Northwest Observer / March 17-30, 2022

March 17 - 30, 2022

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bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since November1996

Couch, opponents dueling over Summerfield Farms development

Summerfield natives Elissa Cunane (left), a senior at N.C. State University, and Elizabeth Kitley, a junior at Virginia Tech, compete in a hard-fought college basketball game earlier this season. The two long-time friends have been racking up ACC and national awards throughout their college careers.

Kitley, who played at Northwest Guilford High School, recently grabbed Atlantic Coast Conference women’s basketball Player of the Year, marking the first time in conference history the Hokies have produced the league’s player of the year. Cunane, a Northern Guilford High School standout, is credited with leading the Wolfpack to what may be their most successful season since the days of the late Coach Kay Yow, and according to swishappeal.com, “Cunane’s future as a WNBA draftee has seemed certain for years.”

Basketball honors pile up for Summerfield’s Kitley, Cunane

Photo by Chris Downey, N.C. State University

by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – Landowner David Couch and opponents of his proposed development of 973 acres in Summerfield are stepping up efforts to sway the

News in brief ......................................... 2 Your Questions ..................................... 4 Summerfield Town Council ..............6 Stokesdale Town Council meeting.. 10

...continued on p. 27

Council member, parents frustrated at school funding disparities ‘This is bigger than me,’ Stokesdale council member and parent Derek Foy said. ‘It’s about our school system and our local schools.’

Former Northwest and Northern by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield basketball stars Guilford high school standouts Elizabeth Kitley and Elissa Cunane continue to rack are among the best collegiate up awards as they lead their collegiate teams into players in the country as they the NCAA tournament, starting this week. head into the NCAA tournament ...continued on p. 29 by PATTI STOKES

IN THIS ISSUE

views of residents and Town Council members.

The two sides offer starkly different predictions about how Couch’s proposed Villages of

Stokesdale Councilman Derek Foy grew up in northwest Guilford County and attended northwest-area schools all the way through graduation from Northwest High School. He now has a son who is a student in the Guilford County Schools system, and as a parent and

...continued on p. 3

Oak Ridge Town Council meeting..12

Revaluations prompt sticker shock ..22

Letters/Opinions.................................32

Welcome to our new advertisers ... 14

NWO Kids’ Korner .............................. 26

Grins and Gripes ...............................32

NWO Business/Real Estate ............... 15

Youth Sync ..........................................28

Classifieds ...........................................35

Hardin Farm and Stables ................. 17

Community Calendar .....................30

Index of Advertisers...........................39

Residents debate church location..18

Crime/Incident Report ..................... 31

NWO On The Go ................................40

NEWS in brief

Summerfield prepares to borrow money for first time The Town Council plans to decide March 22 whether to proceed with a $1.8 million loan for construction of the new town hall

by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – For the first time in Summerfield’s history, the Town Council is preparing to borrow money.

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

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MARCH 17 - 30, 2022

The council instructed finance officer Dee Hall during its March 8 meeting to start preparing paperwork for a 10-year loan of $1.8 million from Pinnacle Financial Partners. The town secured an annual interest rate of 2.25% in an environment where many expenses, including borrowing costs, are rising.

“I don’t think anybody thinks interest rates aren’t going to go up since everything else is going up,” Hall told the council. “While we have that rate locked in, it would be good to get things moving.”

The council plans to decide during a budget planning meeting March 22 whether to take on debt for the first time since Summerfield’s incorporation 26 years ago. The loan would help pay for construction of the new town hall.

The Finance Committee recommended the borrowing during its meeting last month. If the council decides to borrow, the state’s Local The Northwest Observer •Government Totally local since 1996 Commission would decide

whether to approve the loan. The commission determines whether municipalities across the state can afford to repay debt.

“Summerfield has not had any debt before,” Hall told the council. As of Feb. 28, the town had an unassigned fund balance, or savings, of nearly $5 million, according to the town’s balance sheet.

If Summerfield proceeds with the loan, the town would pay an annual principal of $180,000 for 10 years, according to Hall. It would also pay two interest payments of about $20,000, with the interest declining as the principal goes down.

The new town hall would serve as collateral for the loan, Hall said.

There’s no prepayment penalty.

Summerfield would receive a lump-sum payment at the outset of the loan, followed by drawdowns of funds as the town incurs costs for building the town hall.

During its April 12 meeting, the council expects to get final cost estimates for the project from architectural firm Creech & Associates and construction manager Samet Corp.

If the council decides to build a new town hall, town staff would bid the project, according to a timeline on the town’s website.

Last November, the council decided to move ahead with plans for the town hall, despite estimated costs exceeding the original $3.5 million budget by about $272,934. Creech and Samet were authorized to proceed with the design of the building and finalize costs. The council also instructed the Finance Committee to evaluate how to pay for the project – cash, borrowing or a combination of both.

...continued from p. 1

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community representative, he said he feels compelled to speak out about what he sees as a disparity in distribution of funds to northwest-area schools.

Before addressing the school board at its March 8 meeting, Foy created a spreadsheet with data from the county’s Expenses Per Pupil report for the 2020 fiscal year (the most recent year data was provided). The spreadsheet lists total per pupil spending per school, sorted by grand total, state funds, federal funds, and local funds.

Based on that information, Foy pointed out to the school board that the northwest feeder elementary schools of Summerfield, Pearce, Colfax, Stokesdale and Oak Ridge are funded on average 23% less per pupil than the county average for elementary schools.

Additionally, he said Northwest and Kernodle middle schools are funded on average 14% less per pupil than the county middle school average, with Northwest Middle being the lowestfunded middle school per pupil in the county. Finally, Northwest High School is funded 23% less per pupil than the county average for high schools.

“NWHS is the lowest funded school per pupil in the county – and it’s not even close,” Foy said, noting that if GCS continues this trend it “will inevitably yield a reduction in desired student outcomes.”

Private individuals and organizations in the northwest school district have resorted to raising capital to address serious aging school infrastructure concerns such as mold remediation and inadequate plumbing in the mobile learning units at NWHS, Foy noted. Meanwhile, he said GCS has continuously asked the county for larger and larger sums of money.

“That’s money that comes from taxpayers in the northwest part of our county,” he said. “I perceive that we aren’t getting reasonable returns on our tax dollars given the disparity in funding allocated to northwest area schools compared to their peer county schools.”

Following the period for public comments, GCS Superintendent Sharon Contreras, in an apparent direct response

to Foy’s remarks, said that “so much information goes out to the public,” and “the board is not allocating the northwest schools with less money than the other schools.” She said the discrepancy Foy alluded to was because of Title 1 funding to schools in low-income areas. “Exceptional children” (those with disabilities) and English-language learners also receive additional funds, Contreras noted.

The superintendent went on to say that zip codes 27408, 27310, 27358, 27455 and 27235 are among the Top 10 wealthiest zip codes in the Piedmont Triad area, and she indicated all five are in northwest Guilford County.

In an interview earlier this week, Foy said he disagrees with all of Contreras’ comments.

“First, she implied I was spreading misinformation,” he said. “I find that comment ironic when the information I shared were figures extracted from a report issued by GCS. “Second, she stated I was just looking at Title 1 funding,” he continued. “That’s false. I was looking at all sources of funding. If you remove Title 1 funding (federal funding) from the equation, that doesn’t change the fact that all northwest-area schools are drastically underfunded when compared to the county average per pupil.

“Third, she said that northwest-area schools were not being allocated less money than other schools in the county,” Foy said. “Then she gave the floor to her CFO, who in essence contradicted the superintendent’s statement by saying that GCS does weigh school allotment formulas differently… If GCS doesn’t like what their self-reported data illustrates, a better path forward would be to acknowledge it and formulate a plan to address it. To imply that I was spreading misinformation by speaking and sharing my concerns regarding their published data is garbage.”

Northwest High School PTSO President Melissa Stallings said she was “floored” by Contreras’ remarks at the school board meeting.

“Sadly, her rebuttal does not surprise me,” Stallings said. “Instead of saying, ‘we would like to look at your data,’ her immediate answer was, ‘you live in the wealthiest area.’

What does that have to do with anything?”

When asked about some of the critical

ST OK E UM SDA C LE

SCHOOL FUNDING

The Northwest Observer ...continued on p. 5 • Totally local since 1996

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HIGHWAY 158

MARCH 17 - 30, 2022

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your QUESTIONS I understand Oak Ridge councilman Doug Nodine resigned earlier this month. What is the process for filling his seat on the council?

Mayor Ann Schneider announced during the Town Council’s March 3 meeting that Nodine had resigned earlier in the week. During the meeting, Town Manager Bill Bruce noted, “It is up to council to determine the process for filling that seat.”

According to G.S. 160A-63, “A vacancy that occurs in an elective office of a city shall be filled by appointment of the city council.”

While state law clearly states the

Doug Nodine, who was elected to Oak Ridge Town Council in November 2015 and reelected in November 2019, submitted his resignation earlier this month.

council is responsible for filling vacancies, the timing and method are not spelled out. The statute does state that whoever is appointed will serve until the next general election, regardless of when the elected council member’s term expired.

The next general election is scheduled in November 2023, which is also when Nodine’s four-year term expires.

Schneider said several residents – whom she wouldn’t identify – have expressed an interest in serving on the council.

The mayor invited residents to contact her or other council members if

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they’d like to be considered as Nodine’s replacement. That’s basically the extent of what’s required of residents.

In fact, Schneider said, trying to succeed Nodine is actually simpler than applying to serve on a town committee or board, which requires completion of a volunteer application.

“The lack of process doesn’t mean it’s not taken very, very seriously,” she said. “Doug was a fantastic member of council and we need another fantastic member of council.”

Although state statute does not set a time limit for replacing a town council member, Schneider said the council may take up the issue as soon as its April 7 meeting.

“When we feel ready, we will place it on the council agenda,” she said. “It certainly behooves us to appoint someone sooner rather than later.”

During the meeting, Town Clerk Sandra Smith will ask council members for nominations for Nodine’s seat.

Council members will then elect the new member, who will take the oath of office and start serving during the meeting, according to the mayor.

Nodine, who sailed to reelection as Oak Ridge’s top vote-getter in the November 2019 election, proved to be a contrarian on some topics. For instance, he opposed the creation of a municipal water system in Oak Ridge while other council members supported the proposal.

Nodine’s successor “could be another contrarian if we thought that person brought something special and important to council in terms of leadership and understanding of what’s best” for Oak Ridge, Schneider said.

“We always look for a broad range of opinions and input,” she noted. “We never want a ‘yes’ person.”

She added that council members are looking for “proven leadership abilities. We always want someone who’s going to think hard about the issues facing Oak Ridge.”

SCHOOL FUNDING

said, noting it may have been good timing that last month, when County ComPediatric and adult audiological services missioner Chair Skip Alston was touring the school facility, the septic system at How We Can Help Expertise on all levels of the middle school was so backed up it How We Can Help hearing technology and was bubbling feces on the baseball field.

Pediatric and adult assistive devices audiological services “In this particular community, I think Pediatric and adult audiological services people are uneducated as to what is really Expertise on all levels of Speciality in Cochlear hearing technology and happening,” Stallings said. “They know this Expertise on all levels of assistive devices Implant evaluations, hearing technology and particular area has very good teachers and device selection, and assistive devices Specialty in Cochlear is very well supported from an administraprogramming Implant evaluations, Speciality in Cochlear device selection, and tive standpoint. And yes, we are – but it Implant evaluations, programming device selection, and does not explain the disparity in funding.”

Tinnitus assessments programming and Tinnitus assessments and To address the mounting school individualized counseling individualized counseling Tinnitus assessments and facilities’ needs, a $1.7 billion bond individualized counseling Earwax removal referendum as well as a proposal for a Earwax removal Earwax removal quarter-cent sales and use tax will be Hearing aid repairs included on the ballot during the May The Most Trusted Hearing Care aid repairs Hearing aidHearing repairs 2022 primary election.

Experts the Trusted Piedmont Triad Area The in Most Hearing Care Stallings and Foy said they have The most trusted hearing care Experts in the Piedmont Triad Area concerns about northwest-area schools (336) 295-1867 Road, Suite NC 27410 experts inB, Greenboro, the Piedmont Triad area being passed over yet again, just as they 529 College (336) 295-1867 www.aimhearing.com were in the $300 million bond voters 529 College Road, Suite B, Greenboro, NC 27410 www.aimhearing.com approved in November 2020.

(336) 295-1867 “WhatCollege we would Road, get (in another 529 Suite B, Greenboro, NC 27410 529 College Road, Suite B, Greensboro bond) is just Band-Aids,” Stallings www.aimhearing.com www.aimhearing.com said. “Until the community stands up and demands more, yes, the excuse will always be, you’re in an affluent The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 MARCH 17 - 30, 2022 5 community.”

...continued from p. 3

facility needs she has seen firsthand at Northwest Middle, where she previously served as PTSO president, and at Northwest High School, Stallings gave several examples.

“Until a couple of weeks ago there were 12 classrooms (at the high school) without functioning ACHC units,” she said. “The principal had to get permission to have a private company service these units because we couldn’t get anyone from the county to fix them.”

In the “new” building on campus, which was constructed several years ago, Stallings said some of the windows in the classrooms are nailed shut because if they’re opened, they will fall out.

“And then when it rains, from where they added on to the older building, they did not connect the facilities properly, so a river forms in the middle of the school grounds, from one end to the other,” she said.

The septic system at the high school also frequently backs up, she added.

Neighboring Northwest Middle School has its own set of issues, Stallings

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SUMMERFIELD town council

March 8 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT Mayor Tim Sessoms called the monthly meeting in Summerfield Community Center to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney and council members John O’Day, Janelle Robinson, Reece Walker and John Doggett present.

 5  0 to adopt the consent

Oak Ridge council member George McClellan offered the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Town Manager Scott Whitaker reminded the audience the town has scheduled a meeting for 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, for residents to

agenda, which included reducing the speed limit to 30 mph on Henson Forest Drive, Matheson Court and Katherine Louise Drive in the Armfield subdivision.

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Join us at our next meeting on Tuesday, April 5, 6:30 p.m.

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MARCH 17 - 30, 2022

WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted: Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney and council members John O’Day, Janelle Robinson, Reece Walker and John Doggett voted on the following items during the council’s March 8 meeting. Mayor Tim Sessoms was present, but in Summerfield the mayor votes only to break a tie.

 5  0: Adopt the consent agenda, which included reducing the speed limit to 30 mph on three streets in the Armfield subdivision.  5  0: Approve a budget amendment related to spending for a land use plan and an update of a study to determine the feasibility of establishing a municipal water system  5  0: Adopt a Conflict of Interest policy, as required by the state of North Carolina  5  0: Approve an agreement between Summerfield and the North Carolina Department of Transportation for extending the A & Y Greenway  5  0: Authorize Stewart, a design and planning firm, to update its

2017 survey of threatened and endangered species along the route of the A&Y Greenway

 5  0: Schedule a meeting for April 26 at 6 p.m. for owners of property southeast of town limits to learn about voluntary annexation into Summerfield

learn 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 at 2300 Scalesville Road.

Couch, owner of Summerfield Farms, is seeking approval of the text amendment as part of his plan for the commercial and residential development of 973 acres in Summerfield.

PUBLIC SAFETY Summerfield Fire District. The fire department reported it ran 115 calls in February, which include 30 firerelated calls, 60 EMS-related calls and 25 other calls. Firefighters installed 23 child safety seats during the month.

On a safety note, the department urged people who plan to cook outside to make sure their grills are free of grease, birds’ nests, spider webs and other debris. People cooking with propane gas should also make sure the hose from the tank to their grill isn’t leaking.

The Northwest Observer •Sheriff’s Totally Office. local since 1996 District 1 The sheriff’s

office reported it responded to 110 calls in Summerfield in February; those calls included three accidents with personal injuries, an auto theft and 12 reports of suspicious activity.

PUBLIC COMMENTS Carolyn Williams criticized council and staff members who flew on Couch’s plane last month to visit two residential developments in coastal South Carolina.

Calling the trips “undeniably unethical,” Williams said town leaders who took the trips “have jeopardized Summerfield residents’ trust and confidence in your ability to represent this town” in evaluating Couch’s request to amend the town’s development rules.

In separate trips last month, Whitaker, Town Attorney Bob Hornik, planner Brad Rentz and all council members except Lynne Williams DeVaney flew with Couch to look at two planned developments in Beaufort County, South Carolina. The purpose of the trip was for Couch and designer Victor Dover to show Summerfield leaders design and construction techniques

...continued on p. 8

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SUMMERFIELD TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 6 that Couch wants to replicate in development plans for his Summerfield property.

Whitaker, Sessoms and Hornik defended the decision by town leaders to fly on Couch’s plane.

“I think it’s important for the citizens to realize that elected officials and staff all over the country go on field trips like this all the time for major projects and facilities,” Whitaker said. “It was an information-gathering trip. This was not unethical.”

In advance of the trips, Sessoms announced during last month’s council meeting that he and other town leaders had accepted Couch’s invitation.

Reviewing the trip during last week’s meeting, the mayor said, “I learned a lot that I didn’t know before.

I was in no way coerced or swayed during that trip.”

Dwayne Crawford said the council’s adoption of the unified development ordinance (UDO) last June contained “several major procedural, process flaws.” Reiterating his earlier criticism of the process, he cited the council’s decision to amend the draft UDO during the same meeting it adopted the regulations, without giving public notice or seeking public comments about the changes.

Town Attorney Bob Hornik countered Crawford’s criticism, saying “the process (of adopting the UDO) went exactly as the law anticipates the process to go.”

The council was legally entitled to amend the draft ordinance after

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MARCH 17 - 30, 2022

conducting its public hearing on the issue, Hornik noted.

McClellan introduced himself as a candidate seeking the District 3 seat on the Guilford County Board of Commissioners. Among his positions, he said he opposed mask mandates because they interfere with the ability of businesses to operate effectively.

MANAGER’S REPORT Budget amendment

 5  0 to approve a budget

amendment shifting money from the town hall construction budget to two line items: $34,800 for the creation of a land use plan, bringing to $64,800 the cost of the plan, and $29,470 for an update of a water-for-fire protection study.

Conflict of Interest policy

 5  0 to adopt a Conflict of Inter-

est policy, required by the state of North Carolina for Summerfield to receive the

$50,000 small town development grant presented last month by state Representatives John Faircloth (Dist. 62) and Jon Hardister (Dist. 59) Provisions in Summerfield’s governing documents pertaining to conflicts of interest aren’t sufficient for the town to receive the grant, according to a memo from town staff to the council. As a result, staff prepared the new policy based on a sample policy from state officials.

The policy is intended to “prevent the personal interests” of town leaders from interfering with the performance of their professional duties, according to the draft of the policy. It also prevents leaders from achieving “personal, financial, professional and/or political gain… at the expense of the town of Summerfield.”

A & Y Greenway agreement

 5  0 to approve an agreement

between the town and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for extending the Atlantic and Yadkin (A&Y) Greenway in Summerfield

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from U.S. 220 to Centerfield Road.

NCDOT put the project on its to-do list in 2015, with the agency paying 80% of the cost and the town paying the remainder. The price tag, in 2015 dollars, is $4.29 million for right of way acquisition, slated for later this year, and construction scheduled to begin in 2024.

The state would pay $3.43 million of the project, and the town would pay $857,200, according to the agreement. If costs are higher than estimated in 2015, the 80/20 percent split would remain in place, Whitaker said.

The agreement “is an important step in keeping the project moving forward,” according to a memo from town staff.

Endangered species study

 5  0 to authorize Stewart, a

North Carolina-based design and planning firm, to update its 2017 survey of threatened and endangered species along the route of the A&Y Greenway.

The town agreed to pay as much as $10,421 for the update.

ARPA spending. As Guilford County prepares to distribute $104 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds it received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), it’s asking local municipalities to identify projects and how much they’d cost. The council decided to ask the county to appropriate $22.6 million for the establishment of a municipal water system and another $1.5 million for development of Bandera Farms Park.

The ARPA identifies six eligible uses of the money, and town staff plans to seek funding through two of them – Bandera Farms Park for promoting public health and the municipal water system for improving water and sewer infrastructure.

Freese and Nichols, the town’s engineering firm, has given a rough estimate of $22.6 million to construct the water system, according to Walker.

Town staff sought the estimate, which Whitaker emphasized is a

“ballpark number,” from the engineering firm so it could apply for the federal COVID-19 relief funds.

There’s no guarantee that Summerfield or other towns will get any or all of the federal money they’re requesting.

“The answer is always going to be ‘no’ if we don’t ask,” said Dee Hall, the town’s finance officer.

Voluntary annexation meeting

 5  0 to schedule a meeting for

April 26 at 6 p.m. for owners of property southeast of town limits to learn about voluntary annexation into Summerfield.

The council is pursuing voluntary annexation by eligible property owners

after the Guilford County Board of process and ask questions.

Commissioners denied the Town hall financing. The town’s request last year to council is considering create an extraterritothe Finance CommitNEXT MEETING rial jurisdiction (ETJ) tee’s recommendaTuesday, April 12 • 6:30pm in unincorporated tion that the town Visit website for details property in the borrow $1.8 milvicinity of Lake lion to help pay CONTACT YOUR TOWN Brandt and Plainfor construction (336) 643-8655 field roads. Sumof the new town clerk@summerfieldnc.gov merfield leaders hall. If the counwww.summerfieldnc.gov sought the estabcil accepts the loan lishment of the ETJ offer from Pinnacle as a way to control zonFinancial Partners, it ing of property adjoining would be the first time town limits. that Summerfield has borrowed money, according to finance officer Town staff plans to ask Center Hall. (See related article on p. 2.)

United Methodist Church on Lake Brandt Road to host the informational meeting for property owners to learn more about the voluntary annexation

Hometown basketball stars. Mayor Pro Tem DeVaney recognized two Summerfield basketball stars – Elizabeth Kitley,

a junior at Virginia Tech, and Elissa Cunane, a senior at North Carolina State University – following their accomplishments in the Atlantic Coast Conference this season. (See related article on FC.) I-73 emergency median crossover.

NCDOT is completing a crossover on Interstate 73 to enable law enforcement and emergency vehicles to turn around on the highway between the exchanges at N.C. 150 and 68, according to Walker.

Until now, guardrails between the northbound and southbound lanes prevented vehicles from crossing the median.

CLOSED SESSION

The council recessed the meeting and went into a closed session to discuss a legal matter. After reconvening, the council took no action. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

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“typically miss their target.”

STOKESDALE town council

March 10 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by PATTI STOKES Mayor Mike Crawford called the monthly meeting to order and Pastor Randy Winn of Stokesdale Christian Church offered an opening prayer.

Councilman Tim Jones motioned that he and Mayor Crawford abstain from voting on whether to approve June 10, 2021, meeting minutes since they didn’t serve on the council then.

“Two years from now, if three new guys are voted in and have the same philosophy, we’ll never get minutes approved,” Councilman Derek Foy responded. The council then voted against allowing Jones and Crawford to abstain.

 5  0 to approve the June 10,

2021 minutes (Jones and Crawford abstained, but their votes counted as being in favor of the motion).

 5  0 to approve minutes from the Feb. 24, 2022 special call meeting.

PUBLIC SAFETY Stokesdale Fire Department. Chief Todd Gauldin reported the department responded to 72 calls in February; 34 were fire-related and 38 were medical-related and “other.”

partially finished organizing the files in Town Hall on a recent workday.

Following up on a previous discussion about the town hosting a document shredding event, Martin said Shamrock Shredding, which handles most of the shredding events in the area, is booked one year out.

FINANCE

Finance Officer Kim Thacker presented the monthly financial activity in the general fund and water enterprise accounts.

CITIZEN COMMENTS

Oak Ridge Town Councilman George McClellan introduced himself as a Republican candidate for Guilford County commissioner, District 3. McClellan said he would work to lower taxes; he would support reasonable budgetary requests for education, “but money must follow the child;” and he does not favor mask mandates for businesses because they

Avery Crump, Guilford County’s district attorney since being elected in 2018, said she is seeking reelection.

“I think I’ve done a great job,” Crump said. “We’ve had the only administration to deal with the pandemic and court closures, and the only one to deal with three floodings in the High Point courthouse. My team rose above that.

We are tough on violent crime; I do believe in second chances for non-violent offenders. I’m good at my job, I love my job and I’m asking for your support.”

Crump said she is a Democrat, but represents everyone.

Phil Byrd, a Republican candidate for Guilford County sheriff, said he retired from the sheriff’s department in 2014 after 30 years, and worked under three county sheriffs. Some of his career was spent in northwest Guilford County, and Byrd said he is “very familiar with the townships.”

“I know what the (sheriff’s) job entails,” he noted.

McClellan, Crump and Byrd will be among the candidates on the May 17 primary ballot. Early voting starts April 28.

Stokesdale resident Bobbi Dalton said she recently received a notification from

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As a safety tip, Gauldin suggested citizens buy a weather radio to stay on top of severe weather conditions and receive emergency notifications. Gauldin also urged citizens to plan ahead where they will go if their house is damaged by severe weather.

The fire department will have its annual drive-through BBQ on Saturday, March 26, beginning 11 a.m. until it is sold out (see ad on p. 3 for details).

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Town Clerk Dale Martin reported three water meters were installed in February and 59 meters were put on hold; 670 water customers were billed.

Martin and the two deputy clerks

10

MARCH 17 - 30, 2022

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Guilford County’s tax department that her property had been revalued.

“It was (valued at) $75,200 a year ago; this year it has gone up to $122,900,” Dalton said. “I believe we should do something about this. If we have to form a caravan of people and go to a county commissioners’ meeting and tell them, ‘this is not right…’”

Councilman Jim Rigsbee asked Dalton if she was aware of what procedures to follow to contest the revaluation, and she said yes.

Eileen Thiery said she used to work in a tax assessor’s office.

“It wasn’t you that was singled out,” Thiery said to Dalton. “Research would have been done before the revaluations.

They (county tax department) decided the real estate market has gone up 20%.

The best way to handle that (disagreeing with the revaluation) is call the assessment department. You have to have some comparable houses to yours that sold,” she said. “Storming the assessment department is not going to help – the worst thing to do is call up and yell at them.”

Thiery then requested the town council make the meeting room in Town Hall more accessible to nonprofits, and asked for financial assistance in freshening up the planting area at the base of the town clock in front of the fire department.

PUBLIC HEARING Rezoning, AG to Conditional UseLight Industrial. Town Planner Oliver Bass presented a request from property owners Maria Damian and Omar Cruz to rezone 10.05 acres at 9264 U.S. 158.

The applicants placed conditions on the light industrial rezoning that the property will only be used for a general contractor’s business and storage of equipment for a contractor’s business.

Bass said staff recommended denying the rezoning, based on the town’s land use plan. The Planning Board voted 3-2 to recommend approval based on limited impact the proposed conditions would have on surrounding property.

No one spoke in opposition to the rezoning request.

During discussion, council members confirmed with the applicants that the equipment stored on the property would be “typical equipment used in a general

offering to donate to Stokesdale a large, fireproof cabinet/vault for storing documents.

contractor’s business” versus heavy industrial equipment.

 4  1 (Jones opposed) to approve the rezoning

 5  0 to accept the town of Kernersville’s donation.

request and amend the town’s land use plan accordingly. A landscaping buffer will be required between this property and adjacent properties.

CLOSED SESSION

 5  0 to appoint Michael Threatt as a full vot-

Council recessed the regular meeting at 8:43 p.m. to go into a closed session for the purpose of discussing “personnel matters and privileged information.”

After reconvening at 9:45 p.m., no action was taken.

Storage cabinet. Town Clerk Dale Martin said the Town of Kernersville is renovating its town hall and is

Foy thanked Councilman Jimmy Landreth’s wife, Karen, and Bobbi Dalton for staying to the end of the meeting.

Regarding the property revaluations, Foy said he agreed with Dalton, and “It’s significant what’s happened in Stokesdale. … As a percent, I would not be

 5  0 to approve several revisions to the town’s standard water line specifications, as presented.

ing member of the Planning Board and move Ronald Southard to an alternate position.

After discussing the replacement of a desktop computer for the mayor and council members’ use, the council agreed to continue the discussion to the April 14 meeting.

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surprised if our zip code saw the greatest percentage increase in the county – or at least in the top 5.” The councilman questioned what citizens will get from the county in exchange for paying more in property taxes.

“Oh Lord, I can get into this property tax thing big time,” Landreth said. “All I can say is, if you vote for people who like to spend money…”

Jones said he felt “the folks downtown take our money too lightly.” Referencing the county not distributing a share of sales tax it collects from Stokesdale citizens with the town because it doesn’t have a property tax, Jones said it is unfair.

“This town kind of runs on fumes when everybody else is taxing their citizens at will,” he said.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:53 p.m.

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OAK RIDGE town council

March 3 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – Mayor Ann Schneider called the monthly meeting in Town Hall to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan and Martha Pittman present. After the meeting got underway, Schneider announced Councilman Doug Nodine had resigned from the council earlier in the week. No reason was given for his resignation, but in recent months he has been battling health issues.

Rev. Mike Carr, pastor of Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, offered the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

RESIGNATION

Schneider announced Nodine’s resignation and then read a proclamation applauding his contributions to Oak

Ridge, which included serving as a member and chair of the town’s Planning and Zoning Board from 2004 to 2015 before being elected to the town council.

Nodine also founded and has served as president of Preservation Oak Ridge Foundation, which purchased and restored the historic Ai Church at N.C. 68 and Alcorn Road. He is also a longstanding member of Oak Ridge Lions Club.

The proclamation praised Nodine as “a good, loyal and faithful public servant.”

Council members praised Nodine’s business acumen, wry sense of humor and love of Oak Ridge and its history. McClellan and Kinneman recalled working with Nodine to restore the

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WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted: Mayor Ann Schneider, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan and Martha Pittman voted on the following items during the March 3 meeting. Councilman Doug Nodine was absent from the meeting after resigning from the council earlier in the week.

 4  0: Amend several sections of the town’s ordinances to comply with a state law enacted last year

 4  0: Approve Jan. 14 through Feb. 19, 2023, as the dates for next year’s deer urban archery season  4  0: Adopt rules of procedure for the conduct of council meetings  4  0: Defer consideration of providing Wi-Fi coverage to Town Park until the council’s meeting April 7

deteriorating Ai Church, which is now available for events.

Nodine “always said exactly what he thought and he said it in very few words,” Pittman said. “I’m going to miss his business experience, his no-nonsense attitude and his integrity.”

“I’m just grateful to know Doug,” Schneider added. “He’s an independent thinker and an independent voice. We will greatly miss that.”

Later in the meeting, Town Manager Bill Bruce said the council will determine the process for replacing Nodine, but no details were discussed (for more on this, see Questions on p. 4).

PUBLIC SAFETY Sheriff’s Office. Sgt. N. Southern of the District 1 sheriff’s office reported the smash-and-grab theft of a purse from a vehicle parked at Oak Ridge Town Park.

“I remind everybody to keep your valuables locked up and out of sight,” he said.

Officers also responded to a car break-in at a home on Merriman Farm Road, Southern said. An image of the two suspects was caught on a neigh•bor’s Totally since videolocal camera, and1996 officers are

working to identify them.

Oak Ridge Fire Department.

Lt. Hampton Staunton reported the fire department handled 59 calls in February, including five building fires, one grass-and-woods fire, one other fire and 23 medical emergencies. Firefighters also obtained 587 hours of training.

PUBLIC HEARING  4  0 to amend several sections of the town’s ordinances to comply with a state law enacted last year. A public hearing before the vote drew no comments for or against the text amendment.

“The goal of all of these amendments is to clarify, as required by state law, that violations of a city ordinance may be a misdemeanor or an infraction only if the city specifies that in the ordinance,” Schneider said.

MANAGER’S REPORT

Deer urban archery season

 4  0 to approve Jan. 14 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 and requires that bow hunters obtain permission of private property owners to hunt on their land.

Heritage Farm Park update. Town staff is in the process of selecting the

...continued on p. 34

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Northwest Pediatrics Business Owner: Janet Dees, MD As a child, Janet Dees dreamed of becoming a pediatrician. That dream became a reality when she started working with underserved kids through Guilford Child Health and was eventually prompted to take a chance and open her own practice in 2001 near where she grew up.

Though she started out as the only physician at the practice, her staff has since grown to include five physicians, two nurse practitioners and a physician assistant.

Northwest Pediatrics provides well visits, sick visits, adolescent visits,

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One of the unique offerings of the practice is that families can choose different providers for different visits.

“As a patient, you are never ‘stuck’ with the same doctor unless you want to be,” Dr. Dees said. “Also, our staff is outstanding and we are a cohesive team who enjoys working with one another.”

Northwest Pediatrics’ mission statement is “to be bold in showing care and compassion to each other, our patients, and their families as we provide outstanding pediatric care.”

On a personal note, Dr. Dees grew up on Old Oak Ridge Road in Greensboro

and she said she took care of her family’s unusual pets, which included peacocks, swans, emus and exotic birds.

She is a Northwest High School graduate (“Go Vikings!”) and was valedictorian of the Class of 1984. She earned her undergraduate degree from Davidson College, her medical degree from East Carolina University, and completed her pediatric residency at the Medical College of Georgia. She returned to Greensboro after completing her medical training and earned an MBA from Wake

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17

Stokesdale family farm still going strong

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

Ellie Ann Mears, the 4-year-old daughter of lesson instructor Allison Mears, enjoys spending time with the horses at Hardin Farm and Stables.

Estate news 18 Real Homeowners, church leaders clash over site plan

shock 22 Sticker This year’s property revaluations in Guilford County boosted

appraised residential values by an average of 27.09%, nearly quadrupling the increase in the revaluation five years ago

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Hardin Farm and Stables

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Hardin Farm & Stables dates back to 1958, when Rush and the late Mary Hardin purchased 185 acres off U.S. 158 in Stokesdale. The family-owned business is now operated by two of the couple’s daughters, Helen Hardin Isley and Luann Hardin Leonard.

Evolving, adjusting and surviving

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

Sisters Helen Hardin Isley (left) and Luann Hardin Leonard oversee operations of their family farm, Hardin Farm & Stables, in Stokesdale.

by ANNETTE JOYCE STOKESDALE – Hidden away in Stokesdale just off U.S. 158 and in sight of I-73, Hardin Farm and Stables has retained the charm and bucolic atmosphere from the days when people worked the land and figured out how to make a living from it.

Sisters and co-owners of the family business, Helen Hardin Isley and Luann Hardin Leonard have continued that tradition and experienced success when other farms and farm-related businesses are dying out.

The farm had its beginnings in 1958 when Helen and Luann’s parents, Rush and Mary Hardin, purchased the 185-acre property it rests on. Rush had grown up in the Guilford College area, where his parents ran Hardin’s Hatchery and Feed Mill, and they encouraged him and Mary to purchase the land in Stokesdale when it became available.

“My grandpa always said, ‘There’s

one thing they don’t make more of, and that’s land,’” Helen recalled.

Since the land was mostly wooded, the couple established their own sawmill and began clearing it for pastures and fields. Rush and Mary started out as grain farmers and later added cattle and hogs. Eventually, selling hogs became the mainstay of their operation.

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“We’d buy the pigs at about 50 pounds and finish them out to about 250 pounds,” Helen said.

It was during this time that the Hardins started their family and had three girls, Luann, Helen and Betty. All three worked on the farm as they were growing up, and as adults, Luann and Helen decided to stay on and help run the business.

The two sisters learned quickly that farming is constantly evolving, and they had to be flexible and willing to make adjustments as markets shifted.

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Homeowners, church leaders clash over site plan

MARCH 17 - 30, 2022

The Northwest Observer

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Northern Guilford Baptist Church elder Don Anderson (above, left) listens as Pastor Brad Gaines discusses plans for the church’s new sanctuary, which is planned for a vacant corner at Stanley Huff and Bunch roads in Summerfield.

by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – Northern Guilford Baptist Church’s plan to build a sanctuary at the corner of Stanley Huff and Bunch roads in Summerfield is raising concerns among nearby homeowners.

“This is in the middle of a residential district,” said John Olmsted, echoing complaints by other property owners that construction of the 3,000-square-foot church may lead to traffic congestion and worsen storm water runoff. Earlier this week, more than 10 property owners attended a site plan informational meeting hosted by the town of Summerfield.

“We don’t want to start this process on a negative note,” said Don Anderson, an elder of the 30-member church that meets Sunday mornings at Spears Family YMCA. He and Pastor Brad Gaines explained the congregation bought the property in hopes that people living in the area will attend the church.

Cory Bolen, who lives across Bunch Road from the nearly 1.8-acre site, said he is worried that the congregation might outgrow the building and sell it to the operator of a convenience store or another business that would generate even more traffic than the church.

“What’s it going to be like for my children?” he asked.

Rezoning of the property for commercial use would be required by the •Town Totally localif asince 1996 wanted to Council new owner

put a business on the property, according to town planner Brad Rentz. He noted that surrounding property is zoned residential and agricultural, lessening the likelihood that the tract would be rezoned for commercial use.

The church’s site, which is zoned agricultural (AG), allows for construction of a church without the property being rezoned, Rentz said.

The grassy parcel at 5897 Stanley Huff Road is vacant except for a big oak tree, which Anderson said the church plans to keep. According to the site plan, a 60-by-50-foot metal building would contain 80 seats in the main sanctuary, with parking in a lot for 27 vehicles.

The congregation will probably use the building three or four hours a week, according to Anderson.

“Is this church going to look like a tin building?” Olmsted asked.

While details aren’t final, Anderson said, the church is probably going to consist of a metal building, with a brick veneer possibly added later.

Gaines said the church “has every right” to build on the site. He added church leaders followed requirements for preparing the site plan and will abide by town, county and state regulations in constructing the church and septic field.

The Planning Board plans to consider approval of the site plan during its March 28 meeting. The plan does not require approval by the Town Council.

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The limited number of existing homes for sale combined with low interest rates has made for a very competitive housing market. As a result, many homebuyers have been prompted to choose their own lot and build a custom home.

The housing market has experienced a wild whirlwind of activity in recent years.

As finding an existing home has become more difficult and time-consuming, many homebuyers have turned to builders to provide them with a custom home.

Custom homes offer homebuyers the advantage of designing their home to meet their unique needs and tastes. Even so, today’s buyers need to realize that building a custom home is drastically different than it was a few years ago.

First, builders are busier than they’ve ever been.

“We’re trying to build spec homes, but they’re turning into custom homes really quickly,” said Ray Bullins, co-owner of Ray Bullins Construction Co. “As soon as we get a house out of the ground, we start getting interest and it’s off the market in a matter of days.”

Commie Johnson, co-owner of

Johnson & Lee, said his company has experienced the same high level of demand, and is getting calls every day from people who are looking to build.

Buyers also need to mindful that all this activity and the effects from the pandemic have created a housing market challenged by supply shortages and higher prices.

“There are a lot of supply chain challenges,” Bullins confirmed. “What used to take six months (to receive) now takes nine months or longer.”

When it comes to items such as light fixtures and appliances, buyers can also expect fewer choices.

“Manufacturers have cut back on the number of models they are offering, and a lot of items are out of stock,” Johnson said.

In these situations, both builders advised buyers to be flexible. For instance, if

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Local builders are finding what was intended to be spec homes are turning into custom homes soon after construction begins. a light fixture is out of stock, they recommend moving on and making another choice. On the other hand, if buyers are willing to take a chance, they can select the out-of-stock item as the first choice, but select a second model as Plan B. To work with these kinds of challenges, builders are being more creative. Bullins mentioned that he recently worked with buyers who really wanted a particular light fixture, which was out of stock.

Rather than hold up the building process, Bullins installed a temporary light fixture with the agreement that the buyers could later replace the fixture with their first choice when it became available.

Being flexible also means that buyers must realize quotes aren’t set in stone.

Johnson said supply costs are changing on an almost daily basis – for example, since October 2021, the price of one 2-by-4 stud has nearly doubled.

“Pricing is not easy. If I give you a price today, I’m not sure if it will be good

next week,” said Johnson, adding that in today’s market most buyers can expect to pay – at minimum – $200 a square foot.

“You will not find a better group of people to build your house”

Bullins said most local builders are being very cautious about offering fixed-priced contracts these days.

“Buyers need to expect price fluctuations,” he said.

With all the changes in the market, both builders agree that buyers need to be patient and work closely with their builders to make the process as smooth as possible.

Even though conditions are quite different than in the past, Bullins maintains it’s still a great time to build, especially for those wanting to live in northwest Guilford County.

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location choices are becoming more limited, and it doesn’t look like conditions will change anytime soon,” he said. “For the foreseeable future, there’s no advantage to waiting.”

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Sticker shock This year’s property revaluation in Guilford County boosted appraised residential values by an average of 27.09%, nearly quadrupling the increase in the revaluation five years ago

by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – Property owners across northwestern Guilford County are expressing surprise and, in some cases, shock over the increased value of their houses in this year’s reappraisal of residential property values.

“We’ve had people calling, upset that their property values have gone up so much,” said Dawn Stone, a Realtor who owns A New Dawn Realty in Stokesdale with her son, Phillip.

Property owners can appeal the new valuations to the county’s Board of Equalization and Review.

But Stone said she’s generally telling people who call her that their property “would probably sell for its revaluation.”

“I don’t think people realize how much property

values have gone up in northwestern Guilford County,” said John Flynt, Stokesdale’s former mayor. He said he’s satisfied with the reappraisal of his five properties, including his home.

Higher selling prices during the housing shortage in recent years contributed to the higher appraisals, Guilford County Tax Director Ben Chavis said in an interview earlier this week.

Countywide, property values jumped by 27.09% in the reappraisal notices mailed to taxpayers last month, Chavis said. By comparison, valuations increased 35.09% in Stokesdale, 24.25% in Oak Ridge and 23.48% in Summerfield.

The higher valuations are eye-opening when compared to the sharply lower percentage increases in the previous countywide appraisal in 2017. It valued property countywide 6.96% higher, while boosting values 7.8% in Stokesdale, 5.57% in Oak Ridge and 5.07% in Summerfield, according to the county’s tax department.

“The lack of supply and high demand have driven up the sales prices, and that’s one of the things that has increased property values,” Chavis said. “We are reflecting what the data shows.”

Buyers paid more for homes in northwestern Guilford County last year. On average, housing prices jumped 11% to $516,819 from $465,495 in Oak Ridge and Summerfield in 2021, according to the Greensboro Regional Realtors Association, citing statistics from the Triad Multiple Listing Service. Average prices climbed 10.4% to $358,664 from $324,872 in Stokesdale during the same time period.

“Over the past two years, we’ve had a tremendous number of sales in the marketplace that have helped us,” Chavis said. “For residential properties, that’s mainly how we arrive at the new values.”

Higher valuations bolster higher asking prices for houses, favoring sellers putting their homes on the market. On the down side, owners who aren’t selling face higher property taxes, generating talk among neighbors, calls for help to real estate agents and complaints to elected officials by upset homeowners such as Bobbi Dalton.

Dalton, a Stokesdale resident, told the Town Council recently that the county revalued her property from $75,200 to $122,900 in the new appraisal.

“I believe we should do something about this – if we

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have to form a caravan of people and go to a county commissioners’ meeting and tell them, ‘this is not right,”’ Dalton said.

“Storming the assessment department is not going to help,” Eileen Thiery, a Stokesdale resident and former employee in a tax assessor’s office, told Dalton. “The worst thing to do is call up and yell at them.”

The notices to property owners provide instructions for appealing the new valuations, starting with a request for an informal review by the county.

The department received about 800 calls from taxpayers in the first four or five days after mailing about 182,000 notices, according to Chavis. Taxpayers submitted about 500 informal review forms, an indication that a small percentage of taxpayers disagreed with the reappraisals, he said.

Chavis said he believes the reassessments achieved two primary goals of the tax department – valuing property “at 100% or as close to 100% as possible and making sure we’re treating everybody fairly from a valuation standpoint.”

County staff appraisers used comparable sales within each neighborhood to determine values, Chavis said.

“In a mass appraisal, appraisers review properties by neighborhood,” according to a post on the county’s

website. “County appraisers inspect and review all buildings when they are constructed or when major changes are made.”

Property owners who want to reduce the value of their new appraisals need to provide the county with recent comparable sales or appraisals to bolster their position, he said.

The county plans to mail reappraisal notices to commercial and industrial property owners later this month, Chavis said.

“The big question on everybody’s mind is how much are their taxes going to go up,” he said. The answer depends upon whether elected officials reduce the tax rate to offset higher valuations.

In interviews earlier this week, the mayors of Summerfield and Oak Ridge said their councils haven’t discussed possible reductions in property taxes. There’s no property tax in Stokesdale.

Summerfield has a property tax rate of 2.75 cents per $100 property valuation. Mayor Tim Sessoms said “it’s highly unlikely that we would” increase property taxes.

In Oak Ridge, where the property tax rate is 8 cents per $100 property valuation, Mayor Ann Schneider noted the Finance Committee is beginning work on preparing the budget for the fiscal year starting July 1. The

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process involves projecting revenue from tax receipts – and whether the tax rate should change.

Guilford County reappraises property values every five years, more frequently than the eight years mandated by state law. Chavis explained that urban counties such as Guilford, Mecklenburg and Wake revalue property more often due to the relatively high volume of property transactions and other changes compared to rural counties in the eastern and western sections of the state.

Capturing changes in valuations every few years allows elected officials to adjust tax rates, if necessary, according to Chavis.

Guilford County began reappraising property every five years starting in 2012, following an eight-year cycle that covered a run-up in real estate values followed by a collapse in 2008, Chavis said.

“We basically saw two cycles within that eight-year cycle” that the county struggled to capture in its 2012 appraisals, he said.

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FAMILY FARM

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“They started renting more land and raising more grain to supplement the feed store and they made more feed to sell – horse feed, cow feed and goat feed,” Helen said.

About five years later, Rush and Mary made another adjustment and briefly went back into the hog business. Unfortunately, the mid-‘90s brought with it a lot of problems for hog producers, especially in eastern North Carolina where farmers were dealing with issues from flooding.

With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cracking down on hog operations, the Hardins felt it was wise to move on to other ventures.

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In 1983, Rush’s parents closed their mill and Rush and Mary decided to open their own feed store in October of that year.

As the feed store became more popular, they added a hauling service to give them a more affordable and timely way to transport large shipments of soybeans, corn, grain and other items.

The company purchased a tractor trailer truck and already had five drivers who were capable of driving – including Helen, who got her commercial driver’s license at age 19.

Like most businesses, Hardin Farm has experienced some ups and downs over the years; during some particularly tough years back in 1993, the farm business found itself in a dire financial situation and had to auction off a lot of farm equipment.

“It was hard, but we’ve slowly built back up,” Helen said. “You have to do what you have to do to survive.”

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Surviving has meant trying new things, and that’s something the Hardins have never shied away from. For a while, they even had a petting zoo, gave farm tours and hosted a haunted trail at Halloween.

A few years ago, they added a 16-space RV park to allow people to bring in campers for temporary stays.

Helen said they get mostly construction workers temporarily in the area for projects such as the Duke Energy pipeline, although for a short time they had a Marine recruiter take up residence.

The hog building was converted into a horse boarding barn about 25 years ago, and recently the Hardins have begun expanding their equestrian services. Late last year, Hardin Farm added a horse trainer, Randi Dove, and a lesson instructor, Allison Mears.

Horse trails are currently in the works.

For those thinking about owning a horse but aren’t quite sure they’re ready for the responsibility, Hardin Farm offers a leasing program. “(By leasing) one of our horses, you can see how you like horse ownership before you make a long-term commitment,” said Helen, adding the farm has a few horses available for lease right now.

On Saturday, April 30, the farm will host its first barrel racing show, which is sanctioned by the International Barrel Racing Association (IBRA). Helen is excited about the opportunity this gives to area riders as well as to the farm.

In addition to its feed store off U.S. 158 in Stokesdale, the farm now has another feed store a little farther east, in Randleman.

“The local feed store was closing so we opened up there,” Helen said.

Even though the farming operation has grown and diversified, some things haven’t changed – such as the commitment to making the family farm a success. Mary passed away in 2017, but Rush, 84, still lives on the farm, owns the land and remains involved in the business.

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residential development than allowed under current zoning in the unified development ordinance (UDO).

Summerfield Farms – with traditional houses, cottages, townhomes, apartments and small, neighborhood businesses – would shape Summerfield’s residential and commercial landscape.

The UDO doesn’t allow apartments, and it imposes density requirements more restrictive than Couch wants for multifamily portions of his proposed development. As a result, Couch is asking the council to amend the UDO with the creation of the new zoning district called OSM-V, or open space mixed use – village, that would allow for higher-density housing, including apartments in four locations on his property.

...continued from p. 1

“The vision for Villages of Summerfield Farms is based upon the conviction that, done properly, growth and change can respect a place and add to its beauty, wonder & livability,” reads the Village of Summerfield Farms website that features a new 17 ½-minute video promoting Couch’s plans.

The proposal is “only the beginning. It may grow and grow until this development literally takes over Summerfield,” representatives of Keep Summerfield Rural and Stand Up For Summerfield posted on their Facebook pages earlier this week. “Soon it may be apartment complexes, condos, strip malls, gas stations, fast food. So, your house may be the next to deal with unwanted urban sprawl.”

The clashing views will converge at 6 p.m. this Thursday, March 17, during an informational meeting organized by the town of Summerfield. The meeting will be held in Summerfield First Baptist Church’s Family Life Center at 2300 Scalesville Road.

Couch, owner of Summerfield Farms, plans to explain and answer questions about his request for a text amendment to the town’s development rules. If approved by the council, the amendment would create a new zoning district that would allow higher-density

In exchange for denser development, Couch plans to preserve pastures, woodlands and scenic vistas on his property. He’s also offering to build public trails for cyclists and walkers that would connect to regional trails as well as Saunders Village, the latest name for his proposed shopping and commercial center on N.C. 150 at Interstate 73.

If the council approves the creation of the new zoning district, Couch and town officials would negotiate a development agreement for enforcing design and construction standards. It would also regulate the type of housing allowed in the 11 villages proposed by the developer.

This Thursday’s meeting is the first of three opportunities for the public to offer their viewpoints about the proposed text amendment. Public hearings will be held during the Planning Board’s meeting March 28 and the council’s meeting April 12.

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The town of Summerfield is livestreaming the March 17, 6 p.m. informational meeting about the proposed text amendment on its Facebook page. The public is also invited to attend the 6 p.m. meeting in Summerfield First Baptist Church’s Family Life Center at 2300 Scalesville Road.

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‘A Night in Paris’

Michaela Staudinger earns Eagle rank, Gold award

A founding member of Troop 465, Michaela is the troop’s first Scout to achieve Eagle rank

About 250 “dressed-to-impress” students, friends and guests attended the Stokesdale Elementary PTOsponsored Daddy/Daughter Dance on Friday, March 4.

“The Stokesdale PTO was so excited to bring back the annual Daddy/Daughter Dance after two long years!”

PTO member Sarah Turner said. “‘A Night in Paris’ was definitely a night to remember! From the VIP pink carpet, to the decorative bistro lights and Paris-themed décor, food and activities, no detail was overlooked in hosting this special night for the girls of Stokesdale Elementary and their guests. 250 dressed-to-impress people filled the Stokesdale gym, and danced the night away. Special thank you to all the volunteers who made the night possible and to Maureena Shepherd & Associates for generously sponsoring the fun photo booth, which provided each attendee a special keepsake photo from the night.”

Photos courtesy of Stokesdale Elementary PTO

Michaela Staudinger was honored March 12 for earning the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest within the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) program, and for earning her Gold Award, Girl Scouts USA’s highest recognition. Michaela is a founding member of Troop 465, a female-only BSA unit chartered at Oak Ridge United Methodist Church.

“Only a small percentage of Scouts are dedicated and driven enough to achieve M. Staudinger the highest levels of either organization,” said Christy Kirksey, Scoutmaster of BSA Troop 465. “Earning both requires strong personal discipline, perseverance, and learning to balance the competing demands of home, work, school and sports.”

Achieving the rank of Eagle requires a Scout to not only master the skills of scouting, but provide leadership within the troop, earn 21 merit badges and successfully complete a community service project. Michaela has completed 90 merit badges to date, earned three NOVA awards, a Supernova Bronze Award, and national awards for aquatics, camping, and conservation. In honor of a cousin with autism, Michaela chose to build a series of sensory

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...continued on p. 39

KITLEY, CUNANE ...continued from p. 1

Virginia Tech’s Kitley, who played at Northwest Guilford High School, has been honored as Atlantic Coast Conference women’s basketball Player of the Year.

N.C. State University’s Cunane, a Northern Guilford High School standout, is being credited with leading the Wolfpack to what may be their most successful season since the days of the late Coach Kay Yow. “We have two fabulous basketball superstars here in Summerfield,” Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney said during the Town Council’s meeting last week.

“What’s so fabulous is both of these girls grew up here in Summerfield. They played basketball in our gyms. They’re always thanking the town where they come from.”

The two players share similarities other than wearing No. 33 on their jerseys. They started out playing recreational basketball in Summerfield, among a variety of sports. Aside from their high school teams, they played for the Greensboro Lady Gaters, a team in the highly competitive AAU basketball league that serves as a proving ground for prospective college players.

As a freshman, Kitley decided to focus on basketball over “her first love” – playing travel softball with her longtime friends, recalled Ralph Kitley, her father and retired principal of NWHS. “She didn’t want to leave her friend group,” her father said. “She wanted to stay with softball.”

Kitley eventually changed her mind at the urging of Tom King, father of Kayla

King, Elizabeth’s basketball teammate Cunane leads the N.C. State team at Virginia Tech and NWHS. He helped that’s ranked among the nation’s best this coach the Gaters’ team and believed that season. The Wolfpack is seeded first in the Kitley had a bright future in basketball.

Eastern region in Bridgeport, Connecticut, while Virginia Tech is seeded fifth in the It was an emotional decision for KitWestern region in Spokane, Washington. ley, but she told her father and mother, Loretta, she wasn’t turning back.

“She wasn’t going to do anything halfway when she dove into it,” Ralph Kitley said. “In many ways, she’s a perfectionist. She’s worked really hard to get where she is.”

Kitley, a junior, hasn’t decided whether she wants to pursue professional basketball after graduating from Virginia Tech next year, her father said. She’s majoring in health, nutrition, foods and exercise with a pre-med course of study in hopes of attending medical school.

Playing together on the Gaters, Kitley and Cunane became “very good friends,” said Cunane’s mother, Sharon, even though they’ve competed against each other while in college. The two sets of parents have also become friends after initially identifying with each other as the mom and dad of the tallest girls on the basketball court.

As Cunane prepares for the end of her collegiate career, her mother believes her biggest asset is her willingness to be “a team player,” she said. Not only has she proven herself as a scorer and rebounder, she also “distributes the ball very well,” Sharon Cunane said.

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Virginia Tech plays Florida Gulf Coast in College Park, Maryland, this Friday, March 18. N.C. State plays on its home court in Raleigh this Saturday, March 19, facing the winner of the earlier game between Longwood and Mount St. Mary’s.

The athletic departments of Virginia Tech and N.C. State have stayed busy keeping up with the cascade of honors for Kitley, who is 6 feet, 6 inches tall, and Cunane, an inch shorter. Both women play center.

Kitley, a junior, is Virginia Tech’s first women’s basketball player to win ACC Player of the Year. She is also the first to be named to first team all-ACC in consecutive years. Kitley averaged 17.6 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting a league-best 53.8%.

Cunane, a senior, was named MVP in the ACC women’s basketball tournament earlier this month; N.C. State won the tournament for the third straight year. She was also named first team all-ACC for the third season in a row. Cunane averages a team-leading 13.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game while shooting 52.6%. She’s in the running for national Player of the Year honors and is rated among the top prospects in the WNBA draft next month.

“Cunane is about as consistent as any other player in the country, even though her numbers have dropped a bit this year,” according to an analysis of WNBA prospects by Just Women’s Sports.

“When she creates enough space to take defenders one-on-one in the post, it’s game over,” it said. “Cunane would provide size, offense and rim protection down low for a WNBA team to develop next season.”

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Cunane’s mother said she’s “always taken the game as it came to her” and she expects her to anticipate the WNBA draft in the same way.

“The WNBA is very different from high school and college recruiting,” Sharon Cunane said. “You either get drafted or you don’t. There are fewer spots on the roster.

We hope and pray that things continue to • work Totally local out for her.’’since 1996

Local business leaders working together

MARCH 17 - 30, 2022

29

mark your

calendar

FIRST & THIRD THURSDAYS

 Men’s coffee group | A twice-a-month men’s coffee

group is now meeting at 9 a.m. on the first Thursday of each month at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road, and the third Thursday of each month at First Baptist Church, 2300 Scalesville Road in Summerfield. Join us for coffee and fellowship! More info: Bob Williams, (336) 643-4848.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17  Informational meeting | The town of Summerfield

has scheduled a meeting for 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, for residents to learn 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 at 2300 Scalesville Road.

REGISTER BY FRIDAY, MARCH 18  Golf tournament fundraiser | Northwest High

School Baseball Boosters will host its first annual fundraiser golf tournament Saturday, April 2, starting at 1 p.m. at Greensboro National Golf Club, 330 Niblick Drive in Summerfield. Cost is $340 per four-person team ($85 per player) and format is Captain’s Choice.

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A box lunch will be provided. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, and there will be other categories such as “longest drive” and “hole-in-one.”

More info: Gregg Kubis, gkubis@safgard.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 19  Headwaters Trail guided hike | Oak Ridge

Mountains-to-Sea Trail Committee invites the community to a guided hike of the new Headwaters Trail on March 19, starting at 9 a.m. at the parking lot at 8509 Linville Road. The hike is 2.5 miles long. Please consider carpooling due to limited parking. More info: Anne Steele, agsteele14@yahoo.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 22  Special called council meeting | Summerfield Town Council will hold a special called meeting on March 22, starting 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Town Hall, 4117 Oak Ridge Road, to begin planning the FY 2022-23 budget. At this meeting council members will also discuss financing part of the cost of the new town hall, as recommended by the Finance Committee. More info: (336) 643-8655.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23  Preservation Oak Ridge meeting | Preservation Oak

Ridge, a nonprofit committed to preserving historic structures in Oak Ridge, will meet March 23, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the historic Ai Church, 1306 N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge. Visit www.preservationoakridge.org for

more info or call (336) 644-1777.

SATURDAY, MARCH 26  Food pantry | Good Samaritan Ministries’ food pantry

in Stokesdale will open for those in need of food on March 26, 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Stokesdale Business Center, 8500 Ellisboro Road. For more info, to make a financial donation or to request emergency assistance, contact Terri Johnson, (336) 643-5887 or terrij1957@yahoo.com.  Pigskin For Hodgkin’s | A charity flag football game to raise money for Hodgkin’s lymphoma research and organizations like Make-A-Wish will be held March 26, starting at 1 p.m. at R.L. Billings Stadium, 5240 Northwest High School Road in northwest Greensboro.

Doors open at 12 noon and a donation of at least $1 is required for admission. Players will include former professional athletes along with familiar local participants.

There will also be raffle prizes, games and food. Visit www.pigskinforhodgkins.org, follow @pigskinforhodgkins on Instagram, and see ad on p. 2 for more info.

MONDAY, MARCH 28  Lions Club | Oak Ridge Lions Club, a nonprofit that

focuses on helping people who are sight or hearing-impaired, diabetic, or have other physical needs, will meet March 28 at the Oak Ridge Room, 2205 Oak Ridge Road (next to Bistro 150). Come at 6 p.m. to socialize and if you would like, order dinner before the business meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. More info: Frank Kelleher, president, (336) 327-7786 or frankxk95@gmail.com.

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Summerfield Community Center, 5405 Centerfield Road, Summerfield | Refreshments served

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

ASSAULT

expired license tag.

March 1 | A 49-year-old male was arrested in the 4200 block of Hamburg Mill Road in Summerfield for simple assault.

March 4 | A 33-year-old male was cited at W. Market Street/S. Bunker Hill Road in Colfax for speeding.

March 2 | A 23-year-old female was arrested in the 3300 block of Edgefield Road in northwest Greensboro on two counts of simple assault.

March 11 | A 34-year-old male was arrested in the 6400 block of U.S. 158 in Summerfield for assault attempting to inflict serious injury.

DRIVING VIOLATIONS March 1 | A 22-year-old male was cited in the 4500 block of U.S. 220 N/ Auburn Road in Summerfield for driving without a license and driving with an

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March 5 | A 61-year-old male was cited on N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge for driving with an expired license tag.

March 10 | A 38-year-old male was cited in the 8000 block of U.S. 158/N.C. 68 N in Stokesdale for driving with a revoked license.

March 10 | A 41-year-old male was cited in the 7600 block of N.C. 68 N/ Haw River Road in Stokesdale for driving with an expired license tag.

March 14 | A 36-year-old male was arrested in the 100 block of I-73/ N.C. 68 N in northwest Greensboro for

...continued from p. 14

March 4 | A 54-year-old male was arrested in the 8400 block of Adkins Road in Colfax (near S. Bunker Hill Road) on two counts of indecent liberties with children and two counts of sexual battery.

TRESPASSING March 11 | A 51-year-old male was arrested in the 3200 block of Sandy Ridge Road in Colfax for second-degree trespassing.

March 13 | A 23-year-old male was arrested in the 5300 block of Cardinal Way in northwest Greensboro (near Lewiston Road) for second-degree trespassing.

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difficult and emergency removals – as well as pruning and deadwooding.

Holliday said he’s never been afraid of heights, but was initially “a little nervous” about climbing really tall trees.

“As I started climbing, I got a little better and learned to trust my gear. Once you learn to trust your ropes and gear and your ability, your fear definitely subsides,” he said. “I don’t get scared (of the height), but I do have a respect for it.”

On a personal note, Holliday graduated from Northwest High School, where he met Kelly, his wife of almost 39 years.

The couple has two adult children, Matt and Caycie, and two grandchildren. In his spare time, Holliday likes playing golf and spending time at Lake Norman.

“Every day’s a”

Holliday Tree Service

See ad on p. 36

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

MARCH 17 - 30, 2022

31

We offer one guarantee: 100% customer satisfaction 32

LETTERS/OPINIONS

STAY AH E AD OF TH E CU RVE

Submit your letters (maximum 350 words) online: nwobserver.com email: 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.

‘No’ to high-density development To make better decisions, data matters. To that end, we surveyed our neighborhood after Summerfield Town Council member Lynne DeVaney held a well-attended listening session in the Henson Farms neighborhood about the proposed Villages at Summerfield Farms development on March 2.

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The survey was open for homeowners in our neighborhood to complete the following two days and we had 91 responses – not bad for a neighborhood of 94 homes. The survey was short, only five questions, and the results are clear.

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Almost 85% of the respondents don’t want to see large-scale apartment units allowed to be built in Summerfield.

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About 75% feel that it is highly likely or likely that if water and sewer are brought to a part of Summerfield it will be extended to other parts of Summerfield.

Almost 95% of the respondents are worried about traffic on Brookbank Road – significantly impacted traffic flow, frequent backups and not being

able to cross Brookbank Road are all issues important to our neighbors.

Almost 60% think that our home values will be reduced, but almost 18% think they will increase; 18% are unsure.

Over 50% of the respondents like the density requirements that are in place now and over 25% think it should go back to the less dense limits that were in place previously. 15% are unsure.

When Henson Farms was established over 20 years ago, the sign at the corner of Brookbank and Oak Ridge roads described the new homes as “A Neighborhood of Rural Charm Close to Town.” That sign has been replaced, but feeling of and desire for rural charm remains. If the Summerfield Town Council is listening, our neighborhood is clearly saying no to a text amendment allowing high-density development that will dramatically change Summerfield.

The data tells us so.

Bob Jones President, Henson Farms HOA

GRINS and GRIPES

Delighted or dismayed by something – in your community?

Share your thoughts in online: nwobserver.com

40

words or less

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

GRINS to...

Max Gardner, owner of Tire Max Total Car Care. I passed Max, by himself, with orange trash bags, cleanThe Northwest Observer •ing Totally local since 1996Haw River up along N.C. 68 from

Road to the N.C. 150 intersection in Oak Ridge. Thanks for keeping our area clean!

Jeff Goard, Summerfield’s parks and recreation director, for promptly

cleaning up graffiti at Summerfield Community Park. Cleanup took place a day after I called. Government works when we all pitch in!

Stokesdale Heating & Air for their prompt service calls. We recommend them highly!

Town & Country Barbershop in Summerfield. I love my haircut and enjoy the employees! Support small and local. $2.50 Cleaners in Oak Ridge for always being delightful and providing excellent service. The seamstress is extremely talented at her craft and was able to alter my daughter’s formal dress for her upcoming Daddy/ Daughter Dance in record time.

Stokesdale Elementary for the amazing Daddy/Daughter dance.

Mr. Stys, Stokesdale Elementary assistant principal. It’s great to see a school administrator present at PTO fundraising and other community events supporting the school and knowing kids by name. Students and parents notice, and respect and admire him for it.

CVS in Summerfield for always being wonderful.

Sara at the Verizon store in Oak Ridge. Recently had a phone issue and she was able to resolve the problem quickly and professionally. Will do all my phone business at this great location in the future.

Summerfield Town Council. You care about citizens, doing what is right and keeping campaign promises, so thank you in advance for denying the text amendment, saying no to any apartments and enforcing our UDO. Tom Collins, president of ORYA, for a well-deserved recognition from the Oak Ridge Town Council. Tom is a hardworking individual who provides amazing sports choices for our kids, and we appreciate all of his hard work.

Our wonderful community for the outpouring of help looking for our lost dog, Stella. She is still missing, but we are hopeful for a safe return.

Editor’s note: See classified ad under “Lost and Found” on p. 36 of this issue for a photo of Stella, a golden retriever.

GRIPES to...

Northwest Observer for publishing the equivalent to a bullying, namecalling gripe in reply to a previous gripe legitimately questioning why the ORES PTO didn’t follow their own rules at the Daddy/Daughter dance.

Try addressing the topic next time.

Editor’s note: I had a long response to this, but after giving it more thought I will simply say that I felt the reader had a right to respond to your gripe and am sorry you felt bullied by that response. I did not perceive it that way, but our perception of the big and small things in life sometimes varies.

Guilford County for taking full advantage of the unrealistic inflated prices that homes are being marketed for. Higher property values will not be sustainable over time, but your property taxes will go on for five years.

The Northwest Observer for the poor print quality of the March 3 issue, which was pale and hard to read. Very unusual for your paper.

Editor’s note: Out of 14,000 copies that are printed of each issue, some that come off the printing press are, unfortunately, less than perfect. We’ve had to accept this over the years, but certainly appreciate it when our readers let us know so that we can be aware of it and take appropriate action when a significant number of papers are unreadable, or there is a pattern of poor print quality from issue to issue.

Owner of the business that was a no-show for delivering our pine needles.

Ignored my texts until I cancelled, and then responded, “No problem.” He apparently doesn’t care that he lost a customer. Beware of businesses like this!

Local politicians and their supporters who are littering the beautiful town and neighborhoods of Oak Ridge with campaign signs nine months before an election.

Stokesdale Fire personnel who blocked a lane for traffic and blocked me in at Bi Rite on March 4, around

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The Northwest Observer ...continued on p. 39 • Totally local since 1996

www.samanderscpa.com

MARCH 17 - 30, 2022

33

OAK RIDGE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

staff has mailed letters to more than 100 property owners eligible for voluntary annexation into Oak Ridge. The letters encouraged owners to consider seeking voluntary annexation.

The town didn’t mail letters to all eligible property owners, and Bruce urged people who got letters to share the information with neighbors by the April 15 application deadline.

...continued from p. 12

site for a well in Heritage Farm Park, Bruce reported. A contractor plans to conduct a draw-down test to ensure that tapping water for the park won’t take water from neighboring wells.

If the test shows no negative impact on neighboring wells, civil engineers will complete construction plans for the park, Bruce said, adding that construction will probably start this summer.

NEW BUSINESS  4  0 to adopt rules of procedure for the conduct of council meetings, following a recommendation by Town Attorney Michael Thomas.

Road improvements update. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) delayed by four months the letting of a general contract for an estimated $7 million of improvements on N.C. 68 and 150 in Oak Ridge’s commercial district, Bruce said.

Over the years, the council has followed practices of good governance and rarely disagreed on parliamentary procedures, Thomas said.

Even so, he said, “You want everybody to know what the rules are so we can avoid problems.”

The delay to January 2023 will give NCDOT more time to conduct appraisals and purchase property in the right of way, Bruce said, noting that construction is scheduled to start in the spring of 2023.

The project calls for construction of two roundabouts to slow traffic and the installation of new traffic lights and other improvements at the intersection of Highways 68 and 150 to improve Quick Lube no safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

The council adopted a procedural handbook by Trey Allen, an associate professor at UNC School of Government in Chapel Hill, after making a few revisions to reflect a few procedures specific to Oak Ridge’s town council.

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The Northwest Observer

providing Wi-Fi coverage to Town Park until the council’s April 7 meeting so that council members can review the proposed contract for service.

Kinneman said service installation would cost about $15,000, with about $75 in monthly service fees. Coverage would be provided to three “hot spots” – at the concessions stand, shelter No. 1 at the playground and the maintenance building on Lisa Drive and shelter No. 2 near the pond.

parking lot of Town Park. During the trial period, play will be allowed two days a week between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when demand for parking is low, he said.

Browning complimented Parks and Recreation Director Terry Lannon and his staff for the appearance of Town Park, especially the baseball fields.

Finance Committee. Chair John Jenkins said the committee has begun meeting to prepare the town’s budget for the fiscal year starting July 1.

Since cell phone service is lacking in the park, Kinneman said the improvements would benefit people using their phones or tablets, sports teams recording scores and vendors at events using devices to process sales.

Historic Preservation Commission.

Chair Debbie Shoenfeld said the committee reelected her as chair and Caroline Ruch as vice chair, and work continues on a book about historic properties in Oak Ridge.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Oak Ridge Elementary School. Principal Penny Loschin reported that all students are eating in the school’s cafeteria now that wearing masks is optional, bringing back what she described as a “somewhat normal school day.”

Phil Byrd, of Greensboro, introduced himself as a candidate for county sheriff. During his 30 years of working in the sheriff’s office, Byrd said he covered northwestern Guilford County as a patrol officer, detective and divisional commander.

COMMUNITY UPDATES Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The MST committee reported it and Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, a statewide organization, plan to construct an informational kiosk at the Linville Road entrance to the Headwaters Trail. The kiosk will serve as a model for others built along the trail across the state.

Conservation Easement Committee.

Chair Stephanie Farrell said the committee continues to review information that will help engage residents in supporting conservation easement in Oak Ridge. An informational meeting is planned for mid- or late April.

Special Events Committee. Chair Patti Dmuchowski said the committee plans to update the Veterans Honor Green brochure to incorporate its new fundraising effort of selling engraved bricks.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the veterans’ site is planned for April 7.

Parks and Recreational Advisory Board.

Co-Chair John Browning said the board approved a request by some residents •toTotally local since 1996 temporarily play pickleball in the

Oak Ridge Youth Association. ORYA President Tom Collins was presented with a plaque of appreciation for his decade of service to the fast-growing organization. “This is a humbling day,” said Collins, who has coached more than 50 teams and served as ORYA’s president since 2019. ORYA is planning to start a cricket club, he said.

COUNCIL COMMENTS Pittman urged people who use the park, trails and other outdoor amenities to recognize the many hours of efforts by town staff and volunteers.

Kinneman and McClellan praised Collins for managing ORYA’s growth, noting he’s successfully mobilized volunteers in numerous sports.

McClellan said he hopes mask mandates “are behind us. It’s great to see everyone’s smiling face. It’s been a long haul.”

Schneider praised efforts by the Historic Preservation Commission to start walking tours of historic sections of Oak Ridge.

With no further comments, the meeting was adjourned about 8:25 p.m.

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4559 US Hwy. 220, Summerfield (across from Food Lion). (336) 337-0669.

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.

Place online at

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

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

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

CHOICE TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE. Oil changes, inspections, alignments and general automotive repairs. 1080 US Hwy 66 S, Kernersville, NC. (336) 992-9002.

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.

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.

 CHILDCARE AVAILABLE

HIRING? nwobserver.com

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

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.

 EMPLOYMENT HIRING TWO PEOPLE for landscaping.

Good work ethic and common sense essential; must have transportation. (336) 430-9507.

Experienced SMALL ENGINE MECHANIC. Lawn equip. Oak Ridge. Contact Justin, (336) 908-7680.

OAK RIDGE MILITARY ACADEMY. Fulltime/part-time cafeteria help wanted. Salary based on experience. Please contact Ms. Omeqka Myers, manager, for interview, (336) 643-4131, ext 408.

The Northwest Observer covering local matters since 1996!

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.

Coming March 31 Spring

2022 edition

LAST CALL to reserve your spot!

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

continued on p. 36

The Northwest Totally local since 1996 The Northwest ObserverObserver • Totally•local since 1996

MARCH 1717 - 30, 2022 MARCH - 30, 2022

35 35

EMPLOYMENT

HOME SERVICES

YOUTH PROGRAM director/teacher. Parttime, 10 hours per week. Peace United Church of Christ. Send letter of interest and resumé to Reverendtom65@gmail.com.

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

LOST & FOUND

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.

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

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

LOST DOG. Golden retriever named Stella.

Reward if found/returned. Please call/text (336) 420-0208.

SAVE THE DATE Oak Ridge HISTORIC HERITAGE GRANTS! Up to $2,000 available to preserve historic properties in Oak Ridge. For info and application, visit www.oakridgenc.com. Application deadline is March 30.

Follow us on Facebook for northwest-area news updates!

HOME SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING A-ACTION AIR. Heating checkup, $69.95.

Call (336) 268-6768 or (336) 382-3750.

CLEANING PAOLA CLEANING SERVICE. Residential & commercial. Insured. (336) 669-5210 CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING Gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com.(336) 595-2873.

CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Will fit to your budget. Pet taxi/pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838.

36 MARCH MARCH - 30, 2022 1717 - 30, 2022

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.

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

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

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

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

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES 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.

HOME SERVICES

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

Contact us for a free estimate!

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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.

HOME SERVICES 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.

GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS

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

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.

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

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

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

Call Bobby Lipstreu, (336) 543-7867.

E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, demolition, lot clearing, excavating, bobcat work, etc. (336) 451-1282.

The Northwest ObserverObserver • Totally•local since 1996 The Northwest Totally local since 1996

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Your home services company should be here!

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LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

“Every day’s a”

Holliday Tree Service

Providing professional and quality tree care since 1983 Call us and let us help you with your next tree project

336-362-7966 Summerfield

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

AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Quality irrigation systems. NC licensed contractor. We service all systems. Free est. (336) 644-1174.

ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Free estimates.

Licensed & insured. (336) 643-9157.

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

Call or text (336) 362-5860 www.colfaxlawncare.com DSL DRAIN SYSTEMS & LANDSCAPING. (336) 362- 4354.

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.

 HOME SERVICES

DeLima

Lawn Care commercial & residential

Available 7 days/week mowing ● pruning ● mulch/pine needles & much more

Owner: JC Ruiz ● 336.669.5210 licensed & ensured ● working in the area since 2005

FREE ESTIMATES 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.

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.

PLACE YOUR AD: nwobserver.com WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Lawn maint., landscaping. Irrigation/ landscape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 years exp. (336) 399-7764.

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

SOUTHERN STYLE Concrete & 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.

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.

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS PEARMAN QUARRY LCID. Inert debris landfill. Yard waste, concrete, etc. Mulch and fill dirt available. (336) 803-2195 or (336) 558-7673.

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

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.

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

working in NW Guilford County since 1999

Available 7 days/week

emergencies, parties, preparing for guests, etc.

CONCRETE COATINGS

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

Flake Epoxy Systems Garage Floor and Concrete Resurfacing Decorative Concrete Overlays

The Northwest Observer

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

 HOME SERVICES

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

(336) 931-0600

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

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

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

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.

Your HOME SERVICES company should be here!

Place your ad online: nwobserver.com

PRESSURE WASHING

Residential • Commercial • Licensed & Insured

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

covering local matters since 1996!

 HOME SERVICES

Owner: Carlos Ruiz

336.669.5210 ● carlospainting14@live.com

FREE ESTIMATES

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

The Northwest Totally local since 1996 The Northwest ObserverObserver • Totally•local since 1996

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

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

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured.

NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com.

continued on p. 38

MARCH 1717 - 30, 2022 MARCH - 30, 2022

37

 HOME SERVICES

Of The Triad

The Bathroom of Your Dreams in as Little as a Day

(336) 497-0765

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 MISC. WANTED

AMERICAN BUILDER CONSTRUCTION. Repairs & remodeling, kitchens/baths, additions, decks, attics, basements. Licensed & insured. Short wait list. NC general contractors.

(336) 225-7478.

ROOFING

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.

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

NCGC License #84330

www.BathPlanetTriad.com 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.

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

PAINTING, DECKS AND MORE. Call Premier Construction for free estimates.

(336) 430-9507.

TM

Construction Services, INC

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Feature Walls

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

NC Gen. Contractor #72797

tmcsi.net

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.

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.

 MISC. SERVICES 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.

Please let us know!

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

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

38 MARCH - 30, 2022 38 MARCH 1717 - 30, 2022

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.

WANTED:

PETS & CRITTERS photos and stories!

Send your high-res photos to photos@nwobserver.com; send stories to editor@nwobserver.com.

 REAL ESTATE LAND FOR SALE

locally owned & operated

Didn’t get your NWO?

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

6705 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale

(336) 643-9963 (affiliated with Stokesdale Storage)

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

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

SEASONED FIREWOOD. Any size load delivered or you pick up. Steve Newman Tree Service. Call (336) 643-1119.

Got stuff? Need stuff?

Place your ad today:

www.nwobserver.com

The Northwest ObserverObserver • Totally•local since 1996 The Northwest Totally local since 1996

BRAND-NEW. First time offered. Summerfield address, Rockingham county taxes. One (+/-) acre lots. Excellent building sites! No HOA. Bring your own builder! Call (336) 430-9507 anytime.

LAND WANTED WANTED: LAND. We buy land! Any shape, size, location considered. Cash money!

Please call (336) 430-9507 anytime.

WE’LL BE BACK IN PRINT THURSDAY, MARCH 31 To place a DISPLAY AD in our next issue or a future issue, contact Laura: (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 advertising@nwobserver.com

To place a CLASSIFIED AD: (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 classifieds@nwobserver.com

GRINS & GRIPES ...continued from p. 33

6 p.m. I had a difficult time getting out of my parking space to leave. Next time, find a parking space.

Guilford County Schools. The dropoff line behind Oak Ridge Elementary is nothing but potholes. Please add some gravel if you expect us to drive that way. We pay taxes and donate plenty to the school!

People who use the Gripes section as a political battleground – is having arguments over the internet not enough for you?

Whoever failed to unlock the public toilets at Oak Ridge Park on the morning of Saturday, March 5. A pot of tea makes you want to pee!

Jeep Cherokee driver, March 6, 7 p.m., on N.C. 150 at ORMA for speeding, no lights, and tailgating me to CVS – then passed me on right shoulder, circled back and gave me the finger, with a young child in your backseat.

The driver of the Volkswagen who has been fronting the K/1 line at Oak Ridge Elementary since the beginning of the school year. I hope your kids follow instructions better than you do.

The young person who ransacked my vehicles the other night. Shameful you would do your neighbor this way. I should have reported you to police, but would rather have you apologize and see you repent of your evil ways.

STAUDINGER

...continued from p. 28 stations at Victory Junction’s therapeutic riding facility, including a pool noodle car wash autistic participants can ride through with the horses.

“In addition to her dedicated work on her Eagle project, Michaela mentors the other ladies closely following her on their path to Eagle Scout. As our first Eagle Scout in Troop 465, she has set the standard of success for any young woman who follows,” said Giles Kirksey, assistant Scoutmaster and Michaela’s Eagle counselor.

As a student at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, Michaela has

Guilford County Schools. Making parents and community rehab trailer classrooms at Northwest High – never should this have happened! New training center? School buildings are available workdays and summers – are they not equipped or cushiony enough?

Northwest Observer for chastising a reader who griped about its report, without qualifications, of a demonstrably false and unscientific right-wing rant of misleading disinformation at a town council meeting. When opinions are based on falsehoods they must be called out.

Editor’s note: I fear that cutting off this reader’s gripe because it exceeded our 40word maximum by 16 words will also be a reason for criticism, but I will take that risk and be consistent – just as I have for the last 25 years, when reporting what people say during the Public Comments section of a public meeting. I have said this before and I will say this again – I do not think it is my place to censor people’s public comments. I will, however, provide space in this newspaper for readers to publicly identify themselves, just as the person who made the comments did, and explain why they disagree with the comments.

People who drive three to eight miles below the speed limits. Please drive the speed limit. I’m not a tailgater, but it sure is tempting.

Whoever decided to keep the fields at Oak Ridge Town Park closed 24 hours after it rained. We pay a lot of money to play soccer with ORYA and would like to use the fields. participated in cross country, baseball, basketball, Aviation Club and Broadway Review. She is also a member of the Order of the Arrow Ceremony Team and works as a lifeguard at Spears YMCA. Looking forward, Michaela said she is considering becoming a pilot in the Air Force, “but no matter where I go or what I do, the skills and life lessons I’ve learned in scouting will help me succeed.”

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ACCOUNTING

By the Book Accounting ...................... 11 Carlotta Lytton, CPA............................30 Kimberly Thacker Accounting..............30 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC.......33

AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE

Beamer Tire & Auto ............................34 EuroHaus ............................................ 35 Piedmont Truck Tires........................... 32 Tire Max.............................................. 22

BANK / LENDING

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

BUILDING / REMODELING

Bath Planet .........................................38 Disney Construction Company.............20 Don Mills Builders ................................ 25 Johnson & Lee LLC.............................. 21 Old School Home Repair.....................36 R&K Custom Homes ........................... 16 Ray Bullins Construction ...................... 19 Superior Outdoor Spaces..................... 17 TM Construction Services ....................38 Walraven Signature Homes ................. 19

FUNERAL SERVICES

Forbis & Dick Stokesdale ..................... 11

GROCERIES / SUPPLIES

Southern Foods ................................... 14

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

BEK Paint Company ............................ 37 Carlos & Son Painting.......................... 37 Carpets by Direct ................................. 18 CharCo Concrete Coatings .................. 37 Colfax Lawn Care ................................ 37 DeLima Lawn Care ............................. 37 Eanes Heating & Air ............................ 23 Holliday Tree Service ...........................36 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery .. 24 Rymack Storage ..................................38 Stokesdale Heating & Air..................... 10 Wilson Seamless Gutters .....................36

INSURANCE

Gladwell Insurance Agency ................... 5

LEGAL SERVICES

Barbour & Williams Law ...................... 12

MEDICAL / HEARING / PT

CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES

Aim Hearing & Audiology...................... 5 Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist ..... 27 Atrium Health WFB – Summerfield........ 8 Health Team Advantage ..................... 13 LeBauer HealthCare............................ 31 Northwest Pediatrics.............................. 4

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Olmsted Orthodontics ......................... 28

CANDIDATES

Billy Queen for Sheriff..........................30 Edward Melvin for Sheriff....................... 7 Phil Byrd for Sheriff ................................ 4 Oak Ridge Chiropractic .......................33

ORTHODONTIC CARE

Merchants of Oak Ridge .....................29 Summerfield Merchants Association...... 6

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

DENTAL SERVICES

REAL ESTATE

Summerfield Family Dentistry .............. 28

EVENTS

Pigskins for Hodgkins ............................ 2 Michaela is the daughter of Artie and Francesca Staudinger of Oak Ridge. Stokesdale FD Annual BBQ Sale ........... 3 She will continue her scouting career EVENT VENUE as a junior assistant scoutmaster, which The Gardens at Gray Gables ................. 9 will allow her to be a role model for her troop and other girls and help them Observer • Totally local since 1996 earn their The EagleNorthwest ranks.

Northwest Animal Hospital .................. 24 A New Dawn Realty ............................ 11 DeDe Cunningham, Keller Williams ..... 24 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX .................... 26 Smith Marketing, Allen Tate Realtors... 19

YOUTH SPORTS / PROGRAMS

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

MARCH 17 - 30, 2022

39

PRSRT PRSRTSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE U.S. POSTAGE

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

PAID PAID

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

(L to R) Abby, Ellie and Nathanael Loucks of Summerfield hopped out of the pool to check out the latest Kids’ Korner page while vacationing in Jupiter, Florida.

If these cute girls don’t inspire you to try reading the Northwest Observer with your goggles on, we don’t know what will!

The Morris family enjoyed reading the latest hometown news while having breakfast on the River Walk in San Antonio, Texas.

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