Northwest Observer / Nov. 17-30, 2022

‘Queen of Oak Ridge’ passes at age 88

Carolyn Brown lived an ordinary, but extraordinary life, and was loved by all who knew her

by PATTI STOKES and ANNETTE JOYCE

The world has lost two queens within the last two months, both deeply loved. While the news

of England’s Queen Elizabeth’s death on Sept. 8 sent ripples of sadness across the world, the news of Oak Ridge resident Carolyn Clayton Brown’s death on Nov. 15 at age 88 sent ripples just as powerful throughout her beloved community

Carolyn Brown ...continued on p. 4

Summerfield offers $2.2 million for Laughlin school property

If the sale goes through, the town may relocate Town Hall to the historic school

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – The town of Summerfield has offered to buy the historic Laughlin school property for $2.2 million, advancing plans to refurbish the buildings into a new town hall.

The Guilford County Board of Education

accepted the town’s offer during its Oct. 11 meeting after declaring the Summerfield facility as surplus property that’s “unnecessary and undesirable for public school purposes.” The sale is contingent upon whether the county’s Board of Commissioners wants to buy the property at fair market value, District 5 representative Deborah Napper told fellow board members.

If the commissioners don’t buy the

...continued on p. 42

Being born in the U.S., family, health, and an old car that still runs are among the many blessings readers express gratitude for this Thanksgiving season compiled by ANNETTE JOYCE

As family and friends gather over Thanksgiving, the focus is often on the many blessings the past year has brought. For some, that focus is on major things like the love of family, or good health or the joy of Jesus in their lives. Others relish smaller but impactful things they’ve experienced in everyday life, such as the kindness of a neighbor, the love of a family pet or even the reliability of an older car.

After recently asking some of our readers what they are most thankful for this Thanksgiving season, many offered similar responses, but with a personal twist. Here’s what they shared with us…

Patti Dmuchowki of Oak Ridge said she is always grateful for her family, and especially for being able to stay connected with those who live far away.

“Although two of my three kids are living in different states, we have managed to stay close by visiting often and using modern technology to keep in touch on a daily basis,” she said. “Seeing pictures and videos of the grandkids’ sports and school activities somehow makes the miles between us a little less.”

Summerfield resident Mark Brown has two special reasons to be grateful.

“I’m very thankful this Thanksgiving for my 3-year-old grandson, Finley, and my 17-month-old grandson, Quinton, who are both such wonderful children,” he said.

Landowner seeks views on Summerfield’s development

A mailing by David Couch aims to gather feedback from residents ahead of the Planning Board’s review of his latest request for changes to Summerfi eld’s development rules

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – As landowner David Couch renews his efforts to win Summerfield’s approval of his development plans, he’s seeking the viewpoints of residents to help shape the debate.

The “Let’s Talk Summerfield” mailing to about 4,800 Summerfield property owners is asking them for their views on future residential, commercial and recreational development in town. The questions are aimed at gauging the community’s interest in building trails, preserving open space, constructing a variety of housing and promoting locally owned businesses such as coffee shops and boutiques.

All of these are elements of Villages of Summerfield Farms, the planned development of luxury and traditional houses, cottages, townhomes and apartments that Couch has proposed for his 973 acres spanning Summerfield. As recently as last April, the Town Council has twice rejected Couch’s request to amend the town’s development rules to accommodate his development. He hopes to return to the Planning Board as soon as January, the first step in seeking to win the council’s support of his revised development plans.

This week’s mailing is seeking to broaden the conversation about future development in Summerfield and discern the breadth of opposition and support for Couch’s plans. It gives people two ways to answer questions

and offer their feedback. They can go to a website or use the cameras on their mobile devices to scan a QR code on the mailing.

“We want to increase public participation in general, leveraging technology to engage the largest number of people possible,” Misty McCall, executive director of development for Villages of Summerfield Farms, said in an interview earlier this week. “We want to gather public feedback and see where that takes us.”

“As we proceed, we are committed to hearing from all Summer eld residents about their hopes, dreams, and concerns,” said the mailing, which is expected to start arriving in mailboxes within the next few days.

Earlier this year, Couch’s proposal to build 1,192 apartments proved to be a lightning rod that sparked the sharpest criticism of his plans. During public meetings, some residents said that, except for apartments, they endorsed the developer’s plans for building 11 villages with different types of houses, connected by trails and dotted by small businesses.

Last April, the council’s 4-1 vote to deny Couch’s application to create a new zoning district reflected what council member Janelle Robinson described as the opposition of “the overwhelming majority” of Summerfield residents to apartments and higherdensity residential development.

Opponents said they fear higherdensity housing would worsen traffic, school crowding and crime, and threaten Summerfield’s rural character.

In May, responding to concerns, Couch submitted a new text

Cell phone tower to get underway at last

OAK RIDGE – Residents and visitors to the town of Oak Ridge have long complained about the poor cell service, especially in and near the town core. Hopefully, that’s all about to change, as a wireless communications tower for AT&T and Verizon is set to get under construction this week on Oak Ridge Military Academy property, near the school’s gymnasium.

Earlier this year, Oak Ridge’s Planning and Zoning Board approved a site plan for Charlottebased Communications Tower Group to build the tower, which will be located on a wooded tract about 1,300 feet from the N.C. 68/150 intersection; it will

stand 180 feet tall and be camouflaged as a pine tree, according to the site plan.

In an interview with ORMA President Steve Wilson two months ago, he said the project had been approved and was “ready to go” –except for a shortage of workers to build the structure.

“The cell tower folks can’t find the personnel to build it,” Wilson stated at that time.

Oak Ridge’s planning director, Sean Taylor, told the Northwest Observer on Nov. 16 that he had just been informed construction on the tower will start this week and plans are to have it finished by the end of the year.

Road safety steps urged after second Halloween fatality

by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – The Oct. 31 death of Aliyah Thornhill, 14, while trick-or-treating along Haw River Road brought back another painful Halloween memory – the death of 11-year-old Noah Chambers three years earlier – and galvanized calls for road safety improvements in Oak Ridge.

“Any change and improvement is worth asking for,” Brooke Tilley, Chambers’ mother, said during the Oak Ridge Town Council meeting Nov. 3. An online petition she started on Change.org has gotten more than 700 signatures. “We shouldn’t have to wait for more deaths to make this change,” she wrote.

Tilley’s son stepped into the path of an oncoming driver on Nov. 1, 2019, while he was crossing the road to attend a trunk-or-treat event at Bethel United Methodist Church. He died a few days later. Trick-or-treating while walking along Haw River Road in darkness last month, Thornhill

was hit by a sports utility vehicle and died in the hospital a few hours later.

During Oak Ridge’s meeting, Tilley, other speakers and council members endorsed some of the same suggestions to pursue in discussions with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). Lowering the 45 mph speed limit was one of the recommendations, along with installing lighting, sidewalks, stop signs and flashing caution signs.

Oak Ridge Mayor Ann Schneider said she’s shared suggestions with NCDOT, which has the final say on road changes. In an interview earlier this week, she said she expects to hear back from the agency in coming weeks.

“We do need to have a serious conversation as a community and with our partners like DOT about pedestrian safety, not only on Haw River Road but throughout Oak Ridge,” council member Martha Pittman said during the council’s recent meeting. “We have to work out what will work and what we can and can’t do.”

www.nwobserver.com

/northwestobserver @mynwobserver @northwestobserver

OUR TEAM

Patti Stokes, editor/publisher

Laura Reneer, marketing manager

Kelli Jessup, publisher’s assistant

Rene Collins, administrative assistant

Yvonne Truhon, graphic designer

Leon Stokes, IT director

Lucy Smith, finance manager

Linda Schatz and Tom McCoy, distribution

Chris Burritt, staff writer; Helen Ledford, Lily Pierce and Annette Joyce, contributing writers

HOW TO REACH US

email: info • celebrations • photos communitynews • realestatenews calendarevents • grinsandgripes opinions • editor • questions @ nwobserver.com

phone: (336) 644-7035 fax: (336) 644-7006 office: 1616 NC 68 N, Oak Ridge mail: PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 hours: vary, so please call before dropping by

WANT TO ADVERTISE?

Contact us at (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 display: advertising@nwobserver.com classified: classifieds@nwobserver.com

Independently owned & published by

CAROLYN BROWN

...continued from p. 1

and far beyond.

Until her death, Carolyn lived independently in the home she once shared with her late husband of 53 years, Tom, and she was in good health. Tom, who served as Oak Ridge’s first elected mayor, died of a heart attack in 2006. The couple’s son Ricky died in 2012 and their oldest son, Tom, died in 2014, both from cancer. Carolyn is survived by their third child, Sandra Brown Smith, who lives with her husband in Oak Ridge and serves as the town’s clerk and assistant manager, along with seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, a sister and several nieces and nephews.

Over her almost 90 years, Carolyn Brown touched the lives of untold numbers of people in and around the Oak Ridge community. Some of the long-term connections she made were through her 25 years working as school secretary at Oak Ridge Elementary.

“Carolyn is the reason we settled in Oak Ridge over 34 years ago,” Danny Yanusz shared in an “Ordinary but Extraordinary” article the Northwest Observer published about Carolyn in August 2021.

“We walked into the school during our search for a new community to call home,” Yanusz said. “Carolyn was working in the front office, and she warmly welcomed us with that smile of hers.”

As a charter member of Oak Ridge Lions Club, “Lion Carolyn” took her role seriously and faithfully contributed to the club in numerous ways.

“I’ve held every office in the Lions Club but president. I’m not an engine, I’m a caboose,” she once told the Northwest Observer.

Working behind the scenes, Carolyn handled logistics for the club’s participation in the Adopt-A-Highway program, its broom sales and applicant screening for visual aid assistance.

And most notably, she was a standout when it came to helping with the club’s annual Tom Brown Memorial Golf Tournament, a fundraiser that carries the name of her late husband.

“Carolyn has always been a driving force for our Lions Club and an inspiration to us all,” Yanusz said.

A member of Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, Carolyn was active in several ministries. She was also a member of Preservation Oak Ridge Foundation and assisted with restoring the historic Ai Church at the corner of N.C. 68 and Alcorn Road.

Until about six years ago, Carolyn was a well-recognized character around town at Christmastime, when she would dress up as Mrs. Claus alongside Tom, who filled the role of Santa Claus; after his passing, she continued the tradition for several years by partnering with friend and neighbor Jim King.

Until her death, Carolyn remained enthusiastic about helping other people and spreading happiness along the way. As an example, she decided to take ukulele lessons and rather than sending cards for people’s birthdays, she called

friends and family members and sang and played for them.

On random Sundays, she would host “Music on the Porch” and invited local musicians to play on her front porch.

She also loved whimsical poems and often animatedly recited them from memory.

“Miss Carolyn was a pillar of the Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, our school, our local Lions Club, and our town,” Oak Ridge Mayor Ann Schneider wrote on the Northwest Observer’s Nov. 16 Facebook post which shared news of Carolyn’s passing. “She was adored by everyone who knew her.”

Others wrote about Carolyn’s graciousness, her inward and outward beauty, kindness, serving heart, love of Jesus, and gentle soul.

The family will receive visitors at Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel, 3950 Macy Grove Road in Kernersville this Friday, Nov. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m., and the funeral will be held Saturday, Nov. 19, 11 a.m. at Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, 2424 Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge.

be thankful for both the big and little things.”

“I’m most thankful that I know Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior because without Him you don’t have anything,” said Sandy Stewart of Stokesdale.

Bobbie Gardner of Stokesdale said family, friends and freedom top her list of things to be grateful for; being healthy and loving her work as a Realtor also rank high.

Along with the “big” things that make her grateful, Gardner mentioned many little things.

“A child’s smile as he feeds a chicken, the sweet and caring little girl who tells her barn cat she is loved, or the neighbor who waves and blows her car horn in passing,” she said. “Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year to reflect on family memories, appreciate the ones you love and to

“My husband, Frank, and I are most thankful that we live here in this wonderful town of Oak Ridge, have our good health and have our youngest son and his wife living nearby with our three beautiful grandchildren. We have been blessed,” Barb Engel said.

Caroline Currie of Greensboro has something quite practical to be grateful for this year.

“I’m thankful for my 21-year-old Honda CRV that’s still running,” she said with a laugh.

Rachel Baldwin lights up when asked about her blessings this year. One of her biggest is her “boys,” referring to her golden retrievers Wynn and, the latest addition, Boone, a 5-month-old bundle of energy.

The Stokesdale resident is also extremely happy about being able to spend so much time this year with her family, which includes her almost2-year-old niece.

And she’s grateful for all the friendships she’s developed from her dogrelated activities which include various classes for her pups and working with the Triad Golden Retriever Rescue.

“I am thankful for my new grandson, good health and being able to spend time with my family now that I am retired,” Oak Ridge resident Keith Dawson said.

For Oak Ridge resident Andy Michels, one thing stands out above all others this year. “Thank you, God. I am most grateful that my daughter-in-law Jessie’s health issue is not worsening,” he said.

Mark and Patricia Merritt of Summerfield said they are grateful for the love of Jesus, for one another, for their four sons, for a wonderful

group of caring friends and for a new puppy, Summer, a 7-month-old golden retriever.

Patricia, who stays at home with Summer every day, added one more thing to the list.

“I’m extremely thankful for Dog Gone Fun, where my puppy goes to day care and runs off her energy,” she laughed.

Family is always the key to Stokesdale resident Zandra Slaydon’s gratitude, and for her, “family” includes almost anyone who comes within her orbit.

“I am very thankful to have been blessed with good health, but I’m especially thankful to celebrate 25 years of marriage to my sweetheart and husband, Billy,” she said. “We were married on Friday after Thanksgiving and celebrate each anniversary on Black Friday.

“I’m also so thankful to still have my mother, who is 89 years young, and very thankful for our loving children, all our fun grandkids, my siblings

and my in-laws. So blessed we all love each other.

“I’m thankful to work with a great group of people who are my work family, and last, I’m very thankful for my great friends who are like family.”

As Ann Schneider pondered her many blessings this year, one person stood out.

“This year, I’m especially thankful for Matt, my husband of 35 years. He’s the smartest, most insightful, and most thoughtful person I’ve ever known,” the Oak Ridge resident said.

“He’s good at just about everything, from his scholarly writing (two books, so many articles) and musicmaking (banjo, guitar, bass, ukulele, piano), to playing hockey, hiking, woodworking and fixing things.

“He also knows everything about the Beatles, baseball and almost everything else. Best of all, he’s a terrific husband and a wonderful dad to our three kids. He’s also fun and funny, which is how we’ve survived the

ups and downs of life (and those three kids)! Plus, he likes my cooking and puts up with my to-do lists. He is my whole world.

“What more could I ask for?”

When asked what she is grateful for this year, 10-year-old Savannah Stone of Stokesdale had lots to share.

“I’m thankful for my family because they are always there for me and love me unconditionally,” she said.

“I’m thankful for my friends because they always put a smile on my face. I’m thankful for my pets because they are always there to love on me and make me laugh. I’m thankful for my home because it keeps me safe and warm.”

Oak Ridge resident Danny Yanusz finds blessings in the smallest recognitions from his beloved wife, Linda, whom he has watched slip farther away over the past few years due to Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia.

“Most of the time she lives in a world of her own, talking to herself and hallucinating.

“We have very little meaningful conversation,” said Danny, who is his wife’s caregiver. “Most communication is about things like her medicine, hygiene, food or exercise. She does not answer questions, or seldom responds cognitively to verbal communication.

“But I am very thankful for the moments that she ‘comes back to me,’” he said. “Sometimes we will be sitting together, and she will ask me where her husband is. I usually just get up, walk out of the room, and then come back in. I ask her if she is looking for me, and she says ‘yes’ with a smile on her face (however, by then she has forgotten why she needed me).

“The other day we were sitting at the table having breakfast. Most of the time she just makes a mess, spilling or flinging food all over. At some point I usually go over and assist her with her eating. When I did, she looked

me straight in the eyes and said: ‘You know, I really like you.’

“It just makes my day when we can connect like that, even for just a moment. I am thankful for the time we still have left together and the brief moments I see a little bit of Linda still inside.”

“I’m thankful I still have both parents, Dan and Loretta Priddy, and that they’re in good health,” said Stokesdale resident Robin Priddy. “They attend their greatgrandchildren’s sports events and it’s been very special to be able to make these memories with them.”

Casey Crossan of Oak Ridge is thankful for her three dogs and the opportunity to volunteer with SPCA of the Triad, which is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of abused, neglected, and injured animals.

Six-year-old Kylie Pearson of ...continued on p. 47

Nov.

OAK RIDGE town council

3 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

as reported by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – Mayor Ann Schneider called the monthly meeting to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan, Martha Pittman and Spencer Sullivan among those present.

The meeting was held at Oak Ridge First Baptist Church due to early voting in Town Hall, where council meetings are usually held.

Rev. James Webster, the church’s pastor, offered the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

PROCLAMATION, RECOGNITION

Oak Ridge First Baptist Church. Schneider read a proclamation

expressing the town’s appreciation to the church for hosting the meeting there. The proclamation noted the church has “been an integral part of Oak Ridge for more than 100 years” and “has an extensive history of involvement and cooperation in the community.”

Town staff. Schneider thanked town staff members for handling the details involved in shifting the meeting from Town Hall to the church.

Teen fatality. The mayor expressed condolences for “the heartbreaking death” of Aliyah Thornhill, 14, who died after being struck by a vehicle on Haw River Road on Halloween night while she and a friend, who suffered minor injuries, were trick or treating.

WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted:

Mayor Ann Schneider, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan, Martha Pittman and Spencer Sullivan voted on the following items during the council’s Nov. 3 meeting:

 5  0: Approve several appointments and reappointments to Planning and Zoning and Parks and Recreation Advisory boards  5  0: Approve the town’s annual agreement with Oak Ridge Youth Association for the use of Town Park fields  5  0: Approve two resolutions that will allow Oak Ridge to spend $1.656 million in federal pandemic relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act

“We know that she brought joy to many in her young life,” Schneider said. “This town, this council and our staff all join with her family and friends in grieving her loss and honoring her short life.”

A moment of silence followed the mayor’s remarks to honor Thornhill and Noah Chambers, an 11-year-old who died three years ago after being hit by a car while crossing the road to attend a Halloween event at a church. He was also struck on Haw River Road.

Schneider said the council is committed to improving safety in Oak Ridge.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Sheriff’s Office. Cpl. J. Swaringen reported the sheriff’s District 1 office responded to 201 calls in Oak Ridge in October; they included a residential break-in and culprits smashing windows in four cars at Town Park to steal “items in plain sight.”

New Patients

The smash-and-grab thefts occurred the night of Oct. 6 while the council’s monthly meeting was underway, according to Swaringen. He urged people visiting Town Park to place valuables in their vehicles out of sight or if possible, to leave them at home.

Oak Ridge Fire Department. Chief Ken Gibson reported the department responded to 87 calls for service last month, including 36 EMS-related calls

and six vehicle accidents. Personnel obtained 667 hours of training.

The North Carolina Department of Insurance conducted its five-year audit of the department in July, resulting in an improvement to Oak Ridge’s Insurance Services Office rating for fire preparedness, Gibson said.

The improvement reflected the department’s training hours and water supply and the area’s 911 communications, the chief said. He noted the better rating may result in lower insurance rates for homeowners and business owners.

ANNUAL AUDIT

Oak Ridge’s financial audit for the fiscal year ended June 30 revealed no problems, according to Chad Cook, senior manager at Dixon Hughes Goodman.

According to the accounting firm’s report, the town’s financial statement disclosures are “consistent, neutral and clear” and the auditor encountered “no significant difficulties” in dealing with town staff in performing the audit.

“We’re happy to see a clean audit,” Schneider said after Cook’s presentation to the council.

MANAGER’S REPORT Board appointments

 5  0 to approve several appointments and reappointments to the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) and the Parks and Recreation (P&R)

Advisory boards.

The council reappointed Ron Simpson to the P&Z Board while Craig Rosenfeld was appointed as a board alternate.

The council elevated Adrian Eckenrod from alternate to full voting member of the P&R Board. Randy Collins was named a board alternate.

ORYA agreement

 5  0 to approve the town’s annual agreement with Oak Ridge Youth Association (ORYA) for the use of Town Park fields.

ORYA’s teams practice and play games on the athletic fields in the park and the organization pays a fee for the use, maintenance and preparation of the fields.

As part of its support of parks and recreation programs in the community, the town gives ORYA an annual subsidy of $30,000 to cover usage fees and in-kind services such as chalking lines; half of the subsidy covers spring sports and the second half covers fall sports, according to terms of the agreement. The terms of the new agreement that will go into effect Jan. 1, 2023, are “effectively identical” to this year’s agreement, Town Manager Bill Bruce told the council.

Council members applauded the agreement as an illustration of the partnership between Oak Ridge and ORYA to serve youth in the community.

“It’s definitely a win-win,” Kinneman said.

Schneider complimented the town’s parks and recreation staff for the “immaculate condition” of the fields.

Heritage Farm Park, Bruce said. Staff then plans to open the bids and select a contractor in early January.

some dirt in the spring,” Bruce said.

Highway improvements. At next month’s meeting, Bruce said he anticipates presenting the proposed agreement detailing how the town and North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will share costs for sidewalks and other improvements on N.C. 68 and 150.

Construction of two roundabouts and improvements at the N.C. 68/150 intersection are slated to start next fall, Bruce said.

“This is a major project that is coming to the town,” the manager said, reiterating that the estimated two years of construction will disrupt traffic on Highways 68 and 150. “We are excited and will be prepared as best we can for those inconveniences.”

NEW BUSINESS COVID-19 relief funds

 5  0 to approve two resolutions that will allow Oak Ridge to spend $1.656 million in federal pandemic relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Approval of the resolutions puts the town in compliance with federal auditing requirements, Bruce said.

What Are You Trying To Accomplish?

Life is full of uncertainty. But you don’t give up because you’re not sure what’s coming next. At First Citizens Wealth Management, we’ve been helping people make rock-solid decisions – about their finances and their lives – for generations. We know creating the life you want to live can feel risky, but smart planning is always the key to achieving what you’re striving for. First Citizens Wealth Management. Forever First.®

firstcitizens.com/wealth

“People always tell us our elds are the nicest elds their kids have ever played on,” she said.

Heritage Farm Park. Later this month, town staff may advertise for bids from general contractors for development of

Earlier, the council agreed the federal funds will help pay for construction of Heritage Farm Park. Later in the meeting, Sam Anders, the town’s finance officer, said he’s continuing to communicate with two banks, Truist and Piedmont Federal, about loaning money for construction of the park.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

 Pickleball enthusiasts Beth Woodard and Laura Peoples of Oak Ridge urged the council to incorporate courts dedicated for the game in the develop-

INVESTMENTS | INSURANCE | RETIREMENT

Your investments in securities, annuities and insurance are not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency and may lose value. They are not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by any bank or bank affiliate and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

First Citizens Wealth Management is a registered trademark of First Citizens BancShares, Inc. First Citizens Wealth Management products and services are offered by First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company, Member FDIC; First Citizens Investor Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, an SEC-registered broker-dealer and investment advisor; and First Citizens Asset Management, Inc., an SEC-registered investment advisor.

Brokerage and investment advisory services are offered through First Citizens Investor Services, Inc., Member FINRA/ SIPC. First Citizens Asset Management, Inc. provides investment advisory services.  Bank deposit products are offered by First Citizens Bank, Member FDIC.

Your money is more than a safety net. It’s the secret to the life you want.

“ at keeps us on schedule to be able to turn

RIDGE TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 9

ment of Heritage Farm Park. In planning for the park, council members have supported construction of tennis courts that could also accommodate pickleball. Citing the soaring popularity of pickleball, Woodard and Peoples recommended building courts exclusively for the game.

“We want to get the ball –the pickleball – rolling,” said Peoples, who worked with town sta to organize play on a temporary court in Town Park earlier this year. e addition of a second temporary court over the summer couldn’t always accommodate all of the people who wanted to play, she said.

Later in the meeting, McClellan said he was “pretty much in support” of building pickleball courts in the new park.



Brooke Tilley urged the council, NCDOT and other authorities to improve safety conditions on Haw River Road after the death of her son, Noah Chambers, three years ago and the death of Aliyah Thornhill, 14, last month.

Both accidents occurred on Halloween night on a stretch of the two-lane road that lacked lighting.

“Any change and improvement is worth asking for,” Tilley told the council. “It would be great if we could come together” to enact changes that may save lives.

 “My prayers are for the families that are suffering right now,” said Sarah Vernon, a friend of Tilley’s.

“I’m asking you to remember how important this is,” said Pamela Garner, urging the installation of lights, stop signs and speed bumps. “Make this a priority.”



the park – the showing of Halloween movies in the amphitheater, a baseball tournament to raise money for Toys for Tots, and a teen leadership 5K run.

Sandra Brown, Tilley’s aunt, thanked Schneider for reaching out to NCDOT to discuss possible safety improvements.



Danny O’Connor, vice president of the Arbor Run homeowners association, said he’d like to see tractor-trailer trucks banned from Haw River Road.



“Speed needs to be addressed,” said O’Connor, echoing views that the road’s 45-mph speed limit should be lowered.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Mountains-to-Sea Trail Committee. Pittman reported that volunteers plan to resume building a new trail this coming Saturday, Nov. 19, on the eastern side of N.C. 150.

Conservation Easement Committee. Chair Stephanie Farrell reported the committee has identified nine properties that meet the qualifications of the Conserving Oak Ridge through Easements (CORE) program.

Six of the nine property owners have expressed an interest in learning more about the program, which seeks to educate and encourage owners to use easements to preserve open space and historic structures. The program offers grant funds to offset the costs of putting easements in place.

Special Events Committee. Chair Patti Dmuchowski said the committee needs volunteers to set up more than 1,300 luminaries for Light Up the Night festivities Saturday, Dec. 3. In case of a rainout, the Christmas event in Town Park will be held the next day.

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Co-chair John Garrett said the committee approved requests by three ORYA members for projects in

Historic Preservation Commission. Commission member Barbara Engel reported the commission approved a request by Sam Anders to demolish two commercial buildings on N.C. 150, as part of his plans to redevelop the property with a new office for his accounting firm. (See related article in our Nov. 3-16 issue.)

Planning and Zoning Board. Member Patti Paslaru reported the board approved a site plan for a fire training facility to be built behind Oak Ridge Fire Department on Linville Road.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

 “I cannot shake the loss of Aliyah from my mind,” said Sullivan, offering his condolences to friends and relatives of both children who died after the Haw River Road accidents. “We are all grieved when we see the loss of a young one.”

 “I can’t imagine the pain of losing a child in such a tragic accident,” Pittman said. “Tonight we also remember Noah Chambers.”

She said her heart goes out to “every person involved,” including first responders who cared for the victims.

 Kinneman expressed his condolences to the families of the two victims.

“I understand that hole is never going to be filled again,” he said.

 “The loss of one child in our town is a loss to all of us,” McClellan said. “I’ve been in a very sad state.”

 Schneider reiterated her appreciation to Oak Ridge First Baptist Church for the use of its family life center for the meeting.

“I think it is fitting that we are discussing these very difficult losses in our community in this place of worship,” she said. “I think we feel that presence here.”

With no further comments, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

SUMMERFIELD town council

Nov. 10 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

as reported by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – Mayor Tim Sessoms called the monthly meeting in Summerfield Community Center to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney and council members Jeff Davis, Janelle Robinson, Reece Walker and John Doggett present.

DeVaney offered the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

 5  0 to approve the meeting consent agenda, which included approval of the open and closed session minutes of the council’s Oct. 10 meeting.

The council also approved the addition of two streets – 4 Cedars Drive and Rabbit Hollow Road – to the secondary road system maintained by the North Carolina Department of Public Transportation (NCDOT).

In addition, the council approved the purchase of a 2023 Dodge Ram 1500 Big Horn pickup truck for $53,500. The council appropriated $50,000 in the current fiscal year’s budget for buying a truck, which will be used by all town departments.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Christmas tree lighting. The town’s annual Christmas tree lighting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, at Summerfield Athletic Park. Town Manager Scott Whitaker said those attending are encouraged to bring boxes of cereal to donate to the Guilford Backpack Ministry, with the goal being to collect 200 boxes of cereal.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Summerfield Fire District. The district

WHAT they voted on, and

HOW they voted:

Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney and council members Jeff Davis, Janelle Robinson, Reece Walker and John Doggett voted on the following items during the council’s Nov. 10 meeting. Mayor Tim Sessoms was present, but in Summerfield the mayor votes only to break a tie.

 5  0: Approve the consent agenda, which included the town’s purchase of a 2023 Dodge Ram truck for $53,500

 5  0: Approve an amendment to the town’s unified development ordinance governing the administration of the Planning Board  5  0: Appoint Mitzi Dawson to the Founders’ Day Committee, Taylor Robertson to the Board of Adjustment and Rodney Carpenter to the Finance Committee while naming Virginia Brown to the Trails and Open Space Committee as an ex-officio member

 4  1: Approve (DeVaney dissenting) the schedule for town meetings in 2023

responded to 145 incidents in October, including 36 fire-related calls, 84 EMSrelated calls and 25 other calls. Firefighters installed 10 child safety seats and six smoke detectors.

Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s District 1 office reported it responded to 255 calls

for service in Summerfield last month, including a residential break-in and a vehicle break-in. Deputies also responded to 51 traffic incidents, 29 alarms being set off and 22 reports of suspicious activity. ... continued on p. 12

orthopaedic care for every body

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Historical Committee. Chair Bruce Petersen reported that a contractor has poured a foundation for the railroad shed on Summerfield Road at Rhondan Road. Some rotten wood on the structure has been replaced; the wooden structure is going to be placed on the foundation, he said.

Petersen said committee members had originally thought the building served as a tool shed, but later learned it served as storage for freight after Summerfield’s railroad depot was torn down. A marker recognizing the history of the building will be placed there.

Trails and Open Space Committee. Whitaker said the town is gathering quotes for construction of a fence for the dog park which will be built near the amphitheater at Summerfield Community Park.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

 Gail Dunham criticized town staff for putting the town’s plans to buy the Dodge Ram truck on the consent agenda, which wasn’t open for public discussion before the council’s vote.

The move shows “you are going to run this town like a private business,” Dunham said, to which Whitaker

responded, “There is nothing secretive about any of that.”

The manager said the meeting packet included information about the vehicle purchase, which was also displayed as part of the town’s presentation during the council’s meeting. Dunham said she didn’t find the information on the town’s website before the meeting.

Later, Walker offered to give Dunham the truck information in his council packet.

PUBLIC HEARING

Unified

development ordinance

DeVaney went a step beyond the proposed amendments, urging board members not to sit together during informational meetings.

During a public hearing before the council’s vote, Dunham reiterated her previous complaints that town leaders discourage the public’s participation in town affairs.

Jane Doggett said Planning Board members spent many hours preparing the UDO and urged the council to take those efforts into consideration before approving changes to the document. Doggett’s husband, Clark, serves on the board.

Summerfield Merchants Association (SMA) supports our local businesses and community.

To join or for more info, email info@summerfieldmerchant.com or visit www.summerfieldmerchant.com or Facebook.com/SummerfieldMerchantsAssociation There

 5  0 to approve an amendment to the town’s unified development ordinance (UDO) governing the administration of the Planning Board. The changes clarify the board’s bylaws, rules of procedure and code of ethics and puts them in “one succinct, go-to document that outlines how the Planning Department should operate,” according to a memo Whitaker sent to the council.

Before the changes were enacted, administration of the board was governed by the UDO, which was adopted in 2021, and by bylaws in place since 2011, the manager told the council.

MANAGER’S REPORT Committee appointments

 5  0 to appoint Mitzi Dawson to the Founders’ Day Committee, Taylor Robertson to the Board of Adjustment and Rodney Carpenter to the Finance Committee.

Thanks to Elaine Thomas, owner of Yoga Lane on U.S. 220 in Summer field, for hosting our Nov. 1 meeting!

Among the amendments, the board shall make recommendations and decisions within 45 days of hearing from applicants for rezoning and other matters.

Board members may attend informational meetings to gain background about proposals under consideration. On the chance that enough board members attend the meetings to create a quorum, members “shall abstain from discussing case material with other members present and be aware of public perception in this regard.”

Virginia Brown applied to serve on the Trails and Open Space Committee. Walker pointed out that Brown, a Hudson James Road resident, actually lives just outside town limits. As a result, the council voted unanimously to appoint her as a non-voting ex-officio member to the committee.

Summerfield Road trailhead. Whitaker said he’s talking to NCDOT officials about ways to improve safety for people parking in the trailhead parking lot on the southern end of Summerfield Road.

Walkers and cyclists cross Summerfield Road to reach the U.S. 220 sidewalk leading to the Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway. Crossing the road poses a safety risk, prompting Whitaker to request a second meeting with NCDOT to discuss possible safety steps.

The agency won’t place a crosswalk at the southernmost corner of the trailhead parking lot because of its close proximity to U.S. 220, Whitaker said. Putting a crosswalk farther north on Summerfield Road, as suggested by NCDOT, wouldn’t work well because the shoulder is narrow and the terrain is steep, he added.

COUNCIL BUSINESS

Laughlin school property. The town has offered $2.2 million for the historic Laughlin school property where Guilford County Schools plans to cease operation of its professional development center, according to Whitaker. Town leaders have discussed possibly using the property on Summerfield Road as a new town hall. (See related article on FC.)

Possible water tower. The council instructed Whitaker to ask officials in Greensboro, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities, Stokesdale, Rockingham County, Reidsville and Madison whether they’d be willing to supply water to Summerfield.

The water would possibly fill a water tank that Summerfield might build with a $1.1 million state appropriation and another $5.5 million in pandemic relief funds.

As Summerfield explores building a municipal water system for firefighting and residential consumption, DeVaney and council member John Doggett urged the council to expedite planning. That’s because the town is required to sign contracts for spending the $1.1 million state appropriation by June 30, 2023, according to Dee Hall, the town’s finance officer.

DeVaney suggested the town install water tanks in Henson Forest and Henson Farms to supply firefighters with water in the event of fires in the subdivisions.

Doggett and Walker said they’d prefer to spend on engineering of a municipal water system and erection of a water tower while in the meantime working to secure a commitment from a nearby municipality to supply water to Summerfield.

“It doesn’t make sense to build a tank without doing research to nd out where the water is coming from,” Doggett said.

“I think we should focus on what our best bang for the buck is,” added Walker, a Summerfield firefighter. He explained that tanks installed in subdivisions would likely become obsolete if a community-wide water system were developed.

While it may take numerous years to afford the cost of installing water lines, in the meantime an elevated tank could be filled from wells, according to Walker.

A possible site for the tower is the town-owned property at U.S. 220 and N.C. 150. Earlier this year, the council halted its plans to build a new town hall on the tract.

As he plans to talk to water officials in nearby municipalities, Whitaker said nailing down details, such as how much Summerfield would pay for water, may require numerous meetings. He added that he will provide an update of his discussions as early as the council’s next meeting on Dec. 13.

Next year’s meeting schedule

 4  1 to approve the schedule for council meetings in 2023. DeVaney voted against the schedule after the council turned down her request to change the date of the June meeting, when she plans to be out of town.

Dollar General. Robinson complimented Dollar General employees for improving the appearance of the store in the Summerfield Square shopping center. Voluntary annexation. DeVaney urged homeowners who live on the outskirts of Summerfield to contact her if they’d like to learn about seeking voluntary annexation into town.

With no further council comments, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

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.

Photo by Chris Burritt

Liberty Café, ‘feeding hearts, minds and bodies’

by PATTI STOKES

NW GUILFORD – If all goes as hoped, Liberty Café, operated from a Stokesdale-based concession trailer, will soon be a common sight around the northwest Guilford area.

Owned by Carla Harper and co-managed with her daughter, Maggie, Liberty Café specializes in coffee, fresh-squeezed juices, and homemade, Southern-style breakfast and lunch fare.

“We bring a love for God, America, and all people together with our passion for feeding hearts, minds, and bodies,” Carla told the Northwest Observer. “Our offering of homemade biscuits, pastries, cookies, sandwiches, gourmet coffees, teas, fresh-squeezed juices, and made-in-North Carolina snacks will vary based on freshness with our local cooks and sourcing partners. We work with local farmers, coffee roasters, cooks, bakers, and restaurants to source the best in fresh, wholesome, tasty premade foods and ingredients for the food and beverages we produce.”

Liberty Café resides in an 8.5 x 16 red trailer with a blue awning.

“There will always be an American and North Carolina flag flying over her,”

Carla noted. “Our bookmobile with a selection of great books for purchase or giveaway and four small tables with chairs are available for enjoying food and beverage on-site.

Liberty Café hopes to set up by invitation at area farmers markets, youth sports tournaments, shooting and equestrian competitions, and traditional custom and culture festivals in the region.

For more info and a schedule of dates and times when Liberty Café will be set up in the area, visit www.libertycafenc.com.

Oak Ridge Bagels & Deli – coming soon!

by PATTI STOKES

Stokesdale residents Corey and Nicole Crites have hit a few unexpected snags in getting their bagel and deli shop open.

The couple had hoped to open Oak Ridge Bagels & Deli behind the Quality Mart on N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge this fall, but Corey

Photo courtesy of Carla Harper

Carla Harper (left) and her daughter, Maggie, hope to become a common sight around the northwest area as their mobile coffee and bakery shop, Liberty Café, sets up at various locations by invitation.

From

all

of building beautiful homes in the Triad

Town preparing for residential growth on its borders

Three multifamily developments in northwestern Greensboro raise concerns and opportunities, Oak Ridge council members say by

CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – As town leaders look ahead, they’re not altogether comfortable with what they see on Oak Ridge’s southeastern fringe – more than 260 new apartments on N.C. 68 and plans for nearly 400 townhouses and homes in two developments on Pleasant Ridge Road.

“E ectively, we’re getting 2,000 people by our borders,” Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman said during Oak Ridge Town Council’s strategic planning meeting last month. “A large portion of them are coming to our schools and our town.”

During its Oct. 20 meeting, the council made no final decisions on updating the town’s strategic, land use and other plans guiding growth. Instead, the meeting was more of a brainstorming session, with members talking about how to balance the popularity of Oak Ridge and the surrounding area as a place to live against traffic congestion, school crowding and other challenges.

The three residential projects illustrate growth elbowing Oak Ridge, which is also bracing for growth from Kernersville to the west and southern Rockingham County to the north. Just southeast of Oak Ridge’s town limits, the Retreat at Sixty-Eight, an apartment complex at N.C. 68 and Interstate 73, has begun renting units, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms going for $1,975 a month, according to its website.

At Pleasant Ridge and Alcorn roads, LeoTerra Development Inc. has cleared a tract for 298 houses and townhomes.

Nearby, Windsor Homes plans to build 85 townhouses at Pleasant Ridge and Long Valley roads. That project is across Pleasant Ridge Road from Summerfield’s town limits.

“Overall, the council acknowledged that growth at our borders, from Greensboro, Kernersville and southern Rockingham County, will have an impact on Oak Ridge,” Town Manager Bill Bruce said in a recent email. “This is one of the reasons to review/ update the (town’s) future land use plan.”

Oak Ridge’s council discussed creating an economic development plan to guide the town’s growth, based

partly upon a market analysis “that could be helpful in identifying what goods/services may be needed” in the town core, according to Bruce.

The economic development plan would dovetail with the council’s adoption of a design guidebook for future commercial development in the town core. Adopted last May, the guidebook reinforces the overarching goal of the town’s strategic plan adopted five years ago. Town leaders are trying to create a “village feel” in the commercial district along N.C. 68 and 150, with major road improvements, construction of sidewalks and the addition of street lighting and other amenities.

The projects are aimed at slowing traffic, improving pedestrian safety and creating an environment conducive for businesses. As growth advances, Kinneman suggested the council reevaluate its efforts.

“Let’s take a good look at all of this external pressure,” he said.

Southeast of Oak Ridge, the three residential projects are located in the city of Greensboro. Some of the new residents are going to come to Oak Ridge for dining and shopping – a plus for businesses – but put pressure on northwestern Guilford schools and the ever-expanding Oak Ridge Youth

Association, according to council members weighing the pros and cons of development.

At least for now, commercial development is limited by Oak Ridge’s reliance upon well water and septic systems, according to Bruce. Town leaders are exploring the purchase of water from Forsyth County, but construction of water lines and an elevated tank would be several years away if the council decides to proceed with such a project.

Beginning next year, the North Carolina Department of Transportation is scheduled to start road improvements in Oak Ridge. Plans for two roundabouts and new signals and pedestrian crosswalks at the Highway 68/150 intersection are aimed at easing rushhour congestion, slowing traffic and improving pedestrian safety.

Looking ahead, Kinneman recommended curbing or other improvements to slow motorists on the stretch of N.C. 150 from Linville Road to the roundabout planned for Marketplace Drive, at Oak Ridge Commons.

“If we can’t get people to slow down, then the town won’t be that walkable,” he said.

Mayor Ann Schneider suggested that Oak Ridge consider branding

as a way to connect and promote the town’s amenities, such as the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. As an example, if out-of-towners come to town for a hike, they may also want to explore the town’s history or patronize local restaurants and stores.

“Trails are an important part of economic development,” council member George McClellan said.

Council members discussed the possibility that Oak Ridge could build upon its growing reputation as a trail town to attract artists or promote agritourism, possibly with a farm-to-table restaurant.

“We want to be a destination,” Kinneman said.

Over the next few weeks, town staff will incorporate some of the council’s ideas into a draft updating the strategic plan, Bruce said. From there, the council will decide whether to create committees to address the challenges.

Heritage Farm Park to retain farming alongside athletic elds

by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – One morning last month, Oak Ridge resident Mike Kimel walked amid big round bales of hay, some lined up in rows and others scattered randomly across the rolling field, surrounded by fiery colors of fall.

“This is my favorite time of year to walk,” said Kimel, explaining the hay bales embellish the sweeping pastoral setting in the heart of Oak Ridge. According to town leaders, that view is going to be preserved as part of the development of Heritage Farm Park, starting next spring.

During their strategic planning

meeting last month, Town Council members reiterated their commitment to preserving as farmland or open fields the central portion of the 62-acre tract. Doing so will maintain the long, soothing view from N.C. 150 across the property to the back of Town Hall and other buildings fronting Linville Road.

In a lease agreement with the town of Oak Ridge, Kyle and Sam Anders cut and bale hay on the future site of Heritage Farm Park. The father and son, who feed the hay to beef cattle they raise in Oak Ridge, hope to continue farming the portion of the 62-acre tract that is not slated for development of the park.

will continue to be farmed,” council member Martha Pittman said during the meeting, echoing views by other council members that preserving the bucolic setting is a priority.

farm. In a recent interview, Kyle Anders, 80, said he wants to continue farming the land that’s not slated for development of the park.

“All of us have expressed the hope that the core (of the property)

HOT. RAIN. COLD.

Tested for every weather extreme

For years, Kyle Anders and his son, Sam, have grown and harvested hay and soybeans for the beef cattle they raise in Oak Ridge. They’ve farmed the Heritage Farms property for about 15 years. After the town bought the property from Frank Whitaker Jr. in 2018, Kyle Anders entered into a lease with the town to continue farming the land.

For a rental fee of $1 a year, the father and son grow and harvest hay in an arrangement that provides maintenance of the property at no cost to the town while preserving the scenic views.

In a recent interview, Sam Anders said he estimated the park’s development will take about 12 or 13 acres of the property, leaving about 36 acres for farming. The rest of the property is wooded or otherwise unsuitable for farming, he said.

The father and son are active in Oak Ridge. Sam, a CPA by profession, serves as the town’s finance officer and assistant fire chief. Kyle serves as chairman of the fire department’s board of directors as well as a member of the town’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

In the spring and fall, they cut and bale the hay and haul the bales to their

“As we have told the town, we will tend the open land,” he said. “If they want to put a ballfield in, we will tend what else there is to tend.”

The park’s development is planned for the northwestern section of the property. Among improvements, the council has approved plans for two lighted multipurpose fields, a playground, a picnic shelter, a restroom building and parking, according to the site plan. The Veterans Honor Green is also planned for the area, as well as courts for tennis, pickleball and basketball in later years.

A 1.2-mile-long trail that circles the property is popular with walkers. Some sections follow the gently rutted paths where Anders drives his tractor.

Aside from growing hay and soybeans, Kyle, a lifelong farmer, set aside an area near the Oak Ridge Swim Club on N.C. 150 for butterflies. That’s a demonstration of what he said is his commitment to cultivate and care for the property.

“We’ve got the equipment to keep it looking good,” he said.

If the property weren’t farmed, the town would need to buy more equipment

Oak Ridge leaders reaffirm pledge to preserve undeveloped acreage as open space and farmland

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Quality Craftsmanship

We are thankful

The Northwest Observer staff would like to express our community newspaper through their advertising

For this month’s builder spotlight feature, most thankful for this year and here’s

“Wow... so many things we are so thankful for! Our church, family, friends and of course, our great homebuyers who keep our business going!

“We’re also so grateful that COVID is, for the most part, behind us and are praying that the replenishment of building materials catches up to the ever-busy industry!”

Rich and Kathy Dumas, R&K Custom Homes

“I am particularly thankful for my 97-year-old grandma. I get to see and talk to her every day, which is a blessing most people don’t have.”

Casey Johnson, CJ Builders

“First and foremost, we are thankful for our faith that has carried us along the way, and for our family –children, daughter- and son-in-laws, grandchildren and extended family. As we enter into our golden years, we realize the tremendous blessing we have received through the family.

“We also are grateful for the gift of the trades and the work of our hands to provide for the family.

“Our lives have been richly what we have received by providing many throughout our community thankful that we have had the many places and always love USA. May God continue to we love and are most thankful Francis and Patti Disney,

“Jen and I are thankful for are also thankful for the great where we can raise our three Mark and Jennifer Disney,

“We are thankful that we our faith, and thankful for our health. We hope for a better Don and Annette

“We’re definitely thankful health. We’ve come to realize that for granted.

“We’re also grateful to have to be able to work with family.

express our gratitude to the builder teams who support advertising each month in our real estate section.

feature, we asked these builders what they are here’s what they shared with us…

richly blessed in sharing providing assistance to community and beyond. We are the opportunity to travel love returning home to the bless America, the land that thankful for!”

Disney, Disney Construction Co. for family and friends. We great community we live in three girls.”

Disney, Disney Construction Co. we are still allowed to show our family, friends and good America.”

Annette Mills, Don Mills Builders

thankful for our family’s good realize that we should never take have a career we enjoy and family. Finally, we are thankful

for the country we live in that allows us the opportunity to chase our dreams.”

Ray, Lisa and Mitch Bullins, Ray Bullins Construction Co.

“This holiday season is a wonderful time to reflect on what we are thankful for. The list is immense, but as we slow down and reflect on this past year, we are most thankful for our family, the love and support they give us, and our wonderful children. They are the reason we strive to be our best selves every day.

“We also consider our employees to be a part of our family. Without their hard work and dedication, we would not be in the position we are today. Every day we recognize and appreciate their commitment and hard work.

“We are forever grateful to be able to experience everyday life with our closest companions and look forward to many more years doing what we love best.”

Matt and Danielle Walraven, Walraven Signature Homes

You Are Here. So Are We.

Remarkable care that keeps you healthy everywhere.

With Novant Health, you can expect:

• Convenience with 26 locations from Oak Ridge to High Point

• Access to primary care and pediatrics, heart, orthopedics, women’s health and more

• World-class hospital care at Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center

Expect Remarkable.

Find a provider near you.

Visit NovantHealth.org/Guilford

HERITAGE FARM PARK

...continued from p. 22

and add staff to maintain it, according to Town Manager Bill Bruce.

“Kyle is doing a great service to the town,” Bruce told council members during last month’s meeting.

Council members brainstormed about possible alternative uses for some of the undeveloped park land.

Mayor Jim Kinneman raised the possibility of growing vegetables on a portion of the property or establishing a demonstration farm if the town were to pursue agritourism as part of economic development efforts.

“It would be a way to demonstrate our farming history,” Kinneman said.

Pittman said she’d like to see areas, such as near the veterans’ site, cultivated in wildflowers. Creating a community garden and growing native plants

are other possibilities, she said.

Mayor Ann Schneider said the town could publicize when Anders plans to cut and bale hay, giving the public the opportunity to watch the farming.

Sean Taylor, the town’s planning director, cautioned that growing vegetables on the property may not be easy. First, decades of tobacco farming leached the soil of nutrients, making it suitable for growing hay and soybeans, but little in terms of vegetables, he noted.

Council member Spencer Sullivan said he believes “chopping (the undeveloped land) up into small plots” would detract from the scenic views.

“I think it’s still going to be more passive open space,” he said. “It’s pretty just to walk through.’’

Quonset hut owner seeks more restrictive rezoning

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – A new request by property owner Lisa Waynick to rezone 2.8 acres that includes a Quonset hut reduces the number of potential business uses from her original application.

Waynick is trying to sell the property for business use. In July, she withdrew her rezoning application for two tracts at 3818 and 3820 Oak Ridge Road (N.C. 150) after Summerfield’s Planning Board objected to a wide range of potential commercial uses in the rezoning she was seeking.

In response, Waynick’s new application eliminates numerous uses such as a gun or paintball shooting range, a cocktail lounge, a pool hall, a crematorium and a fortune teller.

Waynick is seeking the rezoning of her property from conditional use

limited business (CU-LB) to conditional zoning business use (CZ-BN).

The Planning Board plans to consider Waynick’s request during its Nov. 28 meeting; the Town Council will consider the board’s recommendation during its Dec. 13 meeting.

The board will consider another rezoning request during its meeting later this month.

Property owners Corey and Erin Petty are seeking the rezoning of 3.75 acres of their nearly 44 acres at 6317 U.S. 158 to create three lots for their relatives to build homes. In January, the couple moved to the property from Maryland.

They’re asking for the property including the home sites to be rezoned from agricultural (AG) to generalpurpose residential zoning (RS).

Establishing and maintaining a garden takes “a lot of labor, a lot of volunteers,” Taylor said.

NOW THROUGH DEC. 14

 Angel Tree | Good Samaritan Ministries’ Angel Tree is set up at Fidelity Bank, 8110 U.S. 158 in Stokesdale. “Angels” – Christmas gift wish lists for children in need – may be picked up there Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can also contact Terri Johnson, GSM Angel Tree coordinator, for a child’s or sibling group’s wish list. Unwrapped gifts, labeled with the children’s corresponding angel number and letter, should be dropped off at Terri’s home

in Stokesdale by Dec. 14. More info: Terri Johnson, (336) 643-5887 or terrij1957@yahoo.com.

NOW THROUGH DEC. 24

 Holiday stores | Summerfield Peace United Methodist Church is hosting a Dewey’s Bakery holiday store at Tire Max, 4420 U.S. 220 N in Summerfield, Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Moravia Moravian Church in Oak Ridge is hosting a holiday store in the Oak Ridge Room (next to Bistro 150 in Oak Ridge Commons) Monday to Thursday, 12 to 6 p.m.; Friday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m. Curbside pick-up is available if you shop at www.deweysbakerypartner.com. All proceeds from the holiday stores go to support church missions.

REGISTER NOW

 Golf tournament fundraiser, Nov. 19 | 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. Golfers can enter 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 programs. For more info and to register, contact Mark Masters, (336) 260-1970 or nwgkiwanis@gmail.com.

 Christmas parade, Dec. 10 (sign up by Dec. 2) | Sign up now to become a sponsor or register

District 1 Sheri ’s O ce

COMMUNICATING THREATS

Nov. 3 | A citizen reported that a known suspect touched her inappropriately and threatened her with a handgun.

DEATH INVESTIGATION

Nov. 10 | Law enforcement officers conducted a death investigation in the 1500 block of N.C. 150 W in Summerfield.

DOMESTIC INCIDENT

Nov. 3 | Officers responded to a domestic incident in the 6200 block of McKibbin Circle in Summerfield (near Brookbank Road).

Nov. 5 | Officers responded to a domestic incident in the 2500 block of Elmsford Road in Summerfield (off Witty Road).

FOUND PROPERTY

Nov. 7 | A resident reported finding a red/white Schwinn bike in the 7200 block of Alcorn Road in northwest Greensboro; the bike has an estimated value of $250.

FRAUD

Nov. 6 | Officers retrieved two counterfeit $100 bills from Walgreens on

U.S. 220 in Summerfield.

Nov. 8 | A resident of the 7800 block of Newhaven Drive in Oak Ridge (off Bunch Road) reported an unknown suspect had been using his personal identification information since May 2.

INJURED ANIMAL

Nov. 12 | Officers responded to a report of an injured deer in the 7500 block of Bethel View Court in Oak Ridge (near Haw River Road).

POSSESSION OF STOLEN GOODS

Oct. 31 | During an early morning traffic stop in the 300 block of Cornerstone Drive/N.C. 68 N in northwest Greensboro, officers discovered a 31-year-old woman was using a stolen license plate and arrested her for possession of stolen goods.

ROBBERY/ ATTEMPTED ROBBERY

Nov. 13 | Between 4 and 5 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13, District 1 Sheriff’s Office in Summerfield was alerted by alarm activations that a burglary and an attempted burglary had occurred in Stokesdale and in Oak Ridge. After

a group of unknown male suspects used a crowbar to break into the front window of Crossroads Pharmacy in Stokesdale, they stole three backpacks full of narcotics. It is believed the suspects then traveled south on N.C. 68 and attempted to break into CVS Pharmacy in Oak Ridge by breaking the glass in the drive-through window, but they were unsuccessful. Det. Sgt. R.D. Seals said no arrests have been made, but officers are following up on surveillance footage.

THEFT

Oct. 31 | An employee of Cheerwine bottling company in Colfax reported that between Oct. 30 at 9:48 p.m. and Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. an unknown suspect caused $500 worth of damage to a chain link fence, then used a knife to gain entry into a side door of the business; the suspect stole 12 containers of diesel exhaust fluid, three containers of antifreeze, an orange push mower and 12 containers of diesel motor oil, worth $1,115 altogether.

Nov. 1 | An employee of Tractor Supply Company in Oak Ridge reported an unknown suspect shoplifted a silver sharpening stone worth $8.

Nov. 3 | A resident of the 8400 block of Southard Road in Stokesdale (off U.S. 158) reported that between 7:15 a.m. and 5:40 p.m. an unknown suspect entered her house through an unlocked back door and stole a jewelry box containing several pieces of jewelry, including two red/blue championship rings, a pair of blue topaz earrings, two class rings with “Kelly” engraved on them, a Ledford High

School Class of ‘95 ring, a white gold wedding band set, a record player and assorted records, a purse and personal I.D. documents; the stolen items were valued at a total of $5,700.

Nov. 3 | A customer at Gas Town Service Center in Summerfield reported a known suspect stole $43.63 worth of gas from him.

Nov. 3 | An employee of Dollar General on Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale reported a known suspect shoplifted a $25 container of dog food.

Nov. 6 | A resident of the 7100 block of Harper Ridge Court in Oak Ridge (off Linville Road) reported that between Nov. 5 at 5 p.m. and Nov. 6 at 3:21 p.m. an unknown suspect stole a black 4x8 trailer and a red/ black Kawasaki four-wheeler, worth $4,500 altogether.

Nov. 6 | An employee of CVS Pharmacy in Summerfield reported at 6:28 p.m. an unknown suspect shoplifted a pregnancy test worth $8.

VANDALISM

Nov. 1 | A resident of the 7100 block of Ellison Road in Stokesdale (off U.S. 158) reported an unknown suspect vandalized his mailbox.

Nov. 2 | A resident of the 4300 block of U.S. 220 N/Summerfield Road in Summerfield reported an unknown suspect did $300 worth of damage to his vehicle.

Nov. 8 | An employee of Stokesdale Elementary School reported that between Nov. 7 at 5 p.m. and Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. an unknown suspect damaged six wooden garden gnomes.

NORTHWEST ANIMAL HOSPITAL

WELCOME to our new advertisers

you to the businesses, organizations and individuals who advertise in the Northwest Observer and make it possible to provide this community resource at no charge to our readers.

Gal-vanized

Janet

and Eeron Dellosa, owners

Specializing in creative metal works, pottery and paintings

Art has always been a part of Janet and Eeron Dellosa’s lives. In fact, it runs in the family and has been passed down for generations. The motherdaughter team now combine their talents in Gal-vanized, an art studio which specializes in creative metal works, pottery and paintings.

Eeron started Gal-vanized in early 2018. At that time, she cut designs in antique gas cans and repurposed them from what some might consider trash to unique display pieces. Her work has

since expanded to include any kind of antique metal, be it saws, milk cans, shovels or watering cans.

Along the way, Eeron’s designs have also become more intricate. Each one-of-a-kind piece is handdrawn and cut using a hand-held plasma cutter.

During the pandemic and amidst adopting a dog with severe separation anxiety, Eeron decided to take up pottery, which she could do at home with her dog. It was then that her mom, Janet, who previously owned and had retired from Carson-Dellosa Publishing, decided to join her in the studio.

While Janet and Eeron both dabble in hand-building, they mostly use pots that are thrown by Eeron, after which they add their individual finishing touches. Janet hand paints intricate and often whimsical designs and Eeron uses more traditional glazes, although usually very colorful.

The mother and daughter say their favorite part of the business is that they get to spend every day together creating beautiful pieces, and they get to do it with their dogs.

Gal-vanized is open to the public for shopping the first Sunday of every month from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours in the month of December.

Talking and Walking

Christian Men’s Ministry (TAWCMM)

Roy Jones, founder

“In January 2005, I was cleaning out an old safe. It’s interesting what we think is important at a particular time,” said Roy Jones, founder of TAWCMM. “I found old warranties, insurance papers from old policies, and numerous things that were no longer important. As I sorted through the various documents, I found a letter, written years earlier, from Keith Carroll, my pastor at the time.

See ad on p. 2

“The letter was one of encouragement, support, and expectation of how God was going to use me. In that moment, the Holy Spirit came upon me and the resounding question from God was, ‘What have you done for me, Roy?’ My heart was heavy because I could not think of anything that would be indicative of working for

...continued from p. 33

God or growing the kingdom.

“Sure, people knew me as a man of God in the way I lived my life, the way I treated my co-workers, the manner I managed my teams. It was clear that I loved the Lord, but God kept asking: ‘What have you done for me?’ I could not stop the hurt I was feeling in my heart because of how I had let God down.

“My life was a lot different in 2005, some 15 years after the letter had been written. I was the father of four children, had accumulated more debt, a bigger house.

“Hence, God called me to get into the game. I picked up the phone and called Pastor Keith to see if he would

come along side of me and help me get my arms around this Father/Son relationship.

“TAWCMM is a result of my commitment to help men find their purpose, to take a God-appointed and honored position as the spiritual leader of his family, church, and workplace.

“I invite all men to join us for bi-weekly breakfasts, bi-monthly dinners, community service projects, and our upcoming co-ed event in January 2023.”

TAWCMM

To learn more, visit www.TAWCMM.com, and see ad on page 30.

Stay connected to your neighbors at /NorthwestObserver

live blissfully

We’re bringing you the most complete care, so that you can get back to the moments that matter most. That’s what it means to live fully.

BITS & PIECES

Local women place high in Women’s Only on Nov. 6

The 30th annual 5K walk/run raised $88,037 to help women with breast cancer

Oak Ridge placed first in the masters’ age group in Cone Health’s Women’s Only 5K walk/run on Nov. 6 and Jennifer Ganser of Summerfield placed second in the masters’ age group.

GREENSBORO – Two northwest-area women took first and second place in the masters’ group (age 40 and up) in Cone Health’s Women’s Only 5K Walk & Run held in Greensboro on Nov. 6. Rosa Alonso-McKenzie of Oak Ridge took first place in the group, with a time of 23:59.54, and Jennifer Ganser of Summerfield took second place, finishing in 24:03.20.

Claire McDowell, 17, of Greensboro, was the fastest runner in the event. She completed the new course that began and ended at the Cone Health MedCenter for Women in 20:47.71.

The 30th Women’s Only 5K Walk & Run had 2,159 participants and raised

$88,037.40 for the fight against breast cancer.

Cone Health Cancer Center treated 978 women with breast cancer last year. Proceeds from the Women’s Only 5K provide screening mammograms to women who are uninsured or lack the financial means to pay for the screening, and also help with the everyday needs of local breast cancer patients in treatment, such as financial assistance, educational materials, peer mentoring and support groups.

More than 200,000 breast cancer cases are treated in the U.S. annually. Most cases are in women over the age of 50. Early detection usually leads to longer lives and cures.

Photos courtesy of Cone Health Rosa Alonso-McKenzie (left) of

Toy drive fills truck bed Angel Tree up at Fidelity Bank

Good Samaritan Ministries’ annual Angel Tree is now up at Fidelity Bank, 8110-U.S. 158 in downtown Stokesdale, and anyone wishing to pick up a child’s Christmas wish list from the tree may stop by during the bank’s business hours (Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). You

can also obtain a child’s or sibling group’s wish list by contacting Terri Johnson, Angel Tree coordinator, at (336) 643-5887 or terrij1957@yahoo.com.

Participants in the annual Angel Tree program, which provides Christmas gifts to children who might not otherwise receive any, are asked to bring the unwrapped and labeled gifts to Johnson’s home at 7769 N.C. 68 North in Stokesdale by Dec. 14; gifts can be left on or near the table in the open carport.

COUCH SEEKS VIEWS ON DEVELOPMENT

...continued from p. 2

amendment request that proposed halving the number of apartments to 592. That’s the plan the Planning Board will consider, possibly during its January meeting.

Photo courtesy of Danny O’Connor

Thanks to the generosity of participants in the monthly StokeRidge (Tavern) car show on Nov. 6, held in the parking lot of Kings Crossing Shopping Center on N.C. 68 in Stokesdale, the Oak Ridge Lions Club toy drive yielded a truck bed full of donated toys that will be given to children in need this Christmas.

To accommodate denser housing, Couch has proposed extending water and sewer services to his development, with property owners within the development – not other Summerfield taxpayers – paying for the additional public utilities.

In exchange for clustered, higher-density

housing and the absence of septic fields, Couch said he would preserve pastures, woodlands and scenic views on Summerfield Farms and several other tracts stretching from Pleasant Ridge Road to Interstate 73. Less expensive housing such as apartments, townhouses, duplexes and cottages in Summerfield would provide more affordable options for people earning moderate incomes and enable older residents to downsize and remain in the community, according to Couch.

*Offer ends 11/30/22

welcome to ... Youth Sync

Feast, Floss and Be Thankful

‘We’re going to give it everything we’ve got’

Northwest Guilford Vikings lose quarterback Tanner Ballou to a broken wrist, but adjust as they prepare for this Friday night’s third-round game of the state playoffs

by CHRIS BURRITT

NW GUILFORD – When Northwest Guilford High School’s football team travels to Weddington High School this coming Friday night, quarterback Tanner Ballou will be on the sidelines with a broken wrist.

The junior leader suffered the injury in the first quarter of last week’s game against Watauga High School. Wide receiver Bristol Carter stepped in as quarterback, leading the Vikings to victory and propelling them into the third round of the state Class 4A playoffs.

Coach Kevin Wallace is counting on Carter and running back Mike Godette to bring strong offensive performances against Weddington. Clearing the way

for the runners will be an offensive line that’s playing together for a second straight season.

Linebackers Andrew Dover and Ryan Debow and defensive end Connor Balton are leading Northwest’s defense against the high-scoring Warriors.

Both teams are riding winning streaks – Northwest at seven and Weddington at 11 – after recovering from early-season losses.

In the season opener on Aug. 19, the Vikings lost to East Forsyth High School 49-38. The team fell too far

behind in the first half to catch up in the second half despite a comeback bid, Wallace said.

After that loss, the team “clicked from then on,” the coach said in an interview earlier this week.

“Our kids believed they could get it done. at was the biggest thing,” he said.

After three wins, Northwest lost a second game Sept. 23 to another highly

ranked team, falling 55-12 to Grimsley High School. But in the nearly two months and seven games since then, the Vikings have gone undefeated.

Now that Northwest has reached the Sweet 16 of the high school playoffs, Wallace said the team recognizes “every playoff game is tough, no matter who we are playing.”

“We’ve been in games when we were down and came back; we’ve been up and had to hold on,” Wallace said. “We’re going to go out and give it everything we’ve got.”

Northwest High School Vikings football team celebrates after defeating Watauga High School 33-27 on Nov. 11 in NCHSAA’s second-round 4A state playoff game (West division). The Vikings, 10-2, will travel to Matthews this Friday, 7 p.m., to face the Weddington High School Warriors, 11-1, for the third-round state playoff game.

Photo courtesy of Wayne Phillips

Hiding your smile? We can help!

Matthew J. Olmsted, DDS MS

Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center 2205 Oak Ridge Road, Suite CC (336) 441-7007 olmstedorthodontics.com

We are OPEN and accepting new patients

‘Our Town’

Northwest Middle School theater students will perform classic play Nov. 17, 18 and 19

by JACOB LUCK, NWMS theater/journalism teacher

“Our Town,” described by Edward Albee as “the greatest American play ever written,” presents the small town of Grover’s Corners in three acts: “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage” and “Death and Eternity.”

The play opened on Broadway at Henry Miller’s Theatre on Feb. 4, 1938, and was produced and directed by Jed Harris. The original cast featured Frank Craven, Martha Scott and John Craven. The play returned to Broadway four times: in 1944 starring Marc Connelly; in 1969 starring Henry Fonda; in 1988 starring Spalding Gray; and in 2002 starring Paul Newman.

As a young person, I can remember weekends traveling through the Appalachian regions with family and friends, seeing the colors of the leaves changing, the smell of firewood burning, and the Christmas trees over the hills in the distance. During my time at Western Carolina University eight years ago, my fondest memories are of the mountain ranges appearing as I traveled through the state down I-40. Much like Grover’s Corners, western North Carolina is steeped in culture and heavily influenced by the diverse communities that brought people together.

“Our Town” is one of the greatest and most performed American plays ever written. It is, and always will be, about us, our community, our families, and our pursuit of one another. I also connect with it personally, because at age 16 I played George Gibbs in Act I, and married the love of my life three weeks ago as Act II depicts.

“Our Town” represents the most valuable things we have: the timelessness of life, the rich traditions of our ancestors, and the footprints that started our journey thousands of years ago.

Northwest Middle School’s production of “Our Town” is directed by me (Jacob Luck, theater/journalism teacher), and our music director is Corey Yngsdal, the school’s director of choirs. The play features 30 Northwest Middle School actors and 15 stage crew members: Abby Swink, Abigal Teague, Amelia Winter, Anna Rivabem, Annabelle Lee, Annabelle Reece Biggs, Ava Helper, Ava Pike, Bella Demange, Calla Campbell, Cameron Alison, Caroline Verm, Cate-Thornton Reynolds, Chelsea Smith, Claire Ozipko, Dylan Joyce, Eli Landry, Gavin Brown, Grady Jones, Griffin Lund, Harley Campbell, Haven Swayze, Izzie Gile, Jenna Wunner, Kate Cohan, Kendall Hipsher, Maddie McDowell, Maya Adams, Meagan Brady, Mia Christman, Olivia Bogle, Olivia Gatewood, Reagan Mistysyn, Riley Lund, Rory Goss, Ryland Cooley, Savannah Mattei, Sofia Gatewood, Spencer Lund, Stella Harton, Vella Day, Will Cohan, Will Martin and Zella Lautzenheiser.

want to go?

“Our Town” will be performed in the auditorium of Northwest High School, 5240 Northwest School Road in Greensboro. Performances will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17, Friday, Nov. 18, and Saturday, Nov. 19. Tickets can be purchased at the door each evening for $10, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

STUDENT PROFILE

Thanks to the coaches and teachers at Northern and Northwest High Schools for their student recommendations and input, which make it possible to recognize these talented, dedicated students for their accomplishments in academics, athletics and cultural arts.

NORTHERN GUILFORD HIGH SCHOOL

NWHS students take gold at Piedmont Regional HOSA matchup

Jones, senior Roles: student body president,

Grady

drumline captain

by ZOE STRAUB, Northern sophomore Grady Jones, a senior at Northern Guilford High School, is balancing two seemingly disparate roles. However, being student body president and marching band drumline captain are not mutually exclusive – in fact, they overlap a lot.

“It all comes from putting in the work and building trust with people so you have the connections,” Jones said in a recent interview.

As student body president, Jones spends much of his time working with class presidents and helping plan student activities like school dances and football themes.

“My job is to make the school great, and to improve the school for future years,” he said.

When the final bell rings at the

end of each school day, Jones turns his attention to a particular group of students – the marching band’s drumline.

When asked about being a drumline captain, he said a lot of credit goes to the people around him.

“The drumline is my family, so I want to leave an impact and make sure they are going to be good for the future,” he said. His drive to leave his school and the drumline in a better place are both rooted in the same place, and as a leader, he thrives on planning and coordinating events as well as making sure others are happy and working together.

Outside of academics, Jones participates in several school clubs and programs, ranging from Volunteer Club to Eco Club to Nighthawk ambassador.

He’s not yet sure what direction he’ll head in after graduating next June, but he’s confident he’ll use the knowledge he has gained from his experience at Northern throughout his life.

When asked what he values about his leadership roles, Jones answered, “I get to be a part of conversations I didn’t even know were happening.”

He said he has learned how to incorporate both leadership positions into his life, and hopes the changes he’s made through these dual roles will leave a lasting, positive mark on the school.

by EMILY WELCH, NWHS student

Northwest Guilford High School students were delighted to compete in this year’s annual HOSA Piedmont Regional competition, held at Carver High School in Winston-Salem on Nov. 5.

“One of the things I love so much about HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) is that it is a studentrun organization,” Emma Welch said. “It gives students a voice along with a place to help us become more interested in furthering our career paths and our hopes for the future. We are able to surround

ourselves with people who are extremely encouraging, pushing us toward the professions we aspire to obtain.”

HOSA is a career and technical student organization created to help students further their career and education in the healthcare field. Students compete in team and individual HOSA events, showing off skills learned by participating in the student organization. Northwest High School students Emma Welch, Josie Danner and Torey Cagno recently teamed up to compete in the creative thinking competition and

...continued on p. 42

(Above left, L to R) Northwest High School students Torey Cagno, Emma Welch and Josie Danner took first place in the “Creative Thinking” category at the Piedmont Regional HOSA competition on Nov. 5 and (above right) Sanjita Suryadevara placed first in “Prepared Speaking.”

Photos courtesy of Emma Welch

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. 

Bruce, the election poll worker at Oak Ridge Town Hall, who was so helpful and courteous to two seniors while they were voting at curbside. 

Christine, Alex and Steve at Lowe’s Home Improvement on Battleground Avenue. They were very kind and professional when we needed help calculating the amount of tile needed and with loading our cart and vehicle. 

Amazing humans who sell vehicles at pre-inflation prices. They deserve recognition! I needed a different vehicle and my husband surprised me with a paidfor Cadillac Escalade. I don’t consider having equity either – instead, I would pass the savings on. 

Bloom Counseling of Stokesdale. It is so good to have quality counseling in this area after years of driving into Greensboro for this service. 

Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church for hosting a fun and joyful Trunk or Treat. Our family had a great time! 

Young Guns softball team and their coaches. We have so enjoyed watching these young ladies play this season at our park in Oak Ridge, and we thank all of you for your team spirit and dedication to the game.

Park” in Oak Ridge on Nov. 5, which supplied great vendors, great food, great music. Some hardworking vendors with a small-town feel. Well done!

 Kevin Champion, owner of StokeRidge Tavern, for providing a free and soooo delicious lunch for the 12 workers at Oak Ridge Town Hall on Election Day. It was so appreciated and thoughtful.

 Heather Lemon from Craft and Vine for helping me wrangle all those balloons and cats!

 The 16,368 voters who trusted me (Michelle Bardsley) to represent them in the N.C. House 57 campaign. We fell short, but I am hope-filled to serve our community in 2023 and beyond.



All the wonderful people at Lowes Foods in Oak Ridge and the surrounding businesses who help to take care of the beautiful, chubby stray cat. It is nice to see kind people in a world that has gone mad.



The Well Truck at Summerfield Farms for serving fancy drinks, smiles and good vibes on a bartender’s salary. Tip your local bartender!



Pineapple Porch in Oak Ridge. Great little store with unique crafts and décor, and great folks. Support our local businesses. 

Editor’s note: In response to a gripe we published in our last issue regarding the lights being out in the parking lot at Oak Ridge Town Hall, Sandra Smith, Oak Ridge’s town clerk and assistant town manager, asked that we share this: “Because staff is not usually at Town Hall at night, we don’t know the lights are out unless someone tells us. Once an election worker reported the issue to me, we had Duke Energy expedite the request to fix the lights, which they did.”

since 1996

Purple Wagon Events’ “Fall in the

 Neighbors who every year invite guests and come to us at Halloween for trick or treat, but never hand out

candy themselves. Even more gripes to the neighbors of my colleague, who took all their candy and even their bowl. 

Truist, who would not take my piggy bank of change to deposit into my account. It is legal tender! I went across the street where they gladly accepted the money, and will be transferring my account this month! 

Oak Ridge for the lack of sidewalks/bike paths.

Ms. Mayor, this is not an NCDOT speed limit problem. Oak Ridge needs to own this safety issue. Give our kids a safe place to walk. 

Guilford County Planning Department for delaying the permit for the new bagel shop that’s been trying to come to Oak Ridge for over six months. So much for

supporting small businesses!

Editor’s note: We spoke with Luis Martinez in the county’s planning department about this, and he told us there was a lengthy delay in getting the contractor’s plans to upfit the space. Martinez confirmed the county does have the plans now, but said the project is being further delayed because the planning department is extremely short-staffed, despite aggressive efforts to hire qualified planners.

The Fogleman Road neighbor annoyed by noise from Summit Church - Oak Ridge. Is this a regular occurrence, or was the church serving our community by hosting a special event? If they were, good for them, and be a good neighbor yourself.





Whoever stole the catalytic converter off my 30-year-old red farm pickup truck on Hwy. 158 Halloween night. I am a 65-year-old widow. Did it look like I have a lot of money to replace it? Shame on you!



NWHS for not being prepared to host HOCO. My daughter and her friends waited two hours in line and never got into the dance! Tickets sold in advance, so what happened? Refund our $.

Editor’s note: We reached out to NWHS principal Ashley Young about this, and she confirmed there was a long line to get into the dance at the beginning of the night. “But after 8:15 or so, there was no line at all,” she said. “The students all seemed to have a

...continued on p. 42

Stokesdale

At A New Dawn Realty, our team is passionate about serving the needs of our local community. We strive to offer top-notch service and have always been willing to go the extra mile to achieve our clients’ best interests.

team combines exceptional energy and experience, and you’ll feel confident you made the right decision if you allow us to assist you! Visit our website or Facebook page to view our clients’ testimonials.

GRINS & GRIPES

...continued from p. 41

blast, and we heard no complaints from them. The dance ended at 10:30.”

 Castelli’s representatives outside Summerfield First Baptist Church for aggressively approaching my 80-yearold mother before she was out of the car. For whom my mother votes and why is personal. Voter intimidation is

OAK RIDGE BAGELS

...continued from p. 18

said they’ve been slowed down in the county’s planning approval process. In a conversation with the Northwest Observer earlier this week, he said with a little luck, they hope to finally get approval to move forward with construction later this month. He’s got his fingers crossed.

Construction is expected to take eight to 10 weeks… and then there will be multiple layers of building and health inspections. With a little luck, the restaurant will open in early 2023.

Ironically, the couple haven’t made their living in the restaurant business, but Corey’s a self-described “bagel enthusiast.” In fact, he said he eats bagels for breakfast about six days a week. His “go-to” bagel shop is New Garden Bagels (NGB) off New Garden Road in Greensboro, where he’s such a regular

totally unacceptable.

LAUGHLIN



Northern Guilford High School and Janelle Robinson. Parents want accurate and complete information about safety threats at school, not rumors and information without sources spread on social media. This makes things worse!

 The young man who runs on Bunch Road, in the dark without reflective clothes. It is not always easy to see you. Please make yourself visible to drivers.

customer that staff members start his order when they see him walking toward the front door. He almost always orders a rosemary bagel – with bacon, an egg and two slices of cheddar cheese.

Over the last few years Corey frequented NGB so much that one day the owner asked if he had thought about getting into the business and said they should talk. They did, and they’re now planning to partner in Oak Ridge Bagel & Deli. Nicole, who will oversee the day-today operations of the business, is working at NGB while absorbing as much as she can about the bagel and deli business.

“She’s learning from the best,” Corey said.

When deciding where to locate their bagel and deli shop, the couple’s first choice was Oak Ridge, and Corey said he’s very happy to have found the perfect space for it.

...continued from p. 1

property, the school board will complete the sale to Summerfield, according to Napper, who represents Summerfield Elementary and Northern Guilford high and middle schools.

The Summerfield Town Council decided in the closed session of its Oct. 11 meeting to offer to buy the property, Town Manager Scott Whitaker said in a recent interview. After reconvening into public session, the council didn’t disclose its decision because the transaction was pending, he added.

During the school board’s meeting, Summerfield wasn’t identified as the potential buyer of the property. Instead, the board voted unanimously to accept the $2.2 million offer from a client of the Brough Law Firm in Chapel Hill. That’s the practice where Summerfield Town Attorney Bob Hornik serves as a principal.

The Laughlin school property at 7911 Summerfield Road consists of nearly 11.2 acres where Guilford County Schools (GCS) operates the Laughlin Professional Development Center. The district plans to relocate the staff training center to a new building in Greensboro.

said the facility would host not only town meetings but also gatherings of community groups. He recommended naming the facility Laughlin Memorial Center, honoring Duella M. Laughlin, a longtime teacher and principal at the school, which opened in 1866 to educate the children of freed slaves.

Sessoms and Whitaker have led Summerfield’s exploration of Laughlin as the possible site of a new town hall since last May. That’s when architectural firm Creech & Associates and Samet Corp., the project’s construction manager, presented the town council with final design and construction plans and costs for building a new town hall on 13.3 town-owned acres that front U.S. 220 at N.C. 150.

Higher prices for a wide range of construction materials pushed costs about $1.3 million over the original budget of $3.5 million, prompting the council to vote 3-2 to abandon its plans to build a new town hall.

Sessoms then suggested town leaders consider renovating Laughlin, an idea he had raised two years earlier that faded amid planning for the new building.

HOSA WINNERS

...continued from p. 39

participants must craft an impactful speech based on a given theme (Beyond All Limits) and presented in a way that is coherent, persuasive and organized.

“Being able to have a platform in which I could share my thoughts about an issue, and have it taken seriously, was very encouraging,” Sanjita said.

Stay tuned for info about Oak Ridge Bagel & Deli’s grand opening in early 2023. won first place. Part of the competition consisted of a test which assesses knowledge of how to solve problems and find creative solutions. Students traveled to the host school and were given 30 minutes to create a solution to a medical issue, with up to eight minutes to present to judges.

“I learned that you have to step outside your comfort zone to succeed and sometimes, it’s good to be uncommon,” Torey Cagno said.

Sanjita Suryadevara competed in prepared speaking, an event in which

“It helped me realize that my voice matters, that I can make others care about healthcare as much as I do, and that I can influence change even as a high school student.”

The Northwest Vikings were honored to participate in this competition and look forward to continuing on to states. Go Vikings!

Sessoms discussed Summerfield’s negotiations to buy the property during the council’s meeting Nov. 10. He said he has spoken to GCS Superintendent Whitney Oakley and county commission Chair Skip Alston and members Justin Conrad and Carly Cooke.

“We are trying to connect all the dots and put the pieces together,” Sessoms said.

If the sale goes through and Summerfield’s council decides to relocate Town Hall to the property, Sessoms

Who

Over

During the council’s May 10 meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney and councilman John Doggett raised concerns that unexpected costs may plague renovation of the Laughlin buildings.

If Summerfield were to acquire the Laughlin property, council members discussed with Creech and Samet representatives the possibility of unexpected expenses, such as asbestos and lead paint removal, in renovating the buildings on the property. They concluded that an inspection of the property would be required to determine potential problems.

AUTO SALES & SERVICES

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

KNIGHT IMPORT SPECIALTY SERVICE. European Auto Service & Repair. Specializing in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. BMW, Audi, Volvo, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Mini, and Porsche. 32 years experience. 4559 US Hwy. 220, Summerfield (across from Food Lion). (336) 337-0669

DETAILING: CAR, RV, BOAT, etc. Text Nick at (336) 816-3816

SAM'S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 965-7955 (336) 891-3876 EUROHAUSAUTO.PRO

 HOME CARE NEEDED

HOUSEKEEPER / COOK needed. Would prefer live-in situation. Would be expected to run errands occasionally, so a car is necessary. Free living quarters. Background check a must. Non-smoker. Located in Oak Ridge. If interested, call (336) 382-4549 and speak to Miles.

 SAVE THE DATE

GOLDEN ANTIQUES & TREASURES, 4537 US Hwy. 220 N, Summerfield. LADIES' NIGHT! Thurs., Dec. 1, 6-9pm. Food, drinks, special vendors & Santa Claus.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT. Stokesdale Community Choir. Saturday, December 3, 11am. Gideon Grove UMC, 2865 Gideon Grove Ch. Rd., Stokesdale. Pre-concert music at 10:30am. FREE.

 HOME SERVICES

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

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

CLEANING

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

 HOME SERVICES

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

DECORATING

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

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

ELECTRICAL

BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC

Residential, commercial and solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192

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 industrial project. Free estimates. Licensed, insured, and BBB accredited. (336) 414-4899

FLOORING / TILE

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

PETROSERVE INC., petroleum contractor. Full-time laborer needed. Mon.-Thurs. CDL class A licensed driver preferred. Out-of-town work required. Call Tim Stanley, (336) 669-0621

nwobserver.com

& APPRENTICES. King Electrical Services, Inc. is now hiring electricians & apprentices. Applicable experience required. Starting pay DOQ. Clean NCDL & reliable

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

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

CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Quality cleaning/ budget friendly. Pet sitting also avail. References. 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 and winter! I do detailed cleaning. Licensed, bonded, insured and vaccinated. Please call Lisa, (336) 207-0770.

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

GENERAL REPAIR &

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 NOV. 17 - 30, 2022 43 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 NOV. 17 - 30, 2022 43

HOME SERVICES

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

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

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

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

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

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

GRADING / HAULING

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

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

HOME SERVICES

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 removal, driveways, French drains and much more. Call Bobby Lipstreu, (336) 543-7867

WILSON Seamless Gutters

Installation, repair, replacement, Leaf Guard

Stokesdale 336-420-0200

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

„ HOME SERVICES

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

DSL DRAIN SYSTEMS & LANDSCAPING (336) 362-4354

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

ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING

Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt, available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035

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

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

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

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

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/land scape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 years exp. (336) 399-7764

ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE

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

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

MASONRY

COATINGS

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

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

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

STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. 40+ yrs. exp. Tree, shrubbery and natural area cleanup. Oak Ridge. (336) 643-1119

COLONIAL MASONRY. 40 yrs. exp. Spe cializing 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.

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

HOME SERVICES

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

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS

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

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

POWER WASHING & JUNK REMOVAL Boat, car and RV detailing. Text Nick at (336) 816-3816

Place your HOME SERVICES ad online at www.nwobserver.com

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

PAINTING & DRYWALL

 HOME SERVICES

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

PLUMBING

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

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

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

POOLS

Call us for all your outdoor needs. Custom pools ● Construction Masonry ● Decorative concrete Landscaping ● Lighting Call Tim Welborn at (336) 399-6619

 HOME SERVICES

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

TMConstruction Services, INC BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Outdoor living spaces | Fire pits

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

Licensed & insured NC Gen. Contractor #72797

tmcsi.net

ROOFING

PRESSURE WASHING

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

HOUSE and ROOF SOFT WASHING. Martin's Pressure Washing. (919) 931-0856 Stay CONNECTED facebook.com/northwestobserver

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

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

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

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

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.

WE’LL BE BACK IN PRINT

THURSDAY, DEC. 1

Place your CLASSIFIED AD online: nwobserver.com, or call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10

Residential & Commercial Roofing Services

Local roofing company. Since 1979. shingle ● metal ● commerical full replacements ● insurance inspections licensed & insured

(336) 362-6343 belewscreekconstruction.com

CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC

40 + years experience. (336) 643-8191

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

PREMIER ROOFING. Commercial/residential. Providing service for all of your roofing needs. Locally owned. Please call (336) 430-9507 for free assessments. www.5StarROOFINGUSA.com

HAIRWORKS SALON (Cardinal area), Food Lion shopping center, 2205 Fleming Rd., Greensboro. 1st-time clients, 20% off haircut, color, or perm until 12/1/22. Ask for Sonya Burns, (336) 662-4333

WELDING AND TRAILER REPAIR Call Tim, (336) 402-3869.

BOAT N RV STORAGE. $70/$100 monthly. Located on Brigham Rd., Greensboro, near Pleasant Ridge Road. Call (336) 663-3051

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 NOV. 17 - 30, 2022 45 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 NOV. 17 - 30, 2022 45

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

6705 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale (336) 643-9963 (affiliated with Stokesdale Storage)

MISC. FOR SALE

PERSIMMON PULP & more. At the Old Mill of Guilford on Saturdays, or call (336) 816-3441

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

ACCOUNTING

By the Book Accounting 41

Carlotta Lytton, CPA 29

Kimberly Thacker Accounting 29

Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC....... 21

AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE

EuroHaus 43

Tire Max .............................................. 35

BANK / LENDING / INVESTMENTS

First Citizens Bank 9

BUILDING / REMODELING

CJ Builders Inc. 24

Disney Construction Company 25

Don Mills Builders ................................ 27

Old School Home Repair ..................... 43

R&K Custom Homes 19

Ray Bullins Construction 23

Superior Outdoor Spaces 20

TM Construction Services 45

Walraven Signature Homes 23

CHILDREN’S SERVICES

Guardian Ad Litem 42

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Oak Ridge Chiropractic 32

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Place your ad today: www.nwobserver.com 

MISC. WANTED

FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, generators, power washers, 4-wheelers, mini-bikes, golf carts, mopeds, other gas-powered items, etc. (336) 689-4167

Wanted: GOLF CART that needs repair. Will pay cash. (336) 882-1403

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

 PETS/ANIMAL SVCS.

WANTED to buy: black AKC Lab puppy. Please call Steve, (336) 643-1119

Oak Ridge Elementary PTO 37 Summerfield Merchants Association 12

DANCE / ART / MUSIC / GYMNASTICS

Destination Arts 15

Ultimate Kids / Tumblebees 16

DENTAL SERVICES

Summerfield Family Dentistry 36

EVENTS

McLaurin Farms Christmas Festival 40

Oak Ridge Light Up the Night 6

Summerfield Tree Lighting 33

TAWCMM – The Intensive 2023 30

FUNERAL SERVICES

Forbis & Dick Funeral Services 41

GROCERIES / SUPPLIES

Southern Foods 7

HEALTH & FITNESS

SNAP Fitness 21

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

5 Star Roofing ..................................... 45

BEK Paint Company 45

Belews Creek Construction .................. 45

CharCo Concrete Coatings 44

K&J Home Services `8

Madison Flooring................................. 20

Max Kendall Lumber & Tin 21

New Garden Landscaping & Nursery 18

Rymack Storage 46

Southern Outdoor Living 3

Southern Style Concrete & Landscaping ..45 Stokesdale Heating & Air 22

Wilson Seamless Gutters 44

INSURANCE

Employee Benefits Marketplace ........... 29 Gladwell Insurance 4

LEGAL SERVICES Barbour & Williams Law 6

MEDICAL / HEARING / PT Aim Hearing & Audiology.................... 10

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist 11

Atrium Health WFB, Summerfield ....... 34 Health Team Advantage 5

LeBauer HealthCare 13 Northwest Pediatrics .............................. 8

Novant Health 26

Oak Ridge Physical Therapy 31

ORTHODONTIC CARE

Olmsted Orthodontics ......................... 38

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

Northwest Animal Hospital 32

REAL ESTATE

A New Dawn Realty 41 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX .................... 28 Smith Marketing / Allen Tate 23

RESTAURANTS

Rio Grande Kitchen & Cantina .............16

RETAIL

Bouquet Boutique 2

GAL-Vanized 2

Golden Antiques & Treasures ...............14

Kernersville Arts & Crafts Guild 16

Moravia Moravian Holiday Store 15

Stonefield Cellars ..................................16

Summerfield Farms 15

Wagoner Tree Farm 18

YOUTH SPORTS / CAMPS

Oak Ridge Youth Association 39

Stokesdale is grateful for vacations –and although it took some coaching from her parents, JR and Christy, she conceded that she’s thankful for her mom and dad, too.

“I get to go to Disney and the beach,” she said, with a smile that lit up her sweet face.

her time of grieving, including Katja Brown, who has been there to cheer her up and go for fun hikes with their dogs, Mona Flynn and Cathy Yonaitis for yoga workouts and “support and hugs,” her Greensboro Club Pilates group and the close network of friends she’s made through dog competitions.

One word sums up the reason for Kim Dawson’s thankfulness this year – family.

“We hope to share our Thanksgiving with my 92-year-old parents, our two sons and daughter-in-law, and first grandchild. Plus, our dog and grand dog. We are thankful and feel very blessed,” the Oak Ridge resident said.

Seven-year-old Carter Stone of Stokesdale has the bases covered when it comes to gratitude.

“I’m thankful for my family, home, my dog Lily and my friends,” he said.

“I am thankful for my family and their patience as I go through this time of grief and the post-traumatic disorder of life-threatening reactions,” she said. “I am also thankful for my managers and coworkers who understand and support what I am going through this year.”

Bill Edwards of Oak Ridge said he is eternally grateful for winning what he said is the “ultimate lottery,” one in which he never even bought a ticket.

“The lottery that I won was simply being born an American citizen, free and proud, surrounded by a loving family. Nourished with the comforts of adequate food, a warm house, comfortable bed and good health, I was taught valuable morals, manners, respect and empathy,” he said.

For Olga Andreescu, 2022 has been the hardest year of her life as she dealt with her mother’s illness and eventual death, and two frightening and unexpected anaphylaxis reactions of her own that sent her to the ER both times.

This year has been spent coping with her grief and trying to find her way back to what she calls “normal.” Andreescu, who lives in Summerfield, said she is extremely grateful for the people who have helped her move forward.

“I’m very thankful for Greensboro’s Guilford House Memory Care staff for taking Mom in and letting me be with her the last two weeks before she passed away in February, and for their care, support and hugs,” Andreescu said.

She also expressed gratitude for the friends who have reached out during

“I was provided a formal education which stimulated a lifelong thirst for learning. Keenly addicted to information technology, I became aware of the plight of others – their challenges, stresses, pains and life hurdles.

“Across the globe, many people are suffering in various ways and degrees for reasons beyond their control. It is this realization that constantly reminds me of how fortunate I am and how truly thankful I should always be for simply being born in the United States of America.”

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

PRSRT STD

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

Jerome and Shannon Burcham took their three daughters on an adventure to coastal Southern Italy re cently. While there, they stopped at the archaeological site of Bagni della Regina Giovanna in Sorrento on the Sor rento Coast, where they enjoyed reading the local news while cooling off in a beautiful swimming hole, surmounted by a rock arch.

ECRWSS

ECRWSS

The Shah family took a four-day trip to Boston, Massachusetts, to study his tory, visit Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, go to a baseball game and do some whale watching. Two of the Shah brothers enjoyed completing the Kids’ Korner activities in the Northwest Observer while simulta neously throwing tea in the harbor at the Boston Tea Party Museum.

After a couple of hours of hiking the cliff-side trails, Paul took a break to catch up on the hometown news.

Tara and Brian Kosobucki, along with their daugh ters, Parker, 16, and Reese, 11, recently visited Australia. The Kosobuckis know you should never leave home without your Northwest Observ er! It went with them during their Australian travels, and they enjoyed catching up on the news back home after touring the famous Sydney Opera House.

Postal Patron

While on a business trip to Newport, Wales, Paul Wheeler visited Pembrokeshire Coast National Park to admire the beautiful scenery.

Postal Patron