 10 houses in its inventory for sale, down from a normal level of about 50. “We’ve never been so low in inventory,� Smith said. “Right now, people are able to get a little bit of an inflated price for their house.� The latest housing statistics for northwest Guilford illustrate the rising prices amid tightening supply. The average sale price for houses in Oak Ridge and Summerfield climbed 14.6% to $479,148 in the third quarter compared to a year earlier, while advancing 7.2% to $335,627 in Stokesdale, according to the Greensboro Regional Realtors Association (GRRA). It cited statistics released by the Triad Multiple Listing Service. The inventory of houses on the market in Oak Ridge and Summerfield dropped 37.8% to 2.8 months in the third quarter, GRRA said. In Stokesdale, it sank 48.6% to 1.9 months. Higher prices for lumber, roofing shingles and other building materials are contributing to the costs of new homes. As an example, David Flanders, president of Builders MD, said he built a 4,000-square-foot
house in Summerfield two years ago that was listed for $689,000. The same house on a comparable lot would cost about $75,000 more today, he said. “Houses are more expensive, but people are getting more for (selling) their houses,� Flanders said. Trends are forecast to continue next year. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, projected that U.S. existing-home sales will rise by 10% to six million next year, fueled by the availability of a COVID-19 vaccine and mortgage rates projected to hover around 3%. In recent months, surging sales have offset declines last spring when coronavirus-related shutdowns dampened real estate activity across the country, Yun said in an NAR news release Nov. 19. The association reported U.S. existing-home sales rose 4.3% in October from September, marking a fifth consecutive month-over-month increase. “Considering that we remain in a period of stubbornly high unemployment relative to pre-pandemic levels, the housing sector has performed remarkably well this year,� Yun said. The healthy real estate market will mean a record 2020 for some northwest Guilford real estate agents and builders. Keller Williams’ Cunningham said she expects to generate $30.5 million in sales by the end of
December on the sale of 107 houses. She sold $30 million worth of houses in 2018, her previous record. “Business is as strong as it has ever been for us,� said Casey Johnson of Johnson & Lee, a custom home builder with about 20 houses completed or underway this year, an annual record for the company. “I don’t think we have anything major to worry about over the next year.� The lingering virus “is bringing business to us,� Johnson said. Not only are local buyers motivated by the desire to upgrade their houses amid low interest rates, but people living in northeastern or midwestern states such as New Jersey and Wisconsin are moving to northwestern Guilford County. “They are trying to get away from the big cities and the shutdowns� caused by the virus, Johnson said. Oak Ridge-based Builders MD is building six houses this year, with the number expected to at least double in 2021. “We’ve got 12 new houses scheduled for next year, but the calls keep coming,� Flanders said. “Between COVID and the interest rates, our business has increased,� he confirmed. “As long as rates stay low, our business is going to continue to grow. When the virus goes away, some people working from home may just stay at home.’’
Experience the joy of good vision this holiday season!
2205 Oak Ridge Road, Suite M, Oak Ridge | 336.560.2636 Also lo ated at 1 305 L ees Chapel Road, Suite 1 01 , Gree sboro | 33 . 271 . 2020
Make an appointment with our new a ociate, Dr. Angela Petracca!
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
21
INTRODUCTIONS ...continued from p. 16
family business and we try to make our customers feel like family,” Johnny said. Wilson Septic Pumping & Repair has excellent online reviews, and a customer recently wrote: “As a firsttime homeowner I had no idea how my septic system worked. Johnny Wilson took the time to explain it all to me as well as go through the entire system to make sure everything was working as it should. He found the pump/alarm floats to be set incorrectly and adjusted them. I’ve seen neighbors get their septic tank pumped and the truck drove all over their lawn. Wilson’s service had extralong hoses and did everything from the road. Came on time the morning after I called. Definitely will be using them again in the future!” Ain’t God Good
a safe, fun manner. Starting in 2006 with only a small handful of locations available, the company has grown tremendously, now covering 12 states! With its headquarters in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, all work is done virtually to assemble teams, recruit coaches and ship out those NFL flag jerseys and flag belts. Since we are so far away, our coordinators are unable to be at the fields to greet our families every weekend, so we ensure the friendliest and most footballloving individual is on site ready to make each game day the best possible experience it can be.
Our goal is for every athlete to have fun on the field each Sunday, and what better way to do that than with a group of your friends? Each registration can request up to two friends and even a coach to be assigned to. This offers a memorable experience for those parcoaching alongside their child, but 704-251-4501 info.nc@nationalflagfootball.com ents NationalFlagFootballNC.com also for each athlete who has a chance Septic PumpingGREENSBORO & Repair -toLEONARD REC CENTER play with their closest friends! Family owned & operated since 1972
Wilson
National Flag Football may have HIGH - HIGH POINT See ad on p.POINT 44 (336) 643-6427 been around for 14 years, but we are
Tank pumping, repairs, clogs, advice – ALL WITH A SMILE!
National Flag Discounts: mention this ad, veteran, senior citizen, cookies & milk Football
ATHLETIC COMPLEX
just getting started.
Find us on Google, neighborhood.com, FB
National Flag Football is one of the nation’s largest youth flag football leagues that allows both boys and girls to learn the game of football in
BOYS AND GIRLS
Flag football is perfect See ad on p. for beginning and experienced players. One-day a week, 2-hour commitment. Practices will run one hour before game time. Teams are made up by The Bullins family is here to help grade, school, and you from conception to completion buddy requests to make for a fun environment for everyone.
4
...continued from p. 19
for roads into the roughly 80-acre development. Otherwise, they’re preserving the rolling stands of oaks and other hardwoods and two ponds, according to Williams. “There is so much natural beauty that it would be a devastation to clear cut that property,” she said in an interview earlier this week. Most of the 47 lots will back up to a pond, creek or wooded area, she said. The lots will be available to builders next spring or summer, after the completion of roads and other infrastructure, Williams said. Realtors Nancy Hess and Jake Letterman of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty are marketing the development. Earlier, Williams and her father
4-14
OFF SIGN UP BY DEC. 31
Ray Bullins Construction Co., Inc. (336) 345-3263 | buildmanbrb@aol.com
raybullinsconstruction.com
developed the Eagle Ridge subdivision on Pleasant Ridge Road. Prices for houses in Oak Ridge Landing will start around $500,000, Williams said. The property is located in Oak Ridge’s town core and is zoned RS-40, requiring lots of 40,000 square feet, just shy of an acre. The North Carolina Department of Transportation required the developers to cut down two large oak trees to improve visibility for motorists at the subdivision’s entrance on N.C. 150, Williams said, adding that Oak Ridge United Methodist Church granted an easement on its property for the entrance. In exchange, Williams said the developers agreed to landscape and create berms to shield the entrance from the church’s property. At the request of the church, they also tore down a brick house on N.C. 150 owned by the church, she added.
‘Backwards’ rezoning request OAK RIDGE – As a real estate agent, Tammy Gardner said it may seem “backwards” that she and her home-building husband, Bryan, want to rezone nearly 25 acres of their property northwest of Oak Ridge from residential to agricultural. Five years ago, Bryan planned to build houses on the tract on Warner Road east of Happy Hill Road in Oak Ridge’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. As a result, the couple sought the rezoning of the 24.6 acres from agricultural to RS-40 (Residential). The Oak Ridge Town Council approved the request. Now the couple is trying to reverse the
Not your average AGES home builder
10 EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION
$
OAK RIDGE LANDING
zoning. The town’s Planning and Zoning Board will hear their request this Thursday, Dec. 17, to rezone the property from RS-40 to agricultural. Tammy serves on the board, so will request to be recused from the board’s discussion about the property. The Town Council will consider the rezoning request in a later meeting. The land is part of 87 acres on which the couple lives. “We decided not to build on it,” Tammy said in an interview earlier this week. “It is nice to have the country appeal.”
Rated
walravensignaturehomes.com (336) 442-8657 (Matt Walraven) (336) 207-7790 (office) Like us on Facebook
Mitch Bullins (center) with his parents, Lisa and Ray Bullins, at Ray Bullins Construction Co., Inc.
Brought to you by Smith Marketing
Brought to you by
We do the homework that sells homes Jason Smith: (336) 451-4921 • Tonya Gilbert: (336) 215-7138
smithmarketinginc.com
Linville Ridge, Bethel Ridge, Knight’s Landing – Oak Ridge Birkhaven – Summerfield Dawn Acres, NorthRidge, Charles Place – Stokesdale
•
When only the best will do Custom home building isn’t just our job, it’s our passion. With attention to detail at every step of the way, we’ll strive to make your home building process smooth and stress-free. Plus, we back every new home with a 1-year warranty. We hope you’ll work with us to build your next home – you won’t regret it!
We Build Quality Homes
(336) 420-8555
www.naylorcustomhomes.com (336) 382-9085 • naylorcustom@gmail.com
Brought to you by Smith Marketing
UND
TR A N O C ER
CT
7801 Honkers Hollow Dr., Stokesdale
Time-tested reputation of excellence in quality home building for over 35 years Designed and built
just for you!
Now building and developing in some of northwest Guilford County’s finest neighborhoods or wherever you want to be!
Belews Ridge • Birkhaven • Knights Landing North Ridge • Wolf Ridge From our family to yours – We wish you a Merry Christmas
From our homes t you a wonderful and a prosperous Don & Annette Mills
Don Mills Builders, Inc.
Ray & Lisa
Ray Bullins Cons
Francis, Patti & Mark Disney
Disney Construction Company
Scott Naylor
Naylor Custom Homes
Matt & Daniell
Walraven Signa
and a very Happy New Year! – Francis, Mark and Patti Disney
336-643-4219 • disneycustomhomes.com houzz.com/pro/disneyconstructionco
Rick & Mike Lee, Commie & Casey Johns
Johnson & Lee, LLC
Brought t
to yours, we wish l holiday season and healthy 2021!
a Bullins
Michael & Paige Friddle
struction Co.
Friddle and Company
Rich & Kathy Dumas
R&K Custom Homes
“We cannot say enough about their pride in workmanship and attention to detail. They were very involved in every aspect of our build and we always felt they treated our project as if it were their own. We commend Johnson & Lee for their work ethic and quality of service. We would definitely work with them again.� - Brandon & Paula Payne, Oak Ridge
le Walraven
Randy Dezern
ature Homes
son
BUILT CUSTOM-
RS Dezern Construction
Johnson & Lee completed this custom-built home in Oak Ridge at the end of 2019.
The Smith Marketing team
Smith Marketing, Inc.
to you by Smith Marketing
Mike Lee (336) 362.4462 Rick Lee (336) 362.4461
Casey Johnson (336) 706.1887 Commie Johnson (336) 706.2658
www.JohnsonandLeeLLC.com
r e n r o K ’ s id
Can you find the
K
10 differences?
Christmas WORD SEARCH G
I
N
G
E
R
B
R
E
A
D
M
Y
L
L
O
J
Y
L
L
O
H
G
N
I
E
F
A
M
I
L
Y
S
R
J
I
N
G
L
E
C
M
A
T
T
E
R
R
Y
N
N
G
E
L
O
J
S
T
N
E
M
A
N
R
O
C
I
L
E
N
M
E
N
R
R
L
K
L
O
R
N
I
C
K
W
Y
L
I
Y
R
O
L
S
W
K
L
L
Y
N
N
A
T
I
V
I
T
Y
R
E
G
K
C
I
N
T
N
I
A
S
T
Y
STOCKING
ORNAMENTS
HOLLY JOLLY
JINGLE
CAROLS
ANGEL
MERRY
FAMILY
WINTER
NATIVITY
SAINT NICK
GINGERBREAD
Thank you to Nicole Gillespie for making this week’s Kids’ Korner possible
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Despite the many challenges 2020 brought, thank you all for a wonderful year in real estate.
Nicole E. Gillespie SPS, REALTOR®/Broker RE/MAX Realty Consultants
336.210.3895 cell • 1.800.965.1893 efax • www.NicoleGillespieRealty.com 2019 Chairman’s Club | 2017 Hall of Fame Award Winner | Multi-Million Dollar Producer l 2015 & 2016 Platinum Club Recipient
COMFORTABLE
INVITING Don Mills BuilDers, inc. | (336) 362-1777 | www.donmillsbuilders.com
ELEGANT
mes? he Parade of Ho t d e s s i M Roost e see us at Owls
ns You ca
till com
c To v isit
Co-owners Don & Annette Mills
Brought to you by Smith Marketing
.362.1777 all Don at 336
KEY CLUB EXISTS TO SERVE ...continued from p. 3
but this is the first year we’re working with this group. It’s awful the stuff (these kids) have to go through, and we just want to do our part to help.” The recipients range in age from seven to 21 and are from different parts of the country. Their wish lists have been far ranging, from fishing rods and remote-control cars to necklaces and cookware. Probably one of the more unusual requests came from Brandon, a 16-year-old who asked for Playstation® gift cards – along with chips and Little Debbie cakes. Recognizing the importance of those Little Debbies to Brandon, Griggs said she’s been on a quest to find all different flavors of the brand’s Christmas tree cakes. Before the club’s officers met last Saturday to begin wrapping and packing gifts, club members had worked tirelessly to collect the requested items.
Grigg has been amazed at the generosity of members and their families, as well as other individuals and businesses. She shared stories about strangers who were willing to step up and help – like the manager at Kendra Scott, a Greensboro jewelry store. Key Club members went there to buy necklaces for five teenage girls and when the manager learned about what they were doing, she donated five additional necklaces.
“It’s cool to see the actual difference we’re making and it’s incredible to see everyone else is so willing to help,” Grigg said. Because of COVID, the group has
missed out on several projects they traditionally would have been involved with this year, but they’ve still found ways to serve. In addition to their annual Christmas project, Key Club members were involved with an outdoor school beautification project this year and did Trick or Treat for UNICEF. They’re planning to send valentines and candy to nursing home residents and are hoping to be able to do their major fundraiser – a rock-a-thon – in the spring.
“This is my third year working with the Key Club as the Kiwanis’ liaison,” said Martha Pittman, a member of the Kiwanis Club. “I really enjoy working with them because I can see the hope and promise in these young people being our future leaders.”
YOUR QUESTIONS ...continued from p. 4
a permanent barn and fencing in January. Due to Greensboro’s COVID-19 restrictions the public cannot visit the farm right now, so Fentress said services will initially be only mobile. She said she plans to transport alpacas in a cargo van for birthday parties, weddings and other events. She’s also going to offer therapy services since the animals are trained and certified as therapy animals for children on the autism spectrum and with other special needs. Fentress set up an online store at www.rainbowmagicalpacafarm.com that sells socks, scarves, gloves and hats made from New England alpaca fleece. It’s also selling Christmas ornaments and bags of alpaca poop and potting soil for gardening. She eventually plans to make products from the fleece of her animals. Pop-up shops around Greensboro are also a possibility, depending upon COVID-19 restrictions, she said.
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 28
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
Call today for an appointment with one of our providers!
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Making your Vision a Reality
FRIDDLE COMPANY and
336-908-0966
O
ur Holiday House is one of our favorite homes, a home customers remember well, and one that has been referenced in plan development for several homes. Let us help you create a memorable home that makes your vision a reality. We are a full-service custom home builder known for attention to detail, creativity and exceptional customer care. Contact us today.
Homes for sale, completed or under construction: 8606 Lathans Trail, Bethel Ridge, $739,900 2005 Bob Jessup Drive, Farm at Cedar Hollow, Low $600s Lots available in Oak Ridge and Summerfield communities: Wolf Ridge, Bethel Ridge, Farm at Lake Brandt, Riverside Find more details on our website for each home.
w w w. F r i d d l e A n d C o m p a n y. c o m V I S I T O U R W E B S I T E T O V I E W H O M E S F O R S A L E A N D AVA I L A B L E LO T S
Brought to you by Smith Marketing
You dream it ...let us build it From all of us at R&K Custom Homes,
we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Celebrating 28 years of building custom homes in the Triad
Currently building in:
Birkhaven • Cedar Hollow • Wolf Ridge Riverside • Farm at Lake Brandt Arbor Run at Charles Place Owl’s Roost • Parkers View at Bethel Ridge ...or on your lot!
Looking to build? Call today to schedule a private custom home consultation
At R&K Custom Homes, we design home plans to fit each homeowner’s wants and needs. When planning the home of your dreams, your input is critical and we’ll listen carefully before getting your project underway. While building your home, we’ll incorporate timeless architecture, inviting ambiance and fully-equipped modern rooms that reflect the highest quality attention to detail and craftsmanship. Building in the Triad since 1992, R&K is a respected, multi-gold award-winning home builder. Having built over 400 homes ranging in price from the $500,000s to $2 million, our wide range of construction types separates us from the others. We’ll walk you through every detail as we show you our passion for not just crafting homes, but building memories. Our challenge to produce the best never ceases. – Kathy & Rich Dumas, owners
www.RandKCustomHomes.net | (336) 643-3503 • (336) 382-0728 Brought to you by Smith Marketing
Youth
welcome to ... Sync A regular section in the Northwest Observer focused on our local youth and the adults who positively impact them.
Great stocking stuffer idea: We can gift wrap your wisdom teeth for you! No we won’t. Seriously, that’s just disgusting. We’ll throw them away.
1015 HWY 150 West, Suite B Summerfield, NC 27358 336.447.7550 bestoralsurgery.com
Call us today to schedule a consultation.
‘It’s definitely different’ High school athletes returning to the courts and fields adapt to changes, restrictions during continued threat of COVID by MEREDITH BARKLEY When Shaena Riddles and her Northwest High basketball teammates finally meet an opponent in early January they’ll inhabit a world they couldn’t have imagined a year ago. There’ll be no jump balls to open games. Athletes will all be wearing face masks. They’ll have had their temperatures checked and logged beforehand. They’ll be sitting a good distance apart while on the bench. And only 25 fans will be there to witness it all. “It’s definitely different,” said Riddles, whose team just started practice last week. Normally they’d have been playing since mid-November. Then there’s the shroud of uncertainty that hangs over everything. “It can change next week,” said her coach, Haley Hackett. That’s happened several times since last summer as the North
football practices won’t officially begin until early February, with first games to be played Feb. 26.
Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) and Guilford County Schools scrambled to find a balance between allowing sports activities and ensuring safety in a constantly evolving COVID-19 environment.
“It’s going to be a little different playing in February,” said Northern defensive back Amaah Achina, a senior. “I just hope we have a season. These kids want it bad.”
“This is nothing that anyone has really ever dealt with” before, said Brian Thomas, Northern Guilford’s athletics director. “There’s just so many unknowns in what the lasting effects are.” At this point volleyball, cross country and swim seasons are underway. Basketball and cheerleading are practicing. Mens soccer and mens and womens lacrosse are in skill development four days a week. Football is in conditioning workouts two days a week.
Adobe Stock photo
As of Nov. 16, high school athletes in North Carolina who play indoor sports must wear masks at all times.
Teams at some schools have been working out since summer.
The NCHSAA has set delayed conditioning, skill development, practice and game schedules for high school sports this year. But Guilford County, concerned over COVID outbreaks, is one of a handful that has opted to delay them further.
“We’re trying to work around those restrictions,” said Kevin Wallace, Northwest’s head football coach. “We’re grateful we only have one out-of-county game this year. It’s going to be hard for some Guilford County schools to compete.”
Some coaches worry those delays in the county could affect their teams’ competitiveness against teams from other parts of the state where practices have been ongoing for some time.
Northern’s football coach Erik Westberg agreed, saying, “We’re definitely behind the rest of the state.” Although football season normally signals the beginning of fall, full
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Many athletes at both schools have been working out on their own to get ready, coaches say. And some, noted Northwest’s athletics director Mike Everett, have continued to gain team experience through club sports. “A lot of sports have been practicing in their club seasons,” he said. “So many of our athletes have been playing in some form through club teams. It’s still different from coming back and playing with their high school friends.” Everyone has high hopes for an effective vaccine that will make this whole nightmare go away. They take some comfort that the first vaccines are beginning distribution this week. “That’s going to make a positive impact,” Northern’s Thomas said. “Hopefully we’ll get back to some sort of normalcy.”
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
31
Youth Sync Hiding your smile? We can help! Matthew J. Olmsted, DDS MS Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center 2205 Oak Ridge Road, Suite CC (336) 441-7007
olmstedorthodontics.com We are OPEN and accepting new patients
Congratulations, Eagle Scouts! Tucker Riley, 18, son of Ben and Elizabeth Riley of Summerfield, recently received his Eagle Scout award. Tucker is a senior at Bishop McGuinness High School and a member of Tucker Riley Troop 316, sponsored by Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church. For his Eagle service project, Tucker made eight picnic tables for the Sumner Civitan Club.
Trevor Prevette, son of Ken and Caroll Prevette, received his Eagle Scout award Nov. 10. Trevor is a senior at Rockingham County High School and a member Trevor Prevette of Troop 103, sponsored by Summerfield First Baptist Church. For his Eagle service project, Trevor led the design, planning and construction of four picnic tables at Bethany Community School in Summerfield. The tables will be used by faculty, staff and students during outdoor activities.
Courtesy photo
It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up. – Babe Ruth
Courtesy photo
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO OUR VIKINGS FAMILIES! ORYA.ORG
Walter, McMath among top 10 finalists From nearly 2,000 nominees for the GRAMMY Music Educator award, the two music educators from Northwest Guilford High School make it to the top 10; the winner will be announced in late January NW GUILFORD – Guilford County Schools (GCS) is the only school system in the country to have more than one educator as a GRAMMY Music Educator finalist this year – and they’re both from the same school.
Northwest Guilford High School orchestra director Donny Walter and band director Brian McMath recently learned they are among the top 10 finalists for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award. “Brian and Donny are among the
32
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Donny Walter
Brian McMath
highest quality teachers with whom I’ve ever had the privilege to collaborate,” said Nathan Street, GCS director of fine arts. “To have not one but two music educators from GCS among the 10 finalists from nearly 2,000 nominees is nothing short of amazing. This further demonstrates that GCS Arts is a national leader in public school arts education providing a world class arts education experience for our students.” More than 1,989 initial nominations were submitted from all 50 states. Each year, one person is selected from 10 finalists and recognized for their impact on students’ lives. The eighth annual honoree will be flown to Los Angeles to attend the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards and a range of GRAMMY Week events in late January. The nine additional finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium, and the schools of all 10 finalists will receive matching grants.
Youth Sync
Healthy Smiles. Happy Patients.
Quality dental care for the entire family!
Wishing our patients and their families a wonderful holiday season!
6161-A Lake Brandt Road • Summerfield • 336 .643.1440 • SummerfieldDentist.com
Proposed conference realignment moves Northern to 4A An NCHSAA proposal would put Northern Guilford High School in the same 4A conference as Northwest and expand the division from five to eight schools by MEREDITH BARKLEY The proposed high school sports conference realignments announced last week held few surprises for coaches at Northwest Guilford and Northern Guilford. They figured they’d likely be part of an eight-team Guilford County 4A conference for the next four years, and that’s where the proposal puts them. The two would be in a league with Grimsley, Page, Ragsdale, Southeast Guilford, Southwest Guilford and Western Guilford. The North Carolina High School Athletic Association will finalize the realignments in March and they’ll take effect for next school year. For Northwest, currently in a five-team league, the proposed conference would minimize the headache of having to find a bunch of nonconference foes to fill out its 11-game schedule. To finish out this year’s COVID-shortened spring sched-
ule the Vikings had to go all the way to 1A Cherokee to play its final game.
“We couldn’t find another team,” said Northwest athletics director Mike Everett. “It’ll be a little easier to find opponents to play (when the conference is re-aligned). “For us it’s fine,” he said of the proposal. “Most all these people, we were playing each other in some form or fashion.” Haley Hackett, Northwest’s girls basketball coach, said the new conference has her “excited.” “It’s going to be competitive,” she said, pointing out that three of the schools in the proposed new conference have won girls basketball state championships in recent years – Northwest, Northern and Southeast. For Northern, which opened its doors to students in January 2008, the realignment bumps it up from 3A to the larger 4A conference for the first time. With 1,424 students, according to NCHSAA figures, they’ll be among the smallest schools in the conference.
“We’ll always compete, I think. We have good coaches and great kids. We’re going to a football and basketball conference where everybody is good. I think it could be one of the strongest conferences in the state.” Northern will have some company in the league among schools moving up from 3A to 4A. Southeast Guilford, with 1,427 students, Southwest Guilford with 1,774 students, and Western Guilford, the smallest at 1,381, are all currently 3A schools. Northwest has by far the largest student body at 2,273. It is the only school in the proposed conference with more than 2,000 students. Said Erik Westberg, Northern’s foot-
ball coach: “It’s definitely different for us playing at the 4A level.” Football programs from smaller schools often suffer because they don’t have the numbers to choose from, he said. But, he added: “We’ll be ready for it. Our numbers have always been strong, and we feel like we’re in a good position to compete in the conference.” Last year his team played Grimsley, Page, Ragsdale and Northwest as part of the nonconference schedule and won three of those games. This year the NCHSAA used two new criteria as well as enrollment for classifying schools for 1A through 4A competition. The association also considered how well each school’s athletics teams did in recent years as well as their percentage of students qualifying for some form of government assistance. The strength of its athletics programs was a major factor moving Northern to 4A.
Who will be the VOICE for this child? Over 250 children in Guilford County will go to court alone. Learn how to be an advocate for an abused or neglected child by becoming a Guardian Ad Litem.
But Brian Thomas, the high school’s athletics director, sees it as positive. “That’ll put us into a Guilford County conference, which will be a good thing,” he said.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
(336) 412-7580 | volunteerforgal.org
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
33
SUMMERFIELD TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 6
2021 meetings, holiday schedule
the fiscal year starting July 1, according to Whitaker. The council decided to spend $35,000 this fiscal year and the difference next fiscal year.
UDO update
5 0 to adopt the 2021 schedule for meetings of the council, the Zoning Board, Board of Adjustment and committees. It also approved the schedule for nine holidays next year, beginning with New Year’s Day Jan. 1.
The council agreed to schedule an open house Jan. 26 for the public to review and comment on the town’s proposed unified development ordinance (UDO).
“It has been years in the making,” said town planner Chris York, referring to the 438-page document that updates regulations governing residential and commercial development in Summerfield.
At Pegram’s suggestion, the council agreed to give town staff an extra two paid days off during Christmas, increasing the number from three to five.
Budget calendar
5 0 to adopt the calendar for meetings to prepare the town’s budget for the fiscal year starting July 1.
Land use plan
5 0 to hire the Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC) to prepare a land use plan for Summerfield at a cost not to exceed $64,800. The council initially budgeted $35,000 this fiscal year for the creation of a plan, but agreed to pay more, partly for PTRC to conduct meetings of a steering committee that will be composed of residents and separate meetings to gather public input. The process will take 10 to 12 months, spanning the current and
The draft is posted on the town’s website at www.summerfieldnc.gov. To view it, click on the News & Notices tab on the homepage and open the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Rewrite link. The town’s Zoning Board completed its final review of the UDO in October, followed by legal and environmental reviews of the document last month, according to a Dec. 2 memo from York. Rewriting of the ordinance has been underway over the past decade.
Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC 32 Years Experience
Individual, Corporate, Partnership & Payroll Tax Electronic Tax Filing Estate Planning Bookkeeping & Compilations
Oak Ridge Business Center
8004 Linville Rd, Suite G, Oak Ridge
(336) 643-7577 or 1-800-467-8299 info@samanderscpa.com
34
www.samanderscpa.com
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO
This wooden fence bordering the Summerfield Town Hall parking lot at N.C. 150 and Summerfield Road was further damaged in a recent storm, putting it in violation of the town’s nuisance ordinance. At its Dec. 8 meeting, the town council authorized the fence to be replaced; after the town pays a $500 deductible, the rest of the replacement cost will be covered by insurance.
The comprehensive plan adopted by the council in 2010 recommended aligning UDO regulations with the goals of the plan. An ad-hoc committee of residents completed a draft revised UDO in 2018 before turning it over to the Zoning Board. The impact of COVID-19 public gathering restrictions may delay the Jan. 26 open house and subsequent council meetings to discuss, amend and adopt the UDO.
Fence replacement The council authorized Whitaker to
hire a contractor to replace a wooden privacy fence on the northern side of the Town Hall parking lot at N.C. 150 and Summerfield Road. The town’s insurance will cover replacement of the fence after a $500 deductible, Whitaker said. Recent winds damaged the fence, which was already in “bad shape” and is violating the town’s nuisance ordinance, he said. During council comments, Mayor Barnes and DeVaney wished residents happy holidays. The meeting was adjourned at 9:43 p.m.
Jolly holidays and a happy news year from all of us at PS Communications!
WE’LL BE BACK IN PRINT JAN. 7, 2021! To place a DISPLAY AD in our next issue or in the 13th annual Northwest FINDER, contact Laura:
(336) 644-7035, ext. 11, or advertising@nwobserver.com
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
mark your
calendar
NOW THROUGH HOLIDAY SEASON Light Up the Night | Hundreds of electric
luminaries, lighted stars and lights on Oak Ridge’s Christmas tree have filled Oak Ridge Town Park on Linville Road with festive cheer. “Light Up the Night” can be enjoyed from a car or by walking on the sidewalk at the park, now through the holiday season.
NOW THROUGH JAN. 6 Holiday Blooms | Paul J. Ciener Botanical
Garden invites the community to enjoy their spectacular holiday blooms through Jan. 6, 5-10 p.m. at 215 S. Main St. in Kernersville. Enjoy a stroll through the Garden, which now features double the usual amount of lit tulips, many radiant
Stay
blooms, dazzling wisteria lights, illuminated trees and more. More info: call (336) 996-7888 or visit cienerbotanicalgarden.org.
SATURDAY, DEC. 19 Food Pantry | Good Samaritan Ministries’ food
pantry in Stokesdale will open for those in need of food on Dec. 19, 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 cars without recipients getting out. To make a financial donation or request emergency assistance, contact Terri Johnson, (336) 643-5887 or terrij1957@yahoo.com. COVID Testing | Oak Ridge First Baptist Church will offer COVID testing Dec. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2445 Oak Ridge Road. Text COVID to (704) 850-6996 to pre-register. The nasal swab test is covered by insurance, and results come back in approximately three days; patients will receive a text or email with their results. The rapid blood antibody test costs $50, and the results are available
distant but not disconnected: Tax & Consulting Services For Individuals & Businesses Tax Returns Tax Planning Payroll Service Bookkeeping Financial Reports Budget Analysis
8400 Hwy 158 • PO Box 469 Stokesdale, NC 27357 kim@kimberlythacker.com
Happy Holidays!
SUNDAY, DEC. 20 Drive-thru Nativity | Experience the Christmas story from the safety of your vehicle as Bethel United Methodist Church hosts a drive-thru nativity scene Dec. 20, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 8424 Haw River Road in Oak Ridge. More info: Dolores Willey, (336) 508-1172.
THURSDAY, JAN. 7 Town Council meeting | Oak Ridge Town
Council will hold its first meeting of 2021 on Jan. 7, beginning 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. Meetings are livestreamed and recorded on the town’s Facebook page and its YouTube channel.
WE’LL BE BACK JAN. 7 The Northwest Observer will not be in print Thursday, Dec. 24, or Thursday, Dec. 31. We’ll see you again in 2021!
/NorthwestObserver
submit
your events
online
(336) 644-2741 office (336) 644-2743 fax
in 5-10 minutes. More info: (336) 643-5201.
at nwobserver.com
Events will appear on our online community calendar and will be considered for print publishing in the Northwest Observer
It’s as easy as ...
King’s Crossing
Animal Hospital Full-service small animal hospital dedicated to compassionate and complete care for your family pets
Merry Christmas & Goodbye 2020! 7607 Hwy 68 North, Suite E, Oak Ridge
(336) 644-7606
kingscrossinganimalhospital.com
OLD SCHOOL
HOME REPAIR /IMPROVEMENTS “No Job Too Small”
Spread the holiday cheer!
Refer a friend or family member and we will give them a $10 credit on their account (YOU get one, too)!
full-service animal hospital boarding & grooming (336) 665-1286 • bel-airevet.com
M - F 8 - 5:30 • Sat 8 -12 • Drop-offs as early as 7:30 am
Wood Rot Repairs • Bathroom Remodeling • Painting Decks and much more! • Insured On the left side, click community calendar
Click
add your event
and fill in your details
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Contact us for a free estimate!
(336) 669-7252 | oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
35
Stokesdale Christmas Cruise-Thru downtown Stokesdale, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020
work so hard to “It was so nice to see our (Events Committee) team many challenges bring this event to our town during this year with so and negativity. The response by our citizens was overwhelming and the happiness it brought to all was the highlight of my time being a resident of Stokesdale. I am happy to do all I can do to keep our Stokesdale family moving in such a positive direction as we see the light from all this darkness just down the road.” Mark Nadel, Stokesdale Events Committee member
Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO
“It was a great night for our community. I admire all the volunteers and event participants who made it happen.” Derek Foy, Stokesdale Town Council member Stokesdale Events Committee member “We are pleased that our first-ever Stokesdale Christmas Cruise-Thru
brought our communities together to celebrate the Christmas spirit with lights, music, Santa and, most of all, lots of smiles. Everyone could safely enjoy the sights and sounds from the comfort of their vehicles. Some vehicles were filled with grandparents, parents, children and their pets. “One couple commented it was nice to be able to get out of the house, go somewhere festive, roll down the windows and let their pet enjoy hearing people talking and music playing. One driver who had put their convertible top down commented they didn’t want to miss anything. “We appreciate everyone’s support for the event and for all who donated food items to the Good Samaritan Ministries.” Elizabeth Privette, Stokesdale Events Committee member
“This was an awesome event. Thanks to all who made it possible. This past year has been so hard on everyone. It was so wonderful to see community Christmas spirit. It made me and my family smile and just be thankful to be a part of this community.” Diane Strader, Stokesdale citizen
See more photos on Facebook.com/NorthwestObserver
“This was exactly what we had hoped it would be – something bright,sayfun it was This year’s Cruise-thru was created and organized by the Stokesdale Events Committee Members: Elizabeth Privette, Mark Nadel, Deanna Ragan, Derek Foy, Ed McKinney and David Bailey
and hopeful in a not-so-bright and fun year. Many people stopped to awesome and a few said they preferred this to a parade. What I did see was joy, happiness and even hope on every face that passed me.
“We all knew this was needed and that’s why we pushed to make it happen. Super thanks to everyone involved!” Deanna Ragan, Stokesdale Events Committee member
Cedar trees bring reminders of Christmas all year long by HELEN LEDFORD They grow wild – cedar trees abundantly adorned with beautiful frosty-blue berries, a lovely complement to the rich green of their dense boughs. Growing up, all we ever knew as Christmas trees were red cedars, cut from our farm woods and dragged home for decorating about a week before the 25th of December. I don’t know anybody in our town or neighborhood who bought a tree – that was unheard of back then. If you had a saw or an axe and an okay from landowners, you just ventured out and claimed the bushiest, prettiest prize you could find – for free! Because we had wood heaters, our tree was brought to the front porch and left there for a few days in the cool, brisk winter air. Then it was nailed to two wooden boards placed crosswise on the bottom of the trunk and stood in the same corner where trees had been every year before. In the chill of our unheated “front room” the evergreen’s sweet, spicy aroma filled every inch of space. No fire would be lit in the small heater there until Christmas Eve festivities, to prevent the fresh, green cedar needles from drying out. We had no electricity until I was 11, so there were no colorful strings of light to hang on the tree. However, there were many other decorations to brighten up our tree; some were handmade while others were keepsakes and store-bought hand-me-downs. Always, there were boxes of silver icicles (purchased from the dime store) waiting to be placed carefully and
artfully, one at a time! When our tree was finished, it seemed to me as spectacular as any that graced storefront windows in our little town! I was grown, married and with two children before we purchased a Christmas tree. I recall that it was chosen from a lot at the old Kmart on West Market Street in Greensboro. It was a lovely spruce, which we country bumpkins naively thought was grossly overpriced at $10. After we took it home, decorated it and covered it with fake snow sprayed from an aerosol can we thought we had arrived! But it wasn’t the same as when we braved the frigid air, traipsing through the woods of the small farm on which I grew up. We missed the childhood excitement of searching for the perfect tree, our feet shuffling through dry, rattly leaf carpets while singing carols – and laughing at busy, scampering squirrels pausing in their chatter to watch us curiously from their perches in surrounding tall oaks or poplars. Looking back, I realize the simpler traditions and preparations for Christmas are the dearest ones that have stayed in my memory over the years. Going to gather mistletoe was, again, a family affair. My brothers took turns shooting the festive plant
from high branches of a humongous oak tree near our home. Some of the bounty would be used to decorate our home, but much of it was taken to town and sold to folks who had access to none. Another recollection of Christmas on our rural road was visiting shut-ins with small, handmade gifts in hand and joy in our hearts, full of the season’s goodwill and wanting to share it. Listening to carols with our faces close to the big
...continued on p. 42
BE READY BEFORE
THE RUSH!
Join the Y between Dec. 15 and Jan. 16 and enjoy NO joining fee! That’s a savings of up to $75. Featuring free exercise classes, full wellness center, swimming and more, there’s something for everyone at the Y.
For locations, details and joining info, visit ymcagreensboro.org/New2021 We have implemented health and safety protocols to help keep you safe.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
37
CHRISTMAS PAST AND PRESENT ...continued from p. 1
He then opened a window and convinced his brother and sister that Santa had come through the window and left toys for them to play with for just a few hours. Afterwards, Rafa returned the items to their original location. Lorczak said she never really understood what his thinking was for doing this.
“I was a bit traumatized that someone was coming into our house through the window,” she said. Fortunately, Santa returned on Christmas morning and delivered all the gifts, giving Lorczak and her brother permanent custody. When he was 8, Kelly Joyce wanted a shiny, new bicycle more than anything else. Around 3 a.m. on Christmas morning, before anyone was awake, Joyce, who now lives in Stokesdale, snuck down the stairs to see if Santa had come. To his disappointment, there was no bike by the tree. Upon further
inspection, though, Joyce noticed the porch light was burning. When he looked out the door, there sat his bike. Still clad in pajamas, he jumped on it and raced down the dark country road as the rest of the neighborhood still dreamed about Christmas wishes coming true. Amy McMahon, who lives in northwest Greensboro with her husband and three daughters, has a special tradition that gives her time just to relax and take a moment to enjoy the true meaning of the season. “Every year at some point, after everyone is asleep, I turn out all the lights except for the Christmas lights and sit by the tree and sing ‘Silent Night’ to myself,” McMahon said. “It’s so peaceful and quiet. Everything is so commercialized, and this gives me a moment just to reflect on what Christmas is really about.” Nancy Creider’s fondest Christmas memory goes back to the first year she and her late husband, John, were married. “John and I had gotten married in November and we didn’t have any Christmas decorations,” said Creider, who lives in Kernersville.
Spend your HOLIDAYS at the lake
Blue Water Cove MLS#962444
Two WATERFRONT homesites at Belews Lake are available and offer sensational views! Custom build the home of your dreams. One local marina and three boat ramps just minutes away. Create your own recreational paradise just outside your back door – bring your boat, jet-ski or fishing poles! Conveniently located to Kernersville, Greensboro, Winston-Salem and Virginia. Each homesite can be purchased for $175,000 or bought together for savings!
Nicole E. Gillespie, SPS
REALTOR®/Broker
RE/MAX Realty Consultants 336.210.3895 cell
1.800.965.1893 efax
Belews Landing MLS#930964
38
www. NicoleGillespieRealty.com
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
Even so, they bought a live tree a couple of days before Christmas. On Christmas Eve, the couple found themselves roaming through the now defunct Zayre department store looking for decorations. They found exactly what they wanted – red satin bells with little gold balls. The only problem was that the ornaments were adorning one of the store’s trees and there weren’t any in boxes for sale. Not a problem. With the manager’s help, the couple undressed the tree, even taking the lights, and went back home to trim their own tree. “That was 55 years ago, and I still have one of those bells,” Creider said. Todd Harmon, affectionately known as “Mr. Christmas,” remembered one sleepless Christmas Eve when Santa forgot to put together a train for Harmon’s son, who was less than a year old. Harmon, who is the funeral director at Stokesdale’s Forbis and Dick Funeral Service, didn’t realize how complicated the task would be. “It was something really simple, but to assemble it you needed a degree in nuclear science,” Harmon said laughingly. “We were up until 2 a.m. putting that train together. It was dreadful.” It was Christmas 1995, and the movie “Toy Story” was all the rage. Carol True’s oldest son, Chris, had one main wish on his list: a pair of cowboy boots like Woody, the good-hearted cowboy rag doll in the popular movie. At the time the True family was living in Connecticut. “Finding cowboy boots there wasn’t as easy as it is in the South,” said True, who now lives in Oak Ridge. “I searched everywhere and had almost given up.” Then, after standing in line to see Santa, 5-year-old Chris asked the jolly old guy to bring him the boots… all was well with the world that Christmas morning when Chris found his beloved
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
boots sitting underneath the tree.
“He loved those boots and wore them all the time, even with his footie pajamas,” True said, adding it was well worth the extra effort to make her son’s wishes come true. Kernersville resident Amy Creider’s favorite Christmas memory is actually more of a family tradition. Creider enjoys Christmas morning, when the family gathers around the Christmas tree with carols playing in the background and Creider munches on a favorite holiday treat – orange cinnamon rolls. As gifts are passed out, rather than a flurry of wrapping paper chaos, family members take turns opening their gifts and allowing everyone time to enjoy the process. “We’re excited to see the expressions on everyone’s face when they open their gifts,” Creider said.
Christmas present For the last 60-plus years, Ann Brooks’ extended family has gotten together to celebrate Christmas. What started out as a small gathering in someone’s house has grown to include nearly 200 people in a church fellowship hall. Brooks, who lives in Greensboro, described a covered dish event that includes carols and skits and Santa Claus showing up to hand out gifts and treat bags to all the kids. It’s an all-out funfest for all ages. Brooks gets choked up talking about what she and the rest of the family will miss this year – because of COVID, they’ve cancelled their Christmas celebration. “We have an uncle and aunt in their late 80s and we just couldn’t risk
Rather than cancel completely, the group has postponed their gathering until May, with hopes the virus will be contained at that point. Bill Edwards, a resident of Oak Ridge, doesn’t plan to make any drastic changes in his celebrations this season.
“The COVID-19 virus will not dictate my dayto-day activities, though I respect its potency,” Edwards said. “Christmas will be a bit less normal but having family around is definitely worth the effort to stay safe. “Small businesses are hurting economically, so I will strive to help them whenever possible. I expect to avoid frequent public exposure but will nonetheless continue my time-tested practice of last-minute shopping! “In short, I consider this pandemic to be just another common-sense life lesson to absorb and conquer. I am confident the American people will emerge stronger and more resilient than ever!”
In 2017, Ana and David Lorczak, owners of Oak Ridge Chiropractic, started a family tradition of taking their two children, Nathanael, 11, and Ceilia, 8, to see “The Nutcracker” ballet at Greensboro’s historic Carolina Theatre. “Going to the live performance is special to us,” Lorczak said. “This year
The Lorczaks plan to continue the tradition next Christmas when the performance returns live. Christmas started looking different early at Julie Surprenant’s home, when she decided to skip the Black Friday sales. Surprenant said she loves shopping the stores but felt the need to avoid that activity this year.
“I’ve been very strategic,” the Oak Ridge resident said. “I’ve done a lot online and used curbside pick-up.”
move past the pain
The Surprenants had originally planned to visit family in Rhode Island for Christmas. “My in-laws are in assisted living and they’re back on lockdown,” she said. “We knew we wouldn’t be able to see them so we’re staying here.” Surprenant, her husband, Mark, and their 11-year-old son, Cole, are planning to celebrate Christmas Day with Surprenants’ parents. Kathy Long of Stokesdale and her husband, Charles, have spent Christmas with his extended family for years. “There are around 30 to 35 of us,” Long said. “There are so many that we started getting together at the church fellowship hall.”
Relieve your joint pain with the most experienced team in the region. Our orthopaedic specialists work with you to choose the right nonsurgical or surgical treatment option and support you through recovery. If joint replacement is needed, many of our patients go home the day of or day after surgery.
JOINT PAIN RELIEF | HIP & KNEE REPLACEMENTS Schedule a same- or next-day appointment. WakeHealth.edu/Ortho ST BAPTIS T RE O
ALTH HE
Like most people, Kathy Gray’s family get-together will be pared down this year because of COVID. Rather than the 30 or so family members who traditionally gather, Gray, who lives in Stokesdale, said she plans to spend Christmas at home with her two adult sons.
because of COVID, they’re prerecording the performance and showing it at the coliseum. It just wouldn’t be the same.”
WAKE F
them getting something,” she said.
COVID-19
PROTECTED
Since their fellowship hall is closed, the family won’t be together this year. Besides Christmas, the family also traditionally gets together at Easter and Thanksgiving, but they’ve missed both of those holidays this year as well. Long is planning to have her immediate family at home for Christmas. Whether together or apart, we wish you a healthy Christmas and one filled with new memories to cherish.
care for life
serving you locally
336-333-6443
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
336-702-5635
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
39
CRIME / INCIDENT report
District 1 Sheriff’s Office
has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest/northern Guilford County ... BURGLARY
Dec. 7 | A resident in the 8300 block of Meadows Road in Oak Ridge (off N.C. 68 N) reported an unknown suspect broke into his home between 2 and 3 a.m. and stole a rifle, ammunition and $200 cash.
Isn’t it nice to know exactly where you’re going?
Dec. 9 | A resident of the 7500 block of Somersby Road in Summerfield (off N.C. 150 W) reported an unknown suspect entered his vehicle, used a remote to open the garage door and stole several items between 2:50 and 3:10 a.m.
DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED
Dec. 4 | A 19-year-old male was arrested in the 100 block of the I-840 E interchange in northwest Greensboro for driving while impaired and also cited for reckless driving and speeding 15mph over the speed limit.
DRUGS
Serving Northwest Guilford County direct-mailed to 12,000+ homes
Dec. 2 | A 33-year-old male was arrested in the 7100 block of Ellison Road in Stokesdale (near U.S. 158) for possession of a Schedule II controlled substance. Dec. 13 | A 38-year-old female was cited at 3:30 a.m. in the 7600 block
online 24/7 • 13,900+ followers on Facebook 1,400 copies for free pickup Contact us to begin your
TARGETED marketing program
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
THEFT
Dec. 1 | A resident of the 7600 block of Cedar Chase Drive in northern Greensboro (off N.C. 150 W) reported an unknown suspect entered an unlocked vehicle parked at the home sometime between 4:30 and 5 a.m. and stole $700. Dec. 9 | A resident of the 7000 block of Morganshire Court in Summerfield (off Bunch Road) reported an unknown suspect stole several items from his home worth $1,206 between Dec. 1 and Dec. 9. Dec. 11 | An employee of Circle K in Colfax reported an unknown suspect stole two cartons of Newport cigarettes worth $138 at about 6:30 a.m.
VANDALISM
Dec. 10 | A manager at CVS Pharmacy in Oak Ridge reported an unknown suspect did $300 worth of damage to the drive-through window between 2:30 and 8 a.m. on Dec. 8.
District 1 Sheriff’s Office
7504 Summerfield Road Main number: (336) 641-2300 Report non-emergency crime-related incidents by calling: (336) 373-2222 8 a.m.–5 p.m., M-F
(336) 644-7035, ext. 11 | advertising@nwobserver.com
40
of N.C. 68 N/Haw River Road in Stokesdale for simple possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; a 38-year-old male was arrested on an agency warrant.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
www.guilfordcountync.gov/ our-county/sheriff-s-office
Orchestra’s music, which are some of my favorites!
GRINS and GRIPES
Delighted or dismayed by something in your community? Share your thoughts in
40
words or less
online: nwobserver.com e-mail: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com
Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion.
GRINS to...
and overflowing with Christmas spirit!
The Summit Church of Oak Ridge. What a dazzling tree decorated with Christmas balls on N.C. 68! A daily treat as we drive by!
The folks at Oak Ridge Town Hall for making sure all the safety measures are in place. I do not always attend the town council meetings, but when I do, I feel safe.
Stokesdale’s Special Events Committee for a job very well done! I am sorry we couldn’t have the annual parade this year, but the cruise-thru was a great alternative, well-organized,
The very talented musicians from Highland North Music for setting up their stage and equipment and performing at Stokesdale’s Cruise-Thru. Loved your renditions of Trans-Siberian
StokeRidge Tavern for the donation of dinner to help feed the homeless in Greensboro, and the Meadow Ridge neighbors who served.
Town & Country Barber Shop in Summerfield for the best haircut I’ve had in a long time. These women care about your look and are the best!
Staff and volunteers for the beautiful luminaries, lighted trees and festive porch decorations at Oak Ridge Town Park. Jeff Fink of Stokesdale United Methodist Church for all his help with Stokesdale Christmas Cruise-Thru’s music production. Patti Stokes and all the folks who donated items and supported Triad Honor Flight with the yard sale at Northwest Observer’s office last month. Love seeing all the yard signs in the community thanking veterans, too. Oak Ridge Special Events Committee and other volunteers who created Light Up the Night at the town park... it’s magical! And I know it was a lot of work!
joy to see smiling faces and get to say “Merry Christmas” to a few people this crazy year! Oak Ridge Town Council for meeting in person with their new livestream. So much better than Zoom! And I can even watch it the next day. The Summit Church. A perfect example of what a church should be.
GRIPES to...
Individuals who believe that higher taxes are the worst. I cannot think of five other things besides increasing taxes that can pay for improving infrastructure and paying off the national debt that COVID has induced. Mask enforcers. This is America. There are those who either have medical issues or refuse to wear them. Mask wearers, you are protected, respect those who do not wear them. We are not killing people by refusing to wear them.
The organizers and participatN ing organizations of the StokesdaleEW Location ina Kernersv Christmas cruise-thru. It was such ille Quick Lube no appointmen t needed for oil chang es & state inspections
...continued on p. 42
Hometown Auto Service Center
Hometown Auto Service Center www.beamertire.com
245 East Parris Avenue High Point, NC 27262
(336) 882-7043
4430 W. Wendover Ave. Greensboro, NC 27407
www.beamertire.com (336) 663-7351
245 East Parris Avenue 4430 W. Wendover Ave. High Point, NC 27262 The NorthwestGreensboro, NC 27407 Observer • Totally local since 1996 (336) 882-7043 (336) 663-7351
507 Cinema Ct. Kernersville, NC 27284
(336) 515-3381
507 Cinema Ct. Kernersville, NC6,27284 DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 2021 41 (336) 515-3381
A New Dawn Realty was born in 2002, and shortly afterwards we started advertising in the Northwest Observer. From that first ad to now, Patti Stokes and her team have always taken good care of me and my business; they’ve offered help and guidance with our marketing strategy, willingly come out many times to take pictures of our A New Dawn team, and kept us informed about our local community. Patti cares about the people who work for her and she cares about those who advertise in the NWO. I am so grateful for all the NWO has done for A New Dawn Realty over the last several years. Dawn Stone, owner
We’d love to take care of your business, too. For advertising info, contact Laura Reneer atlaura@nwobserver.com or (336) 644-7035, ext. 11
42
CEDAR TREES
GRINS AND GRIPES ...continued from p. 41
old battery radio surely added to the excitement of those special December days. That provided free entertainment, except we had to limit hours of listening so we could save battery power for news of the war – and Mama’s soap operas!
The house cleaning service that employs individuals with felony theft and DWI convictions while aiding in unwanted drug activity in surrounding areas. My advice when hiring local businesses: request IDs and visit ncdps.gov for validation. Don’t become their next victim!
...continued from p. 37
Neighbors who were distant relatives owned a large pond on property near ours. Happy were the long idyllic hours we spent there fishing, wading, sunning and standing under the spillway letting cold pond water run over our heads. It was my favorite place of escape when I was a teenager, meeting friends in hot summertime on the small pier. All of us sported the latest styles in modest bathing suits of the ‘50s’ era (with nary a belly button showing!). Years later I would extract two small cedar saplings from the bank of that hallowed pool of rippling water, bringing them to plant in my yard here in Oak Ridge. As they grew, one developed into a tall and majestic giant and the other, round and bushy. One year a few lower limbs of the latter succumbed to heavy snow and had to be trimmed back. It became “friends” with one of my maples and pushed its lush greenness into its spreading branches. Now both trees are bird “apartments,” convenient to the feeding stations below. Shy and beautiful doves feed quietly nearby, and brash blue jays screech their thanks when extra sunflower seeds appear for the birds’ dining pleasure. All year, my transplanted cedars provide shelter and safety for colorful, cheery and noisy winged visitors. It is as if we have two Christmas trees always, with living, hungry “ornaments” that also chirp and sing! The trees of which I write are decades old and growing older with me – always reminders of simpler, less complicated times when the family was still together. Mostly, they just remind me of home…
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
Merry Christmas!
Annoying people using a fake scheme to sell makeup on Facebook. No one is buying it, so quit faking it. Summerfield Food Lion customers who do not follow enter/exit signs and directional aisle signs. You either can’t read or have no sense of responsibility to help our community in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. People who insist on keeping up candidate signs. We all know who won and who lost. Let’s move on and work
Outside the
together to improve things locally, statewide and nationally. Drivers using their hazard flashers while in motion. This disables your turn signals, which is dangerous –and why it’s illegal in Spain. Twice recently I’ve witnessed near accidents because your intentions were unclear. Hazard flashers are for stationary use only. The Guilford County commissioners who voted for a public health rule that further threatens businesses and residents, on top of state penalties already in place! Is there really that big of a compliance problem with the governor’s order? The “brave” soul who decided to take our political sign Saturday night; you are a coward and if caught you will be prosecuted.
…
The following reader-submitted 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.
GRIPES to...
Trump and those Republicans who have supported attempts to overthrow the election. At least now we see more clearly the real menace Trump is.
Republicans, stop drinking the Trump Kool-Aid! Time magazine, for selecting Joe Biden (and Kamala Harris) as 2020 Person of the Year. At least now half of America has a new hero in Joe Biden. As heroes, he’s right up there with Jane Fonda. Development/marketing/distribution of a new vaccine, which normally takes an average 10.7 years, not days, or months. COVID-19 vaccine, approximately 7 months! It’s not rocket science; do the math. Somebody else can have my dose, I will pass.
Tired of 2020?
It’s time to look ahead to ... the 13th annual
Northwest FINDER!
coming January 2021 – see ad on p. 47 for details
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
AUTO SALES & SERVICE
& Zoning Board is forwarded as a recommendation to the Town Council. The Planning & Zoning Board will meet virtually using the Zoom platform on Dec. 17, 2020, at 7pm. For meeting link, visit www.oakridgenc.com. Town Council will meet Jan. 7, 2021, at 7pm, at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road.
Place online at
DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue
NEED HELP? Call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 Mon - Fri • 9am -12:30pm
CHOICE TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE. Oil changes, inspections, alignments and general automotive repairs. 1080 US Hwy 66 S, Kernersville, NC. (336) 992-9002. KNIGHT IMPORT SPECIALTY SERVICE. European Auto Service & Repair, 4559 US Highway 220, Summerfield (across from Food Lion). Specializing in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. BMW, Audi, Volvo, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Mini and Porsche. 32 years experience. (336) 337-0669. SAM'S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 965-7955.
EMPLOYMENT ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE. Help wanted. Groundsman or climber. Must have driver's license. (336) 643-9157.
INDEX Auto Sales & Service ........ 43
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.
Public Notice ................... 43
Home Services ........... 43-45 PUBLIC NOTICE Misc. Services .................. 45 Misc. For Sale .................. 45 Misc. Wanted .................. 45 Pets & Animal Services .... 45 Real Estate.....................45-46
All citizens will be given an opportunity to be heard at these meetings. Ron Simpson, Planning & Zoning Board Chair Ann Schneider, Mayor
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Oak Ridge Planning & Zoning Board and 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
A-ACTION AIR. Will your furnace work this season? Call (336) 382-3750 or (336) 268-6768.
CLEANING DUST FAIRY CLEANING SERVICE. Offering gift certificates. Makes great gifts for the holidays. (1) hour clean, $25; (2) hour clean, $50. Call or text Tammy, (828) 279-1464. 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. 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.
Like us on Facebook and keep up with all the northwest-area news!
The Northwest Observer • Totally since 1996 The Northwest Observer • Totally locallocal since 1996
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
DECORATING EXPERIENCED INTERIOR DECORATOR & personal furniture shopper will help you with style, color, shopping & furniture placement. E-mail appeninc@gmail.com or call Ann Appenzeller, (336) 314-1411. CUSTOM FRAMING, BLISSFUL STUDIOS. Private framing appts. available. Local art & gifts. 4533 US Hwy 220 Summerfield. Located across from Golden Antiques. (336) 298-4502.
ELECTRICAL
HOME SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING
LEAD TEACHER POSITION available in childcare center. Childcare credentials required. (336) 643-5930.
Employment .................... 43
PUBLIC HEARING: RZ-20-04: RS-40 (Residential, minimum 40,000 s.f. lots) to AG (Agricultural). The property is located on the north side of Warner Road, approx. 1,300 feet east of Happy Hill Road, in Oak Ridge Township. It is portion of Guilford County Tax Parcel 0166902, approximately 24.6 acres. Owned by Bryan & Tammy Gardner. The property is located in the Oak Ridge Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).
HOME SERVICES
BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC. Got Power? Residential, commercial and solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192.
Need an electrician? Call BLACKMON ELECTRICAL, INC. Free est. Comm. & res. Licensed & insured. Call (336) 430-5018. Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? It's generator season. Call Coble Electric LLC at (336) 209-1486.
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 FIX YOUR MOWER! Service and repairs. Spring specials. "We do it right." Free pickup & delivery. Call Rick, (336) 501-8681.
continued on p. 44
DEC. 17, 2020--JAN. JAN. 6, 6, 2021 2021 DEC. 17, 2020
43 43
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707.
BRAD'S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS. LLC. Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647.
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.
ON EAGLE'S WINGS residential home design/drafting. Call Patti, (336) 605-0519.
GARY’S HANDYMAN HOME SERVICES “Providing value for the home-ownership experience.” Gary Gellert, serving NC’s Piedmont Triad area. Garygellert@gmail.com, (336) 423-8223. OLD SCHOOL HOME REPAIR See display ad on page 35. 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.
GRADING / HAULING H&L GRADING, LLC. No job too tough or too small. Call us first! We are a full-service grading company that specializes in residential projects. Owner/ operator Timmy Hart has more than 30 years of grading and equipment experience. Fully licensed and insured. Land clearing, debris removal, driveways, French drains and much more. (336) 543-7867. E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, demolition, lot clearing, excavating, bobcat work, etc. (336) 451-1282. ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt, available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035. 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.
44 44
GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150.
GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS WILSON SEAMLESS GUTTERS, new construction, repairs, replacement, leaf guards. Free estimates. (336) 420-0200.
LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING AFFORDABLE LANDSCAPING for all your landscaping needs, including irrigation, installation and repair. Call Joe at J. Gibson Landscaping, an Americanowned and operated small business. Built on capitalism, not socialism. In God we trust. (336) 419-7236. CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 643-9332. www.carolinastumpandtreeservices.com. 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. EXTERIOR GREENSCAPES. Lawn maintenance service. Call for a free estimate (336) 682-1456.
DEC. DEC. 17, 17, 2020 2020 --JAN. JAN. 6, 6, 2021 2021
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.
MASONRY COLONIAL MASONRY. 40 yrs. exp. Specializing in outdoor living spaces; dry-stack natural stone and flagstone. Let us help you plan your patio, fire pit, fireplace, kitchen – or anything else you would like! Call (336) 949-9019. www.colonialmasonry.com. SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes. How about a new patio or fire pit? We can help with all of your outdoor living and entertainment spaces! Fire pits, driveways & sidewalks, patios and more! Give us a call at (336) 399-6619 for all your concrete and landscape needs. MASONRY CONCEPTS, brick, block, stone concrete & repairs. Free est. (336) 988-1022, www.masonryconceptsgso.com.
MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS JUNK & DEBRIS REMOVAL, construction, remodeling, and general cleanup, out buildings, garages, basements, yard waste, etc. Call (336) 706-8470.
The The Northwest Observer • Totally local local since since 1996 1996 Northwest Observer • Totally
PAINTING & DRYWALL
BEK Paint Co. Residential & Commercial David & Judy Long, owners
(336) 931-0600
BEKPaintCompany.com • References Available • Licensed & Insured • All Work Guaranteed
PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR, 40 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. Average BDRM walls $100. Insured. Call Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186. 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.
PLUMBING
Wilson Ain’t God Good Septic Pumping & Repair Family owned & operated since 1972
(336) 643-6427
Tank pumping, repairs, clogs, advice – ALL WITH A SMILE! Discounts: mention this ad, veteran, senior citizen, cookies & milk Find us on Google, neighborhood.com, FB
BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR. No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic./ Ins. Cleanliness in your home is our #1 priority. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924.
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
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.
PREMIER CONSTRUCTION for all your remodeling/renovation needs. (336) 430-9507.
$$$ – WILL PAY CASH for your junk / wrecked vehicle. For quote, call (336) 552-0328.
AMERICAN BUILDER CONSTRUCTION INC. Repairs & remodeling, kitchens/baths, additions, decks, attics, basements. Licensed & insured. Short wait list. NC General Contractors. (336) 225-7478.
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.
FREEMAN PLUMBING – new construction, remodel and repair. For ALL your plumbing needs! (336) 580-4525.
PRESSURE WASHING CUTTING EDGE PRESSURE WASHING. Affordable, dependable. Please call anytime for free estimate. (336) 706-0103. HOUSE and ROOF SOFT WASHING. Martin's Pressure Washing. (919) 931-0856. PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Fully insured. Crystal Clear, www. windowcleaningnc.com or (336) 595-2873.
REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION
TM
Construction Services, INC
BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS
Outdoor living spaces | Fire pits
(336) 644-8615 office (336) 508-5242 cell Licensed & insured NC Gen. Contractor #72797
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. 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.
ROOFING CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC. Residential roofing, rubber flat roofs, roof coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience. Call (336) 643-8191 or (336) 268-1908.
DOUGLAS CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING, LLC. Custom Builder, sunrooms, garages, additions, kitchens, baths. Licensed & Insured, BBB A+ accredited. Free est. Visit www.douglascr.com or call (336) 413-5050.
PREMIER ROOFING, LOCALLY OWNED. Catering to all your roofing needs. Call (336) 430-9507 for free assessments.
JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com.
BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Lifetime shingle and metal roofing. We fi nance. Free Estimates. Since 1979. Please call (336) 362-6343.
ORTIZ REMODELING – Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981.
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.
PLACE YOUR AD: nwobserver.com
MISC. SERVICES
MISC. WANTED
Locally owned & operated
Gated access with 24/7 camera surveillance 6705 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale • (336) 643-9963 (affiliated with Stokesdale Storage)
MISC. FOR SALE 10-GUN CABINET. Excellent condition. Must pick up by appointment only. $200, cash only. Please call (336) 668-0124. SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered & stacked, 1/2 cord, $80. Call (336) 686-6373. PERSIMMON PULP and more. At The Old Mill on Saturdays, or call (336) 816-3441. SEASONED FIREWOOD. $80/pickup truck load delivered & stacked. (336) 253-7615.
Got
stuff? Sell it here in the
classifieds submit your ad at
The Northwest Observer • Totally since 1996 The Northwest Observer • Totally locallocal since 1996
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. $500/mo. Available now. Call (336) 609-1300.
LAND 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. 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.
HOMES FOR RENT HARD TO FIND ONE-LEVEL TOWNHOUSE in N. GSO. 2BR/1BA. $850. (336) 392-1454. HOUSE FOR RENT. 2 BD, 1 BA, bonus rm., laundry with W/D, lg. rooms, yard and porch. 1 pet OK. $625/mo. Security dep. req. (336) 554-1184.
continued on p. 46
DEC. 17, 2020--JAN. JAN. 6, 6, 2021 2021 DEC. 17, 2020
45 45
REAL ESTATE NICE 1-LEVEL TOWNHOUSE, convenient Guilford College area, quiet neighborhood. 2BR/2BA. $975 per month. (336) 392-1454.
HOMES FOR SALE NEW CONSTRUCTION IN OAK RIDGE
Selling or renting? The Northwest Observer reaches over 12,000 mailboxes
WOLF RIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD Newly constructed neighborhood in Oak Ridge. Crafted by the area’s finest builders, Wolf Ridge homes are up to date with the most sought-after designs and custom finishes. Beautiful lots available to start working on your dream home!
Nancy J. Hess
in Summerfield, Oak Ridge and Stokesdale every week. Plus, it’s available for free online and at local restaurants, grocery stores, post offices and more.
We’ll help you reach northwest Guilford County!
nancy.hess@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 215-1820
AUTUMN RIDGE TOWNHOMES IN OAK RIDGE!
Open Sunday 2-4 pm
buyshugart.com
Only 2 left!
Place your real estate ad today (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 advertising@nwobserver.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
index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS
Please support our advertisers, and tell them where you saw their ad! ACCOUNTING
By the Book Accounting .................... 48 Kimberly Thacker Accounting............ 35 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC..... 34
AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE Beamer Tire & Auto ...........................41 EuroHaus .......................................... 43 Piedmont Truck Tires ........................... 2 Prestige Car Wash ..............................15 Tire Max .............................................12
BUILDING / REMODELING
Disney Construction Company........... 24 Don Mills Builders .............................. 27 Friddle & Company............................ 29 Johnson & Lee, LLC........................... 25 Naylor Custom Homes ...................... 23 R&K Custom Homes ......................... 30 RS Dezern Construction .................... 23 Ray Bullins Construction .................... 22 TM Construction Services .................. 45 Walraven Signature Homes ............... 22
CHILDREN’S SERVICES
Guardian Ad Litem ............................ 33
CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES
Oak Ridge Chiropractic ....................... 8
COMMUNITY NEWS
Summerfield Fire Department ............. 7
DENTAL SERVICES
Summerfield Family Dentistry ............ 33
Kim Wilson
kwilson@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 662-7805
FITNESS
Chris Jessup ....................................... 10
FUNERAL SERVICES
Forbis & Dick Funeral Services ........... 48
GROCERIES / SUPPLIES
Southern Foods ................................... 3
HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES
BEK Paint Company .......................... 44 Eanes Heating & Air .......................... 18
46 46
DEC. DEC. 17, 17, 2020 2020 --JAN. JAN. 6, 6, 2021 2021
The The Northwest Observer • Totally local local since since 1996 1996 Northwest Observer • Totally
HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Old School Home Repair ................... 35 Rymack Storage ................................ 45 Stokesdale Heating & Air....................16 Wilson Septic & Pumping .................. 44
LEGAL SERVICES
Barbour & Williams Law .....................13
MEDICAL CARE / EYE CARE
LeBauer HealthCare.......................... 28 Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surg. ..31 Vision Source Eye Center of the Triad 21 Wake Forest Baptist Health ............... 39
ORTHODONTIC CARE
Olmsted Orthodontics ....................... 32
PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS
Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ............... 35 King’s Crossing Animal Hospital ........ 35 Northwest Animal Hospital .................13
REAL ESTATE
A New Dawn Realty .......................... 48 The Fitzsimmons Group, Allen Tate ....19 James D. Coleman Jr. – Land for Sale .20 Nancy Hess, Berkshire Hathaway ...... 46 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX ............ 26, 38 Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams ............ 6 Smith Marketing, Allen Tate .............. 23
RESTAURANTS / CATERING
Bistro 150 ...........................................11
RETAIL
Blissful Studios & Gallery ................... 10 Cass Jewelers .................................... 10 Moore Music ......................................11 Moravia Moravian Dewey’s Store........11 Old Mill of Guilford .............................11 Pineapple Porch .................................. 9 Stonefield Cellars ................................. 9
YOUTH SPORTS / CAMPS
National Flag Football ......................... 4 Oak Ridge Youth Association ............ 32 YMCA of Greensboro ........................ 37
STOKESDALE TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 15 When Flynt continued to speak to the benefits of extending water lines to the Coldwater Road development, Landreth emphasized he understood the reasoning, but it was the decisionmaking process that concerned him.
“When we first got elected you said we were a council and none of us had any more power than the other,” Landreth noted. “I will be happy to turn the water over to one of you three (Foy, Landreth or Rigsbee),” Flynt responded. Rigsbee then motioned to sell water to the residents on Coldwater Road at the agreed-upon rate, which is the same rate as customers inside Stokesdale’s town limits are charged. Medlin interjected, saying Stokesdale doesn’t have any obligation to serve someone outside the town’s jurisdiction, “and I think it would be appropriate that, when you get the application, it come before the council.” He advised that Rigsbee add a statement to his motion indicating the town reserves the right to set rates, and any future requests for supplying water outside town limits come before the council. “Whether we agree or disagree, we as a town agreed with Winston-Salem to service this development and the developer has taken action on that agreement,” Rigsbee said. “We need to honor our agreements and make changes in going forward.”
5 0 to approve Rigsbee’s earlier
motion, with the town attorney’s recommended additions. Landreth then motioned to release March 12 closed session meeting minutes (two sets on different subjects) from attorney-client privilege.
5 0 to approve Landreth’s
motion to release March 12 closed session meeting minutes from the attorney-client privilege, subject to Medlin’s review to ensure they meet the requirements for release and there is no information to be redacted.
2021
5 0 to approve Foy’s motion to set up a meeting with the town clerk, finance officer, himself and a Spectrum representative to negotiate shortening the length of the town’s contract with Spectrum or decreasing the town’s rate.
Meeting minutes. Finalizing minutes from council, special call and budget meetings have fallen months behind. Houk explained there had been 26 meetings this year, which was far more than usual, and between that, COVID, and the deputy clerk being out several weeks while recovering from surgery, it has been impossible to catch up. Effective immediately, Houk was given permission to set aside one day a week to work from home, uninterrupted, until she gets meeting minutes caught up.
CITIZEN COMMENTS Mark Nadel said he was very disappointed at the negative tone Flynt used during discussions about extending water lines outside the town limits. “Jimmy’s question never got answered about who made the decision,” he said. “To make a unilateral decision like that without bringing it up to the rest of the council sends a bad message.” Flynt defended his actions and said he resented Nadel’s implication that he had been impulsive. “I didn’t say impulsive, I said sometimes you make unilateral decisions,” Nadel said.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council members wished everyone a merry Christmas, announced there would be a PTA fundraiser blood drive at Stokesdale Elementary Dec. 22, and adjourned at 10:24 p.m.
13th annual edition coming soon!
d by publishe
Don’t be left out of the
only community directory specifically for northwest Guilford County For more information, contact Laura (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 advertising@nwobserver.com Direct-mailed to 12,000+ homes +4,500 copies distributed for free pick-up at 70+ locations in northwest Guilford County Online year-round at nwobserver.com & shared with over 14,000 Facebook fans
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
DEC. 17, 2020 - JAN. 6, 2021
47
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
Postal Patron PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 • (336) 644-7035
gems in
PAID
Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22 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
A New Dawn Realty Tea m !
(336) 643-4248
8304-C Hwy 158, Stokesdale (336) 441-8325 • annegarner605@gmail.com
8500 Ellisboro Road, Suite B, Stokesdale
www.ANewDawnRealty.com
May your Christmas be filled with
Let us help you advertise your downtown Stokesdale business direct-mailed to
12,000+ homes
1,400 copies
online 24/7
free pickup
Contact Laura to start your targeted ad campaign (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 | advertising@nwobserver.com
14,310+
followers
Stokesdale 8320 Hwy 158, (336) 643-3711
Greensboro 1118 N Elm St, (336) 275-8408 5926 W Friendly Ave, (336) 299-9171
Locally owned & operated • Serving Stokesdale, Greensboro, Oak Ridge & Summerfield