Northwest Observer / June 3-16, 2021 by pscommunications

June 3 - 16, 2021

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Summerfield’s Jenna Daniels named top fire officer in N.C. by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – Growing up, Jenna Daniels loved hanging out at the Summerfield Fire Department where her father, Floyd Duncan, was a volunteer captain. Last month, Daniels made her dad proud. The Summerfield assistant chief was named Fire Officer of the Year for 2021 by the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs. She’s the first firefighter in Summerfield and the first member of her family to win the award. Her family’s connection to the

department doesn’t end with her father. Her two brothers were firefighters in Summerfield; an uncle was an assistant chief and three cousins now work there. Daniels said she was surprised and honored by the award, which was based upon the recommendation of Fire Chief Chris Johnson. “Most of the time when another chief needs to know the answer to a question they call her before me,” Johnson wrote in his nomination of Daniels. “Being the chief, I can

...continued on p. 5

ABC receipts soar in Summerﬁeld, Oak Ridge during pandemic by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – Liquor sales during the COVID-19 outbreak have blown through projections by the towns of Summerfield and Oak Ridge. Municipalities statewide share in the profit of the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) stores. After just three quarters of the fiscal year that started last July 1, rising demand for liquor in the ABC stores in Summerfield and Oak Ridge has contributed to profit that’s already exceeded the two towns’ estimates for the full year.

Adobe Stock photo

After only three quarters, profit sharing from the ABC stores in Oak Ridge and Summerfield has already far exceeded revenue projections for the entire fiscal year ending June 30.

“The pandemic has definitely affected drinking,” Dee Hall, Summerfield’s finance officer, said in an interview last month. Some people were “sad and depressed” by COVID-related lockdowns and gathering restrictions, she explained, while others bought

...continued on p. 12

IN THIS ISSUE Bank of OR investigating service disruption . 2 Summerfield budget soars............................... 3 Your Questions.................................................... 4 Rose vines, pines, other places in the heart . 6 Memorial Day service, OR Town Park ............ 8 Crime/Incident Report .....................................10 Community Calendar......................................11 Pets & Critters .....................................................13 Living the good bunny life ...............................14 NWO Kids’ Korner ....................................... 16, 28 Pets on Parade for Centerfield Youth ............17 Pet Adoptions ....................................................18 The Honor Ride helps Triad Honor Flight........19 High school sports roundup ........................... 23 Student Profiles ................................................. 24 Baseball program seeks to raise $30,000 ....31 Grins and Gripes .............................................. 32 Classifieds ......................................................... 35 Index of Advertisers ......................................... 39 NWO on the Go ................................................ 40

Bank of Oak Ridge investigating service disruption’s cause by CHRIS BURRITT

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The Northwest Observer

OAK RIDGE – More than a month after technical problems forced the temporary closing of its five branches, Bank of Oak Ridge is still searching for the cause of the service disruptions. The Oak Ridge-based community bank is using internal and external technicians to try to determine the cause of technical difficulties that disrupted some of its computer systems and forced the closing of the five branches Wednesday, April 28, through Thursday, April 29, said Skylar Mearing, the bank’s marketing and communications manager.

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

The interactive teller machines at Bank of Oak After the branches Ridge's ﬁve branches were out of service for more reopened, some services than three weeks, due to technical problems that remained temporarily impaired disrupted operations of the bank. due to technical problems. As an example, tellers were ordering checks – offered by tellers inside required to process deposits manually. of branches, according to the bank. The interactive teller machines (ITMs) Some services remained uninterat the branches remained out of service rupted by the technical problems, until May 21, Mearing said in an interMearing said. Customers were able to view earlier this week. withdraw and deposit money using the The ITMs are located at the driveATM functions of the ITMs. They were through areas of the branches. They also able to transact business using combine cash dispensing and other online banking, mobile banking and services of an automated teller machine mobile check deposit, she said. (ATM) with video chats with tellers located in the bank’s corporate office in Oak Ridge. Bank of Oak Ridge touts the convenience of its ITMs, which are served by remote tellers from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The bank operates two branches in Greensboro and one each in Oak Ridge, Summerfield and High Point, which are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The ITMs perform most transactions – such as depositing and dispens•ing Totally sinceloan 1996 money,local accepting payments and

The closing of the bank’s branches in late April surprised customers. Employees stationed in the lobbies explained that technical problems had caused the temporary closings, Mearing said.

The bank also posted an alert on its website in late April. “Our branches and ITMs are temporarily closed,” it said. “We are truly sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. We are diligently working to reopen…. We greatly appreciate your patience.” Some customers contacted the

Northwest Observer and other media outlets to report the closings and ask whether customers’ accounts and other proprietary information had been hacked or stolen. One customer who contacted the newspaper said she switched to a new bank. “At this point in the investigation, we are not aware of any clients being impacted,” Mearing said. She added that the bank “worked as quickly as we could to resolve this issue” and urged

customers to call the bank to discuss their concerns.

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“We are working right now with internal and external groups to investigate the disruption,” she said. “It’s a big priority for us to understand what happened in this disruption.” Once the bank determines the cause of the disruption, Mearing said, “We will take steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

Proposed budget soars to $4.66 million Town will draw $3.14 million from reserves for new town hall

reiterated her opposition to the project during last week’s meeting, saying “the council is going to bring out the sledge hammer to demolish our piggy bank.”

by CHRIS BURRITT

Summerfield resident Mary Ann Driscoll said she was dismayed that “the town is looking at all sorts of programs that are going to cost us bucks.”

SUMMERFIELD – Plans for building the new town hall draws $3.14 million from Summerfield’s reserves, more than doubling spending in the budget proposed for next fiscal year. The property tax rate for the fiscal year starting July 1 will remain unchanged at 2.75 cents per $100 of property valuation, according to the final draft of the budget reviewed by Summerfield’s Town Council May 27. The proposed spending plan projects spending and revenues of $4.66 million. That’s an increase of nearly 116% from this year’s budget of $2.16 million, reflecting the appropriation from the fund balance for developing and building the town hall. “The time to spend money is when you have the money,” Mayor BJ Barnes said during the special called meeting last week. The council plans to consider adopting the budget during its regular monthly meeting next Tuesday, June 8. It will conduct a public hearing to gather viewpoints about the spending plan. Barnes and other council members, except for Teresa Winfree Perryman, voted last year to proceed with construction of a new town hall, estimated to cost $3.5 million. Perryman

“I am one citizen who is disapproving of expenses going forward,” Driscoll said during a period set aside for public comments about the budget. Most of the construction of the town hall will be completed by the end of next fiscal year, requiring the appropriation from the fund balance, Town Manager Scott Whitaker told the council. The budget proposes no borrowing to pay for the facility to be built on town-owned property along U.S. 220 at N.C. 150. “Summerfield has no outstanding debt and has a history of turning to reserves to fund large, one-time needs and balance the budget,” Whitaker said in his budget presentation. The town’s fund balance, or reserves, will total about $7 million at the end of June, Whitaker said. After the drawdown for the new town hall, the reserves will still exceed the town’s requirement that the fund balance equals at least 30 % of annual spending. The town’s requirement is stricter than that of the Local Government Commission, which suggests maintaining a percentage of expenditures compared

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JUNE 3 - 16, 2021

your QUESTIONS www.nwobserver.com /northwestobserver @mynwobserver @northwestobserver Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

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

The village of mobile classrooms at the rear of Northwest Guilford Middle School isn’t going to be replaced any time soon because it didn’t make the list of schools to be renovated or replaced from the sale of $300 million of bonds. Next door, Northwest Guilford High School has 24 mobile classrooms, the most of any school in Guilford County.

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Regarding the mobile classrooms you wrote about in a recent issue, is it true that Northwest Guilford High School has the most trailers of any school in the county?

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

There are 24 classroom trailers on Northwest Guilford High School’s campus, putting it ahead of secondplace Northeast Guilford High School, which has 20 trailers, according to GCS spokesman Janson Silvers. Countywide, schools are using 464 trailers for classrooms. The majority of the trailers at NWHS are 1996-1998 models, with the oldest one dating back to 1995 and the newest to 2005, Silvers said in an email last week. The oldest trailers have exceeded the manufacturer’s life expectancy and the newest ones are approaching it. The life expectancy is “typically 20 to 25 years, depending on how they are maintained,” Silvers said. The oldest trailer in the school

district – a 1972 model – belongs to the Newcomers School, originally Guilford Primary School, on Friendway Drive in Greensboro, the spokesman said. Last month’s article that accompanied the photos of the trailers explained that schools in northwestern Guilford County didn’t make the list of GCS facilities slated for $300 million in repairs and upgrades from the sale of bonds. Bond sale spending is “starting with schools in the worst condition and then working through the list,” said Nora Carr, GCS’ chief of staff. The $300 million in improvements will be “the first step in a multi-step process” addressing more

than $2.6 billion in capital needs identified by a master facilities plan in 2019, Carr wrote in a recent email to the Northwest Observer. The district’s staff is talking to county commissioners, community leaders and others about putting another bond issue on the ballot to pay for additional school improvements, Carr told the school board in March. Eventually, GCS plans to remove all of the classroom trailers countywide as part of improvements, Carr said. As projects get underway, some trailers will be needed to accommodate students temporarily displaced during construction and renovation.

JENNA DANIELS HONORED BY FIREFIGHTERS ...continued from p. 1

truly say that when I leave to go out of town or am not at the station due to meetings, I do not worry about anything there because I know it is in great hands with Assistant Chief Daniels.” Daniels has worked for Summerfield Fire District for about 10 ½ years, after serving as a volunteer since she was 14 years old. Over the past three years, she has advanced to the rank of assistant chief. She’s responsible for the district’s public education and car seat programs while serving as the incident commander during weekdays. Earlier, she served as captain of administration. “She has grown over the last several years on the operations side and become confident running command on calls and looking out for the people on the call,” the chief wrote. She also attends “many classes every year to better prepare herself and build her decision-making skills.” Daniels was already an award winner when she was named the state’s Fire Officer of the Year in a ceremony May 21. Previously, she was recognized

as N.C. Firefighter of the Year and winner of the Guilford County’s chief award.

“I wear a lot of hats,” said Daniels, although she’s reluctant to take personal credit. “This fire department runs as a team.” She met her husband, Kirk Daniels, in 2005 when they were participating in a firefighting exercise and later the same day responded to a structure fire in Summerfield. They married 10 months later. At that time, Kirk was a county fireman; he’s now a Greensboro firefighter. The couple has two children – Lizzie, 9, and Noah, 6. The younger child appears headed in the direction of his parents, according to his mother. Noah “is just eaten up with the fire department,” she said.

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JUNE 3 - 16, 2021

Rose vines, tall pines, and other places in the heart by HELEN LEDFORD

Being dropped by the stork on my parents’ doorstep smack-dab in the middle of the Great Depression was, I’m sure, a joyous event. However, little Helen entering the world on that cold February night meant also one more mouth for our already large family to feed! At the time I had nine siblings, some of whom were already working at public jobs. As my Papa’s health failed and, when I was only 4, he passed away, money earned by my sisters and brothers helped keep taxes paid and our farm operating. I can identify with the 1986 movie “Places in the Heart,” for which actress Sally Field won an Oscar. The poignant film was set in a small Texas town during the Depression era. Field portrayed a young widow with two adolescent children who was trying desperately to hold on to the small family farm.

This last year of dark pandemic waters has definitely been a roller coaster of pain, fear and suffering from that ugly culprit, COVID-19, and many have declared they never had it so hard. We have had to make numerous lifestyle adjustments, some desired products have been hard or impossible to get, and a large part of our population (for the first time) has learned to

do without a few things!

From the mid‘30s to about 1940, many in our country experienced despair and severe hunger – in some cases, even starvation. Jobs were scarce, and those that existed paid little. Soup kitchens were everywhere, and people swallowed their pride and stood in lines for a free meal. There were no stimulus checks from the government to temporarily “fix” economic woes. Ours, and

other farm families worked and grew our own food, depending and surviving on our resourcefulness. As a young child during those hard times, I was sheltered from many of the harsh realities surrounding us. Though we were definitely not rich, there was good, home-grown food on the table, and always a few extra pennies, nickels and dimes to spend in town on Saturday afternoons. I suppose everyone has a private “go to” place in our past that cushions us from the uncertainty of the quickly changing and sometimes hostile world. I’ll admit that I occasionally retreat in my mind to childhood locations where there was a deep sense of security. One such gentle memory is of a familiar “haunt” – the cold, mossy-edged spring that was once our only source of water. It served as a “refrigerator” for our milk, butter, Pepsi-Colas and watermelons. The big rocks there were cool

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

My heart sometimes takes me back to several beloved other nooks where I walked, ran and played as a child. I loved to go barefoot, and a favorite pastime was slipping away to a grove of tall pines near our home. The ground was covered with years of soft, fallen pine needles, and growing among those majestic pines were many trailing vines covered with fragrant wild roses. Each spring they bloomed prolifically, their fragile pink petaled flowers filling the air with heady perfume. It was a retreat for thinking, daydreaming, or simply to lose oneself in the silence of the woods. As children, the youngest of my brothers and sisters and I could escape into our own self-indulgent “feel-good” pastimes. My mother could not – her responsibilities were too great for that. She managed well with what little money she earned from egg and butter sales, and kept the old Singer treadle sewing machine busy, earning extra dollars from her skills as a seamstress. A very strong woman she was, but I am certain she often shed private, silent tears when others could not see them. Mama’s own mother had died when she was young; most likely, that had prepared her for the hardships she would face later in running our small farm without Papa by her side. Mama had been raised on a large acreage of farmland in southern Virginia. She knew what it was like to toil in the sprawling tobacco and cotton fields, alongside her siblings and the Black tenant farmers, their wives and offspring who lived in small cabins nearby. And Mama always sang – everywhere – mostly melodies from the Baptist hymnal and Negro spirituals she learned from her growing-up years close to African-American culture. It always gave me a warm feeling to hear her lovely contralto voice bursting into song when she might be steering the

cow to a fresh area of tender grass.

Mama gave us music in the fields, woods and garden – and what a precious, joyful sound it was to our ears! I loved my mother’s stories about growing up, and especially the ones about her suitors, parties and dances she attended as a raven-haired young beauty. As she told it, one particular evening she was invited to a soiree at a home nearby. When the festivities had ended, a young gentleman offered to walk her home. Since it was dark and the pathway led through some rather thick woods, her escort was carrying a lantern. At one point Mama paused in her walking and asked the gentleman if she could carry the lantern. He agreed, and graciously handed it to her. She, in turn, grabbed her long skirts and took off like a rabbit, running home and leaving him alone in the unfamiliar, inky blackness. I don’t think she ever saw him again! Instead of always time-traveling to kinder, more carefree, warm and fuzzy moments in our lives, once in a while it can be good to revisit less pleasant vignettes of yesterday. Occasionally, when I am feeling sorry for myself, or thinking negatively, I turn to a happening in my past that calls me back. It was in the late ‘60s, and I had an appointment at a local newspaper office. I was running late, and rushing to be on time. My destination was on another floor, so I turned to the left as I cleared the front door, and headed for the elevator. In my haste, I didn’t notice anything unusual at first, but as I prepared to enter the open cubicle, I stopped short and froze. One more step would have plunged me into an empty shaft! The foreboding innards of that cavernous, open elevator were unmarked by any sign of danger. How fortunate that I am still alive! Life is not always strewn with wild rose vines – and not all places in our hearts are pleasant to recall, but it may Thethat Northwest Observer be from those we learn the most....

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Memorial Day Service, May 31

OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge resident Gary Blackburn was the keynote speaker at the Town of Oak Ridge’s Memorial Day service, held in Oak Ridge Town Park on May 31. Blackburn served with the U.S. Air Force Security Service from April 1961 to November 1964 in the Far East, and later as a member of the Air Force’s 48th Intelligence Squadron. He retired from Eastern Airlines and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and served as Oak Ridge Military Academy’s commandant of cadets and as director of public alumni relations for seven years. His published books include “Unlikely Warriors,” which he co-authored, and “Those Gentle Heroes,” which was released last December. In his comments, Blackburn offered a touching nod to “the gentle heroes” who have served our country and said it is our duty to remember them. He also shared an excerpt from a poem written by U.S. Army Capt. Michael O’Donnell, a helicopter pilot who died in Vietnam in 1970, three months after writing this poem:

Photo courtesy of Mike Keating

Oak Ridge resident Gary Blackburn (back row, far left, in red sweater), Danny Yanusz (to Blackburn’s right), Special Events Committee member Caroline Ruch (middle row, second from right), Oak Ridge Mayor Ann Schneider (middle row, far right), and members of BSA Troop 600 participated in the Memorial Day service at Oak Ridge Town Park May 31, in addition to other Special Events Committee members and members of the Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club. About 115 citizens, including several veterans, were also in attendance.

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If you are able, save them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go. Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own. And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

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Ordinary peOPLE,

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

by ANNETTE JOYCE

4,000 bows across the country.”

OAK RIDGE – Casey Crossan experienced a life-changing tragedy in April 2018 when her 11-yearold son Conner passed away after a two-year battle with osteosarcoma, a bone cancer that predominately affects children. To deal with her grief and “make Conner proud,” Crossan took up the fight against the horrific disease that took her young son’s life. She’s passionate about keeping his legacy alive while helping other children and their families who have been dealt a similar hand. During Conner’s illness, Crossan became involved with MIB Agents, an organization that seeks to “Make It Better” for kids with cancer by providing items of comfort and entertainment during treatment, offering peer-to-peer support for kids and their families, and arranging end-of-life wishes for kids when treatment options have been exhausted. In 2019, Crossan came up with the idea for the Mailbox Bows campaign to raise funds for MIB by making and selling large gold bows that people place on their mailboxes during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September Along with family, friends and various groups including the Northwest Guilford Key Club, Crossan spent hours making bows. In the last two years she’s sold nearly 1,000 locally. “We’re planning to do it nationwide this September,” the Oak Ridge resident said. “Our goal is to sell

Crossan believes in MIB Agents so much that she took a full-time job as director of development for the nonprofit last December and is continuing to look for ways to raise both money and awareness.

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

A heart for helping children with cancer

Still, she wanted to do more. Deciding to focus especially on helping children deal with treatments and long hospital stays, she and her husband, Bryan, used Conner’s college fund to establish a nonprofit which they named C3, which stands Oak Ridge resident Casey Crossan seeks to eradicate childhood cancer for courage, compassion and control. and improve the lives of young cancer patients.

C3 provides young cancer patients with a way to “tune in to tune out.” Through their foundation, the Crossans put together boxes that include a set of noise-cancelling headphones, a tablet or iPad and a gift card that gives the child the opportunity to purchase games.

Every few months, the Crossans deliver a supply of the boxes to the hospitals where Conner was treated – Brenner Children’s Hospital in Winston-Salem and the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. Crossan also finds time to serve on the Patient and Family Council Advisory Board at Brenner Children’s Hospital, which serves as a sounding board for hospital policy makers, and she is involved with leading and assisting two virtual bereaved parent support groups. But that’s not all – she also serves on the board of

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directors for the SPCA of the Triad, a nonprofit animal rescue organization based in Greensboro. She and Bryan spend their weekends there, walking, grooming and just loving on the animals. “Conner loved dogs, and this is something both Bryan and I can do to honor him,” she said. During COVID, Crossan rescued a pregnant dog and as a result ended up fostering her and her six puppies until they were ready for adoption – all seven canines have since been placed in loving homes. Crossan is also a member of the Northwest Guilford Kiwanis and will take over as president this fall. She loves the idea of being involved with the group for its camaraderie and the opportunity for another way to help children.

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

other; he was charged with assault on a female, and she was charged with simple assault. May 28 | A 44-year-old male was arrested for assault on a female in the 8900 block of Osage Road in Stokesdale (near N.C. 65) after he allegedly grabbed his wife near her neck and pushed her to the ground.

CRIME / INCIDENT report

District 1 Sheriff’s Office

has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest/northern Guilford County ... ASSAULT

May 18 | A resident of the 1400 block of Lennox Woods Drive in Summerfield (near Scalesville Road) reported a known suspect pushed him several times. May 18 | A resident of the 1400 block of Scalesville Road in Summerfield reported a known suspect struck her with a water hose. May 22 | A resident of the 7200 block

of Summerfield Road in Summerfield reported he and a known suspect assaulted each other.

May 25 | A 43-year-old male and a 49-year-old female were arrested in the 7500 block of Vaughn Street in Stokesdale (near U.S. 158) for assaulting each

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May 21 | A resident of the 7500 block of Greenlawn Drive in Summerfield (off Pleasant Ridge Road) reported she and her boyfriend got into a verbal altercation. May 22 | A resident of the 700 block of Number Ten Way in Oak Ridge (near Beeson Road) reported she and a known suspect were involved in a verbal domestic altercation.

May 17 | An employee of Bi-Rite Galaxy in Stokesdale reported a known suspect cashed a fraudulent check for $259.12 between May 9-17. May 18 | A resident of the 7100 block of Lambert Lake Road in Stokesdale (near U.S. 158) reported fraudulent activity on her credit card. May 21 | A resident of the 700 block of Number Ten Way in Oak Ridge (near Beeson Road) reported an unknown suspect fraudulently used his PayPal account. May 27 | An employee of Bi-Rite Galaxy in Stokesdale reported a known suspect passed a counterfeit $20 bill around 4 p.m.

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May 25 | A citizen at the Food Lion shopping center in Stokesdale reported a male and female suspect assaulted two people.

male was cited for simple possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance.

May 23 | A 24-year-old male was arrested at 4:23 a.m. at the I-73 N ramp on U.S. 158 in Summerfield for driving while impaired.

DRUGS

May 17 | Three men were charged for drug violations during a traffic stop at 1:40 a.m. in the 8300 block of Linville Road in Oak Ridge; a male of unknown age was arrested for possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance with intent to manufacture/distribute and cited for possession of drug paraphernalia; a 19-year-old male was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia; a 20-year-old

May 31 | A resident of the 5000 block of Leadenhall Road in Oak Ridge (off Stafford Mill Road) reported an unconscious person, who was subsequently transported to a hospital.

THEFT

May 17 | A member of Union Grove Baptist Church in Oak Ridge reported an unknown suspect stole the catalytic converter from two church vans between May 12 and May 16; the total loss is estimated at $2,000. May 18 | A resident of the 6100 block of Lake Brandt Road in northwest Greens-

...continued on p. 12

Saturday, June 19, 6:30p–9:00p Summerfield Community Park Amphitheater (5404 Centerfield Rd.)

Special Occasion Band

beach, oldies, top 40 . . . free concert

brought to you by:

Marty’s BBQ food truck and Kona Ice on site! Free parking. Bring your blankets, chairs, friends. w w w. s u m m e r f i e l d n c . g o v Check the town’s Facebook page for weather updates.

JUNE 3 - 16, 2021

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

mark your

THURSDAY, JUNE 3

calendar

EVERY TUESDAY, THURSDAY

 Farmers markets | Fruits of the Spirit Farmers

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

EVERY SUNDAY, TUESDAY

 Town Council meeting | Oak Ridge Town Council

will meet June 3, beginning 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road; during this meeting there will be a public hearing to gain citizen input on the proposed budget for FY2021-22, which begins July 1. Citizens are invited to attend in person (with seating capacity restrictions and masks required for those unvaccinated), and the meeting will be livestreamed on the town’s YouTube channel, where it can be viewed at any time. Visit www.oakridgenc.com for a complete meeting agenda. More info: (336) 644-7009.

FRIDAY, JUNE 4  Community Movie Night | The Summit Church in

 Cub Scouts | Oak Ridge United Methodist

Oak Ridge will sponsor a movie night June 4 at Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive. Food trucks will be on site at 6:30 p.m., games start at 7 p.m. and the movie “The Croods: A New Age” begins at dark. Admission and concessions are free. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. More info: thesummitchurch.net.

Church at 2424 Oak Ridge Road is host to Cub Scout meetings every Sunday from 4 to 5:15 p.m. Visit oakridge130.mypack.us or send email to 130cubmaster@gmail.com for more info. Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church at 2614 Oak Ridge Road also hosts Cub Scout meetings every Tuesday, starting at 7 p.m. Visit pack600rocks.com or call Kathryn Bunthoff, (336) 655-9781, for more info. Cub Scouts are open to boys and girls age K-5.

 Town Council meeting | Summerfield Town Council

 Charity Tennis Tournament | The Cardinal Swim

& Tennis Club, 4108 Windlestraw Lane in northwest Greensboro, will host a tennis tournament fundraiser for Emily Taylor and Backpack Ministries of Greensboro beginning Friday, June 25, through Sunday, June 27. The cost to play men’s doubles, women’s doubles or juniors’ singles is $30 per person. Emily is a local child with Bainbridge-Ropers syndrome, CCHS (congenital central hypoventilation syndrome) and epilepsy. Players who bring canned goods for Backpack Ministries will be entered in raffles to win prizes. All event proceeds will go towards Emily’s medical bills. More info: Garret Eichlin, (336) 554-4011 or keichlin123@icloud.com.

Click “community calendar” on the left-hand side

Deadline for inclusion in each week’s issue is

9 a.m. on Mondays

will meet June 10, starting at 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. During the meeting there will be a public hearing to gain citizen input on the proposed budget for FY2021-22. Citizens may attend in person, or virtually via Zoom (access a link via the town’s website). The meeting will also be livestreamed on the town’s YouTube channel. Visit www. stokesdale.org for a meeting agenda, a draft of the proposed budget, or other info – or call (336) 643-4011.

SATURDAY, JUNE 12 (second Saturday every month)  Music in the Park | The Town of Oak Ridge and the

TUESDAY, JUNE 8

Submit your events online at

members will meet June 8, starting 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. Citizens are invited to attend in person and the meeting will be livestreamed on the Town of Summerfield’s Facebook page. For more info or a meeting agenda, visit www.summerfieldnc.gov.

MONDAY, JUNE 14  Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club | Northwest

Guilford Woman’s Club, a non-profit service organization whose members include women from all walks of life, will hold its monthly meeting June 14. For more information about the organization or the meeting location for those interested in attending as a guest, email terri.johnson@allentate.com.

THURSDAY, JUNE 10  Town Council meeting | Stokesdale Town Council

town’s volunteer Parks & Recreation Advisory Board invites the community to a Music in the Park event the second Saturday of every month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Park Amphitheater, 6231 Lisa Drive. This month, the Never Too Late bluegrass band will be performing on June 12. Bring a lawn chair or blanket; food will be available for purchase. No alcohol allowed. The event is free, but donations for the band are appreciated.

SATURDAY, JUNE 19  Music in the Park | The Town of Summerfield will

sponsor a Music in the Park event June 19, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Summerfield Community Park, 5404 Centerfield Road. Special Occasion Band will be playing beach music, oldies and Top 40 songs, and Marty’s BBQ and Kona Ice will be selling refreshments. Bring a chair and blanket. Parking available at Summerfield Community Park or Medearis Street parking lot.

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JUNE 3 - 16, 2021

CRIME/INCIDENTS

ABC PROFITS SOAR DUE TO PANDEMIC ...continued from p. 1

...continued from p. 10

boro reported an unknown suspect forced entry into an outbuilding between May 17 at 6 p.m. and May 18 at 10 a.m. and stole numerous tools and power equipment valued at $1,475. May 22 | A resident of the 5100 block of Old Forge Lane in Oak Ridge (near Stafford Mill Road) reported an unknown suspect stole a 2017 BMW X3 worth $25,000 from the driveway between May 21 at 11 p.m. and May 22 at 6 a.m. May 22 | A Greensboro resident at Oak Ridge Town Park reported an unknown suspect used a blunt object to break a window on her vehicle and steal her purse between 6 and 7:30 p.m.; the total loss between theft and damages is estimated at $910. May 26 | A resident of the 7100 block of Guilding Drive in northwest Greensboro (near N.C. 150 W) reported a known suspect stole $4,400 worth of items between April 1 and May 26. May 29 | A member of Shady Grove Wesleyan Church in Colfax reported an unknown suspect stole the catalytic converter from a church van between May 25 and May 29; the total loss is estimated at $500. May 29 | A resident of the 1500 block of Pleasant Ridge Road in northwest Greensboro reported an unknown suspect stole his 2007 Kar Kaddy car dolly, worth $3,000, between May 24 and May 29.

liquor to drink at home during the shutdown of bars and restaurants. Early in the pandemic last spring, some drinkers stocked up on alcohol because they worried that ABC stores would be shuttered as well. Even as those fears proved unfounded, consumption has climbed over the past year, judging by quarterly ABC payments. Summerfield has received $142,823 in ABC profit sharing for the three quarters ending March 31, topping the town’s full-year projection of $120,000, according to the draft budget for next fiscal year. In Oak Ridge, ABC receipts of $198,107 through three quarters exceeded the full-year

Stay

estimate of $163,000, according to Sam Anders, the town’s finance officer. The two towns are projecting higher ABC payments in the fiscal year that starts July 1. Summerfield is estimating receipts of $175,000 – that’s $55,000 more than the projection for the current year – while Oak Ridge anticipates an increase of $37,000 to $200,000 next fiscal year.

“We’ve got a really good, steady income stream” of ABC receipts, Anders told the Oak Ridge Town Council last month.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

June 2021 a monthly feature of the Northwest Observer

This handsome 5-year-old Brown Summit resident, Oliver, loves playing with the cat, Snarf, chasing the UPS truck, and sleeping in late.

Rocky Rodriguez, age 3.5, lives in the Cardinal in northwest Greensboro with his beloved family. Adopted from the Haley Graves organization, Rocky now enjoys serving the Rodriguez family as Chief of Security – he protects their yard from every squirrel, bird, critter and falling leaf. Rocky’s family says his perfect day consists of him literally running in circles.

Maroma (right), named after a beach in Mexico, is an AKC chocolate Labrador retriever. This 10-month-old pup loves her sister, Magnolia, who is a 2-year-old yellow Lab. Mar oma loves to play in the pool, go on wal ks at Oak Ridge Town Park, visit Dr. Cam p at Northwest Animal Hospital, and wrestle (as pictured here).

Roxy, 16, enjoys eating Skittles and smiling big for pictures to make sure there isn’t any grass stuck in her teeth. Roxy and her owner, Bayley Walsh, live in Oak Ridge.

your pet or animal photos, and so do our readers! email them to: photos@nwobserver.com

Thanks to the advertisers who made this section possible.

Living the good bunny life Lionhead rabbits Taterbug and Ellie Mae enjoy their ‘bunny palace’ in the company of each other and their humans, Natalie and Robert Wurz by ANNETTE JOYCE Since Natalie Wurz never does anything halfway, it’s not surprising that when she started thinking about bringing a rabbit into her family, she did extensive research before getting two of the cuddly creatures and transforming her spacious sunroom into what she now refers to as the “bunny room.” As a result, she and her husband, Robert, who together own Stonefield Cellars Winery in Stokesdale, are able to truly enjoy their two new pets – Ellie Mae and Taterbug – to the fullest. Lionhead rabbits Ellie Mae and Taterbug have distinctive wooly manes and are incredibly cute and compact. Natalie explained Lionheads are considered a dwarf breed – at about 5 months old, her bunnies weigh only about 2 1/2 pounds each and

won’t get much larger. In doing her research, Natalie discovered that rabbits aren’t meant to be alone. “It’s not in the best interest of the bunny to have only one,” she said. “Rabbits are very social and need to be around other bunnies.” Natalie put a great deal of thought into creating the perfect environment for her newest “family members.” Rather than stick them in a spare bedroom where she knew they would have limited contact with the rest of the family, she wanted them to be “part of the heart of the home.” The sunroom, she decided, was an ideal place. She considered bunny-proofing the room and giving them free rein, until a friend pointed out the rabbits would find her nice wicker furniture highly appealing for endless chewing. She also had to think about the couple’s two cats, Fluffernut and Baby Kitty, and how they might interact with the new babies. Both felines are fascinated with the bunnies and like to spend time watching and pawing lightly at them. Although neither cat has been aggressive, Natalie doesn’t leave the four animals

Photo courtesy of Natalie Wurz

Lionhead rabbits Taterbug (left) and Ellie Mae ﬁnd comfort in each other’s company. together unsupervised. Rather than having a wire cage in the corner of a lovely room filled with antiques, Natalie (with Robert’s help) chose to create what she refers to as the “bunny palace” and turned it into a centerpiece for the room. This unique rabbit habitat started with two pieces Nfurniture of fine on Facebook MarketEW LoNatalie catiofound n a cabinet which was place. The base is made from in Kernersv ille used toQhold u a large-screen TV and the top portion is

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the hutch from another piece of furniture.

to you,” advised Natalie, who does this by simply sitting in the pen with her rabbits and letting them move about freely.

The wooden inserts in the cabinet doors and the back of the hutch were replaced with black wire to provide airflow and give the bunnies a view. A shelf divides the inside area into two equal spaces with a ramp so the bunnies can freely move up and down. Each space has its own food supply and litterbox.

Rabbits are generally smart and can be trained to use a litterbox. Both Ellie Mae and Taterbug are already accustomed to their litterboxes, which leaves less of a mess for Natalie to deal with when cleaning their hutch. When training a rabbit to use a litterbox, Natalie cautions against using regular cat litter, which can be extremely harmful to rabbits; instead, she opts to use pine pellets or paperbased litters.

Since rabbits need plenty of exercise, Natalie added a flexible pen on the sunroom floor that Ellie Mae and Taterbug can access with a ramp that extends from the hutch. The Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO play area is filled with rabbit-appropriate toys to Natalie Wurz and her husband, Robert, created the entertain the pair when “bunny palace” to ensure their two Lionhead rabbits have the best environment possible. they’re not chasing one another, jumping around down,” said Natalie, who has moved or just stretched out relaxing. her office into the room. “They’re like a comfort animal.”

The rabbits and their antics provide not only a bit of entertainment, but also a soothing quality.

“I love their energy. They’re fun to watch but they can also calm you

Rabbits can become easily frightened and require time to bond with people. “They’re prey animals and they don’t like loud environments,” Natalie said. “You have to be quiet and sensitive to their natures or they will run away.”

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For anyone thinking about bunny ownership, Natalie has this bit of advice: “Do your homework and know what you’re getting into beforehand.”

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

Natalie Wurz enjoys cuddling with Ellie Mae. She added that the key to successfully bonding with a pet bunny is to move slowly. “Just be patient and go slow. Get down on their level, and let them come

She’s found a lot of information on YouTube and recommends a few sites that have been particularly helpful to her, which include The Bunny Lady, 101 Rabbits and Lennon the Bunny.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

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JUNE 3 - 16, 2021

r e n r o K ’ s Kid What do you know about

lionhead rabbits?

Read the article on lionhead rabbits on pg. 14. Then see if you can figure out if the statements below are true or false. See answers on pg. 39.

Find the 9 hidden rabbits

1. True or False? Lionhead rabbits are

generally large rabbits and when fully grown weigh around 10-12 pounds.

2. True or False? Lionhead rabbits have a

mane with fur that is about 2 inches longer than the rest of the fur on their bodies.

3. True or False? Rabbits, including the lionhead rabbit, are generally smart animals and can be fairly easily trained to use a litter box.

4. True or False? Some good foods to feed lionhead rabbits include fresh hay, lowprotein rabbit pellets and fresh vegetables.

5. True or False? Lionhead rabbits like to spend most of their time alone.

Lionhead rabbits require regular combing of their mane to keep the fur from becoming matted. Regular grooming is also important because they can develop wool blocks in their intestines from swallowing too much fur.

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M-F 8-5:30 • Sat 8-12 • Drop-offs as early as 7:30am The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Pets on Parade!

Photos/article courtesy of Caroline Raper

Centerfield Youth, a community of middle and high schoolers “who learn through fun, serve with joy, and grow in faith,” held a pet parade at Summerfield Community Park on May 29 to raise funds for their missions’ program. The parade attracted 29 participants including an ant farm, a beta fish, a guinea pig, a cat, two chickens, and lots of beautiful dogs!

ist Church) and Denise Kilgo (Summerﬁeld Peace United Methodist Church).

In addition to the parade, there was an opportunity to have pets blessed by pastors Cecil Donahue (Center United Method-

For more info about Centerﬁeld Youth or to donate to their missions’ program, visit www.centerﬁeldyouth.com.

Local sponsors provided some amazing prize baskets which were awarded to pets for “Best Smile,” “Biggest,” “Smallest,” “Cutest,” “Most Creative,” and “Crowd Favorite.” It was a great turnout, and Centerﬁeld Youth appreciates the community support!

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CASS Cass, a 9-month-old cattle dog, came to Red Dog Farm when his owners were no longer able to care for him. This pup is a real sweetheart! He has had some professional obedience training in his former home, he is friendly with other dogs, good with kids, and is learning about cats. He is also house-trained and cratetrained. Cass is a good-natured boy, but is still a young herding dog so will need someone who has time to exercise him and continue his training. If interested in adopting Cass, visit www.reddogfarm.com to learn more.

HERMIONE Hermione is a 16-month-old female domestic shorthair cat who came to us from the local animal shelter along with her two kittens, Harry and Ron. She was very shy at ﬁrst, but has started to come out of her shell! She loves to play and will need another cat friend and playmate in her adoptive home; she is also ﬁne with cat-friendly dogs. Hermione is ready to settle into her furrrrr-ever home and will do best in an indoor-only setting. Meet her in person at Crooked Tail Cat Café or apply online at www.reddogfarm.com.

For more info or to apply to adopt Cass, Hermione or other animals in need of loving homes, visit www.reddogfarm.com

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Socks is a spayed 10-year-old female gray tabby and white longhair cat. She came into the shelter as an owner surrender. Shelter life was very difﬁcult for Socks – she did not eat or socialize – but she is thriving in a foster home. (Note those lovely pearls – this girl is a glamour puss!) Socks is very sweet and affectionate and does great with the kids in her foster home. Please call the shelter at (336) 641-3400 to ﬁnd out more about adopting Socks and giving her a “fur-ever” home; ask for her by ID#A026319.

JULIE Meet Julie, a spayed female blue-and-white American pit bull terrier. About 6 years old, Julie is a huge fan of Julie Andrews, especially her feature ﬁlm debut in the Disney musical movie “Mary Poppins,” based on a book of the same name written by P.L. Travers. “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “Feed the Birds” and “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” are Julie’s favorite songs from the show. Please make her happy and ask for her by ID#A026354.

Guilford County Animal Shelter

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

The Honor Ride

a family 5-mile and 17-, 30-, 40- and 56-mile fundraiser for Triad Honor Flight Sunday, May 30 | Hillsdale Village Shopping Center, Summerfield

Almost 200 bicylists from ages 4 to 89 participated in The Honor Ride, a fundraiser held on May 30 for Triad Honor Flight, a nonprofit which flies veterans to Washington, D.C., for a day to visit memorials. A flight is scheduled for Nov. 11 (Veter(Veter ans Day), when organizers and supporters hope up to 90 local veterans will experience the one-day trip at no charge thanks to donations from individuals and businesses. For more info about Triad Honor Flight, visit www.triadhonorflight.org.

(L to R) Ravi Murty, 7, his father, Ravi, mother, Mariana, and younger brother, Troy, participated in the The Honor Ride event. At age 4, Troy was the youngest participant in The Honor Ride.

High Point resident Jack Parsons, 89, a Korean War veteran, was the oldest participant in the The Honor Ride event on May 30. Parsons rode in a rickshaw bicycle pedaled by Mur Dejonge, co-founder of Senior Compassion Foundation, a nonprofit which serves senior citizens.

(L to R) Rick O’Reilly, a veteran, runner, and board member of The Honor Ride and of Triad Honor Flight; Dale Brown, owner of Greensboro-based Cycles de Oro; and Summerfield resident Lori Harrington, a triathlete and marathon runner, were among the organizers of The Honor Ride in Summerfield on May 30. The event organizers worked in partnership with Oak Ridge resident Alison Huber, who incorporated Triad Honor Flight in 2020, to raise funds for the nonprofit.

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A surprisingly uncommon experience in the heart of O

Every third Tuesday of the month through October (next one is Tuesday, June 15)

Summertime at Oak Ridge Commons has always been about family fun, community camaraderie and old-fashioned good times, and there’s no better way to experience this than at the monthly Classic Car Cruise-In. Sponsored by the shopping center’s owner, JPC Monroe, LLC, this favorite summertime happening started about 12 years ago and has grown increasingly popular since. The ﬁrst show of the season was held in April and attracted over 62 vehicles and a large crowd of admirers. The stars of the show – that would be the cars – start rolling in around 4:30 p.m. and hang around until about 8 o’clock. “We have a broad spectrum of cars,”

said Oak Ridge resident Randy Floss, who organizes the event. “Everything from classics to muscle cars, Corvettes and exotics such as Lamborghinis, Ferraris and McLarens.” Kevin Pusch, an avid car enthusiast and owner of eight classic cars himself, assists Floss with producing the event and enjoys not only the cars, but the nostalgic atmosphere. “The show brings back fond memories of childhood,” the Summerﬁeld resident said. “People like to relive the good times and these cars remind them of those.” “It’s fun to see parents walking together with their kids and talking about the cars they used to drive,” Floss said. “After they’ve looked at the cars, they can just hang out, listen to music and spend some time together.” Live outdoor entertainment is a big part of the cruise-in and Floss likes to bring in local musicians who are known to be crowdpleasers. Husband-and-wife duo Robert

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and Elizabeth Spencer are on board for this month’s cruise-in. Known by the moniker “Mood SwingZ,” the couple plays a variety of music including classic and easylistening rock. This year the Oak Ridge Commons Cruise-in is again supercharged by EuroHaus, “the European auto pros,” who are sponsoring the People’s Choice Award. The winner, selected by cruise-in attendees who vote for their favorite car, receives a $25 gift card from an Oak Ridge business. The cruise-in is open to anyone who wants to show off their car and connect with other car enthusiasts. Pusch said for participants to “just show up” and he’ll direct them to a parking spot.

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BUDGET SOARS

...continued from p. 3 to undesignated savings of at least 8%, according to the presentation. Compared to other North Carolina municipalities with populations between 10,000 and 49,999 residents, Summerfield ranked highest in fund balance percentage – 507% in 2019 and 498% last year, the presentation said. The average among municipalities statewide was 55.7% in 2019. Comparisons aren’t yet available for 2020. “We are not going out frivolously spending money,” council member John O’Day said. “We are choosing to build a town hall and not finance any of it.”

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – Kotis Properties is allowing The Jumping Bean coffee drive-through to continue operating in Summerfield Square until the end of June, delaying its departure by a month.

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

The Jumping Bean owner Kevin Murray serves up a cup of fresh, hot coffee to a customer waiting in line on a recent busy morning.

Greensboro-based Kotis, owner of Summerfield Square, has given Jumping Bean owner Kevin Murray a reprieve after informing him in April it was terminating his long-term, month-to-month lease, effective May 30. Murray said he’s trying to secure a new location in Summerfield.

“We were able to negotiate some additional time with Kotis Properties to help allow us to make a smooth transition to a new location for The Jumping Bean,” Murray said in a text earlier this week. “We very much appreciate the cooperation.” Sara Wood, Kotis’ sales and marketing manager, confirmed in an interview that the company has granted The Jumping Bean an additional month in Summerfield Square. After more than nine years selling

... continued on p. 34

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JUNE 3 - 16, 2021

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Youth

welcome to ... Sync A regular section in the Northwest Observer focused on our local youth and the adults who positively impact them.

High school sports roundup compiled by MEREDITH BARKLEY Northern Guilford High School’s baseball team remains undefeated and Northwest Guilford’s team leads its conference. Northern is 11-0 in the Mid State 3A Conference-only schedule, having outscored opponents 112-14. It’s only scare: a 4-3 extra-innings win May 21 at home against Northeast Guilford. “We’ve got really good kids who happen to be good baseball players, and they’re playing really hard,” Coach Landon Kimrey said. They’ve bought into the team’s “winning culture,” he noted, and have their eyes “on the prize” – a state title. The Nighthawks visit second-place McMichael (7-4) this Friday, and wrap up the season at Western Alamance (6-5) on June 9. Northern has an experienced corps of 10 seniors and 10 juniors this season. Kimrey gave a special nod to seniors Josh Deslauriers, a center fielder who has committed to High Point University; first baseman James Newsome, a VMI commit; pitcher Slater Ward; and juniors Jackson Roberts, the team’s ace pitcher; catcher Evan Wyrick, who bats third, and outfielder Jay Allred, who bats second. Northwest is 9-2 overall, 8-1 in the

Metro 4A Conference and also has a lopsided scoring advantage: 121-14. The Vikings downed conference foe Page (2-9, 2-8) 12-0 Tuesday evening. Next up will be at High Point Central (1-10, 0-10) this Friday, before hosting Ragsdale (8-3, 7-3) June 8 and Grimsley (7-3, 7-2) June 9 to wrap up the regular season. “It’s been a great year,” Vikings coach Chris Maness said. “We’re doing it with primarily underclassmen.” Maness believes his team has the talent to “make a deep run” in the post season. Among players he’s especially excited about: sophomore pitcher Owen Simmons, who has struck out 43 batters, walked two and given up six hits but no runs this season; his win-loss record is 4-0.

LACROSSE

Competition, Excellence, Over-Achievement, Friendship, and Fidelity) went to Joe Hirvonen (senior captain/midfield). Conference 12/region/state awards went to: Dylan Kesselring (junior, captain/ defense) – all-conference, conference defensive player of the year, second team all-region 4A West, second team all-state West; Joe Hirvonen – all-conference, second team all-region 4A West, second team all-state 4A West; Duncan Glover – all-conference, second team all-region 4A West, third team all-state 4A West; Caleb Good (sophomore, midfield/faceoff) – all-conference, third team all-region 4A West, third Team all-state 4A West; Drew Holland (senior, attack) – all-conference; Griffin Joyner – all-conference; and, Coach Dan Tichy was awarded Conference 12 Coach Of The Year. Northwest’s season ended with a 16-12 loss to William Amos Hough in the Elite 8 round of the state playoffs.

Northwest boys lacrosse players received the following team awards: Most improved – Trey Tuggle (sophomore, goalie); defensive MVP – Dylan Kesselring (junior, defense); and offensive MVP – Duncan Glover (senior, captain/attack). Coaches gave the Vikings award to: Davis Palombo (sophomore, midfield) and Griffin Joyner (sophomore, midfield). The F.A.C.E.O.F.F. Award (Fundamentals, Academics,

The Vikings finished 9-6 overall, 3-1 in the conference.

WOMENS TENNIS

Conference leading Northern (6-1) won 7-2 at Western Alamance (5-3) on Tuesday and is scheduled to finish the regular season at home against Rockingham County (1-6) on Thursday, June 3. The conference tournament is scheduled for June 11. Fourth-place Northwest (3-7, 1-5) was scheduled to host last-place High Point Central (1-9, 0-6) June 3 in the regular-season finale. The conference tournament is scheduled for June 8.

WRESTLING

Northern finished its first undefeated season at 14-0 after clawing its way out of an early hole against a

...continued on p. 31

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STUDENT PROFILES Thanks to the coaches and teachers at Northern and Northwest High Schools for their student recommendations and input, which make it possible to recognize these talented, dedicated students for their accomplishments in academics, athletics and cultural arts.

by MEREDITH BARKLEY

NORTHERN GUILFORD Luis Benitez, senior Sport: golf Northern Guilford golfer Luis Benitez sees the game as good preparation for life. The challenges, coming in many forms, are getting him ready for the years ahead, he figures. “The biggest thing is fighting the urge to quit when you’re having a bad day,” Benitez, a senior, said. Working through down times and witnessing the results “makes you happy that everything worked out correctly. “Mentally learning and challenging yourself and seeing improvement definitely works with every other element in life,” he observed. Benitez said he shoots in the upper 30s for nine holes, a level of

JUNE 3 - 16, 2021

achievement he credits to “a lot of time and practice.” Yet another of those life lessons. He believes it will serve him well in business, which he’ll study at UNC Charlotte starting this fall. He hopes to make the university’s golf team, too. But with seniors getting another year of eligibility because of COVID, he realizes there may not be room for him. If he doesn’t make the team next fall, he’ll likely play club golf and try again the following season. Regardless of how that turns out, his course of study is set, he said. His mom, a real estate agent, and dad, a physician, have urged him to focus on business and finance, and he said he’s looking forward to it. He’s already dabbling in the stock market with money he’s saved from birthdays and a summer job. That’s meant poring over financials. “It’s a lot about research and finding companies that are undervalued and overvalued,” Benitez said. His financial adviser has helped.

“One of the biggest things in stock trading is to take all the emotion out and put it into analytics,” he said. That’s another takeaway from golf. “If you have habits you need to change, emotions are the biggest roadblocks,” Benitez said. He found that out while working on his swing. “That’s really the only reason swings change. You have to break away from that barrier.” He’d like to eventually make the PGA tour. But, insist his parents, education comes first. “So I’ll follow that,” he said. And if pro golf works out afterwards, that will be wonderful.

NORTHERN GUILFORD Garrett Benfield, sophomore Sport: wrestling For Northern Guilford’s Garrett Benfield, wrestling is very much a family affair. His father, Matthew, wrestled as a youngster and is a Nighthawks assistant coach, and his older brother, Max, who graduated last year, wrestled with the team.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

“I sort of grew into it,” said Benfield, a rising junior who has wrestled since kindergarten. In fact, perhaps the highlight of his wrestling career so far was winning the NCHSAA 3A state title for Northern last year – dad and brother at his side. “We got to be on the same team for one year,” he said of his brother. His father helped coach the championship squad. As a freshman wrestling at 126 pounds, he lost a close match during that contest. His opponent, he said, “started to take over in the third period. I couldn’t keep up.” So, he and his teammates have worked on endurance this year, he said, “going hard for two full hours” during practice. Last year Benfield hit a growth spurt during the season, which made it difficult to maintain weight as the season went on. After the season, when keeping weight within certain limits wasn’t as important, he ate more and gained. This year, growth spurt over, hitting his weight – now 152 pounds – isn’t as hard, he said. Still, it’s something all wrestlers work on. His diet: mostly fruits, vegetables and lots of chicken. He eats two meals a day during the season, he said: an egg for breakfast, fruit in the

Youth Sync

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afternoon and “a good meal at dinner.” His favorite classroom subject is history, which he said has taught him a lot about how the nation came together and developed, and the major events, like wars, that helped shape it. He called wrestling in the COVID era “pretty tough” because it has meant a complete change in seasons. “The season has been pushed back,” Benfield said of the sport, which is normally scheduled in the winter. “It feels weird wrestling in springtime.” Thankfully, though, masks haven’t been the issue they have been for other sports, he said. While they wear them on the benches when not wrestling, they don’t during competition.

NORTHERN GUILFORD Carmen Wallace, rising junior Sport: tennis Northern Guilford’s Carmen Wallace plays different sports throughout the school year. It relieves stress, she said, and helps her in the classroom. “It takes my mind off school for a couple hours every day,” Wallace, a rising junior, said. Besides, she added, without it “I don’t know what I’d do every day after school.” She participates in tennis, lacrosse, cross country and track and field, where she does the high jump, long jump and triple jump. While she has no favorite, she figures she’s better at tennis.

She plays the No. 1 court for the Nighthawks. But COVID-adjusted scheduling had her doubling up this spring. She switched off between tennis, normally a fall sport, and track and field, usually leaving one practice and heading to the other. It could be exhausting, she said, but “I still enjoy both sports.” During long months of pandemic isolation, she ran a lot on her own and found it calming. “It just got me out of the house,” Wallace said. “It takes my mind off everything. It releases endorphins and makes me happier. Even though we were really stressed during that time, it made me feel a lot better.” She played tennis when she was little, picking it back up in middle school. Her parents taught her the game – they’d both played in high school and are still at it. “I really like how it’s as much a mental sport as a physical sport,” she said. “You have to think a lot. You have to use IQ tennis to win.” While hard shots are helpful, you need to place them where your opponent will have trouble returning them, she said. “You have to anticipate what your opponent’s going to do,” Wallace said. “It’s almost like chess. You have to think three shots ahead.” Her favorite classroom subject is math. “I like solving problems,” she said. “There’s one answer. It’s straightforward.” For fun, she often heads to Lake Gaston with her family, who has a house there, and she enjoys wakeboarding. “It’s fun to be on the water and not really think about anything else,” Wallace said.

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NORTHERN GUILFORD Josh Deslauriers, senior Sport: baseball Northern Guilford senior Josh Deslauriers, a baseball player since age 4, has learned over the years that the sport he loves is a game of failure. He’s okay with that. In fact, he embraces it. Through it he has learned important life lessons. “It teaches you to respond to that failure,” he said. “It’s how you tackle the next pitch, the next play, or in life, tackle the opportunities handed to you.” Make no mistake, the game’s lots of fun, too, he said. Otherwise, he wouldn’t keep playing it. “I like the challenge,” Deslauriers said. “I look forward to getting better as a player.” He started off in a Summerfield Recreation league. Some of his teammates then were teammates at Northern, and they developed close bonds through years of playing ball together. “It’s really fun having that connection with the team,” said Deslauriers, a center fielder. “It helps me enjoy it more.” He also likes feeling that he represents friends and neighbors. “It’s just special playing for your community with a bunch of guys you know and have grown up with,” Deslauriers said.

...continued on p. 26

JUNE 3 - 16, 2021

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DESLAURIERS ...continued from p. 25 In his sophomore year he collected a slew of awards: all-conference, all-area, all-state, conference player of the year, and academic all-conference. His parents have it all on display in a special area of their basement. COVID halted last season soon after it began, but he hopes to add to the trophy case this season. Next year Deslauriers expects to play college ball at High Point University, where he’ll major in electrical engineering. His parents are both engineers. “I’m pretty excited about that,” he said. “It’s kind of been known I’d do something in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. A lot of my interests are in those fields.” He hopes life beyond college includes a heavy dose of baseball. His goal is to be good enough to play pro ball. “It’s just a surreal feeling that I’m that close,” Deslauriers said. “It’s going to be difficult, for sure. But I’m very excited and looking forward to the challenge.”

Congratulations 2021 graduates Northern Guilford Graduation Monday, June 7 | 12:30pm

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Find the perfect gift for your graduate. Many schools available. Newsome, a senior who switches off between pitcher and first baseman for the Nighthawks. Fielders react in different ways depending on what happens when the ball comes off the bat. That opens the results of a contest to a host of possibilities, said Newsome, who calls himself “a big numbers guy.” “No one baseball game goes the exact same way as another,” he said. “It’s something I love about it. With a million different outcomes there are going to be some very high highs and some very low lows.” Success or failure in baseball depends on how you respond, he figures. Same with life. “How you deal with all that will help you in the long run,” he said. Newsome, an academic all-conference selection as a sophomore, has been involved in sports for as long as he can remember. Both parents were athletes at NC State. His dad played football, his mom basketball. And he played a number of sports growing up. Baseball was the one that stuck. “I’m just very thankful for being involved in this game for as long as I have been,” he said. And it won’t end with graduation, he said. Next year he’ll play college ball at Virginia Military Institute. He learned of VMI from an assistant coach he met during a tournament. After some research, he was sold. He described it as “the total package.” He plans to major in biology on a pre-med track in hopes of going to dental school. “Ever since I was a kid I’ve always been fascinated by dentistry,” Newsome said.

NORTHWEST GUILFORD Liam McWhorter, senior Sport: track When Northwest Guilford’s Liam McWhorter was in sixth grade, he looked forward to the next year so he could run outdoor track.

Outdoor was the only competitive running option for middle schoolers, he said. That changed when he reached high school. He could then run throughout the school year – cross country during the fall, indoor track during winter and outdoor during spring. McWhorter, a senior, signed up for all three and has had only a week or two off between seasons ever since. “It’s a great form of exercise,” he said. He runs the 400 meter and mile as well as a leg of the 4x800 meter relay. His best mile time was in his sophomore year, when he covered the distance in 4:46. He’s several seconds slower this year, but has still won some races. He said he runs five days a week, allowing a little NORTHERN GUILFORD time off to let his body recover. During workouts, he James Newsome, senior said, he can run up to seven miles. Sport: baseball “Running is a good avenue to clear my mind and have a break where I don’t have to worry about getWhen Northern Guilford’s ting the next assignment done or study for that test,” James Newsome expounds he said. “After you’ve been running for a while, you on what intrigues him about get in a groove and everything that concerns you baseball, he talks about “the just eases away and you can just be focused on your game inside the game.” He hopes to open his own dental practice one thoughts.” day and says the three years he has worked at the The duel between pitcher Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Greensboro has been He also likes being part of a team – a group of and batter is what everyone good preparation. like-minded folks working toward a goal. sees, he said. But there’s so much that goes unnoticed, “I’m a competitive person,” he said. “So that “I never knew what it was like behind the scenes” 26 where JUNEthe 3 - game 16, 2021 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 and that’s gets interesting, said opportunity is very valuable to me.” of a business, he said.

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olmstedorthodontics.com We are OPEN and accepting new patients Next year he heads to NC State to study biomedical engineering, which, he said, is “a very versatile field that gives me a lot of options after college.” Among them, he said: researching or becoming a physician. He won’t be running for the university’s team, but he expects to continue running on his own. In fact, his roommate will be a fellow Northwest teammate who he expects to be his running partner. “We both made an agreement that we’d keep running to stay in shape and get some exercise,” McWhorter said.

So at age 9, when she had the chance to attend tennis camp and give the sport a try, she was all in.

NORTHWEST GUILFORD

“I’ve just really been surrounded by tennis, and sports more broadly, my entire life,” Alecse said.

Andreea Alecse, senior Sport: tennis Northwest Guilford’s Andreea Alecse cut her tennis teeth watching Grand Slam tournaments with her father. She can scarcely remember life before those majors. It didn’t hurt that Romanians like her favorite – Simona Halep, a former world No. 1 player – were well represented. “I’m Romanian,” Alecse, a senior, said. “It was really awesome watching someone from my country there.”

“I just immediately fell in love with it,” she said. It wasn’t until freshman year at Northwest, though, that she took up the sport competitively. She joined the high school’s girls team and through junior year also competed on the track team. Her events: high jump, long jump and 100-meter dash. Because of COVID, this year the two seasons overlapped, so she chose to focus on tennis.

Her father has had a long interest in tennis and played when he was younger, she said. Alecse likes the way tennis “challenges you mentally and physically. You have to be focused. A lot of tennis is anticipating what your opponent is going to do so you can be there to return the ball.” She was born in the U.S., but her parents are from Romania and spoke Romanian at home, so when she started preschool she knew only a handful of English phrases. She had to learn quickly. “I know how much of a burden learning English on the fly can be,” Alecse said. That’s why she now

volunteers to teach English to Spanish-speaking people (she is fluent in English, Spanish and Romanian and is working on becoming fluent in French, Russian and Arabic). This fall she heads to UNC-Chapel Hill to study political science and public policy. She hopes to follow that with law school and a career in government helping shape policy. For a start in that direction, she’s been active in Northwest’s Speech and Debate Club, where she captains a team. Debate, she said, “whetted my interest in public policy.”

NORTHWEST GUILFORD Catherine DeSiena, rising sophomore Sport: golf Northwest Guilford’s Catherine DeSiena took a swing at golf during summer camp seven years ago and wound up with a passion. So much so that this past year, as a freshman, she spent up to 10 hours a day, club in hand, honing skills. “I just really love the game,” she

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

said. “I just don’t want to stop (playing) it. I want to push myself to be the best I can.” She was part of the Vikings team that went undefeated during the regular season and advanced to the regionals this year. She hopes to play in college and then, perhaps, the LPGA. But that’s a ways off. “I’ve just been focusing on my game,” she said. For the moment, DeSiena is relishing golf’s challenges and the opportunity to play a lot. “If you want to get better you’ve got to really put in the time,” she said. “You have to be in the right frame of mine. You can’t be mad at yourself. You have to stay on an even level. She plays golf year-round – at Northwest during the high school season and local tournaments and elsewhere the rest of the year. She also works weekly with a local coach who suggests way of improving her techniques. “I play every opportunity I can,” said DeSiena, who calculates she averages about 42 strokes for nine holes. Her favorite subject at school has usually been math, but she said she has struggled a bit this year with her Math Honors 3 class. “I think it’s mainly because I haven’t been in school,” DeSiena said of distance learning challenges during

...continued on p. 29

JUNE 3 - 16, 2021

r e n r o K ’ s d Ki

Find the differences How well do you know your DISNEY song lyrics? Fill in the missing lyrics below, then name the Disney movie the song is featured in. Check pg. 39 for the answers.

“Under the sea _______ ___ ______ down where its wetter” Movie Title: ____________________

“It means _ _

_______

“If she’s here it’s _______ _____

for the rest of your days” Movie Title: ____________________

“Tale as old as _ _ _ _ Tune as old as _ _ _ _”

“I don’t care what they’re going to say, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ rage on”

Movie Title: ____________________

I’m where I’m meant to go” Movie Title: ____________________

“What can I say except _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _” Movie Title: ____________________

Thank you to Moore Music Company for making this week’s Kids’ Korner possible

Don’t stop the music this summer Moore Music Company is pleased to partner with Guilford County Schools Summer Art Institute and offer the following summer camps: Jump Ahead Band & Orchestra Camp – rising 6th grade Re-Boot Band & Orchestra Camp – rising 7th-8th grade • Drum Line – rising 7th-9th grade 615 West Market Street, GSO 336.274.4636

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Honors Jazz Camp – rising 7th-11th grade • Modern Band (Rock Band) – rising 7th-11th grade

Visit mooremusiccompany.com/summer-camps for details

Summer Camp Registration

NOW OPEN

Youth Sync Over 250 children in Guilford County will go to court alone Become a Guardian Ad Litem and advocate for an abused or neglected child

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DESIENA ...continued from p. 27 COVID. “It’s very confusing,” she said of the course, “but to understand it feels good.” For fun she likes baking and cooking. Among her favorite cooked dishes: shrimp scampi. “It’s my mom’s recipe and I really like pasta and shrimp,” DeSiena wrote in a text message. When it comes to baking, she has lots of favorites. But chocolate chip cookies stand out. “They are really easy to make and everybody who I’ve made them for loves them, including myself,” she wrote.

NORTHWEST GUILFORD Nick Sanfilippo, senior Sport: baseball As a lefthanded baseball pitcher, Northwest Guilford’s Nick Sanfilippo says he often gives right-handed batters fits. His pitches come across the plate sliding away from batters, he said. They swing where they think the ball should be, but come up with nothing but air. “That happens a lot,” said Sanfilippo, a senior and the team’s only lefty. “That’s a pretty big advantage.” He’s been playing baseball for as long as he can remember and he’s been a pitcher that entire time. He

loves the position. “Whenever you’re pitching, you’re in full control of the entire game,” said Sanfilippo, who said he has played mostly in relief this season. “There’s nothing like that control over a sport.” He has played recreation league basketball and soccer, too, but it’s baseball that’s stuck. “It’s so much fun,” he said. He’s headed to UNC-Charlotte in the fall and is considering a major in business or a health-related field. “I want to stay fit and be able to do things when I’m older,” said Sanfilippo. He said he’s “really into weightlifting,” tries to eat healthy foods and gets plenty of exercise. He said he may play club baseball in college, but sees the coming years as an opportunity to “venture out, try new things. I’m pretty interested in combat sports – jujitsu, for one. I just want to try a bunch of them out.” Why UNC-Charlotte? Older brother Alex, who ran cross country at Northwest, is a recent graduate and lives nearby, Sanfilippo said. “I really like the campus,” he said. “I guess I’m just following my brother.” His favorite Northwest class is drafting. The teacher – David Lambert – made it appealing, Sanfilippo said. “It was just the environment he made with the class,” he said. “It was fun every day.” During time away from baseball Northwest and schoolThe Sanfilippo works Observer at DICK’S •

Sporting Goods on Bridford Parkway, where he said he often shopped as a kid. He’s worked there about two years, earning an income and broadening social skills by interacting with customers, he said.

NORTHWEST GUILFORD Josh Foulks, junior Sport: baseball Northwest Guilford’s Josh Foulks, who stands 6 feet, 5 inches, gave basketball a try freshman year, playing junior varsity for the Vikings. That was enough, though. He gave it up to concentrate on his first love: baseball. “I’ve been doing this since I was young,” Foulks said. His father, Stephen, had played baseball at Western Guilford and Guilford College. “He got me into it,” said Foulks, a rising senior. “It just became something I love and something I want to play every day.” He played travel ball through elementary school, and then took it to middle school and high school. He still plays travel ball during the summer and fall. He’s a first baseman and right

Totally local since 1996

fielder for the Vikings, and said he switches regularly between the two. “It’s good to play more than one position,” he said. “You have to develop a skill set for both.” That, he said, makes him more versatile. He said he “fell into” the first base position because of his height – first basemen often have to stretch to grab throws from around the infield. “I started working at it and getting better,” said Foulks, whose father also played first base. His father was a hitter, too, and Foulks is now among the conference leaders, with a batting average north of .500. “I kind of got that from him,” he said of his dad. “But I have to work at it to get better.” He said he follows his coaches’ suggestions for improving plate performance. His baseball skills have caught the attention of NCAA Division I coaches, he said, and several have been in contact. He hasn’t picked a school yet, though, nor has he settled on a major in college after he graduates next year. But he does have a favorite class at Northwest: drafting. He has friends in the class and likes the teacher, David Lambert. He particularly likes the opportunity to design on the computer. The class watched, he said, as Lambert designed a gear shift knob and printed it out on a 3D printer. He then got the chance to design his own: a baseball knob.

JUNE 3 - 16, 2021

Coming June 17

Class of 2021 Onward & Upward LAST CALL to reserve your spot!

A PS Communications special publication that celebrates high school graduates in our readership area

icatio published by pscommun

Businesses, Churches, Non-Profits we’ve got the perfect way for you to show your support for this year’s graduating class For advertising information and rates, contact Laura (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 | laura@nwobserver.com illard Congrats, Jordan H

ol Northwest Guilford High Scho UNC-Chapel Hill, Fall 2020

Jordan, d of you! You can do We couldn’t be more prou , d to with faith, hard work anything you set your min self. We are your your in f belie and ation determin ys be here for you. biggest fans and we will alwa Love, Mom and Dad you We hope your dreams take e, To the corners of your smil s, To the highest of your hope rtunities To the windows of your oppo es plac ial spec And to the most n Your heart has ever know

Congratulations Cla

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Recognition of Northwest and Northern Guilford seniors ● Interviews with student body and senior class presidents ● Recognition of summa cum laude graduates Special recognition for seniors who receive end-of-year awards ● Highlights of 2020/2021 senior year ● Seniors’ passing thoughts ● And more... Over 12,000 copies directly mailed to all households in the Oak Ridge (27310), Summerfield (27358) and Stokesdale (27357) zip codes

plus over 1,800 copies available for free pickup throughout northwest Guilford County

Online year-round at nwobserver.com and shared with over 14,000 fans on Facebook

Youth Sync

Baseball program seeks to raise $30,000

Funds will be used to replace the almost 60-year-old brick seating in NWHS’s baseball stands by MEREDITH BARKLEY

NORTHWEST GUILFORD – The aging brick seating behind home plate at Northwest Guilford’s baseball field is “basically falling apart” and needs to be replaced, Coach Chris Maness said. To pay for tearing out the old seating and rebuilding it with stadium seats in the middle and bleachers on either side, he and his team have launched a fund drive. Their goal: $30,000. “If I’d kick this, it would all crumble down,” Maness said, pointing to part of

the stands where a loose section of brick was sitting unattached. “It’s settling so bad I don’t think there’s anything else you can do” but tear it out, he said. He motioned to a nearby section that had sunk several inches. He said he’s been told the stands were built during the 1960s. Maness said he is seeking estimates for the work, but has been told by a contractor friend it would likely take $30,000 to complete his envisioned upgrades. The team has begun spreading the word, he said, and received $1,000 in donations in about two weeks. Supporters have also set up a GoFundMe page, and when the season is over and he has more time, Maness said he will be reaching out to alumni and area businesses

SPORTS ROUNDUP ...continued from p. 23 tough Reidsville team this past Tuesday, winning 42-34; the Nighthawks had defeated Person earlier in the evening. Since late May the Nighthawks have also downed Western Alamance, Rockingham County, Southern Guilford and Morehead. The conference tournament is scheduled for June 10. “We are peaking at the right time,” wrote Coach Justin Harty in a text message. Northwest is 19-0 for the season, and since May 20 the Vikings have defeated Davie, West Forsyth, Grimsley, Bishop McGuinness, East Surry, Asheboro and Wheatmore. Next up, the Midwest Regionals on June 15.

Photo by Meredith Barkley/NWO

Northwest Guilford baseball coach Chris Maness kneels behind a damaged section of the stands behind home plate. and community organizations. “I think it’s a lofty goal,” he said. “But this community has been really great. They’ve done a really good job (in the past) of coming together and helping out.” Maness hopes to see the job done by next spring, and expects the seating to accommodate about 500 people. Some games – like those with Grimsley and Ragsdale – can draw that kind of crowd, he said.

want to help? To view a video of Coach Maness and pictures of the crumbling brick seating, and to contribute to the cost of replacing the seating, visit https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/nwhs-baseball-boosters

TRACK & FIELD Northwest’s girls and boys teams have had good years as they wrap up the regular season and look forward to the conference meet June 9, followed by regionals, said Coach Kevin Wallace. High jumper Sheldon Ulmer has already qualified for the regionals, and Wallace expects others to join him. Northern, which will host the conference championship meet June 8, already has “multiple regional” qualifiers, wrote Coach Thanh Ngo in a text message. Among them: Alyssa Hernandez, who broke the school record in the 800-meter run at 2:13.34.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JUNE 3 - 16, 2021

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.

 Oak Ridge Fire Department for an incredible response time and top-notch professionalism in putting out a large fire in my back yard recently that was quickly getting out of control and endangering surrounding properties. You guys were fantastic!

Count On Us

 Kevin Murray, owner of The Jumping Bean, for always humbly providing great coffee and conversation.

Hometown Service, Big Bank Benefits.

Enjoy a full-service banking experience from a privately-owned North Carolina Bank. We take pride in knowing our customers by name and offering the personal and commercial banking and lending solutions you expect. For over 110 years, our mission has guided us to do what’s best for our customers. Come by and say hello to Georgeanne Wyrick, Commercial Banker, Shannon Robertson, Branch Manager, and the rest of the Stokesdale team! We’ll show you what it means to be Right By You.

 Matt Moorefield for investing in downtown Stokesdale! The potential is great, and we are excited to see it happen.  The Jumping Bean for bringing life to Summerfield Square and joy to the community of Summerfield! Stand strong – the truth will prevail!  The young man who got out of his car in the grocery store parking lot to help my elderly husband load a 32-pack of bottled water. His kindness was so appreciated. He may not see this, but I hope it inspires others.  Kevin Murray, owner of The Jumping Bean, for serving up positivity and hands down, the best coffee around!  The Summerfield UDO Citizen Committee and Zoning Board for the hundreds of hours spent on a compromise Development Ordinance. Town Council: please adopt the UDO as written by citizens you chose.

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 All the “mask” hoopla, which has made me realize I really don’t want to

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

breathe the air of someone else anyway! I do not mind wearing a mask and plan to continue.  King’s Crossing Animal Hospital for their passion and outstanding care. The vets, vet-technicians and front desk staff are kind, amazing individuals and I feel so fortunate they are members of our community.  Jennifer Mun, owner of Bistro 150 in Oak Ridge, for offering Sushi and Hibachi Tuesdays. The sushi last week was amazing!  Matt Moorefield of MCM for revitalizing downtown Stokesdale. Fingers crossed for a café or brewery coming soon! So happy for a new look and feel for this little downtown area. Keep up the great work!  Jonathan and all the gentlemen at Tire Max in Stokesdale for taking the time to share information with our young drivers. The Care Car Day was very informative, and your time is much appreciated!  All the teachers and staff members at local elementary schools who worked so diligently putting together yearbooks. This year was especially challenging due to COVID, and your efforts to make memories for students are appreciated.  The Jumping Bean for being a special part of Summerfield. The only place I will buy coffee, and an experience that will not be imitated. I look forward to supporting you in this town for a long time to come.

business with The Jumping Bean.  The woman driver on Ellisboro Road who hit and killed my elderly dog around 10:15 a.m. on May 14. While hitting him may have been unavoidable, you chose to continue on and not stop, which was heartless.  Unethical, unprofessional souls on this earth for putting a small, entrepreneurial business like The Jumping Bean in jeopardy. TJB is a beloved icon for families in the community of Summerfield and will be sorely missed.  BB&T for charging $8 to cash a check drawn on their bank, because I did not have an account with them. What if it was a $10 check? Outrageous! What happened to community services?  Kotis Properties for trying a backhand eviction of The Jumping Bean. That coffee hut is a big draw to your rundown Summerfield Square. Myself and many others will move our

 Priority One in Stokesdale for continuously letting people park in front of their truck lot right beside U.S. 158. People using Vaughn Street can’t see past these vehicles. Almost got in a wreck today because of it.  Employers who whine they cannot find workers, as they continue to offer “starving wages.” I’m out of work, but if I am going to starve, I don’t need a job to do that. Pay a livable wage.  The shooter on Belford Road who frequently shoots shotguns and loud pistols for long periods. Please recognize that you are very close to homes in your neighborhood and Armfield and go to an established shooting range.  McDonald’s in Oak Ridge for the restaurant’s lack of cleanliness when I recently went inside.  Kotis Properties, owner of Summerfield Square, for running off local businesses by terminating The Jumping

Bean’s lease. Your center went from a dilapidated, empty eyesore to now nearly full because of traffic driven in by TJB.  Summerfield Town Council for not looking at the abandoned mess that David Couch and Blue Ridge made of their development in Oak Ridge before allowing them to come to Summerfield.  The Town of Summerfield for not mowing at the corner of Greenlawn Drive and Pleasant Ridge. The weeds are growing over the street sign and you can’t see when turning onto Pleasant Ridge Road. Editor’s note: The writer placed the responsibility for mowing public right of ways on the Town of Summerfield,

but that job falls to North Carolina Department of Transportation. We’ll reach out to the department’s maintenance office in Greensboro and ask if they will send someone out to mow this area.  The guy driving the Porsche who thinks he doesn’t have to stop at the stop sign leaving The Farm before turning onto Lake Brandt. Good thing I am kind enough to slam on my brakes to avoid hitting him.  Kotis Properties’ owner Bill Kotis and his protégé, Dave Swift, for ripping the floor out from under a functional, loved, appreciated and respected business (The Jumping Bean) in Summerfield – during a pandemic! And then calling the situation a “hiccup”! Really??

WE’LL BE BACK IN PRINT THURSDAY, JUNE 17 To place a DISPLAY AD in our next issue, contact Laura: (336) 644-7035, ext. 11, or advertising@nwobserver.com

JUST LISTED!

7497 Weitzel Drive, Summerfield 4 acres, $329,900

336-312-4543

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JUNE 3 - 16, 2021

JUMPING BEAN ...continued from p. 22

Starbucks eyeing N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge for new store by CHRIS BURRITT

coffee, fruit smoothies and pastries, Murray has established a loyal clientele, and his orange hut on wheels is a landmark along U.S. 220.

Until Murray departs at the end of June, he said, “it’s full speed ahead. Thanks so much to the town, the community and TJB Nation for your understanding, patience and support during this unsettled period. Someday soon, this will all be in the rear view mirror.’’

OAK RIDGE – Starbucks is negotiating the lease for a proposed store in Oak Ridge’s commercial district on N.C. 68. The vacant property located at 1684 N.C. 68 is next to the Quality Mart convenience gas station, just south of the stoplight at N.C. 150 and 68. Last summer, the approximately one-acre tract served as the location of a farmers market. The property is owned by the Cooke family, developers of the Oak Ridge Commons shopping center, through a company called Twilight Outparcel LLC. In an interview earlier this week, Philip Cooke said Twilight Outparcel and Blue Ridge Cos., led by developer David Couch, are negotiating with Starbucks to develop the property. Starbucks would operate the store, he said.

As part of the process, Cooke is representing the company in seeking approval of a site plan for the project. The site plan requires the approval of Oak Ridge’s Planning and Zoning Board. The board was scheduled to consider the plan during its meeting last Thursday, May 27, but at the request of Cooke, the board delayed consideration until its next meeting June 24. The site plan shows a 2,478-square-foot store with a drivethrough window and a patio, encircled by parking spaces and landscaping with shrubs and dogwood, red maple and other trees. The project doesn’t require rezoning of the property, according to Sean Taylor, Oak Ridge’s planning director. Its classification as conditional zone – limited business (CZ-LB) allows for restaurants, he said.

Photo by Kelli Jessup/NWO

Two local developers are in negotiations with Starbucks to build a 2,478-square-foot store with drivethrough window and patio on this vacant property at 1684 N.C. 68, next to the Quality Mart in Oak Ridge.

EANES | EXPIRES 6/30/21 Limit one system per offer. Promotion expires 06/11/21. Schedule a $49 AC tune-up during the promotional period and receive a heater tune-up in fall 2021 for just $39. Complete offer includes one (1) tune-up of air conditioner now and one (1) tune-up of electric or gas heater in the fall. AC tune-up excludes mini splits; heater tune-up excludes oil furnaces and oil boilers. Heater tune-up must be performed before 10/01/21. Refrigerant only added if needed, 1 lb current market value of $150, subject to change. Cannot be combined with any a other offer. Service subject to availability. Plan members excluded. Residential only.

EanesComfort.com

JUNE 3 - 16, 2021

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

 AUTO SALES & SERVICE

 PUBLIC NOTICE

 YARD SALES

KNIGHT IMPORT SPECIALTY SERVICE. European Auto Service & Repair, 4559 US Highway 220, Summerﬁeld (across from Food Lion). Specializing in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. BMW, Audi, Volvo, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Mini and Porsche. 32 years experience. (336) 337-0669.

PUBLIC HEARING

MULTI-FAMILY SALE. Thursday, June 10, Fri., June 11, and Sat., June 12, 8am-4pm. Furniture, home decor/goods, tons of girls' clothes(sizes 7-14), adult clothing, shoes, holiday & more. 6370 Gumwood Road, Oak Ridge.

SAM'S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 965-7955. CHOICE TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE. Oil changes, inspections, alignments and general automotive repairs. 1080 US Hwy 66 S, Kernersville, NC. (336) 992-9002.

Place online at

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

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

INDEX

 EDUCATIONAL SERVICE SUCCESS & COLLEGE PLANNING Made Easy! Openings for 8th–12th graders. Help with all testing, college applications, essay writing, H.S. course selections, applications for: Governor's School, NCSSM, private schools, graduate school, medical school, and college transitional and tutoring assistance, plus so much more. Free 30-minute consultation available. Call Sherry Andrews, (919) 478-9310. Check out website, www.successplus4u.com.

Auto Sales & Service ........ 35 Educational Service ......... 35 Employment .................... 35 Public Notice ................... 35 Save the Date.................. 35  EMPLOYMENT Summer Camp ................ 35 Yard Sales ....................... 35 LOOKING FOR SOMEONE RELIABLE to mow lawn and for ongoing yardwork Home Services ........... 35-38 projects in Oak Ridge. Please call or text Misc. Services .................. 38 (610) 533-5727 or (484) 695-0561. Misc. For Sale .................. 38 BAKER & ASSISTANT BAKER, StokesMisc. Wanted .................. 38 dale commercial bakery. Days, 5amPets & Animal Services .... 38 1pm. Call (336) 949-4802 or contact Real Estate ...................... 38 mcusato@kalofoods.com.

Oak Ridge Town Council will hold a public hearing to consider the ﬁscal year 2021-22 budget ordinance on June 3, 2021, 7pm, at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Rd. Copies of the budget are available at Town Hall and on the Town website at www.oakridgenc.com. — Ann Schneider, Mayor

 SAVE THE DATE COMMUNITY MOVIE NIGHT, sponsored by The Summit Church of Oak Ridge, featuring "The Croods: A New Age." Fri., June 4; food vendors starting at 6:30pm; fun and games at 7pm; movie to start at dark. Oak Ridge Town Park. Free admission. Free concessions. Reserve your spot at thesummitchurch.net. The EMILY TAYLOR CHARITY TENNIS TOURNAMENT, to beneﬁt Emily Taylor and Backpack Ministries. Fri.-Sun., June 25-27, at Cardinal Tennis Center. Juniors', women's and men's tennis. Canned food items will be collected for Backpack Ministries. To register or make a donation, contact (336) 554-4011 or keichlin123@icloud.com.

NEIGHBORHOOD YARD SALE! Sat., June12, 7am-noon. Providence North Dr., Stokesdale. Near Parker's Restaurant. TWO-FAMILY DOWNSIZING SALE. Saturday, June 12, 7am-noon. 2133 & 2135 Beeson Rd., Oak Ridge. Kitchen, office, furniture, games, collectables, crafts, books, seasonal, clothes, pottery, candles, and accessories. Rain date is June 19. SUMMERFIELD PEACE UMC COMMUNITY YARD SALE / FUNDRAISER. Sat., June 26, 8am-1pm. 2334 Scalesville Rd., Summerfield. Rent a space for $25. Hotdogs & raffle tickets available. Donations for sale will be accepted. For details or to rent a space contact the church office, (336) 643-5126, or Margaret Hudgins, (336) 643-5679.

 HOME SERVICES

 SUMMER CAMP

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

Northwest Lady Vikings LACROSSE CAMP. June 22-24, 9am-12pm. $100. For info email kirwanc@gcsnc.com.

A-ACTION AIR. Air conditioning checkup, $49.95. Call (336) 268-6768 or (336) 382-3750.

 YARD SALES

DUST FAIRY CLEANING. 3-hour cleaning special for $75. Excellent reference referrals. Call Tammy for free estimate. (828) 279-1464.

PRE-MOVING SALE. Saturday, June 5, 8am-noon. 8161 Apple Grove Rd., Kernersville. Arbor Run, Oak Ridge/Kernersville. Oﬀ Haw River Rd. Tools, furniture, household, clothing, baby items, collectibles.

CLEANING

Hickory Woods COMMUNITY YARD SALE. Saturday, June 5, 7am-1pm. 4601 Hickory Woods Drive, Greensboro. Hope to see you there!

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.

MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE. Saturday, June 5, 7am-1pm. 3214 Horse Pen Creek Rd., Greensboro.

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

Place your ad: nwobserver.com

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

continued on p. 36

JUNE 3 -3 16, 2021 JUNE - 16, 2021

35 35

HOME SERVICES

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

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

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

ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. (336) 643-9157.

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

ATCHISON LAWNCARE. Honest, dependable, local. Mike Atchison, owner. (336) 486-9837.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

OLD SCHOOL HOME REPAIR See display ad on page 11.

DECORATING

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.

BLISSFUL ART & FRAMING. SHOP LOCAL! Framing, gifts, graphic design. 4533 Hwy. 220 N., Summerfield. (336) 298-4502. EXPERIENCED INTERIOR DECORATOR & personal furniture shopper will help you with style, color, shopping & furniture placement. E-mail appeninc@gmail.com or call Ann Appenzeller, (336) 314-1411.

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

www.nwobserver.com or call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10

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.

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

36 JUNE JUNE - 16, 2021 3 -316, 2021

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

FIX YOUR MOWER! Service and repairs. Spring specials. "We do it right." Free pickup & delivery. Call Rick, (336) 501-8681. APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707. GARY’S HANDYMAN HOME SERVICES “Providing value for the home-ownership experience.” Gary Gellert, serving NC’s Piedmont Triad area. Garygellert@gmail.com, (336) 423-8223.

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

H&L GRADING, LLC. No job too tough or too small. Call us first! We are a full-service grading company that specializes in residential projects. Owner/ operator Timmy Hart has more than 30 years of grading and equipment experience. Fully licensed and insured. Land clearing, debris removal, driveways, French drains and much more. (336) 543-7867.

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

Northwest Observer

Keeping you connected since 1996!

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490. HILL LAWNCARE & OUTDOOR SERVICES. Free est. Call (336) 669-5448. WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Lawn maint., landscaping. Irrigation/ landscape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 years exp. (336) 399-7764. COLFAX LAWNCARE. Core aeration & seeding. Fertilizing, mowing, trimming, pine needles. Complete lawn care maintenance. Res./comm. Fully insured. Serving the Triad for 33 years. (336) 362-5860.

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

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. PECHES LANDSCAPING & LAWNCARE. Tree service, brush cutting & clearing, mulching, landscaping & lawncare, deck, fence and retainer wall building, land clearing, wood chipping and snow removal.. Call John, (336) 451-6941, or call Brad, (336) 453-6180. DELIMA LAWNCARE. Commercial & Residential. Free estimates. (336) 669-5210. 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. ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981. SOUTHERN CUTZ LAWN CARE, offering complete lawn maintenance services & bush hogging. Nathan Adkins, (336) 430-6086. ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875. CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 643-9332. www.carolinastumpandtreeservices.com.

 HOME SERVICES

MASONRY

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

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

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

HOUSE and ROOF SOFT WASHING. Martin's Pressure Washing. (919) 931-0856.

MASONRY CONCEPTS, brick, block, stone concrete & repairs. Free est. (336) 988-1022, www.masonryconceptsgso.com. COLONIAL MASONRY. 40 yrs. exp. Specializing in outdoor living spaces; dry-stack natural stone and flagstone. Let us help you plan your patio, fire pit, fireplace, kitchen – or anything else you would like! Call (336) 949-9019. www.colonialmasonry.com. 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.

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

PAINTING & DRYWALL STILL PERFECTION PAINTING. Reliable, skilled, aﬀordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com. LAWSON'S PAINTING. Custom decks, pressure washing, boat docks, block ﬁll, wood repair, stain work, textured ceilings, sheetrock repair. Call (336) 253-9089.

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

(336) 931-0600

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

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION 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.

Construction Services, INC

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

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.

Wilson Ain’t God Good Septic Pumping & Repair Family owned & operated since 1972

(336) 643-6427

Tank pumping, repairs, clogs, advice – ALL WITH A SMILE! Discounts: mention this ad, veteran, senior citizen, cookies & milk Find us on Google, neighborhood.com, FB

FREEMAN PLUMBING – new construction, remodel and repair. For ALL your plumbing needs! (336) 580-4525. BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR. No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic./ Ins. Cleanliness in your home is our #1 priority. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924.

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

Roof and window replacement

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

KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION. N.C. General Contractor with 30 years experience. Specializing in new homes, room additions, kitchens & baths, garages, decks, vinyl siding and windows, painting, tile, laminate and vinyl plank, and remodeling of all kinds. Quality for the Right Price. Free est. Call (336) 362-7469.

Your HOME SERVICES company should be here!

Place your classiﬁed ad online at

www.nwobserver.com

Douglas CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING, LLC. Custom Builder, sunrooms, garages, additions, kitchens, baths. Licensed & Insured, BBB A+ accredited. Free est. Visit www.douglascr.com or call (336) 413-5050. JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com.

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

 HOME SERVICES

Of The Triad

The Bathroom of Your Dreams in as Little as a Day

(336) 497-0765 NCGC License #84330

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

ROOFING PREMIER ROOFING. Commercial/residential. Providing service for all of your roofing needs. Locally owned. Please call (336) 430-9507 for free assessments. BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Lifetime shingle and metal roofing. We finance. Free Estimates. Since 1979. Please call (336) 362-6343. 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. DUSTIN CLINARD ROOFING. Shingles, metal, and leak repairs. Call (336) 268-1908.

continued on p. 38

JUNE 3 - 16, 2021 JUNE 3 - 16, 2021

 HOME SERVICES

 MISC. WANTED

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

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.

 MISC. SERVICES

PORTABLE WELDING SERVICE. Welding & fabrication services. Call (336) 908-6906.

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

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

(336) 643-9963 • 8207 B & G Court, Stokesdale PIANO LESSONS, all ages and levels, Summerﬁeld area. Patti, (336) 298-4181.

 MISC. FOR SALE

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

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

HOMES FOR SALE

HENSON FOREST

6300 Autumn Crest Court, Summerfield 3 BDR, 3.5 BR with double bonus rooms and sunroom. Hardwood floors, coffered ceilings, sound system throughout, fenced yard and paradise decking. $537,000

 REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Nancy J. Hess

nancy.hess@bhhsyostandlittle.com

We Help Everyone! SELLERS & BUYERS

(336) 215-1820

1616 NC 68 North

OAK RIDGE

(336) 643-4248

LAND FOR SALE 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.

Got stuﬀ? Need stuﬀ?

Place your ad today: www.nwobserver.com

38 JUNE - 16, 2021 38 JUNE 3 -316, 2021

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT

 REAL ESTATE

 PETS & ANIMAL SVCS.

www.ANewDawnRealty.com

HEXAGON, UPRIGHT FISH AQUARIUM. Beautiful. Includes all operating equipment and stand. $165. Call (336) 644-7035 or email info@nwobserver.com.

 REAL ESTATE

Furnished and unfurnished offices for rent on upper floor of two-story building located on 6 wooded acres in Oak Ridge’s commercial core district. $700 to $1,100 monthly rent per office includes all utilities and WiFi as well as shared use of professionally decorated conference/sunroom and large kitchen with appliances. Formerly a residence, the building was converted for commercial use in 2008 and has since been the home of PS Communications, which partially occupies the building. For more information or to view available offices for rent, call Patti Stokes (336) 340-3763

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

BEAUTIFUL OAK RIDGE HOME

5807 Bison Drive, Oak Ridge 4 BDR, 4.5 BR with owner’s suite on main. Home sits on 1.07 acres with a beautifully landscaped yeard that includes waterfalls. Built by Gardella Homes. $869,000

Nancy J. Hess

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

SELLING OR RENTING? We can help you reach ALL of northwest Guilford County! Place your ad online at

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS

Please support our advertisers, and tell them where you saw their ad! ACCOUNTING Kimberly Thacker Accounting.............11 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC......31

AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE Beamer Tire & Auto ...........................14 EuroHaus .................................... 25, 35 Piedmont Truck Tires ........................... 7 Prestige Car Wash ............................. 20 Tire Max .............................................. 9

BANK

Fidelity Bank ...................................... 32

BUILDING / REMODELING

Bath Planet ....................................... 37 Old School Home Repair ....................11 TM Construction Services .................. 37

CHILDREN’S SERVICES

Guardian Ad Litem ............................ 29

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Eanes Heating & Air .......................... 34 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery ..19 Stokesdale Storage ............................ 38 Stokesdale Heating & Air..................... 8 Wilson Septic & Pumping .................. 37

LEGAL SERVICES

Barbour & Williams Law .....................31 Scott Tippett, Hagan Barrett Law ........ 8

MEDICAL CARE / PT

LeBauer HealthCare...........................12 Novant – Forsyth Pediatrics ............... 20 Oak Ridge Physical Therapy .............. 21 Wake Forest Baptist Health ................. 2 Wake Forest – Summerfield ................15

MUSIC LESSONS / INSTRUMENTS

Olmsted Orthodontics ................. 21, 27 Reynolds Orthodontics ...................... 24

DANCE / ART / MUSIC

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

Magnolia Shores Family Dental ......... 23 Summerfield Family Dentistry .............. 4

EVENTS

Stonefield Cellars Summer Concerts .... 5 Summerfield Music in the Park .......... 10

GROCERIES / SUPPLIES Southern Foods ..................................17

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ................16 Northwest Animal Hospital .................15

REAL ESTATE

A New Dawn Realty .......................... 38 Nancy Hess, Berkshire Hathaway ...... 38 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX ...................19 Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams .......... 10 The Fitzsimmons Group, Allen Tate ... 44

RESTAURANTS

HAIR CARE

Great Clips ........................................ 21

Bistro 150 .......................................... 22 Ridge Shrimp & Oyster ...................... 20 Rio Grande Kitchen & Cantina .......... 21

HEALTH & WELLNESS

RETAIL

Elvis Mendoza In-Home Massage.......11

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

BEK Paint Company .......................... 37 Carpets by Direct ............................... 18

1. False. Lionhead rabbits are generally very small rabbits and when fully grown weigh around 2-3 pounds.

2. True. Lionhead rabbits have a mane with fur that is about 2 inches longer than the rest of the fur on their bodies.

3. True. Rabbits, including the lionhead rabbit, are generally smart animals and can be fairly easily trained to use a litter box.

4. True. Some good foods to feed lionhead rabbits include fresh hay, lowprotein rabbit pellets and fresh vegetables.

5. False. Lionhead rabbits are social animals and like to be with other rabbits. are always telling me “ Customers they saw the Bistro ad in the

Northwest Observer. Consistently advertising in the NWO has brought us many new customers and reminds old customers about all we have to offer!

“

- Jennifer Mun

owner of Bistro 150 & consistent NWO advertiser since 2015

ORTHODONTIC CARE

GTCC .................................................. 6

DENTAL SERVICES

From Kids’ Korner on pg. 16

Moore Music Company ..................... 28

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Destination Arts................................. 20

ANSWER KEY lionhead rabbits

Cass Jewelers .................................... 26

YOUTH SPORTS / CAMPS

Oak Ridge Youth Association ............ 23 Operation Xcel .................................... 3

Jennifer and her daughter, Olivia

Helping businesses thrive since 1996

For advertising information, contact Laura: 336.644.7035, ext. 11 | laura@nwobserver.com

ANSWER KEY disney music lyrics From Kids’ Korner on pg. 28

1. Lyrics: Under the sea darling it’s better down where it’s wetter Song: Under the Sea | Movie: The Little Mermaid 2. Lyrics: It means no worries for the rest of your days Song: Hakuna Matata | Movie: The Lion King 3. Lyrics: If she’s here it’s crystal clear I’m where I’m meant to go Song: I See the Light | Movie: Tangled 4. Lyrics: Tale as old as time, tune as old as song Song: Tale as old as Time | Movie: Beauty and the Beast 5. Lyrics: I don’t care what they’re going to say, let the storm rage on Song: Let It Go | Movie: Frozen 6. Lyrics: What can I say except you’re welcome Song: You’re Welcome | Movie: Moana

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JUNE 3 - 16, 2021

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Postal Patron

Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22

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

ECRWSS

Members of the Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club spent a few minutes enjoying the Northwest Observer’s latest Grins (and Gripes) after volunteering at the Memorial Day ceremony held at Oak Ridge Town Park on May 31.

(L to R) Wingate Smith, a high school teacher by endday and part-time bartend er at Village Beverage Co. in Summerfield’s Hillsdale Village Shopping Center, joined bicyclists Rosa Alonso-Mckenzie, Kim Siebold and Robin Helms as they perused the local news before saddling up for “The Honor Ride” on May 29. The cyclist event was a fundraiser for Triad Honor Flight and it began and ended at Village Beverage Co., which was one of the event’s many supporters (learn more about Triad Honor Flight at www.triadhonorflight.org).

Northwest Greensboro resident Erick Sowder recently learned a new trick on his Onewheel – he read his Northwest Observer while cruising through Oak Ridge Town Park on Memoorial Day! “Riding this Onewheel re-connects me with my 17-yearold self,” Sowder, 54, said of his hobby. It’s also a great way to spend a quick work break, he noted, saying that 15 minutes on his One wheel in the middle of the workday clears his brain and readies him for more mental challeng es.

ur high-res th the NWO! Email yo wi u yo of os ot ph us Send nwobserver.com photo to : photos@

Northwest Observer / June 3-16, 2021

Articles inside

Classifi eds

NWO on the Go

Grins and Gripes

NWO Kids’ Korner ....................................... 16

Student Profi les

High school sports roundup

Pets & Critters

Living the good bunny life

Your Questions

Memorial Day service, OR Town Park

Pets on Parade for Centerfi eld Youth

The Honor Ride helps Triad Honor Flight

Rose vines, pines, other places in the heart

Bank of OR investigating service disruption