Northwest Observer / Nov. 3 - 16, 2022

NGHS parents seek GCS transparency after threat of violence

The response of school and law enforcement officials to an incident in the high school in September sparks frustration among parents and calls for accountability

by CHRIS BURRITT

NORTHERN GREENSBORO – Some Northern Guilford High School parents are seeking a meeting with Guilford County Schools (GCS) and law enforcement officials after saying they’re concerned about the safety of students in the school.

Over the past three weeks, several Facebook posts by NGHS parent Janelle Robinson talking about a ninth grader’s threat of violence against 13 other students in September has alarmed other parents. Some expressed fear for children and teachers and disappointment and distrust of school administrators, culminating in a meeting of more than 25 parents this past Tuesday, Nov. 1, to address their concerns.

“All of our children need to feel safe in

school,” Lisa Goddard told other parents meeting in the Ridgewood subdivision’s clubhouse.

For more than an hour, parents expressed concerns about reports of frequent fights in the school, vaping in bathrooms, bullying and a lack of respect by students. Again and again, the conversation circled back to the threat of violence, prompting parents to call for a school-wide meeting to seek answers from the high school’s administrators and the sheriff’s deputy, or resource officer, assigned to the school.

The parents are also requesting the attendance of GCS Superintendent Whitney Oakley, Mike Richey, the district’s executive director of safety and security, Sheriff Danny Rogers and Capt. Brian Hall,

Teen killed, another injured by car while trick-or-treating

The tragedy occurred near where a deadly accident occurred three Halloweens ago, spurring Oak Ridge’s mayor to call for safety improvements on Haw River Road

by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – Halloween night trick-or-treating turned tragic after a

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vehicle struck two 14-year-old girls walking on Haw River Road, killing one of them and injuring the other.

We honor our veterans on Friday, Nov. 11, and thank them for their service to our country. A veterans appreciation dinner will be held Nov. 9 (details on p. 9) and Veterans Day ceremonies will be held in Oak Ridge and Stokesdale on Nov. 11 (details on p. 28).

A roadside memorial has been set up for Aliyah Thornhill at the corner of Apple Grove Road and Haw River Road in Oak Ridge, where she was killed while trickor-treating on Halloween night. Inset photo shows Aliyah posing after performing in a production of “Grease” at Northwest Middle School last April.

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO and (inset photo) courtesy of Jacob Luck

Planning for Northwest middle school advances

County leaders discuss spending plans from the $1.7 billion bond recently approved by voters

Northwest Middle School in northwest Greensboro was built in 1970 with a permanent capacity of 896. The school, which has a current enrollment of 955, is slated to be rebuilt at a new location. According to a consultant firm’s master facilities plan released by Guilford County Schools in 2019, the new middle school will have a permanent capacity of 1,200; given current construction prices, the cost of rebuilding the middle school is likely to be significantly higher than the consultant firm’s original estimate of $50,127,000.

by CHRIS BURRITT

NW GREENSBORO – Guilford County Schools has listed Northwest Guilford Middle School as one of nine construction projects to be planned and designed using borrowing from the $1.7 billion bond approved by voters last May.

The middle school at Northwest Guilford School Road will be rebuilt on a new site, Angie Henry, a senior advisor to schools Superintendent Whitney Oakley, said in an interview Oct. 26. Eventually, plans call for Northwest Guilford High School to be expanded onto the campus that will be vacated by the middle school, she said.

GCS plans to spend as much as $2 billion renovating and rebuilding schools countywide. Borrowing from a $300 million school bond approved by voters in 2020 and the recently approved $1.7 billion bond will pay for the improvements, according to the school system.

Work has begun on school buildings

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in the worst condition, based upon a 2019 master facilities plan by Cooperative Strategies, the district’s consultant. In last week’s meeting, Oakley and other GCS leaders updated a joint committee of school board members and county commissioners overseeing the bond spending.

Oakley told the committee that GCS plans to ask commissioners to approve a $44 million project ordinance later this year to start planning and design of the nine projects.

“We are looking for land,” Henry said in the interview, referring to efforts by the district to secure a new site for the Northwest middle school.

Earlier, the spending plan for the 2020 bond referendum earmarked nearly $10.7 million for the acquisition of land, including for the Northwest middle school replacement, the Northwest Area Aviation High School and a Northern area elementary school.

GCS officials said last week the district is also seeking commissioners’ approval of another ordinance for

$48 million to pay for safety improvements and building repairs districtwide.

Separately, GCS officials said the district and Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) are discussing the possibility of collaborating to start the Northwest area aviation high school on GTCC’s Cameron campus on N.C. 68 south of Oak Ridge.

Planning for the aviation campus is “in the very beginning” but could eventually consist of new buildings, including a hangar, on the Cameron campus, Henry said in the interview.

The start and completion of the nine projects in the latest wave of bond spending is unclear, according to Henry.

In June, County Manager Michael Halford told the commissioners that actual work on the projects funded by the $1.7 billion in bond sales is projected to start before 2024.

Ten projects – none in the northwest area – are already underway, with funding from the $300 million bond approved in 2020. Six of the projects have broken ground, according to GCS.

NEWS in brief

THE

Vote early now through Nov. 5, or on Election Day, Nov. 8

NW GUILFORD COUNTY – Early voting for the Nov. 8 mid-term election is being offered daily at 15 locations throughout Guilford County and will continue through Saturday, Nov. 5.

In northwest Guilford, early voting sites are at Bur-Mil Club, 5834 Bur-Mil Club Road, Greensboro, and at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road, Oak Ridge.

During the early voting period, voters can vote at any of the early voting sites, regardless of their assigned precinct.

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they are a U.S. citizen, are 18 years of age or will be by the election, and can provide proof they have lived in Guilford County for at least 30 days prior to the election. After registering, the newly registered voter can immediately vote at that same site.

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For a list of early voting sites and early voting dates/times, info about what you need to register to vote, candidates, a sample ballot and other voter information, visit www.guilfordcountync.gov/our-county/ board-of-elections.

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Atheist-turned-Christian, Lee Strobel is the former award-winning legal editor of The Chicago Tribune and best-selling author of more than twenty books. His classic, The Case for Christ, is a perennial favorite which details his conversion to Christianity.

HOW TO REACH

Council to discuss municipal water system capital improvement projects

Stokesdale Town Council’s Nov. 10 meeting agenda includes a discussion of expanding and improving the town’s water system

(336) 644-7035

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STOKESDALE – The Town of Stokesdale has owned and operated a municipal water system for almost 20 years and has seen a 35% growth in customers in just the last three years; as residential development continues, much more growth is anticipated in the coming years. In response, Stokesdale Town Council has been holding weekly workshops since August to discuss capital investments and improvements to the Town’s water system. Town staff, North Carolina Rural Water Association, and the Town’s on-call engineering firm have played a key role in advising the town council during these workshops.

Water system investment and improvement projects would be funded by using $4,267,119 of the almost $5 million in grant monies the town has received in the last few years. Of the total

funds received, $1,154,081 came from a state grant for municipal water improvements; $725,474 was given to the town between July 2021 and July 2022 from the federal government under the American Rescue Plan; and this past August, Guilford County commissioners voted unanimously to award the Town of Stokesdale $3,113,038 for strategic water system improvements.

According to a press release dated Nov. 2, at the council’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, the council is expected to discuss water system projects that include: • Extending the water system to run about 3 miles of water main from Coldwater Road to Highway 65 to Oak Level Church Road, thereby effectively looping the current system, provid-

ing municipal water to a historically underserved quadrant of Stokesdale in comparison to the other three Town quadrants, and providing a second water main into the Town Core.

• Additional system improvement projects such as adding a stirrer/diffuser in the elevated water tank, and upgrading the current pressure reducing valve to an electronic control valve.

According to the press release, the council “will not be voting to obligate or expend these large amounts of grant monies. However, council discussion could lead to a vote to initiate the RFQ (Request for Qualifications) and RFP (Request for Proposals) processes from potential vendors for engineering, design, surveying, and construction work per the North Carolina General Statutes for specific projects.”

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Demolition of two Oak Ridge buildings approved

The two-story brick building that once housed W.D. Grocery and the one-story building beside it, which is occupied by L&T Small Engine Service, will be demolished in early 2023. Property owner Sam Anders said he plans to build his accounting office on the site occupied by the L&T repair shop.

historic properties. Anders said he plans to restore the historic two-story Moore house at the corner of N.C. 150 and Linville Road.

by CHRIS BURRITT

Property owner Sam Anders won approval for his plan to demolish two commercial buildings on the nearly 4.7 acres at N.C. 150 and Linville Road where he plans to relocate his accounting office.

The town’s Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) voted unanimously last month to approve Anders’ application to tear down the two-story brick building that once housed the W.D. Grocery store and the former gas station now occupied by L&T Small Engine Service.

Although the buildings are located in Oak Ridge’s historic district, they are considered to be “noncontributing” –lacking in historical or architectural significance – in the town’s inventory of

Despite its general reluctance to allow the demolition of properties in the town’s historic district, the HPC concurred with Anders’ assessment that “after 30 years of deferred maintenance” the deterioration of the two buildings is so severe that restoration isn’t financially feasible.

“The best solution to this site is to preserve the Moore house and remove these two buildings,” Anders told the commission. “There has been too much deferred maintenance and too much damage for too long (so) there’s no real way to try to renovate these two buildings.”

A report by town staff said the buildings “are only historic in the sense of age. Both structures were built circa 1951 in a nondescript style void of any architectural detail except for being constructed out of brick.

“The buildings cannot be adapted to serve the owner’s needs and are not structurally feasible for reuse,”

Owner Sam Anders also plans to restore the historic Moore house as part of the redevelopment of his property in the heart of Oak Ridge

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Derek Mobley is committed to making the Northwest a great place for families.

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BITS & PIECES

Class of 1962 holds reunion

Photo, info courtesy of Myra Blackburn

Graduates of Summerfield High School’s Class of 1962 gathered Oct. 22 for a 60th class reunion. Shown in photo are (seated, L to R) Margaret Bowden, Rebecca Smith Ryckman, Ramona Snyder Angel and Carl Wayne Spenser; (standing, L to R) Voy Hennis, Garry Hutcherson, Elizabeth Pegram Joyner, Linda Rouster Reavis, Carolyn Linville Trogdon and Myra Meadows Blackburn. Of the 64 class members, the 31 who are no longer living were honored by those attending the reunion. Others who weren’t able to attend due to other commitments or health concerns were missed, said Oak Ridge resident Myra Blackburn.

The

Stokesdale Christmas Parade

Saturday, Dec. 10, 2 pm

SPONSORSHIPS NEEDED:

Our sponsors play a critical role in making this such a successful annual event.

PARADE ENTRIES NEEDED:

Our participants are what make our parade great! Local organizations and businesses as well as family and friend groups are encouraged to join. Get creative! Entry forms are available on the town’s website, www.stokesdale.org, under Events.

Deadline for entry is Dec. 2. Please secure your spot early.

For more information on sponsorships and parade entries, contact Town Hall at deputyclerk@stokesdale.org or 336.643.4011

The Class of 1962 was Summerfield High School’s last graduating class before Summerfield, Stokesdale and Colfax high schools were consolidated into Northwest Guilford High School, which opened in the fall of 1962 (Oak Ridge School went through the 8th grade, and students went to Summerfield for grades 9-12).

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carpentry, drywall repair, kitchen and bath remodels, and more. Ovalle emphasizes that although he is the primary customer contact, everyone works as a team and other family members specialize in making sure the details of each project are given proper attention.

Business owner: Jorge Ovalle

K&J Home Services was started two years ago with the help of a family friend who had a wealth of home improvement skills and experience. Owner Jorge Ovalle and his family have learned and benefited from that experience, and now run the business, using their talent for design and construction and a keen eye for detail.

K&J Home Services provides painting,

The company’s business philosophy, “Our passion lives where you live,” reflects its commitment to treating every customer’s home as if it were their own.

The Ovalle family emigrated from Colombia, searching for a better life in the U.S. Jorge leads the team with the assistance of his brother Edward and wife Monica, who have a 10-year-old

of Stokesdale’s Events Committee proudly presents

Veterans appreciation dinner, Nov. 9

OAK RIDGE – Alison Huber, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Triad Honor Flight, is always looking for ways to further celebrate and honor those who have served in our country’s armed forces. Another opportunity to do so recently presented itself through Huber’s church, Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, which hosts a monthly dinner for multigenerational families to eat together.

“I asked if we could hold the one in November, which is scheduled for the week of Veterans Day, as a veterans’ appreciation dinner and invite the community,” Huber said in a recent interview. “We are going to feed any veterans who want to come. It will be a donationonly dinner, with veterans eating for free and family members and guests asked to make a suggested donation.”

Huber and several fellow volunteers will prepare and provide the food, and all dinner donations will go to Triad Honor

Flight, which sends Triad-area veterans on a one-day, all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to visit veteran memorials.

A few local veterans who have traveled with Triad Honor Flight since Huber founded the all-volunteer nonprofit in 2020 will briefly share their honor flight experiences while fellow veterans and their guests enjoy dinner and time together.

want to go?

All area veterans and their family members are invited to the dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 5:30 p.m., in Oak Ridge UMC’s Family Life Center, 2424 Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge.

Veterans will eat for free; suggested donations for family members are $10/ plate for adults and $5/plate for children. RSVPs requested; reservations can be made by either calling the church office at (336) 643-4690 or going online at www.oakridgeumc.org/events.

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BUILDINGS

the report concluded.

Anders said he anticipates demolishing the buildings after the first of the year.

Recently, a structural engineer found widespread, severe water damage to the two-story brick building that once housed the grocery store, according to Anders, who showed photographs illustrating the damage. Lacking structural steel, the foundation is deteriorating, contributing to numerous problems that make the building structurally unsound, he said.

“The water damage has extended all the way down into the crawl space,” Anders said.

One of the two apartments in the second floor of the former grocery store has been occupied by a woman for about 20 years. She’s moving to a new home, Anders said.

“I can’t even imagine living in this,” HPC Chair Debbie Shoenfeld said.

“I couldn’t imagine when I walked in and saw it,” Anders said. “I will be very happy, for safety purposes, when she’s moved out.”

Next door, the flat roof of the former gas station is “problematic,” consisting of “a hodgepodge of different mixes and blends (of roofing materials),” Anders said. Mortar in the brick walls is cracking and missing, with some bulging of bricks, he added.

Anders said he’s going to give Tom and Laura Wright and their son, Justin, time to relocate their lawn equipment repair shop before tearing the building down.

“L&T has done an excellent job handling this; they’ve tried to keep the building put together,” said Anders. But, he added, “It’s not cost-effective to try to convert this concrete structure into a modern use.”

Looking ahead, Anders said he plans to build his accounting office on the site occupied by the L&T repair shop. Eventually, he said, he wants to construct a commercial building on the site of the former grocery store.

Last month, the removal of bamboo from around the house revealed a hand-dug well behind the Moore house. Anders said he plans to preserve the well.

The property is reliant upon well water and septic services, limiting the future use of the house, according to Anders. It could not be used for a residence or a restaurant, but would be suitable for other commercial or institutional usage, he said.

An Oak Ridge native who serves as the town’s finance officer, Anders said he plans to respect the history of the property in his redevelopment. Growing up, he said he patronized the gas station and the grocery store.

If the project goes as Anders envisions, he said he wants to demolish the two commercial buildings and complete construction of his new accounting firm by late 2023 or early 2024.

After building his new office, Anders said he plans to secure a tenant, such as a medical practice or other professional service, before constructing the building he plans for the site of the former grocery store.

Anders described restoration of the Moore house as “a totally separate item” that will take place in phases longer term. The work will start with exterior improvements such as removing tree limbs hanging over the roof and pressure washing the structure, he said. Broken windows and damaged siding will be replaced.

“I want to do the outside first because it looks so bad,” Anders told the HPC. “I don’t like it boarded up. I don’t like it looking dirty.”

He said he will seek help from historic preservationists to restore the interior of the house. That includes replacing two logs damaged by termites, while preserving as much of the original features of the structure as possible, he said.

“To me, this is kind of like cleaning the Mona Lisa,” Anders said. “You want to take the dirt off, but you don’t want to damage the paint underneath.”

| INSURANCE | RETIREMENT

SCHOOL VIOLENCE

...continued from p. 1

commander of the sheriff’s School Resource Division.

Robinson suggested the meeting be held in a location away from the high school to give parents equal footing with school and law enforcement officials.

Parents said they want officials to explain GCS’ rules and consequences for various offenses such as fighting, threats of violence and bullying. A lack of information from authorities following the threat in September led to confusion and skepticism among parents about how – and whether – rules in GCS’ student handbook are enforced.

“There is a lack of consequences for bad behavior,” parent Elena Wachendorfer said. Goddard added, “You yell ‘bomb’ on an airplane, they’re taking you off and you’re getting arrested.”

School board member Deborah Napper told the parents she will relay their request for a meeting to GCS and law enforcement officials.

“I hear you say you want a zero tolerance policy,” said Napper, who represents several schools, including Northern Guilford High and Middle, as the board’s District 5 member.

Napper said GCS officials are limited in how much information the district can share about incidents in schools, based upon federal laws guarding medical information about individuals. Capt. Hall said state law prevents the sheriff’s office from releasing certain information about juveniles, such as specifics about investigations and their outcomes and actions –or the lack of action – by juvenile courts.

“There was a threat,” Napper said in the meeting earlier this week, referring to the September incident at NHS. Asked by a parent whether the student who threatened classmates had been evaluated mentally before being allowed to return to school, Napper said privacy laws prevent the disclosure of such information.

Parents expressed frustration about the lack of information being shared with them. In an Oct. 13 email to GCS and law enforcement officials, Robinson said parents deserve to know more.

“I am aware there are laws and

guidelines pertaining to privacy and this could be handled discreetly but in a manner that ensures the safety of the 13 named and hundreds of other students,” Robinson wrote in the email, which she shared Oct. 14 in her first Facebook post about the threat. “A student who has a verbalized plan should not be allowed in class. This student needs an education off campus.”

Robinson also alerted NGHS parents that they’d be hearing from Janiese McKenzie, the school’s principal, about the threat.

“We take every concern seriously, and the incident in question has been thoroughly investigated by GCS and the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, who have confirmed that there is no threat to our school,” McKenzie wrote in an email. “To help keep rumors from spreading, please only share information that you can personally verify. If you hear or see something of concern, tell a school administrator or law enforcement, who will fully investigate the matter. The safety of students and staff is our top priority.”

In an email to the Northwest Observer earlier this week, Capt. Hall wrote, “We completely understand the concerns expressed by some parents at Northern Guilford High School. While we cannot discuss the particulars of this investigation, what we can disclose is the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office does not feel this threat was ever credible, and much of the information being shared on social media or otherwise about this incident is factually inaccurate.”

GCS is taking a similar position. In a statement earlier this week, the district told the Northwest Observer that “it has been alleged that a Northern Guilford student has continued to make ongoing threats since an initial incident was investigated and addressed in September. This matter has been thoroughly investigated and found to be inaccurate.”

The district went on to say that, broadly, it is “committed to investigating both sides of an issue and protecting all students and staff. We follow established guidelines for conducting threat assessments and appropriately administering disciplinary consequences.”

As the weather gets cooler, Murphy and Woodrow Rigsbee of Stokesdale enjoy snuggling up together for their afternoon naps.

Over the last three years, Lily Harrison of Summerfield has been raising a variety of caterpillars into butterflies. Monarch butterfiles have been her focus due to them being officially deemed an endangered species. Join Lily in helping to save the Monarchs – now is the time to plant milkweed for next spring!

Tucker, a 3-year-old English lab, knows when a delivery is coming and always excitedly greets the delivery truck driver, ready to jump in the back of the truck and check out all the packages. Tucker also loves to hang out at Oak Ridge Dog Park on the weekends.

photos,

Oak Ridge resident Shannon Depp shared this photo of her family’s rescue dog, Jersey. “We were on the rescue list for three years,” Shannon said. “As soon as we saw her, we knew she was the one for us. She loves running around the yard and playing with the birds. She totally completes our family!”

readers!

them to: photos@nwobserver.com

Since creating a feline rescue and adoption program over 10 years ago, Dr. Kimberly Sheets and her team have adopted out over 1,700 homeless cats and kittens by ANNETTE JOYCE

As a child, Dr. Kimberly Sheets had a dream of eliminating the problem of animal overpopulation by spaying and neutering homeless cats and kittens and finding good homes for as many as possible.

A veterinarian with over 25 years of experience and owner of Sheets Pet Clinic, Sheets opened her full-service, low-cost spay/neuter clinic in Greensboro in 2008 and within five years was well on her way to making her childhood dream a reality.

It was then that she established a feline rescue program that would offer adoptions and help take care of problems created by feral cat colonies, groups of unsocialized cats that are afraid of humans.

According to Sarah Hodges, Sheets’ adoption coordinator, the program is a “full-blown rescue with fosters” to care for the hundreds of cats and kittens the clinic takes in each year.

One of the biggest issues the clinic deals with is the lack of education when it comes to feral cats.

“There’s always that person who feels sorry for the cats and starts

Photo courtesy of Sheets Pet Clinic

Sheets Pet Clinic owner Dr. Kimberly Sheets, shown here with one enormous bunny rabbit, has had a heart for helping homeless cats and kittens since she was young.

neighborhood. These colonies can not only be a nuisance to humans, but the cats don’t fare very well.

A heart for helping homeless felines unsocialized the clinic takes in

“This outdoor lifestyle exposes the cats to the elements (and predators). People usually feed them a cheaper food and the kittens are often sick,” Hodges said. “They have viruses, respiratory and eye infections. It’s just not a good lifestyle.”

people don’t realize

feeding them,” Hodges said. Unfortunately, what many of these well-intentioned people don’t realize is that these cats are continuing to breed and the colony is growing larger.

“Our motto is ‘If you feed them, fix them,’” Hodges said. “One (unaltered) cat can contribute thousands of kittens during its lifespan.”

Hodges has seen numerous cases in which people had become frantic because a neighbor insisted on continuing to feed the cats, who were then overtaking the entire

The best way to deal with this issue, she advised, is to make sure these cats are spayed and neutered. A small group of clinic volunteers trap the cats and bring them in for the procedure. Sometimes they are released back into their environment with a notched ear, which shows they can no longer reproduce.

Ideally, these cats are taken in and sent to foster homes to adjust to being with humans. From there, they move on to a forever home where they will be loved and won’t have to deal with the harshness of living in a feral colony.

NOW ACCEPTING

dental care. Dr. Parry is one of only 6% dentist nationwide that is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry. He is also part of only 1% of all dentists nationwide that are graduates of the prestigious Kois Center, and a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

When Sheets Pet Clinic takes in a cat or kitten, it is completely vetted, spayed or neutered, given age-appropriate

vaccines, tested for parasites and viruses and treated for any health issues.

“Eighty percent of our kittens are not healthy when they come in and often require additional treatment,” Hodges said.

Since starting the adoption program, Sheets Pet Clinic has adopted out over 1,700 cats and kittens. Right now, there are 75 felines waiting for a new home.

Oak Ridge resident Judy Davis and her husband, Jim, learned about the clinic’s adoption program six years ago when they adopted their cat, Gray, as a playmate for one of their two geriatric felines.

“It’s pretty amazing the number of dedicated volunteers this group has,” Judy said. “Dr. Sheets’ heart is really into it, and I like the fact that you have to agree to bring the cat back to them if for some reason you can’t keep it.”

A few months ago, the Davises adopted another cat from the clinic, Tracker, a 9-week-old kitten, and they’ve been just as pleased with their newest family member as they were with Gray. Judy is committed to raising awareness about this feline adoption program and what a great job the clinic is doing.

Adopting a cat through the program is simple.

“Request an application, answer a few follow-up questions, and then when your application is approved, we set up a meet-and-greet,” Hodges said.

Applications are available by emailing petadoptions@sheetspetclinic.com or at www.sheetspetclinic.com (click on the “Adoptions” tab).

The adoption fee is $100 for each cat 6 months and older; $150 if you adopt two 6-month-old cats at the same time; $125 for each kitten; or $200 for two kittens adopted at the same time.

The adoption fee includes spaying or neutering, microchipping, testing for FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) and/or FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus), ageappropriate vaccinations, FeLV vaccinations for kittens, flea treatment and deworming. Plus, all adoptees receive an “exit exam” from one of the clinic’s veterinarians before going home.

Adoption fees don’t come close to covering the cost of running the program, especially considering the clinic often takes in very sick cats and kittens that ultimately need care from veterinary specialists.

It helps that every staff member is part of the rescue team and everyone devotes countless off-the-clock hours to the cats in the program’s care. Still, funds are needed and come from private donations and periodic fundraisers. The group’s biggest fundraisers occur on its Facebook page, with online auctions in the spring and fall.

Hodges said the fall auction is underway and ends Saturday, Nov. 5, at 8 p.m. The auction features “over 250 new, vintage, fun and functional items, just in time for holiday gift-giving.” To see what’s available, join the group at www.facebook.com/ groups/822851025559950.

Sheets Pet Clinic also hosts adoption fairs at the clinic, located at 809 Chimney Rock Court, Greensboro, on the second and fourth Saturday of each month – unless the Saturday falls on an observed holiday. The fairs typically are held from 1 to 3 p.m.

For more information, visit www.sheetspetclinic.com and select “Adoptions” or go to Facebook.com/ SheetsPetClinic.

Full-service animal hospital Stress-free environment

Accepting New Patients

643-8984

Loving care for pets and their families

Photo courtesy of Sheets Pet Clinic

Hodges, adoption coordinator for Sheets Pet Clinic’s cat adoption program, enjoys loving on one of the clinic’s kitties.

on Facebook

Serving the northwest Triad area since 1991

grooming

laser therapies

surgeries

laboratory

wellness

Full-service medicine, surgery and dentistry

and therapeutic laser

Adoptable Pets

Red Dog Farm Animal Rescue Network

DUNKIN AND DONUT

Meet Dunkin and Donut! These 2-month-old guinea pig brothers are learning to be handled and are enjoying trying new veggies. To adopt this adorable pair, please visit www.reddogfarm.com; their joint adoption fee is $50.

MAMA TINA

Mama Tina came to us very pregnant and in need of a safe place to have her kittens. Sadly, the neighborhood kids where she was living were not kind to her. Tina was a great mom, but her job tending to her kittens is done and she’s ready for a forever home. She loves pets and attention. This mama has had enough of outdoor life and is ready for an indoor-only home. She’s been good around other cats and calm dogs. Tina is spayed, vaccinated, microchipped and ready for her forever home! Apply online at www.reddogfarm.com or meet Tina at Crooked Tail Cat Cafe in downtown Greensboro.

If you are interested in learning more about Dunkin and Donut, Mama Tina, or any of our other adoptable animals, please visit www.reddogfarm.com, where you can also fill out an application for adoption if you wish.

Guilford County Animal Resource Center

TINKERBELL

Tinkerbell, a sweet American pit bull terrier, looks as though she’s ready to fly just like her namesake, and land right in your heart! Tink is a middle-aged lady at 6 years old, and weighs 53 pounds. Her favorite books include anything by J.M. Barrie, although she does enjoy the Disney version of her character. Bring some magic into your life; ask for Tinkerbell by ID# GCAS-A-5786.

MAX

Meet Max, an engaging 86-pound hound. At 7 years old, Max is a handsome gentleman. He enjoys watching reruns of “Get Smart” (Max must be short for Maxwell Smart!), and his favorite singer is Elvis Presley. You won’t be singing “Nothing But a Hound Dog” about Max, though. He will give “Max-imum” love to his forever family. Ask for him by ID#GCAS-A-5169.

Guilford County Animal Resource Center

& Kids’ Korner

fishing cat WORD SEARCH

AWESOME ANIMALS

Fishing Cats did you know?

• Fishing cats primarily live in South and Southeast Asia and are largely found in wetland areas, both marshes and swamps. They can also be found in heavily forested regions close to rivers or near jungles.

• The fishing cat is one of the largest of the 28 species of small cats. An adult male weighs an average of 18-31 pounds and an adult female weighs an average of 11-20 pounds.

• Easy to spot because of its very distinct look, the coat of the fishing cat is pale gray to deep brownish gray and marked with dark spots and streaks. Six to eight black lines run from the cat’s forehead to its neck, breaking up into shorter bars and spots on its shoulders.

• Fishing cats are considered a vulnerable species as there are believed to be less than 3,000 left in the world. The decrease in the fishing cat population is largely due to habitat destruction, water pollution and poaching for skin.

• Fishing cats communicate through hisses, low demanding meows or growls. They also use their smelly urine to mark their territories, communicating to other fishing cats not to enter.

• As a carnivorous animal, the fishing cat’s diet consists of meat. They largely eat aquatic animals like fish, mollusks, snails, frogs and snakes.

• Unlike many cats, fishing cats love water and are amazing swimmers! Their front toes are partially webbed, and their claws protrude slightly even when retracted, an adaptation which makes them good fishers. Their round, elongated head is also adapted for diving. When they spot a fish, they will dive into rivers and lakes to catch the fish in their mouths.

• As a nocturnal animal, fishing cats are most active at night.

• While these guys may look cute and cuddly, they don’t make good house pets. Fishing cats are known to be quite aggressive!

• The Greensboro Science Center is home to five fishing cats – Tallulah, Mako, Angler, Katara and Korra.

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

Fishing cats f ish by tapping their paw on the water’s surface to mimic insects. When a f ish comes to investigate, the f ishing cat pounces!

T A L L U L A H S

S D N A L T E W

T P N R M C R I

R E O A I A R M

E R C T W R A M

A E A A S N O E

K L R K M I L R

S G N O A V L S

W N M R L O A A

A M R H R M R

A L L

T E S A

SCHOOL VIOLENCE

...continued from p. 12

Violating GCS policies related to students engaging in or threatening violence or fighting among themselves can lead to out-ofschool suspension, possibly for long term, according to the district’s student handbook.

“The safety of students and staff is our top priority and we are taking all safety matters seriously,” the district’s statement said. “We will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure that our schools remain safe environments for all of our students and staff.”

In a Facebook post Oct. 21, Robinson said she walked around the high school and saw that two doors were open. She posted a photo of a door cracked open.

“How safe are our kids?” she wrote. “Isn’t that how the shooter in Uvalde, (Texas) got inside the school? We have to do more to protect our students. We need a zero tolerance policy for death threats.’’

TEEN KILLED BY CAR

...continued from p. 1

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported that Aliyah Thornhill, 14, died after being transferred to Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro. The other girl suffered minor injuries.

The accident occurred after dark around 7 p.m. this past Monday, Oct. 31, when the two girls were walking on Haw River Road near Apple Grove Road. A sports utility vehicle driven by a 35-yearold woman from Oak Ridge was traveling northeast on the two-lane road, according to a statement from the Highway Patrol.

Investigators determined that “the teenagers had been trick-or-treating in the area before the crash and were walking in the roadway on Haw River Road, with their backs to traffic, when they were struck,” the statement said. “The deceased teenager was wearing dark clothing and walking in an area of the road that did not provide ambient lighting.”

The Highway Patrol said it will not pursue charges against the driver. According to the statement, she was not impaired, and investigators don’t believe

speed was a contributing factor. She stopped her vehicle at the scene and was helping the girls until first responders arrived.

Last school year, Thornhill attended Northwest Guilford Middle School where she performed as a cast member for “Grease” in April.

“In the classroom, she was self-kept; she was not the class clown,” recalled Jacob Luck, the theater arts teacher at the school. “She was so bright and super-duper creative.”

Luck said he gave Thornhill the nickname “Madonna” because, like the 1980s pop music star, the teenager wore black gloves. “She had a personality,” he said.

Over the summer, Thornhill moved to Durham where her mother is enrolled in college, Luck said. She returned to Oak Ridge to trick-or-treat with her friend.

The accident occurred near the site of a Halloween tragedy three years ago. In October 2019, 11-year-old Noah Chambers was crossing Haw River Road to attend a trunk-or-treat event at Bethel United Methodist Church when he stepped into the path of an oncoming driver. He died a few days later.

Earlier this week, someone placed an ornament with Noah’s picture inside at a roadside memorial for Thornhill.

Oak Ridge Mayor Ann Schneider expressed her condolences to Thornhill’s family and friends.

The proximity of the two fatal accidents signals that increased traffic on Haw River Road may warrant safety measures by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), Schneider said in an interview earlier this week.

Road changes are the responsibility of NCDOT, not municipalities.

Schneider said she plans to talk to the agency about possible steps, such as putting stop signs on Haw River Road at entrances to some of the subdivisions. Reducing the speed limit from 45mph, with speed-tracking devices, is another possibility, she said.

Haw River Road “is one of the old country roads in Oak Ridge that’s become the spine of residential neighborhoods,” the mayor said. “Let’s make it feel more like a residential road.”

A memorial service for Thornhill was held at Oak Ridge Town Park this past Wednesday evening.

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Cancer

Welcome surpriseawaits a lucky hiker

by PATTI STOKES

Hikers along local trails near and far sometimes come upon an unexpected gift – a carved walking stick with a personal note that reads:

“ anks for nding me. I was le here for someone who appreciates the outdoors. Use me as you travel the trails.”

The note is simply signed “Rick from North Carolina,” and includes the address for a Facebook page, “Bushcraft from North Carolina.”

address

Oak Ridge resident Rick Dunlap is the man behind the walking sticks. Over the last several years as he’s traveled to outdoor gatherings and hiked on trails in numerous states, he’s placed the sticks where unsuspecting hikers will come upon them.

“Any place I travel, I try to leave them,” he said.

He enjoys imagining the expression on people’s faces when they come upon one of them. He also enjoys the feedback he often gets from the lucky recipients who reach out to him via his Facebook page to say thank you.

“I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors,” said Dunlap, who was involved with the Boy Scouts when he was younger and has a background with the military.

“With all the trails being opened recently, and with the people who are out there enjoying nature as I do, I just thought it would be nice if they could be surprised occasionally and found something to reward them for being a like-minded person. And, they can use it in their travels,” he said.

Dunlap started out making the walking sticks himself, but as he began placing more and more of them – he’s up to two to four a week – he couldn’t make them fast enough, so he now purchases them. Most of the time they’re discovered

with an attached note along trails near and far for hikers who are enjoying the outdoors as he does.

along a trail, but occasionally he’ll place one in someone’s office or somewhere else where they’re sure to find them.

Quite often recipients either send a photograph or a note back to thank him, and he said it’s nice to get that feedback. He’s posted pictures of his walking sticks and the stories behind them on the Appalachian Trail Facebook page and several other outdoor Facebook pages and said he gets a lot of positive responses from all over the United States, which makes it even more rewarding for him.

“It’s the gesture, and the fact that people who receive them have something they can use,” he said. “And who knows? It could snowball from there. Maybe they’ll do the same thing in their older age.”

Dunlap also wants to help others realize the value of trails and encourage residents to volunteer to help keep their local trails cleared.

“Because the safer they are and the nicer they look, it brings back rewards to the community,” he said. “To get out and hike and see nature’s beauty, the creations that are ours to look at and enjoy, that’s really the importance of all this.”

live playfully

Outdoorsman, hiker finds enjoyment in surprising other hikers with a carved walking stick and note

Photo courtesy of Rick Dunlap

Elect CONSERVATIVE, yet TENACIOUS leaders who will work for “We The People” not the establishment

Alan BRANSON

Guilford County Commissioner At-Large

• Former Guilford County Commissioner, serving as vice-chair and chair

• Third-generation owner of local family trucking business

• The bull stops here. Not a rubber-stamp politician.

www.jabranson4countycommissioner.com

Demetria CARTER

Guilford County Board of Education At-Large

• Graduate of George Mason University, Juris Doctorate degree from Duke University School of Law.

• As an attorney for the Federal Government, practiced adminis trative and federal contract law.

• Students and parents, first and always. Education, not indoctrination.

www.demetriacarter.com

Harrison Beene meets best friend, ‘The Rock’

Stokesdale resident connects to his idol Dwayne Johnson, former football player, professional wrestler and actor

by PATTI STOKES

Harrison Beene loves watching movies, and is a regular at the Regal Palladium in High Point. According to his mom, Sondra, Harrison is a “huge fan” of several actors and often sends them cards and notes to let them know how much he cares about them.

“Every now and then he’ll get a response from one of them,” Sondra said, but it’s usually just a note or card back.

That all changed in a big way recently when Regal’s general manager, James Carter, learned of Harrison’s particular adoration of Dwayne Johnson – aka “The Rock” – and made a video of Harrison sending a message to “his best friend.”

“Hey Buddy, I just want to say ‘hey’ and see how you’re doing. Love you!” Harrison said in his message.

Carter said he, too, is a big fan of Dwayne Johnson, and he didn’t give much thought to tweeting a video with Harrison’s message.

From there, things got a little crazy.

The video made it all the way to Johnson, whose publicity team reached out to Carter, who in turned tracked Harrison down through his mom.

“I didn’t even know it had occurred until a neighbor called and said the guy at the theater was trying to reach Harrison and he told me why. It kind of freaked me out that he was acknowledged by somebody like that” Sondra said. “And it just blossomed from there.

“Several people kept saying, ‘You’re going to get so much stuff… and it’s amazing what’s going to happen … and I’m like, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me,’” she continued. “It was just a solid month or so of wondering what was going to happen. Then they wanted to know his shoe size, his shirt size, etc. And I started looking online and realized how generous

Dwayne Johnson is to his fans.

“Next thing I know, about $2,000 worth of stuff started coming in,” Sondra said. “And then we got the message he would be given 20 free tickets to opening night of ‘Black Adam,’ and of course popcorn, drinks, candy, etc.”

On opening night, Harrison and his entourage walked into the theater to see a huge poster advertising “Black Adam” with “Welcome Harrison!” in big letters at the top. Members of Johnson’s publicity team were there, and they did a photo shoot with Harrison and his family. As if that wasn’t enough, “The Rock” himself sent a personal video to Harrison and Carter.

“Before you see ‘Black Adam,’ I want to thank you so much for being the coolest, most awesome fan of mine!” Johnson said in the message, while also thanking Carter for the initial video.

In turn, Harrison made one more video for Johnson, in which he said, “If you’re watching this, I’ll always be your best friend forever. And I love to spend Thanksgiving with you. Thank you.”

Sondra said she’s prepared to set an extra place at the Thanksgiving table just in case Johnson accepts the invitation.

Paid for by Branson for Guilford County Commissioner at Large and Committee to Elect Carter for Guilford County Board of Education

Photo by Laura Reneer/NWO Stokesdale resident Harrison Beene stands in front of a huge poster on opening night of “Black Adam” starring his idol, Dwayne Johnson.

Ordinary people, Extraordinary impact

Helping others in desperate times

by ANNETTE JOYCE

Rick Schlaginhaufen’s desire to help others goes back a long way.

“When I was a little boy, we would go to Wrights ville Beach and pass by these houses that weren’t in great shape,” he recalled. “I would think that I’d love to come down and paint them and fix them up.”

Schlaginhaufen wasn’t in a position to do that as a 10-year-old boy, but decades later, this Oak Ridge resident has found his calling. As a member of God’s Pit Crew Crisis Response Team, he’s helping people throughout the country who have expe rienced devastating losses resulting from natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes and tornadoes.

Schlaginhaufen became involved with this Chris tian-based, nonprofit organization about seven years ago after meeting founders Randy and Terri John son. The couple had started the organization in May 1999, after being moved to help people who were dealing with the aftereffects of the largest tornado in recorded history that hit Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Schlaginhaufen was so impacted by the John sons’ story that he immediately signed up to volun teer with their nonprofit. Since then, he said he has “officially” logged in 7,003 volunteer hours, accord ing to the organization’s tracking system.

When a disaster hits, God’s Pit Crew goes into action to get boots on the ground as quickly as possible. Right from the beginning, they’re there in force to help clear the disaster area of fallen trees and debris.

And even before the disaster strikes, vol unteers prepare “Blessing Buckets,” which are 5-gallon buckets filled with essential supplies such as water, toiletries, food and cleaning supplies to help people through the first few days after the the natural disaster; buckets are shipped directly to the disaster site.

Once things have settled a bit, volunteers move into the area to help build homes for those who haven’t been able to move forward for various reasons, such as lack of insurance.

Schlaginhaufen has served in numerous capacities – filling Blessing Buckets, working as part of the initial clean-up crew and driv ing large supply-filled trailers to areas hit by disasters. However, as a general contractor and owner of Schlaginhaufen Construction, he’s most often put to work using his home building skills.

The building crew normally constructs about three to five houses a year. Schlaginhaufen noted the homes are very nice and are completely fur nished with new, quality items ranging from appli ances and furniture to linens and silverware.

“All the family has to bring is their clothes,” he said. “It’s first class all the way.”

Last May, Schlaginhaufen oversaw the build ing of homes in western Kentucky that had been destroyed by tornadoes. A dedicated group of about 60 volunteers was able to build two homes in 16 days.

Schlaginhaufen chokes up when he talks about some of the people the group has assisted – such as one family in western Kentucky. The father was killed in a tornado, leaving behind his wife and two young children. God’s Pit Crew gave them a new home and a new start.

Schlaginhaufen said only a few people from the nonprofit accompany a family inside when they get the first look at their new home. He was able to be part of one such group once and he said he won’t forget the emotional impact.

“We get more of a blessing from this,” he said. “To see the smiles and the relief on these families’ faces is incredible.”

“Never

that it is by choice that the ordinary person decides to live a life that

extraordinary.”

– Cheryl Koevoet, author

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

Rick Schlaginhaufen

Oak Ridge Commons

A surprisingly uncommon experience in the heart of Oak

Destination Arts: Center for

Where family is rst and con dence is nurtured

mission to not only teach dance and music lessons, but to cultivate a feeling of family while providing an excellent student experience, Ligon added.

“We want our students to have a sense of belonging when they come through our doors,” she stressed.

A large poster hanging on one wall of Destination Arts Center’s studio displays the company’s culture/mission statement. The first thing you’ll see listed is “family first.”

“Miss Amanda, our studio manager, knows everyone when they walk in the door. She is awesome at making families feel welcome, and in everything we do, that’s always the overall voice,” said Cameron Ligon, Destination Arts’ owner and executive director.

The center’s instructors are united in their

The staff is also intentional about helping instill confidence in their students, and nothing makes them smile more than seeing a child blossom through having gained that confidence.

“I know most kids are not going to be performers the rest of their lives,” Ligon acknowledged. “But I want it to still have an impact on them. We want to help develop kids who are confident, whether they are on stage one day or making a board of directors’ presentation.

Photo courtesy of Destination Arts

Commons

SHOP • DINE • ENJOY

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

for Performing Arts

“We also want their experience with us to be magical and fun and upbeat – like Disney!” Ligon continued. “I want us to be the positive in every kid’s day. School is so tough, with all the testing and all the homework, so if we’re the happy spot in their day, we’ve done our jobs.”

Ligon emphasizes that her staff is instrumental in carrying out the center’s mission.

“Most of my work is behind the scenes; the real ‘MVPs’ of our organization are our wonderful staff,” she said. “I’m very proud of them and the fact that they always go the extra mile to love on and nurture our wonderful students.”

Since opening in Oak Ridge in 2013, Destination Arts has grown both in size and in offerings. In 2017, the center expanded its space at Oak Ridge Commons and in 2019 a satellite location was added at Northern Arts Studio in Summerfield.

In Oak Ridge, Destination Arts offers dance lessons for students 18 months and up, acrobatics/tumbling lessons for ages 3 and

up, and private music lessons in voice, piano and guitar for ages 5 and up. Dance and acrobatics are also taught at the Summerfield location.

A few years ago Destination Arts joined an association called “More Than Just Great Dancing,” which aligns with Ligon’s commitment to teaching more than just dance and

Novant Health

Forsyth Pediatrics Oak Ridge

Deepa Nayak, MD • Steve Kearns, MD Laurie MacDonald, MD • Lauren Miller Jones, FNP

When it comes to your child’s

From

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of

(336) 644-0994 • nhforsythpedskernersville.org 2205 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge

Kernersville Office: (336) 993-8333

Union Cross Office/After-hours: (336) 515-7420

Walkertown Office: (336) 564-4101

“It has offered a curriculum that has helped us to teach life skills and it has held us to a higher standard,” Ligon said. “I feel like joining the association has given me the skills I needed to teach my staff how to incorporate those culture points that are so critical to our

performing lessons. said. mission statement.”

Grande

RioGrande

Farmers’ Day

Saturday, Oct. 22 | front lawn of Stokesdale UM Church

In contrast to the weather conditions resulting from Hurricane Ian which necessitated the postponement of our event, Friends of Stokesdale was blessed with ideal weather conditions for our first Farmers’ Day, which we hope will become an annual event.

We were pleased with the turnout of exhibitors, residents and visitors who meandered across the front lawn of Stokesdale United Methodist Church –which graciously allowed FOS to use its property for our event – chatting with the proud owners of the farm equipment and artifacts on display and enjoying breakfast and coffee treats from Over Easy and A Brewed Awakening.

Our primary objectives while planning the event were to:

• Publicize the history of the Town of Stokesdale

• Exhibit the tools and equipment used to grow and harvest crops and get them from the farm to the table, while educating our neighbors as to our heritage and increasing the interest in perpetuating our small-town feel

• Increase Friends of Stokesdale’s visibility, sparking new interest and attracting new members

• Serve as a fundraiser through the sale of hotdogs, baked goods and do nations to facilitate future Friends of Stokesdale events and projects.

We believe we accomplished all our objectives, and our inaugural Farmers’ Day laid a firm foundation for future events.

Our sincere thanks to all our sponsors, exhibitors and volunteers who generously contributed of their resources to help make this event a success.

sponsored by

Stokesdale resident Joe Rappa stands beside his 1931 Rumely DoAll tractor. Rumely was known for making very large tractors with steel wheels, but this model, one of only about 3,100 manufactured, was “a terrible tractor,” Rappa said.

Nevertheless, it’s a collector’s item and Rappa has enjoyed giving it a complete me chanical restoration since he purchased it several years ago.

Friends of Stokesdale pres ident Joe Thacker (left), Molly Byrd, and vicepresident James Rosa (not shown) prepare hot dogs for Farmers’ Day attend ees as part of the group’s fundraising efforts.

Stokesdale native Mark Shelton stands beside his 1948 TO-20 Ferguson tractor, which he said he bought about 20 years ago from a farmer in Stokesdale. Shelton said he farmed when he was younger and worked in tobac co and “anything else – hay, cows, etc.”

(L to R) Scarlet Rose Cox, Cainan Riffe, Cecilia Pulido and Blaise Pulido were selected as Little Miss and Mister Farmers’ Day. They each received a trophy and will ride on Friends of Stokesdale’s float in the annual Stokesdale Christmas parade on Dec. 10.

See video from this event at facebook.com/ NorthwestObserver

Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO

Event highlights provided by TEE STEPHENSON, Friends of Stokesdale member

calendar REGISTER NOW

 Golf tournament fundraiser | Northwest Guilford Kiwanis Club will host its 13th annual Golf Fore Kids tournament on Saturday, Nov. 19, starting at 9 a.m. at Pine Knolls Golf Club, 1100 Quail Hollow Road in Kernersville. Register as a single player for $75 or a four-player team for $300. Participants will receive breakfast biscuits, a fried chicken lunch, goody bags, snack boxes, free drinks and more. All proceeds will benefit local children’s charities. For more info and to enter, contact Mark Masters, (336) 260-1970 or nwgkiwanis@gmail.com. See display ad on p. 35.

THURSDAY, NOV. 3

Town Council meeting | Oak Ridge Town Council will meet Nov. 3, starting at 7 p.m. Due to early voting in the council’s chambers at Oak Ridge Town Hall, the meeting will be held in the family life center of Oak Ridge First Baptist Church at 2445 Oak Ridge Road. Attend in person or watch the meeting on the town’s YouTube channel. More info: www.oakridgenc.com.

SATURDAY, NOV. 5

 Fall bazaar | Moravia Moravian Church at 2920 Oak Ridge Road will host a fall bazaar Nov. 5, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be breakfast, lunch, canned goods, baked goods, quilt raffles and more.

 Recycle/e-cycle event | Town of Oak Ridge will host a free recycling/e-cycling event for Guilford County residents Nov. 5, 8 a.m. to 12 noon at Oak Ridge Elementary School, 2050 Oak Ridge Road. Materials accepted are tires, appliances, electronics and up to five boxes of personal documents (no business waste or furniture will be accepted). More info: (336) 641-3792 or (336) 644-7009.

 Brunswick stew | Gideon Grove United Methodist Church at 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road in Stokesdale will host a Brunswick stew sale Nov. 5. Stew costs $8/quart; order in advance and pick up from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Place your order by calling (336) 643-6042 and leaving a message.

 Fish fry fundraiser | Good Samaritan Ministries of Stokesdale will host a fish fry fundraiser Nov. 5, 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Christian Church, 8607 Stokesdale Street. Plates include choice of fish, shrimp or chicken tenders, French fries, coleslaw, hush puppies,

drink and dessert. Dine in or take out; plates will be donation-only. To receive assistance or to make a donation to the ministry, contact Terri Johnson, (336) 643-5887 or terrij1957@yahoo.com.

NOV. 8, 10 & 17

 Senior programs | Senior Resources of Guilford County will sponsor programs for senior citizens on Tuesday, Nov. 8, at Center United Methodist Church (6142 Lake Brandt Road in northern Greensboro) and Shady Grove Wesleyan Church (119 N. Bunker Hill Road in Colfax). The program will be hosted on Nov. 10 by Stokesdale UMC (8305 Loyola Drive) and on Nov. 17 by Summerfield First Baptist Church (2300 Scalesville Road). To learn more and/or RSVP at Center UMC, contact the church at (336) 643-7765; for the others, contact Marsha McDaniel, (336) 373-4816, ext. 265.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 9

 Veterans’ appreciation dinner | A communitywide veterans’ appreciation dinner will be held Nov. 9, 5:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center of Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, 2424 Oak Ridge Road. Veterans who flew to Washington, D.C., on one of three Triad Honor Flights will briefly share their honor flight

...continued on p. 28

CALENDAR

continued from p. 27

experience. Dinner will include spaghetti, green beans, salad, rolls and dessert. Veterans from throughout the northwest Guilford area are invited, along with their family members; veterans will eat for free and family members/guests are asked to make a donation of $10/adult and $5/ child, with all proceeds going to Triad Honor Flight. RSVPs requested; RSVP online at www.oakridgeumc.org/events or by calling the church office at (336) 643-4690.

THURSDAY, NOV. 10

 Council meeting, Summerfield | Due to Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 8, Summerfield Town Council will meet instead on Nov. 10, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. The meeting will be livestreamed on the town’s Facebook page. Visit www.summerfieldnc.gov for a meeting agenda. More info: (336) 643-8655.

 Council meeting, Stokesdale | Stokesdale Town Council will meet Nov. 10, starting at 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. Attend in person or view the meeting on the town’s YouTube channel. Visit www.stokesdale.org for a meeting agenda.

NOV. 11-13, 18-20

 Theatre performance | Kernersville Little Theatre will present “Arsenic & Old Lace” Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 11-13 and Nov. 18-20. Don’t miss this timeless comedy about the only thing deadlier than poison –family! For showtimes and/or to purchase tickets, visit www.kltheatre.com. More info: (336) 993-6556 or office@kltheatre.com.

FRIDAY, NOV. 11

 Veterans Day ceremony | Town of Oak Ridge will hold a Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11, 10 to 11 a.m. at Oak Ridge Town Park amphitheater, 6231 Lisa Drive. More info: Patti Dmuchowski, (908) 334-2370. See display ad on opposite page.

the Stokesdale Veterans Monument at 6826 U.S. 158 on Nov. 11, 2 to 3 p.m. More info: (336) 643-5979 or bmarshall6@triad.rr.com.

SATURDAY, NOV. 12

 Fall bazaar | Gideon Grove UMC at 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road in Stokesdale will host a fall bazaar Nov. 12, 8 a.m. to 12 noon. There will be breakfast biscuits, donuts, homemade baked items, crafts, silent auction, yard sale items and a drawing for a handmade quilt.

 Women’s summit & holiday market | Shady Grove Wesleyan Church at 119 N. Bunker Hill Road in Colfax will host a free women’s event Nov. 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch will be provided, and there will be vendors selling various crafts and holiday items. Register by texting “Summit” to (336) 525-5870.

 Arts & crafts extravaganza | Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church at 2614 Oak Ridge Road will host a fall arts & crafts extravaganza Nov. 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be 25+ vendors with homemade crafts, jewelry, holiday decor, food and more. Vendor space available. Visit www.orpc.org for more info.

 Brunswick stew | Oak Ridge United Methodist Church at 2424 Oak Ridge Road will host a Brunswick stew sale Nov. 12. Stew costs $6.50/quart and pick-up is from 3 to 5 p.m. Call the church office at (336) 643-4690 to place your order.

MONDAY, NOV. 14

 Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club | NWGC is a nonprofit whose members share a commitment to community service; the group will hold its regular monthly meeting Nov. 14, starting at 7 p.m. To learn more about NGWC or to attend the meeting as a guest, contact Tiffany Hansen, president, at (336) 404-8038 or tiffanykhansen96@ gmail.com.

SATURDAY, NOV. 19

since 1996

 Veterans Day ceremony | A Veterans Day ceremony will be held at

 Summerfield Christmas tree lighting | Town of Summerfield, in partnership with Summerfield Merchants Association, will host its annual Christmas tree lighting Nov. 19, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Summerfield Athletic Park, 5200 U.S. 220 N in Summerfield. See ad on p. 4 for details.

CRIME / INCIDENT report

District 1 Sheri ’s O ce

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

ASSAULT/DOMESTIC INCIDENT

Oct. 18 | Law enforcement officers responded to a report of an assault in the 7500 block of Everson Road in Summerfield (off Oak Ridge Road).

Oct. 21 | Officers responded to an assault report in the 8100 block of Adano Road in Stokesdale (near U.S. 158).

Oct. 21 | Officers responded to an assault report in the 7100 block of Martin Lake Road in Summerfield (off N.C. 150).

Oct. 22 | Officers responded to a report of a domestic dispute in the 7700 block of N.C. 68 N in Stokesdale.

Oct. 27 | Officers responded to an aggravated assault report involving a blunt object used as a weapon in the 7700 block of Alcorn Road in northwest Greensboro.

Oct. 29 | Officers responded to a report of an assault in the 4600 block of Emmacyn Drive in Summerfield (near Scalesville Road).

Oct. 29 | Officers responded to a report of a domestic dispute in the 8600 block of Haw River Road in Oak Ridge.

DEATH INVESTIGATION

Oct. 20 | Officers conducted a death investigation in the 9000 block of

Mt. Carmel Road in Stokesdale (off N.C. 65).

Oct. 20 | Officers conducted a death investigation in the 6600 block of Currieton Drive in Oak Ridge (off Oak Ridge Road).

DRUGS

Oct. 24 | Officers seized 10.5 grams of marijuana in the 900 block of N.C. 150 W/Lake Brandt Road in northwest Greensboro.

FOUND PROPERTY

Oct. 17 | A citizen reported finding explosives in the 8100 block of E. Harrell Road in Oak Ridge.

Oct. 21 | A citizen reported finding an orange/black Husqvarna backpack blower in the 7200 block of Wyatt Drive in Summerfield (off Brookbank Road).

Oct. 23 | Officers recovered a stolen vehicle from the property of David Cole Pottery in Oak Ridge.

FRAUD

Oct. 21 | A resident of the 7700 block of Carson Path in Summerfield (near Oak Ridge Road) reported an unknown suspect defrauded her of $313,990 via cyberspace.

Oct. 22 | A resident of the 8100 block of Spotswood Road in Summerfield

...continued on p. 30

(off U.S. 158) reported that between Oct. 20 and Oct. 22 an unknown suspect defrauded her of $101 and made threatening comments to her.

MISSING PERSON

Oct. 25 | Officers responded to the 8400 block of Witty Road in Summerfield in reference to a missing person.

SCHOOL FIGHT

Oct. 27 | Officers responded at 3:17 p.m. to a physical altercation at Northwest High School.

THEFT

Oct. 21 | A resident of the 5100 block of Carlson Dairy Road in Summerfield reported an unknown suspect stole a container with $5 worth of gas.

Oct. 24 | An employee of Cone Medical Health Group in Summerfield reported that between Oct. 21-22 an unknown suspect entered her unlocked vehicle and stole four banking cards which were used to make multiple purchases.

Oct. 24 | An employee of Priority One Auto Sales in Stokesdale reported that between 1:24 and 7:23 a.m. an unknown suspect stole two vehicles, a black 2003 Ford F-350 Super pickup truck and a maroon 2003 Ford F-350 Super pickup truck.

Oct. 24 | A resident of the 8000 block of U.S. 158 in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect stole the license plates off two vehicles.

Oct. 26 | A resident of the 1400 block of Scalesville Road reported that

between Oct. 12 and Oct. 24 an unknown suspect stole orange/white 16-inch ECHO power rotary scissors worth $75.

Oct. 27 | An employee of SouthEnd Exteriors who was working on a construction site in the 7400 block of Little Chute Lane in northwest Greensboro (off Northwest School Road) reported that between Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. and Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. an unknown suspect stole $9,000 worth of black IKO Cambridge architectural shingles.

Oct. 28 | A resident of the 2700 block of Pleasant Ridge Road in Summerfield reported an unknown suspect broke into his residence by cutting through a screen and entering through the back door. Once inside, the suspect stole a black SentrySafe safe, $300 cash, $50 in old collectible coins, a diamond ring, ruby earrings and other jewelry, a Beretta firearm and a Walther firearm, and several identifying documents including passports, a marriage certificate, etc.

VANDALISM

Oct. 17 | A resident of the 7700 block of Northern Estates Point in northwest Greensboro (near N.C. 150 W) reported an unknown suspect used a rock or brick to cause $500 worth of damage to a panel on her garage door.

Oct. 30 | Officers discovered an unknown suspect did $50 worth of damage to a wooden fence in the 7700 block of Oak Ridge Road near Summerfield Town Hall.

Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC

32 Years Experience

Individual, Corporate, Partnership & Payroll Tax

Ridge

643-7577 or 1-800-467-8299 info@samanderscpa.com

Oak Ridge Youth Asso ciation Teen Leadership Team put on another successful Halloween Terror Trail in Oak Ridge Town Park on Oct. 21-22 & 28-29. All proceeds went to Back

Ministries.

CLEARANCE SALE 615 West Market Street, Greensboro • 336.274.4636 • mooremusiccompany.com

CLEARANCE SALE on select step-up, intermediate and professional instruments

First come, first serve. Savings up to $1,000!

Thank you to Moore Music Company for sponsoring this issue’s Kids’ Korner

Kids’ Korner

Autumn TRUE or FALSE?

Don’t get stumped... which of these state ments actually ring true about autumn? (Check your answers on pg. 46)

TRUE OR FALSE? Fall always begins on Sept. 22 or 23.

TRUE OR FALSE? The blue jay migrates to places up to 11,000 miles away.

TRUE OR FALSE? Pumpkin spice is made up of pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and ginger.

TRUE OR FALSE? Nebraska is the top turkey-producing state.

TRUE OR FALSE? People who live near the equator have about the same amount of daylight and darkness throughout the year, and experience little change in seasons.

TRUE OR FALSE? Thanksgiving is celebrated in autumn in both the United States and Canada, but in different months.

TRUE OR FALSE? Every autumn, the monarch butterfly migrates from the U.S. to Mexico and some parts of Southern California.

TRUE OR FALSE? It takes 12 apples to make one gallon of apple cider.

Find the differences10

Productive

Photo courtesy of Jessica Hanson

Cadettes from Girl Scout Troop 2469 in Stokesdale worked with Stokesdale Elementary School to make cards for local veterans in recognition of Veterans Day. Two of the girls, Annabelle Hanson (left) and Katherine Priddy, had the chance to meet with the local VA representative and pass out cards to veterans.

Stokesdale Elementary PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) had an unmet goal last year that was recently fulfilled when the pathway to a wheelchairaccessible swing was paved by a Guilford County Schools crew.

The PTO had purchased the swing last year for a third-grade student and temporarily covered the grassy path leading up to it with mulch. The mulch 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 ended up being in place for several months until two weeks ago, when the path was finally graded and paved in concrete.

US HELP OTHERS

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

When Josh Cockman, owner of Village Beverage Co. on N.C. 150 in Summerfield, was planning a Halloween trunk-or-treat event to raise funds for the Guilford County chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), he didn’t know quite what to expect. The turnout of not only trick-or-treaters, but supporters on Oct. 30 was far more than he had hoped. Afterward, Cockman gave special thanks to Lynn Nieri with Craft Squared, who he said was very helpful in organizing the raffle and pumpkin and costume contests. He also thanked all the businesses that donated raffle prizes, and the family members, local businesses, employees and patrons who decorated their vehicles and passed out candy.

“Personally, I was nervous as to whether we would have enough people giving out candy,” Cockman said. “We had 28 spots and ended up filling up all of them. People were extremely generous of their time and support.”

need

off living room

be

zone

Cooks

ceil ings

& gazebo are easily

Saltwater

E. Gillespie,

Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO

See more photos from this event at facebook.com/ NorthwestObserver

Youth

Revolution Academy holds first annual powderpuff game

Photos courtesy of Laura Fite Revolution Academy held its first powderpuff football game Oct. 21, with seventh and eighth grade girls proving they were “tough enough to play powderpuff,” sixth grade boys performing to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” and seventh and eighth grade boys showing off some dance and cheerleader moves.

by AUTUMN FITE, seventh grade student at RA

On Oct. 21, under the Friday night lights, Revolution Academy (RA) held its first powderpuff football game. It was truly an event to remember! The seventh grade girls’ team – the “HER-icanes” – and the eighth grade team – the “Pink Panthers” – proved they were “Tuff enuff for powderpuff.”

Although both teams fought fearlessly, the Pink Panthers came out victorious and won with a final score of 21-14.

At halftime, the sixth grade Zombies gave a convincing performance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Afterward, the seventh and eighth grade boys cheerleaders burst onto the field, dancing to the tunes of Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and the Beatles, to name a few. Besides their dance moves, the cheerleaders’ jumps and pyramids amazed the crowd as well!

Que Viva and Sweet Oasis food trucks added to the festivities by selling delicious food and treats to attendees. Jason Barnes, an RA dad, served as our

DJ and provided music and play-by-play commentary.

Revolution Academy would like to thank all the students, parents, volunteers and coaches for making our first powderpuff game a huge success. A special thanks goes out to Jeff Goard, the Town of Summerfield’s parks and recreation director, for working with us to use the field at Summerfield Athletic Park. Without his help, none of this would have been possible.

The evening of Oct. 21 was filled with smiles and laughter, and you could definitely feel the spirit of the Revolution Academy family. It was an evening no one will ever forget!

Merchants of Oak Ridge’s 17th annual

Saturday, Oct. 29 | Oak Ridge Commons

What a wonderful day! Over 30 merchants and hundreds of families came to Oak Ridge Commons shopping center for this year’s Great Pumpkin Event. It was obvious by the smiles on the faces of the trick-or-treaters that a great time was being had by all. Thank you to our sponsors, merchants, musicians and our amazing community for continuing to make this such a special event!

See more photos from this event at facebook.com/ NorthwestObserver

– Shane Beal, president, Merchants of Oak Ridge

Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO

Virtual Care from Your Home

All LeBauer HealthCare practices are o ering virtual care appointments with your provider through a video visit. In-person appointments are also available. Connect with the healthcare provider that you know and trust from the comfort of home. Virtual appointments are billed to your insurance just like your regular o ce visits. Schedule your appointment at lebauer.com or call your provider’s o ce today.

NEW PATIENTS

Nighthawks Race Against Hunger

Sunday, Oct. 23 l

Northern Guilford High School

Event highlights provided by race committee co-chairs Janice Campagna and Holly Rackers, and committee members Lori Harrington, Jenny DeLo and NGHS PTSA president Kelly Reis.

The Northern Guilford High School PTSA was proud to host the third annual Nighthawks Race Against Hunger on Sunday, Oct. 23. One hundred forty-six registrants and 37 volunteers (including 27 student volunteers) gathered on a sunny afternoon to donate food and race to raise money for two local organiza tions: Guilford Backpack Ministries (GBM) and the Out of The Garden Project (OOTGP). GBM helps students and their families in the Northern and Northwest school districts and the OOTGP helps to address the issue of food insecurity in the broader Greensboro area. Students were eligible to earn service hours for participating or volunteering.

Ainsley’s Angels riders Ryan Dilger and Ethan Faulkner and their runners participated in the 5K race. Ainsley’s Angels is a nation wide organization that builds awareness about America’s special needs community and the importance of transforming popula tions into all-inclusive communities.

The Race Against Hunger produced a record $7,500 in proceeds and almost 1,000 pounds of donated food! A portion of the proceeds will also go to the NGHS PTSA to support the Advocacy Committee, which provides food for students and their families at school events.

Awards were given to the top three overall male and female win ners in the 5K. Gift cards went to first-and second-place winners in the 1-mile and 5K events, and team awards were given to teams with the largest number of participants, the fastest average finish ing time in the 5K and the best costume.

Special acknowledgement to our financial sponsors: EmergeOrtho, Greensboro Sports Performance, Karen Bolyard Real Estate Group, The Andrews Insurance Agency, ATI Decora tive Laminates, Mohorn Oral Surgery & Implant Center, Magnolia Shores Family Dentistry, Northwest Observer, Teoh EMT and Fleet Feet.

Thanks also to the numerous businesses who donated to our goody bags, raffle prizes and post-race refreshments.

See more photos from this event at facebook.com/ NorthwestObserver

Inaya Ejaz was the first-place female finisher in the 5K, with a chip time of 22:38.05, for a 7:17-mile pace.

Easton Voltz was the first-place finisher in the 5K, with a chip time of 18:34.95, for a 5:59-mile pace.

Troy Morris (shown in photo) pushes athlete-rider Ryan Dilger in the 5K; Morris was one of two volunteers with Ainsley’s Angels of America participating in the 5K with an athlete-rider – the other vol unteer was Lauren Bruce (shown in photo, behind Morris and Dilger).

The nonprofit Ainsley’s Angels seeks to build awareness of Ameri ca’s special needs community and help develop inclusivity. (Side note: Morris and Dilger finished the 5K in third place overall, with a chip time of 20:17.28, for a 6.32-mile pace.)

Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO

Invested In Updating Our Schools for Students and Teachers

Prioritized School Safety to Keep Students Safe at School

Advocated for Responsible Spending on The School Board and Will Do the Same as Our County Commissioner

Balanced the State Budget and Helped North Carolina Earn a AAA Credit Rating

Helped Bring Career Jobs and Brought Economic Development to Guilford County

Increased Education Funding and Educational Choice for students and Families

Committed to Working Alongside Law Enforcement to Keep our Community Safe

Paid for By Prosperity High Point PAC. Not Authorized by Any Candidate or Candidates Committee

Patrick Tillman - A Proven Leader for Northwest Guilford County

Patrick Tillman is Endorsed by Prosperity High Point for Guilford County Commissioner

Paid for By Prosperity High Point PAC. Not Authorized by Any Candidate or Candidates Committee

Rep. John Faircloth - Working for Northwest Guilford County

GRINS and GRIPES

Delighted or dismayed by something in your community?

Share your thoughts in 40 words or less online: nwobserver.com email: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion.

are greatly appreciated by many!

 Stamey’s Barbecue on Battleground Avenue. I ordered food via the drive-thru one evening and forgot my money, but they gave me my food and let me come back to pay! I am grateful that they truly care!

 Javier and his team at Motivation Roofing. We had to have our roof replaced and this company was incredible. Best-in-class customer service, workmanship, communication and coordination with our insurance company. Our roof looks spectacular!



“Mark,” who found my business bank card in Oak Ridge and called my office to let me know, then went out of his way to return the card to me. Good Samaritans still exist!



Jen Whitten of Revolution Academy. The sacrifices EC teachers make usually go unseen. As a grateful mama, I just want to say a “big thank you” for all you do to help the kiddos succeed.

 The owners of Willow Oaks Farm (off N.C. 150) for preserving some of that Oak Ridge history. I smile every time I drive past your farm and see the horses. It’s a true gem of our town. Stunning!

 Drivers in Triad Park who slow down when nearing walkers and observe the 15mph speed limit. Even though we have a “walking lane,” it isn’t very pleasant to have motorists going 40+mph only inches away.

 Firefighters with Oak Ridge Fire Department for coming out and inspecting our smoke detectors and installing a new one for us. For seniors, this is such a nice perk!

 Summerfield Mayor Tim Sessoms for insisting Gail Dunham respect the time limit for speaking during the period for public comments.

 Mike Myers and Bekah Wolfe for all their hard work as the new directors of ORYA soccer this season. Your efforts

1996

 The griper who ignores speed limits and drives “swiftly and safely.” Good luck telling that to the officer. I will honk as I pass you being pulled over!

 Northern High School administration for allowing a student to remain at the school after he made death threats against 13 students. What happened to GCS zero tolerance policy?!

 Duke Energy. If the company was more proactive cutting tree limbs, etc., maybe we wouldn’t have the 13 power outages we’ve had already this year. And, they have the nerve to ask for an almost 20% increase. Something must be done.

 The griper complaining about the “damage” done to our children due to COVID-19 isolation… Wow! The Oscar goes to you, drama queen (or king).

 Very loud music coming from the Hindu temple on Alcorn Road in Oak Ridge. The Temple backs up to a residential neighborhood – please be thoughtful of others.

 Bojangles in Oak Ridge for continuing to fly the very shredded and frayed American flag. Please either take it down or replace it with a presentable flag. It is a shame to see Old Glory in such shape.

60+ mph. This is a residential road, not a racetrack. The terrain creates limited visibility for the many residents turning onto the road from a full stop. Slow down!

 All the politicians who fill my mailbox with brochures that go straight into the trash when I walk in the door. Why don’t you donate your political advertising money to the federal deficit? Seeing you on TV is enough already!

 Summerfield residents who are always complaining about housing density. If you wanted to live in the “country,” why didn’t you buy the whole farm instead of just a small piece of it?

 The griper who ignores speed limits. Isn’t that attitude what is wrong with the world today – i.e., no accountability, no respect for laws? The mindset, “I will do what I want, regardless of the law,” is hurting our society.

 All my neighbors in HuntCliff who sat in the dark and did not invite our young trick-or-treaters to your porch – shame on you!

 Town of Oak Ridge. With all the taxes we pay in Oak Ridge, can’t they have the parking lot lights fixed and operational? Upon exiting the building at night after voting, you can barely see where you parked.

Outside the …

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

GRINS to...

GRIPES to...



The greatest country in the world. GDP is up 2.6% annually and unemployment is below 4%. Good things are happening in America.

Our justice system. Get caught smoking weed, go to jail. Incite and lead a coup against our country and you

MORE!

Decemb

MONDAY - FRIDAY 7:30 AM -

MONDAY - FRIDAY 7:30 AM - 5 PM

9 AM -

9 AM -

Save the human race, outlaw smoking!

Yes, it should be outlawed! Why buy something that could really harm you in the long run? Why has the government not banned these devices?

It’s because of the money. The companies are making so much money they don’t care if people get hurt. People have to keep buying them because they are addicted.

When my parents were teenagers, people smoked cigarettes to be cool. Vapes are worse, though, and they are meant to attract the younger population. You can buy a vape once and just charge it when it dies, but you have to buy more carts (the thing that holds the liquid you vape) once you run out. They also have made flavors so that it tastes

better when you vape. When you blow out the vapor it dissipates quickly.

Most of the kids in the high school I go to own a vape or use a friend’s vape.

Vapes are also worse because they can kill you faster. So, why do it?

Because you see ads that make it seem cool and your friends tell you to do it. But the government and the companies have to put warning labels on the packages. They also have classes that can help you stop your addiction. The companies and government do this so they don’t get sued for health problems and death, and it pushes the fault onto the buyer.

You can also see what is in the cigarettes and the vapes. Cigarettes are

made with tobacco, chemical additives, a filter, and paper wrapping. Vapes are made with water, food-grade flavoring, a choice of nicotine levels, cannabis (THC, CBD), propylene glycol (PG), or vegetable glycerin (VG). PG and VG are humectants used in e-liquid to produce aerosols that simulate combustible tobacco cigarette smoke.

Now, seeing what is in these devices, would you still vape or smoke? In the end, it’s not worth it. Just stop and understand what you are doing to yourself or what it can do to you. It needs to be outlawed.

Jacob Claspell Northwest High School student Scout with Troop 600

get a pat on the back with years to kick back, relax and walk around free as a bird. Disgusting.

 Griper in last issue regarding the vaccine. Do your research off social media and you would know 1) the video was out of context; and 2) Pfizer never claimed the clinical trial, which your

government authorized to use, evaluated the virus’s transmission.

 Sen. Ted Cruz for his visit to Greensboro on the day after students at A&T were shot and one was killed. With his continued support of gun rights, and after the Raleigh tragedy, does he have no decency at all?

AUTO/BOAT SALES & SERVICES

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

 EMPLOYMENT

ELECTRICIANS & APPRENTICES. King Electrical Services, Inc. is now hiring electricians & apprentices. Applicable experience required. Starting pay DOQ. Clean NCDL & reliable transportation required. Download & upload application online at kingelectricalservicesinc.com under the Electrical Jobs tab (336) 362-9394

PUBLIC NOTICE

BOAT FOR SALE. 2015 Chaparral 19-foot H20 sport boat. Fabulous condition! 1 owner. Yearly maintenance. Stored in Carolina Marina Drystack entire life. $30K. For more info, call Andy Michels at (336) 601-0203

The TOWN of OAK RIDGE is accepting applications for a full-time Office Assistant. Applicable experience required. Starting pay DOQ, plus generous benefits package. Additional details and application can be found at oakridgenc.com (under the Our Town/ Employment tab). Candidates can email application to ssmith@oakridgenc.com or submit to Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road, (M-F, 8:30am-4:30pm).

STAFF POSITIONS available in childcare center. Please call (336) 643-5930

The Northwest Observer covering local matters since 1996!

 LOST AND FOUND

Oak Ridge Town Council and Planning & Zoning Board will hold separate public hearings to consider a request to amend the Official Oak Ridge Zoning Map. Planning & Zoning Board decisions are forwarded as a recommendation to the Town Council. Planning/Zoning Board: Thursday, Nov. 17, at 7pm, Oak Ridge Town Hall, Oak Ridge. Town Council: Thursday, Dec. 1, at 7pm, Oak Ridge Town Hall, Oak Ridge. A. CASE # RZ-22-02: RS-30 (Residential) to PI (Public & Institutional). The property is at 8300 Linville Rd. and is located on the northeastern corner of Linville Rd. and Lisa Dr. in Oak Ridge Township, Guilford County Tax Parcel #165094 (approx. 1.23 acres), owned by Town of Oak Ridge. The property is in the Oak Ridge Scenic Corridor Overlay and Historic District Overlay Zones.

B. TEXT AMENDMENT. Amendment to Chapter 30 of the Town of Oak Ridge Code of Ordinances to amend a portion of Article IV Boards and Commissions, Division 2, Planning and Zoning Board, Section 30-168 Powers and Duties ordinance. (Full text of the proposed revision is available at Town Hall.)

All citizens will be given an opportunity to be heard at these meetings.

Follow us on Facebook for updates! facebook/northwestobserver

 SAVE THE DATE

YOUTH SPORTS. Stokesdale Parks and Rec. basketball and cheer registration now open through 11/9/2022. Find information at www.Stokesdaleparksandrec.com

DOES ANYBODY RECOGNIZE ME ?

Obviously loved little guy. Found near Squirrel Chase in Summerfield 3 weeks ago, but cannot find his human(s). Have sent over 50 postcards to neighborhood where he was found, posted signs, listed on all lost pet sites online...nothing. Adorable, loving little man. (336) 549-6017; leave message please.

FALL BAZAAR, Sat., Nov. 5, 7:30am-1pm. Moravia Moravian Ch., 2920 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge. Breakfast, lunch, canned goods, chicken pies, baked goods, stew, raffles (quilt & William Mangum print) & more.

BRUNSWICK STEW SALE. Sat., Nov. 5, Gideon Grove United Methodist Church, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Rd., Stokesdale. $8/quart. Pick up between 12-1pm. Place your order by calling (336) 643-6042 and leaving a message.

on p. 44

local since 1996 NOV. 3 - 16, 2022

Totally local since 1996 NOV. 3 - 16,

THE DATE

FALL BAZAAR. Sat., Nov. 12, 8am-12noon. Gideon Grove UMC, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road, Stokesdale. Yummy break fast biscuits & donuts, homemade baked items, crafts, silent auction, yard sale items & a drawing for a handmade quilt.

WOMEN'S SUMMIT & HOLIDAY MARKET Saturday, Nov. 12, 9am-3pm. Shady Grove Wesleyan (Worship Center), 119 Bunker Hill Rd., Colfax. Free women's event, and lunch is on us! Register by texting "Sum mit" to (336) 525-5870

FALL ARTS & CRAFTS EXTRAVAGANZA Saturday, Nov. 12, 10am-4pm. Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, 2614 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge. Over 25 vendors featuring homemade crafts, jewelry, wreaths, holi day decor, food and much more. Vendor space available. Visit orpc.org for more information.

GOLDEN ANTIQUES & TREASURES, 4537 US Hwy. 220 N, Summerfield. MISTLETOE MARKET. Saturday, Nov. 12, 10am-4pm and Sun., Nov 13, 11am-5pm. Special vendors, food trucks, and Santa Claus. LADIES' NIGHT! Thurs., Dec. 1, 6-9pm. Food, drinks, special vendors, and Santa Claus.

„ YARD SALES

HUGE SALE! Fri., Nov. 11, & Sat., Nov. 12, 7am-3pm. 5008 Loire Dr., Summerfield. Downsized and no room for lots of decor, clothes, golf, furniture, antiques, etc.

YARD SALE. Saturday, Nov. 12, starting at 8am. 122 Carousel Ln., Stokesdale. Moving/ downsizing. Furniture, household goods.

„ HOME SERVICES

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

A-ACTION AIR. Heating check-up, $79.95. (336) 268-6768 or (336) 382-3750

CLEANING

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

„ HOME SERVICES

KC CLEANING & PAINTING. Move-in/ move-out specials, special cleaning for par ties, weddings, etc. Basic cleaning, weekly or monthly. Custom painting, interior paint ing, deck cleaning and staining. Mention this ad for 10% off all services. (336) 604-3249.

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

THE CLEANING TECHNICIAN LLC. Back in business. Let me provide my cleaning services and help your house sparkle this fall! I do detailed cleaning. Licensed, bond ed, insured and vaccinated. Please call Lisa, (336) 207-0770

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

MAID-2-SHINE. Excellent service, 15 years experience. Free estimates, ex cellent references. (336) 338-0223

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

DECORATING

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

EXPERIENCED INTERIOR DECORATOR & personal furniture shopper will help you with style, color, shopping & furniture placement. E-mail appeninc@gmail.com or call Ann Appenzeller, (336) 314-1411

ELECTRICAL

Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? It's portable generator season. Please call Coble Electric LLC at (336) 209-1486

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

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

„ HOME SERVICES

FLOORING / TILE

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.

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

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

CLOCK SERVICE. Free house calls for sick clocks. 8103 Windspray Dr., Summerfield. (336) 643-9931

L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE

"We get you mowing!" Comm./res., all models. 2103 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge. Call (336) 298-4314, LandTsmallengineservice.com.

OLD SCHOOL HOME REPAIR

See display ad on page 27.

APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707

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

GARY’S HANDYMAN HOME SERVICES

“Providing value for the home-ownership ex perience.” Gary Gellert, serving NC’s Pied mont Triad area. Garygellert@gmail.com, (336) 423-8223

GRADING / HAULING

E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Drive ways, fill dirt, demolition, lot clearing, exca vating, bobcat work, etc. (336) 451-1282

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

ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt, available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035

„ HOME SERVICES

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

CLEAN-UP & HAULING. Lots, yards, natu ral areas, houses and barns. Most any type of debris removal. Call Steve, (336) 643-1119.

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

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

GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS

S&M SEAMLESS GUTTERS. Install new gutters. Repair and clean old gutters. Free estimates. Fully insured. (336) 587-8223 or (336) 709-5944

WILSON

repair, replacement, Leaf

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

STRAIGHT EDGE LAWN CARE. Free esti mates. Please call (336) 306-0274

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

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

HILL LAWNCARE & OUTDOOR SERVICES. Free est. Call (336) 669-5448

WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC

Lawn maint., landscaping. Irrigation/landscape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 years exp. (336) 399-7764

ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE

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

DILLON TREE SERVICE. Certified arborist. Locally owned; in business 25 yrs. Serving the Triad area. Specializing in large/hazardous tree removal and emergency removals. Free estimates. www.dillontreeservice.com. Call (336) 996-6156

DSL DRAIN SYSTEMS & LANDSCAPING (336) 362-4354

NC FORESTRY MULCHING & LANDWORKS. Top rated on Google! Let us help you take back your land! (336) 362-6181 ncforestrymulching.com.

STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. 40+ years experience. Any type of tree, shrubbery and landscaping work. Oak Ridge. (336) 643-1119

INTEGRITY TREE SERVICE, LLC Tree removal, risk assessment, tree pruning, dead wood removal. Competitive pricing. Fully insured. Owner-operated. Call for free estimate, (336) 210-8310

CM STUMP GRINDING, LLC. Family owned and operated. Commercial/residential. Free quotes! (336) 317-4600

HOME SERVICES

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

MASONRY

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

SOUTHERN STYLE Concrete, LLC & Outdoor Living can design any concrete project you need, from stamped patios, sidewalks, driveways, basketball courts and fire pits. Our workers are experienced craftsmen who can customize any project to exceed your expectations. Call us at (336) 399-6619

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.

 HOME SERVICES

JUNK & DEBRIS REMOVAL, construction, remodeling, and general cleanup, outbuildings, garages, basements, yard waste, etc. Also can haul mulch. Call (336) 706-8470

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

The Northwest Observer

Keeping you connected to your community since 1996!

PAINTING & DRYWALL

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

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

HOME SERVICES

PLUMBING

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

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

WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING, Inc (336) 992-2503. Licensed, insured, bonded. 24/7 service. Plumbing, drain cleaning, well pumps. Give us a call, we do it all! Go to www.webstersplumbing.com for more info.

POOLS

Owner: JC Ruiz ● 336.669.5210

EXTERIOR GREENSCAPES. Lawn maintenance service. Call

(336) 682-1456

free

MISC.

SERVICES/PRODUCTS

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

POWER WASHING & JUNK REMOVAL .

and RV detailing. Text Nick at (336) 816-3816

Place your HOME SERVICES ad online at

Custom

Call Tim Welborn at (336) 399-6619

PRESSURE WASHING

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

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

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

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

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

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

on p. 46

3 - 16,

3 - 16,

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

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

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

RENOVATION WORKS, INC. New construction, remodeling, additions, kitchen, bath and decks. We are a locally owned, full-service design and build company, A+ accredited with the BBB. Visit www.myrenovationworks.com or call (336) 427-7391 to start your next project.

ROOFING. Commercial/residential.

 MISC. SERVICES

SALON (Cardinal area),

shopping center, 2205 Fleming Rd., Greensboro. 1st-time clients, 20% off hair-

or perm until 12/1/22. Ask for Sonya Burns, (336) 662-4333

NOVICE PHOTOGRAPHER trying to get into portrait/wedding photography. Seeking to expand my skills, gain experience, and build my portfolio. Willing to do a free onehour photo shoot. You will receive six digitally edited photos of your choice. Zoom/ video call to plan your photo shoot. Instagram @DavidCramerPhotography. Contact, (916) 296-3772

 MISC. FOR SALE

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

ANTIQUE 1800s Pennsylvania wood rocking chair. All original. Perfect condition. Partial paper label. Pictures available. (336) 554-1184

PERSIMMON PULP, pudding, and more. Call (336) 816-3441.

Autumn ANSWER KEY

MISC. FOR SALE

ASSORTED INDOOR FURNITURE for sale. Sofa, china cabinet, table with four chairs, and more. Cash only. Must go soon. Call for details, (336) 965-8678

MISC. WANTED

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

 REAL ESTATE

We Help Everyone!

Selling? Renting? Place your ad online: www.nwobserver.com

FALSE. Fall always begins on Sept. 22 or 23. Because the Gregorian calendar is not quite in perfect symmetry with the Earth’s orbit, the autumn equinox will very occasionally fall on Sept. 24. This last happened in 1931 and will next happen in 2303.

FALSE. The blue jay migrates to places up to 11,000 miles away. The Artic Tern migrates 11,000 miles each fall.

FALSE. Pumpkin spice is made up of pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Pumpkin spice contains no pumpkin!

FALSE. Nebraska is the top turkey-producing state. Minnesota is the top turkey-producing state, followed by North Carolina.

TRUE. People who live near the equator have about the same amount of daylight and darkness throughout the year, and experience little change in seasons.

TRUE. Thanksgiving is celebrated in autumn in both the United States and Canada, but in different months.

TRUE. Every autumn, the monarch butterfly migrates from the U.S. to Mexico and some parts of Southern California.

FALSE. It takes 12 apples to make one gallon of apple cider. One gallon of apple cider requires about one third of a bushel, or approximately 36 apples.

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

ACCOUNTING

Kimberly Thacker Accounting 27 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC 30

AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE

Beamer Tire & Auto 41 EuroHaus 42 Piedmont Truck Tires & Automotive 30 Prestige Car Wash 24 Tire Max 23

BANK / LENDING / INVESTMENTS

First Citizens Bank 10

BUILDING / REMODELING

Old School Home Repair 27 Superior Outdoor Spaces 42 TM Construction Services 46

CANDIDATES

Alan Branson – Cty. Commissioner 22 Demetria Carter – Board of Education. 22 Derek Mobley – Cty. Commissioner 7 John Faircloth – NC State Rep. ............ 39 Josh Myers – Cty. Soil & Water 21 Patrick Tillman – Cty. Commissioner.12,39

CHILDREN’S SERVICES Guardian Ad Litem 27

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION

Town of Oak Ridge Veterans Pavers .... 29 DENTAL SERVICES

DeVaney Dentistry 31 Magnolia Shores Family Dental ............14 Summerfield Family Dentistry 6 EVENTS

Cass Jewelers Buying Event ................... 5 Fall in the Park 28 Kiwanis Golf FORE Kids Tourney ......... 35 Stokesdale Christmas Parade 8 Stokesdale Marketplace Holiday Mkt. ... 11 Summerfield Tree Lighting 4 Summit Church Blood Drive ................ 28 TAWCMM – Christian Men’s Ministry 3 Oak Ridge Veterans Day Observance... 29

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Edward Jones Investments 42

GROCERIES / SUPPLIES Southern Foods 36 HAIR CARE Great Clips 25 HEALTH & FITNESS SNAP Fitness 40 HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES 5 Star Roofing ..................................... 46 BEK Paint Company 45 Belews Creek Construction .................. 46

Carlos & Son Painting.......................... 45 Carpets by Direct 16

CharCo Concrete Coatings .................. 45 CSM Flooring 2 Delima Lawn Care 45 Dillon Tree Service ................................47 K&J Home Services 6 Madison Flooring................................... 9 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery 34 Southern Style Concrete & Landscaping 45 Stokesdale Heating & Air 40 Stokesdale Storage 46 Village Roofs, Inc. ................................ 46 Wilson Seamless Gutters 45

INSURANCE

Employee Benefits Marketplace ........... 29

LEGAL SERVICES

Barbour & Williams Law 14 MEDICAL / HEARING / PT Aim Hearing & Audiology 41

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist 18 Atrium Health WFB, Summerfield 21 Health Team Advantage ..................... 20 LeBauer HealthCare 37 Northwest Pediatrics .............................15 Novant Health 9

Novant Health – Forsyth Pediatrics 25 Oak Ridge Physical Therapy 19, 24

MUSIC – INSTRUMENTS, LESSONS Moore Music Company 32

ORTHODONTIC CARE

Olmsted Orthodontics ......................... 25 Reynolds Orthodontics 33 PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital 15 Northwest Animal Hospital 15

REAL ESTATE

A New Dawn Realty 46 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX .................... 34 Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams 47

RESTAURANTS

Bistro 150 ............................................ 24 Ridge Shrimp & Oyster 24 Rio Grande Kitchen & Cantina 25

RETAIL

Moravia Moravian Holiday Store 12 Summerfield Peace Holiday Store 41 SCIENCE CTR. / ZOOLOGICAL PARK Greensboro Science Center .................. 17

YOUTH SPORTS / CAMPS

Oak Ridge Youth Association 31 YMCA of Greensboro .......................... 33

UNDER CONTRACT

8629 Haw River Road, Oak Ridge

Stylish ranch on 1-acre homesite. Fantastic backyard. Popular ranch floor plan features living room that opens into dining area & kitchen, remodeled bath, HVAC and well pump are 2020, wired workshop & storage shed. Convenient location minutes from the Oak Ridge Town Park, Mountains-to-Sea Trail, shopping, schools, major roadways, PTIA. $225,000

Ramilya Siegel

www.sellwithsiegel.com

CRS, GRI, ABR, SRES Realtor ® 27+ years experience rsiegel@kw.com (336) 215-9856

Postal Patron

Postal Patron

PRSRT STD

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE PAID Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22

U.S. POSTAGE PAID Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22

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

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

(L-R) Josh, Matthew, Sarah and Linda Li enjoyed reading the Northwest Observer after experiencing the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky. “We have been wanting to go to the Ark Encoun ter for awhile and we finally made it. We were so impressed with all that’s been created. God is amazing! ” said Linda.

Debra and Joe Cimbala know the Northwest Observer is always sure to liven up any party! The Cimbalas took a copy of their hometown paper to a 100th birthday celebration for Joe’s mom, Ann Cimbala, that was held in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.

Going near or far?

ECRWSS

ECRWSS

Stokesdale Ele mentary and Oak Ridge Elementary staff got together for a Team Building Day at Summit Church in Oak Ridge before the new school year got underway this past August. While together, they took a few minutes to check out the latest news in the North west Observer – now THAT’S the community spirit!

pack up your Northwest Observer and send us your NWO on the go photos!

Email your high-res photo to : photos@nwobserver.com

Ginger Sexton, a resident of Summerfield, carried herNorthwest Observer with her all the way to Port Isaac inCornwall, England in May 2022!