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OAK RIDGE Oak Ridge Town Council members set aside time during their Sept. 1 meeting to recognize former council member Roger Howerton for his lifetime of service to Oak Ridge, which includes but is far from limited to his 15 years on the town council.
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Lifetime Oak Ridge resident Roger Howerton, 90, honored at Sept. 1 council meeting
The group’s efforts paid off, and in 1998 Oak Ridge received its town charter. Howerton was selected by the group to serve on the interim town council, was elected the following year by the voters of Oak Ridge, and served until the end of his fourth term in 2013.
Residents cope with inflation 20
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Community Calendar ....................... 30
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Your Questions .......................................4
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...continued on p. 29
Oak Ridge Town Council meeting ...... 6
Shopping center OK’d near Northern 18
Elizabeth “Betsy” Ingram recognized.2
In his 90 years, Howerton has witnessed many changes in the town he grew up in (way back when Oak Ridge Road/N.C. 150 was a dirt road and tobacco farms dotted the landscape).
town developed in a way that was progressive but still retained its unique character, Howerton and some other long-time residents started working on a plan to incorporate it.
Crime/Incident Report ....................... 34
“We were a farming community, but we were seeing a lot of elderly people aging out. Meanwhile, their children
Honor Run on Oct. 15 to honor vets 16
Roger Howerton
by PATTI STOKES
Ben Jones (left) with Friends of the MST (Mountains-to-Sea Trail) and Oak Ridge MST Committee members Ann Steele and Mike Kimel stand beside the kiosk and information panel installed Aug. 29 at the Headwaters Trailhead in Oak Ridge. The Headwaters Trail, which is the newest segment of the MST in Oak Ridge built by volunteers, follows the Haw River to Linville Road.
‘You are the epitome of leadership’
The almost 1,200-mile MST extends across North Carolina from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks; the MST’s Segment 8 is 64.6 miles and includes a route through Oak Ridge that takes hikers through the beautiful Cascades Preserve, to the headwaters of the Haw River, and past Oak Ridge Military Academy.
the town was incorporated. By 1996, the location and character of the rural Tonewcomers.adevelopersattractinghadcommunityfarmingbegunbothandstreamofensuretheir
NWHS Hall of Fame ............................. 35
Land Use Plan presentation Sept. 26 ... 3
Photo courtesy of Anne Steele
Remembering Doug Nodine ..............2
NWO Business & Real Estate 17
IN THIS ISSUE
Grins and Gripes 41
Summerfield Stars on national level 37
Stokesdale Town Council meeting ...10
Howerton was involved with guiding Oak Ridge’s future long before
Sept. 15 - 28, 2022
Evelyn Brown thoroughly enjoyed cotton candy and carnival rides at RidgeFest. See more RidgeFest photos and a follow-up story 36
Kids’ Korner 28
photo/NWOFile
Summerfield Council recognizes Elizabeth “Betsy” Ingram for her years of service to the town
Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO Summerfield Town Council recognized Elizabeth “Betsy” Ingram (center, holding plaque) at the Sept. 13 council meeting for her many years of service to the town. Ingram and her husband, John, moved to Summerfield when they were in their early 60s and are both now 86. Between March 2001 and August 2001, Ingram served the town in various capacities, including as a member of the town’s Finance Committee, Zoning Board and Historical Committee. Shown in photo, L to R: Council members John Doggett, Mayor Tim Sessoms, Jeff Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney, Reece Walker, Betsy and John Ingram, and council member Janelle Robinson.
Doug Nodine in
...continued
The late Doug Nodine receives recognition at council meeting
OAK RIDGE – During a time set aside at Oak Ridge Town Council’s Sept. 1
2 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
brief Come join us for hot dogs on the fire pit, kids’ craft station, outdoor games, bounce house, a crazy corn hole tourney and local music groups! Gideon GroveUnited Methodist Church 2865 Gideon Grove Church Rd., Stokesdale COMMUNITY FUNDAY Sunday, September 25, 11am - 3pm Hubert Lawson and the Bluegrass Country Boys will be bringing bluegrass gospel to the stage! ALL FREE and open to the community!
meeting, friends and cialJulypassedNodine,thethoughtsmemberscouncilsharedaboutlateDougwhoawayinatage75.Acommer-andresidential developer by profession, Nodine served on the town council for almost six years until his resignation last on
At Oak Ridge’s Sept. 1 council meeting, the man family and close friends called ‘Captain’ was described as a statesman who loved Oak Ridge and was guided by common sense by PATTI STOKES
NEWS
p. 12
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 3
Summerfield’s land use plan seeks to identify primary, secondary and limited growth areas while preserving rural character and resources by PATTI SUMMERFIELDSTOKES–
Map courtesy of Piedmont Triad Regional Council Planning Dept.
This map – one of several maps in the 70-page Summerfield Vision 2040 Land Use Plan – identifies recommended primary growth, secondary growth, limited potential growth and rural conservation areas within the town’s boundaries. To view a larger version of this and other maps in the plan, visit www.summerfieldnc.gov (select “About” at the top of the homepage, then “Projects” and then “Land Use Plan”).
Pumpkin Patch Days Sat. & Sun. in September & October 10am - 3pm September 17, 18, 24 & 25 October 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 & 30 • Three (3) minutes of jumping on our jump pad • Grain train ride • Pick out a free mini pumpkin • Get a glitter tattoo (get your face painted for $5 extra) • Pet the farm animals (feed them for $3 extra) • Play on the playground with 40-foot slide • Concession stand with food and beverages • Purchase photos with our photo ops for great family photos • We’ll also be selling pumpkins by the pound during the week; however, no activities will be taking place. $18 per person, plus tax and fees (ages 2 and under FREE) Tickets available at the gate or online (cash only at the gate) mclaurinfarms.com/pumpkin-patch
Summerfield Town Council and the town’s Planning Board will hold a joint, special-called meeting Sept. 26 for a presentation
‘Vision 2040 Land Use Plan’ to be presented Sept. 26
of the Summerfield Vision 2040 Land Use Plan. In the document’s introduction, it states the plan “seeks to meet today’s growth challenges, while ensuring the Town is within compliance of new state laws pertaining to land use planning and zoning. The plan looks at future growth out to 2040, with key policy and land development recommendations.”Thelanduseplan has been in the works since March 2021, when a steering committee comprised of staff ...continued on p. 26
SUMMERFIELDGROWTHSTRATEGYAREAS
Laura Reneer, marketing manager
Kelli Jessup, publisher’s assistant Rene Collins, administrative assistant Yvonne Truhon, graphic designer
phone: (336) 644-7035
your QUESTIONS Friday, Sept. 16, 6-9 p.m. The Longhouse 260 Christopher Road, Stokesdale TICKETS: $20 Individual / $30 Couple For More Info: Joe Thacker: 336.708.0334 | James Rosa Jr.: 336.457.6225 www.friendsofstokesdale.org I FriendsofStokesdale@gmail.com FALL DANCE FUNDRAISER
Patti Stokes, editor/publisher
circled back to Tillery for an update on the repairs and improvements, and she told us that unfortunately, the project did not score in the top percentages for ARP funding.
fax: (336) 644-7006
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“At this point of the process we are looking at opportunities with internal staff to determine a phased repair process with both the asphalt and tree removal,” she added. “The biggest challenge will be the delivery of materials to the area but our parks operation division has begun to explore access opportunities to make a viable repair plan.”
Leon Stokes, IT director
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“Maintenance areas within P&R and Field Operations are reviewing the project scope and timeline, which should be finalized by late fall,” she wrote.
Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO
Tree roots growing beneath paved surfaces of the A&Y Greenway present safety issues for walkers, runners and cyclists.
Lucy Smith, finance manager
The paved surface on the portion between Strawberry Road in Summerfield and Bur-Mil Park is so destroyed with tree roots that a person needs a full-suspension mountain trail bike just to ride on it. Can someone at least grind the bumps Shawnadown?Tillery, planning and project development manager with Greensboro Parks and Recreation, told us in July that the city’s Parks department was working with its Engineering and Inspections, Transportation and Field Operations departments to address needed improvements to the Atlantic and Yadkin Greenway from Strawberry Road to Lake Brandt Road.
4 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
“Improvements will address root heave and asphalt condition, widening to design standards, and identifying and removing select trees,” Tillery wrote in an email to the Northwest Observer, noting the A&Y improvements project had been submitted for funding under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) submission process initiated by the City
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It’s become increasingly challenging for those of us who walk, run and bike on the A&Y Greenway to safely navigate around the cracks and holes in the pavement. Who is responsible for maintaining the Greenway?
The City has received repair quotes with both contracting and materialsonly quotes for repairs and is reviewing options to address the A&Y repairs, Tillery wrote in an email. She added that repairs are impacted by staffing levels, which have not been at 100%.
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Recognition: Roger Howerton. Mayor Schneider announced that a park bench will be unveiled in Heritage Farm Park on Heritage Day (Sept. 24) and dedicated to former councilman and mayor pro tem Roger Howerton, who turned 90 this year, “in honor of his long and faithful years of service to the town.” Following the
When asked if the department’s personnel still installs children’s car seats, Ritchey said no, but Summerfield Fire Department does.
Taylor also recommended reclassifying the deputy town clerk’s position to reflect expanded duties and the town clerk’s position to incorporate duties of an assistant town manager.
“I’m a firm believer that compensation should always accurately reflect skills and abilities,” Pittman said. “…I think the numbers clearly support the recommendation of our town manager.”“Bypaying attention to being competitive, it tells our staff we value them and want to keep them here. I would hate to replace any of them –they’re too good,” Sullivan said.
Schneider said staff members are the town’s most valuable resource and
There were the usual traffic issues associated with the new school year getting underway, the officer said, and he encouraged parents of Oak Ridge Elementary students to follow the school’s traffic patterns.
Mayor Ann Schneider, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan, Martha Pittman and Spencer Sullivan were present for the monthly council meeting, as were the town manager, planner, deputy clerk, attorney and about 40 citizens, including several firefighters with Oak Ridge Fire Department and an officer with the sheriff’s District 1 office.
Safety tip: Cooler temperatures this time of year combined with lower humidity create dryer conditions, and Ritchey advised residents to make sure all outside fires are contained.
Oak Ridge Fire Department. After noting that members of the B shift were in attendance, Lt. Mike Ritchey reported the department responded to 82 calls for service in August; three were for fires (no resulting property damage), nine were for false fire alarms and 43 were rescue/medicalrelated. The average response time was seven minutes.
Council discussion. Kinneman said the town had struggled to find park groundskeepers, which is one reason this pay scale study had been conducted. Expanding the responsibilities of the deputy clerk and the town clerk also made sense, he said.
OAK RIDGE town council
Sept. MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
1 /
Recognition: Doug Nodine. Citizens and council members shared reflections on former Planning Board member/chairman and councilman Doug Nodine, who resigned from the council last March while serving his second four-year term; he passed away from glioblastoma in July. (See article on p. 2.)
5 0 (in separate votes) to approve the meeting agenda and Aug. 4 regular council meeting and closed session meeting minutes.
In response to another question about how residents can confirm whether conditions are safe for outside burning, Ritchey said N.C. Forest Service posts that information daily. Residents can obtain a burn permit on the fire department’s website or at
6 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 Tracy Williams, attorney 8004 Linville Road, Suite E-3, Oak Ridge (336) barbourwilliams.com643-4623 • Probate & AdministrationEstate • Estate Planning (Wills & Trusts) • Trust Administration • Corporate Work • Real Estate Matters Barbour & Williams Law Are your affairs in order? Don’tbehind!FALL
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as reported by PATTI STOKES
Salaries. Ann Taylor with Piedmont Triad Regional Council presented results of the town’s 2022 Salary Update Study and recommendations for staff member salary increases.
RECOGNITIONS
PUBLIC SAFETY
Sheriff’s office. A representative of the sheriff’s District 1 office reported officers responded to 227 calls for service in Oak Ridge last month; incidents reported included the theft of an enclosed trailer on Aug. 10, a shoplifting at the Verizon store on Marketplace Drive, and the theft of a 4-wheeler from an unsecured shed. No smash-and-grabs were reported in the town last month, and residents were encouraged to continue being vigilant about not leaving valuables in their vehicles, especially in plain view.
Town Manager Bill Bruce proposed accepting Taylor’s recommendations, but with a 2% salary increase per pay grade rather than 2.5%.
announcement, council members shared thoughts about Howerton. (See article on front cover.)
“We have an amazing staff and we want to keep them. We need to fairly and competitively compensate them,” Kinneman added.
Pastor Andy Lambert, formerly the senior pastor of Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, led the opening prayer.
Taylor noted the pay scale for town park groundskeepers was particularly low compared to what other municipalities pay, and she recommended reclassifying these positions to higher pay grades, resulting in an average increase of 9%.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
so engineers can now finalize the permitting.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 7 ...continued on p. 8
An MST workday was planned for Saturday, Sept. 3.
When asked about the status of financing for park construction, Bruce said paperwork and earlier quotes by two banks will be refreshed, and if interest rates rise above 3%, it will come back to the council for approval before moving forward.
5 0 to accept the monthly financial report as presented.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
5 0 to approve the town manager’s recommendations to reclassify two part-time and three full-time groundskeeper positions as well as those of the planning director, parks and recreation director and town manager to higher pay grades, for an average salary increase of 7.2%; to hire a full-time office assistant (salary already approved in this year’s budget); to expand the job duties of the deputy clerk and town clerk, resulting in average salary increases for their positions of 9%; and approve a budget amendment of $43,282 to implement the pay grade/salary adjustments and promotions.
FINANCIALS
Last month a large tree fell during a storm and damaged the new fence in the gravel parking lot on Linville Road near the Haw River. Thanks to two volunteers, Joel Deaton and Don Gillespie, the fence was quickly repaired, Steele said.
Heritage Farm Park. Bruce reported a 24-hour drawdown test on the new well in Heritage Farm Park confirmed it will provide enough water for the park’s irrigation and restroom needs,
The town also received a second and final round of federal American Rescue Plan funding, for a total of $823,051. Anders said it came with “no rules set in stone” and could be placed in interest-bearing accounts.
“We’re hopeful we can turn dirt the fi rst part of next year,” the town manager said.
Town Finance Officer Sam Anders said the town recently received $675,336.12 collected on its behalf by Guilford County Tax Department for property and motor vehicle taxes.
the recent celebration of two 10-year staff anniversaries and a 15-year anniversary was no accident.
Ricky Jones, a resident of W. Harrell Road, apologized for being slow to address being in violation of the town’s ordinances (Jones was notified over a year ago that his property was not
zoned for use as an automobile storage yard and/or salvage yard). Saying he had experienced several personal hardships, Jones thanked the town manager and planner for their patience and said he would continue working with them to resolve the problem.
5 0 to approve a resolution to lease or rent office space to Environlink, the town’s municipal water operator, for $1 a year.
When asked if Anders knew when the town’s share of ARP funding from Guilford County would arrive, Anders said, “No. As of now, the county has not transmitted any of the paperwork to us.”
Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Ann Steele, co-chair of the town’s Mountainsto-Sea Trail Committee, said the committee will share information about trails within the town at Heritage Day on Sept. 24. She thanked Anders for donating bamboo from the property he recently purchased, and said it would be used for children to make and decorate hiking poles at Heritage Day.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:39 p.m.
Kinneman suggested a prewarning before the cannon is fired, and was told a megaphone has been purchased and an announcement will be made prior to the cannon being fired each of three times during the day.
info@samanderscpa.comIndividual,Corporate, Partnership & Payroll Tax Electronic Tax Filing Estate Planning Bookkeeping & Compilations
8004 Linville Rd, Suite G, Oak Ridge (336) 643-7577 or 1-800-467-8299
There will be a small 9/11 memorial placed at the flagpole in the park.
Oak Ridge Youth Association. Randy Collins, ORYA’s community relations advocate, reported the first night of RidgeFest, Sept. 8, would be ORYA night, and ride ticket packages would be discounted $5.
Sullivan said the town worked hard and spent a lot of money to find a well that would serve the needs at Heritage Farm
A kiosk and information panel were recently installed at the Headwaters Trail on Linville Road, which Steele said will be a great source of info for thru-hikers as well as locals.
WiFi in the town park is in the final testing
them in December; the luminaries will remain lit until after Christmas. There will be a new Santa Claus this year and as is tradition, he will arrive in Oak Ridge Fire Department’s antique fire truck. Fourteen craft vendors and food trucks have committed to participate.Thecommittee will sell hot dogs and hamburgers at RidgeFest, with all profits going to the Veterans Heritage Green.Several committee members recently helped with cleaning up the Farmhouse Community Center (formerly referred to as the “Redmon house”) in the town park.
32 Years Experience
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Headwaters Trail is planned for Oct. 21.
Oak Ridge Elementary School. Royal read a report form principal Penny Loschin, who said the new school year got off to a great start and staff and the school’s Parent Teacher Organi zation have lots of events and clubs planned for this year. Loschin asked for the community’s patience with
subcommittee members.
Pittman encouraged residents to attend Heritage Day and while there, to familiarize themselves with some of the town committees that will have tents set up.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Co-chair John Garrett reported the board recently approved Reese Bell, a high school sophomore, to serve as a teen advisor; approved a draft of the 2023 ORYA usage agreement and revision of for-profit permit rules for park use; and approved three board members to serve as Music in the Park
McClellan thanked the town’s vol unteers and again, said Music in the Park in August was fantastic.
Kinnemanmode. encouraged anyone able to donate blood to do so, and said several local churches have blood drives.
Schneider thanked the volunteers who helped clean up the former Red mon house in the town park and cred ited the town’s Parks & Rec staff for their contributions to RidgeFest, which is an event held in partnership with the Merchants of Oak Ridge.
8 SEPT. 15 28, 2022 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 OAK RIDGE TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 7
traffic issues associated with the beginning of school, and said these issues had already started improving.
“TherePark.is a reason the town has been pursuing a water system and that was proved out by the time and money we spent to get the water we needed,” he said.
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Kinneman said Oak Ridge Lions Club would be participating in Ridge Fest and planned to again sell hot dogs at Heritage Day. Also, the Lions Club’s annual golf tournament and largest fundraiser will be Sept. 29.
Oak Ridge Business Center
The final Music in the Park this season will be held Oct. 8, from 5 to 8 p.m., and will feature two bands.
Plans for the annual “Light up the Night” on Saturday, Dec. 3, are in the works, Dmuchowski said, adding that volunteers will be needed to help test luminaries in September and install
Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC
Deputy Clerk Ashley Royal reminded everyone that Heritage Day will be held Saturday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the town park, and several free activities are planned, including Revolutionary and Civil War reenactors and displays, live music and clogging demonstrations, blacksmithing and outdoor cooking demonstrations, food, games, exhibits of household goods, farm items and tobacco equipment, tractor-pulled rides, cannon firings, kids’ activities, and characters in period dress.
Garrett said the Music in the Park on Aug. 13 was very successful, and somewhere between 500 and 700 people attended.
Conservation Easement. Chair Steph anie Farrell reported the committee recently narrowed its target list of property owners deemed to be a good fit for the easement program from 80 to nine owners who they will focus on reaching out to in the coming weeks to set up intro meetings and provide more information about the program. Special Events. Committee chair Patti Dmuchowski gave a shoutout to Maureena Shepherd & Associates for donating $5,000 to the Veterans Honor Green in Heritage Farm Park. To date, almost $130,000 has been raised through donations and fund raising, and the committee hopes to have raised $150,000 by the end of September.Thecommittee will have a booth at Heritage Day, and will sponsor an oldfashioned pound cake baking contest.
The committee will host a Veterans Day ceremony on Friday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m. at the town park’s amphitheater.Acelebration for the town’s 25th anniversary next year is being discussed.
“When we were done, everyone seemed happy and felt they had contributed to something worthwhile,” Garrett said, adding much of the event’s success could be credited to committee member Phyllis Anders and all the other volunteers.
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the trickle-down theory, which would bring something like this down to our township,” he said. “Ask not what your town can do for you, ask what you can do for your town.”
Sept. 8 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
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In recognition of Constitution Week (Sept. 17-23) and the 235th anniversary of the drafting of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, Crawford read a proclamation declaring Sept. 17-23, 2022, to be Constitution Week and asked citizens to “reaffirm the ideals framers of the constitution had in 1787 by vigilantly protecting the freedoms guaranteed to us through this guardian of our liberties.”Crawford said the flag at Town Hall would fly at half-staff on Friday, Sept. 9, through the morning of Monday, Sept. 12, in memory of 9/11.
“And, Ronald Reagan believed in
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as reported by PATTI STOKES STOKESDALE town council
Summerfield 4420 US Highway 220N (336) 810-8250
The town was also criticized for not planning a 9/11 memorial, Crawford said.“If the townsfolks have a strong feeling about this, bring it to our attention,” he said. “We don’t necessarily have to lead the way, but the townspeople can, and we’ll fill in wherever we haveAfterto.”
minutes from the Aug. 11, 2022 closed session.
5 0 (in two separate votes) to adopt minutes from the July 14, 2022 council meeting with one addition, and
High Point 619 Greensboro Road (336) 827-9112
Elementary’s principal approached the town last month about paying for a deputy to help with traffic issues during the first week of school. Rather than use taxpayer dollars, Crawford said he and Derek Foy, the mayor pro tem, secured private funding to pay for a deputy.“To my knowledge, that was satisfactory,” Crawford said.
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Randy Southard, Stokesdale Fire Department’s deputy chief, reported the department responded to 75 calls in August and responded to a record 1,000+ calls last fiscal year, which ended June 30.
4 1 (Jones opposed) to adopt minutes from the Sept. 9, 2021 meeting; Jones opposed because he wasn’t on the council at the time so couldn’t verify the minutes accurately reflected what transpired at the meeting.
After calling the monthly council meeting to order at 7 p.m., Mayor Mike Crawford acknowledged the upcoming 21st anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, then led a moment of silence.
Crawford then addressed criticism the council recently received for “a variety of “Somethings.”ofitwe may be due, and some of it I’m not sure we’re responsible for,” he First,said.heexplained Stokesdale
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adding an agenda item requested by council member Tim Jones, the meeting agenda was adopted.
The mayor then quoted the late President John F. Kennedy, who in his inaugural speech said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
For a safety tip, Southard recommended citizens download the G.E.A.N.I. app, which he said is an excellent tool to stay informed about severe weather in the area. To sign up, go attorneyTippett,inwereyearelectedsaidment’satandwww.guilfordcountync.gov/our-countytoselect“EmergencyNotifications”thetopofthehomepage.Whenaskedaboutthedepart-boardofdirectors,Southardtheboardhas12members,ingroupsoffourforthree-terms.NonewboardmemberselectedattheannualmeetingJuly.CrawfordthankedattorneyScottwhowasfillinginfortownTomMedlin.
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Park Improvement Committee. Chair Tee Stephenson reported committee members have been meeting weekly and reviewing results of a survey the town conducted a few years ago to help guide priorities. They’ve also visited several area parks, including those in Summerfield, Oak Ridge, Wentworth and Jamestown, to get ideas for desirable features to possibly incorporate in Stokesdale’s town park.
Randy Southard clarified the fire department has never organized a 9/11 ceremony, rather supported others who have done so.
A special thank you to Renee Weidel for allowing us to hold the show at Steeple Hill Farm these past two years. Given all the other challenges associated with restarting this great tradition, use of the Steeple Hill facility allowed us to focus on and conquer those concerns. We are truly grateful for Renee’s generosity in permitting us to begin again in such a wonderful equestrian venue.
5 0 to enter into a new 3-year contract with Gray & Creech to keep the existing Sharp copier at Town Hall, at $144/month and an equipment maintenance agreement of $1,464/year.
OakRidgeHorseShow.org | ORHSAASSOC
“Everyone says ‘Never Forget,’ but we are already forgetting,” Nadel said.
“We want to move forward with what makes the most sense and serves the most citizens at a reasonable cost,” Stephenson said.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 11...continued on p. 13
FINANCIALS
Robbie Wagoner is training on water meter setups so he can fill in for Priscilla Hunsucker if/when she’sTheout.Coke machine in the park’s concession stand has finally been removed, Martin reported (the continued presence of the machine has been a point of contention for the last several months, especially for council member Tim Jones).
he Oak Ridge Horse Show Association Board of Directors are excited to announce that given the growth and success of the reinvigorated Easter Horse Show & Rodeo, the 2023 show will be held at Hardin Farm & Stables, 8201 Millrun Road in Stokesdale. Hardin’s has convenient access for both the local community and those traveling to the show from Highways 158 and 220. This facility will support space for additional activity and class options, as well as improved parking and traffic flow in and out. The new location will also allow for more permanent placement of horse show equipment and facilities required as the show expands to include even more offerings going forward.
ADMINISTRATIVE
A subdivision checklist has been updated to outline the process for bringing a new subdivision onto the waterDeputysystem.clerk
Town clerk Dale Martin reported on the number of new applications for water service and water meters ordered, on hold and in stock. She said 700 water customers were billed in August and after 15 customers received courtesy calls about past-due accounts, seven of them brought their balance up-to-date.Sevenreservations were recently made for the Town Hall chambers and park picnic shelters, Martin added.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
T
Mark Nadel thanked the mayor for officially recognizing 9/11. As a former first responder in New York, he said the issue is very personal to him and he felt the town should take the lead on organizing a 9/11 ceremony each year.
Councilman Jim Rigsbee asked if Nadel would be willing to help coordinate the ceremony and Nadel said he would.
Eileen Thiery praised Robbie Wagoner, the town’s new deputy clerk, and said Friends of Stokesdale will sponsor a social/dance on Sept. 16, 6 to 9 p.m. at the Longhouse, with a DJ, refreshments and a silent auction. The nonprofit will also host Farmers’ Day on Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Stokesdale United Methodist Church, when citizens will be invited to see farm equipment on display, enjoy live music, food and a contest for “Ms.” and “Mr. Farmers’ Day” for children 5 and under.
Committee members are also discussing options for more playground equipment in the park.
Gov. Cooper has rescinded the State of Emergency implemented in March 2020, the clerk added, which means the council can no longer meet remotely as a group.
Finance officer Kim Thacker presented updated balances in the town’s general fund and water enterprise accounts and noted the town had received another $362,7375.50 in American Rescue Plan funding.
We look forward to seeing you at the 2023 show!
Information for the annual audit has been submitted to the auditing firm.
The committee is narrowing down its ideas for amphitheater design and materials. The landscape architect submitted a preliminary site plan for the amphitheater, which the committee returned with suggested revisions.
Thacker also noted the town has contributed to the state employees’ retirement fund since July.
Announces the 2023 Easter Horse Show & Rodeo will be held at Hardin Farm & Stables in Stokesdale April 7 & 8, 2023
protection, They say that every man must fall, Yet I swear I see my reflec tion, Somewhere so high above this wall. I see my light come shining, From the west down to the east, Any day now, any day now, I shall be released.”
Councilman George McClellan said he and Nodine would discuss politics and sometimes disagree, but he always had a lot of respect for the man.Describing Nodine as a “commonsense person,” Mayor Ann Schneider said, “He would surprise you some times with a gruff compliment. He enjoyed being unpredictable. I miss him in our Lions Club meetings, and here on the council.”
Cathy Nodine took the oppor tunity to express gratitude to all the local firefighters and other emergency responders who came to her and Doug’s home during his last months of illness.“How wonderful these servants of our community are,” she said.
Jeff Bair said he got to know Nodine through Preservation Oak Ridge.“Ifirst met him when I went to see if I could do anything (for the nonprofit, which raised private funds and restored the historic Ai Church at N.C. 68 and Alcorn Road). “We got along real good, and I was honored to be able to work with him for all those years.“At the funeral they called him ‘Captain.’ Very much, he was captain of Preservation Oak Ridge and the Ai Church,” Bair added. “We’re going to miss him.”
“He had me going for five or 10 minutes, and was serious and straight-faced,” Kinneman said. “Finally, I realized he was pulling my leg. That was classic Doug, to tell me he had a twin brother.”
“He always listened to what I had to say, and I reciprocated,” Sullivan said. “As a result, we had some interesting discussions, and they always ended on a positive note.”
March due to illness. Prior to that he served as a member of and chairman of the town’s Planning Board. He was also a member of Oak Ridge Lions Club for almost 20 years, and he helped found Preservation Oak Ridge and served as its president.
“Two things about Doug,” said Mike Stone, who served with Nodine on the town’s Planning Board and the town council. “Doug loved Cathy with a passion. And, he was a statesman of Oak Ridge.”
“I was representing the town but needed another town council member,” Sullivan said. “I wanted Doug because I respected his opin ions and negotiating skills. We were able to successfully resolve that issue. I consider it an honor to be sitting in his chair and I’m grateful I knew him.”
Councilman Jim Kinneman said it was sometimes hard to tell whether Nodine was serious or kidding because regardless, he could keep a straight face. He shared a story about Nodine once telling him he had a twin brother named Dennis.
Council member Martha Pittman described Nodine as a “man of few words” with a sharp wit and a lot of integrity.“Even when you were on differing sides of any discussion, he treated everyone with respect and you knew exactly where he was coming from,” she said, then added, “What I will most miss is that deep chuckle when he knew he had gotten the best of you.”“Doug loved Oak Ridge and expressed it in so many different ways,” councilman Spencer Sullivan said. “We served together (on the council) four years, with me as
Sullivan added that he appreci ated Nodine’s help when, many years ago, the town was involved in a zoning dispute with a property owner.
Amy Klug said Doug and his wife, Cathy, had been very welcoming when she and her husband purchased the Old Mill on N.C. 68 several years ago and became part of the community.
“They say every man needs
Nodine was a fan of singersongwriter Bob Dylan, and Kelleher shared lyrics from one of Dylan’s songs, “I shall be released,” which he said reminded him of Nodine.
“I admired his dedication to Oak Ridge and the Ai Church,” she said.
12 SEPT. 15 28, 2022 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 THE LATE DOUG NODINE RECEIVES RECOGNITION, REMEMBRANCE ...continued from p. 12 7101 US 158, Stokesdale NEW SYSTEM INSTALLATION • SERVICE • REPAIR Ask about special financing Subject to credit approval, see store for details HOT. RAIN. COLD. Tested for every weather extreme
mayor… Doug expressed himself in a very direct, precise manner. I once kidded him about being an old curmudgeon, and that brought on that smile.
“He and Cathy (Nodine’s wife) epitomized service,” said Oak Ridge resident Frank Kelleher, who said he knew Nodine through Oak Ridge Lions Club.
5 0 to approve a $1,400 proposal by Hunter Enterprises for soccer field turf repairs and sod installa tion in the town park. Hazen & Sawyer. Aaron Babson with Hazen & Sawyer was on hand to answer questions about his firm’s proposal to review plans and specifica tions and provide periodic inspection services for the water system’s permit applicants.Rigsbee asked if the town would
STOKESDALE TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 11
Grant funding. Councilman Derek
Emergency repairs. Jones said Gene Robertson with Yates Construction recently performed emergency repairs to a large sink hole in the town park after a sheriff’s deputy informed Jones and Mayor Crawford about it.
5 0 to approve an $8,000 proposal from Hazen & Sawyer to assist
with applying for a $400,000 grant.
5 0 (in two separate motions) to adopt a resolution to apply for an asset inventory grant and adopt a pre-construction planning grant, both through the Dept. of Water Infrastructure.
Hazen & Sawyer has had good success with helping clients receive grants for water infrastructure and sewer systems, Foy noted. As part of the application, an engineering study would be required, which Hazen & Sawyer could perform.
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recoup the cost for these services and Jones said no, not even a fraction of this cost, so raising fees needs to be considered.
Foy said grant money is available from N.C. Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Division of Water Infrastructure, in the fall 2022 funding round for water systems across North Carolina.
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Accounting & Tax
5 0 to approve $8,000 spending authority for services outlined in Hazen & Sawyer’s proposal for on-call engineering services for the Blacksmith subdivision and others, and inspections to ensure compliance with the town’s water line specifications.
“Giving back to my community has always been a way of life for me, whether it’s been organizing fundraisers for pediatric cancer patients, holding book drives to provide children with books to read over the summer, or gathering food and presents for residents of Pathways, a local homeless shelter,” she added. “I bring this passion for service to my real estate clients when helping them navigate through one of the most stressful and important decisions in their lives –buying or selling their home.”
“People have entrusted their most precious gift – their children – to me for years, and you can be assured I will offer the same dedication, work ethic and expertise in guiding you through the home selling and buying process,” she added.
On a personal note: Kara and her husband, Ed, have two sons, Bobby (you may have seen the picture in the NWO of a huge fish he caught!) and Patrick (both graduates of NGHS), and a Labrador retriever, Sugar. When Kara isn’t working or volunteering, you can find her tending her garden and spending time with family and friends. 21
“With roots in New York and Maryland, we have relocated several times due to my husband’s job, which
enables me to relate to families in transition and know what is helpful and needed,” Kara said.
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Recognizing that Greensboro and surrounding areas were great places to live and work, Kara and her family moved to the area 16 years ago.
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Thank you to the businesses, organizations and individuals who advertise in the Northwest Observer and make it possible to provide this community resource at no charge to our readers.
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As an educator for over 20 years, Kara Winicki said she has always been a trusted advocate for students and their“Meetingfamilies.their needs required active listening, patience, hard work, organization – and of course, integrity,” she said. To gain as much knowledge as possible, she earned her master’s degree from UNCG as well as her national board certification.
Shannon and Eddie Leiss, owners Serving the community as a family
In 2019, after working for another contractor, Shannon and Eddie Leiss decided to follow their passion and start 5 Star Roofing. Their goal was, and still is, to establish a reputation for five-star service, high integrity and trustworthiness.5StarRoofing offers roof replacements, roofing repairs, and roof rejuvenation, where the roof is cleaned and restored with oils, adding five years to the life of the shingles.
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“As a Realtor, I strive to give superior customer service and to go above and beyond when helping clients to buy or sell a home. This process can be fast (especially in the current market) and stressful, and communicating expectations and thinking outside the box at times is crucial to helping clients submit winning offers or sell their homes at the highest market price,” Kara said.
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On a personal note: Shannon and Eddie have six children and six grandchildren. They have been members of Mercy Hill Church for six years, and Shannon volunteers weekly at The Pregnancy Network as a peer advocate.Intheir spare time, Shannon and Eddie enjoy cooking and entertaining, spending time at the lake with family, and working on home projects. Occasionally Eddie plays guitar and Shannon sings, just to relax and pass time at home. They also enjoy going to hear live music performances, which they admit is much easier on the ears than their home performances. on p. 46
“We own a restoration company (ProCare Restoration) and flooring is used in almost every restoration job we do, so we thought, ‘why not open a flooring business?’” owner Ken Chambers said. “We were already very experienced in flooring/installation, so we felt it was a great time to expand.”
The Farm Market at McLaurin Farms is a general store open all yearround; there, customers can purchase ice cream and treats, pottery, plants, and indoor and outdoor gifts. The Farm also provides family-friendly community
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Shannon and Eddie, along with their dedicated team of quality people, strive to offer the highest level of customer service. Their business philosophy is to serve their community as a family with professionalism and integrity.
Madison Flooring is a relatively new business, but is employed by people with years of experience with flooring.
“We do things right the first time, we stand by our work, and we offer a lifetime installation guarantee,” Ken said. “We are also a part of Floor Covering Associates (FCA) Network, which is a very prestigious flooring group.”
“Helping you grow and create memories”
McLaurin Farms is a family-owned small business, located on 53 acres, that provides the community with fun family events all year-round.
Your money is more than a safety net. It’s the secret to the life you want.
To help reach their goal, Eddie and Peggy are growing their family-friendly events in addition to the opening of their new Farm Market.
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Eddie and his wife, Peggy, have recently been focusing on becoming more active in the community as they work to make McLaurin Farms a yearround
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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 15... continued on p. 16
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Eddie McLaurin is a North Carolina native, and his family has been on the land since 1940. His haunted attraction, Woods of Terror, has been in operation for over 31 years.
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On a personal note: Madison Flooring is named after Ken’s daughter, Madison. In his free time, Ken enjoys playing tennis.
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Business owners/managers: Eddie and Peggy McLaurin
• Revolutionary & Civil War re-enactors with interactive displays
10am-4pm
Heritage Day
Five of the 10 corporate sponsorships are still available, at $400 each. To secure your sponsorship and be included on promotional materials and run/walk T-shirts, email jamiesonnc@gmail.com and pgjamieson@hotmail.com.
want to participate?
Plans for this FREE event include:
Redmon Field at Oak Ridge Town Park (on Linville Road across from Scoggins Road)
The McLaurins are active members with Reedy Fork Community Church located in Browns Summit.
want to be a sponsor?
OAK RIDGE –
Register for the run/walk in Oak Ridge Town Park on Oct. 15, at 8:30 a.m., at: NC/OakRidge/5KHonorRunWalk.Runsignup.com/Race/
“I hope you will consider supporting this great cause and my Eagle Scout project, and be a part of something that will Nicktomanyfixturecalendarpermanentbecomehopefullyaforyearscome,”wrotein
Oak HeritageRidgeDay
p. 3
• Cannon firing at 11am, 1pm and 3pm
• Characters in period dress
Honor Run, Oct. 15
Saturday, Sept. 24
BITS & PIECES
See ad on
On a personal note: Eddie and Peggy McLaurin recently celebrated their 10th anniversary, and they live on the farm with their farm dog, Nala, who is always happy to greet visitors.
• Food
• ALSO THIS YEAR vendors selling arts & crafts, homemade items, foods, and vintage/antique/re-purposed items
A blast from the past!
In their spare time, they love to visit White Lake, North Carolina, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, or Key West, Florida, for their vacations, which are usually taken in January after the Halloween and Christmas seasons at the farm.
16 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
• Meet our military vets
• FireDisplays –Dept., Horse Show, town committees, civic groups, etc.
NEW ADVERTISERS ...continued from p. 15
• Blacksmithing & outdoor cooking demos
For his Eagle Scout project, Nick GreenVeteransforraisingcommunityserviceveteransplansJamiesontohonorandtheirtothewhilemoneythefutureHonorinHeritage
Farm Park.
A Life Scout with Troop 600 in Oak Ridge, Nick is planning a 5K race and 1-mile family fun run/walk in Oak Ridge Town Park on Saturday, Oct. 15, that he hopes will attract participants of all ages. Veterans and active military will be invited to participate, and there will be a short ceremony prior to the race to recognize and show support for local veterans.
• Exhibits of household goods, farm items, tobacco equipment, etc.
Proceeds from the 5K and 1-mile fun run will go to the Veterans Honor Green
Nick Jamieson
• Live music and clogging demonstrations
events including a Spring Fling, You Pick Flowers, Movies on the Farm, Summer Fun Festival, the Pumpkin Patch and the festive McLaurin Farms Country Christmas.“Ourbusiness philosophy is giving back to others, and we value hard work and honesty. We don’t grow cattle or vegetables any longer, we grow and help create memories,” the couple said.
For additional information, visit oakridgenc.com and click on the “Events” tab located under the Parks & Recreation header, or call town hall at 336-644-7009
• Games & kids’ activities
a letter seeking corporate sponsors.The5K will be professionally chiptimed, with results posted on-site and online in real-time and updated as participants cross the finish line. The family-oriented 1-mile run/walk will be untimed.
• “Old Fashioned Pound Cake” contest with prizes (for rules, visit Town News under the Our Town tab at www.oakridgenc.com)
Virtual Care from Your Home
–
Prior to the commissioners’ meeting on Aug. 4, the county’s Planning Board
had held a public hearing for the company’s rezoning request and voted to recommend denying it.
rental or leasing and a car wash.
Another Spencer-Dixon resident who said he wanted to continue living in the country, not the city, echoed Martin’s statement that there were enough commercial conveniences within a 5-mile
Nicole Martin, a resident of SpencerDixon Road, said there are already discus sions about bringing in mobile units to accommodate more students at Northern High School, which will add to an already growing traffic problem. Additionally, she said there were ample commercial
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With the commissioners’ vote of approval, zoning on the property changes from AG, intended for agricul tural operations and farm residences on large tracts of land, and RS-40, intended to accommodate single-family residential detached dwellings on minimum lot sizes of 40,000 square feet, to CZ-GB (condi tional use – General Business).
Planning forSpencer-Dixon31tounanimouslyCountydenying,recommendedBoardbutGuilfordcommissionersvotedapproverezoningacresatN.C.150andRoadcommercialuse
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Greensboro-based First Acres, LLC, got a thumbs-up from the Guilford County Commissioners last month, paving the way to develop a 31-acre tract on N.C. 150 and Spencer-Dixon Road, near Northern Guilford Middle and High schools, for a shopping center.
Attorney Amanda Hodierne of Greensboro represented First Acres at two Planning Board meetings earlier this year and at the commissioners’ meeting on Aug. 4. A traffic engineer hired by the developer also presented a traffic study for the area.
services within a few miles to accommo date the needs of residents in the area.
commissioners holding a public hearing for the rezoning on Aug. 4, Martin circulated a petition in opposition to it that garnered over 700
“Wesignatures.wereso
proud to see that over 700 families signed either this petition or the printed one for our voices to be heard,” Martin wrote on the online peti tion site the morning after the commis sioners’ unanimous decision to approve the developer’s rezoning request. “It’s just a shame that the board decided in favor of supporting a local development firm vs. their constituents.”
The applicant placed several condi tions on the CZ-GB zoning request, with several uses typically allowed in a GB zoning excluded. Still, a wide variety of commercial uses will be allowed according to terms of the new zoning, including general office, medical or professional office, a bank or finance company with a drive-through, retail, a garden center or nursery, bakery, restaurant, auto supply sales, auto
A handful of neighboring prop erty owners spoke in opposition to the rezoning request, focusing their oppo sition on traffic they said was already a concern in this area because of Northern Middle and High Schools, which are adjacent to the land First Acres hopes to develop.
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Readers weigh in on how they’re adapting to inflated prices and long waits for products and services
“I’ve had to go to as many as five different grocery stores to find it,” she said.While she’s not sure if it’s related to the current state of the economy, Anders also noted she’s found it much harder to make timely appointments with health care providers.
Supply chain issues have caused Oak Ridge resident Phyllis Anders the most frustration. She requires a specific item on a regular basis, which has become increasingly more difficult to find.
20 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
“I’ve learned to grit my teeth a lot more,” said Stokesdale resident Steven Smith. Adopting a matter-of-fact view, he said that issues like inflation and supply chain shortages aren’t something an individual can control, so just dealing with them and trying to
“You often have to wait weeks, and sometimes months, for an available appointment,” she said.
keep moving is the approach he takes.
For the past three years, Smith and his family have been working on transforming a 10-acre wooded tract into a horse farm. It’s been slow going, not necessarily because of the economy, but because the person doing the construction has been flooded with business.
Although costs have risen, the Smiths decided to move forward with their plans rather than wait to see what the future holds. It’s a dream they’ve had for years, and they’re excited about seeing it come to fruition.
inflation, cope
“We’re willing to do what we have to do to make this happen,” he said. ways to combat with supply
Supply shortages have created another challenge for consumers, as evidenced by empty spots throughout grocery stores and other retail establishments. When purchasing biggerticket items such as furniture and appliances, people are waiting longer, paying more, or in some cases, making alternate choices. We recently asked some of our readers how they have been dealing with this economic landscape, and here’s how they responded…
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Our country has been experiencing the highest rate of inflation in four decades, and prices on practically everything, from food to automobiles, have skyrocketed since pre-COVID days. While prices on some things, such as gasoline, have been dropping, they’re still higher than just a year ago, and there’s a likelihood they will rise again.
“We went from store to store looking for supplies and we fi nally had to go online,” Pittman said. “I want to support our local stores, but because there are so many empty spaces on the shelves, I’m not able to do that as much as I would like.
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“I used to run to the grocery store two or three times a week and didn’t think much about what I was buying,” said Vickie Jones, who lives on a fixed income. “Now, I don’t go as often, and I find myself looking for more bargains and looking at store brands.”
“I selected one chain which not only helps with cost-cutting but gives me the assurance that I know what to expect when I check in,” Joyce said.
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“Military discounts, AAA and AARP are only a sample,” he said. “It’s a good idea to check for discounts when you’re making travel plans, since there can be a big difference in the rates.”
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 21
“The selection in the stores is poorer than it used to be,” she added, noting that this dilemma creates a vicious cycle in that stores don’t reorder what isn’t being purchased, but it can’t be purchased if it isn’t there in the first place.
A while back, Oak Ridge resident Martha Pittman was putting together supplies for a family reunion that included 75 people. When she and her sister went shopping, finding the items they wanted in local stores was nearly impossible.
As gas prices started rising, Joyce signed up for a gas discount program with a specific fuel brand. He later obtained the company’s credit card when he found he could receive double the discount on card purchases. Plus, the company offers cardholders promotions on a regular basis, with some resulting in as much as a $1-per-gallon discount.
He added that the loyalty programs offer additional benefits, such as policies that don’t charge extra fees for cancelling.Joycesaid there are many other discounts that, when used regularly, can make a substantial difference.
Because of high gas prices, the Summerfield resident has put a halt to most of her trips, and consolidates whenever possible.
Even so, increasing prices have been a factor in delaying other major purchases. For instance, Smith said his wife and daughter travel a lot to horse shows and they had planned to buy a new truck to pull their horse trailer; for now, at least, they’ve decided to forgo that Lookingpurchase.beyondhis own situation, Smith offered a show of support to “our farmers, truckers and heavy equipment operators” who are dealing with sky-high diesel prices.
...continued on p. 22
“Inflation has definitely affected them and is seemingly missed in the inflation/fuel conversations,” he said.
Spurred by an interest in traveling more after retirement, Kelly Joyce had already been looking at ways to save money on future trips before inflation reared its ugly head. For this Stokesdale
Hotel loyalty programs have also been a sure-fire way to save money and earn free stays.
“I’ve just stopped going anywhere except for church,” she said. “Very rarely, I’ll go out to eat and I don’t
resident, cutting costs in small ways have added up to some decent savings and is making trips more affordable.
Expertise
Speciality
In addition, they’ve pushed major purchases into the future.
see what’s on hand, especially what’s stored in the freezer, helps to form the basis of her meals and eliminates the possibility of purchasing unneeded Stokesdaleduplicates.
22 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
mow the yard as frequently. Buying gas is just too expensive.”
Rising costs have given Oak Ridge resident Bill Edwards reason to take a closer look at his expenses. For instance, Edwards and his wife shortened their recent Canadian vacation by a week because of the extra costs involved.
resident Robin Priddy has adjusted her shopping habits to help offset the higher costs.
Dining out less often is also a strategy that Val Kepley of Oak Ridge is employing to deal with higher prices.
A self-proclaimed homebody, Summerfield resident Kelly Young hasn’t been affected too much by higher gas prices.
Oak Ridge resident Danielle Gram said her family’s most significant change is related to how they shop.
With that in mind, Kepley found an app that helps her put together a week’s worth of menus. Checking to
“For clothing and accessories, I head straight for the clearance racks,” she said. “To save on gas, I only purchase where I can use loyalty and discount cards.“I’m also using Amazon on everyday essential items to keep from going store to store searching for them,” she added. “This has also helped due to the emptiness of shelves.”
While that helps, Kepley realized that lots of money can be wasted at the grocery store without a plan on how the food will be used.
“Inflated prices also play a role in the restaurant of choice, although our tipping has actually increased to help restaurant staff during uncertain times,” he said.
In another effort to stay ahead
“We have slow-walked a major house remodeling project due to significantly inflated costs,” Edwards said. “I also have deferred replacing my 19-year-old Chevy Tahoe until it reaches at least 300,000 miles. I have yet to decide between buying new versus pre-owned, as prices for both have risen precipitously.”
Rather than pay the higher prices, the couple has switched to shopping at Aldi, a discount supermarket. While they still pick up certain items at the local grocery store, Young said their grocery bill has been cut nearly in half.
“Also, due to the increased price of airline tickets and the unreliability of flights, we changed our vacation plans to drive instead of fly.”
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“It really does make a difference,” he said.
CONSUMERS FIND WAYS TO COMBAT INFLATION, SUPPY SHORTAGES
“We don’t travel or take vacations,” he said. “We like staying close to home.”Young and his wife, Nancy, haven’t been able to avoid taking a big hit at the grocery store, however. He said that before prices began to rise, they were paying between $60 and $70 for a few bags of groceries. These days, those same groceries are running about $100 to $120.
of inflation, the couple eats out less frequently.
“Even though toilet paper and paper towels have returned to store shelves, the most random things are hard to fi nd or have disappeared,” she said. “We often have to search more than one store to fi nish a recipe. And eating fast food has become as expensive as a sit-down restaurant used to be.
...continued from p. 21
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Rick and Mike Lee are returning to their roots with the original company that Rick started, J Rick Lee Construction, LLC. Rick has been in the building industry since 1969, but prior to that helped his dad build houses. He and Mike have been working to-
“We’ll still be building high-quality homes, but I’m also focusing on developing new communities in the northwest area,” Casey said, noting that Commie will handle bookkeeping for the new company.
When father-and-son teams Commie and Casey Johnson and Rick and Mike Lee joined forces in 2005 to create Johnson & Lee, LLC, they combined two powerhouses in commercial and residential building.
After much deliberation, the partners recently decided it was time to make a change and let the next generation take the lead. With that in mind, Johnson & Lee is being dissolved and replaced by two separate companies –CJ Builders, Inc. and J Rick Lee Construction, LLC.
Sept.Coming29
Johnson & Lee, LLC winding
As Commie Johnson is stepping back to pursue other endeavors, Casey is stepping forward and will be at the helm of CJ Builders, where he looks to further expand the scope of his business.
Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO Commie (left) and Casey Johnson of CJ Builders.
For more than 17 years, these local residents – the Johnsons live in Stokesdale and the Lees live in Oak Ridge –have built numerous homes and commercial structures in a variety of price ranges while developing a reputation for high-quality craftsmanship, attention to detail and a commitment to going to whatever lengths were necessary to give their clients exactly what they wanted.
Both companies are built on a solid foundation of knowledge and hands-on experience that’s been acquired over a period of decades, combined with well-earned trust and integrity.
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“We want to continue in the same direction by building homes with the quality and features that people desire the most,” Mike said.
winding down
direction and form two separate companies
Although Rick will still be a key player in the company that carries his name, Mike is taking on the bulk of the responsibilities.
As the four builders look to the future, they remain firmly committed to finishing the Johnson & Lee projects already underway.
Mike (left) and Rick Lee of J Rick Lee Construction.
“We’ve got a few houses under construction and we’re not walking away until our homeowners are completely satis ed,” Mike con rmed. gether for 30 years.
1) an applicant request for a subdivision waiver related to a proposed development between Elmhurst Estates and Angels Landing; and
2) discussion of Planning Board rules in light of an upcoming text amendment case.
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Also coming up…
The first topic doesn’t require a public hearing, although the town will notify Elmhurst residents as a courtesy because of a proposed emergency access through their neighborhood. The second topic will involve a hearing at a later date and prior to a recommendation.
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Because the Planning Board has other pressing business, it will have another meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m., at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. Two topics will be covered at that meeting:
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The joint meeting of the Summerfield Town Council and Planning Board
26 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
A draft Land Use Plan and supporting documents can be viewed online at www.summerfieldnc.gov; click on “About” at the top of the homepage, then “Projects,” then “Land Use Plan.”
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members and citizens was formed. Public meetings, focus groups and surveys have subsequently been used to gain citizen input; during this time the committee has worked with representatives of Piedmont Triad Regional Council to develop a long-range plan that will provide Town leaders with a new road map for land use and development decision-making.
The plan identifies areas in the corporate limits of Summerfield that are likely to receive growth (“primary growth” areas), could receive growth (“secondary growth” or “limited potential” areas), or should be discouraged from growth (“rural conservation corridors”) to help best determine recommendations for future land use.
LAND USE HEARING SEPT. 26
on Monday, Sept. 26, will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Summerfield Charter Academy gym, 5303 US-220 N.
...continued from p. 3
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1. Zippers were first sewn on what article of clothing?
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2. What were the first sewing needles made of?
B. metal
3. Which of the following is not a type of sewing machine stitch?
C. China D. India
S E S T I R P Z I T N I H C T I T S N S E P S I C H B R C R E S Y H R R E H U O D T T E I T C W E S L E A C T A D R T S E D R A M E L B M I H T P M F A B R I C F W S C I S N E E S Z I P P E R B U T S I T F A B I P I H C A M T T O
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Years ago, when individual schools had their own school boards, he served as chairman of Oak Ridge Elementary’s school board. When those boards later evolved into advisory councils, Howerton served on the advisory council at Northwest High School.
After announcing in July 2013 that he would not seek another term on the council, Howerton said, “I feel I’ve given a good part of my better years to the Town of Oak Ridge. As I look back, I’m proud of it.”
efforts in the town’s earliest years that it was finally in the beginning stages of having a water Councilwomansystem.Martha Pittman
“I could see Roger’s mind constantly working up there on the council, and until he actually voted, he was thinking about what was the right thing to do,” he added.
“It’s been a great addition to Oak Ridge and fills the needs for people of all ages, from the oldest adult who comes to the walking track to the youngest child who plays on the playground and ball fields,” he said.
At the Sept. 1 council meeting, council member Spencer Sullivan thanked Howerton for being a friend as well as “the one who had the vision for a municipal water system for this town.” While a lot of people helped along the way, Sullivan said it was because of Howerton’s
said she is amazed at how Howerton continues to be “active and involved and engaged in all matters Oak Ridge,” and added her thanks for his lifetime of service to others and his friendship to her over the last three years.
Howertonactivities.sawmany changes in Oak Ridge during his 15 years on the council, and he said he was most proud of the way in which the town developed.
Longtime town council member Jim Kinneman said after moving to Oak Ridge in 2000 and attending town council meetings, he quickly discovered that Howerton had strong convictions, but kept an open mind.
were growing up and leaving home. They weren’t interested in operating the family farms,” he stated in an article published in the Northwest Observer in 2013.
“The development of Oak Ridge has been done in a fashion that makes the town council, all volunteers and the patrons of Oak Ridge proud,” he said in the 2013 article. “Our success can be seen in the number of people wanting to locate and live here.”
Before serving on the town council, Howerton had retired from Lorillard Tobacco Company and volunteered extensively in the community.
“I know Roger has a background that you would think he would go one way, and I could tell he was struggling with it,” Kinneman said. “But when he listened to different points of view, he voted to not allow smoking in the park… That impressed me that he was so open to different points of view.”
“Roger is everywhere,” Councilman George McClellan said. “If you ever want to know about what a public servant is, it is Roger. He shows up at veterans’ events, Heritage Day, and I’ve seen him at Music in theToPark.”Howerton, he said, “I’ve been a big fan of yours…You’ve been one heck of a role Schneidermodel.”said Howerton served the community selflessly during his 15 years on the town council.
The town park is another accomplishment that Howerton highlighted.
“We would not be the town that we are without all of the thought and deliberation that you (Howerton) and other council members put into creating our town park, and creating the building (Town Hall) we’re meeting in tonight,” she said to Howerton. “Not to mention the policies and strategies that have set the stage for every accomplishment that Oak Ridge has had in the past almost 25 years…You’re the epitome of leadership.”
He has been a longtime member of Central Baptist in Oak Ridge, where he was treasurer for 25 years and served as chairman of the finance committee. He has also taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, was involved with the Servant Bible Institute and participated in various other church
“I saw there were many times when he felt one way, but after getting the facts and hearing different viewpoints, he would change his mind,” Kinneman said, noting one such time was when the town council was discussing whether to allow smoking in the park.
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E-cycle/recycle event | Town of Summerfield will host a free residential e-cycling and recycling event on Sept. 17, 8 a.m. to 12 noon at Laughlin Professional Development Center, 7911 Summerfield Road. Materials accepted are tires, large appliances, electronics and up to five boxes of personal documents for shredding (no business waste will be accepted). More info: (336) 641-3792 or (336) 643-8655. See ad on p. 14.
Farmers markets | Stokesdale Farmers Market, held at Stokesdale United Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola Drive, is open Tuesdays, 4 to 7 p.m. (through Oct. 25) and Oak Ridge Farmers Market, held at Oak Ridge Military Academy, 2317 Oak Ridge Road, is open Thursdays from 4 p.m. to dusk (through Oct. 27).
“Farmers’ Day” | Show off your farm equipment and share your knowledge of Stokesdale’s farming history with others in the community at Farmers’ Day, an event sponsored by Friends of Stokesdale on Saturday, Oct. 1, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Stokesdale United Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola Drive. To display your equipment, email friendsofstokesdale@gmail.com or call (336) 552-0704. See ad on p. 32.
Stop, Drop and Roll 5K | Summerfield Fire District will host its 6th annual Stop, Drop and Roll 5K walk/ run fundraiser and the popular Sparky’s Dash for kids on Saturday, Oct. 1, at Summerfield Fire Department, 7400 Summerfield Road. Sparky’s Dash begins at 8:45 a.m. and the 5K begins at 9 a.m. 5K participants will receive a finisher’s medal and a T-shirt. All participants can enjoy refreshments and a free bowl of chili after the race. Register at onSummerfield/StopDropandRoll5K.runsignup.com/Race/NC/Moreinfo:Seeadoppositepage.
She ROCKS fundraiser | She ROCKS, a nonprofit that brings awareness to and helps patients getting treatment for ovarian cancer, will host its fifth annual Triad dinner Friday, Sept. 30, starting at 6 p.m. at Summerfield Farms, 3203 Pleasant Ridge Road. Dinner and drinks will be catered by 1618, with a dance party afterwards. Purchase tickets at www.she-rocks.org/triad. More info: (336) 866-0003.
“Community Table” | Triad Local First, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting local, independently-owned businesses, will host its 11th annual “Community Table” fundraiser dinner on Sunday, Oct. 9, 4:30 to 9 p.m. at Summerfield Farms, 3203 Pleasant Ridge Road. Hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and mingling start at 4:30 p.m. and a five-course dinner starts at 6 p.m. There will also be live music, an open bar and more. Purchase tickets online by Sept. 25 and learn more at www.triadlocalfirst.org.
Road in Stokesdale. Music will be provided by George Dunn a.k.a. “Jammin’ G,” and there will be heavy hors d’oeuvres, soft drinks and a silent auction for gifts and services from area merchants. Tickets are $20/person or $30/couple. More info: Joe Thacker at (336) 708-0334, or James Rosa, Jr. at (336) 457-6225. See ad on p. 4.
...continued on p. 32
SEPT. 16 & SEPT. 17
Kids’ consignment sale | St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church at 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road in northwest Greensboro will host a consignment sale with kids’ clothes on Friday, Sept. 16, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 17, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Some clothes on Saturday will be 50% off. More info: www.saintpaulskidssale.com.
Awana Clubs | Central Baptist Church at 1715 N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge is hosting Awana Clubs, Bible-centered youth organizations, every Sunday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for kids ages 2 through high school. Call (336) 643-7684 or visit www.oakridgecbc.org to learn more. Liberty Wesleyan Church at 15303 U.S. 158 in Summerfield will also host Awana Clubs every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for kids ages 3 through 6th grade. Pre-register at www.libertywesleyan.com/awanas.
EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY
30 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Fall dance | Friends of Stokesdale invites the community to its first annual fall social/dance Sept. 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Longhouse, 260 Christopher
SATURDAY, SEPT. 17
Blood drive & mammography screening | Shady Grove Wesleyan Church at 119 N. Bunker Hill Road in Colfax will host a blood drive Sept. 17, 9 a.m. to calendaryour
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Movie in the Park | Town of Summerfield will host a free Movie in the Park event featuring Disney’s “Up” on Sept. 16 at Summerfield Community Park Amphitheater, 5404 Centerfield Road. Gates open at 6:45 p.m. and dancers from Bella Ballerina Greensboro will perform at 7 p.m. The movie begins at 7:45 p.m. (dusk). Summerfield First Baptist Church will provide free popcorn and Kona Ice will be onsite selling shaved ice. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on.
EVERY SUNDAY & WEDNESDAY
Last call for golfers! | Oak Ridge Lions Club invites golfers to participate in its 26th annual Tom Brown memorial golf tournament on Thursday, Sept. 29, at Greensboro National Golf Club, 330 Niblick Drive in Summerfield. Check-in will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. For more info or to register, email rfloss@aol.com or contact Frank Kelleher at (336) 327-7786 or frankxk95@gmail.com. See ad on p. 33.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 16
REGISTER NOW
Saturday, Oct. 1 Sparky’s Dash starts at 8:45am 5K starts at 9am Summerfield Fire Department 7400 Summerfield Road ONLINE REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept. 30, 9am To register online, Summerfiwww.runsignup.com/Race/NC/visiteld/StopDropandRoll5KProceeds will go toward the construction of a new building for Donald’s Fire Haven Museum in Pleasant Garden BRONZE SPONSORS Summerfield Wealth Advisors • Best 4K9 • Summerfield Feed Mill Sports Corner • Tim Frazier Builders Enjoy chili from Summerfield Fire Department after the runSILVER SPONSORS Carroll Lawn Care • Hundred Acre Farm • Dogge� Construc�on Peche Automo�ve • Hedgecock Electric • Bi-Rite • CSM Flooring Summerfield Family Eye Care • Mitchell Lawn Care Gilfrock Lawn Services, LLC • Merle Norman • Shiloh Excava�ons Kona Ice • Summerfield Farms • PSI – Pump, Pipe, Sales & Service PLATINUM SPONSORS GOLD SPONSORS Atlan�c Coast Fire Trucks • Bank of Oak Ridge • Bella Dental D.H. Griffin • Impressions Flooring • M&M Tire & Auto, Inc. Precision Tree N.C. • Stake Center Loca�ng Sedgefield Equipment • Summerfield Merchants Associa�on Summerfield Family Chiroprac�c • Tire Max • Green Resource
Farmers’ Day
9am - 4pm
Stokesdale United Methodist Church
Fall bazaar | Liberty Wesleyan Church at 15303 U.S. 158 in Summerfield will host a fall bazaar Sept. 24, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be crafts, vendors, a silent auction, a bake sale, breakfast and lunch. More info: (336) 643-6968 or libertywesleyan@bellsouth.net.
Saturday, October 1
Friends of Stokesdale invites you to display your farm equipment and share your knowledge of Stokesdale’s farming history with the community. (Equipment on tracks or hard-spiked wheels that may damage the turf will have to be trailered.)
Owners of small items used in the early 1900s are invited to bring them for display!
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 28
Lions Club | Oak Ridge Lions Club will meet Sept. 26 at the Oak Ridge Room, 2205 Oak Ridge Road (next to Bistro 150). Come at 6 p.m. to socialize and order dinner or a beverage if you would like; the business meeting runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. More info: Frank Kelleher, president, (336) 327-7786 or frankxk95@gmail.com.
Heritage Day | Town of Oak Ridge will host its annual Heritage Day on Saturday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Redmon Field at Oak Ridge Town Park, corner of Linville Road and Lisa Drive (enter Redmon Field off Linville Road, across from Scoggins Road). This free event will include Revolutionary and Civil War reenactors with interactive displays, live music and clogging demonstrations, food, games, other displays and activities and much more. There will also be an “Old Fashioned Pound Cake” baking contest with gift cards for the winners. Visit www.oakridgenc.com for contest rules and entry forms, and for more info about Heritage Day. See ad on p. 16.
LITTLE MR. & MISS FARMERS’ DAY CONTEST
There will be two male and two female winners. Winners will receive a trophy, have their picture taken and have a place to ride on the Friends of Stokesdale float in the Stokesdale Christmas Parade. Visit friendsofstokesdale.org for an entry form.
To display your equipment, please contact Friends of Stokesdale at friendsofstokesdale@gmail.com or (336) 552-0704.
“Casino Night” | Red Dog Farm Animal Rescue Network, a Stokesdalebased nonprofit that fosters animals while finding them permanent homes, will host its first annual Casino Night on Sept. 23, 7 to 10 p.m. at Elm & Bain, 620B South Elm Street in downtown Greensboro. There will be games, a scavenger hunt, appetizers and more. Visit www.bidpal.net/rdfcasinonight for more info or to purchase tickets.
Community Fun Day | Gideon Grove United Methodist Church at 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road in Stokesdale will host a community fun day on Sept. 25, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a bounce house, corn hole, hot dogs on the fire pit, crafts and games, live music (including Hubert Lawson & The Bluegrass Country Boys), door prizes and more. More info: (336) 643-6042.
3 p.m. To register, text “Blood” to (336) 525-5870. Also, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, women may come for mammography screenings. All major insurance will be accepted. To register, text “Mamm” to (336) 525-5870. More info: (336) 337-3219 dwhetstone@touchpath.com.or
SUNDAY, SEPT. 25
Special-called meeting | Summerfield Town Council and Planning Board members will hold a special-called joint meeting to present the Summerfield Vision 2040 Land Use Plan on Sept. 26, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Charter Academy, 5303 U.S. 220 N. More info: Visit www.summerfieldnc.gov to view the draft plan and supporting documents, and see related article on p. 3 of this issue.
Sept. 24, 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Stokesdale Business Center, 8500 Ellisboro Road. To receive assistance or to make a donation to the ministry, contact Terri Johnson, (336) 643-5887 or terrij1957@yahoo.com.
Food pantry | Good Samaritan Ministries’ food pantry in Stokesdale will open for those in need of food on
MONDAY, SEPT. 26
FRIDAY, SEPT. 23
DISPLAY YOUR FARM EQUIPMENT
In conjunction with the Friends of Stokesdale Farmers’ Day Event, there will be a 2022 Little Mr. & Miss Farmers’ Day Contest open to children ages infant through 5 years old. Contest is open to the first 20 applicants.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 24
Preservation Oak Ridge meeting | Preservation Oak Ridge, a nonprofit committed to preserving historic structures in Oak Ridge, will meet Sept. 28, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Historic Ai Church, 1306 N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge. More info: www.preserveoakridge.org or call (336) 644-1777.
Food, fun, music and games for the entire family!
32 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ...continued from p. 30
Friends of Stokesdale is a non-profit community improvement corporation comprised of dedicated citizens who want to keep a vibrant town core, connect our past to our present, and carry it into Stokesdale's future.
Proceeds to benefit local seeing and hearing impaired, environment and hunger initiatives Oak Ridge 4-Player Scramble $100 per player 26th Annual Tom Brown Memorial Golf Tournament Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022 Greensboro National Golf Club Registration 11:30am - 1pm | Shotgun start 1:30pm Interested? Email Randy... Rfloss@aol.com Includes lunch ● drinks ● snacks 2 beers per player ● dinner Contests include: putting longest drive ● longest putt closest to the pin ● hole-in-one Last call! Register by Sept. 22! Serving our community! Building civic pride! Special thanks to the
DEATH INVESTIGATION
Sept. 11 | Officers conducted a death investigation in the 6500 block of U.S. 158 in Summerfield.
District 1 Sheriff’s Office 7504 Summerfield Road Main number: (336) 641-2300 Report non-emergency crime-related incidents by calling: (336) 373-2222 8 a.m.–5 p.m., M-F www.guilfordcountync.gov/our-county/sheriff-s-office Full-service medicine, surgery and dentistry Surgical and therapeutic laser Loving care for pets and their families Wendy Camp, DVM 1692-J NC Hwy 68 N, Oak Ridge • (336) 643-8984 www.nw-animal-hospital.com (336) 643-8984 NORTHWESTANIMALHOSPITAL 20% OFF DENTAL CLEANING in SEPTEMBER 2022 ...continued on p. 39
“These220.allinvolved windows being smashed, purses being stolen and stolen credit cards being used before the victim realized they were targeted,” Seals wrote. “We are asking residents to please not leave valuables in their vehicles when visiting area parks/ trails, and only take with them the bare necessities.”Sealsadded that earlier this
Aug. 29 | A resident of the 7700 block of Alcorn Road in Oak Ridge reported that between Aug. 26 and Aug. 29 an unknown suspect stole her gray/green 2021 Honda Rubicon ATV.
Aug. 29 | An employee of Verizon Wireless in Oak Ridge reported an unknown suspect shoplifted an Apple iPhone 13 worth $1,210.
month there were multiple reports of suspects pulling on car doors and a garage door on Somersby Drive (in the Somerset subdivision) off N.C. 150 in Summerfield.“Wehadthe same issue last year on Somersby Drive and in the Vineyards,” Seals wrote.
Sept. 7 | A resident of the 8400 block of Oakchester Court (Linville Oaks subdivision) in Oak Ridge reported an unknown suspect ransacked her vehicle but didn’t steal anything.
Detective warns citizens about vehicle, home break-ins
Union Grove Road in Oak Ridge (off N.C. 150W).
To stay informed about crimerelated incidents in the area, Seals encouraged citizens to follow the sheriff’s department on NextDoor.com and ring.com/neighbors. Both are free, and the department uses the sites to post information and ask for assistance in addressing matters in the community as they arise. You do not have to have the Ring device to subscribe to Neighbors by Ring on ring.com, Seals pointed out.
FELON POSSESSING FIREARM
Sept. 3 | Officers responded to a report of a domestic incident involving a physical altercation in the 8600 block of Lathans Trail (Parkers View at Bethel Ridge subdivision) in Oak Ridge.
Sept. 8 | A 31-year-old male was arrested in the 200 block of Marshall Smith Road in Colfax (near West Market Street) for possessing a firearm as a felon.
Sept. 8 | Officers responded to a report of a burglary involving a masked suspect wearing a hoodie in the 7400 block of Somersby Drive (Somerset subdivision) off N.C. 150W in Summerfield.
34 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Aug. 31 | An 18-year-old female was arrested for larceny of a firearm and larceny of a motor vehicle in the 3200 block of Sandy Ridge Road in Colfax.
Aug. 29 | Law enforcement officers responded to a domestic dispute in the 2400 block of Pleasant Ridge Road in Summerfield.
Det. Ryan Seals submitted a report to be read at Summerfield Town Council’s Sept. 13 meeting, and in it he wrote the sheriff’s department has recently responded to several motor vehicle break-ins at area parks and trailheads throughout northwest Guilford County. He noted that several of the incidents occurred at the trail parking lot at 6900 U.S. 220 in Summerfield and at the Anna Long Marshall Wayside parking lot on 4310 U.S.
has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest/northern Guilford County ...
CRIME / INCIDENT report
District 1 Sheriff ’s Office
ASSAULT/DOMESTIC INCIDENT
THEFT
BURGLARY
Sept. 11 | Officers responded to an assault incident in the 8600 block of Haw River Road in Oak Ridge; a 52-year-old female was subsequently cited for larceny of property.
Aug. 30 | Officers conducted a death investigation in the 5400 block of
Aug. 31 | An employee of RV One Superstores – Greensboro reported that between Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 31 at 10 a.m. an unknown suspect stole four catalytic converters from vehicles parked there; the converters were valued at $8,000 altogether.
Aug. 31 | A citizen at Richardson Taylor Preserve on Plainfield Road in northern Greensboro reported that between 4:15 and 6:04 p.m. an unknown suspect broke into her vehicle by smashing a window and stole a black BROOKS backpack worth $50.
He advised residents to ensure the doors to their homes and garages are locked up overnight.
Aug. 30 | Officers responded to a report of an assault and the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in the 5000 block of Shoreline Drive in northwest Greensboro (off Lewiston Road).
Sept. 2 | Officers responded to a report of a family disorder in the 6900 block of Maynard Road (Hillsdale Lake subdivision) near Strawberry Road in Summerfield.
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Northern Guilford Spirit Week, Homecoming
Northern Guilford High School students dress up for “Jetlag Day” on Tuesday, Sept. 13, as part of Spirit Week. The theme for this year’s Spirit Week is “Around the World,” with Monday being “America;” Tuesday, “Jetlag;” Wednesday, “worldwide;” Thursday, “tourist;” and Friday, “fly back to the nest.” The week will culminate with the homecoming football game against Ragsdale on Friday, Sept. 16, and crowning of the homecoming queen at halftime.
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Helena Goddard, 9th grade Magnolia Lord, 10th grade
Photo courtesy of Joan Baer, Northern Guilford Student Council adviser
...continued on p. 47
Northern Guilford High School will crown its homecoming queen during halftime of the homecoming football game against Ragsdale this Friday, Sept. 16. Members of the homecoming court are:
by PATTI STOKES
NW GUILFORD – Northwest Guilford High School Athletics Department wants to honor deserving athletes, coaches and others who have had significant achievements and made contributions to the school’s athletics department.Underthe direction of the school’s athletics director, Jason Allred, a board was recently formed to create an Athletics Hall of Fame. Board members consist of Allred, principal Ashley Young and assistant principal John Hughes (the school’s former athletics director); coach Ron Bare and former
Lily Smith, 9th grade
coaches Darlene Joyner and Sandy Gann; community members with tie-ins to NWHS athletics, including Ralph Kitley, Tim Frazier, Vernon McHam and Charlies Groves; and Patti Stokes, editor/owner of the Northwest Observer.Candidates for the Athletics Hall of Fame will be selected from three categories: athlete, coach and contributor.Nominees for the athlete category will be eligible for consideration after four years of graduation from NWHS. An eligible coach can be active, retired
Kalaura Jones, 10th grade Paige Trogdon, 11th grade Audrey Wrinkle, 11th grade Kyleigh Comer, 11th grade Thehara Perera, 12th grade Meghan Maynard, 12th grade Neviah Pleasant, 12th grade Reese Robinson, 12th grade
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 35 welcome to ... Youth Sync A regular section in the Northwest Observer focused on our local youth and the adults who positively impact them.
The seasons are changing! to get your gear!
ORYA
NWHS to create Athletics Hall of Fame
by PATTI STOKES
The lines for food and rides on Thursday were expected and very manageable, he said. The long lines on Friday, however, presented challenges.“Mostpeople didn’t arrive until after 6 or 6:30 p.m., and the rides were only open until 9:30 p.m., so that only gave us a window of three hours,” Floss noted. “We had added two more carnival rides, and some of the rides held a lot more people than before. Still, the
2022
“It’s a great event, and in many years, we’ve just made a few tweaks and adjust ments,” he said. “Now, I think it’s time to reassess and make some bigger changes.”
Writer’s note: regarding the fireworks that were cancelled Saturday night because of the weather, the Town of Oak Ridge hopes to tie them in with another community event later this year.
Oak Ridge Town Park | Sept. 8,9
OAK RIDGE – The weather was beautiful last Thursday and Friday evenings, and record crowds came to Oak Ridge Town Park to enjoy the 14th annual RidgeFest, an event held in partnership with Merchants of Oak Ridge (MOR) and the Town of Oak Ridge. According to MOR member/volunteer Randy Floss, who has organized the event the last 14 years, ticket sales for carnival rides on Thursday evening were almost 50% more than on Thursday of last year’s RidgeFest. That number soared on Friday evening, when sales almost doubled what they were on the Friday of RidgeFest 2021.
Stokesdale resident Tom ofwhichevening’sCorvetteenjoyedMacheroskysharingstoriesofhis’67atFridaycruise-in,drewownersclassiccarsfromfarandwide.
Floss also had more volunteers helping with parking this year, which was a good thing because on Friday evening the grassy field designated for parking was almost overflowing.
Floss said the crowds on Thursday and Friday evenings – and especially Friday –presented a great problem. On the one hand, it was rewarding to see so many kids and families drawn to the park to enjoy food, music, rides and a sense of community.
lines were really long. I think a lot more people came on Friday because they thought, ‘Hey, it’s going to rain on Saturday, so we better go tonight.’“I’venever seen the lines for buying (allnight ride) passes like that,” he added. “I felt bad, because I’m thinking, ‘I increased the space (between rides) and we added two more rides…’ The volume of people on Friday night was so intense that there just wasn’t any way we could catch up.”
While at the park Saturday morning helping take things down before the rain set in, Floss’s mind was already whirling with ideas for how to better accommodate the crowds at next year’s RidgeFest. Maybe he’ll see if the amuse ment company can add even more carnival rides… and some “really cool” businesssponsored kids’ activities, possibly on the football field where there’s room to spread out… and it could be time to consider satellite parking with shuttle buses…
Oak Ridge firefight er Brad Hill was all smiles when he finally got his funnel cake after a long wait in line Friday evening.
Unfortunately, the weather forecast for Saturday called for rain all day and through the evening, and all activities for what was to be the final day of RidgeFest were cancelled –including the fireworks show.
Record-setting crowds on Thursday and Friday evenings; Saturday activities cancelled due to weather
Younger kids especially loved this ride that allowed them to be in the driver’s seat.
“What an incredible accomplishment!” said Ana Lorczak, the mother of team member Nathanael Lorczak. “They earned the respect of all the doubters and national coaches who acknowledged the accomplishments of these little grinders from a small town in North Carolina.”
Photo courtesy of David Lorczak Summerfield Stars AAA team members stand with their championship banner this summer after being ranked first in North Carolina, first in the Southeast, and third in the nation. Team members are: Levi Ponder, Nathanael Lorczak, Simeon Moore, Caleb Hinnant, Cooper Kidder, Quentin Joyner, Trace Jones, Riley Gladwell, Mason Skelding, Grayson Shelton, Alex Broyle. The team is coached by Gooch Gladwell, David Lorczak, Demetrius Ponder, Boonie Hairston and Cecilia Lorczak.
While most teams they faced had 14 – or more – players, the Stars team had 11. Facing temperatures that felt like
Summerfield Stars AAA major at USSSA Elite World Series
communitynews@nwobserver.com
This past July, a group of hardworking young baseball players from in and around Summerfield traveled to Space Coast Sports Complex in Viera, Florida, with high hopes of bringing home a national championship. While there, Summerfield Stars AAA, a 13U all-star travel team under the direction of Summerfield Recreation Association, took on –and took down – teams from Texas, Florida, Colorado and even a tough team from their home state of North Carolina.
SUMMERFIELD, NC/FLORIDA –
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 37 Youth Sync Beginning September 18 ● Sunday evenings 5:30 - 7 pm Reaching boys and girls with the Gospel of Christ and training them to serve Him Programs for ages 2 thru high school We’re Back Where fun and church come together! 1715 NC 68N ● Oak Ridge ● 336-643-7684 ● OakRidgeCBC.org Join Us
they were in the low 100s, this team of scrappers battled the elements and made it to the USSSA Elite World Series championship game. After having to play an extra game before that, the boys ran out of steam and ended up finishing in second place after falling to a great team from Florida.
email your youth news to:
Local team plays on national level
Turner is hoping a local paving company will offer to pave both the pathway to the wheelchair-accessible swing and the basketball court – or, if not, that individuals and businesses within the community will donate funds
Youth Sync
eventually washed away, so the PTO came up with another temporary solution, which was to put down plywood. What was intended as another short-term fix has now been in place for several months. If the pathway is paved, it will enable the now-fourthgrade student’s wheelchair to easily and safely be rolled right up to the swing. Additionally, the PTO invested in
As a temporary remedy last year, plywood was placed on the pathway leading to a wheelchair-accessible swing the PTO purchased for a student. The PTO is now hoping to either find a company willing to pave the pathway, or raise funds to cover the cost of paving it as well as a basketball half-court.
The PTO has funds in its account, but most of what was carried over from last year will be used to pay for $25,000 of K-2 playground equipment ordered this summer; it’s scheduled to arrive in the coming weeks. It was a big expense for the PTO to take on, but Sarah Turner, the organization’s president, said the PTO board felt it was needed, and with no funding for school improvements coming from Guilford County Schools in the foreseeable future, they decided to move forward.
4529 Jessup Grove Road, Greensboro (336) 605-0190 • northwestpeds.com
STOKESDALE – Stokesdale Elementary PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) had an unmet goal last year that was carried over to this one: find a donor – or raise funds – to pay for paving a pathway leading up to a wheelchair accessible swing in the playground. The PTO purchased the swing last year for a third-grade student and temporarily covered the grassy path leading up to it withThemulch.mulch
said. “We wanted to spruce it up and get two playground systems, one for younger kids and one for older ones.”
“Our playground is just sad,” Turner
want to help?
Photo courtesy of Stokesdale Elementary PTO
to cover the cost. That way, the PTO will be able to use funds raised in the coming months to support many of the programs and projects it has supported in the past, such as beautification of school grounds, teacher grants, special project grants, support for students in need, and staff appreciation/teacher support.
purchasing two “very nice” basketball goals, with the hopes the school could secure funding to pave a basketball half-court. The funding unfortunately hasn’t come through, and the basketball goals are still sitting in the delivery boxes, waiting to be installed.
38 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
“The biggest thing we spend money on is facilities support,” Turner noted. “Our school is No. 19 on the next set of bonds, but we have needs like playgrounds with drainage issues and a gym with no air conditioning.”
For more info or to make a donation for paving the basketball half-court and pathway to the wheelchair accessible swing, stokesdalepto@gmail.com.email
PTO seeks donor or donations for paving pathway, basketball court
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Information about orienteering and the course is now posted at the bottom of Bur-Mil Park’s webpage, which can be found at www.guilfordcountync.gov – type “Bur Mil Park” in the Search bar.
Sept. 4 | A citizen at Richardson Taylor Preserve in northern Greensboro reported that between 9:35 and 11:32 a.m. an unknown suspect caused $300 worth of damage to his vehicle.
Photo courtesy of Tim Wrinkle
Who will be the VOICE for this child?
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We are OPEN and accepting new patients
Ridge Road/I-73 N in Summerfield. Sept. 5 | Officers responded to a report of extortion in the 5600 block of Faye Drive (Dogwood Estates subdivision) in Summerfield.
Matthew J. Olmsted, DDS MS
According to Wikipedia, an orienteering course is composed of a start point, a series of control points and a finish point. Controls are marked with a white and orange flag in the terrain, and corresponding purple symbols on an orienteering map. The challenge is to complete the course by visiting all control points in the shortest possible time, aided only by the map and a compass.
A sophomore at Northern Guilford High School, James is the son of Tim and Dana Wrinkle.
James wished to express his appreciation to his Scoutmaster, Jamie Nelson, and to Todd Moore and Matthew Wallace with Guilford County Parks Department for their help and support of his Eagle project.
VANDALISM
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Sept. 1 | Officers responded to a road rage incident in the 100 block of Oak
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 39
Sept. 9 | An employee of Lowes Foods in Oak Ridge reported a known suspect shoplifted three packs of Marlboro cigarettes and a container of Folgers coffee; the stolen items were recovered.
CRIME/INCIDENT REPORT
Sept. 10 | An employee of Tractor Supply Company in Oak Ridge reported suspicious activity.
Sept. 9 | A resident of the 5000 block of Shoreline Drive in northwest Greensboro reported that between Sept. 1 and Sept. 9 an unknown suspect damaged his property via motor vehicle.
James Wrinkle achieves Eagle rank
Sept. 5 | A resident of the 8400 block of Linville Oaks Drive (Linville Oaks subdivision) in Oak Ridge reported that between Sept. 4 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 5 at 6:45 a.m. an unknown suspect broke into a window of his vehicle, causing $1,000 worth of damage, and stole a blue/black CartTek golf bag containing Mizuno golf clubs and several other golf accessories, worth $3,390 altogether.
UNCLASSIFIED
James Wrinkle, member of Troop 103 sponsored by First Baptist Church Summerfield, recently achieved his EagleForrank.hisEagle project, James renovated and expanded a permanent orienteering course at Bur-Mil Park which had been created in 2001 by Boy Scout Troop 8 and, at over 20 years old, was in poor condition. James also created a new orienteering map, and then followed through to get the information on the Bur-Mil Park website for the community.
Youth Sync
...continued from p. 34
The person who complained about the sheriff’s District 1 office.
The homeowner in River Oaks (Oak Ridge) who constantly uses a leaf blower; the driver of a blue, older model muscle car (for unsafe driving); the driver of a black motorcycle (for unsafe driving); and the person who has set up a dirt bike racing track in
email: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com
Grins & Gripes published based on available space and editor’s discretion.
thoughts in 40 words
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 41 GRINS and GRIPES
Oak Ridge resident Randy Floss, who volunteers hundreds of hours to coordinate the annual RidgeFest, (including getting volunteers and sponsors), and is there almost the entire time of the event to help in any way he can. What a huge undertaking!
Direct your gripe to the sheriff, not the hard-working deputies. They are busting their tails for you with fewer officers and low morale. Want change? Vote Byrd.
The nice man at Sheetz in a Mosquito911 van who gave me and my children a jump when our battery died a few weeks ago. Thank you for your kindness!
Delighted your or
The Adams family, who stopped when I flagged them down as they were passing by the Cascade Preserves (in Oak Ridge). My husband had broken his arm while hiking and we needed help calling 911.
The nice man who paid for my groceries at Bi-Rite. How very nice. You were my angel that day.
The people on Brookbank Road flying the U.S. flag. As I ride down that road, I see U.S. flags flying on mailboxes on both sides. It lets us know they never forgot 9/11. God bless the USA.
People who say, “It’s a free country, I can do what I want.” Thinking like that necessitated HOAs.
or dismayed by something in your community? Share
online: nwobserver.com
Lynne DeVaney, Summerfield mayor pro tem, for contacting the appropriate people to have surveillance cameras installed at the Anna Long Marshall Wayside parking lot on U.S. 220. I contacted her after my truck was vandalized and personal belongings stolen.
Knight Container Services in Summerfield for prompt, reliable and great service, and especially for answering all of my many questions.
Oak Ridge Mayor Ann Schneider and the amazing group of volunteers who cleaned up the yard at the Redmon house (now the Farmhouse Community Center). Drive by and see how charming the house and grounds look.
less
are
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...continued on p. 42
All the people who put out U.S. flags on Sept. 11. After 21 years, it is sometimes too easy to go about our daily lives and forget the impact of that very sad day. Thank you for not letting us.
Windsor Homes. They were great during the sales process, but are terrible after purchase. An awful lot of angry homeowners in Old Moore’s Mill and a completely (intentionally?) unresponsive warranty department. Buyer beware!
Keystone Homes for not handling
their back yard.
Editor’s note: The issue you’ve brought up wouldn’t be handled by either Oak Ridge or Guilford County, but rather by N.C. Department of Transportation. I would recommend you call (336) 487-0000, which is the office number for the department’s Division 7 (which includes Guilford County), and ask to speak with someone in roadside maintenance to share your concerns.
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GRINS & GRIPES
...continued from p. 41
Editor’s note: In recent weeks we’ve received an unusual number of gripes from residents of River Oaks in Oak Ridge that are directed toward other neighborhood residents. I’ve combined some of them this week into one gripe (above) and did not publish several others because they address the same issues. In going forward, I suggest that residents with grievances about their neighbors either reach out to them directly (in person, or even in an anonymous letter), speak with the sheriff’s department (if it has to do with poor/unsafe driving or other illegal activity) or speak with representatives of the neighborhood’s homeowner’s association (email address is roha@riveroaksoakridge.org) in an effort to work toward resolving these issues because frankly, I just don’t think they’re going to be resolved by more gripes in the Northwest Observer.
School bus bullies. Parents, please teach your kids how to behave in society.
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Clueless parents who let their small children roam the neighborhood without teaching them about the dangers of traffic. I almost hit one of your kids today. Please use some common sense and teach them about road safety.
NGHS staff responsible for the complete disrespect to the students and spectators at the Powder Puff game. Cutting the lights was dangerous. Continuing to punish the kids is wrong. Shame on you and the school!
Whoever is responsible (Oak Ridge or Guilford County?) for managing the invasive plants growing over the trees and guard rails along N.C. 68.
issues that arise in the community. Very unprofessional. A lot of disappointed neighbors here in Northwest Meadows.
People who cannot assimilate into neighborhood life or understand when they might be disturbing their neighbors. Please wise up to your surroundings. One bad apple spoils it for the rest of us.
Whoever turned the lights off after deciding the Powder Puff charity game at Northern High School was over. Children were in the middle of a play, running down the field. Someone should apologize.
Those complaining about “untidy” and “loud” neighbors. Try living around three separate communities plagued with about 10 drug houses bringing in frequent drug activity and several felons. Please appreciate any neighbor who isn’t a daily threat to public safety.
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42 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
SAVE THE DATE
AUTO SALES & SERVICE
EMPLOYMENT
STAFF POSITIONS available in childcare center. Please call (336) 643-5930
HELP WANTED. The Garden Outlet in Summerfield is hiring landscaping crew. For information call (336) 643-0898
SUMMERFIELD VETERINARY HOSPITAL is seeking a full-time kennel assistant. Weekends and holidays are a must. Drug and background check required. Please apply in person, 4318 US Hwy. 220N, Summerfield, or email resume to Lydia@summerfieldvet.com. (336) 643-6326.
DOWNSIZING SALE. Sat., Sept. 24, 7am-? 2133 Beeson Rd., Oak Ridge. Tools, garden, small tables, kitchen, bedding, games, decorative, crafts & more. Rain date Sat., Oct. 1. Mt. Pisgah’s “MORE THAN A YARD SALE”. Sat., Oct. 1, 7am-1pm. 2600 Pisgah Church Road, Greensboro. Family clothing, linens, jewelry, household furnishings, holiday items, tools, sports equipment and much more!
Excellent service, 15 years experience. Free estimates, excellent references. (336) 338-0223
continued on
HOUSE CLEANING and interior painting. 10% off all services. (336) MAID-2-SHINE.KCCandPservices@gmail.com604-3249
NEED HELP?
HOME SERVICES
AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING
KNIGHT IMPORT SPECIALTY SERVICE European Auto Service & Repair. Specializing in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. BMW, Audi, Volvo, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Mini, and Porsche. 32 years experience. 4559 US Hwy. 220, Summerfield (across from Food Lion). (336) 337-0669.
CHOICE TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE. Oil changes, inspections, alignments and general automotive repairs. 1080 US Hwy 66 S, Kernersville, NC. (336) 992-9002
NEIGHBORHOOD YARD SALE. River Oaks community in Oak Ridge is having its annual fall yard sale on Saturday, Sept. 17, 8am-noon. Hwy 68, one mile north of Oak Ridge Military Academy. Multiple families are selling household items, furniture, clothes, toys and more. Come out and be first to find your treasure! Rain date is Oct 1.
The TOWN of OAK RIDGE is accepting applications for a part-time Parks & Recreation groundskeeper. Up to 25 hours weekly. Very flexible schedule with occasional weekends. Applicants must have clean NCDL and ability to pass background check. Candidates should submit an application (can be found at oakridgenc.com under Our Town/Employment tab) to tlannon@oakridgenc.com or at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road (M-F, 8:30am-4:30pm).
1984 CHEVROLET EL CAMINO. Original owner. Like new. Original paint and interior. Please call (336) 668-2415
BLOOD DRIVE. Sat., Sept. 17, 9am-3pm. Shady Grove Wesleyan Community Center, 119 N. Bunker Hill Rd., Colfax. Text BLOOD to (336) 525-5870
Something going on?
CLEANING
A-ACTION AIR. Heating check-up, $79.95. (336) 268-6768 or (336) 382-3750
PAOLA CLEANING SERVICE. Residential & commercial. Insured. (336) 669-5210
YARD SALES
SUBWAY in Oak Ridge is now hiring. Salary can be up to $13/hour. Call (336) 338-6142 or come see us.
INDEX
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.
We’ll help get the word out!
DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue
SAM'S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 965-7955
EMPLOYMENT
(336) EUROHAUSAUTO.PRO891-3876
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 43The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 43
HIRING? nwobserver.com Auto Sales & Service ........ 43 Employment 43 Save the Date .................. 43 Yard Sales ....................... 43 Home Services ........... 43-46 Misc. Services .................. 46 Misc. Wanted 46 Real Estate ...................... 46
CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING Gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com. (336) 595-2873
COMMUNITY FUN DAY. Sunday, Sept. 25, 11am-3pm. Gideon Grove United Methodist Church, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road, Stokesdale. Bounce house, corn hole, hot dogs on the fire pit, kids' crafts and games, live music (including Hubert Lawson & The Bluegrass Country Boys), door prizes and more! Bring the kids and enjoy some great fellowship and fun!
Place online at
MULTI-FAMILY / STREET YARD SALE Sat., Sept. 17, 8am-12pm. McKibbin Circle in Armfield subdivision, Summerfield. Furniture, clothes, toys and more. Hope to see you there!
Call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 Mon-Fri • 9am-12:30pm
YARD SALES
YARD SALE. Friday, Sept. 16, and Saturday, Sept. 17, 8am-12pm. 7850 Sutter Rd., Greensboro. Adult bikes, stroller, gorilla cart, Dometic CoolFreeze CF-8 refrigerator/freezer, hand-carved wooden nativity set for outside, peace lily plants, Santa Christmas dolls, picture frames.
ANNASARAH'S CLEANING. Excellent references. Trustworthy. Family owned business. Free estimates. (336) 543-3941 p. 44
MAMMOGRAPHY SCREENING. Saturday, Sept. 17, 9am-12pm. Shady Grove Wesleyan Community Center, 119 N. Bunker Hill Rd., Colfax. All major ins. accepted. Text MAMM to (336) 525-5870
Place your Yard Sale or Save the Date classified ad online at www.nwobserver com.
SERVICE, LLC Tree re moval, risk assessment, tree pruning, dead wood removal. Competitive pricing. Fully insured. Owner-operated. Call for free esti mate, (336) 210-8310
HOME SERVICES
L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE
LOW-COST GARAGE DOORS. Repair and sales. 35 years exp. (336) 207-1003
ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt, available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035
NC FORESTRY MULCHING & LANDWORKS. Top rated on Google! Let us help you take back your land! (336) 362-6181 ncforestrymulching.com.
E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Drive ways, fill dirt, demolition, lot clearing, exca vating, bobcat work, etc. (336) 451-1282
AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350
STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. 40+ years experience. Any type of tree, shrub bery and landscaping work. Oak Ridge. (336)
Installation,336-420-0200StokesdaleGuttersrepair,replacement,LeafGuard
CLEAN-UP & HAULING. Lots, yards, natu ral areas, houses and barns. Most any type of debris removal. Call Steve, (336) 643-1119
PLACE YOUR AD: nwobserver.com
Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? Call Coble Electric LLC at (336) 209-1486
DTW GRADING & HAULING, INC. Offer ing 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 clear ing, drainage solutions and snow removal. Daniel Wilson, (336) 339-0212
GARY’S HANDYMAN HOME SERVICES
Contact us for a free estimate!
(336) oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com669-7252
MONTERO'S HARDWOOD FLOORING Installation of hardwood, laminate & tile; hardwood sanding & finishing. Commer cial & residential. Insured, 17 yrs. exp. Free est., exc. references. Call (336) 215-8842 or visit Monteros-hardwood-flooring.com.
DECORATING
Lawn/landscape maintenance and design, aeration, seeding, fertilizing, pine needles, mulch, leaf removal & more! Free esti mates. (336) 708-6150
DILLON TREE SERVICE. Certified arborist. Locally owned; in business 25 yrs. Serving the Triad area. Specializing in large/hazard ous tree removal and emergency removals. Free estimates. www.dillontreeservice.com. Call (336) 996-6156
"We get you mowing!" Comm./res., all models. 2103 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge. Call (336) 298-4314, LandTsmallengineservice.com.
CKH ELECTRIC, LLC. Give us a call for your next residential, commercial, or industri al project. Free estimates. Licensed, insured, and BBB accredited. (336) 414-4899
ELECTRICAL
S&M SEAMLESS GUTTERS. Install new gutters. Repair and clean old gutters. Free estimates. Fully insured. (336) 587-8223 or (336) 709-5944
HILL LAWNCARE & OUTDOOR SERVICES Free est. Call (336) 669-5448
Wood Rot Repairs • Bathroom Remodeling and much more! • Insured
WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC
FLOORING / TILE
“No Job Too Small”
VIKING TILE and FLOORS. Veteranowned and fully insured. Focused on high-quality installations of tile floors and backsplashes. Upgrade your kitchen, bath room, outdoor space, fireplace and more by calling us at (336) 908-5468 or visiting vikingtileandfloors.com
EXTERIOR GREENSCAPES. Lawn main tenance service. Call for a free estimate (336)
GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150
AUGUSTA GREEN LANDSCAPES
APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707.
GRADING / HAULING
LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING
BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC. Residential, commercial and solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192.
HOME SERVICES
INTEGRITY643-1119TREE
AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Quality irri gation systems. NC licensed contractor. We service all systems. Free est. (336) 644-1174
Lawn maint., landscaping. Irrigation/land scape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 years exp. (336) 399-7764
STRAIGHT EDGE LAWN CARE. Free esti mates. Please call (336) 306-0274.
THE CLEANING TECHNICIAN LLC. Back in business. Let me provide my cleaning services and help your house sparkle this summer! I do detailed cleaning. Licensed, bonded, insured and vaccinated. Call Lisa, (336) 207-0770
DSL DRAIN SYSTEMS & LANDSCAPING (336) 362-4354
BLISSFUL ART & FRAMING. SHOP LOCAL! Framing, gifts, graphic design. 4533 Hwy. 220 N., Summerfield. (336) 298-4502
SeamlessWILSON
ORTIZ682-1456LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Res idential and commercial. (336) 280-8981
H&L GRADING, LLC. No job too tough or too small. Call us first! We are a full service grading company that specializes in resi dential projects. Owner/Operator Timmy Hart has more than 30 years of grading and equipment experience. Fully licensed and insured. Land clearing, debris remov al, driveways, French drains and much more. Call Bobby Lipstreu, (336) 543-7867
“Providing value for the home-ownership ex perience.” Gary Gellert, serving NC’s Pied mont Triad area. Garygellert@gmail.com, (336) 423-8223
Painting • Decks
GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
44 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 199644 SEPT. 15 28, 2022 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
The Northwest Observer Keeping you connected since 1996!
ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. (336) 643-9157
GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS
CLOCK SERVICE. Free house calls for sick clocks. 8103 Windspray Dr., Summerfield. (336) 643-9931
HOME SERVICES
BRAD'S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS. LLC. Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647
CM STUMP GRINDING, LLC. Family owned and operated. Commercial/residen tial. Free quotes! (336) 317-4600
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
SOUTHERN CUTZ LAWN CARE. Offering complete lawn maintenance services, land scaping, bush hogging, privacy fence instal lation/repair/staining, and stump grinding. Nathan Adkins, (336) 430-6086
SIGNATURE PLUMBING. Local, experienced, clean, and work is guaranteed. Please call (336) 279-6196
RENOVATION WORKS, INC.
PAINTING, DECKS AND MORE. Call Premier Construction for free estimates. (336) 430-9507.
HOME SERVICES
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.
•
BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION
Outdoor living spaces | Fire ServicesConstructionpits,INCBUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS TM Licensed & tmcsi.net#72797NCinsuredGen.Contractor (336) 644-8615 office
REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION
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.
COX POOL SERVICE. Openings, closings, routine maintenance, weekly service. No contracts, free estimates! (336) 327-5122
SOUTHERN STYLE Concrete, LLC & Outdoor Living understands the dynamics of a beautiful yard. We keep up with the latest trends with our custom pools/patios, outdoor lighting, fire pits, retaining walls, driveways and other numerous landscape designs. This can be the perfect focal point for your home. Call us at (336) 399-6619
Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 41 yrs. exp. (336) 362-6343.
Offer a home service?
cell continued on p. 46 1. Zippers were first sewn on what article of clothing? B. shoes;.Zippers were first invented for footwear in 1893, but soon adapted for use on clothing 2. What were the first sewing needles made of? C. animal bones. The first needles used during the stone age era were animal bones and ivory 3. Which of the following is not a type of sewing machine stitch? A. the walking stitch 4. Who is credited with perfecting the prototype of the sewing machine we use today? D. Isaac Singer 5. Which country is currently the top producer of fabric? C. China. China is followed by India, then Italy, then Germany in top fabric production Sewing ANSWER KEY (from Kids’ Korner on pg. 28)
HOME SERVICES
Place your ad:
PAINTING & DRYWALL
PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR , 40 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. Average BDRM walls $100. Insured. Call Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186
PRESSURE WASHING
GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE
HOUSE and ROOF SOFT WASHING Martin's Pressure Washing. (919) 931-0856
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.
BEKPaintCompany.com
ON EAGLE'S WINGS residential home design/drafting. Call Patti, (336) 605-0519.
LAWSON'S PAINTING. Custom decks, pressure washing, boat docks, block fill, wood repair, stain work, textured ceilings, sheetrock repair. Call (336) 253-9089.
BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic./ Ins. Cleanliness in your home is our #1 priority. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924
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.
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 (336) 508-5242
•
HOME SERVICES
COLFAX LAWNCARE. Core aeration & seeding. Fertilizing, mowing, trimming, pine needles. Complete lawn care maintenance. Res./comm. Fully insured. Serving the Triad for 33 years. (336) 362-5860
ORTIZ REMODELING – Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 45The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 45 HOME SERVICES
STILL PERFECTION PAINTING. Reliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com.
PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Fully insured. Crystal Clear, www. windowcleaningnc.com or (336) 595-2873
CONCRETE COATINGS Flake Epoxy Systems Garage Floor and Concrete Resurfacing Decorative Concrete Overlays Stamped Concrete Rejuvenation Eric Sauls, Owner ● (336) 970-3543 Call for your free estimate
BEK Paint Co.
MASONRY
Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490
PEARMAN QUARRY LCID. Inert debris landfill. Yard waste, concrete, etc. Mulch and fill dirt available. (336) 803-2195 or (336) 558-7673
PLUMBING
JUNK & DEBRIS REMOVAL, construction, remodeling, and general cleanup, outbuildings, garages, basements, yard waste, etc. Also can haul mulch. Call (336) 706-8470
AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350
Your HOME SERVICES company should be here! Place your ad nwobserveronline:.com
• References Available Licensed & Insured All Work Guaranteed
Residential & Commercial
MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS
Follow us on Facebook for northwest-area news updates!
David & Judy Long, owners (336) 931-0600
Repairs & remodeling, kitchens/baths, additions, decks, attics, basements. Licensed & insured. Short wait list. NC general contractors. (336) 225-7478
locally owned & operated
By the Book Accounting 13
EuroHaus 26, 43
Local
Summerfield FD Stop, Drop and Roll 31
Kimberly Thacker Accounting 30
Oak Ridge Physical Therapy ............... 40
Summerfield SummerCycle 14
www.5StarROOFINGUSA.com Roof Replacement • Roof Repairs NEW! Roof Rejuvenation SAME-DAY FREE INSPECTIONS 336-780-7800 customerservice@5starroofingnc.com
R&K Custom Homes 19
CHURCHES
DUSTIN CLINARD ROOFING. Shingles, metal, and leak repairs. Call (336) 268-1908
SNAP Fitness 14
Oak Ridge Horse Show Assoc. 11
Residential & Commercial Roofing roofing
Gideon Grove UMC FUN Day .............. 2
Olmsted Orthodontics ........................ 39
Smith Marketing – Allen Tate 34
FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, generators, power washers, 4-wheelers, mini bikes, golf carts, mopeds, other gas-powered items, etc. (336) 689-4167
46 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
40
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist 26
EVENTS
Oak Ridge Heritage Day 16
Barbour & Williams Law 6
Carlotta Lytton, CPA ........................... 30
ORTHODONTIC CARE
AMERICAN BUILDER CONSTRUCTION
Friends of Stokesdale Farmers’ Day 32
YOUTH SPORTS / CAMPS
ROOFING 362-6343
Disney Construction Company 24
Gladwell Insurance Agency 20
Don Mills Builders 27
MISC. WANTED
Wanted: GOLF CART that needs repair. Will pay cash. (336) 882-1403.
ACCOUNTING
Walraven Signature Homes 23
Summerfield Family Dentistry 35
Madison Flooring................................ 26
BANK / LENDING / INVESTMENTS
CharCo Concrete Coatings ................. 45
Kara Winicki, EXP Realty 21
6705 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale (336) 643-9963 (affiliated with Stokesdale Storage)
Please support our advertisers, and tell them where you saw their ad! local since 1996 HOME SERVICES
MISC. SERVICES
Northwest Pediatrics ........................... 38
REAL ESTATE
2 BD, 1 BA DUPLEX in Stokesdale. $1200/ month. For info call (336) 549-0501
PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS
Guardian Ad Litem 39
FUNERAL SERVICES
WANT TO LEASE LAND FOR HUNTING of deer and turkey. Stokes, Guilford, or Rockingham County. References available upon request. Possible land maintenance with lease. Please call Mike, (336) 413-3817
Central Baptist Church Awana Clubs 37
Belews Creek Construction 46
Got stuff ?
index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS
Northwest Animal Hospital ................. 34
MISC. SERVICES
Wilson Seamless Gutters 44
New Garden Landscaping & Nursery 22
RETAIL
PORTABLE WELDING SERVICE. Welding & fabrication services. Call (336) 908-6906
Summerfield Merchants Association 47
Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX 28
Piedmont Truck Tires .......................... 41
Your HOME SERVICES company should be here! Place your classified ad online at www.nwobserver.com
TM Construction Services 45
Southern Foods 7
McLaurin Farms Pumpkin Patch Days 3
MEDICAL / HEARING / PT
.
Friends of Stokesdale Fall Dance 4
A New Dawn Realty ........................... 13
HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES
● belewscreekconstruction.com
HOMES FOR RENT
INSURANCE
LeBauer HealthCare ........................... 28
HOUSE FOR RENT. Taking applications for 2 BD, 1 and 1/2 BA. One block from Ontex on Hwy 65. Non-smokers. $1,100 per mo. Deposit required. Call (336) 423-8703
BUILDING / REMODELING
Atrium Health WFB, Summerfield 42
Novant Health ...................................... 5
Oak Ridge Lions Club Golf Tourney .... 33
5 Star Roofing 46
Oak Ridge Youth Association 35
Health Team Advantage 9
CHILDREN’S SERVICES
BEK Paint Company 45
Forbis & Dick Funeral Services 13
DENTAL SERVICES
Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC 8
Ray Bullins Construction 23
$$$ – WILL PAY CASH for your junk / wrecked vehicle. For quote, call (336) 552-0328
Stokesdale Heating & Air 12
REAL ESTATE
AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE
Rymack Storage 46
Need stuff ?
First Citizens Bank 15
LEGAL SERVICES
Aim Hearing & Audiology 21
Superior Outdoor Spaces.................... 20
Tire Max 10
HEALTH & FITNESS
Place your Classified ad today: (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 www.nwobserver.com
Old School Home Repair .................... 44
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
We finance. Free estimates. (336)
Threads of Serenity 30
Carpets by Direct ................................ 29
CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC + years experience. (336) 643-8191
company. Since 1979. shingle roofing ● metal roofing roof replacement ● roof inspections TPO roofing ● EPDM roofing
46 SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 The Northwest Observer • Totally
PREMIER ROOFING. Commercial/residential. Providing service for all of your roofing needs. Locally owned. Please call (336) 430-9507 for free assessments.
GROCERIES / SUPPLIES
Jones suggested poster-size copies of the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence and the state constitution be purchased and prominently displayed in Town Hall. Landreth agreed, but said he didn’t think tax dollars should be used; the five council members then agreed to donate $100 each to pay for framed copies of the documents.
for doing “an amazing job.”
All nominees must be considered “of high moral character and value,” have significant connections to NWHS, and may be living or deceased. Athlete nominees should have excelled in athletics while at NWHS and potentially beyond high school. All coach nominees must have served as a varsity head coach at NWHS for at least seven years.
will be announced at a home football game in the fall and honored with a ceremony at a home basketball game in theAnyonewinter.wishing to nominate a candidate for consideration is asked to complete a form that outlines the candidate’s athletic achievements and contributions, as well as offers examples of what makes the candidate an outstanding person of moral character.Nomination
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
ATHLETICS HOF
“Regarding deputies and school traffic management, it’s hard for me to want to lead with the town’s money when we’re talking about the two largest entities in the county,” he said. “I would ask, what did the Guilford County commissioners tell you, and how did the school board respond to your request – and if you haven’t asked them, why in the world would you come to us fi rst?”
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:52 p.m.
Thanks to Karen Kimrey of Triad’s Finest Real Estate for hosting our September 6 meeting.
Small Town Development grant. Foy said the town has received a $50,000 grant for capital improvements or equipment and he proposed it be used toward a new amphitheater, nature trials and playground equipment in the town park.
Finally, Foy recognized Northwest High School graduate Olivia Carr, who made the cheerleading team at N.C. State and the travel team as a freshman.
Regarding funding a deputy to help with school traffic, council member Jim Rigsbee said Guilford County Schools (GCS) had not yet funded any remedies to issues outlined in a traffic study performed by NCDOT.
...continued from p. 13
“For us to take the fallback for the issues isn’t right,” Rigsbee said. “I don’t think citizens of Stokesdale should have to be responsible for covering the cost that the two largest funded entities in Guilford County (GCS and Guilford County Sheriff’s Office) know well is an issue… We don’t tax our citizens and we’re not receiving sales tax. This should have fallen on GCS or the sheriff’s office.”
5 0 to authorize a $2,948 payment to Yates Construction for repairing a broken storm water drain system at the soccer field in the town park. Jones commended Robertson for his quick response.
forms will be due no later than Oct. 1 of the year in which the candidate is to be considered.
There will be no set number of inductees each year, but it will not exceed 15.
Email Jason Allred, NWHS athletics director, at allredd3@gcsnc.com for a nomination form.
SEPT. 15 - 28, 2022 47
“They’re making a lot of improvements to the baseball fields. Hats off to them for raising the money through members and sponsors to do that,” he said. “SPAR is not affiliated with the town. They run a great program.”
Landreth thanked attendees and the town’s excellent staff, saying, “I’m happy to live in a town where one of our biggest problems is a drink machine.”
Referencing the 9/11 ceremony, Jones said he preferred that citizens and local churches step forward, adding, “Government can only do so many things without becoming intrusive.
Foy praised Stokesdale Parks and Recreation (SPAR)’s board members
want to a candidate?nominate
Each year’s Hall of Fame inductees
COUNCIL COMMENTS
To RSVP, email info@summerfieldmerchant.com
...continued from p. 35
Summerfield Merchants Association (SMA) supports our local businesses and community. To join or for more info, email info@summerfieldmerchant.com or visit www.summerfieldmerchant.com or Facebook.com/SummerfieldMerchantsAssociation
5 0 to adopt a Conflict of Interest policy, a required document for the above grant, make it effective Sept. 8, and incorporate it into the town’s Ethics policy.
STOKESDALE TOWN COUNCIL
or deceased. A contributor is an individual who has helped develop and grow the athletic department at NWHS and has had a significant impact on the NWHS athletic community.
Foy also noted SPAR’s basketball program will soon be back in the school gym on Saturdays, and the cheerleading program is starting back up.
Join us at our next meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 6:30 p.m.
itingObserver.NorthwesthisAuntTerry
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The Henson Forest Swim Team caught up on the latest Grins & betweenGripesevents at the CommunityGreensboroSwimAssociationcitymeetonJuly8.
Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22
PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 • (336) 644-7035
Over the summer, Rob and Jeni Erikson of Summerfield visited their 8-year-old grandson, Aidan Barile, in North Pole, Arkansas. While spending the afternoon at Lake Chena, the Eriksons enjoyed sharing their hometown paper with Aidan and his best bud, Freki, a 1.5-year-old Norwegian elkhound.
Postal Patron
Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22
PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 • (336) 644-7035
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Postal Patron
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Ace Wenzel knows there is no better poolside reading than the Observer.NorthwestWhile vis iting his Aunt Terry in New Jersey, Ace took a break from swim ming and checked out the NWO’s back cover to see where other readers from back home had traveled.
Scott and Michele Miller enjoyed spending their 25th anniversary in Dublin, Ireland’s local spot, the Cobblestone Pub. What a great place to have a pint, enjoy listening to some Irish music, and catch up on the news from home!
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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
