Northwest Observer / March 3 - 16, 2022 by pscommunications

March 3 - 16, 2022

bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since November1996

Heroes Among Us

IN THIS ISSUE

The inﬂux of Afghan refugees to Greensboro has spurred generosity from people across northwestern Guilford County, but more is still needed: volunteers, affordable housing, bicycles and sewing machines by CHRIS BURRITT and PATTI STOKES

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

An Afghan woman who recently moved to Greensboro learns to sew on an electric machine after using a manually operated machine in Afghanistan before ﬂeeing the country last September following the Taliban’s takeover. The woman asked that her face not be revealed in the photo out of safety concerns for relatives still in Afghanistan.

NW GUILFORD – Mir, an Afghan refugee who asked that his real name not be disclosed for personal safety reasons, moved to Greensboro last month. He prays this will be the final stop for him and his five relatives after they escaped following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan. “We plan to stay here,” Mir said in an interview last week, sitting next to his aunt and uncle and three cousins on a mishmash of donated sofas and chairs in their Greensboro home. As much as they miss and fear for

Plans advance for two charter high schools in Summerﬁeld Demand for grades nine through 12 is spurred by parents seeking to continue charter school education for their children, according to National Heritage Academies and Revolution Academy by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – National Heritage Academies is seeking rezoning approval to build a high school across from its Summerfield Charter Academy on U.S. 220 North, while Revolution Academy on N.C. 150 in Summerfield is evaluating whether to build its own high school.

www.nwobserver.com

...continued on p. 29

Details about plans for the two public charter high schools in Summerfield emerged over the past week and a half. In a meeting with parents Feb. 22, Revolution Academy Principal Mary Catherine Sauer said she’s going to seek approval of her plan for building a new high school from the academy’s board of directors when it meets March 17. Earlier this week, representatives of National Heritage Academies asked the Summerfield Planning Board to endorse its request to rezone 37.2 acres on U.S. 220 North at Winfree Road for construction of a charter high school. Citing concerns about traffic safety on U.S. 220, the board continued the rezoning case until March 21 to give

...continued on p. 9

News in brief...............................................2 Your Questions ..........................................4 In memoriam...........................................10 Welcome to our new advertiser ........... 11 Pets & Critters ...........................................13 Old, new animal friends Prince Chocolate, until recently Camp Carefree’s lonely llama, has been joined by another llama and several other critters. ............................14 NWO Kids’ Korner ..............................16, 24 Adoptable Pets ........................................17 Crime/Incident Report ...........................18 Community Calendar ...........................22 Youth Sync................................................25 ‘Grease’ is the word! ...............................27 Scouts ‘stewards of legacy’ Scouts place flags on this memorial site to honor the fallen Bugle Boy. .28 Grins and Gripes .....................................32 Letters/Opinions ......................................34 Classiﬁeds ................................................35 Index of Advertisers ................................39 NWO On The Go ......................................40

Daylight Saving Time BEGINS Sunday, March 13, at 2 a.m. Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed Saturday, March 12.

NEWS in brief

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MARCH 3 - 16, 2022

The Northwest Observer

Photo courtesy of Dover, Kohl & Partners

A meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, March 17, for Summerfield residents to learn more about landowner and developer David Couch’s request for a text amendment to the town’s development rules. If approved, the amendment would create a new zoning district that would allow higher density housing. Couch hopes to develop 1,000 acres surrounding Summerfield Farms on Pleasant Ridge Road (as seen from aerial view in above photo) with a combination of commercial and residential development that would include apartments and other multi-family housing options.

by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – The town of Summerfield has scheduled a meeting for 6 p.m. Thursday, March 17, for residents to learn more and ask questions about landowner and developer David Couch’s request for a text amendment to the town’s development rules. The meeting will be held in Summerfield First Baptist Church’s Family Life Center on 2300 Scalesville Road. Couch, owner of Summerfield Farms, wants to build apartments and other multifamily housing as part of the residential and commercial development of nearly 1,000 acres across Summerfield. The town’s unified development ordinance (UDO) doesn’t allow apartments, and it imposes density •requirements Totally local since 1996 than more restrictive

Couch wants for part of his proposed residential development. As a result, Couch has applied for a text amendment to the UDO that would create a new zoning district called OSM-V, or open space mixed use – village, that would allow for higher density housing. Summerfield leaders plan to gather public feedback during the March 17 meeting. The town’s Planning Board will consider Couch’s text amendment request during its meeting March 28, followed by the Town Council’s consideration April 12. Public hearings will be held during the March 28 and April 12 meetings for residents to share their views on the new zoning district with the Planning Board and Town Council.

Out with Republic, in with GFL Environmental Beginning July 1, GFL Environmental will take over as Stokesdale’s trash and recycling collector by PATTI STOKES STOKESDALE – Customer complaints about missed collections, delayed collection days, recycle cans left in the middle of the street and hydraulic fluid leakages – it’s been an uphill battle for Republic Services in recent years, prompting company representatives to attend Stokesdale Town Council meetings multiple times to apologize for ongoing customer service complaints from residents. Dating back to April 2018, representatives from Republic attended a council meeting and assured Stokesdale officials the company was working diligently to resolve issues that they said largely stemmed from significant growth in its service area and not enough trucks on the road. Then in August 2019, Tony Krasienko, Republic’s municipal sales manager at the time, told Stokesdale Town Council members “We’ve made significant gains ... but obviously, we have room to improve.” Krasienko laid out the challenges that not only Republic, but the entire industry was facing with the rising cost of recycling, and suggested the town consider switching from an every-week to an every-other-week recycling schedule to avoid a significant price increase for trash and recycling collection. The council agreed, and amended Republic’s franchise agreement in exchange for keeping trash and recycling collection rates the same. One year later, in August 2020, Krasienko again appeared before the council and explained that Republic, like other companies, was operating in unprecedented times and more

families staying at home while social distancing had resulted in significant increases in the amount of trash being collected at residences.

“As we navigate service during and through this pandemic, we will take the steps necessary to provide consistent service to our customers,” Krasienko told the council. But after customer complaints continued, Jorge Fernandez, Republic’s regional general manager, and Joe Salamone, the company’s area director, attended Stokesdale Town Council’s meeting last September to once again address customer service complaints.

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Fernandez, a Stokesdale resident at the time, said he offered no excuses for customer service shortcomings.

“We have had a labor shortage in our industry,” he said, “but that’s no excuse. There’s a fine line between reasons and excuses. I don’t think we’ve done a great job.” At the council’s most recent meeting on Feb. 10, Fernandez again addressed customer complaints while holding onto a slim hope that he could convince the council to renew Republic’s franchise agreement with Stokesdale, which is set to expire June 30. Fernandez acknowledged the company’s service “has never lived up to the expectations,” and as he had previously, he said he offered no excuses for poor service.

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The Northwest Observer ...continued on p. 12 • Totally local since 1996

MARCH 3 - 16, 2022

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

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

HOW TO REACH US email: info • celebrations • photos communitynews • realestatenews calendarevents • grinsandgripes opinions • editor • questions ... @ nwobserver.com phone: (336) 644-7035 fax: (336) 644-7006

I read last week that Guilford County Schools (GCS) plans to build a professional development/training facility for the district’s staff. I thought that was the purpose of the former Laughlin Elementary School in Summerfield, which was renovated about 10 years ago and converted into a professional development center.

Is Laughlin not being used any longer for staff training and professional development? We reached out to GCS and learned that Laughlin’s days as a training center for staff are numbered. Janson Silvers, a spokesman for GCS, said construction of a new professional and community education

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Laughlin Professional Development Center’s days as a staff training center for Guilford County Schools are numbered. GCS is planning on building a new professional development and education center, likely in eastern Greensboro. Federal COVID relief funds will be used to pay for the new facility, estimated to cost $21.7 million.

center, slated for completion in about two years, will bring an end to staff training at Laughlin. Until then, GCS will continue providing professional development to

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Laughlin’s history dates back to 1866, when it began educating the children of freed slaves in the former Peace United Methodist Church on Scalesville Road. In the early 1900s, the school evolved into Summerfield School, relocating to the corner of N.C. 150 and Summerfield Road, which is now the parking lot of Summerfield Town Hall.

office: 1616 NC 68 N, Oak Ridge mail: PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310

principals, teachers and other staff at Laughlin. The approximately 34,500-square-foot facility on Summerfield Road has served as a training center for the past decade, following renovation of the then-vacant school at a cost of $319,000.

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In 1934 Summerfield School moved to its present location, where Black students were educated until integration of the county schools was completed in 1970. It operated as Laughlin Primary School for kindergartners and first graders until it closed in 2011 after Summerfield Elementary School expanded. School district leaders haven’t decided the future of the historic facility. In 2019, GCS Superintendent Sharon

... continued on p. 6

MARCH 3 - 16, 2022

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Ordinary people, Extraordinary impact “Never forget that it is by choice that the ordinary person decides to live a life that is extraordinary.” – Cheryl Koevoet, author

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

Tom Collins: A heart for youth,

and teaching the rewards of giving

by ANNETTE JOYCE When Tom Collins took over as president of Oak Ridge Youth Association (ORYA) four years ago, he came in with some big plans for how he could help area youth have a positive, meaningful experience through participating in a vibrant community program. His goals included expanding the number of sports programs ORYA offered, attracting more volunteers, enhancing the association’s internal and external lines of communication and working toward making the organization a “well-oiled machine.” But it didn’t stop there – Collins also wanted ORYA to offer programs for kids who aren’t into sports but want to be involved in the community. According to Kelly Hayes, ORYA’s vice-president, Collins’ motivation to “better the program from top to bottom” has made a huge impact. “His goal is to make this better than when he took it over, and he is doing so,” Hayes said. “He is adding more and more options for different, new, and exciting programs like rugby, field hockey and esports. He also forged a huge partnership with Oak Ridge Military Academy that allowed us to continue to run successful programs during COVID.” A former special education teacher, Collins is committed to helping youth in any way he can. His involvement with ORYA began in 2012 when he coached his then 5-year-old daughter, Samantha. He later took over as director of the association’s soccer program, before eventually accepting the job of president. While Collins has been instrumental in taking ORYA to a new level, he is quick to share the credit.

“We are 100% volunteer- and 99% parent-run,” he said. “Some people don’t have kids in our programs but they just want to coach.” “Tom is dedicated to the youth of Oak Ridge,” confirmed Randy Collins, ORYA’s community relations director/advocate. “I don’t think anyone knows how much time or effort he puts into ORYA. The reason ORYA is successful is because of all of the volunteers and the fact that they work together as a team – and the reason they are such a good team is they have a great leader.” During Collins’ tenure as president, ORYA has garnered tremendous support from the community and its business leaders. This support has allowed the association to not only expand its program offerings, but to focus on teaching its youth about giving back to others. Fundraisers are held periodically to raise awareness and money for various causes; recently, ORYA’s board of directors voted to adopt a mobile unit at Northwest Guilford High School through its “Adopt-A-Mobile” program which seeks to repair and renovate 24 mobile classroom units that have been on the school’s campus for over two decades. “Most of our kids will attend this school, so it was a no-brainer for us,” Collins said of the board’s decision. Among his other contributions to OYRA, Collins is credited with founding the association’s Teen Leadership Team for high school students. Through their involvement in the leadership program, the students obtain meaningful service hours while organizing and participating in community-based projects. Collins said team members are given latitude to shape the program into what they want it to be, and have chosen to

Tom Collins, president Oak Ridge Youth Association give it a charitable twist. Some of their projects include an annual Halloween Terror Trail, 5K runs, craft nights and camps for kids. Through the process, they’ve raised over $10,000 for various causes, including Backpack Ministry and the fight against childhood cancer. By being involved with ORYA, Collins believes parents have the opportunity to build stronger relationships with their children, just as he has. “I’m closer to my kids than I could possibly ever have been,” he said. “Parents need to be involved with their kids as much they can because (their time together) ends.” Collins is the director of release management in Market America’s IT department. He and his wife, Nicole, live in Summerfield with their two children, Samantha, 15, and Dylan, 11. When not at work or volunteering, Collins enjoys listening to Nicole sing in a local band, Decades.

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

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YOUR QUESTIONS

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Contreras proposed closing Laughlin and 10 other administrative buildings in a consolidation, as part of a $2 billion plan to build and remodel schools and upgrade technology countywide. A lack of training space for large groups is one of the drawbacks of Laughlin, requiring the district to rent space at Guilford Technical Community College for some sessions, Silvers said in an interview last week. GCS is seeking contractors to build a new professional and community education center, projected to cost $21.7 million, according to the request for qualifications posted on the school system’s

website. District officials haven’t decided where to build the center, although they’ve talked about locating it in eastern Greensboro on the site of Hampton Elementary School; it is slated for demolition after a tornado damaged the facility in 2018. The new center will provide more than professional development and training for staff, according to Silvers. “It will be more community focused” than the current use of Laughlin, he said, explaining the new center will offer educational opportunities for families, such as night classes, as well as internet access for people who lack that service at home.

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Federal COVID-19 relief funds aimed at helping GCS recover from the pandemic will pay for the project. The deadline for contractors to submit qualifications passed last Friday, Feb. 25, after the district had requested

qualifications in January. GCS plans to award a contract for the design and construction of a twostory building with 80,000 to 87,000 square feet. The district set a deadline of May/June 2024 for project completion.

I read recently that the towns of Oak Ridge and Summerfield each received $50,000 small town development grants from federal COVID-19 relief funds. There are “no strings attached” to how the towns can spend the money, according to N.C. Rep. Jon Hardister (Dist. 59).

How do the towns plan to use this development grant money? We contacted the town managers of the two towns. Summerfield Town Manager Scott Whitaker said in an email last week that “we haven’t decided its best use yet.” In Oak Ridge, the Town Council decided last month to use the $50,000 to increase the town’s commitment to match donations to the Veterans Honor Green, the veterans’ site planned for Heritage Farm Park. Earlier, the town budgeted matching funds of $34,000 this fiscal year and committed verbally, without voting, to match another $34,000 in the fiscal year starting July 1. The additional $50,000 from the grant will bring the

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

At left, N.C. Rep. Jon Hardister (Dist. 59) signs a ceremonial $50,000 check that he and Rep. John Faircloth (Dist. 62) presented to the Summerfield Town Council during its Feb. 8 meeting town’s commitment to match up to $118,000 over two years, Town Manager Bill Bruce said in an email. As of Dec. 31, the fund for the veterans’ site totaled $77,951.87, more than halfway toward the goal of $150,000, according to town officials.

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Parents traveling north on U.S. 220 are required to make U-turns to drop off their children at Summerfield Charter Academy. During their meeting on Feb. 28, Summerfield Planning Board members expressed concern that congestion would increase with construction of an 800-student high school, proposed on a wooded tract at the left of the photo. National Heritage Academies the chance to complete its traffic impact analysis. The efforts by Revolution Academy and National Heritage Academies are separate, according to Summerfield Town Manager Scott Whitaker. “I would say that potentially there are two charter high schools in our near future,” he said during the Planning Board meeting. Enrollment is projected at 500 students for Revolution Academy’s high school and 800 students for the high school proposed by National Heritage Academies. Parents with children attending Revolution Academy, Summerfield Charter Academy and Greensboro Academy are pushing for construction of charter high schools for their children, according to Sauer and Bob Dunston, who handles real estate transactions for National Heritage Academies. “There is one thing that parents have overwhelmingly and consistently requested – an addition of high school,” Sauer wrote in a proposal she shared with parents during her presentation last week. Aside from Revolution Academy’s directors, bondholders who financed the construction of the kindergarten-eighth grade school on N.C. 150 would also have to approve the proposal, Sauer said. If the project moves ahead, Sauer envisions the school opening in a

temporary location in August 2023, starting with a freshman class of 125 students. The 10th, 11th and 12th grades would be added over the next three years. Securing a permanent site and building a school may take three years, meaning the first class of freshmen may attend classes in a temporary location until their senior year, Sauer said. The high school would be an extension of Revolution Academy and share the same vision as the K-8 school: “a challenging, classical academic program, meaningful parental partnerships, character education, and an emphasis on student responsibility,” according to Sauer’s proposal. National Heritage Academies’ rezoning request for property along U.S. 220 North met resistance from Planning Board members concerned about the possibility of traffic accidents. “The major concern is the safety of the children and others that would be exiting that property,” Chairman Dick Feulner said during the board’s meeting, which was conducted remotely. The board will forward its recommendation on the rezoning request to Summerfield Town Council for a final decision. If the council approves the request in coming weeks, construction could begin later this year, with classes possibly starting in Theaccording Northwest Observer • August 2024, to Dunston.

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IN MEMORY OF

Sharon Neely

June 17, 1959 – Feb. 24, 2022 ministry to generously share the land and horses as a way to bless others. She named the farm “Joyfield” in reference to her favorite verse of the Bible, Nehemiah 8:10: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Sharon exuded this very joy as she taught horseback riding, and her faith in God was apparent to her students and their families through her gentleness and genuine kindness. For several summers throughout the 2000s, Joyfield Farm welcomed groups of horse-crazy kids for weeklong day camps. Sharon’s vision was for these camps to be a place where participants fell in love with horses while also learning of God’s love for them. She was never in it for financial gain, but rather for the glory of God. She often gave “scholarships” to families who were in need of assistance, and all proceeds from the camps went to the team of teenagers and adults who helped each week. Our community has lost a wonderful leader, mentor and friend. Sharon Neely, who co-founded and dedicated many years to leading the local nonprofit organization HorseFriends, passed away Feb. 24 after courageously battling cancer since 2019. Sharon, who was also a former writer for the Northwest Observer, was a life force and light to all whom she came into contact with through HorseFriends and the wider horse community. When the Neely family moved to their Oak Ridge horse farm in 2001, it became Sharon’s

MARCH 3 - 16, 2022

Sharon knew that horses held healing power, and when she began learning specifically about therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with special needs, a new passion was ignited. In 2005 Sharon and a friend dreamed up HorseFriends; its mission was to provide “joy and strength through horses” to children and adults with special needs – completely free of charge. HorseFriends quickly drew enthusiastic volunteers, donated horses, and many grateful participants. Sharon became certified through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International to instruct classes,

and she worked tirelessly to keep the organization running along with other devoted volunteers. She continued to oversee HorseFriends, humbly lending her time to tasks ranging from farm chores to fundraising, for 13 years until stepping down following her cancer diagnosis in 2019. The Neelys moved from Joyfield Farm to a smaller farm in Summerfield in 2012, and HorseFriends closed its barn doors in 2021. Sharon’s legacy, however, will continue on for years to come in the lives that she touched. Donna S., who was a HorseFriends volunteer and whose son was a participant, is one of the many who have expressed the impact that Sharon had on them since her passing. “Sharon changed my life,” Donna stated. “She gave freely of herself to my family and so many. She is love personified.” Sharon believed that true happiness came from serving others with a grateful heart. She used her gifts to touch the lives of countless people in her church and community, but her most cherished role was as the endlessly loving mother to her four children, GiGi to her five grandchildren, and wife of 39 years to her high school sweetheart, Alan.

A service to celebrate Sharon’s life will be held Friday, March 4, at 1 p.m. at Westover Church, 505 Muirs Chapel Road in Greensboro. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of the following causes dear to Sharon’s heart: HealingStrong, www.healingstrong.org/donate; Westover Church, https://www.westoverchurch.com/give/.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

IN MEMORY OF

Mary Jane Klein Lowe Mary Jane Klein Lowe, 93, peacefully passed away Feb. 8, surrounded by family. Born in Ogdensbury, New York, she married and moved to St. Petersburg and Treasure Island, Florida, where she lived for 73 years. She then moved to Stokesdale, North Carolina, and lived with her daughter, Janet, for eight years before moving to her final home at Blumenthal Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Greensboro, where she received exceptional care and love from the nursing staff. Mary Jane was a career nurse in various fields of practice including surgery, psychiatric, pediatrics, blood bank supervisor, nursing home director of nursing, and administrator. She retired as a Florida state inspector, nurse specialist/surveyor for nursing homes for the entire state. She was most known for her beautiful voice as a solo artist, singing standards, jazz and blues. She sang professionally on weekends and special events in the St. Pete/Tampa Bay area, and was a one-of-a-kind artist who could take the stage with any

band. In 2008, at 80 years old, Mary Jane won the American Senior Idol contest for the Piedmont Triad area. She will be lovingly remembered by her many friends, church members, musicians and healthcare professionals, and will be greatly missed by her children, Michael Klein (Hui Chen Chu) of Hsinchu, Taiwan; Janet Klein Hunnicutt (Mike) of Greensboro; Nancy Klein Landi (Tom) of Windsor, Colorado; and John Klein (Bishop) of St. Petersburg, Florida. Mary Jane leaves behind a granddaughter, Phoenix, and four grandsons: Adam Hunnicutt (Christin); Casey Hunnicutt; Elliot Hunnicutt (Amber); and Josh Landi. She also leaves behind a great-grandson, Levi, and two great-granddaughters, Madison and Olive. Mary Jane loved Jesus with all her heart and celebrated her faith at both St. Paul’s the Apostle Catholic Church and Gate City Vineyard Church.

The family invites everyone to join them for a Celebration of Life/ Memorial Service on Saturday, March 12, 3 p.m., at Gate City Vineyard Church, 204 S. Westgate Drive in Greensboro. The service may also be viewed live on Janet Hunnicutt’s Facebook page.

For information on placing an obituary, please email info@nwobserver.com or call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10.

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Have you ever looked into the eyes of a critically endangered Sumatran tiger, walked among dinosaurs, or explored life on the ocean floor? At the Greensboro Science Center, you can do all of these things – and so much more! Home to an inland aquarium and a newly expanded 22-acre zoological park – both accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums – as well as a hands-on science museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the GSC prides itself on welcoming all guests to participate in a wide variety of educational and entertaining experiences.

Outside in the zoo, guests can meet fascinating animals like an okapi, pygmy hippos and a cassowary. Those with a sense of adventure can soar through the trees on SKYWILD, an animal-inspired treetop adventure course. A series of treehouses offers those who prefer to stay closer to the ground – as well as younger guests – a tamer treetop exploration experience. For more than 60 years, the GSC has been inspiring scientific curiosity and encouraging personal discovery about life and the natural world. The organization continuously develops new and innovative ways to engage the Guilford County community, as well as tourists from all over the world, in animal conservation and STEAM initiatives, making every visit a unique learning experience.

African penguins, sharks and a living coral reef exhibit are just a few highlights of the GSC’s aquarium. The museum offers exhibits about dinoQuick Lube no saurs and weather, as well as SciPlay or oil chaappointment needed Bay and ocean-themed play space

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

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4430 W. Wendover Ave. Greensboro, NC 27407

(336) 663-7351

See ad on p. 16

507 Cinema Ct. Kernersville, NC 27284

(336) 515-3381

MARCH 3 - 16, 2022

REPUBLIC OUT, GFL IN ...continued from p. 3 When Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy brought up the hydraulic fluid leakages from Republic’s trucks that Stokesdale residents had complained about numerous times, Councilman Tim Jones said he didn’t understand what was going on with Republic’s trucks, “but it’s beyond a reasonable amount of (hydraulic fluid) leakage.”

pathways to communicate with our company,” he emphasized.

In response, Fernandez said, “It angers me.”

Republic and GFL submitted sealed bids for providing trash and recycling pickup to Stokesdale, and after a discussion that had lasted over an hour, the town clerk opened the bids. The final blow to Republic was that the company’s bid erroneously stated it would charge $27.50 per quarter for weekly recycling and collection. When questioned, Fernandez quickly acknowledged the error and said it should have stated $27.50 per month, not per quarter.

While truck shortages and parts to repair trucks have been a challenge, Fernandez said the biggest battle the company has faced is ongoing employee shortages. Also attending the Feb. 10 meeting were representatives of GFL Environmental (formerly Waste Industries). Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, the company services several municipalities in North Carolina, including the town of Oak Ridge. Seth Heath, GFL general manager, said his company has faced challenges common to the industry, but they communicate very well and react very quickly.

“The challenges of hiring people are real,” Heath said. “I think we manage it very well. We’ve had the foresight to staff up ahead of time and kept extra people on board, knowing we would have potentially some out sick (due to COVID) later on.” GFL also has a local call center in High Point, Heath said, assuring the council that local people would be answering phone calls from Stokesdale customers. “There are many different

MARCH 3 - 16, 2022

When Councilman Jimmy Landreth asked how GFL handles truck maintenance, Health explained that when trucks return from their routes each day, they go through a safety lane for technicians to check tire pressure, signals, lights, mirrors, etc. – and look for leaks.

“George (Jorge), that’s it for me,” Foy responded. “I’m going to make a motion to not bid for Republic. The price went from about $16 per month to $27.50 per month – but in the RFP (request for proposal) it said the $27.50 was quarterly. It’s the little details.” The council subsequently voted to accept GFL’s proposal to provide weekly trash and recycling pickup, with 96-gallon containers, for a rate of $22.75 per month, or $68.25 per quarter. The town attorney was asked to draft the contract after negotiating details. At a special called meeting on Feb. 24, the council approved the contract, which goes into effect July 1.

Preview: March 3 Oak Ridge Town Council meeting by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – Town Manager Bill Bruce plans to provide an update on the town’s receipt of a $490,000 matching grant from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF). Town leaders learned in January that a second round of PARTF funding awarded Oak Ridge the grant for development of Heritage Farm Park. As a result of the grant and a separate appropriation of $1.66 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds, the council is reevaluating how to finance construction of the park, estimated to cost $3.63 million. Bruce also plans to provide an update on plans by the North Carolina Department of Transportation for roughly $7 million in improvements to N.C. 68 and 150 in Oak Ridge’s central business district. Slated to start in the spring of 2023, construction of two roundabouts and installation of new traffic signals and pedestrian crosswalks at the town’s major intersection are aimed at slowing traffic and improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists. In another update, Bruce plans to discuss the town’s voluntary annexation

process begun last month for property owners seeking to become part of Oak Ridge. The town is publicizing the program, which ends April 15, to give town staff enough time to process applications before the July 1 start of the next fiscal year. In other business, the council will discuss a proposal to provide Wifi coverage in Town Park. The council will also consider approving Jan. 13 through Feb. 19, 2023, as the dates for next year’s deer urban archery season in Oak Ridge. The program is sponsored by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Separately, the council will hold a public hearing related to altering the town’s code of ordinances to ensure compliance with state law. If approved, the text amendment would clarify that violations of a municipal ordinance may be a misdemeanor or infraction only if the town specifies the violations in that way.

want to participate? The 7 p.m. meeting at Town Hall this Thursday, March 3, is open to the public. The meeting will be livestreamed on the town’s YouTube channel. For more info, visit www.oakridgenc.com.

covering northwest Guilford County’s

local matters since November 1996 www.nwobserver.com /NorthwestObserver

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

March 2022 a monthly feature of the Northwest Observer

Moose (forefront) and Bear belong to ith Summerfield resident Ke ose Mo s Butler. Butler, who enjoy tra nality its, and Bear’s unique perso chew up any notes that Bear likes to ose enjoys and everything and Mo ging giant, nothing more than dig les seemingly pointless, ho . ard cky in the ba

Maple Lou enjoys an afternoon nap in the sun at her Summerfield home. Mary Doggett adopted Maple Lou, a Boonie dog – also known as a “super mutt” – from Guam, a U.S. territor y South of Japan, through the Boonie Flight Project. Many Boonie dogs are descendants of dogs brought to Guam by the military during World War II to help in the war effort. According to the Boonie Flight Project, Guam is home to about 167,000 residents and 60,000 dogs, many of which are homeless. The Boonie Flight Project works to “save the dogs of Guam” by flying them to the U.S. for families to adopt.

Zoe recently turned 4, which was an even bigger milestone for this dog than most – her owner, Laura Collins, was told Zoe would not live to be a year old. Collins reports Zoe is doing great, has the personality of a kid and loves to play ball!

Taylor Dorable, an 11-month-old Moyen for her poodle, poses perfectly r, Taylor’s photo op. Brenda Parke people, owner, says Taylor loves ls and irre squ other dogs, chasing rke . Pa r says posing and performing things Taylor certainly has kept entertaining during the COVID lockdown.

Blue Neal and his feline friend, Southern Belle, look up after a relaxing nap. Once without a family, these two love the Summerfield home Brenda Otey has given them. Otey adopted Blue Neal from the SPCA and Southern Belle was rescued after being thrown from a car.

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.

Old and new animal friends will add to campers‛ experience this summer Miniature horses, goats, llamas, donkeys and rabbits among the animals ready to greet campers upon their arrival at Camp Carefree when it reopens for summer sessions this June by ANNETTE JOYCE STOKESDALE – After being unable to host summer camp at Camp Carefree the last two years because of the pandemic, staff members and volunteers are preparing to bring the camp experience back this summer to children ages 6 to 16 who are experiencing serious health issues; limitations and restrictions will be in place to ensure everyone’s safety. Campers, counselors and volunteers couldn’t be happier, and that goes double for Chis Rodenbough, the camp’s property manager. As the caretaker for the camp’s animals, which includes horses, donkeys, llamas, goats and a few feral domesticated rabbits, Rodenbough is responsible for ensuring all the animals are healthy and happy. During the pandemic when the camp was closed, Rodenbough, an avid animal lover, was heartbroken by the number of animals the camp lost due to old age. Until recently, the equines and one llama were the only four-legged inhabitants at the camp. Since there were no campers or visitors coming to the camp, new animals weren’t being added. Then, Prince Chocolate, the camp’s 10-year-old llama, started having health problems. “He wasn’t eating well and was losing weight,” Rodenbough said. While the horses and donkeys spent their time together, Prince Chocolate was alone in his pen day

Photo by Annette Joyce/ NWO

Johnny (forefront), Camp Carefree’s newest llama, and long-time resident Prince Chocolate politely ignore one another.

after day. When the veterinarian examined the llama, he could find no physical reason for his condition.

“(He) said he honestly felt like Prince Chocolate was just lonely,” Rodenbough said. To remedy the situation, Rodenbough and his wife, Rhonda, began searching for another llama. But before they were able to find one, a goat named Chewie was donated in memory of the camp’s former executive director, Lynn Tuttle, who passed away in July 2020. “Chewie came to the camp and Prince Chocolate got happy,” said Rodenbough, obviously pleased with the llama’s improved appetite and renewed interest in life.

Healthy pets need healthy mouths

we check all our patients for dental problems

A few months later, while Chewie and Prince Chocolate were living it up in their spacious pen, Rachel, another goat, joined the camp’s animal family. For now, the young female goat has her own quarters, but she’s able to rub noses with Chewie through the fence. Not too long after Rachel came to live at the camp, Rodenbough received a call from a former camp counselor who is overseeing the animals at another children’s camp. She needed to find a home for their llama and was hoping Camp Carefree might be able to take him. After much discussion, observation and research, the Rodenboughs decided that Johnny, a 6-year-old llama, would be a perfect fit. Unfortunately, Prince Chocolate wasn’t in agreement and that first meeting between them didn’t go so well.

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Photo by Annette Joyce/ NWO

Chis Rodenbough, property manager for Camp Carefree, takes time to say hello to Cody, a favorite of campers.

Graduating from Northwest High School this year?

Apply now for the Merchants of Oak Ridge The two llamas were in adjacent pens, but Prince Chocolate knocked down the fence that separated them. An altercation ensued, and Rodenbough ended up creating more distance between the pair.

“They didn’t like each other at all in the beginning, but now they’re starting to get along,” he said. When a local resident recently contacted the camp about donating a “tiny” horse named Buddy, Rodenbough couldn’t say no to the cute little horse with the heart-shaped snout. Although the camp has a couple of miniature horses, Ken and Barbie, Buddy is even smaller. He has a gentle nature and enjoys hanging out with the four longtime resident donkeys.

2022

Scholarship

on its toes. Finally, a third one appeared – a brown lionhead rabbit. Having escaped from a neighbor, the rabbits are mostly feral and have made themselves at home in the camp’s stable. Besides the three adult rabbits, there’s now a litter of three babies which Rodenbough is slowly working to tame.

•••••

$5,000 •••••••••••••••••

As the camp was officially bringing on new animal residents, there were some others moving in without anyone’s knowledge. While feeding the horses one day, Rodenbough noticed one of the squatters – a gray Angora rabbit with a white spot on its nose. Then he saw another gray rabbit, but this one had white spots

While caring for so many different animals is definitely expensive and time consuming, Rodenbough believes the joy they bring to the campers is well worth the investment.

toward

•••••••••••••••••

college costs

With plans underway to soon re-open the camp, Rodenbough is especially happy to have some new animal residents to greet campers upon their arrival. He noted that being able to interact with these animals has always been a favorite activity for the campers who have illnesses and disabilities such as spina bifida, epilepsy, cancer and hemophilia. Even so, taking care of so many animals does come with a steep price tag. To offset the additional expense of the animals’ feed, medicine and veterinary bills, donations are always needed and appreciated. There’s also a need for volunteers to help routinely care for the animals, and especially the horses, which require riding and grooming.

One-time award of •••••

Requirements include

2 letters of recommendation

and a 500-word essay

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

Rachel, a sweet young female goat, will be ready to greet campers when they return this summer.

Additional info and application form online at merchantsofoakridgenc.com/ scholarshipfund Application deadline: March 25 at 4pm

want to help? For more information about Camp Carefree or to volunteer, call (336) 427-0966. Donations may be sent to Camp Carefree, 275 Carefree Lane, Stokesdale, NC 27357.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Local business leaders working together

MARCH 3 - 16, 2022

There are only around 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild! Meet our tiger, Rocky, up close & learn more about this critically endangered species.

Thank you to Greensboro Science Center for sponsoring this week’s Kids’ Korner

Kids’ Korne With spring comes new animal life!

Many animals have babies in the spring. Some animals carry their babies for a very short time while others carry them a very long time. There are several factors that determine how long an animal is pregnant, usually referred to as their gestational period. These factors include: • Animal size: in general, smaller animals have shorter gestational periods and larger animals have longer gestational periods • Level of development at birth: in general, the more developed the animal is at birth (open eyes, ability to walk, has fur, etc.), the longer the gestational period.

Therefore, although not all animals follow this pattern, the he bigger and more independent at birth, the longer the gestational period!

How long before the baby is born?

Do you know how long each of these mamas is pregnant? (HINT: use the information to the left to help you �igure this out!) Draw a line from the mama to the correct gestational time. Check your answers on the opposite page (no peeking)!

SHEEP

112-115 days, about 4 months

HORSE

330-342 days, about 11.5 months

BLACK BEAR

365 days, about 12 months

COW

279-292 days, about 9.5 months

DEER

201 days, about 6.5 months

PIG

420-450 days, about 15 months

OPOSSUM

61 days, about 2 months

RABBIT

220 days, about 7 months

ELEPHANT

645 days, about 22 months

DOG

12-13 days

DONKEY

144-151 days, about 5 months

GIRAFFE

31-32 days, about 1 month

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NICKY

RABBIT

31-32 days, about 1 month

OPOSSUM PIG

112-115 days, about 4 months

BLACK BEAR SHEEP

220 days, about 7 months 330-342 days, about 11.5 months

From Kids’ Korner on pg. 16

144-151 days, about 5 months

How long before the baby is born?

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

279-292 days, about 9.5 months

980 Guilford College Road, Greensboro • Walk-in adoptions: W-F, 12-3:30pm To check animals’ availability or make weekend appointments, call (336) 641-3400 or visit

COW

Guilford County Animal Resource Center

201 days, about 6.5 months

Mirabel is a female name stemming from the Latin word mirabilis, meaning “wondrous” or “of wondrous beauty.” This feline Mirabel is a dainty 1-year-old domestic shorthair with striking green eyes and amazingly long white whiskers. Old enough to be sensible (mostly) but young enough to be playful and ready to give her “fur-ever” family years of love, Mirabel would make a wonderful addition to any household. Mirabel’s ID# is GCAS-A-323.

DEER

MIRABEL

HORSE

12-13 days

Who needs a Chia Pet when you can have the real deal? Chia the dog is a 4-year-old American pit bull terrier with a rakish pair of ears and a delightfully quizzical look. She enjoys listening to American Top 40 hits from the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, when Chia Pets were introduced. Chia’s ID# is GCAS-A-71.

645 days, about 22 months

CHIA

61 days, about 2 months

Guilford County Animal Resource Center

Make sure you understand the features associated with the loan program you choose, and that it meets your unique financial needs. Subject to Debt-toIncome and Underwriting requirements. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend. Eligibility is subject to completion of an application and verification of home ownership, occupancy, title, income, employment, credit, home value, collateral, and underwriting requirements. Refinancing an existing loan may result in the total finance charges being higher over the life of the loan. Not all programs are available in all areas. Offers may vary and are subject to change at any time without notice. MLO licensing information: NC I-200485. NFM, Inc. d/b/a NFM Lending. NFM, Inc is licensed by: NC # L-135884. For NFM, Inc.’s full agency and state licensing information, please visit www.nfmlending.com/licensing. NFM, Inc.’s NMLS #2893 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess. org). NFM, Inc. is not affiliated with, or an agent or division of, a governmental agency or a depository institution. Copyright © 2021.

365 days, about 12 months

If you are interested in adding Frank, Nicky, or any of the adoptable pets in our care to your family, visit www.reddogfarm.com to fill out an application for adoption.

NMLS # 114933 ● (C) 336-456-9374 ● 2204 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge nfmlending.com/stephanie-anderson ● sanderson@nfmlending.com

420-450 days, about 15 months

Meet Nicky, an adorable male guinea pig who is an absolute joy in his foster home. Nicky is 2 years old and playful. He loves playtime and treats have been his favorite! If interested in this sweet boy, please apply online at www.reddogfarm.com.

ELEPHANT

Meet Frank, who was found as a stray. He was basically starving, but thanks to our awesome veterinarians and his foster family he made a quick recovery and was able to gain weight and get healthy. Frank loves attention and adores petting. He also loves to play with other cats and will need a home where he can have a kitty friend. Frank does well around chill/calm dogs, and would do best in a home without young kids. He likes to play rough sometimes, so it’s important he can have space when he needs it. Frank has been neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and is ready to find his forever home. Meet him at Crooked Tail Cat Café in downtown Greensboro or apply online at www.reddogfarm.com.

DOG

FRANK

DONKEY

Red Dog Farm Animal Rescue Network

We have the key to YOUR new home

GIRAFFE

Adoptable Pets

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

MARCH 3 - 16, 2022

stance along with drug paraphernalia.

CRIME / INCIDENT report

FOUND PROPERTY

District 1 Sheriﬀ’s Oﬃce

has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest/northern Guilford County ... ASSAULT Feb. 16 | Law enforcement officers responded at 2:16 p.m. to a report of an assault involving personal weapons in the 8500 block of Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale. Feb. 17 | Officers responded at 3:35 a.m. to a report of an assault involving a physical altercation in the 100 block of N. Bunker Hill Road in Colfax. Feb. 26 | Officers responded at 8:19 p.m. to a report of an assault involving a physical altercation in the 7600 block of Thomas Road in Stokesdale (near N.C. 65).

DEATH INVESTIGATION Feb. 24 | Officers responded at

5:56 p.m. to a report of a resident’s death in the 7500 block of Forest Creek Ridge Court in Summerfield (near Oak Ridge Road). Feb. 25 | Officers responded at 4:02 p.m. to a report of a resident’s death in the 8400 block of Southard Road in Stokesdale (off N.C. 65). Feb. 27 | Officers responded at 5:34 p.m. to a report of a resident’s death in the 8500 block of Shedan Road in Stokesdale (off Belews Creek Road).

DRUGS Feb. 22 | Officers executed a search warrant on a rental facility at Bee Safe Storage in northwest Greensboro and seized one gram of a Schedule VI sub-

Feb. 21 | Officers discovered a black/ brown Remington .22 caliber rifle in the 5400 block of Bunch Road in Summerfield.

FRAUD Feb. 15 | A resident of the 6000 block of Brush Arbor Court in northwest Greensboro (near Lake Brandt Road) reported an unknown suspect defrauded him of $12,450. Feb. 21 | A resident of the 8400 block of Norcross Road in Colfax reported an unknown suspect defrauded him of $6,260.42.

INJURED ANIMAL Feb. 16 | Officers responded to a report of an injured deer in the 3300 block of Oak Ridge Road in Summerfield.

THEFT Feb. 14 | An employee of Circle K gas station in Colfax reported an unknown

suspect shoplifted a 12-pack of Budweiser beer, a 12-pack of Busch Light beer and a bottle of Sutter Home wine, with a total retail value of $50. Feb. 20 | A citizen parked at Oak Ridge Town Park reported an unknown suspect stole from her unlocked vehicle a tan Michael Kors purse containing a light blue wallet with $10 cash and several ID cards. Feb. 22 | A resident of the 8500 block of Merriman Farm Road in Oak Ridge (near Oak Ridge Road) reported between Feb. 20 and Feb. 22 an unknown suspect stole from his unlocked vehicle a black bookbag and a pair of white Apple earbuds, worth $250 altogether. Feb. 23 | A resident of the 7500 block of Strawberry Road in Summerfield reported between Feb. 22 and Feb. 23 an unknown suspect stole from his unlocked vehicle a black Buck knife worth $50 and an undisclosed amount of cash.

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To control the spread of COVID-19, we are scheduling virtual visits as an alternative to in-person office visits. Connect with the healthcare provider that you know and trust from the comfort of home. Virtual appointments are billed to your insurance just like your regular office visits. To schedule a virtual visit, please call your provider’s office today!

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Feb. 24 | A resident of the 8100 block of Spotswood Road in Summerfield (off U.S. 158) reported between Feb. 23 and Feb. 24 an unknown suspect stole a gray trailer worth $5,000 from the property. Feb. 24 | An employee of Walgreens on U.S. 220 in Summerfield reported an unknown suspect shoplifted seven sets of KISS press-on acrylic nails and a set of Luxe fake eyelashes, worth $105 altogether. Feb. 25 | An employee of Dollar General on U.S. 158 in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect shoplifted a pack of AA batteries, an unknown over-thecounter medication, a can of aerosol spray and a pair of gloves, worth $50 altogether.

TRESPASSING Feb. 24 | A 42-year-old male was arrested in the 8300 block of Wrights Farm Lane in Summerfield (near U.S. 158) for second-degree trespassing.

VANDALISM Feb. 22 | A non-resident in the 3800 block of Clairese Drive in Colfax (near N. Bunker Hill Road) reported between Feb. 16 and Feb. 22 an unknown suspect damaged a building on the property and some of the landscaping, causing $5,000 worth of damage.

Grafﬁti mars Summerﬁeld Community Park

WEAPONS Feb. 23 | Officers responded to an incident involving a handgun in the 6200 block of Horseshoe Drive in Summerfield (off Hamburg Mill Road).

District 1 Sheriﬀ’s Oﬃce 7504 Summerfield Road Main number: (336) 641-2300 For non-emergency incidents: (336) 373-2222 • 8 a.m.–5 p.m., M-F

https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/ our-county/sheriff-s-office

emergency:

dial 911

The town of Summerfield is seeking information about vandals who painted graffiti on signs and rocks at Summerfield Community Park late last month. Town staff has removed some graffiti, but it remains on a big

rock (pictured here) hanging over the lake at the park on Centerfield Road. Anyone with information about the vandals is asked to call Summerfield Town Hall at (336) 643-8655 or email clerk@summerfieldnc.gov.

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

(336) 643-4623

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Are your affairs in order?

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• Estate planning (Wills, Trusts, POAs) • Healthcare Power of Attorney • Probate & Estate Administration • Trust Administration • Corporate Work • Real Estate Matters

our family caring for yours 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

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

MARCH 3 - 16, 2022

Oak Ridge Com

Now offering catering

A surprisingly uncommon experience in the heart of O

Bistro 150, home

for gatherings, celebrations & weekly family dinners, food for up to 30 people delivered and set up in your home or business

oakridgeroom@gmail.com

336.643.6359 Thank you for all your continued support.

Bistro150nc.com

OPEN

Oak Ridge Commons shopping center

Tuesday - Saturday* 5 - 9 PM (fall & winter hours) *soon to open on Mondays

Shrimp, oysters, crab legs, crab cakes, calamari, salmon, tuna, mahi-mahi, ﬂounder, catﬁsh, steak, burgers, kids meals, desserts, and MORE!

Check out our daily specials!

Come try our various American wines and our large beer selection

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It’s true ‘there’s no place like home,’ but this intimate restaurant offers a dining experience that’s very close

Once you’ve ventured inside the cozy, intimate Bistro 150 in Oak Ridge Commons shopping center, you’re immediately embraced as a member of the family. Here, you’ll join other folks gathered with friends and family members to eat delicious food and sip on drinks while relaxing in a comfortable, “homey” setting. Co-owner Jennifer Mun never fails to greet customers with an enthusiastic smile, while doing all she can to ensure they have a positive dining experience. Mun and her husband, Clancy Laizure, are grateful for the relationships they’ve developed with the Bistro’s longtime customers since they purchased the restaurant in 2016.

“We have amazing customers, and many of them have become good friends,” Mun said. The couple also appreciates the opportunity to meet so many new customers who continue to discover the restaurant for the ﬁrst time. “I want them to enjoy their time here and always feel welcomed,” Mun said. Hand in hand with the restaurant’s “home-away-fromhome” atmosphere is the Bistro’s expansive regular menu, complemented by daily specials that reﬂect Mun and her team’s sense of culinary adventure. Among customer favorites are the ramen bowls, which come with several choices including fresh vegetables,

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When it comes to your child’s care, you can trust our expert pediatricians. From prevention services to same-day sick visits, we’re here every step of the way.

Oak Ridge, at the corner of NC Highways 68 and 150

away from home Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

Chef April Littrall (left) with Jennifer Mun, co-owner of Bistro 150 chicken, pork, shrimp or a combination. Another big hit with regulars is Mun’s special “healing tea,” made with freshly squeezed fruit and spices. Sunday brunch is served from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with signature dishes ranging from a traditional breakfast to the “Skillet,” a hearty, delectable dish that’s favored by many customers. Children’s favorites include eggs and sausage, grilled cheese sandwiches and mac and cheese. About ﬁve years ago, after her customers began asking for space to accommodate private events, Mun opened the Oak Ridge Room. Located next door to the Bistro, the large, open room is a popular venue for events such as birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, anniversary celebrations, graduation parties and bridal and baby showers. “A lot of people like the idea of having a nice, home-like place to get together,” Mun said. “They also like that we can do the catering so they don’t have to worry about setting up, preparing food or

drinks or cleaning up afterward.” Several businesses and organizations also routinely hold meetings in the Oak Ridge Room, combining business with the pleasure of tasty, freshly made food. The Bistro’s patio area is ideal for those who enjoy dining outdoors in warmer weather, and can also be rented for private patio parties. Customers on Friday and Saturday evenings are treated to live music performed by local artists who play inside or outside on the patio, depending on the weather. The Bistro’s take-out business soared during COVID restrictions, and it continues to be a popular option for those on the go.

(336) 644-0994 • nhforsythpedskernersville.org 2205 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge Kernersville Office: (336) 993-8333 Union Cross Office/After-hours: (336) 515-7420 Walkertown Office: (336) 564-4101

Hiding your smile? We can help!

Complimentary exam | Financing available Insurance accepted | Braces & Invisalign for children & adults

www.Bistro150NC.com

(336) 643-6359

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MARCH 4, 5, 11 & 12

 Kids consignment sales | St. Paul’s Catholic

Church at 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road in northwest Greensboro will host a kids consignment sale Friday, March 4, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, March 5, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn more at www.saintpaulskidssale.com. Trinity Covenant Church at 5200 W. Friendly Ave. in northwest Greensboro will host a “tots to teens’’ consignment sale Friday, March 11, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, March 12, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn more at trinitytotstoteens.wordpress.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 3  Town Council meeting | Oak Ridge Town Council will meet March 3, starting at 7 p.m. at Oak

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FUN IN THE SUN! 22

MARCH 3 - 16, 2022

Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. The meeting will be livestreamed on the town’s YouTube channel and a link will be subsequently posted on the town’s Facebook page. Visit www.oakridgenc.com for a meeting agenda. More info: (336) 644-7009.  Special called Town Council meeting | Stokes-

dale Town Council will hold a special called meeting March 3, starting 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. The purpose of the meeting is for council members to discuss and vote on the format of budget meetings and to discuss the FY2022-2023 budget that will go into effect July 1. Citizens may attend in person or virtually via Zoom. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the town’s YouTube channel. For more info or a link to the Zoom meeting, visit www.stokesdale.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 8  Town Council meeting | Summerfield Town Coun-

cil will meet March 8, starting 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.

THURSDAY, MARCH 10  Town Council meeting | Stokesdale Town Coun-

cil will meet March 10, starting 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. For more info or a link to the Zoom meeting, visit www.stokesdale.org.

MONDAY, MARCH 14  Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club | Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club (NGWC) is a nonprofit organization with members including women from all walks of life who share a commitment to community service. The group will hold its monthly meeting March 14, starting at 7 p.m. To learn more about NGWC or to attend the meeting as a guest, contact Tiffany Hansen, president, at (336) 404-8038 or tiffanykhansen96@gmail.com.

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E SAFETY

Spring clean – safely! Properly use and store gasoline • Only store gasoline in a container that is sold for that purpose and never bring it indoors, even in small amounts. • Never store gasoline containers in a basement or in the occupied space of a building. Keep them in a detached garage or an outdoor shed. • Make sure the container is tightly capped when not in use.

Use/store flammable and combustible liquids with care • Flammable and combustible liquids should not be used near an open flame. Never smoke when working with flammable liquids. • If you spill flammable liquids on your

Have questions about operations of Summerﬁeld Fire District? Please feel free to contact us at (336) 643-4341. We love to hear from our citizens!

clothing, remove your clothing and place it outside to dry. Once dry, clothing can be laundered. • Keep ﬂammable liquids tightly capped or sealed – and in their original containers.

Inspect grills to ensure they’re in good working order • Inspect your grill carefully and make sure it’s free of grease or fat buildup. Clean out any nests, spider webs, or other debris you may ﬁnd. • For propane grills, check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the ﬁrst time each year.

EMERGENCY DIAL 911

• Remove leaves, pine needles, and other flammable material from the roof, gutters, and on and under the deck to help prevent embers from igniting your home. • Remove dead vegetation and other flammable materials, especially within the first five feet of your home. • Keep debris well away from your home.

Clean out your clothes dryer • Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe for your dryer is not restricted and that the outdoor vent ﬂap will open when the dryer is operating. This includes making sure the outdoor vent ﬂap is not covered by snow. • Move things that can burn, such as boxes, cleaning supplies and clothing, away from the dryer.

Keep debris well away from your home • Dispose of branches, weeds, leaves, pine needles, and grass clippings to avoid their becoming fuel for a ﬁre.

• Clothes that have come in contact with ﬂammable substances should be laid outside to dry ﬁrst, before washing and drying as usual.

Volunteers Needed

It takes a special person to fill the boots of a volunteer firefighter. No experience necessary • Free training

Visit us online at summerﬁeldﬁre.com and click “Community” for information about volunteering

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

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

Scan the QR code for more information Thank you to Moore Music Company for sponsoring this week’s Kids’ Korner

r e n r o K ’ s d i K Batter Up! While Major League Baseball spring

training has been delayed due to an ongoing lockout, spring still means the beginning of baseball and softball season for many youth, college and minor league players.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game! “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” was written in 1908 and has become the unofficial anthem of baseball. The song is usually sung between the halves of the seventh inning, during what is referred to as the “seventh-inning stretch,” and fans are encouraged to stand up and sing along!

Can you fill in the missing lyrics below? Take me out to the __________ game, Take me out with the __________ Buy me some __________ and Cracker Jacks, I don't __________ if I never get back. Let me __________, root, root for the home team, If they don't __________, it's a __________. For it's one, two, three __________, you're out, At the __________ ball game.

Baseball Trivia, true or false?

See answers on pg. 38

True or False? Baseball originated in the Dominican Rupublic. True or False? Babe Ruth has the longest hitting streak in MLB history. True or False? Second base is the base most often stolen. True or False? Hot dogs are the most popular ballpark food. True or False? New York has the oldest MLB stadium in the U.S. True or False? The shortest game in MLB history was 51 minutes.

Youth

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

New Year, New Faces! Making smiles...inside and out! Call or text: 336-274-7649

Summerfield and Greensboro

Dr. Mark Reynolds is thrilled to welcome Dr. Robert Stoner to Reynolds Orthodontics! Currently serving as the Director of Orthodontics at Walter Reed Hospital with the US Navy, he is excited to join private practice. He shares the same commitment to making great smiles as Dr. Reynolds. Call our office to schedule a free consultation with either of these smile-makers!

NWHS senior relishes coaching soccer as much as playing it Tyler Katowitz is loved by his players and valued by Oak Ridge Youth Association because he’s willing to coach whichever team needs him by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – A few years after stepping back from playing soccer at the most competitive level, Tyler Katowitz is standing out in a different role with Oak Ridge Youth Association (ORYA). Now a college-bound senior at Northwest Guilford High School, Katowitz is preparing for his fifth – and final – year as a volunteer head soccer coach. The 18-year-old is the only high school student coaching an ORYA team, making him a favorite among returning players. “Since I’m younger, I think I can connect to them better,” Katowitz said in an interview last week. He’s the middle son of Jeff and Cheryl Katowitz of Oak Ridge. His older brother, Nolan, is a junior at Appalachian State University, and his younger brother, Garrett, is a NWHS junior. ORYA leaders value Katowitz

because of his willingness to coach whichever team needs him, said Tom Collins, the association’s president. “He never cares which team he gets assigned to,” Collins said. “So every season, when we have a few teams that we cannot find coaches for, and spend days begging and begging parents to volunteer, and then threaten to refund registration fees and disband the team, Tyler steps in and makes it possible for kids to play that season.” Katowitz grew up playing soccer through ORYA. He advanced competitively, moving up from the recreational level to the traveling team. He also refereed soccer games, giving him an early lesson in how parents behave – sometimes poorly. As an example, in his first year as a referee, he was calling a close game between 8-year-olds. As he was preparing to blow his whistle to end the game, a parent on the losing side yelled, “Time out! Time out! Time out!” After the game, the parent “came up to me, super mad that I didn’t give the team a time out,” Katowitz said. “I told him there are no timeouts in soccer. He finally gave it up.” As a high school freshman,

Photos courtesy of Tyler Katowitz

 NWHS senior Tyler Katowitz (back row, far left), poses with the Oak Ridge Youth Association soccer team he coached last season;  Katowitz and his team share a moment of celebration after a well-played game. The only high school student coaching an ORYA team, Katowitz is preparing for his fifth and final season as a recreational soccer coach before heading off to college in August.

...continued on p. 27

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

MARCH 3 - 16, 2022

vercome if and only e something

The Oak Ridge Youth Association would like to thank the Oak Ridge Military Academy for hosting the Winter Basketball League. It was so much fun watching local teams from ORYA, the Summerﬁeld Rec Association and Stokesdale Parks and Rec compete against each other this winter! Great job, Bobby!

Lionel Messi

p Now!

ALL FEB 15 ALL FEB 23

For more information about ORYA or to register for upcoming sports and programs, visit

ORYA.ORG TO REGISTER

ORYA.ORG

Oak Ridge Youth Association Youth sports, and a whole lot more! A little history. Since establishing in 1990, Oak Ridge Youth Association (ORYA) has become the #1 association in northwest Guilford County for youth sports programs for boys and girls of all ages. Popular sports such as football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball and cheerleading have attracted over 750 kids to our athletic programs, which continue to grow and strengthen as our community grows and strengthens. ORYA’s partnerships with the Town of Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge Military Academy, Mustang Fitness and Oak Ridge Elementary School have allowed us to offer the best recreational sports programs possible to our local youth and their families. Teen Leadership Team. After realizing there were very few organized recreational opportunities for kids who don't participate in sports, our board of directors began expanding our program base so we could serve these kids. The Teen Leadership Team was formed over four years ago to provide opportunities for our local teens to get involved in planning and hosting community events. Since then, we have had over 100 local high school students organizing and volunteering with the Halloween Terror Trails, charity 5K races, summer camps and other popular events. The Leadership Team’s efforts have helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for charities and local food banks. Although many of the teens initially participated to earn service hours, through experiencing the rewards of community service they have ended up giving so much more than required. Esports. Almost every middle and high school now offers an esports club to their students, and competitive esports has become a billion-dollar industry, with colleges now offering degrees in esports management. Last year, ORYA was very excited to offer the first local esports program to the community. This new program allows children and adults of all ages to compete competitively in games like Madden, Rocket League, Fortnite and Smash Brothers. Facilities updates, maintenance. ORYA’s facilities at Oak Ridge Elementary School have recently undergone many upgrades and improvements. The concession stand was completely refurbished and we now offer snacks and drinks during

practices and games. The baseball fields at the school are also being updated, expanded and improved, including the upcoming addition of a new Tee-ball field. ORYA was able to financially contribute to helping Oak Ridge Military Academy get its basketball courts ready for the winter season. Our association’s directors and coaches work tirelessly, 12 months a year, to keep our grass fields in the best playable conditions for our kids; field maintenance, which requires volunteer time and financial commitments, includes mowing, fertilizing and repairing large grass fields year-round. Supporting the community. ORYA’s board of directors is committed to supporting not only the youth who participate in our programs, but also our community. Recently, we unanimously voted to support Northwest High School’s Mobile Makeover Project, realizing it was a great opportunity to use our resources to make a positive impact on the lives of many of our current and former athletes. Fundraising. Our board is very excited to again have access to Oak Ridge Elementary School’s gym, and we’ve resumed our fundraising efforts to replace the gym floor during an upcoming summer break. New programs. ORYA is always looking for new programs to offer to our community. We’ve recently launched rugby and field hockey programs and are hoping to bring cricket soon! Parent Resource. ORYA insiders know it is the best parent resource around. The ability to influence your children’s experiences and social groups is a core responsibility of parenting, and it is the only group around that allows moms and dads to directly influence and impact their kids’ daily lives. We are 100% managed by parents, for parents. “Ask not what ORYA can do for you, but what you can do for ORYA.” More info. To learn more about our programs, visit www.orya.org or email information@orya.org. Tom Collins, president ORYA

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‘GREASE’ IS THE WORD!

Photo by Summer Taylor, NWMS student

On a recent afternoon, Northwest Middle School students rehearse for the school’s first musical theater production, “Grease,” based on a very popular 1971 musical about teens in love in the 1950s. Jacob Luck, the school’s theatre arts and journalism teacher, is directing the production, assisted by Nicholas Shoaf, music director, and Kelly Greathouse, choreographer. Performances are scheduled for April 28 and 29. Sponsorships to offset the cost of producing this musical are appreciated and available at various levels – for info on sponsoring, email Luckj@gcsnc.com. Look for a feature article about this production in an upcoming issue.

KATOWITZ

...continued from p. 25

Katowitz decided to return to recreational play. “I decided travel soccer wasn’t for me,” he said. “I knew I wasn’t going to play in college.” Running cross country and track and diving proved “more relaxing, less competitive and more fun,” said Katowitz, who also picked up snowboarding. He displays the same easygoing attitude coaching soccer. “I’m not super hard on them,” he said. “I don’t yell at them or make them run unless they’re acting up. We always do something fun.” Katowitz said he understands that some of his players just want to have fun while others are more serious about competing. He tries to accommodate

both groups in his coaching. In games, he added, “I always make sure everyone gets equal playing time.” Katowitz started volunteering for ORYA after his father showed him an email from Collins seeking coaches for the upcoming season. “He’s played all his life, tends to lead kids on the field, so I thought I’d ask if he was interested,” Jeff said. “He didn’t even hesitate. He thought it would be fun and really hasn’t looked back since.” As Katowitz prepares to coach his final season for ORYA, he’s evaluating his options as a college freshman starting in August. He’s been accepted by more than a half dozen colleges – UNC-Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University and Clemson University among them. He said he wants to attend medical school and train to become an orthopedic surgeon.

Players from the 2019 Pigskin for Hodgkins smile big after the game.

Saturday, March 26

12 pm gates open • 1 pm kick-off Northwest Guilford High School R.L. Billings Stadium • 5240 Northwest School Road, Greensboro

Admission: minimum $1 donation at the gate “Four years ago, my little sister, Karly, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Thankfully, she won her battle, but Karly’s journey inspired us to find a way to give back to the community and help other families going through the same experience. “Pigskin for Hodgkins is a charity flag football game that features former high school, college, and professional athletes playing alongside other familiar faces to the area. Each team will feature a celebrity coach that fans will be able to take pictures with and get autographs from. “While football is at the center of what we do, Pigskin For Hodgkins is a family-friendly event that also includes games, prizes, raffles, and food. “To date, we have raised over $25,000 for families battling childhood cancer and Hodgkin’s Lymphoma research. We could not have done this without the outpouring of support from our community.”

For more information, you can visit: www.pigskinforhodgkins.org or follow @pigskinforhodgkins on Instagram

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

MARCH 3 - 16, 2022

Youth Sync

‘Miles for Meaning’

‘Stewards of the legacy’

Log in your steps and miles during the month of March and help Operation Xcel win up to $30,000 STOKESDALE – Operation Xcel, a Stokesdale-based afterschool program that offers academic and enrichment programs for students in kindergarten through middle school grades, is asking the community to take a fitness challenge in the month of March. During this 31-day period, community members are asked to log in their steps, runs, walks, hikes and bike rides to help the program win a $30,000 grand prize through the second annual “Miles for Meaning” challenge. To participate, download the Kilter app (iOS/Android), click “Miles for Meaning,” join the Operation Xcel team, log all of your steps and miles during the month of March and get ready to donate your hustle! For more information about Operation Xcel, visit www.operationxcel.org.

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.

Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO

 Andrew Gunter (right), bugler for BSA Troop 600, plays Taps as Dylan Hirko, senior patrol leader, salutes;  the two Scouts were joined by five other troop members: (L to R) Seth Wilder, Cooper Gee, Elliott Bunthoff, Pratham Peruri and Kyler Morris; all are 14 years old, the same age as Bugler Boy James Gillies when he was killed by British soldiers in 1781. The young men stood solemnly at attention before placing small American ﬂags at Gillies’ memorial site on N.C. 150 in Summerfield on the morning of Feb. 12.

14-year-old Scouts, senior patrol leader and Troop bugler honor fallen bugler boy by PATTI STOKES SUMMERFIELD – A 14-year-old boy killed in the Revolutionary War near present-day Summerfield was honored by seven members of BSA Troop 600 on the morning of Feb. 12. Along with their senior patrol leader, Dylan Hirko, and Troop bugler, Andrew Gunter, five troop members, all 14 years old just as Gillies was when he died, marched along N.C. 150 to the memorial site created several years ago to honor Gen. “Light-Horse” Harry Lee’s bugler boy, James Gillies; the teenager was

(336) 412-7580 | volunteerforgal.org

email 28

MARCH 3 - 16, 2022

killed by Tarleton’s British Dragoons as he was trying to get back to his encampment and warn Lee of their advance. Four times a year – on Feb. 12, the day Gillies was killed, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day, Scouts from Troop 600 gather to pay their respects and honor one of the youngest patriots to die in the Revolutionary War. On their most recent visit, Dylan read a history of the circumstances surrounding Gillies’ death as 14-year-old Scouts Seth Wilder, Cooper Gee, Elliott Bunthoff, Pratham Peruri and Kyler Morris solemnly stood at attention. Afterward, the Scouts placed small American flags at Gillies’ memorial and saluted the site as their troop bugler, Andrew Gunter, played Taps.

“It’s very important to me to honor a young patriot – especially one younger than I am,” Dylan, the senior patrol leader, said following the ceremony. “It really makes you think about people just like us who helped secure the freedoms we have today.” Elliott, age 14, said, “I think it’s crazy how he was so young and could serve in the military.” Kyler, also 14, spoke of what a tremendous responsibility Gillies had at such a young age. “It was very hard for him, I’m sure,” he said. Dylan said he hopes whenever anyone rides by the memorial on N.C. 150 that they’ll think not just about Bugler Boy Gillies, “but about all the other soldiers who fought in the American Revolution to help keep us free and enjoy life as we do today.”

your youth / school news to:

communitynews@nwobserver.com The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

REFUGEES ...continued from p. 1

authorizing their departure, he said they spent about two days getting through the gate at the Kabul airport, without food and water. Others evacuating had similar experiences.

relatives left behind, he said, returning to Afghanistan “would be very dangerous.” A network of volunteers – including some from northwestern Guilford County and Greensboro – is helping ease the arrival for an estimated 350 or more Afghans who’ve relocated to the Triad since last fall after the U.S. military ended its nearly 20-year occupation of Afghanistan in August 2021. Three refugee settlement agencies – North Carolina African Services Coalition, Church World Service Greensboro and World Relief Triad – are assisting new arrivals with crucial services from housing to government assistance to employment networking. Volunteers are stepping in to help with other needs. “You can assume that every refugee in Greensboro has gone through incredible trauma getting here,” said Ellen Ashley, a Summerfield resident who serves as a co-sponsor for two Afghan families. If they hadn’t escaped from Afghanistan, she said, many settling here “would have been killed by the Taliban because they were helping Americans in one form or another.” Mir and his male relatives served in the Afghan military or helped U.S. troops fighting the Taliban, putting them at risk if they had remained in the country.

“They are so happy to feel safe,” Ashley said of the refugees she has worked with. “They feel grateful to be alive.” Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

A family of six Afghan refugees who recently moved to Greensboro uses a cardboard box for storing their shoes when they enter their home.

Ashley is part of a team of volunteers (or co-sponsors) helping a father with seven children, from ages 3 to 19. His wife died a year ago. They are relying upon donated bicycles to get around.

In late August, the Pentagon announced the departure of the last U.S. military planes from Afghanistan, marking the end of the longest U.S. war.

“We are gathering stuff for families,” Ashley said, “but the most important thing these people want is to have friends here.”

Television reports showed the chaos at the Kabul airport surrounded by triumphant Taliban fighters who took control of the country’s capital. Mir said last week he fears for the safety of relatives left behind in Afghanistan.

Cristy Flores, a northwestern Greensboro resident who is sponsoring Mir and his family, agrees about the value of friendship and said a big part of her job is “to be a friend to them and to show them a loving community. I want to help them understand the culture.”

Hiding from the Taliban, Mir said he stayed away from his home and didn’t see his parents for several months before he left the country. Even though Mir and his relatives had paperwork

Flores is giving family members rides to appointments. They’re getting bus passes and preparing to learn English at the Refugee New Arrival Institute in Greensboro.

...continued on p. 30

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

MARCH 3 - 16, 2022

REFUGEES

Photo courtesy of Ellen Ashley

...continued from p. 29

These seven Afghan brothers and sisters arrived recently in Greensboro with their father (who is not pictured) after evacuating from Talibancontrolled Afghanistan. “You can assume that every refugee in Greensboro has gone through incredible trauma getting here,” said Ellen Ashley, a Summerfield resident helping sponsor the family.

“Right now they are dependent upon volunteers,” Flores said. “It is my goal to give them the resources so that they can live their lives independently and support themselves.” Following the Taliban’s takeover, the first Afghan family arrived in Greensboro in late September and received services from the North Carolina African Services Coalition (ASC), the organization legally responsible for settling Afghan families in Greensboro. ASC provided furnished housing and over the next 90 days helped the family arrange government aid, doctor and legal appointments and referrals to employment programs and vocational training, according to Sarah Britt, the coalition’s development and communications manager. Britt’s agency has helped organize more than 50 groups of co-sponsors from churches, social clubs and other organizations. During a presentation at Sedgefield Country Club last week, the coalition distributed a needs list for newly arrived refugees. The list included material things –

affordable housing, donated cars and bicycles, new mattresses, rice cookers, laptop computers, phones and gift cards – and other support such as mental health counseling, social outings and rides to appointments. At the front stoop of the house where Mir lives, a cardboard box turned on its side provides storage for shoes and sandals the relatives leave outside when they enter their home. The family would like a table and chairs for sitting on the screened porch looking into the back yard. Volunteers are also asking for sewing machines for Afghan women who are

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It was through Christy Flores that Wooden was introduced to ASC. Flores, who has personally committed to helping more than 20 Afghan refugees settle into the Greensboro area and is described by Wooden as “amazing,” set her friend up to co-sponsor a family of 10 with her.

A Summerfield woman who asked not to be identified said she’s donated two used sewing machines to newly settled families. She said she’s motivated to buy others to give away.

Wooden said she originally thought, “Well, I could give them a little time here and there.”

“With a sewing machine, so much can be accomplished, from clothing family members to providing an income for a family,” she said. Summerfield resident Melissa Wooden said she got involved with helping Afghan refugees after watching the news last August and seeing so many people clinging to the airport gates in Kabul while begging the military to let them come to the United States.

“I was so moved by that,” Wooden said. “I’ve never CRS, GRI, ABR, SRES experienced that in my life, Realtor 25 years experience where I felt unsafe. I somersiegel@kw.com how won the lottery and was (336) 215-9856 born and raised in the United States. I’ve always felt so comfortablelocal andsince safe here.” The Northwest Observer • Totally 1996

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making and altering clothes for themselves and relatives living with them in Greensboro. Mir’s aunt is learning to operate an electric Brother sewing machine, an upgrade from the manually operated machine she used in Afghanistan.

After visiting with the family, she said she was deeply moved by their story of how they came to America and how they had to fight at the gates to be let in. “One of the women was pushed and shoved around so much for 48 hours that she ended up miscarrying her baby in the airport,” Wooden said. “I realized that they came to America knowing nobody and knowing nothing about our culture. And I realized that if someone like me didn’t step forward to offer their help, I don’t know that they would be successful here. “I fell in love with this family, I am a Christian person, and I believe in the Bible verse that says, ‘Where much is given, much is expected,’” Wooden continued, adding that she sees living in America as a privilege and felt moved to help this family who was so desperately in need. One of a co-sponsor’s responsibilities is to help each family settle into their new home, so Wooden set about reaching out to others she knew and then posted her refugee family’s home

furnishing needs on Facebook. “It took on a life of its own and started getting shared everywhere,” she said. “I even had people in Budapest, Hungary, Venmo me money and people in our community started calling me and emailing me with donations. So many people really wanted to help and didn’t know the best way to do it, but they knew they could do this.” Despite the family being so large they had to be split up into two townhomes, Wooden said the donations were more than enough to furnish both homes – and then some. As the move-in date neared, the family came to her house to start sorting through the donated items in her overflowing garage. “The first question they asked was, ‘Is this all for us?’ And I said, ‘Yes, it’s all for you – and there’s even more somewhere else,’” Wooden said. “At first, they had no words. And then they said, ‘I can’t believe someone would just donate like this to people they don’t know.’” Wooden said the mother of the family, who was so overwhelmed by the generosity of strangers, then

stopped and started to pray. “She prayed for every person who was a part of this donation effort and who helped their family in this way,” Wooden said. After moving the family into their two townhomes, Wooden said they quickly asked if there was another family the extra items could be given to. “I was so moved by that – here they had nothing, but they were already thinking of how to help others,” Wooden said. For those who would want to help the refugees but might be hesitant because of the language barrier, cultural differences and time commitment, Wooden had this to say: “Don’t let the differences in culture stop you – they look at anyone helping them with such gratitude in their eyes. Every little bit counts, and we all have something we can contribute to people in need. We can show them how to ride a bus, or how to get a cell phone. We can drive the children to school or the adults to job interviews. And we can just walk alongside them and be their friend.”

Wooden also advises anyone concerned about committing to a sponsorship to consider joining a group or creating a new one so they can combine their efforts. “Just do it,” she said. “It’s such a great experience, and it’s changed my life. African Services Coalition asked sponsors to make a six-month commitment, but I look at this as, these are friends for a lifetime.”

want to help? Three organizations are assisting Afghan refugees settling in the Greensboro area. For more information, visit the websites of North Carolina African Services Coalition at www.ascafrica.org, Christian World Service Greensboro at www.cwsgreensboro.org and World Relief Triad at www.worldrelief.org/triad. New Garden Friends Meeting at 801 New Garden Road, Greensboro, is accepting donations for refugees and has set up weekday hours for people to drop off and pick up items in the basement. For details, visit the church’s website, www.ngfm.org, and click on the Refugee support update link.

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GRINS and GRIPES

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

 Our child’s bus driver, Mrs. Roxanne. We are so lucky to have a bus driver who takes such fantastic care of our greatest treasures each day!  Miss Heather, at Northstar Medical Group in Stokesdale, for being so very sweet and helpful to me. Everyone there was amazing, but Heather is a gem.  The ORES PTO volunteers and Summit Church for hosting a

wonderful Father-Daughter dance! It was so refreshing to be able to see everyone’s smiling faces. So many children said “I had the best time ever!” Well-deserved fun times! #FreeTheSmiles  Kimberly Thacker Accounting in Stokesdale. It’s always a pleasure to work with Kimberly, who does our taxes. She’s professional and makes you feel like family.  Ms. Neal for being my children’s bus driver for six years and driving them safely and giving them love.

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 Scout Troops 465 and 139, Pack 130 for their food drive for Guilford Backpack Ministry. They collected 2,608 food items, which will feed 100 kids in our area for a month.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

$800,000.  The “Karen” who griped about “maskless” ORES PTO during Daddy/ Daughter dance. Try some appreciation the next time people spend months planning and preparing events for our kids to finally enjoy (and see smiles!) Have you volunteered lately for your school/community?  The young man driving the black Dodge truck and fueling up on Tuesday (Feb. 15) at the Shell station. You were incredibly disrespectful for blaring music with racial slurs and foul language while pumping gas.  The business owner of a small, local construction company for screaming extremely vulgar and personally offensive expletives at the BB&T employees in the drive-through.  Oak Ridge Town Council for not putting a basketball hoop in the town park because “it will attract the wrong kind of people.” Maybe we should have more than five people on the town council. Editor’s note: Just to clarify, that statement was made over three years ago by one town council member, and there was no indication it reflected the feelings of all council members who served on the council at that time. In recent months – and on numerous occasions – we’ve written about Oak Ridge Town Council’s plans for Heritage Farm Park, which include a basketball court. Here’s an excerpt from an article we published last August: “The town’s capital improvement plan calls for additional spending after this fiscal year’s $855,000 appropriation. The plan recommends construction of two lighted multi-purpose fields and trails during the fiscal year starting July 1, 2022, at an estimated cost of

“The plan also envisions a 1.2-mile trail circling Heritage Farm Park, with a playground, picnic shelters, tennis courts, a basketball court and a site honoring veterans.” And last September, we published this same information in a follow-up article about Heritage Farm Park: “…The plan also envisions a 1.2mile trail circling Heritage Farm Park, with a playground, picnic shelters, tennis courts, a basketball court and a site honoring veterans.”  People who use the anonymity of Grins & Gripes as a platform to act upon their personal vendettas and political platforms. Keep the NWO pure, fun and informative and keep the town gossip to yourselves.  Northwest Observer for pushing anti-science right-wing propaganda from Matthew Schneider. His comments were outside the lines. Editor’s note: Frankly, I’m taken aback that the griper is anonymously shaming us for reporting what a citizen who identified himself publicly said during the public comments period of a local town council meeting. Furthermore, what I find “outside the lines” is the griper’s suggestion that by merely reporting on the citizen’s comments our newspaper is guilty of “pushing anti-science right-wing propaganda.” Perhaps the griper would be better served from this point forward if he/she only reads what can be guaranteed to align with his/her own opinions and let the rest of us hear what others have to say, then have the freedom to agree or disagree.

 The teacher at Northwest High School who insists on having political debates with students. Stop wasting time and stick to the curriculum!

the cloak of darkness. Days later, CDC classifies Guilford County as high risk; masks should be required indoors. That didn’t age well.

Outside the

…

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

GRINS to...

 Our founding fathers for our Constitution and First and Second Amendments, which should not be infringed upon.  President Biden for strengthening the NATO alliance which was battered by the fawning over and

groveling under the Russian tyrant by our former president. Glory to Ukraine and its brave people!

GRIPES to...

 The reader who said there was no evidence the president is responsible for empty shelves, high gas prices and inflation. Who took away our energy independence, put mandates on truckers and production workers? I did educate myself. He’s responsible!  Trump haters, better stock up on tissues, because it looks like special counsel John Durham is slowly unveiling evidence Hillary did exactly what she accused Trump of doing.

HOT. RAIN. COLD.

Tested for every weather extreme

 Duke Energy, for leaving us without power for hours when there is no reason other than they can. Too bad we don’t have other options.

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 Guilford County Schools for rescinding the mask mandate under

Keep up with what’s up:

/NorthwestObserver The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

MARCH 3 - 16, 2022

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covering northwest Guilford County’s

local matters since November 1996 www.nwobserver.com /NorthwestObserver

LETTERS/OPINIONS

Submit your letters (maximum 350 words) online: nwobserver.com e-mail: editor@nwobserver.com

Include your name, daytime phone number and name of community. Letters from the same writer will be published no more than every 30 days.

Technology: the good, the bad, and here forever (deal with it) Technology can be both helpful and harmful to our lives. It gives us a lot of tools to create and connect. Technology also helped out a lot during the last school year and the last part of the year before that, when all of us were remote.

people from across the world in a few seconds, depending on the cell service. You can even see people face-toface through programs like Zoom and FaceTime. You can also play games with your friends online even if you can’t meet in person.

Although technology can hurt in different ways, too, I personally think it helps more than it hurts.

Despite sometimes causing social anxiety, and distracting people from paying attention to the world around them, technology can help our society. It gives us a lot of ways to connect to others and create games, websites, videos, and more. These are my reasons that convey technology helps us. The internet and electronic devices improve our society.

Technology gives us a lot of ways to create. Some people even make a living using technology to animate things, create games, and make online comics and art. People also make websites to help inform people or to access other people’s creations. Technology can also be used for just making things that are funny or pointless, that you just want to do for fun. Before technology, people had to send mail that took a long time to reach the recipient. Now you can text

Finn Capwell OAK RIDGE The writer is a member of Boy Scout Troop 600 and wrote this editorial for his communications merit badge.

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MARCH 3 - 16, 2022

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

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 AUTO SALES & SERVICE

SAM'S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 965-7955.

Place online at

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

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

INDEX Auto Sales & Service ........ 35 Childcare Available .......... 35 Employment .................... 35 Lost & Found................... 35 Consignment Sale............ 36 Yard Sale......................... 36 Home Services ........... 36-38 Misc. Services .................. 38 Misc. For Sale .................. 38 Misc. Wanted .................. 38 Real Estate ...................... 38

CHOICE TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE. Oil changes, inspections, alignments and general automotive repairs. 1080 US Hwy 66 S, Kernersville, NC. (336) 992-9002. KNIGHT IMPORT SPECIALTY SERVICE. European Auto Service & Repair. 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.

 CHILDCARE AVAILABLE MT. PISGAH WEEKDAY SCHOOL. Open enrollment for 2022/2023 school year. Toddler-PreK. mpws@mtpisgahgso.org.

 EMPLOYMENT The TOWN OF OAK RIDGE is accepting applications for a full-time Parks & Recreation Groundskeeper II. Applicable experience required. Starting pay $15-17/hr. DOQ plus generous beneﬁts package. Applicants must have clean NCDL and pass background check. Applications can be found at oakridgenc.com (click on Employment tab). Candidates can submit applications to Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road, (M-F, 8:30am-4:30pm) or email to tlannon@oakridgenc.com.

HIRING?

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 EMPLOYMENT

CLEAR VIEW ENDOSCOPY is seeking a Purchasing/Shipping and Receiving clerk to join our team. The right person will have a demonstrated ability to multitask with a focus on managing inventory and overseeing the daily shipping and receiving. We oﬀer medical, vision and dental insurance as well as PTO and a 401(k). If you are interested please provide resume, and salary requirements to humanresources@cvendoscopy.com.

JOIN OUR TEAM. Texturing, twisting, extrusion, spinning, quality testing. We value your experience and knowledge to help us fill in our flexible, part-time weekend coverage or scheduled, fulltime positions at our Greensboro facility. Small crews; clean, temperaturecontrolled, friendly work environment. If you are interested, please send your resumé/contact info to us at HRNC@hempblack.com.

The Northwest Observer covering local matters since 1996!

PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT. Greensboro Day School is looking for individuals to drive for athletic and ﬁeld trip events! Don't have a commercial driver's license? No problem; we can help you accomplish that at no expense to you. Contact Transportation Director, (336) 288-8590, ext. 261. DRIVER NEEDED. Cargo van and box truck. Clean driving record. Dependable person with a valid NC driver's license. Pickup and drop-oﬀ. Loading and unloading materials from truck. Must be able to stand for long periods of time. High school diploma, or equivalent, and 1 year experience desired. Prompt arrival every day, good work ethic and attitude. Paid holidays and vacation, medical insurance, 401(k) with employer matching funds. Please contact Nicole, (336) 855-2624. 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. YOUTH PROGRAM director/teacher. Parttime, 10 hours per week. Peace United Church of Christ. Send letter of interest and resumé to Reverendtom65@gmail.com. MT. PISGAH WEEKDAY SCHOOL is looking for substitute teachers for the current school year and Fall 2022. mpws@mtpisgahgso.org.

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

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. EXPERIENCED SEAMSTRESS needed to sew high-end pillows. Workfrom-home position. Send contact info to joe@oakridgesamplecompany.com.

Stay CONNECTED to your community facebook/northwestobserver

 LOST & FOUND

LOST DOG. Golden retriever named Stella. Reward if found/returned. Please call/text (336) 420-0208.

continued on p. 36

MARCH 3 -316, 2022 MARCH - 16, 2022

35 35

CONSIGNMENT SALE/ SAVE THE DATE

YARD SALE

HOME SERVICES

YARD SALE – ROUND 2! Sat., March 5, 8am-noon. 5740 Bunch Road, Oak Ridge. All new items for sale. Furniture, housewares, books, CDs, craft supplies, décor, clothes, etc.

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

LOW-COST GARAGE DOORS. Repair and sales. 35 years exp. (336) 207-1003.

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

CLEANING

trinitytotstoteens.wordpress.com

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

Spring Sale

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.

9 am - 7 pm

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

Friday, Mar. 11

Saturday, Mar. 12 8 am - 1 pm Want to declutter and make some cash? Register to become a consignor at trinitytotstoteens.wordpress.com

THE CLEANING TECHNICIAN LLC. Back in business. Spring cleaning is just around the corner. I would like to offer my cleaning services. I do detailed cleaning. Licensed, bonded, insured and vaccinated. Call Lisa, (336) 207-0770. KC CLEANING & PAINTING. Deep, basic, move-in/out clean; interior paint and decks. Free estimates. 20 yrs. exp. (336) 604 -3249.

• Consignors can earn up to 70% of sales • Sale proceeds benefit Trinity Preschool • Unsold items are donated to Freedom House

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

Facebook & Instagram-

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.

Trinity Tots to Teens

Trinity Covenant Church 5200 W. Friendly Ave., GSO Trinity Tots to Teens

36 MARCH MARCH - 16, 2022 3 -316, 2022

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

DECORATING

PLACE YOUR AD: nwobserver.com

ELECTRICAL Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? It's portable generator season. Call Coble Electric LLC at (336) 209-1486. CKH ELECTRIC, LLC. Give us a call for your next residential, commercial, or industrial project. Free estimates. Licensed, insured, and BBB accredited. (336) 414-4899. BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC. Residential, commercial and solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192.

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

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES 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. FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, generators, power washers, 4-wheelers, ATVs, golf carts, tools, electrical and metal items, etc. (336) 689-4167. AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350. OLD SCHOOL HOME REPAIR See display ad on page 18. CLOCK SERVICE. Free house calls for sick clocks. 8103 Windspray Dr., Summerfield. (336) 643-9931. 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.

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

GARY’S HANDYMAN HOME SERVICES “Providing value for the home-ownership experience.” Gary Gellert, serving NC’s Piedmont Triad area. Garygellert@gmail.com, (336) 423-8223.

GRADING / HAULING H&L GRADING, LLC. No job too tough or too small. Call us first! We are a full service grading company that specializes in residential projects. Owner/Operator Timmy Hart has more than 30 years of grading and equipment experience. Fully licensed and insured. Land clearing, debris removal, driveways, French drains and much more. Call Bobby Lipstreu, (336) 543-7867. E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, demolition, lot clearing, excavating, bobcat work, etc. (336) 451-1282. ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt, available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035. DTW GRADING & HAULING, INC. Offering a sum of aggregates, including but not limited to: fill dirt, stone, asphalt millings, and crushed concrete. We also offer full bobcat services. Driveways, minor clearing, drainage solutions and snow removal. Daniel Wilson, (336) 339-0212. 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.

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.

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

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 HOME SERVICES

WILSON

Seamless Gutters

Installation, repair, replacement, Leaf Guard

Stokesdale

336-420-0200 LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

DeLima

Lawn Care commercial & residential

Available 7 days/week

 HOME SERVICES

SOUTHERN CUTZ LAWN CARE. Oﬀering complete lawn maintenance services, landscaping, bush hogging, privacy fence installation/repair/staining, and stump grinding. Nathan Adkins, (336) 430-6086.

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.

GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490. HILL LAWNCARE & OUTDOOR SERVICES. Free est. Call (336) 669-5448. WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Lawn maint., landscaping. Irrigation/ landscape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 years exp. (336) 399-7764. ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. (336) 643-9157.

mowing ● pruning ● mulch/pine needles & much more

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FREE ESTIMATES

STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. FREE est. 40+ years experience. Lots & natural area thinning & cleanup, large shrubbery jobs. Seasoned ﬁrewood delivered. Oak Ridge. (336) 643-1119. 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. CM STUMP GRINDING, LLC. Family owned and operated. Commercial/residential. Free quotes! (336) 317-4600. EXTERIOR GREENSCAPES. Lawn maintenance service. Call for a free estimate (336) 682-1456. ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981.

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

Owner: JC Ruiz ● 336.669.5210

DSL DRAIN SYSTEMS & LANDSCAPING. (336) 362- 4354.

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.

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

Call or text (336) 362-5860 www.colfaxlawncare.com

MASONRY SOUTHERN STYLE Concrete & Landscape. 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.

CONCRETE COATINGS Flake Epoxy Systems Garage Floor and Concrete Resurfacing Decorative Concrete Overlays Eric Sauls, Owner ● (336) 970-3543 Call for your free estimate

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

The Northwest Observer covering local matters since 1996!

PAINTING & DRYWALL

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

(336) 931-0600

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

LAWSON'S PAINTING. Custom decks, pressure washing, boat docks, block ﬁll, wood repair, stain work, textured ceilings, sheetrock repair. Call (336) 253-9089. PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR, 40 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. Average BDRM walls $100. Insured. Call Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186.

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

 HOME SERVICES

working in NW Guilford County since 1999

Residential • Commercial • Licensed & Insured

Available 7 days/week

emergencies, parties, preparing for guests, etc.

Owner: Carlos Ruiz

336.669.5210 ● carlospainting14@live.com

FREE ESTIMATES

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

PLUMBING SIGNATURE PLUMBING. Local, experienced, clean, and work is guaranteed. Please call (336) 279-6196. 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. BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR. No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic./ Ins. Cleanliness in your home is our #1 priority. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924.

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

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION 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.

continued on p. 38

MARCH 3 -3 16, 2022 MARCH - 16, 2022

 HOME SERVICES Services TM Construction , INC

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Outdoor living spaces | Fire pits

(336) 644-8615 office (336) 508-5242 cell Licensed & insured

NC Gen. Contractor #72797

tmcsi.net

 HOME 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.

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

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

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

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

Of The Triad

PAINTING, DECKS AND MORE. Call Premier Construction for free estimates. (336) 430-9507.

The Bathroom of Your Dreams in as Little as a Day

AMERICAN BUILDER CONSTRUCTION. Repairs & remodeling, kitchens/baths, additions, decks, attics, basements. Licensed & insured. Short wait list. NC general contractors. (336) 225-7478.

NCGC License #84330

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, rooﬁng, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 41 yrs. exp. (336) 362-6343.

Offer a home service? Place your ad:

(336) 497-0765 www.BathPlanetTriad.com ROOFING BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Lifetime shingle and metal rooﬁng. We ﬁ nance. Free Estimates. Since 1979. Please call (336) 362-6343. DUSTIN CLINARD ROOFING. Shingles, metal, and leak repairs. Call (336) 268-1908 CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC. 40 + years experience. (336) 643-8191.

Baseball Trivia, true or false? From pg. 24 False. Baseball originated in the Dominican Republic.

Baseball orginated in England and descends from two English games: cricket and rounders.

False. Babe Ruth has the longest hitting streak in MLB history.

Joe DiMaggio scored a 56-game hitting streak in the 1941 season while playing for the NY Yankees.

True. Second base is the base most often stolen.

Second base is farthest from the home plate and requires a longer throw from the catcher, so it is easier to steal than any other base.

True. Hot dogs are the most popular ballpark food. False. New York has the oldest MLB stadium.

Fenway Park in Boston, home of the Boston Red Sox, is the oldest MLB stadium – built in 1912.

True. The shortest game in MLB history was 51 minutes. The New York Giants defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 6-1 in 1919.

38 MARCH - 16, 2022 38 MARCH 3 -316, 2022

 MISC. SERVICES

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

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

FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, generators, power washers, 4-wheelers, ATVs, golf carts, tools, electrical and metal items, etc. (336) 689-4167. YARN NEEDED to make children's hats for Samaritan's Purse Shoebox Ministry. Call Beth, (336) 644-8155. FABRIC NEEDED for Samaritan’s Purse Shoebox Ministry to make dresses and skirts for girls. Cotton fabrics work best, any amount. Also need buttons, ribbon, lace trimming, elastic and thread. Call Beth, (336) 644-8155.

(336) 643-9963 • 8207 B & G Court, Stokesdale PORTABLE WELDING SERVICE. Welding & fabrication services. Call (336) 908-6906. 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.

 MISC. FOR SALE SEASONED FIREWOOD. Any size load delivered or you pick up. Steve Newman Tree Service. Call (336) 643-1119. HONDA GX390 portable generator, Craftsman 46” riding mower/steel cart, weed eater, chainsaws, Husqvarna blowers, power/yard tools, tools, outdoor table/4chairs, gas grill. (336) 643-5818. FOR SALE. 264-gal. totes, food grade plastic, $200 ea.; 59-gal. closed head drums, food grade plastic, $40 ea. At Stoneﬁeld Cellars Winery. Thur.-Sat., 12-6pm. (336) 644-9908. SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered and stacked, 1/2 cord, $90. Call (336) 686-6373.

 REAL ESTATE LAND FOR SALE HOMESITE. 6108 Gwynedd Rd, Summerﬁeld. 1.3 acres. Perked for 4 BD. Stunning home presentation. Info on site. $85,000. (336) 643-7071.

LAND WANTED WANTED: LAND. We buy land! Any shape, size, location considered. Cash money! Please call (336) 430-9507 anytime.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

We Help Everyone! SELLERS & BUYERS

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

GotPlace stuﬀ? Need stuﬀ? your ad today: www.nwobserver.com

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

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and tell them where you saw their ad.

Without their partnership, the Northwest Observer could not be free to you, our readers! ACCOUNTING

Carlotta Lytton, CPA............................ 22 Kimberly Thacker Accounting.............. 22 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC.......34

AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE

Beamer Tire & Auto ............................ 11 EuroHaus ......................................34, 35 Piedmont Truck Tires............................. 9 Prestige Car Wash ............................... 20 Tire Max................................................ 5

BANK / LENDING

NFM Lending ...................................... 17

BUILDING / REMODELING

DeVaney Dentistry ............................... 26 Magnolia Shores Family Dental ........... 32

EVENTS

Pigskin for Hodgkins ............................ 27 Trinity Covenant Preschool Sale ...........36

EVENT VENUE

The Gardens at Gray Gables ............... 31

FAMILY / SCIENCE MUSEUM / ZOOLOGICAL PARK

Greensboro Science Center ................. 16

GROCERIES / SUPPLIES

Southern Foods ...................................29

HAIR CARE

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

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

BEK Paint Company ............................ 37

edition

Barbour & Williams Law ...................... 19

MEDICAL / HEARING / PT

MUSIC LESSONS / INSTRUMENTS

DENTAL SERVICES

2022

LEGAL SERVICES

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Merchants of Oak Ridge ..................... 15 Summerfield Fire Department ............. 23

Spring

Carlos & Son Painting.......................... 37 Carpets by Direct ................................... 3 CharCo Concrete Coatings .................. 37 Colfax Lawn Care ................................ 37 DeLima Lawn Care ............................. 37 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery .... 6 Stokesdale Heating & Air.....................33 Stokesdale Storage ..............................38 Wilson Seamless Gutters ..................... 37

Guardian Ad Litem .............................. 28

CHILDREN’S SERVICES

March 31

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES, cont.

Aim Hearing & Audiology.................... 43 Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist ....... 3 Atrium Health WFB, Summerfield .......29 Health Team Advantage ....................... 8 LeBauer HealthCare............................ 28 Novant – Forsyth Pediatrics Oak Ridge..32 Oak Ridge Physical Therapy ................30

Bath Planet .........................................38 Old School Home Repair..................... 22 Superior Outdoor Spaces....................... 6 TM Construction Services ....................38

Coming

IT’S TIME to reserve your ad space!

Moore Music Company ....................... 35

ORTHODONTIC CARE

Olmsted Orthodontics ......................... 21 Reynolds Orthodontics ........................ 25

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

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

REAL ESTATE

Lakefront Home For Sale by Owner....... 7 A New Dawn Realty ............................38 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX ....................34 Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams ............30

RESTAURANTS

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

YOUTH SPORTS / PROGRAMS

National Flag Football ........................... 4 Oak Ridge Youth Association .............. 26 The Northwest Observer YMCA of Greensboro .......................... 22 •

Home-grown stories about everything from maintaining and improving your home, to housing trends, history and humor of life in northwest Guilford County

In print every spring and fall and online year-round at nwobserver.com Contact us at advertising@nwobserver.com or (336) 644-7035, ext. 11, to secure your spot Totally local since 1996

MARCH 3 - 16, 2022

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Oak Ridge,NC NC Oak Ridge, PermitNo. No.22 22 Permit

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

ECRWSS ECRWSS

(L to R) Stokesdale Town Councilman Jimmy Landreth, his wife, Karen, three of their grandkids – Jackson, Savannah and Reagan – and their mother, Paige Landreth, enjoyed reading the Northwest Observer together during a recess at the Stokesdale Town Council meeting in December. By the way, when asked to “look up” (meaning, toward the camera), Reagan obediently did literally what was asked of her and looked straight up.

Jenna Gray and her mother, Livi Shepherd Gray, are all smiles as they share a copy of the Northwest Observer while at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem.

Going near or far? 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