Northwest Observer / Nov. 4 - 17, 2021 by pscommunications

Nov. 4 - 17, 2021

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Northwest awash And the votes have been tallied… Newcomers elected in COVID-19 in Summerﬁeld and relief funds Stokesdale while Oak Summerﬁeld, Oak Ridge and Stokesdale are getting $3.7 million in federal aid for possible spending on water infrastructure projects by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – The towns of Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale have begun collecting $3.7 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds, creating a pool of money town leaders may decide to invest in water infrastructure. The three towns recently collected initial payments from the American Rescue Plan Act and are in line to collect identical payments next year. For Oak Ridge, that means nearly $1.66 million in two payments of $828,051, while Summerfield is getting $1.33 million in

...continued on p. 6

IN THIS ISSUE

Ridge incumbents win bid to retain their seats by PATTI STOKES and CHRIS BURRITT

Mike Crawford mayor-elect Stokesdale

Tim Jones

council member Stokesdale

Jim Kinneman

Ann Schneider

council member Oak Ridge

John Doggett

Janelle Robinson

NW GUILFORD – Newcomers won seats on the town councils in Summerfield and Stokesdale this past Tuesday, while in Oak Ridge, Mayor Ann Schneider and Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman were re-elected to another four-year term. In Summerfield, Mayor Pro Tem Tim Sessoms defeated Gail Dunham in the mayor’s race. Both candidates had previously served one term as their town’s mayor. Sessoms garnered 1,406 votes, or 58.1%, compared to 1,008 votes, or 41.6%, for Dunham. There were eight write-in votes for mayor. First-time candidates John Doggett and Janelle Robinson claimed the two council seats up for grabs in Summerfield, defeating incumbent Teresa W. Perryman and newcomer Greg Fox. Sessoms, Doggett and Robinson ran on the same

News in brief....................................................2 Your Questions ................................................4 Adoption is a family affair .............................8 Happy 25th birthday to the NWO! ..............10 GC Animal Resource Center now open .... 14 NWO Kids’ Korner.......................................... 16 Pet Adoptions................................................ 17 Christmas giving opportunities ...................18

Community Calendar ..................................22 Crime/Incident Report .................................24 Northern Guilford High School photo page..28 Youth Sync ....................................................29 Great Pumpkin Event photo page ..............30 Grins and Gripes ..........................................32 Classiﬁeds .....................................................35 Index of Advertisers .....................................39 NWO On The Go ...........................................40

Tim Sessoms mayor-elect Summerﬁeld

council member Summerﬁeld

slate, winning voters’ support for their endorsement of a balance of development and preservation, and their pledge to work with community members on all sides to move the town forward in a positive direction.

...continued on p. 34

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NEWS in brief

Preview: Nov. 4 Oak Ridge Town Council meeting by CHRIS BURRITT

of a site honoring veterans.

OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge Town Council plans to consider adopting a resolution seeking state environmental approval for creating a municipal water system.

The committee raised $20,839.87 in the quarter ended Sept. 30 in donations and additionally, in food truck proceeds during RidgeFest. The committee received $322 in donations in the fiscal year ended June 30, bringing the town’s match to $21,161.87, according to an Oct. 27 memo from Town Clerk Sandra Smith to the council.

Approval of the resolution during the council’s monthly meeting this Thursday, Nov. 4, would advance plans for establishing a water system that would initially serve new Oak Ridge subdivisions with at least 30 lots. The resolution addresses three documents – a water system management plan, water rules and a water conservation plan – that Town Manager Bill Bruce would submit to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality for approval. Earlier this year the town hired Envirolink to establish and operate the water system, and it’s relying upon the contractor to work with state regulators to obtain approval of the town’s water system management plan, according to the resolution.

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Separately, the council will consider appointing Adrian Eckenrod as an alternate on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.

want to participate? The 7 p.m. meeting at Town Hall this Thursday, Nov. 4, is open to the public. Masks must be worn inside the building. Instructions for submitting comments by telephone and email can be found on the meeting agenda, posted on the homepage of the town’s website, www.oakridgenc.com, under the Town Council tab.

BJ Barnes plans to start a website after Facebook ban

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Combined with $8,649 collected before the town committed to match donations, the committee has raised $50,650.74 for the veterans’ site.

The Northwest Observer

by CHRIS BURRITT

him in an email that the ban was “irreversible” this time.

SUMMERFIELD – Banned by Facebook, outgoing SummerBarnes said he plans to field Mayor BJ Barnes plans start posting his views again to create a website so that he on a new website he’s going can resume posting his politito introduce in the next cal views. few weeks. He’s seeking to regain his online voice as Barnes lost access to he’s ending his one-term tenabout 8,800 Facebook followBJ Barnes ure as Summerfield’s mayor ers last May when the social media platform prevented him from post- and helping Republican candidates running for sheriff in several North Carolina ing. Last month, Facebook blocked him •from Totally local since 1996 counties. posting on a new account, telling

Barnes wouldn’t say whether next November he plans to seek to unseat Guilford County Sheriff Danny Rogers, who defeated Barnes in 2018, or assist a Republican candidate in the race. Barnes served as Guilford County’s sheriff for 24 years, during which time he said he went to a different restaurant every morning to gather a range of views from people. He sought feedback with his Facebook page and now plans to gather perspectives on his website, which will allow followers to post comments. “I want to hear from people,” Barnes said in an interview earlier this week. “I’m going to try to get people involved and engaged in their politics. I want to keep an open dialogue to see what the flavor is now.” Barnes said he believes Facebook may have banned him from posting last May due to his occasional references to President Biden as “Obiden.” President Trump coined the phrase in his criticism of Biden and predecessor Barack

Obama as liberal Democrats. Facebook bans “hate speech” including verbal attacks such as “expressions of contempt, disgust or dismissal,” according to the platform’s Transparency Center. Barnes said he doesn’t believe his posts constituted hate speech if, in fact, that was Facebook’s rationale for preventing him from posting. His posts and comments from followers through May 3 can still be read online. In his final post on that day, Barnes lamented the decline of public education in the U.S., saying teacher unions and “Obiden” are pushing liberal causes in the classroom. In an earlier post, he criticized Biden’s performance as president. Barnes said he banned Facebook followers on his page only if they posted crude or profane comments. On his new website, he said he hopes to attract both conservative and liberal followers. “My goal was always to get people to talk and think,” he said.

Oak Ridge council eyes reducing drive-through congestion by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge Town Council is seeking ideas to lessen the congestion of drivethroughs as it plots future commercial development in the town core. “I don’t think we should ban drivethroughs,” Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman said during an Oct. 13 special called meeting of the council. “We need to come up with a creative way to deal with the stacking problem.” The council met with representatives of Hill Studio, a Roanoke, Virginia-based community planning and design firm hired by Oak Ridge to create an illustrated design guidebook for developers. The firm shared suggestions by Oak Ridge residents and business owners who recommended preserving the town’s history and open spaces while designing buildings, shopping areas and streets with pedestrian access and safety at the forefront of planning. Hill Studio is incorporating suggestions by council members in revisions of the guidebook, part of the town’s efforts to improve the

“village feel” of the N.C. 68 commercial business corridor. The council plans to schedule another special called meeting in the next few weeks to continue refining the draft before it goes to the town’s Planning and Zoning Board, the Historic Preservation Commission and the public for comments. Adoption of the guidebook by the council is possible early next year, according to Mayor Ann Schneider. She and other council members discussed drive-throughs as an example of modern design that favors vehicles over pedestrians. With the design guidebook, Oak Ridge plans to recommend ways for developers of future projects to avoid congestion, such as the backup of cars at drive-through windows. “If what (developers are) proposing to do with their business and drive-through window impedes pedestrian access and sort of takes over the site, then it’s a problem,” Schneider said. “Once you have drive-throughs, you are

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

NOV. 4 - 17, 2021

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NOV. 4 - 17, 2021

Now that the town has made a decision to build a new town hall (albeit at a later date) on a vacant piece of land, what is the plan for the Gordon Hardware building and the house on the corner of Summerfield Road and Oak Ridge Road? With property values being what they are, now seems like an ideal time to sell.

We reached out to Summerfield Town Manager Scott Whitaker for an update on the two properties this reader asked about. Whitaker pointed out that plans for a new town hall weren’t intended to be significantly delayed, although he realizes it came across that way in a recent council meeting. Design and pricing presentations are planned for the Nov. 9 council meeting. As for the Gordon Hardware building and the Martin House, Whitaker told us the town doesn’t have a plan

Curious about something? Submit your questions about topics relevant to the northwest area

online: nwobserver.com email: questions@ nwobserver.com

Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO

The Town of Summerfield has no immediate plans for the Gordon Hardware building (left) or the Martin house at the intersection of N.C. 150 and Summerfield Road, Summerfield Town Manager Scott Whitaker told the Northwest Observer recently.

for them yet.

the retreat again.”

“Council discussed the topic at its retreat last February without resolution,” he said. “I don’t expect more direction until the newly-seated Council is in place with time for strategic discussions. I suspect that will be at

Regarding putting the two properties up for sale, Whitaker acknowledged the town has had some interest/purchase inquiries, “but each property has its own challenges and both would require a lot of work.”

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Can you tell us what’s going on with the air pump at Oak Ridge Town Park? It has been down for over a month – nice place to fish, but not lately.

Terry Lannon, Oak Ridge parks and recreation director, told us the “pump” the reader is asking about is actually not a pump, rather a fountain. “The fountain indeed has been inoperable for some time now,” Lannon confirmed a few weeks ago. “It took us awhile to identify the problem, and we’re still waiting on parts.” NWO file photo

The fountain in the pond at Oak Ridge Town Park has been inoperable for the last few months, but there are plans to repair it as soon as the needed parts arrive.

The Town of Stokesdale’s Events Committee proudly presents

2021 Stokesdale Christmas Parade

Saturday, Dec. 11, 2 pm

COVID required us to think differently last year in having the Cruise-Thru, but we are thrilled to have our traditional parade return to downtown Stokesdale in 2021.

Pre-parade festivities will include hot dog, donut, and hot chocolate serving stations, food trucks and live music. SPONSORSHIPS NEEDED: Our sponsors play a critical role in

making this such a successful annual event.

PARADE ENTRIES NEEDED: Our participants are what make our

parade great! Local organizations and businesses as well as family and friend groups are encouraged to join. Get creative! Last year’s National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Cruise-Thru station was quite the hit! Entry forms are available on the town’s website under Events. Deadline for entry is Dec. 1, 2021. Please secure your spot early.

For more information on sponsorships and parade entries, contact Town Hall at stokesdale@stokesdale.org or 336.643.4011 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

NOV. 4 - 17, 2021

TOWNS AWASH IN COVID-19 RELIEF FUNDS ...continued from p. 1

two payments of about $666,000 and Stokesdale is getting roughly $720,000 in two payments of about $360,000, according to town officials. For limited-service governments such as Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale, the possible use of the funds is relatively narrow compared to large municipalities eligible for reimbursement for public health expenditures and negative economic impacts due to the pandemic. As the rules are now written, the three towns can spend the money on water, sewer and broadband infrastructure, which aligns with town leaders’ interest in water projects. The three town councils haven’t yet decided how to spend the money. They’ve got time to decide spending priorities, according to federal rules. “We have over three years to obligate this funding and over five years to spend it,” Oak Ridge Town Manager Bill

I’d gravitate toward water projects for Stokesdale. We’ve got projects we need to do with the water system.” Derek Foy, Stokesdale Town Council member Bruce said in a recent email. The amount of funds distributed by the federal government is based upon the size of municipalities’ budgets. Specifically, towns are getting 75 percent of their budgets as of January 2020, according to Dee Hall, Summerfield’s finance officer. In addition, each of the three northwestern Guilford towns has gotten a state appropriation of roughly $1.1 million for spending on water projects. A

combination of federal and state funds could spur water-related investments in the three towns. Oak Ridge Town Council is establishing a municipal water system, initially serving subdivisions with 30 or more lots, while Summerfield Town Council is exploring the creation of a water protection system for fighting fires. Stokesdale may use its funds to improve and expand the town’s existing water system, according to Mayor John Flynt and council member Derek Foy. “I’d gravitate toward water projects for Stokesdale,” Foy said in an interview earlier this week. “We’ve got projects we

need to do with the water system.” Some residents in Oak Ridge and Summerfield have objected to the creation of municipal water systems in their towns, partly due to concerns that the availability of water beyond wells may spur higher density development. In Summerfield, a proposal by developer David Couch to extend water and sewer lines from the city of Greensboro to Summerfield for the development of his roughly 1,000 acres in town intensified the debate over density. Another spending possibility for Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale is improving spotty internet service.

DRIVE-THROUGH

of restaurants, he said. The drive-through “is going to be there whether you actually like that concept or not,” said Councilman George McClellan, explaining they’re important to restaurants and other businesses that rely on a high volume of sales. “At the risk of trivializing, you’ve got to be able to herd them in and head them out,” he said.

...continued from p. 3

defeating what we are trying to do in terms of pedestrian access.” Banning drive-throughs in future development would ignore that the convenience is critical to families, according to Kinneman. Parents with young children in their cars can’t easily park to go inside

Saturday, November 20, 5:30pm Summerfield Athletic Park (5200 Hwy. 220 North) Check town Facebook page for rain date.

Northwest High School Honors Vocal Ensemble • Bella Ballerina dancers • light food/drink/S’mores • bonfire

FREE EVENT! Also collecting food for two local backpack programs serving Oak Ridge, Summerfield, Stokesdale, and Northern elementary schools, Northwest and Northern middle and high schools, and Summerfield Charter and Greensboro academies.

Drop-off locations: Bank of Oak Ridge, Edward Jones, EuroHaus, Greensboro Performing Arts, Jesse Washburn Exp Realty, Magnolia Shores, Shane’s Sporting Clays, Summerfield Family Chiropractic, Summerfield Farms, Summerfield Wealth Advisors, The Jumping Bean, Town of Summerfield Needed items: canned vegetables (14.5 oz); canned fruit (14.5 oz); canned ravioli (15 oz); canned tuna (5 oz) canned chicken (12.5 oz); pork & beans (15 oz); spaghetti sauce (can only, no glass); mac-n-cheese (7.25 oz box); Knorr Pasta Sides (4.5 oz pouch); microwave popcorn; crunchy or chewy granola bars; peanut butter crackers

and

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6 NOV. 4 - 17, 2021

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

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

passion for service

by ANNETTE JOYCE

OAK RIDGE – Sometimes the biggest impacts are made by those who quietly serve while trying not to call attention to themselves. That’s the case with Danielle Gram, 42, who has always had a heart for serving others. As a high school student, Gram volunteered at her local hospital in Minerva, Ohio, where she became especially attached to the elderly, veterans and pediatric patients. When she moved to Greensboro about 13 years ago, Gram began volunteering with hospice patients at Beacon Place and Kids Path. “When I first started at hospice, I told myself, ‘I’ll just sit at the reception desk.’ I thought I could never go back and sit with people who are dying,” the Oak Ridge resident recalled. But, she noted, God had other plans. Over the years, Gram has found herself in nursing homes holding the hands of dying people who have no family and don’t want to die alone. She’s also spent time with very sick children and supported a close friend after her 11-year-old son was diagnosed with cancer and later passed away. Before COVID, Gram, as a member of Kids Path Aarvy Aardvark puppet show, visited third-grade classes once a week and put on shows to help children deal with feelings associated with loss. Besides spending time with hospice patients, Gram is very involved with her church,

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

Danielle Gram, a

The Summit-Oak Ridge, where she works as an executive assistant, volunteers extensively and is an active member of one of the church’s many small groups. If there’s a church event taking place, Gram’s smiling face is almost always among the crowd. She can be found in the church’s preschool looking after its youngest attendees and with the middle and high school ministries registering kids on Wednesday nights. And when the church hosts community events, not only is Gram onsite to help, but more than likely she’s responsible for a lot of the preparation.

Oak Ridge resident Danielle Gram

A member of Northwest Guilford Kiwanis Club, Gram recently finished her term as president. She’s also volunteering for Triad Honor Flight, which sends veterans to Washington, D.C., for a day, and is active with the town of Oak Ridge’s Special Events and Canine Capers committees. In the past, Gram volunteered at Oak Ridge Elementary School, where she started the school’s chess club and helped develop unique events such as the Science Palooza and Math Mania that were both educational and fun for students as well as their families. In everything she does, Gram’s creativity can be found. She’s both computer savvy and artistic, and is always looking for ways to add something extra, whether that’s eye-catching posters for a church event, a fun game for kids at RidgeFest or

glow sticks for the kids who attend Camp Carefree. Gram carries her desire to serve others into her family, and is currently in the process of earning her pilot’s license. Several years ago, she and her father, Dan Gram, did their flight bookwork together, but while Dan when on to get his pilot’s license, Gram didn’t. Dan lives in Ohio and is dealing with cancer, so Gram is racking up flight hours as fast as she can in the hopes that she’ll soon be able to take her father up flying again. “This has given us an amazing connection,” she said. Gram is married to Mark Lautzenheiser and they have a 12-year-old daughter, Zella. With most of Gram’s volunteer activities, the three come as a package and Mark and Zella are happy to lend a helping hand.

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. Stokesdale

7705 Highway 68 N (336) 642-3580

Summerfield

4420 US Highway 220N (336) 810-8250

Madison

706 Burton Street (336) 642-3460

High Point

619 Greensboro Road (336) 827-9112

High Point

2410 Eastchester Dr (336) 842-0212

Eden

406 N. Bridge Street (336) 864-6606

It’s a family affair Brothers, wives work through ‘happy and joyous, messy and hard’ adoption process

have medical issues, as most children in Indian orphanages do, but they said they’ve prayed about it and they’re willing and prepared to provide her with the love and care she deserves. “When Luke was about 6 months old, we felt the Lord calling us to adopt,” Tiffany said. “As our research into adoption began, we discovered India has an estimated 31 million orphans! After learning this, we decided to pursue adoption from this country.”

by PATTI STOKES NW GUILFORD – Nathan and Ivy Midkiff are in the process of an infant domestic adoption, while Nathan’s older brother Daniel and his wife, Tiffany, are hoping that one day soon they’ll be told it’s time to bring their adopted daughter home from India. Although their adoption paths haven’t been identical, their visions for bringing another child into their home, their hearts, and their immediate and extended family, are closely aligned.

“While adoption is happy and joyous, it is also messy and hard in many ways,” Tiffany acknowledged.

Natives of northwest Guilford County, Daniel and Tiffany both graduated from Northwest Guilford High School. As young adults, they now live in the Oak Ridge area with their two “ridiculously cute” children, Adelaide, 5, and Luke, 3. And when their prayers are answered, they’ll be adding another daughter to their family through adoption. She’ll likely

She and Daniel often lean on Isaiah 58:11 for encouragement – “Where God leads, He provides.” “We’ve seen this time and time again through the people who have supported us along our journey through kind gestures, prayers for our family, and also financially,” Tiffany said.

Bring our pumpkin home

ADOPTION

RUN & WALK

and 1-mile fun run Join us for this fun event to help us cover our final adoption costs and bring our daughter home from India

Daniel, Tiffany, Adelaide & Luke Midkiff

Sat., November 13 NOW* REGISTER Saturday! 5K is NEXT tion is available registra *same-day

Oak Ridge Town Park Register online at

4adoption.eventbrite.com 9 am 5K ● 9:30 am fun run

“Martin Luther King Jr. once said, ‘Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.’ We’re not sure adoption can be described better. It’s a long road of hurry up and wait, anticipation, and joy. We take each step at a time, having faith that at the end of the staircase, our daughter awaits.” Like Daniel and Tiffany, Nathan, 30, and Ivy, 28, have also known each other since high school. A few years after marrying in 2015 and several failed attempts to get pregnant, they went through in vitro fertilization. Their first embryo transfer resulted in Ivy soon getting pregnant and Easton, a healthy baby boy, was born nine months later. As Nathan and Ivy looked forward to having a second child, their remaining embryos were transferred and Ivy was able to get pregnant. Unfortunately, that pregnancy ended up with a miscarriage… as did two more pregnancies that followed. The couple later learned Ivy had endometriosis. “We’ve always talked about adoption and I think that’s something we would have done. But this kind of opened up that door,” Ivy said. “Daniel and Tiffany deciding to adopt was a big factor also.” And then the couple’s church, Mercy Hill, had a sermon series about adoptions. Independently, Ivy’s father, a minister, had co-founded a non-profit that helps families fundraise to cover adoption costs. “Adoption in the beginning felt like this big task—and it is – but these things made it seem like we could do it. We had this community to help us,” Ivy said. She recalls that when she and Daniel were in high school, they went on a mission trip to Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home. “I remember thinking about adoption then,” she said. “I asked Nathan if that’s something he might be interested in and

Photo courtesy of Ivy and Nathan Midkiff

Ivy and Nathan Midkiff, along with their son Easton, look forward to the arrival of their new adopted family member sometime between now and the next few years. he said, “Yeah, sure!” Years later, their situation propelled them forward. The Midkiffs attend Mercy Hill Church. Both couples were considering adoption even before their church’s sermon series, but it was one more confirmation they were headed in the right direction. “Our church is very much about helping those who struggle to care for themselves,” Daniel said. Having a close friend in high school who had an adopted sister also offered Daniel insight as to how a child who didn’t biologically match a family could

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excited,” Tiffany said. “She asks me every week, “Mommy, when is my India baby going to be here?” As for their extended families? “My parents are over the top excited,” Ivy said. So are Nathan and Daniel’s parents, who look forward to having more grandchildren to love, and Tiffany’s parents, who also live in Oak Ridge. Both couples said they feel very blessed to be encouraged in their adoption journey by so many family and church members, friends, co-workers and even strangers in their communities who have supported them through their fundraisers.

Photo courtesy of Daniel and Tiffany Midkiff

be equally loved by that family. “Seeing that family made it easier to understand how you can feel the same way about an adopted child as a biological child,” Daniel said. He adds that when he and Tiffany were engaged, their church encouraged them to volunteer with the children’s ministry. “At first I was hesitant, but caring for someone else’s kids really opened me up,” Daniel said. “There were also other folks at Mercy Hill who adopted, and that’s a big part of the church’s ministry.” Tiffany noted Mercy Hill even provides a percentage of adoption costs. While Daniel and Tiffany will travel far to meet their new daughter, Ivy and Nathan will make a shorter trip. They’re working with an adoption agency in South Carolina and have requested an infant from somewhere in the United States, with no gender or race preferences. They’ll even take twins – or triplets. In the meantime, they’re preparing for adoption by reading books and listening to podcasts on the topic, doing research, and talking with people who have both adopted children and been adopted. Ivy and Nathan said concerns about their adopted child feeling different is something they’ll work through the rest of their lives with their child, because not knowing his or her biological parents and identity will present a different route. “But this child will have such a neat story,” Ivy said. “I’m reminded that our true identity is in the Lord, and

want to learn more and/or help? Tiffany and Daniel Midkiff, along with their two children, Adelaide and Luke, hope to welcome their new adopted family member from India next spring.

that’s something we really cling to.” As they work through the process of adopting their child from an orphanage in India, Daniel and Tiffany continue raising funds to cover adoption costs. Their adoption process has been even slower due to COVID, but they’re hoping the pace will pick up this fall and by next spring they’ll find out who their daughter is. “Other than Daniel and I, Adelaide is the most

Daniel and Tiffany see fundraising to help with adoption costs as not only a huge blessing to them, but also a great opportunity for others to be a part of their journey. To that end, the couple invites the community to join them Nov. 13 at Oak Ridge Park for a 5K & 1-mile run/walk fundraiser. Register for the event at 4adoption.eventbrite.com. Visit Daniel and Tiffany’s website at linktr.ee/midkiff, where you’ll find links to their Facebook page, donation page, email and more. Ivy Midkiff invites anyone considering adoption to call or text her at (984) 329-5608, or call the adoption agency she and Nathan are working with, Quiver Full Adoptions, at (864) 334-8593.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

NOV. 4 - 17, 2021

Happy 25th Birthday to the Northwest Observer! How in the world did we get here?

began down this path.

by PATTI STOKES In November 1996, I started what was then an 8-page, 8 ½ x 11 community newsletter for Oak Ridge called the “Oak Ridge Observer.” I’ve often been asked if at the time I imagined that little once-a-month newsletter would grow into what it is today, and have the impact it does in northwest Guilford County. Honestly, no, I didn’t. I’ve also been asked if I had a background in journalism before I

No, I didn’t – not even to work for a high school newspaper (my high school didn’t have one), or a college newspaper, or for any newspaper. After college, though, I did go to work for a small publishing company and although I worked in the advertising/ production department (and never in the editorial department), I guess it was through that job that I was drawn to being involved in pulling thousands of pieces of information together into one publication, sending it off to the printer, and then starting all over again the next time… and the next, and the next.

Starting my own little community newsletter years later was a different story, however. Placing myself in the public spotlight, even in a relatively small role, went against every part of my core personality. I was still very shy back then, and definitely avoided open controversy.

The thought of having to write for strangers’ consumption, and to be publicly taken to task for inevitable mistakes I made – and even for those I didn’t make – made me downright squeamish. I still can’t say just what it was that motivated me to start down this crazy, challenging, fun, honorable, demanding, hard – and rewarding – path 25 years ago this month, but I’m very happy to have learned as much as I have along the way about people, writing, local government, photography, running a business, and the inter-workings of three small, rural but evergrowing communities.

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Truly, Nicole Gillespie is the hardest working individual I’ve collaborated with. Her business acumen, customer service level and knowledge of the area are unparalleled. We’ve now purchased two homes with Nicole and it has been absolutely perfect. Buying and selling can be stressful but knowing that Nicole represents us gives us peace of mind that money cannot buy! I trust her implicitly and can’t imagine going through this process with anyone else. Do yourself a favor and have Nicole be your buying or selling guide. Your future self will thank you!

Nicole E. Gillespie, SPS

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I’ve been personally and professionally stretched far more than I could have ever imagined, and I’m grateful to have experienced the many challenges as well as the blessings that have come with owning a small publishing company. Being independently owned means I inherited no formulas or guidelines and I’ve had to use my own resourcefulness and figure a lot of things out on my own. I wouldn’t change it if I could. For those interested, I’ll begin in this issue to share some of the story of how my journey into community journalism all began, and how grateful I am for the experience… When my oldest child, Sam, started kindergarten, the neighborhood we lived in off Alcorn Road in northwest Greensboro was, and still is, in unincorporated Guilford County but fell within the Oak Ridge school district and fire district. Prior to Sam starting school at Oak Ridge Elementary in the early-1990s, I’m not sure I had even been to Oak Ridge, as until that time my husband’s and my work, errands,

...continued on p. 12

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3811 Lawndale Dr., Greensboro | (336) 288-8893 | newgarden.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Covering northwest Guilford’s local matters since November 1996

Make Dreams Come True

HAPPY 25TH BIRTHDAY ...continued from p. 10 social opportunities, doctor and dentist appointments, etc. always took us in the direction of Greensboro.

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Oak Ridge Elementary quickly became an important part of our family’s world, and even more so when two years after Sam went to school there our daughter, Kelli, started kindergarten. It wasn’t long before I became involved in the PTA and later, served as PTA president. Through that service I became intrigued by not only the school’s long and rich history, but by the community in which it had been such a part of. Oak Ridge wasn’t incorporated back then, but a small group of citizens was taking steps to do so in an effort to protect the town’s unique identity and control the pace at which it grew, and the type of growth that citizens wanted. The small group feared being swallowed up by neighboring Kernersville to the west and the Greensboro to the south, and were particularly concerned that a waste management company operating a nearby landfill just inside the Kernersville town limits had plans to expand the landfill into Oak Ridge. While there was (and still is) a daily newspaper serving northwest Guilford County, rural towns like Oak Ridge got little attention until or unless there was a major occurrence. With the internet still in its infancy and social media being unheard of in 1996, residents of the community had little options for learning what was going on in their community beyond their individual street or neighborhood. The opportunity for a local news source was prime, and though I felt illequipped for the task, eventually I realized “If I don’t do it, no one else will,” and so my journey began. The first issue of the Oak Ridge Observer was mailed to about 1,600

NOV. 4 - 17, 2021

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

households in Oak Ridge, with 200 more placed in businesses for free pick-up. As we continue to do today, those receiving our community in the mail and in our racks and boxes do so at no charge. Immediately after the November 1996 issue came out, I began receiving calls from local businesses interested in advertising. They welcomed the opportunity to promote their businesses to residents in their community at a reasonable cost, as before the Oak Ridge Observer appeared their options for advertising were mostly limited to the daily newspaper, radio or television stations, all reaching a far broader geographical area than most needed and could afford to reach.

As our advertising slowly grew, so did the information that came our way. While I initially struggled to find the content to fill even eight pages, it soon became a challenge to fit it all in. That challenge remains today. I’ll continue in our Nov. 18 issue, but before signing off I want to thank all those who have supported us in our journey. Some have been readers and advertisers even since we began, and many others have joined us along the way. Some faithful readers have moved and some have passed on from this life. Some businesses have come and gone, but while here many have contributed in one way or the other, whether it’s been through their readership, their feedback, their encouragement, or their financial support through advertising. Truly, we would not be here today without them, and without you, and I am grateful.

November 2021 a monthly feature of the Northwest Observer

Summer Michaud, a technician at Kings Crossing Animal Hospital in Stokesdale, attended the Great Pumpkin Event in Oak Ridge on Oct. 30 along with her French tripod bulldog, Frank. (“His full name is Sir Francis The Bold, but we just call him Frank,” Summer told the Northwest Observer.) Frank is 2 years old and was surrendered to KCAH; Summer ended up taking him home after he had stayed at the animal hospital for about a month while recovering from surgery to remove his front leg. “Obviously, having just three legs does not slow him down at all! He’s just so happy and loves people, but I think children are his favorite,” Summer said. “He also has an Instagram account where we like to post day-to-day things about him.” For those interested, you can find him on Instagram at @I.Am.Sir.Francis.

This little cutie dressed up as a mouse with a mouse trap and captured first place in the Pet Costume Contest at Merchants of Oak Ridge’s Great Pumpkin Event on Oct. 30.

A lover of animals, Summer has been working at KCAH for about two years and said she loves what she does and has fun while doing it.

Stella joined her humans, Allen Tate Realtor Maureena Shepherd and family, at the Great Pumpkin Event on Oct. 30 dressed as King George III, a character in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical “Hamilton.”

“Dorothy” from “The Wizard of Oz” and her sidekick captured second place in the Pet Costume Contest at the Great Pumpkin Event on Oct. 30.

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.

Guilford County Animal Resource Center now open to the public The new county-run center on Guilford College Road opened Nov. 1 and replaces the animal shelter on West Wendover Avenue that was built in the 1930s by ANNETTE JOYCE Jorge Ortega, director of Guilford County Animal Services, is working with his department to settle into the county’s new facility for animals on Guilford College Road. The week before the Guilford County Animal Resource Center opened on Nov. 1, Ortega and his staff were busy moving furniture, equipment – and most importantly, the dogs and cats – to the sparkling new facility. Although the center is only a few miles down the road from the old animal shelter on Wendover Avenue, the two facilities are worlds apart when it comes to design and feel. Built in the 1930s and updated in the 1950s, the animal shelter was a hodge-podge of buildings and sheds that had been added to over the years as more space was needed. Animal living quarters were dark and humid – almost dungeon-like.

Since coming on board as Guilford County’s animal services director in January 2018, Ortega has envisioned a much better space – one that would be pleasant for the animals, inviting to the public and efficient for staff and volunteers. That’s exactly what Guilford County now has, thanks to bond money raised in 2017. The 33,000-square-foot facility sits on about 5 acres and has room to comfortably accommodate about 600 animals – although Ortega hopes it never reaches that point. His goal is to find permanent homes for as many of the animals as possible. The new building features lots of glass and windows to give the space an open, airy feel and provide natural light for both people and animals. Interior walls are painted in soothing shades of blues and greens with a pop of bright color here and there. “We didn’t want it to feel too

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

As director of Guilford County Animal Services, Jorge Ortega is at the helm of the county’s new Animal Resource Center at 980 Guilford College Road in Greensboro. institutional,” Ortega said. “We wanted it to be fun and to be a destination for people to come and adopt, but also to find help.” The structure is divided, with two separate entrances – one for adoption and the other for intake. The adoption side of the building houses the cats and dogs in need of permanent homes. Aiming for transparency and the best way to showcase its animals, the adoption lobby features several large glass kennels

where visitors can get an initial look at some of the adoptable pets. Two cat enclosures even have murals of downtown Greensboro as a backdrop. Visitors are invited to walk through the adoption area where dogs and cats are housed in quarters that look more like a comfortable commercial boarding kennel. Ortega emphasizes the need for both quality care and efficiency, and the facility has been laid out to encompass this plan.

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NOV. 4 - 17, 2021

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

The new Guilford County Animal Resource Center provides many much-needed features and improvements for the county’s animal services department.

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558 N. Bunker Hill Rd., Colfax Dogs are housed in six wings, with each wing divided into two sections. Along with the dog pens, which have retractable doors that allow the canines to access the outdoors, each section has a feeding station, cleaning closet and a shared laundry area. Ortega noted that while the old shelter had two washers and one dryer, the new center is equipped with 10 of each. Fenced-in yards, a courtyard and “get-acquainted rooms” provide additional play areas and give pet seekers ample space to meet and interact with their potential new family member. Since cats require less space, there are three wings to house the center’s cat population. Felines are given their own cages, but if the staff finds that a cat needs more space, the cages are designed with doors

that can be opened to allow the cats to roam within a bigger space. Plus, there are the “catios,” which are two large outdoor enclosures where supervised cats can enjoy fresh air, climbing towers and, when possible, interactions with other cats. The intake side of the facility is home to Animal Control and the center’s stateof-the-art hospital, which will be run by two veterinarians. The hospital is fully equipped with separate dog and cat exam rooms, a lab, pharmacy, surgery room, X-ray equipment and ICU. Ortega has big plans for the future, many of which involve “a lot more community engagement.” While he believes that providing better quality care is one of the center’s top priorities, he also hopes to provide pet owners with better

resources to enable them to keep their pets. These include free vaccine clinics, supplying pet food when needed and offering education related to animal care for both adults and youth. “Our ultimate goal is to reduce our intakes and decrease the length of stay of the animals in our facility. We want our animals to leave alive,” Ortega said. For more info about the new Guilford County Animal Resource Center, including hours of operation, visit www.guilfordcountync.gov/our-county/ animal-services.

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Guilford County Animal Shelter stats for September 2021: Stray intakes: Dogs – 155

Adoptions:

Cats – 120

Dogs – 154

Owner Surrenders: Dogs – 47

Cats – 124

Transfers:

Cats – 17

Dogs – 38

Cats – 44

Returned Home: Dogs – 62

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• Totally local since 1996

NOV. 4 - 17, 2021

r e n r o K ’ s Kid Turkey Talk... Did you know Americans

Help Gwen Gobbler figure out how many turkeys she can buy for $300.

consume more than 1.4 billion pounds of turkey each year at Thanksgiving? Here are some more turkey fun facts: • Wild turkeys can fly. Wild turkeys have been to known to fly up to 55 mph for very short bursts of time. However, domesticated turkeys (the ones you typically eat at Thanksgiving) tend to weigh much more and likely won’t be getting any air time. • Turkeys can change colors. You can tell a turkey’s emotion by the color of its head. Depending on how excited or calm they are, the color of their heads may change from red to blue to white. And, the more intense emotion they are feeling, the more intense the color. • Boy or girl? Just look at a turkey’s poop! A male turkey’s poop will be shaped like the letter J, while a female turkey’s poop will be a spiral shape. • The presidential pardon. Since 1989, the White House has hosted the annual National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation. On this day, the president issues a ceremonial “pardon” to a turkey, preventing that turkey from ever being eaten and allowing it to live its days peacefully on a farm. • Feathers galore! Each turkey has between 5,000 to 6,000 feathers.

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WHOOZIE Whoozie, a 7-year-old female tortoiseshell cat, came to us from a local animal shelter. She is on a special diet food and her owners were no longer able to provide the care she needed. As most torties do, Whoozie does have a little “tortitude,” but overall she’s a very sweet kitty and loves to be petted. She would love to be the queen of your castle and would thrive as an only pet, although she would be okay with other non-confrontational cats. She would also be okay with calm and cat-friendly dogs. She is spayed, microchipped and current on her vaccines. Apply online at www.reddogfarm.com or stop by All Pets Considered on High Point Road to meet her.

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For more info or to apply to adopt Whoozie, Oreo and Betsey or other animals in need of loving homes, visit www.reddogfarm.com

Guilford County Animal Resource Center MUFFIN Muffin is a spayed female, brown-and-white pit bull terrier. She is about 9 years old, but still has lots of love to share. When Muffin isn’t dreaming about finding her forever family, she enjoys watching “3rd & Bird” on Disney Junior; her favorite character is (wait for it!) Muffin Lovebird. Please ask for Muffin by ID#A026476

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Guilford County Animal Resource Center

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

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Christmas giving opportunities for senior citizens, children Annual Angel Tree program sponsored by Good Samaritan Ministries based in Stokesdale provides Christmas gifts to local children in need; “Be a Santa to a Senior” program from Home Instead delivers cheer to older adults Now Thru November 17!

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NW/GUILFORD COUNTY – As isolation continues to impact local seniors, Home Instead of Guilford County is renewing its “Be a Santa to a Senior” program for a 17th season. “Be a Santa to a Senior” supports older adults who may be overlooked, isolated or alone during the holiday season and reminds them they are cherished by our community. The gifts collected, which are often necessity items such as toiletries, clothing and blankets, make a big impact and help area seniors combat the holiday blues. “We’ve all experienced feelings of loneliness during the pandemic, and seniors are at a particularly high risk for isolation,” said Patty Aiken, owner of the Home Instead offices serving Greensboro, High Point and surrounding communities. “‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ shows the older adults in our community that they are valued and thought of during the holidays.”

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The Home Instead offices will be working with local retailers and community volunteers to provide 750 gifts to approximately 250 seniors in the area.

Located near I-40 & Hwy 68, in Industrial Park behind Embassy Suites. All items available while supplies last. All major credit cards accepted.

To view wish lists for local seniors on Amazon Business, community members can visit beasantatoasenior.com

NOV. 4 - 17, 2021

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

and enter their zip code through Dec. 7. A personalized greeting can be included with the gift, which will be shipped to Home Instead before being delivered to the senior in time for the holidays. Shoppers are encouraged to purchase as many gifts for seniors as they would like. Individuals can also visit one of the participating locations listed on p. 31 and look for the “Be a Santa to a Senior” tree on display through Dec. 7. Each tree will be decorated with ornaments featuring seniors’ first names and gift suggestions. Holiday shoppers can choose an ornament, buy the requested gift, and return it unwrapped to the store with the ornament attached.

“A small act of kindness can make a big difference. And a heartfelt gift brightens the lives of older adults who may feel alone during the season,” said Aiken. “Finding ways to care and support one another is important now more than ever and we are grateful for the community’s involvement every year.” “Be a Santa to a Senior” trees

...continued on p. 31

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Hiding your smile? We can help!

staff, and nothing makes them smile more than seeing a child blossom through having gained that confidence.

3/8/12 11:53 AM

Photo courtesy of Destination Arts

Lily Hahn, a student at Destination Arts, ﬂashes a smile as she shows off her moves. “I know most kids are not going to be performers the rest of their lives,” Ligon acknowledged. “But I want it to still have an impact on them. We want to help develop kids who are confident, whether they are on stage one day or making a board of directors’ presentation. “We also want their experience with us to be magical and fun and upbeat – like

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r Performing Arts Disney!” Ligon continued. “I want us to be the positive in every kid’s day. School is so tough, with all the testing and all the homework, so if we’re the happy spot in their day, we’ve done our jobs.” Ligon emphasizes that her staff is instrumental in accomplishing the center’s mission. “Most of my work is behind the scenes; the real ‘MVPs’ of our organization are our wonderful staff,” she said. “I’m very proud of them and the fact that they always go the extra mile to love on and nurture our wonderful students.” Since opening its original Oak Ridge location in 2013, Destination Arts has grown both in size and in offerings. In 2017, the center expanded its space at Oak Ridge Commons and in 2019 added a satellite location in Summerfield at Northern Arts Studio. In Oak Ridge, Destination Arts offers dance and acrobatics/tumbling lessons for ages 2 and up and private music lessons in voice, piano and guitar for ages 5 and up. Dance and acrobatics are also taught at

the Summerfield location. A few years ago, Destination Arts joined an association called “More Than Just Great Dancing,” which aligns with Ligon’s commitment to teaching more than just dance and performing lessons. “It has offered a curriculum that has helped us to teach life skills and it has held us to a higher standard,” Ligon said. “I feel like joining the association has given me the skills I needed to teach my staff how to incorporate those culture points that are so critical to our mission statement.” To provide a safe environment for its students, Destination Arts continues to adhere to COVID protocols.

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7:25 a.m. before leaving to walk/run through and around Oak Ridge Town Park for about 4 miles. Participants are encouraged (but not required) to make a donation each week, with the money going to a community member/family who is in need. More info: patti@nwobserver.com.

calendar

 Free afterschool program | Operation Xcel, a

nonprofit focused on child education and character development, is offering a free afterschool program for K-fifth graders, Monday through Friday, 2:30 to 6 p.m., at two locations: Oak Springs Baptist Church, 9070 U.S. 158 in Stokesdale and Stokesdale United Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola Drive. Snacks provided. Learn more and register at operationxcel.org.

EVERY THURSDAY MORNING to meet in the parking lot near Bistro 150 in Oak Ridge Commons on Thursday mornings at

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NOV. 5 & 6  Cozy Cottage Craft Show | The 37th annual

 Parade sponsors/entries | Sign up now to

sponsor, or register your parade entry for the Stokesdale Christmas Parade, which will return to its traditional format this year on Saturday, Dec. 11, starting at 2 p.m. Entry forms are available at www.stokesdale.org; entry deadline is Dec. 1. For sponsorship info, contact Town Hall, (336) 643-4011 or stokesdale@stokesdale.org.

THURSDAY, NOV. 4

 Walk/run | Walkers and runners are invited

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

Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. The meeting will be livestreamed on the Town’s YouTube channel and a link will be added to its Facebook page. Visit www.oakridgenc.com for a meeting agenda or see News Briefs, p. 2. More info: (336) 644-7009.

Cozy Cottage Craft Show will be held at Kernersville Community House, 405 Salisbury Street, on Nov. 5, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Nov. 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hand-crafted gifts, home décor, jewelry, yard art, holiday decorations, baked goods and more will be sold. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit Trellis Supportive Care. More info: Mary Kay Csanyi, (336) 993-2260.

SATURDAY, NOV. 6 – CANCELLED  Recycle/e-cycle event | The town of Oak Ridge

 Town Council meeting | Oak Ridge Town Coun-

cil will meet Nov. 4, starting at 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge

regrets that the recycle/e-cycle event scheduled for Nov. 6 has been cancelled.

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SATURDAY, NOV. 6  Arts & crafts show | There will

be an arts and crafts show with over 50 local businesses and vendors Nov. 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive, Shelter #2. More info: Nicki Wagoner, (336) 817-7765.

TUESDAY, NOV. 9  Town Council meeting | Summerfield Town Council will meet Nov. 9, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. The meeting will be livestreamed on the Town’s Facebook page. Visit www.summerfieldnc.gov for a meeting agenda. More info: (336) 643-8655.  Town Council meeting | Due to Veterans Day, Nov. 11, falling on Stokesdale Town Council’s regular meeting date, the council will instead meet this month on Nov. 9, starting at 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. Citizens may attend in person or virtually via Zoom. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the Town’s YouTube channel. Visit www.stokesdale. org for a meeting agenda and/or a link to join the meeting via Zoom. More info: (336) 643-4011.

THURSDAY, NOV. 11  Veterans Day ceremony | Town

of Oak Ridge will hold a Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11, 10 to 11 a.m. at Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive. More info: Patti Dmuchowski, (908) 334-2370.  Veterans Day ceremony | A Vet-

erans Day ceremony will be held Thursday, Nov. 11, starting at 2 p.m., at Stokesdale Veterans Monument, 6826 U.S. 158. During the “In Memoriam” segment, members of the town’s Veterans Monument Committee will honor the memory of two

of the committee’s original members, Juanita Southern and Peggy Joyce. More info: Barbara Marshall, bmarshall6@triad.rr.com.

SATURDAY, NOV. 13  Adoption 5K walk/run | A fundrais-

er 5K walk/run will be held Nov. 13 at Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive. The 5K starts at 9 a.m. and the 1-mile fun run starts at 9:30 a.m. Oak Ridge residents Daniel and Tiffany Midkiff, who grew up in the northwest area and graduated from Northwest High School, will use proceeds from the event to cover adoption costs to bring their daughter home from India. Register online at www.4adoption.eventbrite.com.

The Oak Ridge Farmers Market presents

Fall in the Holiday Market Stroll Park November 6 10 AM - 6 PM

November 4 3:30 - 6:30 PM

(across from OR Fire Dept.) Live music, shopping with 50+ vendors, BBQ, slushies and Mexican food

Oak Ridge Military Academy Get a head start on your Christmas shopping!

Oak Ridge Town Park

King’s Gym

Santa, 30+ vendors and food

Purple Wagon Events

 Brunswick stew | Oak Ridge United

Methodist Church, 2424 Oak Ridge Road, will make Brunswick stew Nov. 13, with pick-up being from 3 to 4 p.m. The cost is $8 per quart. Call (336) 643-4690 to place your order.

For more information please email purplewagonevents@gmail.com

SATURDAY, NOV. 20  Summerfield Christmas tree light-

ing | Town of Summerfield, in partnership with Summerfield Merchants Association, will host its annual Christmas tree lighting Nov. 20, 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Summerfield Athletic Park, 5200 U.S. 220 N in Summerfield. Northwest High School Honors Vocal Ensemble will sing carols, and there will be a performance by Bella Ballerina dancers, light food and drinks, s’mores by a bonfire and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Attendees are encouraged to bring food items to donate to two local backpack programs – for a list of items needed, visit www.summerfieldnc.gov and click on the calendar event. More info: Cheryl Gore, (336) 643-8655 or cgore@summerfieldnc.gov.

WE’LL BE BACK IN PRINT NOV. 18 for DISPLAY ADVERTISING info, call (336) 644-7035, ext. 11, or email advertising@nwobserver.com

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NOV. 4 - 17, 2021

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RECKLESS DRIVING

Oct. 15 | A resident of the 7500 block of Strawberry Road in Summerfield reported she was a victim of communicated threats.

Oct. 24 | A 43-year-old female was arrested in the 7700 block of N.C. 68 N in Stokesdale for reckless driving and driving without a license.

DEATH INVESTIGATION

ROBBERY

Oct. 22 | Police officers responded to a death investigation at 5:12 a.m. in the 8300 block of Spring Creek Court in Colfax (near N. Bunker Hill Road) and also found a Schedule VI controlled substance (marijuana) and an unknown white controlled substance.

Oct. 23 | A resident of the 3800 block of Lewiston Road in northwest Greensboro reported at 8:27 a.m. an unknown suspect wearing a ski mask pointed a gun at him and stole $10,000 cash and the keys to his vehicle; a gold Apple iPhone possibly belonging to the suspect was found in the grass and seized as evidence.

DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED Oct. 16 | A 28-year-old male was arrested in the 7900 block of N.C. 68 N in Stokesdale for driving while impaired. Oct. 30 | A 33-year-old female was arrested at 3:50 a.m. in the 7900 block of N.C. 68 N in Stokesdale for driving while impaired and also cited for having expired registration tags. Oct. 30 | A 26-year-old male was arrested at 4 a.m. in the 4500 block of U.S. 220 N/Auburn Road in Summerfield for driving while impaired.

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Oct. 27 | Residents of the 8000 block of Windspray Drive in Summerfield (off Scalesville Road) reported an unknown suspect withdrew $1,700 from their bank account.

INJURED ANIMAL Nov. 1 | Officers responded to a report of an injured animal at 3:25 a.m. in the 600 block of N.C. 150 W/Valley Falls Road in northern Greensboro.

PROTECTION ORDER

Oct. 27 | A 38-year-old male was arrested in the 6900 block of Summerfield Road in Summerfield for violating The Northwest Observer •aTotally local since 1996 protection order.

THEFT Oct. 16 | An employee of Dollar General on Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect was caught on security camera footage shoplifting several items including a Comfort Bay sheer curtain, a Livingston blackout curtain, Comfort Bay washcloths, a snuggie, a box light, a two-tier shelf and a book ladder shelf. Oct. 18 | A resident of the 8600 block of Benbow-Merrill Road in Oak Ridge (off Beeson Road) reported an unknown suspect stole $1,420 from him between Oct. 6 and Oct. 18. Oct. 17 | An employee of Circle K gas station on Norcross Road in Colfax reported at 11:25 p.m. an unknown suspect shoplifted three cases of Bud Light beer with a retail value of $68. Oct. 18 | An employee of Circle K gas station in Colfax reported at 4:49 a.m. an unknown suspect with a hood covering their head shoplifted five cases of Modelo beer with a retail value of $85. Oct. 22 | A resident of the 7700 block of Alcorn Road in Oak Ridge reported

...continued on p. 34

e d i u G t f Gi

& 16 issues See our Nov. 18, Dec. 2 local for more ways to shop

Eat Local. Shop Local. Enjoy Local.

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Northwest Observer Gift Guide

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27 27

Northern Guilford

football Fridays, Oct. 22 & 29

Northern Gu ilford Nighth awks hosted conference ri val Western G uilford Oct. 22 for hom ecoming, and defeated the Hornets 51 -0. The Nighth awks were 9-0, 6-0 head ing into their last regular season game on Oct. 29, w h en they faced the Grimsley Whirlies, also 90. Northern put up a valian t effort, but u lt im ately lost 42-36 to place second in the M et ro 4-A Conference. Th is was the Nig h th awks’ first season in the Metro 4-A Conference. Northern, 9-1, will host Lake Norman, 7-3, this Friday , Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the first round of state playoffs.

Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO

Youth

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

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Nostrand earns Eagle Scout rank All hail the queen! STOKESDALE – Milana Nostrand, a Stokesdale resident and founding member of Scouts BSA Troop 219 for girls, recently became the fifth female from Troop 219 to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Her Eagle Scout project was to survey all cemeteries in Oak Ridge and collect information Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO and photographs Courtesy photo Senior Dylan Martinez, captain of Northern Guilford High of veterans’ graves. Milana Nostrand of Stokesdale, a founding member School’s drumline, was crowned homecoming queen at In partnership with of Scouts BSA Troop 219 for girls, recently earned the Nighthawks’ home football game on Oct. 22. Martinez her beneficiary, the the rank of Eagle Scout. Her Eagle Scout project was escorted by her drumming mentor, Josh Boyd. Oak Ridge Special was to collect information and photographs of vetEvents Committee, Northern Guilford senior Dylan Martinez, food truck. After high school she plans to erans’ graves located in Oak Ridge cemeteries. she developed an the daughter of Grace Charnow and John further her education in finance and busionline database that will be used importance to veterans. Martinez, was crowned homecoming queen ness and plans to one day own a restauduring the planning of a veterNostrand is the daughter during halftime of the Nighthawks’ Oct. 22 rant and billiards hall. ans’ honor site at the new Heriof Tatiana Hall. She is a senior home football conference game against When asked if she could choose one tage Farm Park. Her database is at Northwest High School, and Western Guilford. superpower, Martinez said she would have currently being used as a guide plans to attend North Carolina Martinez is the captain of the marching teleportation so she could travel without payfor her troop to place flags at vetState University and study bioband’s drumline and has been drumming for ing for plane tickets. erans’ graves in observance of medical engineering, with the seven years. Her homecoming court escort Her favorite high school tradition is the Memorial Day, Independence Day goal of becoming a rehabilitation was her mentor, Josh Boyd. drum shows at the football games because and Veterans Day. engineer. Martinez will be graduating with her she loves seeing everyone get so excited and For more information about Nostrand’s project was first associate’s degree from GTCC in 2022. In hyped up, which makes all the hard work over Scouts BSA Troop 219 for girls, visit her spare time she helps operate her mom’s recognized by Town of Oak Ridge the years feel worth it. www.troop219g.com. Troop 219 officials at their 2021 Memomeets Monday evenings at Oak rial Day ceremony, where she TheChurch. Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 NOV. 4 - 17, 2021 29 Ridge Presbyterian was invited to speak about its

th Merchants of Oak Ridge’s 16 annual

Saturday, Oct. 30 Oak Ridge Commons When we asked our Merchants of Oak Ridge members earlier this year, “should we?” I’m glad they voted unanimously “YES!” Wow, what an incredible turnout! Over 500 kids and their families and friends came to our 16th annual Great Pumpkin Event on Saturday and enjoyed trick-or-treating with MOR members, shopping center merchants and local nonprofits, live dance performances, a costume parade that stretched from Destination Arts to Craft & Vine and a hugely popular hay ride. We had about 75 entries for our costume contest, and as always, everyone enjoyed seeing the contestants’ creativity. We’re thankful and blessed to be in a town where businesses and community members can meet for an afternoon of fun. Thanks to our Merchants of Oak Ridge event sponsors, our volunteers and everyone who joined us and made this year’s Great Pumpkin Event a huge success! Shane Beal, president, Merchants of Oak Ridge

View more photos from this event at

facebook.com/ NorthwestObserver

Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO

CHRISTMAS GIVING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS, CHILDREN ...continued from p. 18

can be found at the following locations: • Cheesecakes by Alex, 315 S. Elm St., Greensboro, NC 27401 • Gate City Pharmacy, 803 Friendly Center Road, Greensboro, NC 27408 • Greensboro Discount Medical Supply, 2310 Battleground Ave., Suite 108, Greensboro, NC 27408 • J Giles Salon, 504 E. Cornwallis Drive, Unit C, Greensboro, NC 27405 • Looking Ahead Salon, 1838 Banking St., Greensboro, NC 27408 • Merle Norman, 3741 Battleground Ave., Suite E, Greensboro, NC 27410 • Pleasant Garden Drug Store, 4822 Pleasant Garden Road, Pleasant Garden, NC 27313 • Talbots-Greensboro, 3326 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro, NC 27410 • Talbots-High Point, 1225 Eastchester Drive, Suite 101, High Point, NC 27265 Since the program’s inception 18 years ago, Be a Santa to a Senior has helped provide more than 2 million

gifts to over 750,000 seniors in North America and attracted upwards of 65,000 volunteers.

NW GUILFORD – Stokesdale-based Good Samaritan Ministries (GSM), with 10 participating area churches and four community partner churches that make up its ministry, will once again prove this holiday season that there are angels among us. Stokesdale resident Terri Johnson has been at the helm of GSM’s Angel Tree program for more years than she can remember. Through the annual program, northwest Guilford community members have an opportunity to provide Christmas gifts for children and food for families who are in special need during the holiday season. “What breaks my heart is to see a lot of grandparents raising their grandchildren, with no parents in sight,” Johnson said. “Raising children is a full-time job, and doing that when you’re in your 60s and 70s is difficult. It really blesses my heart to help them – and to help younger adults with

Who will be the VOICE for this child? Over 250 children in Guilford County will go to court alone. Learn how to be an advocate for an abused or neglected child by becoming a Guardian Ad Litem.

children and who are struggling, many of whom have had health issues.

“There are a lot of happy Christmas mornings because of the generosity of the community,” Johnson added. “Jesus is at this – it (the Angel Tree program) went so smoothly last year because the community was so generous and went far beyond what was asked.” This year, “angels” with local children’s wish lists will be placed on an Angel Tree located at Fidelity Bank,

U.S. 158 in Stokesdale, by Nov. 18, and can be picked up there during the bank’s business hours. Community members can also request a single wish for a child, an entire wish list for a child, or a wish list for a group of siblings by emailing Terri Johnson, GSM’s Angel Tree program coordinator, at terrij1957@yahoo.com, or Patti Stokes at patti@nwobserver.com. Those purchasing Angel Tree gifts are asked to deliver the unwrapped gifts, labeled with the angel number and letter, to Johnson’s home in Stokesdale or to make arrangements to drop them off at the PS Communications/ Northwest Observer office off N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge by Monday, Dec. 13. For more info about GSM, the Angel Tree, food pantry and other giving programs the ministry group sponsors, visit www.stokesdalegsm.org.

WE’LL BE BACK IN PRINT NOV. 18 for DISPLAY ADVERTISING info, call (336) 644-7035, ext. 11, or email advertising@nwobserver.com Oak Ridge Youth Association presents the

2021 Turkey Trot 5K Nov. 27, 9:30 am Oak Ridge Town Park

$20 for race & T-shirt if you sign up by Nov. 13

Prizes for top 3 ﬁnishers (336) 412-7580 | volunteerforgal.org

All proceeds go to the Out of the Garden Project

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

NOV. 4 - 17, 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.

GRINS to...

a business like theirs!  The citizen who worked diligently for  Our locally owned Marco’s Pizza, for months to advocate for the safety of all the delicious lunch you provided to our those who need handicap accessibility Stokesdale Elementary teachers and to park and shop at the Oak Ridge CVS. staff. We appreciate you! You made a difference. May your perse All four ladies at Sandy’s Beauty verance be blessed. Shop: Sandy, Hannah, Ashley and Ste Stokesdale’s new BiRite. It may not Quick Lube vie. They not only do such a great job,no have the same small hometown feel, but but are also kind, caringor and it has aneeded lot of new amenities and is more oilcompaschaappointment sionate. Our communityfnges is lucky to have competitive & state inspections with contemporary grocery

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stores. If you think the store is now BiWrong, then simply shop elsewhere!  Merchants of Oak Ridge for a great Great Pumpkin Event in Oak Ridge last Saturday. Really enjoyed seeing all the kids and their families (and pets) dressed up and having fun, and appreciate all the merchant participation – and the treats!  Stokesdale Storage’s manager and the owner for helping me out when I broke the lock off my storage unit, and getting to it quickly. Great folks, great service, great storage facility.  The Hindu community building a temple on Alcorn Road in Oak Ridge. Thanks for diversifying our community, and please invite us all for the opening. Namaste.  Summerfield Elementary PTA. When the school was unable to hold their multi-cultural Vikings Set Sail night last year, the PTA instead made a studentand-staff submitted recipe book. We have had an amazing time trying recipes from around the world!  The town of Oak Ridge for sponsoring Oak Ridge Youth Association’s Teen Leadership Team’s Terror Trail event. We could not have done it without you!  The Oak Ridge family selling their free-range eggs; only 1 or 2 dozen a week, but, boy, do they taste good!  Justin Conrad, James Upchurch and Allen Perdue for standing up to Skip Alston’s totalitarian, useless and unenforceable mask mandate. It’s time for the rest of the commissioners to stand up to Skip’s overreach and end this embarrassment for Guilford County.

 The teachers at Revolution Academy. Your dedication and attention to the quality of education surpasses that of other schools. Our family is grateful to be part of the RA family!  Greensboro’s local artist, Bryson Gray, for surpassing the international singer, Adele, and reaching the #1 spot on the iTunes charts with his latest song, “Let’s Go, Brandon!”  The kind gentleman who paid cash for my things in Dollar General when the card reader was down; many of the items were for long-term care residents, so your kind gesture to me was passed on to others!  Kotis Properties for doing the Jumping Bean an unbelievable service by suddenly terminating our lease earlier this year. Every aspect of our business is better since leaving that tired, broken-down shopping center.  The gentleman who walks on E. Harrell Road and gives an enthusiastic wave to everyone who drives by. Makes me smile every time!  Wilson Farms community for another year of great Halloween memories for our family and friends!

GRIPES to...

 Guilford County Schools for asking for more money. How much is enough? Maybe the schools can get metal detectors like the school board members get at their office.  Oak Ridge Town Park staff for using that blue dye on the grass. I wasn’t the original griper (in our Oct. 21-Nov. 3

Weddings • Family Gatherings • Special Events Concerts • Photoshoots • Holidays

issue), but it got all over my children, too, and it was alarming. Perhaps put signs up making it clear the grass was treated.  The house on Linville Road (Oak Ridge) with all the trucks, trailers, big equipment and vans. Is it now a business? It looks and sounds terrible!  Gail Dunham, for running for Summerfield mayor again. Did you think we would forget the mess you created just a few years ago? And BTW, “No PD” is catchy, but only says you have no plan at all besides “No.”  The Syracuse, New York, school board for running off Sharon Contreras before she came to Guilford County Schools. How could you get rid of someone who obviously does such a fine job running our schools?  The two options Stokesdale Councilman Rigsbee offered to solve Republic Services’ issues. Throwing away someone else’s money to correct an issue you allowed to continue is absurd. Does the town of Stokesdale receive money from trash contracts?  NWHS administrators and band director. Bands should enhance the football game experience, and the student section should be rabid. NWHS leaders

should go to other schools to learn how to create a fun/winning environment.  Summerfield’s Gail Dunham and her cronies for sending campaign texts to my phone. When I told her I didn’t like those texts, she had the nerve to tell me she didn’t send them. Those texts were sent on her behalf.  Sherwin-Williams for adding a 4% supply-chain surcharge to a recent purchase I made. I found and purchased the exact same stain for less at Farmers Hardware without the surcharge, then returned the stain for a refund.  People burning yard debris in Williard Oaks and surrounding areas. The houses are too close together for this – please be more respectful of the elderly and those with health problems!  Gail Dunham and her “No PD” platform. Seems odd to post Facebook pictures of a concert outing with David Couch’s wife if your PD views don’t align.  Bicyclists who ride on N.C. 150, which is a winding, two-lane road with a 50mph speed limit and zero shoulder. I have witnessed multiple near head-on collisions with people trying to pass you. Please ride somewhere else.  Those who put out political yard

We’re your new neighbors!

signs. They have no effect on anyone’s vote, propagate in certain yards like rabbits, are an eyesore and will one day end up in a landfill.  Summerfield Town Council candidates who sent me cell phone texts, mailers and a raunchy, biased, mud-slinging publication to try to get my vote. Fortunately, I did my homework and apparently so did enough other people. Nice try, though.  Summerfield Scoop for its childish Halloween edition. That was a great reminder that when Gail Dunham was mayor before, absolutely nothing was accomplished at Town Council meetings except for childish arguments.  Everyone who wants to “develop” Stokesdale. We want Stokesdale to remain Stokesdale! Take your affordable housing plans somewhere else. What does a $150k home do to the value of a neighboring $400k home? Don’t come here to change it, preserve it!  Gail Dunham and her negative campaign. When I drove up to the voting center, almost all of her signs were negative. There were no positive messages.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

NOV. 4 - 17, 2021

VOTES HAVE BEEN TALLIED ...continued from p. 1 By contrast, Dunham, Fox and Perryman ran on a “No PD” and “Keep Summerfield Rural” platform opposed to higher density residential development and municipal water and sewer. Doggett collected 1,313 votes, or 27.7 %, with Robinson gaining 1,225 votes, or 25.9%. Fox finished third with 1,113 votes, or 23.5%, while Perryman got 1,078 votes, or 22.8%. There were seven write-in votes. “I will spend some time recovering and enjoying my election, and then I will come back next month ready to work hard for all of Summerfield,” Doggett wrote in an email to the Northwest Observer the morning after Election Day. He congratulated Robinson for her victory and thanked Fox and Perryman for running “a good, hard-fought race.” “I hope we have shown we can

argue vehemently, disagree vehemently, and when it’s done, come back together and work for a better Summerfield,” Doggett said. In Stokesdale, first-time candidate Mike Crawford claimed 423 votes, or 58.5%, over Mayor John Flynt’s 297 votes, or 41.1%. There were three write-in votes for mayor. Former councilman Tim Jones won reelection among four candidates on the ballot for the single open seat. Stokesdale Town Council member Thearon Hooks didn’t seek reelection, creating the vacancy won by Jones, a former council member and current Planning Board chair, with 352 votes, or nearly 49% of the votes. Mark Nadel received 211 votes, or 29.4%, outpolling former council member Frank Bruno’s 129 votes, or 17.9 %. Former town clerk Alisa Houk won

our family caring for yours

27 votes, or 3.8%, after communicating before the election she had decided she didn’t have time to serve on the council but didn’t withdraw from the race before the deadline to do so. “I see us doing some very good things for our citizens,” said Mayorelect Crawford, adding he’s pleased by Jones’ election and the opportunity to serve with fellow Stokesdale Town Council members Jimmy Landreth, Jim Rigsbee and Derek Foy. In Oak Ridge, Schneider and Kinneman won reelection after supporting several projects, including the expansion of Town Park, road improvements in the N.C. 68 commercial corridor and the establishment of a municipal water system which will initially serve new subdivisions with 30 or more lots. Schneider collected 606 votes, or 40.2%, and Kinneman won 466 votes, or 30.9%; Mike Stone, a former council and Planning Board member, got 371 votes, or 24.6%, and Rachel Cowder finished last with 60 votes, or nearly 4%. There were five write-in votes. “I’m grateful for a decisive win in yesterday’s election,” Schneider said on Wednesday. “It shows that residents have confidence in the work our council has done over the last four years, including the last two years when I’ve served as mayor. We’ve worked to preserve our town’s unique character while investing in our future.” Kinneman expressed gratitude to

Our providers have one goal: keeping you and your family healthy. As part of a world-class academic medical center, we have access to a broad range of services focused on high-quality, affordable care. Same- and next-day appointments often available. Family Medicine – Summerfield 4431 US Highway 220 North Summerfield, NC 27358 336-643-7711 • WakeHealth.edu

ACCEPTING MOST MAJOR INSURANCE

NOV. 4 - 17, 2021

CRIME/INCIDENTS ...continued from p. 24

the family, friends and supporters who contributed their time and effort to his campaign. “A big thank you to everyone who came out and voted yesterday, and a special thanks to those who voted for me,” he said. “I am very honored to be reelected to the Oak Ridge Town Council. Ann Schneider also being reelected tells me that citizens want to keep the team together and continue the progress we are making. “I will work very hard to keep our citizens’ support and keep Oak Ridge a great place to live,” Kinneman added. In an email, Cowder congratulated Schneider and Kinneman and said she plans to continue serving the community through her efforts with the Northwest Guilford High School band and winter guard and the Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club. She said she also plans to advocate for responsible development, fostering of local businesses and improving schools. Newly elected and reelected candidates will be sworn in during the three towns’ regular council meetings in December. During their Dec. 2 meeting, Oak Ridge council members will elect a mayor and mayor pro tem from among themselves. Election results are unofficial until they’re finalized through the canvass process, according to the Guilford County Board of Elections. The canvass is scheduled for 11 a.m. next Tuesday, Nov. 9. vehicle between Oct. 22 at 5 a.m. and Oct. 23 at 7:45 a.m. and stole $170 worth of items including keys, a gym towel, a pink purse and orange/black Jabra headphones.

an unknown suspect stole an orange/ black STIHL leaf blower valued at $600 from his open trailer.

WEAPONS

Oct. 23 | A resident of the 8400 block of Deer Path Court in Stokesdale (near Oak Level Church Road) reported an unknown suspect entered her unlocked

Oct. 17 | After conducting a suspicious vehicle investigation in the parking lot of Oak Ridge Commons, an officer made an arrest related to weapons offenses.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

 AUTO SALES & SERVICE

Place online at

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

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

KNIGHT IMPORT SPECIALTY SERVICE. European Auto Service & Repair. Specializing in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. BMW, Audi, Volvo, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Mini, and Porsche. 32 years experience. 4559 US Hwy. 220, Summerﬁeld (across from Food Lion). (336) 337-0669. SAM'S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 965-7955. CHOICE TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE. Oil changes, inspections, alignments and general automotive repairs. 1080 US Hwy 66 S, Kernersville, NC. (336) 992-9002.

 CHILDCARE AVAILABLE BABYSITTING. Evenings and weekends. Experienced. A+ student. (336) 613-8003.

INDEX Auto Sales & Service ........ 35 Childcare Available .......... 35 Employment .................... 35 Homecare Available......... 36 Save the Date.................. 36 Estate Sale ...................... 36 Home Services ........... 36-38 Misc. Services .................. 38 Misc. For Sale .................. 38 Misc. Wanted .................. 38 Pets & Animal Services .... 38 Real Estate ...................... 38

 EMPLOYMENT CARDINAL MILLWORK & SUPPLY. Now hiring full-time warehouse help to assist in loading and unloading building materials. Also hiring full-time drivers. Hours are 7am-4pm for both positions. Email chris@cardinalmillwork. com, or apply at 7620 West Market St., Greensboro. (336) 665-9811.

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

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 EMPLOYMENT

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT needed for a large church in Greensboro. Full-time, Monday-Friday. Administrative assistant needed to support one or more ministry areas by maintaining member data and reports, scheduling ministry events and creating promotional materials, generating mass emails and bulk mailings as well as general oﬃce duties. Candidate must be able to multi-task and have excellent organizational skills. Good interpersonal skills are a must and a Christian servant’s attitude is a plus. Proﬁciency is required in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher. Experience with Constant Contact is helpful. Please send resume and salary requirements to employment@lawndalebaptist.org.

MR. APPLIANCE of Greensboro is now hiring appliance repair technicians. Must have great customer service skills. Experience preferred, but willing to train the right candidate. Paid vacations. Company vehicle. No nights or weekends required. $500 sign-on bonus. If interested, text or call Daniel at (252) 363-1510.

LOOKING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE in others' lives in a job that has purpose? We are looking for a hardworking and reliable administrative assistant! Your job will be to support the growing Admin. Dept. by performing a variety of tasks. Your primary duty will be to manage all data pertaining to employees, and involvement in the recruiting, hiring, and training of new employees. This position allows for flexible hours! Our office is located on Old Battleground and operates 8am-4pm, Mon.-Fri. This job requires around 30 hrs. per wk., but more hrs. are available. We assist applicants in obtaining required trainings (CPR, First Aid, NCI, Med. Admin., etc.). Please contact Cassidy Price at (336) 528-1366. OAK RIDGE PHYSICAL THERAPY front office, Summerfield location at Lake Brandt Rd. & Highway 150. Full-time person to work reception, scheduling, copay collection & phones. Candidate must have excellent customer service & computer skills. Medical experience preferred. Hours 7:45am–5:15pm. Background criminal, drug & financial check will be done. Mail resume to PO Box 875, Oak Ridge, NC 27310. CABINET MAKER/CARPENTER needed for growing RV repair and van conversion company. Must have experience. Parttime or full-time available. Full-time enjoys a 4-day workweek! Please apply to Bruce.Patterson@JimcoNC.com.

The Northwest Observer • since Totally1996 local since 1996 The Northwest Observer • Totally local

SUBWAY at OAK RIDGE. Under new management. Now hiring. Pay rate up to $13/hour. Please apply online or in store. restaurants.subway.com. Are you a LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER looking to join a practice? Integrative Psychological Medicine is in need of a LSW. Please send resume to Integrativepmed@gmail.com. PART-TIME Morning or Afternoon NANNY needed for two children in Summerﬁeld. Monday-Thursday with ﬂexibility. Must have clean driving record and reliable transportation. Please send information to info@orchiro.com or call (336) 549-4115. STAFF/JOB positions open in childcare center. Call for info. (336) 643-5930. NOBLE ACADEMY seeks to hire a bus driver to transport students from WinstonSalem and Kernersville to Noble Academy and back while ensuring the safety of the student passengers when in a school vehicle. This position is also responsible for the safe operation of a school bus and for meeting established bus schedules. Contact Francisco Guijoza at (336) 282-7044 or fguijoza@nobleknights.org. LOCAL HOMESCHOOL CO-OP is looking for teachers for the spring semester. Our classes meet on Thursdays and are divided into grades K-2nd, 3rd-5th, and 6th-12th. We are searching for art, P.E., and robotics instructors beginning in January. If there is another extracurricular class that you would like to teach as well, please reach out to us. Instructors must have a reliable mode of transportation and pass a background check. Please contact us at nlhg.reidsville@gmaill.com.

continued on p. 36

NOV. 4 - 17, 2021 NOV. 4 - 17, 2021

35 35

HOMECARE AVAILABLE

HOME SERVICES

SENIOR CAREGIVER. Night hours. References available. Please contact Pam, (336) 601-0605.

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

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

SAVE THE DATE

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

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.

CONCEALED CARRY CLASS. Saturday, November 13, 8:30am-5:30pm. Register online at TriadFirearmsAcademy.com. Triad Firearms Academy (336) 920-4486. INTRO. TO FIREARMS CLASS (Beginner). Sunday, November 14, 8am-12pm. Register online at TriadFirearmsAcademy.com. Triad Firearms Academy (336) 920-4486.

Something

going on

Tell northwest Guilford County Place your Save the Date PlaceClassified ad online at your Save the Date online at

ESTATE SALE ESTATE SALE. Sat., Nov. 13, and Sun., Nov. 14. Kernersville. Vintage, antiques and handyman's dream. See details at facebook.com/oldenorthstate.

HOME SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING A-ACTION AIR. Heating checkup, $69.95. Call (336) 268-6768 or (336) 382-3750.

CLEANING 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.

36 NOV. NOV. - 17, 2021 4 -417, 2021

PAOLA CLEANING SERVICE. Residential & commercial. Insured. (336) 669-5210 CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING Gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com.(336) 595-2873 CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Will fit to your budget. Pet taxi/pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838.

DECORATING PLAN TO PAINT YOUR HOME SOON? Let me help you choose colors to best enhance your home. Interior and exterior. Color specialist for nearly 40 years. $75 per hour. Jeananne Rigsbee, (919) 787-9920. EXPERIENCED INTERIOR DECORATOR & personal furniture shopper will help you with style, color, shopping & furniture placement. E-mail appeninc@gmail.com or call Ann Appenzeller, (336) 314-1411. BLISSFUL ART & FRAMING. SHOP LOCAL! Framing, gifts, graphic design. 4533 Hwy. 220 N., Summerfield. (336) 298-4502.

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

CKH ELECTRIC, LLC. Give us a call for your next residential, commercial, or industrial project. Free estimates. Licensed, insured, and BBB accredited. (336) 414-4899.

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

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350. T'S HOME REPAIR SERVICES. Minor repairs & small jobs. Free estimates. Call (336) 404-4480. CLOCK DOCTOR. Free house calls for sick clocks. (336) 643-9931 or (336) 392-4124. L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE "We get you mowing!" Comm./res., all models. 2103 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge. Call (336) 298-4314, LandTsmallengineservice.com. APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707. LOW-COST GARAGE DOORS. Repair and sales. 35 years exp. (336) 207-1003. OLD SCHOOL HOME REPAIR See display ad on page 22.

WE’LL BE BACK IN PRINT THURSDAY, NOV. 18 To place a DISPLAY AD in our next issue or a future issue, contact Laura: (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 | advertising@nwobserver.com

To place a CLASSIFIED AD: (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 | classifieds@nwobserver.com The Northwest • Totally local TheObserver Northwest Observer • since Totally1996 local since 1996

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.

GRADING / HAULING 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.

The Northwest Observer covering local matters since 1996!

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

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.

 HOME SERVICES

WILSON

Seamless Gutters

Installation, repair, replacement, Leaf Guard

Stokesdale

336-420-0200 LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING HILL LAWNCARE & OUTDOOR SERVICES. Free est. Call (336) 669-5448. PLANTS DIRECT. Leyland Cypress, Little Gem Magnolias & Green Giant Arborvitae, 7 & 15 gal.; Southern Maple, 15 gal.; Loropetalum Ruby & Kings Gold Cypress, 3 gal. Free delivery. Hole digging also available. For pricing and details please call Paul at (352) 231-4550 or text (336) 848-2653. WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Lawn maint., landscaping. Irrigation/ landscape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 years exp. (336) 399-7764. ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. (336) 643-9157. STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. Free est. Lic./Ins. 40+ years experience. All phases of tree work. Lots & natural area thinning and cleanup. Large shrubbery jobs, chipping. Oak Ridge. Call (336) 643-1119. Hire a local with references. INTEGRITY TREE SERVICE, LLC. Tree removal, risk assessment, tree pruning, dead wood removal. Competitive pricing. Fully insured. Owner-operated. Call for free estimate, (336) 210-8310.

 HOME SERVICES

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

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.

SIGNATURE PLUMBING. Local, experienced, clean, and work is guaranteed. Please call (336) 279-6196.

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

MASONRY

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.

Offer a home service? Place your ad:

Eric Sauls, Owner ● (336) 970-3543 Call for your free estimate 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.

EXTERIOR GREENSCAPES. Lawn maintenance service. Call for a free estimate (336) 682-1456.

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.

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

PLACE YOUR AD: nwobserver.com

Your business should be here!

PRESSURE WASHING PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Fully insured. Crystal Clear, www. windowcleaningnc.com or (336) 595-2873. HOUSE and ROOF SOFT WASHING. Martin's Pressure Washing. (919) 931-0856.

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

Services TM Construction , INC

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Outdoor living spaces | Fire pits

(336) 644-8615 office (336) 508-5242 cell

CONCRETE COATINGS Flake Epoxy Systems Garage Floor and Concrete Resurfacing Decorative Concrete Overlays

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.

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

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

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

Licensed & insured

NC Gen. Contractor #72797

tmcsi.net

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.

continued on p. 38

NOV. 4 - 17, 2021 NOV. 4 - 17, 2021

 HOME SERVICES

 MISC. SERVICES

 MISC. WANTED

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.

ROOFING

YOGA CLASSES in Summerﬁeld. Kids & adults. Beginner friendly. Please see YOGALANE.COM for info. (336) 298-1119.

JIGSAW PUZZLES! I buy vintage wooden puzzles. Will pay cash for 1950s and older jigsaws. Price depends on size, completeness and condition. (909) 815-6325.

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

Of The Triad

The Bathroom of Your Dreams in as Little as a Day

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

IDOL INSURANCE. Serving Rockingham and northern Guilford County for more than 100 years. Homeowner, automobile, and commercial. 116 East Murphy St., Madison, NC. (336) 548-6818.

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

 MISC. FOR SALE

 PETS & ANIMAL SVCS.

GOLF CLUBS, full set, men's & women's, w/bags. $100 each. Eight blonde wood dining room chairs. $15 each. Please contact Gene R., (919) 787-9920.

Use SEAL N HEAL® to seal wounds on dogs & cats, with a bitter taste to prevent gnawing and allow healing. Find it at Tractor Supply ®. www.ﬂeabeacon.com.

PERSIMMON PULP and more. At The Old Mill on Saturdays, or call (336) 816-3441.

 REAL ESTATE

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

(336) 497-0765 NCGC License #84330

www.BathPlanetTriad.com

 MISC. SERVICES

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

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

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

Gated access with 24/7 camera surveillance

JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com.

We carry moving & shipping supplies

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

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.

EARLY AMERICAN original Ethan Allen china cabinet, great condition, $280; 5-piece drum set, $75; Guitar Hero for PC bundle, $25. Text (505) 553-0656.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

SEASONED FIREWOOD. $80/pickup truck load, delivered & stacked. (336) 253-7615.

SELLERS & BUYERS

FISHER MAMA BEAR wood stove. Good condition. $100 ﬁrm. You pick up in Oak Ridge. Call (336) 681-5711.

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

We Help Everyone!

(336) 643-4248

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2u2sinesses battle shortages

emic om p an d overed fr es to adapt c re t ye n’t ness pers have st Guilford busi s and ship we tate New oves Real Esfie uncil appr Suppliers s, forcing north 4 er ld co quests 2 m n m o Su ti ng re ni zo disrup re e thre ex?

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38 NOV. - 17, 2021 38 NOV. 4 -417, 2021

The Northwest • Totally local TheObserver Northwest Observer • since Totally1996 local since 1996

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS

Please support our advertisers, and tell them where you saw their ad! ACCOUNTING

Kimberly Thacker Accounting............. 22 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC........ 8

AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Elvis Mendoza In-Home Massage....... 22

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

NFM Lending ..................................... 33

BEK Paint Company ........................... 33 Carpets by Direct ................................ 17 CharCo Concrete Coatings ................. 37 Eanes Heating and A/C ........................ 3 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery..10 Stokesdale Heating & Air.................... 15 Stokesdale Storage ............................. 38 Wilson Seamless Gutters .................... 37

BUILDING / REMODELING

LEGAL SERVICES

Beamer Tire & Auto ........................... 32 EuroHaus .....................................10, 35 Piedmont Truck Tires ............................ 2 Prestige Car Wash .............................. 21 Tire Max ............................................... 7

BANK / LENDING

Bath Planet ........................................ 38 Old School Home Repair .................... 22 TM Construction Services ................... 37

CHILDREN’S SERVICES

Barbour & Williams Law ....................... 4 Scott Tippett – Hagan Barrett Law ..... 33

MEDICAL / PHYSICAL THERAPY

DANCE / ART / MUSIC

Destination Arts.................................. 26 Greensboro Performing Arts ............... 27 Moore Music Company ...................... 27

Atrium Health WFB, Brenner Children’s...12 Atrium Health WFB, Summerfield.......34 Health Team Advantage .............. insert LeBauer HealthCare............................. 9 Novant – Forsyth Pediatrics ................ 20 Oak Ridge Physical Therapy ......... 19, 21

DENTAL SERVICES

ORTHODONTIC CARE

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

Summerfield Family Dentistry ............. 24

EVENTS

Fall in the Park (Oak Ridge) ................ 23 Holiday Market Stroll .......................... 23 Midkiff Adoption 5K ............................. 8 ORYA Turkey Trot, Nov. 27 ................. 31 Stafford Estate Sale ............................ 15 Stokesdale Christmas Parade................ 5 Summerfield Christmas Tree Lighting ... 6 YMCA of GSO Turkey Trot, Nov. 13 .... 14

EVENT VENUE

The Gardens at Gray Gables .............. 32

GROCERIES / SUPPLIES

Southern Foods .................................. 10

FRAMING / RETAIL

Blissful Studios & Gallery .................... 22

HAIR CARE

Great Clips ......................................... 20

2022

Olmsted Orthodontics ........................ 20 Reynolds Orthodontics ....................... 29

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

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

REAL ESTATE

A New Dawn Realty ........................... 38 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX ................... 10 Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams ........... 24

RESTAURANTS

Bistro 150 ..................................... 21, 26 Ridge Shrimp & Oyster ....................... 21 Rio Grande Kitchen & Cantina ........... 20

RETAIL / GIFTS

Cass Jewelers ..................................... 27 Moravia Moravian Dewey’s Store........ 25 Old Mill of Guilford ............................. 26 Summerfield-Peace UMC Dewey’s Store 26 The Northwest Observer •

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Oak Ridge Elementary School recently held a pumpkin contest, with each class decorating a pumpkin donated by the school’s PTO. Students voted on the most creative pumpkin and Mrs. Price’s third grade class won (check out the M&M-decorated pumpkin on the table in the forefront of this photo). While celebrating their win, students also chec ked out the Northwest Observer’s lates t Kids’ Korner page.

check out the latest issue of the Northern Guilford High School students ks football team took the ﬁeld Northwest Observer before their Nighthaw the last game of the regular season. Oct. 29 to host the Grimsley Whirlies in

st Observer! Kathryn and Rachael Never leave home without your Northwe up on the local news amidst beautiful Murray of Oak Ridge enjoyed catching dfather Mountain. mountain views on their recent trip to Gran

Traveling over the holidays? Be sure to pack up your Northwest Observer and send us your NWO on the go photos! Email your high-res photo to : photos@nwobserver.com