Northwest Observer / July 15 - 28, 2021 by pscommunications

July 15 - 28, 2021

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Northwest Guilford’s housing scarcity Council to reconsider Spurred by historically low mortgage rates, buyers are ﬁnding a shortage of houses for sale – even at offers higher than asking price by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – In recent months, Realtor Gil Vaughan has put in offers for nine houses on behalf of a cashrich couple wanting to spend around $450,000 for a new home. “We didn’t get any of them,” said Vaughan, an agent with Keller Williams – even though the buyers were willing to put down half of the asking prices in cash and were pre-approved to borrow the rest. Earlier this week, they resumed their search for what’s emerged as a scarce commodity. The shortage of housing

multi-family housing rules by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield Town Council responded to several weeks of criticism this past Tuesday, July 13, when it decided to revisit regulations it adopted last month to govern development of multi-family housing. The council voted 4-1 during its monthly meeting to direct the Planning Board Adobe Stock photo to consider ways to improve It’s a good time to be a home seller, but the shortage of houses on the the definition of multi-family market and historically low mortgage rates have presented challenges to dwellings. It also instructed buyers who are often competing against multiple bidders offering more the board to recommend than asking price. an approach for calculating how many multi-family units across northwestern Guilagents we spoke with. can be put on a lot. Council ford County and Greensboro Not only are sellers asking shows no signs of letting up, for earnest money from buyers, member Teresa W. Perryman voted nay. as potential buyers lured by but some are also demanding historically low mortgage rates due diligence fees of thouThe move followed critiare finding themselves comsands of dollars that aren’t cism by some residents of peting against multiple bidrefundable if the sale goes to the council’s decision durders offering more than asking another buyer. ing its June 8 meeting to price, according to real estate ...continued on p. 32 reduce the minimum size

IN THIS ISSUE Developer, town staff to ﬁeld questions .........2 Your Questions ....................................................4 News Briefs...........................................................5 Stokesdale Town Council meeting ..................6 Oak Ridge Town Council meeting ..................9 Bits & Pieces.......................................................11

NWO Business & Real Estate ...........................13 Proposed development draws objections ...14 Business Briefs ...................................................15 Business/Real Estate Q&A...............................18 Business Spotlight: Golden Shops................. 24 NWO Kids’ Korner ............................................ 26 Youth sync: Eagle Scouts ............................... 28

of lots for quadplexes. It was one of several steps intended to allow for higher density housing in Summerfield’s newly adopted unified development ordinance (UDO). (See related article in our June 17-30 issue.) The council approved the changes without public comment during last month’s meeting, drawing criticism from several speakers earlier this week. Summerfield resident Bill Triplett called the move “a serious error in judgment. I think it has shaken the trust of people in Summerfield.” The criticism echoed remarks during a June 24 meeting organized by Jolinda Babcock, a leader of Stand Up for Summerfield, a group that opposes higher density development. (See

...continued on p. 34

NWHS cheerleaders win it again .................. 29 Community Calendar .................................... 30 Grins and Gripes...............................................31 Crime/Incident Report ................................... 34 Classiﬁeds ........................................................ 35 Index of Advertisers ........................................ 39 NWO On The Go .............................................. 40

Developer, town staff to field questions in July 15 meeting by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – Developer David Couch is going to answer questions this Thursday, July 15, about his request for changes to the town’s recently adopted development regulations to allow for his proposed residential and commercial expansion of Summerfield Farms.

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The town of Summerfield has scheduled an open house and public information meeting to give residents the chance to learn more about Couch’s proposal for a text amendment to the unified development ordinance (UDO). Town staff will explain the process of amending the regulations governing residential and commercial development, according to a post on the town’s website.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Revolution Academy, the charter school at 3800 N.C. 150 in Summerfield. The town’s Planning Board is scheduled to consider Couch’s request during its meeting July 26, followed by the Town Council’s consideration during its monthly meeting Aug. 10. Residents will have the opportunity to speak in public hearings during both of those meetings. The amendment proposed by Couch, CEO of Blue Ridge Cos., would create a master planned village district. If approved by the council, the new district would allow Couch to develop at least 750 acres of his property from Summerfield Road to Interstate 73 with a range of housing priced from $250,000 to $2 million. Providing a mix of housing is one of the goals of Summerfield’s comprehensive plan that’s not adequately addressed in the UDO, Couch told

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Town Manager Scott Whitaker in a letter June 9, a day after the council adopted the revised development regulations in a 4-1 vote. Couch unveiled his plans for Summerfield Farms Village last September. He is proposing a mix of commercial and residential development with a network of public trails bisecting open space and pastures where he raises cattle and operates a wedding venue and fresh food market and gift shop. He said construction of a variety of housing – from townhouses and moderately priced houses on smaller lots to luxury homes – would avoid repeating the pattern of cul-de-sac subdivisions common in Summerfield. Couch’s proposal would rely on extending water and sewer services from the city of Greensboro to his development. The prospect of bringing public utilities to Summerfield has drawn objections from some residents, including council member Teresa W. Perryman, who say higher density development would overcrowd roads and schools and threaten the town’s rural character. A meeting last month organized by Stand Up For Summerfield rallied opposition to Couch’s plans. “No Planned Development” signs distributed during the meeting are popping up along roads in Summerfield. Organizer Jolinda Babcock told the group that extension of water and sewer lines to Summerfield would “change this town forever” by encouraging developers other than Couch to pursue higher density housing. In an email to supporters last week, Couch said his proposal would provide options “for downsizer housing, elderly care housing, and housing for young working families and service workers as our town grows and matures.”

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Rendering courtesy of Cone Health

An architect’s rendering of Cone Health’s new 102,000-square-foot medical center which is under construction near the corner of Drawbridge Parkway and Battleground Avenue in Greensboro. The medical center, which is scheduled to open by the end of this year, will offer a stand-alone emergency department, imaging services, physician ofﬁces, an oncology department and physical therapy.

I understand the building under construction at the corner of Drawbridge Parkway and Battleground Avenue will be a medical facility. Can you provide more details about it? Cone Health is building an emergency services and imaging complex at this location; the facility will be very similar to other area Cone Health MedCenters in Kernersville, High Point and Mebane, confirmed Doug Allred, external communications manager for Cone Health. “Our MedCenters are models of moving health care services into the community where consumers want them,” stated Terry Akin, CEO, Cone Health, on the health system’s website. “The location just off of the urban loop will be very convenient for people, not only in Greensboro, but in all of northwest Guilford County and western Rockingham County.”

The 17-bed emergency department will provide an alternative to emergency departments at The Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital and Wesley Long Hospital. Cone Health renovated and expanded those emergency departments within the past 10 years, but they have been used at a much higher rate than expected.

the new medical facility, which does not yet have a name, are:

The MedCenter will also make it much easier for people to get MRIs, CTs, X-rays and other imaging services without having to travel to a hospital.

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NEWS in brief

Four people charged after alcohol-related vehicle collision Two passengers died, driver and another passenger injured in June 25 collision

and later contacted ALE due to the suspected involvement of alcoholic beverages in the wreck, ALE said in a news release July 7. Stevens, 18, and the third passenger, 19-year-old Tavis Williamson, were injured in the crash.

by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – Driver Jacob Stevens and a mother and son have been criminally charged after two 19-year-olds died from injuries sustained in a vehicle accident last month. A minor also faces charges.

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

The Stokesdale ﬁre station is sporting a new look after undergoing months of repair for damage from water seeping into the building’s brick exterior and causing the metal plates above the windows and doors to rust. Repair work included replacing windows and adding a stucco exterior covering to avoid similar issues in the future. Todd Gauldin, Stokesdale Fire Department chief, said the work, which started in November, is nearly complete but shortages of caulking material have delayed the ﬁnish. The repair project was bid at $169,000.

The N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) Division announced the charges last week following the traffic accident on Williard Road in Oak Ridge just before 7 p.m. June 25. Jeffrey “Jeff” Robert Jones died at the scene and Zachary “Zach” Porter Williamson died a day later in the hospital. The N.C. State Highway Patrol responded to the single-vehicle accident

ALE said its special agents determined that Stevens and the passengers in his pickup truck were all underage and used fake IDs to purchase alcoholic beverages at an ABC-licensed restaurant in Oak Ridge. Earlier that day, the four teens had consumed alcohol at a house party on Leadenhall Road in Oak Ridge. The homeowner, Lauren Penizotto, was present during the party and her son, Nathaniel Penizotto, 21, purchased alcohol for the party, according to ALE. A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of “numerous bottles of

...continued on p. 12

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JULY 15 - 28, 2021

STOKESDALE town council

July 8 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by PATTI STOKES After Mayor John Flynt called the monthly meeting to order, which opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, the council unanimously voted to pass a resolution in support of NC State’s 2021 baseball team being “the nation’s best college baseball team for the 2021 season.” The resolution stated the team was “victorious against the three best pitchers in the country in three consecutive games as part of their journey to the College World Series,” but in a heartbreaking decision, the NCAA eliminated the team from the National Semifinals after some members tested positive for COVID. The meeting agenda was unanimously approved after adding a report from Stokesdale Fire Department.

Public Safety. Stokesdale Fire Chief

WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted: Stokesdale Mayor John Flynt, Mayor Pro Tem Thearon Hooks, council members Derek Foy, Jim Rigsbee and Jimmy Landreth voted on the following issues during the council’s July 8 meeting…

 5  0: Approve a site plan for a 56-lot development; 95% of the prop-

erty is in Forsyth County, but common area and an entryway are in Stokesdale

 5  0: Approve a resolution setting the candidate filing fee at $5  5  0: Approve a resolution to enroll employees working 32 hours or more in the N.C. Local Government Employees’ Retirement System

 5  0: Request the town’s Planning Board schedule a public hearing to consider designating warehouse and storage units be allowed in light/heavy industrial zoned property only  5  0: Schedule a special call meeting Aug. 5, 7 p.m. to discuss water system priorities  5  0: Bring names to the August council meeting of potential citizen

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Cameron Cotter, a Northern Guilford High School alumnus and a pitcher on NC State’s 2021 baseball team, accepts a resolution on behalf of his team at Stokesdale Town Council’s July 8 meeting.

volunteers to serve on a committee to update the Future Land Use Plan Todd Gauldin encouraged residents to practice outdoor cooking safety by making sure grills and other outdoor cooking equipment is serviced, using the correct type of fuel, and keeping plenty of clearance between cooking equipment and buildings. Citizens are invited to the fire department’s annual meeting on Tuesday, July 27, 7:30 p.m. at the fire station on U.S. 158 in downtown Stokesdale. The department recently purchased a 2021 engine which it will use for fires and wrecks; the engine replaces a 1997 model.  Advanced Core Values: Digital Integrity, “To say we got our money’s worth

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out of it, we really did,” Gauldin said. “We were able to sell it to another fire department after it served our citizens for 24 years.” Repairs to the fire station’s exterior brick walls due to water damage are near completion, Gauldin said, noting some people have asked if the department added more space, but it didn’t.

 5  0 to approve the May 6 council meeting minutes. ADMIN REPORT

Interim Town Clerk Dale Martin noted a new A/C unit for Town Hall is on order but the town doesn’t have a delivery/installation date yet.

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Martin said she has been working with Piedmont Discovery on a campaign to market all trails and parks in Guilford County. In the month of June the town received 68 8-1-1 requests, sold 10 water meters, issued three backflow permits and processed 26 new water applications, Martin reported. Thus far the town has received 62 resumes in response to its ad for a permanent town clerk.

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FINANCIALS

Finance Officer Kim Thacker presented her report on the town’s financial activities and checking account and investment balances for the general fund and water enterprise accounts.

PUBLIC COMMENTS  Mike Crawford, HOA president for Angel’s Glen subdivision, asked the council for help in getting Adano Road paved so that drivers would stop using

the adjoining Barbelo Drive as a cutthrough, which has presented safety concerns because of small children playing nearby. “Angel Pardue Road is tar and gravel, and that would satisfy those of us in the neighborhood if NCDOT would go along with it, but they wouldn’t,” he noted, explaining the subdivision’s developer, Kevan Combs, initially offered to pave the road but NCDOT said it would need to be paved

to DOT standards. The council agreed to contact NCDOT about paving Adano Road.

PUBLIC HEARING Appeal to Planning Board Decision. Town Planner Oliver Bass explained this case was to hear an appeal to the Planning Board’s decision on June 24 regarding a development underway on Coldwater Road; 95% of the property is ...continued on p. 8

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JULY 15 - 28, 2021

STOKESDALE TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 7 in Forsyth County and Forsyth County, the county’s Planning Board and its commissioners approved rezoning property for the development and approved a development site plan. Mayor Flynt asked why, with only a sliver of this 56-lot subdivision being in Stokesdale, the town’s Planning Board and council were having to vote on it. Bass explained it was because the development’s common area and a right-of-way are in Stokesdale. Town Attorney Tom Medlin explained this case involves split jurisdiction because part of the property (nine acres of common area and new street right-ofway) is in Stokesdale – “Therefore, the development ordinances that are applicable will be those in both jurisdictions.” The town’s planner and Planning Board disagreed about what applies to the town in this case and the Planning Board determined the town’s development standard which states there can be no more than 50 lots served by a single entrance applies to this development. Medlin explained the planning staff (Bass) and Guilford County Technical Review Committee interpreted that Stokesdale’s development ordinance standards do not apply in this case because all lots will be in Forsyth County. “You have to decide: is this

development standard (that no single entrance can serve more than 50 homes) applicable to that portion that is in Stokesdale? That is your decision,” Medlin confirmed. The council discussed the history of the town’s 50-lot-per-entrance limit, and whether that rule should apply to this development when all but one of the homes will be in Forsyth County. When the town attorney was asked to confirm what of this subdivision will be in Stokesdale, Medlin said the site plan shows a road from Coldwater Road, common areas and 80% of one lot in a future phase will be in Stokesdale.

Proponents  Paul Holst, manager of Coldwater Development, said his company would be building a first-class development with lakeview lots of Belews Lake, an authentic stone bridge at the entryway, a playground and common areas. Holst said development got underway in April after his company got 15 different permits and approvals, and an offsite water main has been run off U.S. 158 to the property. “We’re way down on the road with this development and have 15 contracts on homes already,” Holst said. “With all due respect, I feel the time to have this discussion and finalize it was when we proposed the land use change – most of

the land in Stokesdale will be dedicated as common area… This plat only shows 28 lots in Phase 1. I’m stumped as to how that provision of the ordinance can be applied when the plat shows 28 lots.”

Opponents  Mark Nadel, a member of the town’s Planning Board, said when the board reviewed this issue at its June 26 meeting, its decision was based on the paperwork presented, which showed 58 lots. Nadel then cited a plane crash in Cove Neck, New York, on the north shore of Long Island, in 1990 in which 73 of the 158 people on board died. “With 55 emergency vehicles, the roads leading to the site became choked with traffic and the road was so impassable that many emergency responders had to park and run on foot,” Nadel said. He urged the council to support the Planning Board’s decision, based on concerns about what could happen if there were a major disaster. “Think about what is in the best interest of those 28 homeowners (in Phase 1) – I’m all for a waiver; another plan and another access route,” he said, adding, “It’s time for the town to stop letting the builders take this place hostage. … the ordinance probably needs to be changed. I’m concerned about access.” After further discussion, Flynt motioned to approve the site plan for

Phase 1 of the development on Coldwater Road as presented, and Mayor Pro Tem Thearon Hooks seconded. During the subsequent council discussion, Derek Foy said he favored voting to approve a waiver. Councilman Jim Rigsbee said he didn’t want to impose jurisdiction over what isn’t reasonable for the town to do so. “We’ve got a unique situation that has put the builder in the middle; I feel we’re adding overreach where we shouldn’t be,” Rigsbee said.

 5  0 to approve the site plan.  5  0 to approve a resolution set-

ting the candidate filing fee at $5.

Enroll in Retirement System. Council discussed whether to apply to enroll employees working 32 or more hours in the N.C. Local Government Employees’ Retirement System. “The type of candidate we’re looking for (full-time town clerk) will be a person who is probably already in the system and will want to continue in the retirement system,” Rigsbee noted. “Let’s use Dale (Martin, interim town clerk) as a prime example. She’s brought tons of experience – if we want to hire someone of her acumen we’re going to have to step up. This is the most stable and consistent option on the books and why every other town is in the system except for us.” ...continued on p. 27

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JULY 15 - 28, 2021

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

OAK RIDGE town council

July 1 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS Schneider explained.

Mayor Ann Schneider, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan, Doug Nodine and Martha Pittman voted on the following items during the July 1 council meeting.

PUBLIC SAFETY

 5  0: Adopt text amendments to the town’s development ordinance, as

as reported by CHRIS BURRITT Mayor Ann Schneider called the monthly meeting in Oak Ridge Town Hall to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan, Doug Nodine and Martha Pittman present. Technical difficulties prevented the recording and livestreaming of the meeting on the town’s YouTube page. Ken Gordon, a member of Oak Ridge United Methodist Church and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, offered the invocation. It was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The council voted 5-0 to approve the agenda after deciding to postpone discussion and possible approval of a contract with Envirolink, a contractor that has proposed operating a municipal water system for the town. Council members are still reviewing materials related to the contract,

WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted:

Oak Ridge Fire Department. Capt. Cole Wyatt reported Oak Ridge Fire Department responded to 58 calls in June, including two structure fires. Firefighters obtained about 1,040 hours of training. Wyatt said the department is designing a training tower behind the fire station on Linville Road and wants to complete the facility by early next year. Schneider thanked the fire department and other emergency workers for responding to the alcohol-related vehicle accident on Williard Road June 25 that claimed the lives of 19-year-olds Zach Williamson and Jeff Jones.

Sheriff’s Office. A cumulative report for incidents the District 1 office responded to in Oak Ridge last month was not yet available..

mandated by a new state law

 5  0: Pay Carolina Mulching Co. $35,000 to remove trees from Old Union Cemetery on East Harrell Road  5  0: Adopt a resolution setting a $5 filing fee for candidates running for two council seats in the Nov. 2 election

 5  0: Approve a three-year lease of space in the Town Park maintenance building on Lisa Drive to the Oak Ridge Youth Association

 5  0: Accept the financial report for June and the fiscal year ending June 30

 5  0: Engage as a consultant Tom Roberts, of UNC-Chapel Hill’s Environmental Finance Center, to assist with the town’s deliberations on a proposed municipal water system  5  0: Increase Town Manager Bill Bruce’s annual pay by 6% PUBLIC HEARING  5  0 to adopt text amendments to the town’s development ordinance; a new state law requires municipalities

across North Carolina to adopt technical amendments to bring their development rules into compliance with

... continued on p. 10

OAK RIDGE TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 9 statewide regulations. No one spoke for or against the amendment during a public hearing before the council’s vote. The amendments will not affect zoning of property in Oak Ridge. Schneider thanked Planning Director Sean Taylor and Town Attorney Michael Thomas for preparing the amendments, along with Piedmont Triad Regional Council for its technical support.

NEW BUSINESS

Cemetery tree removal

 5  0 to pay Carolina Mulching

Co. $35,000 to remove 32 pine trees, a dead oak and several other dead and dying trees from Old Union Cemetery on East Harrell Road. To minimize possible damage to the cemetery grounds, the company will use a crane to remove the trees; it will also haul the trees away, according to its contract with the town. The work “is very necessary,” Pittman said after Town Manager Bill Bruce

explained removing the trees will hopefully prevent the possibility of them falling on graves.

Election filing fee

 5  0 to adopt a resolution setting a $5 filing fee for candidates running for two council seats in the Nov. 2 election.

MANAGER’S REPORT ORYA building lease

 5  0 to approve a three-year

lease of about 2,000 square feet in the Town Park maintenance building on Lisa Drive to Oak Ridge Youth Association (ORYA). The lease renews a 10-year-agreement that expired, according to Bruce. The new agreement allows ORYA to store equipment and supplies for its youth recreation programs in the building. The association will pay rent of $1 in each of the three years, starting this month.

PUBLIC COMMENTS  Michelle Bardsley urged the com-

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munity to support efforts by the Guilford County Teenage Republicans (TARS) to show appreciation to local law enforcement officers. TARS is participating in the Back the Blue program this summer to donate gift cards, black shoe laces, hand sanitizer and other items to police officers for their service, according to Bardsley, who is advising the group. Back the Blue yard signs can be purchased via the group’s Facebook page.

FINANCIAL UPDATE  5  0 to accept the financial

report for June and the fiscal year ending June 30. Finance Officer Sam Anders reported Oak Ridge had assets of $3.87 million, with liabilities of $56,589 and a fund balance of $3.82 million.

COMMUNITY UPDATES Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Co-chairs Bill Royal and Anne Steele reported volunteers worked June 16 to trim overgrowth and make other improvements on the Headwater Trail northwest of town. Special Events. Chair Patti Dmuchowski reported the committee is creating a donation gauge for the town’s website to show the growth of donations for the veterans’ site planned for Heritage Farm Park. The committee is starting to plan Light Up the Night festivities for Nov. 20, with a Dec. 4 rain date, Dmuchowski noted. No holiday parade is scheduled for this fall due to the committee’s other commitments, such as planning for the veterans’ site.

Historical Preservation Commission. Chair Debbie Shoenfeld reported that she, Vice Chair Caroline Ruch and Town Clerk Sandra Smith are putting together a book with photos and historical and cultural information about most of the historic properties in Oak Ridge. Planning and Zoning Board. Chair Nancy Stoudemire reported the board conditionally approved the site plan for a Starbucks which is to be located on a vacant lot next to Quality Mart on N.C. 68.

The Northwest Observer •Oak Totally local since 1996 Ridge Elementary School.

Principal Penny Loschin reported the school was nearing the end of a threeweek-long summer session and a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) camp.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Schneider, Kinneman, McClellan and Pittman expressed condolences to families and friends of the two teenage victims of the fatal truck accident on Williard Road off N.C. 150 on June 25.  Kinneman said the tragedy confirms that drinking alcohol and driving “don’t mix.”  Pittman congratulated Nodine and other volunteers who renovated the historic Ai church at the corner of N.C. 68 and Alcorn Road. “It is so simple and beautiful, along with the modern amenities,” she said.  Schneider thanked the Northwest Observer for posting a video of the memorial service held at Town Park for the two teenagers who died as a result of the June 25 vehicle accident. She also said she plans to run for reelection in the Nov. 2 election.

CLOSED SESSION

After recessing the regular meeting, the council went into closed session to discuss two items: the hiring of a municipal water system consultant and increasing Bruce’s annual salary. After reconvening, the council voted 5-0 to engage Tom Roberts, a senior business analyst for the Environmental Finance Center at UNC-Chapel Hill, to assist the town with its deliberations on a proposed municipal water system. Previously, Roberts was president and chief operating officer of Aqua North Carolina Inc., the operator of water and waste water systems in North Carolina. It operates community wells in northwestern Guilford County. The council also voted unanimously to increase Bruce’s annual pay by 6%, without providing details of his compensation. Council members praised the performance of Bruce, who thanked staff and contractors for their help. With no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

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.

Ruger Ruger was founded in 1949 by Alexander McCormick Sturm and William B. Ruger in a red barn in Southport, Connecticut. Ruger became a publicly traded company in 1969 and now operates firearms manufacturing facilities in Mayodan, North Carolina, as well as in New Hampshire and Arizona. Ruger is one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of rugged, reliable firearms for the commercial sporting market. The company offers made-in-America products in almost 800 variations of more than 40 product lines. With a commitment to the twostep distribution model, Ruger says it has set the gold standard of corporate and community responsibility. “Our motto, ‘Arms Makers for Responsible Citizens®,’ echoes our commitment to these principles as we work hard to deliver quality and innovative firearms for our industry,” a Ruger spokesperson said. Ruger is currently hiring for several positions at its manufacturing facility in Mayodan, North Carolina. See ad on p. 5 for more information.

Climb Nutrition

Owners Susan and Lindsay Laws said they decided to open the business in Oak Ridge after visiting a similar business where they enjoyed the menu and the atmosphere. Climb Nutrition offers 31 flavors of healthy and great-tasting meal replacement shakes and energy drinks packed with vitamins and energy – and, there are plenty of menu choices for vegetarians and diabetics. “We work hard to provide healthy options and awesome customer service to the folks in Oak Ridge,” the Laws said. “Our goal is to provide great-tasting shakes and energy teas while showing a love of our customers, employees and the surrounding community.” Lindsay and Susan have three children – Christopher, Kelly and Lucy – along with two grandchildren, Madeline and Dalton. The Laws said they are very civic-minded, and in the past have both served on boards within their church and have been involved with Jaycees, Service League and PTO. When not serving customers at Climb Nutrition, the couple enjoys downtime with family and friends. Lindsay served in the Marines and loves to play the banjo. Susan loves puzzles and Boston terriers (you may get the opportunity to meet their dog Zoe when you visit the shop!).

Owners: Susan and Lindsay Laws Climb Nutrition, a smoothie and juice bar, opened Jan. 30 in the Village Shops, located behind the Quality Mart/Shell station at the corner of N.C. 68 and 150 in Oak Ridge.

CERAMIC COATING

Scott’s Tractor & Equipment Company Scott’s Tractor & Equipment Company in Reidsville has been servicing the Piedmont area for over 30 years. The company is a local authorized service center for John Deere, STIHL, Woods, BOB-CAT®, Briggs & Stratton, Kawasaki engines and Kohler engines. Scott’s Tractor & Equipment has a large in-stock inventory of lawn tractors, zero-turn mowers, chainsaws, commercial lawn equipment, tractors, Gators, trimmers, blowers, edgers, pole saws, brush cutters, tillers, box blades, finishing mowers, scrape blades, tillers, disc harrows, batwing brush cutters, spreaders, aerators, plows, new and used equipment, apparel, hats, toys, clothing, cultivators, and walk-behind blowers, as well as three major aftermarket suppliers for almost any brand you own. The company is proud of its firstclass service department, which is staffed by certified factory-trained technicians who offer everything from minor tune-ups and maintenance to major overhauls.

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NEWS in brief ...continued from p. 5 spirituous liquor and trash bags of empty beer cans,” the agency said.

Customers’ data potentially viewed by unauthorized person, Bank of Oak Ridge says by CHRIS BURRITT

As a result of the investigation, Penizotto and her son, Stevens and an unidentified minor were charged. These are the specific charges: • Lauren Penizotto, 51, was charged with three counts of aid and abet an underage person and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. • Nathaniel Penizotto, 21, was charged with three counts of aid and abet an underage person, one count of give spirituous liquor to a person under the age of 21, and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. • Stevens, 18, was charged with possession of a fraudulent identification and underage possession of alcoholic beverages. ALE said a juvenile petition was submitted for two counts of aid and abet another underage person, and two counts of give alcoholic beverage to an underage person. Stevens already faces numerous charges by the State Highway Patrol which include two counts of felony death by motor vehicle and one count of felony serious injury by motor vehicle.

OAK RIDGE – Bank of Oak Ridge recently informed some of its customers that their names, social security numbers and dates of birth may have been viewed by an unauthorized user on the bank’s computer systems in April. As part of its investigation of the incident, the bank told potentially impacted customers in a letter last week that “we learned that an unauthorized actor accessed our systems and may have viewed historical data containing certain customer data between April 26 and April 27, 2021.” The potentially impacted files contained “historical data only and related to certain accounts opened on or before Sept. 30, 2009,” the letter stated. The bank told customers it wasn’t aware of “any misuse of your information as a result of this incident.” Bank spokeswoman Skylar Mearing reiterated in an interview earlier this week that there’s no evidence that customers’ information has been misused. As a result, the bank doesn’t consider that information was breached because there’s no indication of theft, she said.

“We are providing this notice out of an abundance of caution,” the letter said. Mearing said the bank mailed the letter only to potentially affected customers. Citing the confidentiality of the bank’s information, she declined to disclose the number of customers to whom the bank mailed letters. Potentially affected customers were told they could sign up for 12 months of complimentary identity monitoring services, and the bank will also offer them “guidance on how to better protect your information.” The bank said it notified federal law enforcement officials and banking regulators while taking “steps to further enhance and monitor the security of our systems.” State regulators can’t release information about the incident submitted by Bank of Oak Ridge to the public, said Sally-Ann Gupta, spokesperson for the North Carolina Office of the Commissioner of Banks in Raleigh. Citing state laws, Gupta said in an email earlier this week that records related to the incident “are confidential supervisory information.’’

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

requests 130.36 acres 16 Builder/developer on Plainfield Road be rezoned to RS-40 Woods of Terror owner applies for special use permit for 10.53 acres

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BUSINESS/REAL ESTATE NEWS AND BRIEFS: to 290 units on 14 Up 46.25 acres proposed

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What’s happening at PTI Airport?

Bean 15 Jumping ‘pops up’

What’s being built where N.C. 65 crosses U.S. 220?

Bi-Rite set to open Sept. 1

Why was BJ’s Grill closed for several days?

celebrates 16 ORPT 10,000th patient

What will be in this building at 7105 U.S. 158 in Stokesdale?

Up to 290 units on 46.25 acres proposed for Pleasant Ridge Road The development would disrupt the peaceful lifestyle, according to a neighbor rebutting a lawyer’s view that growth is inevitable by CHRIS BURRITT NW GREENSBORO – A developer is proposing to build as many as 290 residential units on a mostly wooded 46.25-acre tract at Pleasant Ridge and Alcorn roads, drawing objections from some neighbors concerned about the impact on wildlife and flooding.

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The properties are listed at a combined selling price of $3,427,500.

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Leoterra Development Inc. plans to combine two parcels at 1819 Pleasant Ridge Road and 7201 Alcorn Road for a development consisting of townhouses or single-family homes, or a combination of both, Greensboro lawyer Tom Terrell told the city of Greensboro Zoning Commission last month.

The Northwest Observer

The commission voted unanimously to recommend the Greensboro City Council annex the property and zone the land for CD-RM-18 (conditional district – residential multi-family – 18) with a maximum of 290 units. The property is currently located in unincorporated Guilford County and zoned RS-40 (residential single-family). The City Council will consider the commission’s recommendation during its meeting next Tuesday, July 20; prior to the council making a decision, a public hearing will be held to gather opponents’ and supporters’ views on the project. During the commission’s meeting, three residents expressed opposition to the proposed development. The Alcorn Road home of Richard and Sandra Parkes abuts the property, and the couple said they’re concerned about increased traffic, runoff from a creek and the dislocation of deer and other •wildlife. Totally local since 1996

“I think we are going to lose all of that wildlife when that large complex becomes a reality,” Richard told the commission. “We will have lost whatever little peace we had out here in the country. And all of a sudden it’s going to be crowded.” As many as 6.3 units would be allowed per acre in the development, drawing criticism from Richard Price, of Rambling Road. He said the higher density would be incompatible with surrounding single-family houses on 40,000-square-foot lots. “Greater density means increased runoff,” said Price, who showed photographs of Moore’s Creek flooding his backyard. The stream runs through the property slated for development. State regulations require developers to take steps to limit water runoff, according to Terrell. He added that “animals are always going to be displaced” by development and that “there remains a corridor for animals” in the vicinity of the creek where construction isn’t allowed. The property is located about 1/3 mile from land owned by Piedmont Triad International Airport, which is seeking to add new aerospace companies and create jobs, Terrell said. New workers are going to need places to live, he said. The city of Greensboro’s planning staff recommended annexation and zoning of the property for the proposed development. Leoterra is representing owners of the two tracts, Lyndon H. Mitchell and Iris and John Pearson, according to the staff’s report.

“This is a place where growth is expected,” Terrell said. “This is a place where growth is called for by all of the policy plans.”

assigned to Pearce Elementary, Northwest Middle and Northwest High School.

want to view or speak at the public hearing? Greensboro City Council will hold a virtual public hearing for this property annexation and rezoning during its meeting on Tuesday, July 20, which begins at 5 p.m. For more info or to view the meeting, visit www.greensboro-nc.gov/ government/city-council/council-meetings; those wishing to speak during the virtual public hearing should submit a City Council Virtual comments form by 5 p.m. July 19 (the form can be obtained from the same website).

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Stokesdale’s new Bi-Rite is slated to open Sept. 1. Located at the corner (336) 668-0091 • 312 S Regional Rd, Greensboro of N.C. 65 (Belews Creek Road) and Ellisboro Road, the new store is about 11 locations open M-F 7:30-5:30 27,000 square feet – nearly four times as large as the space the store has occupied Emergency roadside 24/7/365 • Shuttle service within 8 miles on U.S. 158 in downtown Stokesdale for almost 60 years. According to owner David www.piedmonttrucktires.com Wrenn’s son, Matt Wrenn, who is the store’s director of operations, all that extra square footage will be put to good use. “We’re adding a deli, full restaurant with 26 seats, 16-foot hot bar and a 12-tap beer cave,” said Wrenn, adding the new facilThe Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 JULY 15 - 28, 2021 15 ity will also offer many more new features.

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Oak Ridge Physical Therapy founder Andy Michels (left) and some of his staff celebrate the practice’s 10,000th patient, Johnny Hill of Oak Ridge, on July 13. The physical therapy clinic which opened in Oak Ridge Commons in 2008 with just a few employees now also has clinics in Summerﬁeld and Eden and employs 18 physical therapists, therapist assistants and administrative support staff members.

Builder/developer requests 130.36 acres on Plainfield Road be rezoned to RS-40 NORTH GREENSBORO – D. Stone Builders of Greensboro has applied to rezone 130.36 acres at 622 Plainfield Road, about 3,000 feet east of its intersection of Lake Brandt Road in northern Greensboro and just outside the Town of Summerfield limits. The property is owned by First Acres, LLC, represented by Milton I. Shaw. The Guilford County Planning

Board was scheduled to hold a public hearing for the rezoning request at its Wednesday, July 14 meeting. If approved, the property will be rezoned from AG, Agricultural, to RS-40, Single-family Residential. Public school students in the proposed community would attend Northern Elementary, Northern Middle and Northern High schools.

Woods of Terror owner applies for special use permit for 10.53 acres

NORTH GREENSBORO – McLaurin Farms owner Eddie McLaurin has 2837 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro requested a special use permit to Mon - Fri 8 am - 6 pm • Sat 10 am - 4 pm operate a special event venue on carpetsbydirect.com 10.53 acres he owns at 5615 Church St. In 2015 McLaurin was granted a special use permit for property he owns at JULY 15 - 28, 2021 The Northwest Observer •5601 Totally local Church St.,since where1996 he operates

Woods of Terror, a haunted theme park that is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in late September and the month of October. Guilford County Planning Board will hold an evidentiary hearing July 15 to consider McLaurin’s request for a special use permit.

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BUSINESS/REAL ESTATE Q&A

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Grading of the former golf course on Pleasant Ridge Road is preparing land for prospective tenants of Piedmont Triad International Airport.

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I noticed earthmoving machinery leveling airport property on Pleasant Ridge Road in northwest Greensboro. What’s going on there?

A bridge crossing the interstate serves as an aircraft taxiway from the terminal to the property around the golf course where developers are trying to transform the Triad into a transportation hub. They want to build upon the growth of Honda Aircraft, FedEx, HAECO Americas and Cessna as major PTI operations.

We checked with Kevin Baker, executive director of Piedmont Triad Airport (PTI) Authority, and he explained that land is being graded to prepare for future tenants.

The tract “may be developed in its entirety or in parcels,” PTI said in the economic development section of its website. The site has received preliminary development approval and “is ready to host a major tenant.”

The grading is underway on the site of the former Pleasant Ridge Golf Club (at corner of Pleasant Ridge Road and N.C. 68); the property consists of 132 acres that’s part of an 800-acre tract where economic recruiters envision aerospace companies setting up operations. Originally called Bel Aire Golf Club, the course closed in 2018. Over the past two years, crews have demolished the clubhouse, drained ponds and flattened the property across Interstate 73 from the PTI Airport terminal.

Grading will enable airport officials to move quickly to accommodate prospective tenants, Baker wrote in an email to the Northwest Observer this week. The work underway “is not for a particular tenant at this time,” Baker added. Instead, the authority is preparing the property “for any and all users,” he wrote. “Getting this work done in advance shortens the critical path schedule for future tenants.”

...more Q&A on p. 22

Have a business/real estate question? Submit your questions about northwest-area business or real estate

JULY 15 - 28, 2021

online: nwobserver.com | e-mail: questions@nwobserver.com

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each project, but none of to doing what’s necessary them are above grabbing to give their clients exactly a hammer and joining the what they want. construction crew. Those are some of During their time the characteristics that All four men are local together, the foursome attracted Brandon and residents – the Johnsons has built numerous homes Paula Payne when they live in Stokesdale and and commercial structures were looking to build their the Lees in Oak Ridge – in a variety of price ranges dream home on Haw and each of them are a while developing a reputa- River Road in Oak Ridge. licensed contractor. Their tion for high-quality crafts- High recommendations company is structured so manship, attention to from family and friends that one of them oversees detail and a commitment sealed the deal.

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Situated on just over 10 acres on Haw River Road, this spectacular custom-built home was completed by Johnson & Lee at the end of 2019. Homeowners Brandon and Paula Payne appreciated the local building company being attuned to their desires and attentiveness to details. “We started with a detached garage and knew based on that experience they were the right builder for our home,” Brandon said. “Having the project completed to our satisfaction was of great importance to their team of contractors.”

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“We cannot say enough about their pride in workmanship and attention to detail,” Paula added. “They were very This custom-built home on Haw involved in every aspect River Road is enhanced by the of our build and we intricate stonework shown here in always felt they treated the outdoor ﬁreplace and the large our project as if it were compass rose in the backyard. their own. We commend Johnson & Lee for their work ethic and quality of service. We (336) 362-4462 / (336) 706-1887 would definitely work with them www.JohnsonandLeeLLC.com again.”

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Q&A ...continued from p. 18 What’s going on at BJ’s Grill? They were closed for several days. According to Amanda Berry, who manages the grill when owner Missie Joyner is away, the longtime Stokesdale eatery was closed from June 27 through July 7 to take care of some much-needed building repairs and updates. Berry said Stokesdale Management Properties, which owns the building BJ’s is in, used the time to install a new roof and put up a new ceiling. At the same time, the restaurant’s electrical wiring was updated, and new brighter interior lights were installed. The walls also received a fresh coat of paint. Berry added that due to a medical emergency, some minor updates were not completed but will be in the near future, along with new flooring.

Photos by Annette Joyce/NWO

BJ’s Grill in downtown Stokesdale reopened on July 8 after being closed for several days to allow for building repairs and updates.

There’s a massive building under construction just outside of Summerfield, where N.C. 65 crosses over U.S. 220. What are the plans for this building?

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Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

Ontex, a manufacturer of diapers and other disposable hygiene products, is building a facility just off U.S. 220 at N.C. 65.

The building you see will be a manufacturing facility for Ontex, which is based in Erembodegem, Belgium. The company makes diapers and other disposable hygiene products for both babies and

adults and plans to hire 403 employees to work at its new facility. As reported in our June 18, 2020 issue, Ontex is the first tenant in the 300-acre industrial park owned by

...Q&A continued on p. 27

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JULY 15 - 28, 2021

The Northwest Observer

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

Owners John and Gina Childress love all the treasures that can be found throughout their store, Golden Shops Antiques and Treasures, in Summerﬁeld.

by ANNETTE JOYCE Maybe it’s the abundance of artfully arranged items, the many personalized “storefronts” alongside the aisles of the light and airy building – or the sheer variety of items. Or, it could be the welcoming, cheery folks who greet you as you walk in or approach a booth where someone is staging their wares. Chances are it’s a combination of all these things, but one thing is for sure, Golden Shops Antiques and Treasures draws people in and keeps them mesmerized. After purchasing the iconic business known simply as “Golden Antiques” in 2017, John and Gina Childress relocated the store from Stokesdale to its original location in Summerfield Square Shopping Center in August 2019. As the pandemic hit and businesses were closed, the couple was both surprised and delighted that their business •became Totallyan local since 1996 escape for so many people.

John recalled the reaction from customers when the 24,000-square-foot store reopened at the end of April 2020 after being closed for a month due to COVID restrictions. “The first day I was putting out the open sign a car stopped and the driver stared, and then jumped out and ran in,” John said. “We had a lot of people – especially those in healthcare – coming in right after work,” Gina said. “They would just spend a lot of time walking around and said that coming here was their therapy. It was awesome.” And it’s still awesome, as the eclectic business steadily attracts an evergrowing following. Similar to a small enclosed mall, Golden Antiques features rows and rows of booths – right now there’s a total of 73 – rented by a variety of vendors who set up their spaces to sell their wares and attract as much attention as possible.

event, the Mistletoe Market, gives people the opportunity to shop for more arts and crafts – and Santa usually makes an appearance at this market.

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

After operating in Stokesdale for almost four years, Golden Shops Antiques and Treasures moved back to its original location in Summerﬁeld Square Shopping Center on U.S. 220 in August 2019.

Golden Antiques recently held their annual Kevin Golden Cruise-In, which pays tribute to John and Gina’s friend, Kevin Golden, who started the business and has since passed away. “He loved cars,” John said. “We have about 100 to 150 cars of all kinds, and there are food trucks and a band.” John and Gina live in northwest Greensboro – “just three miles down the road.” The couple has four adult children, three grandchildren and another grandchild on the way.

The booths are overflowing with all kinds of unique items, from vintage Corelle casserole dishes and handmade birdhouses to original art and antique signs.

different walks of life and they’re all in a good mood,” he said. “We’ve developed a lot of friendships through this business.”

The fun part is that everything is mixed together – Gina noted you could walk through the store several times and still not see everything.

“I love the people and I like hearing their stories,” Gina echoed. “I also get the opportunity to pray with people and reach a different level with them.”

And where else can you find a jean jacket and a stuffed wild opossum for sale, sitting alongside kitchen items?

The couple is always looking for ways to amp up the fun and excitement. For instance, they offer a Ladies’ Night the first Thursday in March, June, September and December, when the store puts on a special evening just for the ladies – although John admitted they won’t turn away any men if they really want to come.

John and Gina admit they’re often surprised at what people find. “I don’t care what age you are, you can find something in here,” John said. They mentioned a lady who recently came in looking for clowns for a high school senior she had “adopted.” She found not one, but two clowns that were just what she was looking for. Gina, who hates shopping for clothes, said most of her clothes are items she’s come upon while working in the store. For this vivacious couple, Golden Antiques is more than just a way to make a living. It’s about doing something that brings them joy and extends to their customers. John said the best part of the business is definitely the people. “They’re all fun. They come from all

Summerfield Merchants Association (SMA) is dedicated to supporting our local businesses and community. We meet the first Tuesday of each month, at various member host locations. For more info about SMA, or to be our guest on Tuesday, Aug. 3, email

SummerfieldMerchants@summerfieldmerchant.com www.summerfieldmerchant.com Facebook.com/SummerfieldMerchantsAssociation

Free food, desserts and drinks are provided. Many of the vendors are on hand and there are usually door prizes as well as an occasional food truck. On second Saturdays beginning in April, the store hosts a giant yard sale with limited spaces. On a first-come, first-serve basis, people pay $10, set up their tables and tents and display whatever it is they have to sell. There’s also a two-day Springapalooza in April that brings together about 30 vendors to sell their arts and crafts. In November, another two-day

Shane Naylor (left) shares some history and information about Shane’s Sporting Clays, located at 6319 U.S. 158 in Summerfield, at the SMA monthly meeting his company hosted July 6. At right, prior to the business portion of the meeting getting underway, Naylor offered mini target shooting lessons to SMA members.

Thanks to SMA members Shane and Trish Naylor, owners of

Shane’s Sporting Clays for hosting our July 6 meeting

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JULY 15 - 28, 2021

Find the

8 hidden

Kids’ Korner

objects pictured below

Color the shells

Thank you to Nicole Gillespie for sponsoring this issue’s Kids’ Korner page

MAX imizing your real estate experience 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

BUSINESS/REAL ESTATE Q&A ...continued from p. 22 Greensboro developer Roy Carroll. The park is located near the juncture of N.C. 68 and Interstate 73 (U.S.220)

and is in southern Rockingham County, just a few miles from both Stokesdale and Summerfield.

STOKESDALE TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 8  5  0 (in two separate votes) to

apply to participate in the N.C. Local Government Employees’ Retirement System and to collect employees’ portion of contributions to the System.

Request to Set Public Hearing. Flynt said he asked this agenda item be included, which is a request for the Planning Board to set a public hearing date and consider a change to the town’s development design standards for warehouse and storage units. If changed, they would only be allowed in light or heavy industrial zones.

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

Construction is underway on a new Dollar General at 7105 U.S. 158 in Stokesdale. This will be Dollar General Corporation’s second variety store in Stokesdale.

There’s a building going up next door to Harrell’s Waterproofing on U.S. 158 in Stokesdale. What’s going in there? The site you’re talking about is at 7105 U.S. 158, where Dollar General is constructing an 8,965-square foot building; this

will be Dollar General Corporation’s second variety store in Stokesdale. Another Dollar General is located less than three miles west on Belews Creek Road, and will remain open. Dollar General is one of the most profitable retail stores in the rural United States and has 16,278 locations as of January 2020. According to company reports, in 2019 Dollar General generated a revenue of $27.8 billion and employed 143,000 people.

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“I think if we don’t adopt this change, we’ll be bombarded in the next year or so for requests for mini storage, or for general business or highway business, and then come in with a site plan for mini storage and I don’t think that’s appropriate beside residential,” Flynt said.

 5  0 to request the town’s Planning Board schedule a public hearing to consider the above and then

make a recommendation.

Spending priorities for water grant. Flynt explained the town needs to have a contract in place by next July for a water project that will use the $1.1 million grant it has received from the state.

 5  0 to schedule a special call

meeting Aug. 5, 7 p.m. to discuss water system priorities. Council discussed reaching out to smaller civil engineer firms to oversee some of its water projects in hopes they might offer better turnaround time and customer service than Hazen & Sawyer, the large engineering firm the town has worked with over the past few years which has multiple branch offices throughout the country.

 5  0 to bring names to the

August council meeting of potential citizen volunteers to serve on a committee to update the Future Land Use Plan. The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

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Eagle project benefits children experiencing homelessness

STOKESDALE – Scouts BSA Troop 600’s Dylan Joyce held his Eagle Court of Honor on July 11. For his Eagle Scout project, Dylan led the construction of a rabbit hutch and Dylan Joyce bird houses to benefit children experiencing homelessness in Greensboro. A resident of Stokesdale, he is the son of Daryle and Dana Joyce. Dylan’s Eagle project benefits Victoria’s Place, a playhouse and art space created by Ronald and Victoria Milstein for children experiencing homelessness who receive emergency family shelter from the Shirley T. Frye YWCA in Greensboro. For his project, Dylan led the construction of a rabbit hutch made from fencing boards and three bird houses made of treated lumber. With the mentorship of Tyler Grose and Kip Brace, Dylan and his volunteers spent over 155 hours to complete the project “At Victoria’s Place, children of recent immigrants can connect with nature as a result of my project,” Dylan said. “Experiencing homelessness can be especially 28for children, JULY 15and - 28, 2021 difficult I am grateful to

Bridge along portion of MST is win-win for Eagle Scout, hikers

Courtesy photos

For his Eagle Scout project, Dylan Joyce led the construction of a rabbit hutch and three bird houses to beneﬁt Victoria’s Place, an emergency family shelter in Greensboro. Keegan Trahan

Keegan Trahan, a rising junior at NorthCourtesy photos west Guilford For his Eagle Scout project, Keegan Trahan (left) led the conHigh School, struction of a bridge along the Headwaters Trail portion of the recently celeMountains-to-Sea Trail. brated his 16th birthday by earnTrail (MST) to be the beneficiary of his ing the rank of Eagle Scout. Keegan Eagle Scout project because he enjoys is the son of Kyle and Bonnie Trahan spending time outdoors. He designed of Oak Ridge and is a member of and led the construction of a small Troop 139, which meets at Oak Ridge bridge along the Headwaters Trail porUnited Methodist Church. tion of the MST, which extends from Keegan would like to thank his the Cascades Preserve to Linville Road Scoutmaster, Tom Needham, as well in Oak Ridge. The MST is 1,175 miles as Brian Eichlin and all of the adult in its entirety, beginning at Clingman’s leaders for their years of guidance while helping him to achieve his goal of Dome and leading all the way through North Carolina to Jockey’s Ridge on the one day becoming an Eagle Scout. He Outer Banks. extends a special thanks to his Eagle

be able to help them.” After starting Cub Scouts at age 5, Dylan moved to Troop 600 when he was 13; there, he served as chaplain aide and patrol leader. He has especially enjoyed skiing, backpacking and camping outings with his Scout troop. A recent graduate of McMichael High School in Mayodan, Dylan plans to attend Appalachian State University next month and major in product design. coach, Gerard Heller, and all the volFor more info about Scouts BSA unteers who supported him in completTroop 600, visit www.scoutdude.com. ing his Eagle project. Troop 600 meets Monday evenings at The Northwest local since 1996 Keegan chose the Mountains-to-Sea Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church.Observer • Totally

With the addition of this small bridge, Keegan says “hikers will be able to explore North Carolina, one bridge at a time along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.”

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THREE IN A ROW! Congratulations to Northwest Guilford High School (NWHS) cheerleaders for capturing a third consecutive NC State Championship May 22! This year’s team, which placed ﬁrst in NCHSAA’s (North Carolina High School Athletic Association) Small Varsity Non-Tumble D1 competition, scored 86.80 points, the most points ever scored by a NWHS cheerleading team. Look for an interview with Jennifer Loveday-Donovan, varsity cheerleading coach and head competition cheer coach, in our July 29 issue. Back row, L to R: Kaley Mitchell, Carley Pope*, Annlee Grayson, Avery Payne, Emma Craig, Kenley Pope, Alli Stoval*, Sheridan Been and Dylan Logan; front row, L to R: Dacy Denton, Emma Penizotto, Elizabeth George*, Olivia Carr, Brailey Nelson, Kaleigh Young* and Lily Woodell. *team co-captains

Who will be the VOICE for this child?

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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.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JULY 15 - 28, 2021

mark your

calendar

EVERY TUESDAY, THURSDAY

 Farmers markets | Fruits of the Spirit Farmers

Market, held at Stokesdale United Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola Drive, is open Tuesday evenings from 4 to 7 p.m. Oak Ridge Farmers Market, held at Oak Ridge Military Academy, 2317 Oak Ridge Road, is open Thursday evenings from 4 p.m. to dusk.

NOW THROUGH AUG. 12  Grab N Go | Guilford County Schools will offer

free “grab n go” meals for students age 18 and under until Aug. 12 from Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12 noon, at several locations including Northwest Guilford High School, 5240 Northwest School Road. More info: Wanda Barber, (336) 370-3261, or Kim Best, (336) 370-3300.

THURSDAY, JULY 15  UDO amendment open house | Town of Sum-

merfield will host an open house July 15 to give citizens an opportunity to learn more about a requested text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance that the council recently approved. The open

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house will be held at Revolution Academy, 3800 Oak Ridge Road in Summerfield, and begin at 6 p.m. David Couch, developer and owner of Summerfield Farms, has requested the text amendment to add a new zoning district – a Master Planned Village District. Couch will be present to answer questions about his proposal and Town staff will also be on hand to answer questions regarding the text amendment process. More info: (336) 643-8655.

SATURDAY, JULY 17  Music in the Park | The Town of Summerfield will sponsor a Music in the Park event July 17, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Summerfield Community Park, 5404 Centerfield Road. The Holiday Band will be playing beach music and food trucks will be onsite. Bring a chair and blanket. Parking available at Summerfield Community Park or Medearis Street parking lot. See ad on p. 8.

TUESDAY, JULY 20

Submit your events online at Click “community calendar” on the left-hand side

Deadline for inclusion in each week’s issue is

9 a.m. on Mondays

ate, hosting the annual Tom Brown Memorial Golf Tournament and participating in community events such as RidgeFest and Heritage Day. The group will hold its monthly meeting July 20 in the Oak Ridge Room beside Bistro 150 in Oak Ridge Commons, with a period for socializing from 6:15 to 7 p.m. followed by a meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. More info: Frank Kelleher, Lions Club president, frankxk95@gmail.com, or (336) 327-7786.

TUESDAY, JULY 27  Fire district meeting | Stokesdale Fire District, Inc.

 Lions Club | Oak Ridge Lions Club is a community-based nonprofit that focuses on serving the community by helping those who are sight- or hearing-impaired, participating in the Adopt-A-Highway program, visiting the elderly in nursing homes during the holidays, providing an annual scholarship for a high school gradu-

will hold its annual meeting July 27, starting 7:30 p.m. at Stokesdale Fire Department, 8401 U.S. 158. The annual report (financial and operational) will be presented at this meeting and six board members will be elected. Current vehicle registration may be required to confirm voter eligibility if vehicle tax is all you pay into the district. More info: (336) 643-0790.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

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

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

GRINS and GRIPES

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

words or less

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

 Jason at Tire Max (Stokesdale) for helping me check under and behind my back seats for “Tom & Jerry” mice taking up residence in my car, all at no charge. We didn’t find them but he enjoyed the challenge.  Liberty Wesleyan Church for another awesome fireworks display. It was sorely missed last year. Thanks, from your neighbors on Price Mill Road.  The future PTA President at Northern Elementary.  The Haines family and the Henson

Farms’ neighbors for the thoughtful send-off of our son, Parker, to the USMA at West Point. It meant more to us than you know.  Summerfield residents who do their own research on proposed local development and instead of listening to the very vocal, in-your-face minority and their lies, attend meetings and review the information for themselves!  Towns of Oak Ridge and Summerfield for planning Music in the Park events. Sure did miss these last year, and it’s great to have them back! Love the music and seeing neighbors and others from my work and home community.

 Cyclists who... well, just cyclists.  Homeowners of $800,000+ homes who think they now speak for all of Summerfield. Citizens didn’t want your 140 houses built in their backyards either, but now you want to stop all development. Hypocritical!  Guilford County Schools for its handling of online learning. These students have never been online before and now

Outside the

their GPA has to suffer because of it. I watch my student struggle not only academically but mentally.  Those who are okay with allowing water and sewer in Summerfield. If this is allowed, then apartments, strip malls, traffic and noise will also be allowed. Summerfield will change forever and not in a good way. Keep Summerfield rural!  Employees of the grocery store in Summerfield who park in the first few spots of the rows. Those spots should be for customers.

…

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

GRINS to...

GRIPES to...

 Independent thinkers who reject unap The absurd concept of “gun vioproved vaccines. Veterans of the Gulf War lence.” Mine have never once exhibited are struggling with lupus, MS, blindness any violent behavior. Meanwhile, in gunand paralysis as a result of the anthrax London two teenagers were stabbed NEW Lfree catio vaccine. These side effects manifested toodeath onnone day (July 5). What’s inbody. Kernnext ers– v“knife years later. Keep your needles off my ille control”?

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HOUSING SHORTAGE ...continued from p. 1

“Every time a house comes on the market, there are 10 buyers waiting on it,” said Tim Atkins, an Allen Tate agent in Oak Ridge. He met with colleagues earlier this week to discuss ways to help clients sweeten their oﬀers to sellers. Offering more than asking price isn’t always enough. Another option for buyers is offering to pay sellers the difference if their offers exceed the lenders’ appraised value of the houses, according to Atkins. As an example, if the buyer agrees to pay $400,000 for a house and it appraises for $380,000, the buyer

would pay the seller the $20,000 difference. “It’s a seller’s market,” confirmed Atkins, explaining that buyers are also offering to shorten due diligence periods and close transactions as quickly as possible to accommodate sellers. “In one or two days, they’ve got multiple offers. We’re trying to make our offers as appealing as we can.” The scarcity has discouraged some homeowners from listing their property, putting even more downward pressure on supply, real estate agents said.

products from lumber to appliances. As the economy reopened, buyers flocked back into the housing market, outnumbering sellers and contributing to an undersupply of houses. In a report last month, the National Association of Realtors said the growth of the U.S. housing inventory has slowed over the past 20 years, creating an “underbuilding gap” of 5.5 to 6.8 million housing units.

“I have several sellers who want to list their houses, but they have to find a place to go first,” Keller Williams Realtor DeDe Cunningham said.

“We’re going as fast as we ever have,” said Casey Johnson, of Johnson & Lee, a customer homebuilder. The company is building eight spec houses in the Northwest and Northern Guilford school districts priced from $350,000 to $650,000.

The COVID-19 pandemic is partly responsible for the shortage, according to agents and home builders. Early in the outbreak, health concerns shut down much of the economy, including real estate, home building and manufacturing of building and household

Johnson said he expects to get offers for some of the houses in the next few weeks, despite prices higher than a year ago due to rising costs of materials still in short supply. In northwest Guilford, houses including land that sold for $160-$170 per heated

square foot a year ago are now fetching about $200 a square foot, he said. While lumber prices have eased, other prices continue to rise, such as a 45% increase for vinyl siding since the start of the year, Johnson said. Oriented strand board that goes on roofs and in walls has climbed to about $44 a sheet from $8-$10 a year ago, he said. As a result, housing prices have jumped in northwest Guilford. In the first five months of the year, the average price of a house in Oak Ridge and Summerfield climbed 13.1% to $490,121 from $433,517 a year earlier, according to the Greater Greensboro Realtors Association (GGRA), citing Triad Multiple Listing Service figures. Through May, the average price of a house in Stokesdale advanced 13.7% to $345,265 from $303,545 in the first five months of 2020, GGRA said.

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406 N. Bridge Street (336) 864-6606

“In most cases, people are not fearful of those numbers at all,” RE/MAX agent Nicole Gillespie said. “I’m definitely not seeing any slowdown in the interest of buyers, despite higher costs.” The shortage of housing, especially for those in the price range of $300,000 and less, has prompted some buyers to make offers without even seeing the listings, Gillespie said. After looking unsuccessfully for a resale listing for several months, a single mother working with Allen Tate affiliate Betty Smith decided she’d prefer to buy a newly constructed house. She found a northwest Guilford neighborhood where she’d like to live, Smith said. But it’s unlikely to work out for her because she’s on the waiting list with 120 other people for the final 30 lots in the development. “There are 90 people who will not get a lot,” said Smith, president of Smith Marketing in Summerfield. GGRA’s report of housing activity in May illustrates the demand for housing. Buyers paid 101.3% of asking price in Oak Ridge and Summerfield during

the month, compared to 97% of asking price a year earlier. In Stokesdale, houses sold for 101.9% of asking price in May, up from 98.7% in May 2020. This past May, the inventory of houses on the market in Oak Ridge and Summerfield dropped 73.5% to 1.3 months from 4.9 months a year earlier, GGRA said. In Stokesdale, the percentage sank 60.7% to 1.1 months from 2.8 months. “My northwest listings are pretty much sold,” said Cunningham, adding that her last two listings “flew off the shelf in a matter of a day or two.” As the listing agent for The Farm at Oak Ridge on N.C. 150, Cunningham said all of the houses under construction in the subdivision are sold. Earlier this week, a bidding war for a single-level townhouse with a twocar garage south of Oak Ridge illustrates the competition, Cunningham said. The listing sold for $300,000, which was $35,000 over asking price, she said. The buyer who emerged from about eight bidders agreed to pay all cash, put down $25,000 in earnest money and another $15,000 in due diligence fees.

in the market for houses under $300,000, Cunningham said. They’re waiting and hoping for the market to cool.

“The ones who are sitting on the sidelines are hoping something comes crashing down,” said Vaughan, of Keller Williams. “But as long as interest rates remain low, I think the market is going to remain strong.” Mortgage rates are forecast to edge up during the remainder of 2021. Fannie Mae, the governmentsponsored mortgage loan company,

estimated that, on average, fixed rates on 30-year mortgages increased to 3% in the just-completed second quarter, up from 2.9% in the first quarter. It predicted rates will remain steady at 3% in the third quarter and rise to 3.2% in the fourth quarter. Atkins, of Allen Tate, said many of his clients feel fortunate when sellers accept their offers, even when they pay more than asking price. Whether such investments pan out isn’t guaranteed, he said. “We don’t know what the market is going to be like two years from now, 10 years from now,” Atkins said. “We don’t know if you’re going to get your money back out of it. But that’s the risk you’ve got to take if you really want a property.”

NORTHWEST Loving care for pets ANIMAL HOSPITAL (336) 643-8984

and their families

Full-service medicine, surgery and dentistry Surgical and therapeutic laser

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The rising prices have put some buyers on the sidelines, especially

WE’RE WAIVING OUR JOINING FEE (up to $75 savings)

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Donate a backpack to the Y’s Bright Beginnings program, and we’ll waive your joining fee! At the Y, there’s something for everyone, from exercise classes, sports, swimming, volunteer opportunities and more. More than a place, the Y is a cause-driven organization.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JULY 15 - 28, 2021

CRIME / INCIDENT report

District 1 Sheriff’s Office

has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest/northern Guilford County ... ASSAULT June 30 | A resident of the 2500 block of Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge reported a known suspect assaulted her. July 1 | A 35-year-old male was arrested in the 5300 block of North Oaks Drive in northwest Greensboro (near Lake Brandt Road) for assault on a female. July 2 | A 56-year-old male was arrested at 11:04 p.m. in the 2800 block of Fleming Road in northwest Greensboro for assault on a female. July 6 | A 41-year-old male was arrested at 11:39 p.m. in the 3100 block of Horse Pen Creek Road in northwest Greensboro for assault on a female; a 32-year-old female was also arrested for simple assault.

DRIVING with REVOKED LICENSE July 10 | A 35-year-old male was cited at the intersection of U.S. 158 and

N.C. 68 N in Stokesdale for driving with a revoked license and a seatbelt violation. July 11 | A 28-year-old female was cited at the intersection of U.S. 220 N and Oak Ridge Road in Summerfield for driving with a revoked license.

DRUGS July 10 | A 41-year-old male was cited at 4:15 a.m. in the 8200 block of Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale for possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

THEFT July 1 | A resident of the 300 block of Plainfield Road in northern Greensboro (off Lake Brandt Road) reported an unknown suspect stole her backpack on June 30 between 7:15 and 9 p.m.; the backpack, along with the items inside, was valued at about $300.

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

(336) 643-4623

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

• Trust Administration • Corporate Work • Real Estate Matters

Tracy Williams, attorney

Officers respond to bomb threat NW GUILFORD – Guilford County Sheriff’s Department responded to a bomb threat at Northwest Guilford High School last Thursday afternoon, July 8. Numerous law enforcement officers entered the campus, blocked off driveway access

to the school and employed K9 dogs to help ensure the campus was safe. At this point it appears the bomb threat was a hoax that was initiated by juveniles, but the case is still under investigation.

TOWN COUNCIL

mirrored criticism of Couch’s proposal. “Henson Farms advertises itself as one of the premier neighborhoods in Guilford County,” Kaplan said. Referring to the proposed expansion of Summerfield Farms, she said, “I believe this development will once again bring wonderful families into our community.” Rancor over Couch’s proposal is already threatening Summerfield’s “rural character,” Kaplan said. “To me, it already seems like we are acting like a big city.” “We’re going to be doing the best that we can with the information that we have,” said Mayor BJ Barnes, echoing remarks by Town Manager Scott Whitaker and Town Attorney Bob Hornik that the council is legally obligated to consider Couch’s request for a text amendment.

...continued from p. 1

related article in our July 1-14 issue.)

Babcock was one of a dozen speakers during Tuesday’s meeting who reiterated the view that construction of townhouses and apartments would increase traffic in Summerfield and imperil its rural character. Criticism aimed at developer David Couch’s proposal for the residentialand-commercial expansion of Summerfield Farms offered a preview of a 6 p.m. meeting scheduled this Thursday, July 15, at Revolution Academy. Couch and town staff plan to field questions about the developer’s request for a text amendment to the UDO that would create a master planned village district. (See related article on p. 2.) If approved by the council, the amendment would allow Couch to “If Osama bin Laden was develop at least 750 acres of his propstill living and lived in Sumerty from 8004 Summerfield RoadRoad, to Inter- Suite E-3, Oak Ridge Linville merfield (and) if he brought state 73 with a range of housing priced from $250,000 to $2 million. something before this counbarbourwilliams.com Even though Couch wasn’t prescil, we’d have to consider it,” ent during Tuesday’s meeting, Triplett Barnes said. “That’s by law. We directed comments at him as he looked can’t pick and choose. We can’t in the direction of the town’s camera livestreaming the proceedings and the say ‘not in my backyard.’” Summerfield Scoop’s camera recording them. The town’s Planning Board is sched“I will look at David Couch wheruled to consider Couch’s request durever you are and tell you we don’t want ing its meeting July 26, followed by apartments in Summerfield,” said the council’s consideration during its Triplett, drawing loud applause. monthly meeting Aug. 10. Residents will have the opportunity to speak in public Some of the speakers live in Henhearings during both of those meetings. son Farms, which abuts Couch’s property. Summerfield resident Beth Kaplan “I have to give it a fair hearing,” Tracy Williams, attorney recalled that opposition to development Councilman John O’Day said, noting of the Brookbank Road subdivision, he’s not for or against the proposed text started more than two decades ago, amendment.

Barbour & Williams Law (336) 643-4623

 AUTO SALES & SERVICE

 EMPLOYMENT

 SUMMER CAMP

ESTATE ITEMS FOR SALE. 1973 GMC dump truck, $3,600. Also, 1988 red Suburban, $3,400. Call for further info or to come by and see. (336) 643-2221.

NAIL TECH. Part-time. Experienced only in gel nails, etc. Great opportunity and income. Drug screening and references required. Established clientele. Call (336) 549-5357.

CAPTAIN ELITE SOCCER CAMPS. Oak Ridge Town Park. For male & female players. July 18, ages U15-collegiate, 9am-3pm. July 25, ages U10-U14, 8am-2pm. Register @ https://www.captainelite.com/events.

CUSTOMER SERVICE/ACCOUNTING. 8am-5pm, M-F. Experience preferred but not required. Please call (336) 992-2166.

 YARD SALE

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INDEX

KNIGHT IMPORT SPECIALTY SERVICE. European Auto Service & Repair. Specializing in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. BMW, Audi, Volvo, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Mini, and Porsche. 32 years experience. 4559 US Hwy. 220, Summerﬁeld (across from Food Lion). (336) 337-0669. SAM'S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 965-7955. MOTORCYCLE FOR SALE. 2003 HarleyDavidson “Superglide”. 100-year anniversary model. Brand new, less than 300 miles. Black in color. Beautiful bike. Priced to sell! (336) 430-9507. CHOICE TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE. Oil changes, inspections, alignments and general automotive repairs. 1080 US Hwy 66 S, Kernersville, NC. (336) 992-9002.

EMBROIDERY MACHINE OPERATOR/ trimmer/ professional seamstress. Experience preferred but not required. 2nd shift, 1-9pm. Please call (336) 992-2166. SUMMERFIELD VETERINARY HOSPITAL is currently seeking a full-time Kennel Assistant. Weekends and holidays a must. Drug test and background check required. Please apply in person, 4318 Hwy. 220 N., Summerfield, NC 27358, or email Lydia@ summerfieldvet.com. (336) 643-6326. P/T MORNING or AFTERNOON NANNY needed for two children in Summerfield. Monday-Thursday with fl exibility. Must have clean driving record and reliable transportation. Please send information to info@orchiro.com. AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Part-time irrigation worker needed. $15-$20/hr., depending on experience and reliability. Call (336) 644-1174.

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Auto Sales & Service ........ 35 at nwobserver.com Educational Service ......... 35 Employment .................... 35  EDUCATIONAL SERVICE Save the Date.................. 35 SUCCESS+ COLLEGE PLANNING MADE  PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice ................... 35 EASY! Openings for 8th–12th graders. Summer Camp ................ 35 Help with all testing, college applications, STOKESDALE FIRE DISTRICT INC. will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, Yard Sale......................... 35 essay writing, H.S. course selections, ap- July 27, 2021, at 7:30pm at the ﬁre station, Home Services ........... 35-38 plications for: Governor's School, NCSSM, located at 8401 US Hwy. 158. We will presMisc. Services .................. 38 private schools, graduate school, medical ent the Annual Report (ﬁnancial and operaMisc. For Sale .................. 38 school, and college transitional and tutor- tional) and hold the election of six board ing assistance, plus so much more. Free members. Current vehicle registration may Misc. Wanted .................. 38 30-minute consultation available. Call be required for proof of voter eligibility Pets & Animal Services .... 38 Sherry Andrews, (919) 478-9310. Check if vehicle tax is the only tax paid into the Real Estate ...................... 38 out website, www.successplus4u.com. Stokesdale Fire District. TheObserver Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 The Northwest • Totally local since 1996

YARD SALE. Sat., July 17, 7am-1pm. 609 Blenheim Ct. Oak Ridge. Household items, misc. teen girl items, shoes, books, clothes and much more. Planning a Yard Sale? Place your ad online at www.nwobserver.com

 HOME SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING A-ACTION AIR. Air conditioning checkup, $49.95. Call (336) 268-6768 or (336) 382-3750.

CLEANING PAOLA CLEANING SERVICE. Residential & commercial. Insured. (336) 669-5210 CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING Gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com (336) 595-2873 CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Will fit to your budget. Pet taxi/pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838. THE CLEANING TECHNICIAN LLC. Back in business. Spring cleaning time is here. I would like to offer my cleaning services. I do detailed cleaning. I also offer carpet cleaning and floor steaming. Licensed, bonded, insured, and vaccinated. Call Lisa, (336) 207-0770. ANNASARAH'S CLEANING. Excellent references. Trustworthy. Family owned business. Free estimates. (336) 543-3941. MAID-2- SHINE. Excellent ser vice, 15 years experience. Free estimates, excellent references. (336) 338-0223.

continued on p. 36

JULY 1515 - 28, 2021 JULY - 28, 2021

35 35

HOME SERVICES

DECORATING

MCGEE'S HANDYMAN SERVICES. Water-damaged wood replacement, bathroom remodel, decks and much more. Call (336) 423-1259.

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.

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

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. BLISSFUL ART & FRAMING. SHOP LOCAL! Framing, gifts, graphic design. 4533 Hwy. 220 N., Summerfield. (336) 298-4502.

ELECTRICAL BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC. Got Power? Residential, commercial and solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192. Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? Call Coble Electric LLC at (336) 209-1486. CKH ELECTRIC, LLC. Give us a call for your next residential, commercial, or industrial project. Free estimates, licensed, insured, & BBB accredited. (336) 944-4820.

APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707. GARY’S HANDYMAN HOME SERVICES “Providing value for the home-ownership experience.” Gary Gellert, serving NC’s Piedmont Triad area. Garygellert@gmail.com, (336) 423-8223. GREENERTIMES SMALL ENGINE Sales & Service Center. All types sold and repaired; comm./res. 9428 NC Hwy. 65, Stokesdale. (336) 548-9286 or (336) 312-3844. AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350. CLOCK DOCTOR. Free house calls for sick clocks. (336) 643-9931 or (336) 392-4124.

Your company should be here!

FLOORING

TRACTOR WORK. Garden prep, loader work, brush hogging, core aeration, finish grading, mowing, etc. Call or text (336) 908-0890.

GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS WILSON SEAMLESS GUTTERS, new construction, repairs, replacement, leaf guards. Free estimates. (336) 420-0200 S&M SEAMLESS GUTTERS. Install new gutters. Repair and clean old gutters. Free estimates. Fully insured. (336) 587-8223 or (336) 709-5944.

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

Place your classified ad online at

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.

“No Job Too Small” Wood Rot Repairs • Bathroom Remodeling Painting • Decks and much more! • Insured

(336) 669-7252

oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com

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.

36 JULY JULY - 28, 2021 1515 - 28, 2021

www.nwobserver.com

GRADING / HAULING BRAD'S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS. LLC. Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647 GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150. H&L GRADING, LLC. No job too tough or too small. Call us first! We are a full-service grading company that specializes in residential projects. Owner/ operator Timmy Hart has more than 30 years of grading and equipment experience. Fully licensed and insured. Land clearing, debris removal, driveways, French drains and much more. (336) 543-7867. E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, demolition, lot clearing, excavating, bobcat work, etc. (336) 451-1282. ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt, available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035.

Residential & Commercial Mowing • Trimming • Overseeding Fertilizing • Plugging Pine needle distribution • HOA

(336) 362-5860

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. ATCHISON LAWNCARE. Honest, dependable, local. Mike Atchison, owner. (336) 486-9837. 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. AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Quality irrigation systems. NC licensed contractor. We service all systems. Free est. (336) 644-1174. EXTERIOR GREENSCAPES. Lawn maintenance service. Call for a free estimate (336) 682-1456.

www.colfaxlawncare.com

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

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

D S L DRAIN SYSTEMS & LANDSCAPING. Complete lawn service & drain systems. Mowing, pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, fertilization, trimming and more. Also providing drain systems solutions. (336) 362-4354.

RETIRED NURSERYMAN, recently relocated to Summerfield. Looking for small or large mowing jobs. My mower or yours. If you're tired of mowing your large tract of land, I can do that too. Call or text (336) 848-2653. ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875. CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 643-9332. www.carolinastumpandtreeservices.com.

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

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

Your HOME SERVICES company should be here!

Place your classified ad online at

www.nwobserver.com

 HOME SERVICES

MASONRY

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

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

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

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

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

The Bathroom of Your Dreams in as Little as a Day

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

Wilson Ain’t God Good

NCGC License #84330

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. NEW PHASE CONCRETE. Here for all your decorative concrete needs. Specializing in decorative stamp, stained, epoxy and all other concrete poured finishes as well. Also offering refurbishment of existing stamped concrete. Make your existing stamped look like new again! (336) 399-1474 or (336) 595-4654. 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.

What’s going on around town? Check in with your neighbors at

facebook.com/ northwestobserver

BEK Paint Co. Residential & Commercial

(336) 931-0600

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

PLUMBING WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING, Inc. (336) 992-2503. Licensed, insured, bonded. 24/7 service. Plumbing, drain cleaning, well pumps. Give us a call, we do it all! Go to www.webstersplumbing.com for more info.

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.

Didn’t get your NWO?

JUNK & DEBRIS REMOVAL, construction, remodeling, and general cleanup, outbuildings, garages, basements, yard waste, etc. Also can haul mulch. Call (336) 706-8470. COX POOL SERVICE. Openings, closings, routine maintenance, weekly service. No contracts, free estimates! (336) 327-5122.

Please let us know!

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

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

(336) 643-6427

Tank pumping, repairs, clogs, advice – ALL WITH A SMILE!

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

Direct-mailing the NWO is one of our largest expenses, and one of our most important commitments to our readers!

(336) 497-0765 www.BathPlanetTriad.com

Family owned & operated since 1972

Discounts: mention this ad, veteran, senior citizen, cookies & milk Find us on Google, neighborhood.com, FB

David & Judy Long, owners

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS

PAINTING & DRYWALL

Septic Pumping & Repair

Of The Triad

If you live in zip code 27310, 27357 or 27358 and didn’t receive your copy on Thursday/Friday, please email info@nwobserver.com.

PAINTING, DECKS AND MORE. Call Premier Construction for free estimates. (336) 430-9507. AMERICAN BUILDER CONSTRUCTION. Repairs & remodeling, kitchens/baths, additions, decks, attics, basements. Licensed & insured. Short wait list. NC General Contractors. (336) 225-7478. BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, rooﬁng, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 41 yrs. exp. (336) 362-6343. RENOVATION WORKS, INC. New construction, remodeling, additions, kitchen, bath and decks. We are a locally owned, full-service design and build company, A+ accredited with the BBB. Visit www.myrenovationworks.com or call (336) 427-7391 to start your next project. KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION, LLC. 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. Please call (336) 362-7469. DOUGLAS CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING, LLC. Custom Builder, sunrooms, garages, additions, kitchens baths. Licensed & Insured, BBB A+ accredited. Free est.. Visit www.douglascr.com or call (336) 413-5050.

continued on p. 38

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

JULY 15 15 - 28, 2021 JULY - 28, 2021

 HOME SERVICES

 MISC. SERVICES

DUSTIN CLINARD ROOFING. Shingles, metal, and leak repairs. Call (336) 268-1908.

Construction Services, INC

 PETS & ANIMAL SVCS. WENDY COLLINS PET SITTING LLC. Certiﬁed, bonded & insured. (336) 339-6845. wendycollinspetsitting.com.

CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC. 40 + years experience. (336) 643-8191.

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Screened porches | Sunrooms | Patios

PREMIER ROOFING. Commercial/residential. Providing service for all of your rooﬁng needs. Locally owned. Please call (336) 430-9507 for free assessments.

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

JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com. ORTIZ REMODELING – Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981.

ROOFING 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.

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

Gated access with 24/7 camera surveillance

 REAL ESTATE

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

LAND FOR SALE

We carry moving & shipping supplies

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

 MISC. FOR SALE

 MISC. SERVICES

WHEAT STRAW for sale. $5 per square bail. Please call Moses, (336) 904-5326.

PORTABLE WELDING SERVICE. Welding & fabrication services. Call (336) 908-6906 FAT RABBIT FURNITURE RESTORATION. Need a precious heirloom or antique restored? Call us! Want to have your dining room table painted or need the seats reupholstered? Call us! Check us out on Google to see our rating, reviews and tons of pictures of our work. (336) 816-3641. PIANO LESSONS, all ages and levels, Summerﬁeld area. Patti, (336) 298-4181.

Got stuﬀ? Need stuﬀ? www.nwobserver.com

 MISC. WANTED $$$ – WILL PAY CASH for your junk / wrecked vehicle. For quote, call (336) 552-0328. FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, generators, power washers, go-carts, mini-bikes, 4-wheelers, ATVs, golf carts, and yard equipment. (336) 689-4167.

HOMESITE. 6108 Gwynedd Rd., Summerfield. 1.3 acres. Perked for 4 BR. Stunning home presentation. Info on site. $85,000. (336) 643-7071. NEW EXCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT. Bring your own custom builder. Pre-development discount offering for a limited time. Beautiful 1+ acre homesites, wooded and open. Call for appt. to see your new homesite. (336) 430-9507. Anytime! 2 LARGE TRACTS, 12+ acres each. Can be combined to make 1 tract of 25 acres. Wooded, serene and quiet. Summerfield area, Rockingham County taxes. These are awesome tracts with large running creeks. Absolute Paradise! Call (336) 430-9507.

26,000 READERS

Reach out to in our monthly NWO Business & Real Estate special-focus section 14 Real Estate Q&A 14 Stone receives Fellows Award

15 Shortages, rising prices loom for homebuyers into 2021

16 Business Is Booming

Grading of Bi-Rite parking lot, first tenant in 300-acre industrial park is underway; Bi-Rite set to open in May

Developer seeking 22 sup port for

Summerfield Farms Village; opponents circulating petition

16 300-acre industrial park getting first tenant

To reserve your space in our Aug. 19 edition, email advertising@nwobserver.com or call (336) 644.7035, ext. 11 38 JULY - 28, 2021 38 JULY 1515 - 28, 2021

1Lo8oking for work? ring Places are hi

der

the Buil ly of 20 Ask price and supp erials How have the building mat r lumber and othe e prices? hom affected your

sers our new adverti

22 Introducing iness Briefs rway for dental office; unde 26 Bus Construction ‘all leased up’ ing Tire Max build

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HEALTH / WELLNESS / FITNESS

By the Book Accounting ....................... 7 Carlotta Lytton, CPA...........................30 Kimberly Thacker Accounting.............30 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC........ 6

Climb Nutrition ..................................... 4 Elvis Mendoza In-Home Massage.......30 YMCA of Greensboro .........................33

AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE

BEK Paint Company ........................... 37 Carpets by Direct ................................ 16 Colfax Lawn Care ...............................36 Eanes Heating & Air ............................. 9 Scott’s Tractor .................................... 24 Stokesdale Heating & Air....................22 Stokesdale Storage .............................38 Wilson Septic & Pumping ................... 37

Beamer Tire & Auto ........................... 31 EuroHaus ...........................................35 Piedmont Truck Tires.......................... 15 Quartermaster Auto Detail ................. 11 Tire Max ............................................. 32

BUILDING / REMODELING

Bath Planet ........................................ 37 Disney Construction Company............20 Don Mills Builders ...............................23 Johnson & Lee LLC............................. 21 Old School Home Repair ....................36 R&K Custom Homes .......................... 17 Ray Bullins Construction ..................... 19 TM Construction Services ...................38 Walraven Signature Homes ................ 19

BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Summerfield Merchants Association... 25

CHILDREN’S SERVICES Guardian Ad Litem .............................29

DENTAL SERVICES

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

LEGAL SERVICES

Barbour & Williams Law .....................34

ORTHODONTIC CARE

Olmsted Orthodontics ........................29

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ................30 Northwest Animal Hospital .................33

REAL ESTATE

EVENTS

RETAIL

Summerfield Music in the Park ............. 8

FUNERAL SERVICES

Forbis & Dick Funeral Services .............. 7

GROCERIES / SUPPLIES

Southern Foods .................................... 2

2021

Guilford Cty. Dept. of Public Health .... 18 LeBauer HealthCare........................... 12 Wake Forest Baptist Health ................ 14 Wake Forest – Summerfield ................ 27

Ruger ................................................... 5

EMPLOYMENT

e! c a p s d a r e you v r e s e r o t LAST CALL

MEDICAL CARE

A New Dawn Realty ............................. 7 DeDe Cunningham, Keller Williams ....22 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX ................... 26 Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams ........... 27 Smith Marketing, Allen Tate ............... 19

Magnolia Shores Family Dental ............ 6 Summerfield Family Dentistry .............28

Coming July 29

State Street Jewelers ............................. 3

VINEYARD / WINERY / VENUE

Autumn Creek Vineyards .................... 10

YOUTH SPORTS / CAMPS

A special insert in the Northwest Observer featuring home-grown articles about facing health-related challenges, fitness trends, the benefits of healthy lifestyles, and more.

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

Oak Ridge Youth Association .............29

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JULY 15 - 28, 2021

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Stephen Truhon, husband of PS Communications’ graphic artist Yvonne Truhon, recently celebrated his 70th birthday with the Northwest Observrv er while enjoying dinner at Finnigan’s Wake Irish Pub in Winston-Salem.

(L-R) Paula Joyce, Lynn Stevens, Marie Dixon and Joyce Jones check out the Northwest Observer while taking a break from dishing out some tasty hot dogs and hamburgers at the Camp Carefree N.C. State Chili Championship held Saturday, June 26.

Nicki Wagoner with B2Z Designs gets a good laugh reading the latest Grins and Gripes.

NWO On The Go

Evelyn Ruth with “It’s A Cake Walk” ing checks out the calendar events while wait for her next customer.

Jay Johnson (at right, seated on truck bed) patiently waits for his chance to take a glance at the NWO as (L-R , back) Randy Wilson, Charles Southard (L-R , front) Atley Wilson and Richard Hallam enjoy the latest Kids’ Korner.

Randy Wilson with Shaved ParadICE serve s up a frozen summer treat for Kasey Wilson (left) and Olivia Wilson to enjoy as they read the local news.

Stokesdale Farmers Market vendors enjoyed catching up on the local news when they weren’t selling their homegrown produce, homemade treats and crafts. Fruits of the Spirit Farmers Market is held at Stokesdale United Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola Drive, every Tuesday evening from 4 to 7 p.m.

ur high-res O! Email yo with the NW u yo om of .c os er ot rv ph se us ob nd Se photos@nw

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Northwest Observer / July 15 - 28, 2021

Articles inside

NWO On The Go

Classifi eds

Crime/Incident Report

Grins and Gripes

Community Calendar

Youth sync: Eagle Scouts

NWHS cheerleaders win it again

NWO Kids’ Korner

Business/Real Estate Q&A

Proposed development draws objections

Stokesdale Town Council meeting

Oak Ridge Town Council meeting

Bits & Pieces

News Briefs

Your Questions

Developer, town staff to fi eld questions