Northwest Observer / Feb. 2-15, 2023

Board recommends Couch’s text amendment request

Residents spar over ‘true Summerfi eld’ as the Planning Board’s recommendation goes to Town Council later this month

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield’s Planning Board voted 3-2 at its meeting on Jan. 26 to recommend the approval of landowner David Couch’s application for a text amendment to the town’s development regulations.

The board’s recommendation goes to the Feb. 21 meeting of Town Council, which will make the final decision on whether to accept or deny Couch’s request. The owner of Summerfield Farms is seeking the creation of a new zoning district to accommodate his plans for the Villages of Summerfield Farms, a development consisting of 11 villages spanning his 973 acres in town. It would require water and sewer services paid for by residents of the development, not Summerfield taxpayers, according to Couch.

If the council were to approve the creation of the new district (called open space mixed use –village), the developer would face two additional steps before he could begin construction. Even so, opponents characterized his text amendment request, if approved, as cracking open the door to apartments and other higher-density development.

“It’s going to ruin the true Summerfield,” said homeowner Adrian Williamson, one of 40 speakers voicing opposition and support for Couch’s proposal during the board’s Jan. 26 meeting, which lasted more than four hours. “We don’t need houses on top of houses.”

“I understand that this amendment is going to be the catalyst for a lot of changes to come,” said James Bartorelli, another opponent of Couch’s proposal.

“I think we all realize that, whether you are for it or against it,” he noted.

...continued on p. 18

A 180-foot-tall communications tower disguised (somewhat) as a pine tree was erected behind Oak Ridge Military Academy’s gymnasium in December. It will serve Verizon customers as well as provide space for up to three other cellular service carriers. For more details, see article on p. 3.

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

That’s one tall tree!

Boom Supersonic ‘ready to take off’

by CHRIS BURRITT

NW GREENSBORO – North Carolina

Gov. Roy Cooper and other state and local officials returned to Piedmont Triad International (PTI) Airport last Thursday, Jan. 26, for the ceremonial groundbreaking of Boom Supersonic’s $500 million factory.

“We are ready for this to take off,” Cooper told the crowd, a year to the day after the Denver-based startup announced it had selected Greensboro as its manufacturing site for passenger airliners flying faster than the speed of sound.

The company reaffirmed plans to employ as many as 2,400 people at its factory on 62 acres of PTI property along Interstate 73.

Grading of the site has been underway since last year. Later this month, the project’s contractor will put office trailers in place and complete preparation of the site, according to Kathy

Savitt, Boom’s president and chief business officer.

“Then they will start digging the hole and, hopefully, we’ll start filling it with our future super factory,” Savitt told reporters.

live joyfully

The facility will provide final assembly of Boom’s airplane, called Overture, as well as testing and delivering the jet. Testing of the airline at supersonic speeds will occur over the Atlantic Ocean, not over land, according to the company.

Boom plans to start production in 2024, followed by the rollout of jets in 2026 and its first test flights a year later.

Boom hopes to win Federal Aviation Administration certification and start carrying passengers in 2029.

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO At center, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and Boom Supersonic President Kathy Savitt join other state and local officials on Jan. 26 in turning over the ceremonial shovelful of dirt to signal the start of construction of the $500 million jet factory.

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Oh my, look what’s in the sky!

‘It really sticks out,’ Oak Ridge Mayor Ann Schneider said of the recently erected cell phone tower soaring above the trees at Oak Ridge Military Academy

by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – For cell phone users in Oak Ridge, an improvement in service is just a few months away. But it’s coming at a cost, visually speaking.

Disguised (somewhat) as a pine tree, the 180-foottall wireless communications tower behind Oak Ridge Military Academy’s gymnasium quickly appeared late last year. Poking above the tree line, the tower’s fake green boughs atop the brown metal trunk shocked Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman when he saw it

for the first time in December.

“My gosh, that is a huge tower,” said Kinneman, recalling his reaction when he saw the structure from the parking lot of the Oak Ridge Commons shopping center. “I did not expect it to be so visible.”

“It is very obvious and, honestly, it’s higher than I expected it to be,” said Ron Simpson, a member of the town’s Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Board. Added Mayor Ann Schneider, “It really sticks out.”

Although he wishes the tower were less noticeable, Planning Director Sean Taylor said its height meets the requirements of Oak Ridge’s

development ordinance, which states that towers can’t be more than 10% taller than the average height of trees in the vicinity.

“It’s a little bit of a conundrum,” said Taylor, explaining that despite the tower’s appearance, it’s going to provide better cell phone service. “We’ve had so many complaints about the lack of coverage,” he said.

...continued on p. 8

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

A wireless communications tower recently installed behind Oak Ridge Military Academy’s gymnasium isn’t winning any beauty awards, but many residents say they look forward to improved cell service.

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I was driving in Summerfield recently when I got a dirty look from a bicyclist. He was stopped at a stop sign when I turned left onto the road where he was sitting.

Should I have stopped and let the cyclist go through the intersection before I proceeded?

We checked the section of the North Carolina Driver Handbook that deals with the topic of cyclists. It says that “because bicycles are vehicles, bicyclists must obey the same traffic laws as other drivers.”

So cyclists, like motorists, are required to stop at stop signs and red lights, as well as ride on the right side of the road and give hand signals, according to the handbook.

We also spoke to Mark Gatehouse, who cycles in Summerfield and serves as advocacy chair of the Piedmont Fat Tire Society, a nonprofit group that promotes the development of biking trails.

While traffic laws are black and white, Gatehouse encouraged motorists to consider what he calls “a lot of gray” areas regarding safety for cyclists, and emphasizes the importance of drivers staying focused on the road and using their turn signals.

“Nine times out of 10, the No. 1 pet peeve that cyclists have is drivers not

Curious about something?

using turn signals,” Gatehouse said.

As a rule of thumb, he recommended that motorists give cyclists at least three feet of room when passing, and even more when there’s no oncoming traffic or when road conditions allow.

“Space is important to cyclists, because a lack of space threatens their safety,” Gatehouse said.

Over the years, the number of cyclists has increased in Summerfield with the development of the Atlantic and Yadkin Greenway and the opening of the U.S. 220 tunnel – but generally speaking, roadways haven’t been changed to accommodate cyclists, Gatehouse noted.

Motorists “are encased in thousands of pounds of steel while cyclists are very vulnerable,” he said. “Understanding where drivers are going is very important to cyclists.”

On the other hand, Gatehouse noted, cyclists need to obey traffic laws, such as stopping at stop signs even when no motorists are approaching.

“You can’t be inconsiderate as a bicyclist and be puzzled when a motorist is upset with you,” he said.

Adobe Stock photo

The North Carolina Driver Handbook says that “because bicycles are vehicles, bicyclists must obey the same traffic laws as other drivers.”

Driver of fatal June 2021 crash receives prison sentence

OAK RIDGE – Jacob Stevens of Greensboro was sentenced last month for charges stemming from a June 25, 2021 single-vehicle fatal crash on Williard Road in Oak Ridge. Stevens, 18 at the time, was driving a pickup truck with three teenaged passengers when his truck veered off the road and struck a mailbox; he overcorrected, then crossed the centerline, flipped the truck and crossed the road on the other side before hitting a utility pole.

Jeffrey “Jeff” Robert Jones died at the scene and Zachary “Zach” Porter Williamson died a day later in the hospital. Stevens and the fourth passenger, 19-year-old Tavis Williamson, sustained serious injuries in the crash that were not life-threatening.

Following an investigation, special

agents with the N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement Division determined that Stevens and his three passengers were all underage and used fake IDs to purchase alcoholic beverages at an ABC-licensed restaurant in Oak Ridge. Earlier that day, the four teens had consumed alcohol at a house party in Oak Ridge. The homeowner and her 21-year-old son were later charged with aiding and abetting an underage person and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Stevens’ charges included felony death by motor vehicle, driving while impaired, provisional driving while impaired, underage consumption and reckless driving. He has been sentenced to serve a minimum of three years in prison with 24 months of supervised probation upon his release.

Construction bid for Heritage Farm Park exceeds budget

by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – Bar Construction Co. has offered to build Heritage Farm Park for $5.44 million, exceeding the $3.66 million Oak Ridge’s Town Council budgeted for its biggest capital project.

Greensboro-based Bar was the only contractor to submit a bid during a Jan. 26 meeting at Oak Ridge Town Hall. It was a replay of the initial round of bidding on Jan. 10, when only Bar showed up with a bid to oversee development of the 62-acre park behind Town Hall on Linville Road.

At least three bidders were required in initial bidding, forcing Oak Ridge to

re-advertise the process. In the second round, only one bidder was required for the town to open the bid.

Next, town staff and council members will decide how to proceed with the bid, according to Town Manager Bill Bruce. The town has options to negotiate with Bar or reject its bid.

After the meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman said in an interview

he wasn’t surprised that Bar’s bid exceeded the town’s estimate by almost $1.8 million. He cited rising construction and labor costs for capital projects.

Two expenses for the park – installation of playground equipment and lights for the two multi-purposes fields – weren’t included in Bar’s bid. Those are going to be additional costs for the park, Kinneman noted.

He joined Mayor Ann Schneider,

council member Martha Pittman and town staff for the bid opening.

Shortages of construction materials and labor since the pandemic have lifted expenses for other public projects in northwestern Guilford County.

Last year, the estimated price tag of Oak Ridge’s Veterans Honor Green jumped from $150,000 to $200,000, while in Summerfield the Town Council halted plans to build a new town hall amid soaring costs for the project.

Summerfield to address water, comprehensive plan

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield Town Council will plot its next steps in establishing a municipal water system and updating the town’s comprehensive plan during its annual strategic planning retreat on Saturday, Feb. 11.

Adam Shull, regional assistant planning director for the Piedmont Triad Regional Council, will moderate the retreat, slated for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Summerfield Community Center. The retreat is open to the public; according to Town Manager Scott Whitaker, it will not be livestreamed or recorded on the town’s Facebook page.

The retreat gives the council the opportunity to decide on priorities for the upcoming year. Although the meeting’s final agenda wasn’t set as we went to press, water and the comprehensive plan are two items the council plans to discuss, Whitaker said in an email earlier this week.

Town leaders are exploring building an elevated water tank and running lines from a nearby jurisdiction, as part of efforts to establish a municipal water system. Summerfield has secured a $1.1 million state

appropriation and $5.5 million in federal pandemic relief funds to help cover project costs.

The town’s current budget appropriates $20,000 for updating the comprehensive plan, which was developed by a committee of citizen volunteers and adopted by the council nearly 13 years ago as a guide for Summerfield’s growth.

The plan lays out 12 objectives, or guidance for town leaders to follow in areas such as residential and commercial development, trails, parks and recreation, and preservation of Summerfield’s character. The council and town boards and committees refer to the plan when deciding on rezoning requests and development projects.

An update of the plan is needed to reflect increasing growth pressures and other changes in Summerfield over the past decade, according to Whitaker.

TOWERING CELL TOWER

...continued from p. 3

So far, town staff has gotten no complaints from residents about the looks of the tower, he added.

The tower can accommodate as many as four carriers, with Verizon being the first to lease space for installing its antennas and other equipment, according to Glenn Pennington, program manager for Communications Tower Group (CTG).

Pennington estimated that Verizon’s service may become available in the next two to three months.

Charlotte-based CTG built the tower. Renting space on the tower works like renting space in a shopping center, Pennington said in an interview last week. Now that Verizon has signed on as the anchor tenant, as many as three other carriers can enter into lease agreements with CTG. Among the company’s customers are AT&T, Dish Network and T-Mobile.

Until other carriers sign on, Verizon’s signal may be available to their customers, as long as they activate data roaming on their phones. In some cases, roaming generates extra charges for customers.

CTG erected the tower after cell phone users had complained about poor service in Oak Ridge’s N.C. 68/150 commercial district. In December 2021, the P&Z Board gave conditional approval to the site plan for the tower, pending a technical review by the staff.

During the meeting, board members Simpson and Patti Paslaru questioned whether the tower would stick out like a fake among real trees. Dale Finocchi, representing CTG, said the tower would be located about 1,300 feet from the Highway 68/150 intersection, making it essentially invisible from those roads.

Taylor added the tower will be located on sloping terrain, narrowing the height discrepancy between the structure and some of the shorter trees. The tower’s location in Oak

Ridge’s scenic district and the public and institutional zoning district required that it be camouflaged, according to the staff report.

Even so, board member Larry Staff ord said “it’s still going to look like a Charlie Brown Christmas tree.”

Now that the tower is up, the description still fits, Stafford said in an interview last week.

He added that he would have preferred the tower had been built as a conventional structure “as opposed to something to laugh at.”

Construction of the tower was

delayed last year by a lack of labor to build it, according to Steve Wilson, president of Oak Ridge Military Academy. Once underway late last year, it seemed to appear overnight, catching some passersby by surprise. It’s particularly visible from N.C. 150 next to Oak Ridge Commons, one of the highest spots in town.

The arrival of spring may bring a visual reprieve, or so hopes P&Z Board member Simpson. “It is deep in the woods and when the trees leaf out, it will be less evident,” he said.

Eventually, Schneider added, “I think we’re going to get used to it.”

Preview: Oak Ridge Town Council meeting, Feb. 2

by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge Town Council plans to consider approving three resolutions advancing plans for Heritage Farm Park after receiving a bid for development of the project last month.

Bar Construction Co. offered to build the park for $5.44 million, exceeding the $3.66 million the council budgeted for the project. That puts town staff in the position of trying to negotiate lower costs with the Greensboro-based company.

The resolutions relate to adopting an ordinance authorizing the capital project, awarding the bid and approving terms for borrowing money for the project. In a related move, the council will consider approving a contract with Musco Sports Lighting for installing athletic field lights in the park.

Separately, the council will consider approving two contracts with Guilford County related to the expenditure of federal pandemic relief funds. The contracts authorize the town to receive funds for two projects. First,

$3.27 million would help pay for a 250,000-gallon water storage tank and a 12-inch water main from Forsyth County. Another $305,000 would help renovate and expand the proposed Farmhouse Community Center.

In other business, the council will consider approving an agreement with North Carolina Department of Transportation to cover Oak Ridge’s estimated $326,700 share of N.C. 68/150 road improvement planned by the agency. The town plans to help pay for fencing, a retaining wall and sidewalks.

The council will also hear a report assessing the Historic Heritage Grants program, announce that the town is accepting voluntary annexation applications, and consider appointing Gigi Williams to the Tree City USA Committee.

want to attend/watch?

The 7 p.m. meeting at Town Hall this Thursday, Feb. 2, is open to the public. The meeting will be livestreamed on the town’s YouTube channel. For more information, visit www.oakridgenc.com.

Ordinary people, Extraordinary impact

Kate Harding

Helping students build creativity, confidence and life skills

by ANNETTE JOYCE

When Kate Harding was a fifth-grader in Mooresville, North Carolina, she and four other students were selected to participate on her school’s first Odyssey of the Mind (OM) team. Although it had not been her choice to join the team, she soon fell in love with the OM program.

Harding’s family moved after that first year, and her new school didn’t have an OM team. However, her love of the program continued and she has carried that forward to the present.

OM was founded over 40 years ago by a college professor who thought learning should be fun and students should be encouraged to tap into their unique interests. The result was the creation of a competitive program that pushes students to work as a team to solve problems by using their imaginations, creativity and individual abilities.

OM teams select a problem to solve from one of five categories – technical, vehicle, classical art/ literature, structure design and performance. The themes change each year and teams are required to present an eight-minute skit on how they have solved the problem. Teams must also spontaneously solve an unknown problem given to them by the judges. Competitions are at the regional, state and world levels.

In her early 20s, Harding began volunteering with the OM program and judging competitions. In 2015 she brought the program to Oak Ridge Elementary School, where she served as the program’s coordinator; a few years later she added the role of coach to her resume.

Because of COVID, the OM program at local schools fell by the wayside. However, Harding was committed to keeping it going and reached out to the Northwest Guilford Kiwanis to sponsor the two teams she was working with at the time. This year the club is sponsoring all five of her teams, which include 34 students and nine coaches.

Harding currently coaches her son’s middle school team while serving as the program’s coordinator, which involves program oversight, recruiting and training coaches and acting as a liaison between her group and the OM international organization.

Her coaching duties include scheduling and attending weekly team meetings, which are more frequent as competition day approaches, keeping everyone on track and asking leading questions.

Giving advice on how to solve a problem or lending a hand in creating any part of the solution is not part of a coach’s role.

“One of the most exciting things about OM is that it’s 100% hands-on for the students and 100% hands-o for the coaches and other adults,” Harding said. “Whatever they use in their nal skit, they have to create themselves.

“If their skit requires something to be sewn, it’s okay if someone teaches them to sew. It’s not okay if

an adult does it for them. I’ve had students learn to sew, weld, and use a handsaw. It’s a great learning opportunity.”

For Harding, the rewards far outweigh the countless hours she’s invested in the OM program.

“There are a lot of volunteer hours but it’s so worth it when you go to competition,” she said. “It’s unbelievable what these kids come up with and create on their own. It’s a very special experience watching the teams come together and their confidence grow. I expect to be involved with this as a life-long volunteer.”

Harding lives in northwest Greensboro with her husband, Scott, and their two children, Cooper, 14, and Kellan, 12. Besides volunteering with OM, she is director of Children’s Christian Playschool in Summerfield.

anks to Tire Max for sponsoring this monthly feature in which we recognize “ordinary” people in our readership area who make an extraordinary impact on others. To nominate an “ordinary” person for this feature, email editor@nwobserver.com with their name, a detailed description of how they positively impact others, and your contact info.

“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” – Kahlil Gibran

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

Northwest Greensboro resident Kate Harding has logged countless hours with Odyssey of the Mind, a program that teaches students to use their natural creativity to become problem-solvers.

‘Sentinels of time’

An online booklet shows the majestic beauty of Oak Ridge’s Treasure Trees dating back

by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – Toting her camera gear, Erin Kye never imagined she’d have to walk roughly threequarters of a mile to photograph a beech in the Cascades Preserve, a park northwest of Oak Ridge. After taking shots from different vantage points, she sat down on a bench and reflected on her trek.

“I love the beauty of trees,” said Kye, who shot the images in 2021 and 2022. “There are so many around us that they can go unnoticed unless you stop and look at them.”

Others can now view the images captured by Kye’s cameras – images of Oak Ridge’s 30 Treasure Trees, a collection judged by the town’s Tree City USA Committee as the finest representation of 28 species from the stately red and black oaks to less common redwood and deodar with drooping branches.

The photographs appear in a booklet posted on Oak Ridge’s website. They’re a culmination of a project started by the Tree City USA Committee in 2019 to identify trees notable in six respects –height, crown spread, circumference, unique physical features, historical significance and health. After collecting 50 nominations, judges from the committee selected the 30 most significant trees.

The inventory was Oak Ridge’s annual project as part of Tree City USA, a program of the Arbor Day Foundation aimed at managing and planting trees in public spaces.

The project provided “a fascinating way to get to know these natural wonders in our local landscape,” said Roy Nydorf, co-chair of the committee. He and his wife, Terry Hammond, are caretakers of four Treasure Trees as owners of the historic SandersBlaylock house on N.C. 150.

Nydorf believes the original owners of the house may have planted the pecan, boxwoods and catalpas, while the red maple, standing nearly 89 feet tall and 14 feet, 3 inches around, may have grown naturally.

Photo by Erin Kye, courtesy of Town of Oak Ridge Photographer Erin Kye captured the grandeur of this black walnut on North Bunker Hill Road with its height of 91 feet and crown spread of 42 1/2 feet.

‘Miracle in a jug’

A big hurrah for the lowly vinegar bottle

by HELEN LEDFORD

This is a reprint from our March 13, 2015 issue

“The Old Lady Who Lived in a Vinegar Bottle,” an English tale handed down through generations, tells of a woman whose abode was indeed a vinegar bottle. In one of many versions, she trekked one day with her little dog down to a lake to land a fish for supper. After throwing in her line, a little fish popped up out of the water and offered to grant her three wishes. Overjoyed, she immediately wished for a real house with one room, which she received.

Later, the fish granted her wish for an even larger house with two rooms. Wanting even more, she asked the little fish for a pony and a cart. Greedily, the old woman then asked for an automobile.

In the end, because of the woman’s selfishness, the little fish failed to grant her last wish. Sadder but wiser, she found herself again in the cramped

quarters of her vinegar bottle. One can only imagine the constant, heady fumes that wafted from her walls!

Growing up on a farm, we didn’t live in a vinegar bottle, but always, on our kitchen table was a container of that strong-smelling elixir. It was usually purchased in a gallon jug, for that was much cheaper.

much limas, pintos and

On the menu were veggies such as turnip greens, green beans, limas, pintos and new peas – and even potatoes. The vinegar bottle was passed among us, and everybody splashed a little on those good,

fresh-cooked viands (often, along with a slosh or two of Texas Pete hot sauce).

In summer, the vinegar jug’s contents were boiled on the stove for making sour or sweet pickles; the aroma was divine, though it was so strong that even the chickens in the yard must have had hangovers later! When canning, my mother also added a tablespoon of vinegar to each quart of string beans.

We did not know at the time just what healthy properties were within that vinegar jug, but we did enjoy the taste. There was an old wives’ tale that if you drank too much of the stuff, it would “dry up your blood,” but each time a jar of homemade pickles was consumed, my siblings and I finished it off by drinking the brine and ... continued on p. 12

MIRACLE

IN A JUG

...continued from p. 11

loved it (though it sort of “turned our mouth wrong-side outwards,” not to mention causing wry faces!)

Just maybe the daily consumption of vinegar contributed to the good health of our family. All I know is we did not spend much time running to the doctor.

It is duly noted that vinegar, diluted with water, is good for cleaning purposes. I recall shining up windows with it many years ago in our farm house. And combined with baking soda, it is not only a marvelous cleaner but an effective deodorizer.

In fact, many swear by vinegar for countless purposes. Some studies indicate a couple of tablespoons in a mug of warm water with a dash of honey each morning can go far to help lower one’s bad cholesterol. Others use vinegar for gargling when a scratchy or sore throat is present – or sipping a bit of the stuff for (alas!) a case of diarrhea.

Because it is a proven, good and natural hair rinse, my sisters and I always (down on the farm) used diluted vinegar after a shampoo. Pouring the mixture over our heads, working it in, and leaving it for a few minutes before a final water rinse cleaned away all remaining soapy residue. I admit to still carrying on this tradition, using white vinegar in a cup of warm water.

And another plus: it’s great for strengthening the hair – an indication is that the “miracle in a jug” doubles

as a sure-fire dandruff fighter.

According to some studies, apple cider vinegar helps relieve that uncomfortable feeling of heartburn or indigestion after a heavy meal. Some claim it is an effective skin toner, acne fighter, appetite suppressant and a sure cure for hiccups!

Though there may be scoffers, drinking water with vinegar is recommended as a remedy for thinning

mucus when the head is stuffy – and during the winter days of flu, colds, etc., we need all the help we can get!

Whether we saturate our green beans with vinegar, use it to erase ballpoint pen marks, unclog our sinks, or spray it on car windows to keep them frost-free, most folks will agree it is a useful product to have around. And, so sorry the little old lady did not to get to live in a fine mansion, but maybe she learned that vinegar would keep her glass bottle windows clear and spotless!

*Note: check out Vicki Lansky’s book “Vinegar, Over 400 Various, Versatile And Very Good Uses You’ve Probably Never Thought Of.”

Ollie is a lynx point Siamese and a rescue from the SPCA. His owners, Natasha, Nathan and Zach Nash, say that he loves to play with his brothers Tim and Stewie, enjoys anything crinkly, likes drinking from the sink and the tub, and likes to eat (he’ll do anything for chicken!). Ollie’s best friend is Zach.

Stokesdale resident Gigi Vanacore sent us these pictures of a small bird that flew into a screened window on her house. “He seemed to be in shock,” Vanacore wrote in her email. “And then my husband went outside and put it in a box to see if it would recover. He sweetly talked to the bird and watched until it came out and seemed okay. And then, the bird hopped on top of my husband’s head and chirped so cutely before taking off!” By the way, the Vanacores think the bird was a tufted titmouse (a small songbird), Baeolophus bicolor

Owners Bryan, Shannon, Wilson (11), and Jonah (9) Pitts say Chip always loves a good box to sit in!

Couple trades vacations for squirrel rehabilitation

by ANNETTE JOYCE

About three years ago, Mike Ringholz was hanging out with a neighbor who was having a tree cut down. As a result of the tree project, a couple of baby squirrels were left orphaned. Although he knew very little about taking care of squirrels, Mike did know the babies were too young to survive on their own.

Being the animal lover that he is, Mike scooped them up and took them home while deciding what to do for them. His wife, Cindi, quickly began prowling the internet and before long the two found themselves on a journey that would lead to each of them becoming licensed wildlife rehabilitators for small mammals and birds.

The couple was able to keep one of the 3-week-old babies alive and named him Jasper. He is now 3 years old and, unless things change, he has a permanent home with the couple.

“It’s possible that Jasper won’t be able to be released,” Mike said, adding that the small creature doesn’t see very well, which results in him misjudging distances and not being able to safely complete his jumps from object to object.

0 Leeward Drive, Stokesdale

As he sits behind Mike and munches contentedly on a large nut, Jasper doesn’t seem concerned about this possibility. Wearing a tiny squirrel halter and leash that Cindi purchased on Etsy, Jasper finishes his nut and scoots down into Mike’s hand, then promptly falls asleep.

Jasper is one of about 20 squirrels the couple has taken in for rehabilitation. Having lost only five of the small mammals, their success rate has been quite a bit better than that of most rehabbers.

“We just found out that most people lose about 50%,” Cindi said.

Rehabilitating squirrels, or any other wildlife for that matter, involves a huge commitment and a lot of hard work. Until they’re about 6 weeks old, baby squirrels have to be fed squirrel formula (yes, that’s a thing) with a tiny syringe.

“If you have a little one, you better be prepared to get up every two to three hours,” Mike said of the feeding schedule.

Babies also have to be kept warm, which means using heating pads and making sure the pads stay at the correct temperature. Once the babies

have been fed, they must be stimulated in order to pee and poop.

At about 6 weeks old, they begin the weaning process and soft fruits and vegetables are incorporated into their diet. That’s when Cindi said she and Mike start giving them apples, which the squirrels love. Eventually, the young squirrels are able to eat nuts.

Along with the time commitment, the process also requires a hefty financial commitment. First, there’s the food and supplies for feeding. After they’re weaned, squirrels eat a lot and often –three or four times a day. The couple’s grocery list includes a variety of nuts, fruits and vegetables and occasionally a bouquet of flowers from the

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

As licensed wildlife rehabilitators, Mike (left) and Cindi Ringholz have been helping squirrels survive and thrive since 2019.

clearance rack. (Squirrels like to eat the petals). Mike said he and Cindi buy about 30 pounds of nuts each month to keep their squirrels fed.

Plus, Jasper has more refined tastes and simply must have his daily dose of Bigelow caramel green tea. Then, there are his other favorites – blue M&Ms and Taco Bell’s Cherry Twilight Freeze.

As part of the program, the couple has a designated space for their work

and a bedroom devoted to rehab.

Various sizes of cages are required to house the squirrels as they grow, and other special cages are required when a squirrel is “soft released,” the final step before the squirrel is completely set free.

Cindi explained these cages are built to certain specifications and sit in the yard so the rehabbed squirrels can become accustomed to the wild.

Besides Jasper, the couple has bonded with other babies, and all of them get names. For instance, there’s Dolly and Willie, who were named after country music legends Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, and Thelma and Louise, whose names come from the movie of the same name.

Having spent so much time nurturing the babies, Cindi and Mike are happy that most of the squirrels don’t completely vanish. In fact, Mike said that when they go into the backyard, he and Cindi are normally

greeted by three or four of their former residents.

“You better have a few nuts with you when you go outside,” he said. “Cindi normally takes a bag of nuts, and the squirrels get whatever they want.”

To ensure the squirrels have comfortable places to stay once they’re set free, Mike has built and set up several nesting boxes, which are essentially oversized birdhouses. Depending on how friendly the squirrels are with each other, the boxes usually have about three squirrels sleeping inside every night.

Because the squirrels require so much attention, the couple has planned their life around them. Both have full-time jobs – Mike is postmaster at Summerfield’s post office and Cindi is a full-time volunteer rehabilitator and wildlife transporter. At the end of the day, they both take on the

role of volunteer rehabbers.

“We haven’t been on vacation since 2019,” Cindi said, adding that she and Mike are considering getting an RV so they can take the squirrels with them.

Even so, they’re not complaining because for them, the rewards outweigh the costs.

“Somebody’s got to care and we do,” Mike said. “It’s fun and it’s a rewarding accomplishment when we’re able to release the squirrel back into the wild.”

want to know more?

In North Carolina, it is illegal to take care of wildlife unless you are licensed to do so. If you’d like more information on becoming a wildlife rehabilitator or need to contact a wildlife rehabilitator, visit ncwildliferehab.org. You can also contact Cindi at (336) 456-4684.

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

Jasper enjoys just hanging around with his pal, Mike Ringholz.

& Kids’ Korner

Clownf ish have a special mucus layer that allows them to live in an anenome without getting stung! This keeps the clownf ish safe from predators.

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

AWESOME ANIMALS

Clownfish did you know?

Clownfish are also known as anemonefish and have many interesting features other than starring in the film “Finding Nemo”!

• Clownfish are a subfamily made up of 28 different species. The clownfish featured in “Finding Nemo”is a false clownfish or a clown anemonefish. True anemonefish/orange clownfish look very similar but live in different habitats.

• Their most dis�nc�ve traits are their orange bodies, three white bands with a black outline and black �ps around the fins.

• In a group of clownfish, a strict dominance hierarchy exists. The largest and most aggressive female is found at the top. Only two fish in a group reproduce. These animals are protandrous sequen�al hermaphrodites, meaning they develop into males first, and when they mature, they become females. If the dominant female is removed from the group, such as by death, one of the largest and most dominant males becomes a female.

• They are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet consists mainly of algae, zooplankton (�ny animals that live in water) and small crustaceans.

• Clownfish have a symbio�c rela�onship (a rela�onship that benefits both species) with sea anemones (a sessile predator animal). Clownfish bodies have a mucus layer which is immune to the toxins the anemone produces to capture prey. The anemone provides shelter from predators, and the clownfish returns the favor by removing parasites and driving away intruders.

Jake Wunner

Adoptable Pets

Red Dog Farm Animal Rescue Network

MAXINE

Meet Maxine, a spunky 3-year-old Hotot mix. Her two favorite things are people and food, and especially people with food. She is the perfect family rabbit, as she loves children and animals (as long as large dogs do not get in her face). She loves getting pets, particularly on her nose and in between her ears. If you are interested in adding Maxine to your family, fill out an application online at reddogfarm.com.

FRED

Meet Fred, a young shepherd/retriever mix who is currently looking for his Flintstone family. This handsome boy is up for just about any adventure – in fact, his most recent adventures landed him in foster care after being found as a stray with a broken leg. Fred has spent the past two months healing, a tough job for a young and active boy. While he is still on limited exercise for another month, the veterinarian has cleared him to start short walks and meet potential adopters. Fred is a playful fella who is good with other dogs. His brief interactions with cats have gone fine. When not out adventuring, Fred loves to snuggle up with a bone and a blanket. Honestly, he just loves being with his friends and family. If this playful and sweet young man seems like a perfect fit for your family, visit us at reddogfarm.com and fill out an application.

If you are interested in learning more about Red Dog Farm or any of our other adoptable animals, please visit www.reddogfarm.com

Guilford County Animal Resource Center

BELLA

Bella means “beautiful” in Italian, and the name is related to French “Belle” — and this canine Bella could be your “belle of the ball” this Valentine’s Day. A 3-year-old Weimaraner mix, Bella is spayed and weighs 52 pounds. She has years of love to give to her new family, and in the meantime, she enjoys watching Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” and other they-lived-happily-ever-after love stories. Please ask for Bella by ID# GCAS-A-6665.

GUSTAV

Meet Gustav, a 4-year-old American pit bull terrier. Gustav is a very fun, high-energy man who is full of spunk and life! He loves to play in the yard and chase after toys; he also loves treats. When he’s not playing, he enjoys listening to “The Planets,” an orchestral suite by his namesake composer (Gustav Holst). Although his favorite movement is “Mars, the Bringer of War,” Gustav tries his hardest to model himself after “Venus, the Bringer of Peace.” Open your heart to the love of this sweet dog; ask for Gustav by ID# GCAS-A-5817.

Guilford County Animal Resource Center

980 Guilford College Road, Greensboro • Walk-in adoptions: Wed-Sun, 12-4pm

To check animals’ availability or make surrender appointments, call (336) 641-3400 or visit www.guilfordcountync.gov/our-county/animal-services

Sheets Pet Clinic

Sheets Pet Clinic, a full-service vet clinic in Greensboro, provides a low-cost spay/neuter service, rescue rates to animal nonprofits, and hosts a cat adoption program. With an evergrowing population of homeless cats, the clinic seeks foster homes for cats, volunteers to help care for them, donations to cover the cost of their food and care, and adopters willing to provide a forever home. For more info, visit Facebook.com/SheetsPetClinic or email Sarah Hodges, cat adoption coordinator, at petadoptions@sheetspetclinic.com.

TEXT AMENDMENT REQUEST

A supporter of Couch’s plans, Summerfield Realtor Betty Smith said town leaders “have an opportunity here that is once in a lifetime” to break the town’s pattern of building cul-desac neighborhoods that don’t put an emphasis on preservation of “long views and vistas.”

Couch reiterated his pledge to preserve half of his property as open space in exchange for denser housing. Without greater variety in housing, resident John Watson said, “this town will lose one rural vista at a time with one-acre cul-de-sac development. I prefer controlled and respectable growth and development” by Couch, a Summerfield resident who has owned property in town for 25 years.

If the developer’s text amendment application wins the council’s approval, he would need to return to the board and the council with a request to rezone his property under the new zoning district. At the same time, Couch’s team and town staff and council members would negotiate a development agreement specifying design and construction standards for housing, commercial buildings, streets, lighting and other aspects of the project.

“You will not be asked to approve a pig in a poke,” said Couch’s lead designer, Victor Dover, addressing criticism by some opponents who said Couch’s proposal, so far, lacks details.

The council’s consideration of the rezoning request would go “hand in hand” with a detailed development agreement, noted Town Manager Scott Whitaker.

Kicking off the process, the planning board’s meeting in Summerfield First Baptist Church drew a crowd of about 165 people. The debate among speakers was essentially a replay of the meeting last March when the board voted by the same 3-2 margin to recommend Couch’s text amendment request. A month later, the council voted 4-1 to deny the developer’s request.

In response, Couch submitted a new text amendment application that halved to about 600 the number of apartments he proposed to build. He also reduced the number of locations for those apartments from four to two – behind the proposed Saunders Village shopping center on N.C. 150 at Interstate 73 and behind the mobile home park on the southern end of Summerfield Road.

During last month’s meeting, Dover said the development process would be stretched over 20 years. Rather than replicate Summerfield’s pattern of “piece-meal subdivision sprawl,” constructing a wide range of housing at differing prices, building walking and biking trails and preserving open space would meet the recommendations of the town’s comprehensive plan.

To pay for those “goodies,” Dover said the development would

require construction of higher-density housing. Last month, as in earlier meetings, the prospect of apartments – coupled with fears of crime, congested roads, crowded schools and property devaluation – galvanized opponents.

“We definitely do not want apartments,” Summerfield resident Walter Opyd said. “And we want to retain the rural atmosphere.”

“What brought us here was the country appeal,” said Bartorelli, who moved to Summerfield three years ago. “I don’t mind driving 10 or 15 minutes into Greensboro to get food or activities.

“I like the big plots of land,” he said. “We worked hard…and were finally able to make it to the town we always wanted to live in.”

his mother, Betty, and his brother Jeff. “Not everybody can buy a half-milliondollar house. Some people need townhomes that are maintenance-free.”

“We need to think about inclusivity,” Smith added. “There are many people at diff erent stages of life and diff erent income levels. Who are we to tell someone they can’t live in Summerfield, whatever stage of life they’re in?”

Smith also addressed concerns by opponents that approval of Couch’s text amendment application would attract other developers of highdensity housing. As proposed in the application, the new zoning district would only be open to developments of 750 or more acres.

Sundermann, a

Forest homeowner. “We

Supporters of Couch’s proposal offered differing views.

“You moved here; there are a lot of other people would like to live up here,” said Summerfield Realtor Jason Smith, who owns Smith Marketing with

Assembling parcels of that acreage in Summerfield would be challenging for developers, Smith said.

Describing himself and his wife as empty-nesters, homeowner Ted Vanhoy said he likes the idea of possibly downsizing in the Villages of Summerfield Farms so the couple can remain in Summerfield.

“I do like the concept of building smaller, walkable communities,” added Brantley Williams, who lives in the Elmhurst Estates subdivision. “I see a lot of potential in it.”

Comments by residents during a public hearing consumed about half of the meeting. Afterwards, board members talked among themselves and asked Couch and his

“I’m sorry for people that want to live in Summerfield (but) can’t,” added Cynthia

Henson

all have places we’d like to live. Th at’s life; that’s capitalism.”

The final decision on whether to approve David Couch’s text amendment request will be made by Summerfield Town Council on Feb. 21. If approved, the landowner/ developer would need to go through two additional steps before beginning to develop the 973 acres he owns in Summerfield. Shown in aerial photo at right is Summerfield Farms, which is owned by Couch and includes an events center and marketplace.

representatives questions about their text amendment application.

The crowd dwindled as the discussions went on, and on. Chair Dick Feulner sought an assurance from Couch that he would set aside 50% of his property as open space. The developer concurred.

Separately, Couch offered to stipulate in his text amendment request that overall gross density in his project wouldn’t exceed 3.62 units per acre –higher than the typical one-acre residential lot in Summerfield. Later in the meeting, the board removed that stipulation from the motion to approve Couch’s request.

Board member Kathy Rooney offered the motion. Building a variety of housing would “accommodate people who have different needs,” she said. Current zoning favors development of “big houses on big lots,”

eventually turning Summerfield into “one giant cul de sac,” she said.

Board members Clark Doggett and Trudy Whitacre joined Rooney in voting in favor of Couch’s request. Feulner and member Clint Babcock voted against it.

“I, too, very much like the village concept and I think it would be a benefit to Summerfield,” Feulner said. “But I’m going to vote ‘no’ because I cannot accept density that is equal to Greensboro.”

what’s next?

The Town Council plans to consider landowner David Couch’s text amendment application during a 6:30 p.m. meeting Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Summerfield First Baptist Church at 2300 Scalesville Road.

File photo courtesy of Dover Kohl

Oak Ridge Commons

A surprisingly uncommon experience in the heart of Oak

Novant: Forsyth Pediatrics – Oak Ridge

Whether for a routine checkup or an illness, when your child needs medical attention, you want someone you know and trust. A convenient location is a bonus. That’s exactly what you can expect with Novant: Forsyth Pediatrics – Oak Ridge. Pediatricians Dr. Laurie MacDonald, Dr. Steve Kearns, Dr. Deepa Nayak and Family Nurse Practitioner Lauren Miller Jones work closely as a team to provide expert and compassionate care to patients from newborns to college age.

Dr. MacDonald joined Forsyth Pediatrics’ Kernersville office in 2003 and helped open the Oak Ridge practice in 2006. Dr. Kearns, who grew up in northwest Guilford County and graduated from Northwest High School, joined the practice in 2012. Dr. Nayak completed her residency at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and began her career with Novant in 2012. Jones, the newest team member, was born and raised in Forsyth County and has prior experience working

in the emergency room as a registered nurse.

“Helping you raise strong and healthy children is the goal of everyone in our office,” Dr. MacDonald said. “We offer preventive care to address small health or developmental problems before they become larger concerns. And, our roundthe-clock sick-child care means you can always reach a provider when your child is in need.”

Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, Forsyth Pediatrics – Oak

Dr. Laurie MacDonald Dr. Steve Kearns

Commons

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

Ridge

•

nhforsythpedskernersville.org

(select “Locations & Hours” in top navigation bar, then “Oak Ridge Office”) Dr. Deepa Nayak Lauren Miller Jones, FNP Ridge has earned the designation of Level III Patient-Centered Medical Home. This signifies the practice’s staff and providers go above and beyond to coordinate care for their patients so the patients have a seamless experience, whether they are served in the Oak Ridge office, elsewhere in the Novant Health network or beyond.

Located in the Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center, Forsyth Pediatrics – Oak

“Everything we do is patient-focused and intended to provide each individual with the best possible care and results,” Dr. MacDonald said. “It continues to be our privilege to serve your family and the Oak Ridge community.”

Novant Health

Forsyth Pediatrics Oak Ridge

Deepa Nayak, MD • Steve Kearns, MD

Laurie MacDonald, MD • Lauren Miller Jones, FNP

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

(336) 644-0994 • nhforsythpedskernersville.org

2205 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge

Kernersville Office: (336) 993-8333

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

• soft bristled brushes extreme Fall in LOVE with the arts! We bring the arts into the hearts of children TWO LOCATIONS | Destination Arts - Oak Ridge & Northern Arts - Summerfield

wash

daily for convenient use oak ridge • 336.643.3661 www. prestigecarwash .biz

open

Enjoy

mark your calendar

VENDORS INVITED

 NW Guilford Farmers & Specialty Market |

Beginning May 3 and going through Oct. 28, the farmers markets previously held each year in Oak Ridge and Summerfield will be combined into one market that takes place Wednesday evenings from 4 p.m. to dusk and Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Greensboro Performing Arts, 7200 Summerfield Road. Those interested in becoming a vendor for the 2023 season may call Nicki Wagoner, (336) 817-7765 (leave a message) or email fromtheearthfm@gmail.com.

REGISTER NOW

 Mardi Gras BUNCO! fundraiser | Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club will sponsor a fundraiser for Camp Carefree and NGWC on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Craft & Vine, 2205 Oak Ridge Road near Lowes Foods. Enjoy games, prizes,

appetizers and desserts; beverages can be purchased from Craft & Vine. Cost is $20 cash or $21.50 via Venmo. Limited to 48 players. RSVP to Shannon Barber at kshannonbarber@gmail.com.

THURSDAY, FEB. 2

 Town Council meeting | Oak Ridge Town Council will meet Feb. 2, starting at 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. Attend in person or watch the meeting in real time or at a later time on the town’s YouTube channel (a link to the recorded meeting will also be posted on the town’s Facebook page). Visit www.oakridgenc.com for more info or a meeting agenda.

TUESDAY, FEB. 7

 Kiwanis Club | Kiwanis Club of Northwest Guilford, a nonprofit that engages in projects focused on children in northwest Guilford County, will meet Feb. 7, starting at 12 noon at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge. More info: nwgkiwanis@gmail.com.

 Merchants Association | Summerfield Merchants Association invites business and other professionals who live in Summerfield or operate a business in Summerfield to a meeting Feb. 7,

6:30 to 8 p.m. at Oak Ridge Physical Therapy, 1007 N.C. 150 W (Hillsdale Village Shopping Center), Suite D in Summerfield. SMA works to raise awareness of local businesses and to find ways to give back to the community. Learn more at www.summerfieldmerchant.com, or contact info@summerfieldmerchant.com.

FEB. 9, 14 & 16

 Senior programs | Senior Resources of Guilford County will sponsor a senior program including activities and a take-home lunch on Feb. 9, 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon, at Stokesdale United Methodist Church (8305 Loyola Drive); on Feb. 14 at Center UMC (6142 Lake Brandt Road in northern

Your event will appear on our online community calendar and be considered for print publishing

Greensboro) and Shady Grove Wesleyan Church (119 N. Bunker Hill Road in Colfax); and on Feb. 16 at Summerfield First Baptist Church (2300 Scalesville Road). To learn more and/or RSVP at Center UMC, contact the church at (336) 643-7765; for the others, call (336) 373-4816, ext. 265.

THURSDAY, FEB. 9

 Town Council meeting | Stokesdale Town Council will meet Feb. 9, starting 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. Citizens may attend in person or virtually via Zoom. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the town’s YouTube channel. Visit www.stokesdale. org for a meeting agenda and/or a link to join the

meeting via Zoom. More info: (336) 643-4011.

SATURDAY, FEB. 11

 MST workday | Oak Ridge Mountains-to-Sea Trail Committee will host a workday Feb. 11, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, starting at 7805 Grey Fox Road in Oak Ridge (park at the cul-de-sac with all four wheels on pavement). Standard trail maintenance tools will be provided, but those with loppers are encouraged to bring them. Gloves, hats and long sleeves/pants are recommended. To sign up, visit www.facebook.com/ oakridgenc and click on the link for this event. More info: Town Hall, (336) 644-7009.

 Town Council retreat | Summerfield Town Council will hold its annual strategic planning retreat on

Feb. 11, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. For more info, visit summerfieldnc.gov and see News Briefs in this issue.

MONDAY, FEB. 13

 Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club | Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club (NGWC) is a nonprofit with members including women from all walks of life who share a commitment to community service. The group will hold its monthly meeting Feb. 13, starting at 7 p.m. To learn more about NGWC or to attend the meeting as a guest, contact Tiffany Hansen, president, at (336) 404-8038 or tiffanykhansen96@gmail.com.

OAK RIDGE’S TREASURE TREES

...continued from p. 10

Some of the Treasure Trees are located on the grounds of historic houses built in the 19th century by descendants of the earliest settlers in the area. Such trees may be two centuries old, he said.

Others, such as the beech in the Cascades Preserve, are located in wooded tracts.

“These trees that have reached ancient age should be revered,” Nydorf said in an interview earlier this week. “They have borne witness to the settling of Oak Ridge. They are majestic and remarkable, visually and aesthetically.

“One of the messages the committee is trying to promote in this project is awareness so that these sentinels of time and history don’t get randomly abused and cut down,” he said.

The committee hired Kye, a

professional photographer and videographer who lives in Colfax, for the Treasure Trees project at the recommendation of Nydorf.

Before retiring as an art professor at Guilford College almost five years ago, Nydorf was one of Kye’s instructors. She earned a bachelor of fine arts in print making and a minor in documentary film making from the college in 2019.

Kye, 25, wasn’t familiar with the location of the trees, so she relied on Nydorf to show them to her. The pair visited all of the trees over half a dozen outings, she said.

On one occasion, Nydorf took her to the wrong house. On others, they talked to the owners for mini histories of the property.

“It was a little adventure,” Kye said in a recent interview. “We drove around in Roy’s van. He’d point and

Accepting New Patients

say, ‘there’s the tree.’ I would spend 10 to 15 minutes with each tree, just finding the best angles and lighting.”

Kye preferred to take photographs early in the day to take advantage of softer light. Each shoot required a decision whether to stand far enough away to capture the sweeping grandeur of the tree or close enough to capture the patches of light upon the trunk and the roughness of the bark.

“It’s a project that helped me notice everything around me,” she said.

to view Oak Ridge’s Treasure Trees

Visit the town’s website at oakridgenc.com and click on the News tab scrolling across the page, then tap the Treasure Trees link.

Photo by Erin Kye, courtesy of Town of Oak Ridge This deodar cedar on Linville Road stands out with its spiderweb of droopy branches.

...to the following new advertisers who have joined us during the last few months:

Bob Rents, LLC

Bream Medical

Brian Campbell – Truist Mortgage

Gal-vanized

K&J Homes Services

Nature’s Select Piedmont

Personal Accounting Services

Poppy & Pine

Renewal by Anderson Central NC, Coastal NC & SC

TAWCMM – Talking and Walking

Christian Men’s Ministry

...and to these advertisers who have renewed their partnership with us:

A New Dawn Realty |since 2002

Barbour & Williams Law |since 1998

By the Book Accounting Services |since 2014

Carlotta Lytton, CPA, PC |since 2008

Forbis & Dick Funeral Services

Gladwell Insurance Agency

Greensboro Science Center

Magnolia Shores Family Dental

National Flag Football

New Garden Landscaping & Nursery

since 2008

since 2008

since 2022

since 2020

since 2020

since 2003

Nicole Gillespie |since 2019

Northwest Animal Hospital

Oak Ridge Youth Association

since 2003

since 2004

Old School Home Repair |since 2008

Purple Wagon Events |since 2021

Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC |since 1996

Stokesdale Heating & Air

Summerfield Family Dentistry

Summerfield Fire Department

Summerfield Merchants Association

Superior Outdoor Spaces

Tire Max

TM Construction Services

YMCA of Greensboro

Village Roofs, Inc.

since 2002

since 2008

since 2016

since 2021

since 2022

since 2013

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since 2009

since 2022

We appreciate the businesses, churches, individuals and nonprofits that, through their advertising, make it financially possible to provide this community resource FREE to you, our readers

Contact us for advertising information: (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 | advertising@nwobserver.com

NWHS Hall of Fame inductees honored during Jan. 20 ceremony

Northwest High School inducted an inaugural group of 15 former athletes, coaches and other individuals who have made significant contributions to the school’s athletics program at a ceremony during halftime of the boys’ basketball game on Jan. 20.

All but two of the inductees were present to receive their award. Carolyn Yow, wife of former coach Bob Yow, who died in 2012, and the couple’s daughter, Kristi Yow Malcolm, accepted the former coach’s award on his behalf.

The inductees included: Renee Coltrane,

FEB. 2 - 15, 2023

a four-sport athlete at Northwest; John Dixon, co-captain of the 1967 NCHSAA 3-A basketball state champion team; Tim Frazier, athlete and contributor to the school’s athletics program; Sandy Gann, former head basketball coach, baseball coach and athletic director; Charlie Groves, head football coach; Jamie Hemingway, three-sport athlete and baseball standout; Thomas Hennigan, three-time all-conference, three-time all-area, and all-state his senior year in football; Bobby Joyner, three-sport athlete and first individual state wrestling champion in school history; Darlene Joyner,

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

who coached softball, volleyball and basketball at Northwest; Rusty LaRue, three-sport athlete who received multiple all-state honors in each sport; Roger Nelson, boys and girls basketball coach; Tony Searcy, basketball standout; Merideth Thompson, three-sport athlete all four years at Northwest; Jason Widener, golf and basketball standout; and the late Bob Yow, women’s basketball coach, the school’s first soccer coach, and a football and track coach. For more details on these inductees’ accomplishments while at Northwest and afterward, see our Jan. 29-Feb. 1 issue.

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Fifteen former athletes, coaches and contributors to Northwest High School’s athletics program were inducted into the school’s newly created Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the school on Jan. 20. Shown in photo, L to R, are Bobby Joyner, Darlene Joyner, Rusty LaRue, Roger Nelson, Tony Searcy and Merideth Thompson. Other inaugural inductees were Renee Coltrane, John Dixon, Tim Frazier Sandy Gann, Charlie Groves, Jamie Hemingway, Thomas Hennigan, Jason Widener and the late Bob Yow.

welcome to ... Youth Sync

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

New Year, New Logo! Same Great Smiles!

Call or text: 336-274-7649

Summerfield and Greensboro

Dr. Mark Reynolds and Dr. Robert Stoner announce the creation of Reynolds & Stoner Orthodontics. Both doctors are committed to excellent clinical results and a fabulous patient experience. Call or text our office to schedule a FREE consultation with either of these smile-makers in our private practice.

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.

EAGLE Scouts

Reynolds & Stoner ORTHODONTICS

NORTHERN GUILFORD HIGH SCHOOL

Pius

Guthre, junior Men’s varsity soccer

by ZOE STRAUB, Northern sophomore

At age 5, Pius Guthre kicked around a soccer ball for the first time in his home country of Uganda.

“I was playing with the big kids,” he said.

Pius was later adopted and came to live in the United States, where he has continued to develop his skills in soccer and now devotes much of his free time to the sport.

“I play because it’s an enjoyable sport,” he said. “I’ve been playing all my life, and I want to continue.”

In an interview, Northern Guilford

High School’s varsity soccer coach, Aaron King, shared this about Pius: “Pius was our leading goal scorer this season with eight goals, and was tied for the team lead with seven assists,” King said. “That led to him being named to the All-Conference and AllRegion teams. But what makes me the proudest of Pius is that his success is due to hard work.”

When Pius, a junior, isn’t playing soccer, he works out, does schoolwork, and enjoys hanging out with friends and playing video games. He hopes to go to college on a soccer scholarship and to one day play soccer professionally.

Aside from his hard work on the field, Pius also works hard on his academics. A former teacher of his said, “I believe Pius quickly learned that he was in charge of his learning and has carried that with him through high school.”

Pius said he plans to continue developing as a soccer player and a student through the rest of this year and next year, when he’ll be a senior, before taking his work ethic out into the world.

Aaron Mendenhall, Eagle Scout

Aaron Mendenhall, son of Tim and Jennifer Mendenhall of Oak Ridge and a member of Troop 139, has been promoted to the rank of Eagle Scout.

For his Eagle project, Aaron installed a paved entryway, drainage downspouts and landscaping around the dining hall at Camp Carefree in Stokesdale.

“I’d like to thank all the leaders of Troop 139 who have mentored me throughout my many years of scouting and to thank all the Scouts who came out and helped make this project a success,” Aaron said.

“Pius is a great example to our younger players, and we will lean on his leadership during his senior season,” King said.

EAGLE SCOUTS

...continued from p. 27

Aaron, 15, is a student at Northwest High School.

Troop 139 meets at Oak Ridge United Methodist Church on Mondays at 7 p.m. For more info, visit www.bsatroop139.com.

Merit Badge College: Having fun while learning

Photos courtesy of Troop 139

The Boy Scouts of Troop 139 in Oak Ridge participated in a Merit Badge College last month, which included personal management, drafting, and animal science. It was a day of return on investment, annual percentages, loadbearing walls, horse colic and chicken eggs.

want to have fun while learning?

Cooper Gee, son of Nicholas and Michelle Gee of Stokesdale and a member of Scouts BSA Troop 600, has been promoted to the rank of Eagle Scout.

For his Eagle Scout service project, Cooper recycled four newspaper boxes, wrapped each in an American Flag design, and installed them at Stokesdale Elementary, Oak Ridge Elementary, Summerfield Elementary and Revolution Academy. These boxes are available for the community to place unserviceable American flags, which will be retired respectfully during public ceremonies throughout the year.

Cooper is a freshman at Northwest High School.

BSA Troop 600 meets at Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church on Mondays at 7 p.m. For more info, visit www.scoutdude.com.

Come see what we’re all about! Troop 139 invites you to attend meetings on Monday evenings at 7 p.m., at Oak Ridge UM Church, 2424 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge. For more info, email oakridgetroop139@gmail.com and visit www.bsatroop139.com

Cooper Gee, Eagle Scout

HOT. RAIN. COLD. Tested for every weather extreme

Suspects in string of thefts from unlocked vehicles apprehended

OAK RIDGE – Multiple suspects in one vehicle committed a string of thefts in the Oak Ridge area the night of Jan. 26, continuing into the morning of Jan. 27. Fourteen unlocked vehicles were entered, and one firearm and one vehicle were stolen, along with various other items.

The vehicle theft, which occurred on Chartwell Drive, resulted in Kernersville police officers chasing down the stolen vehicle. When the chase ended in a wreck, some of the

District

stolen items were found, which tied the incidents together.

For more details about the thefts, see the Jan. 26-27 THEFT incident in this crime report.

Sgt. R.D. Seals urges northwest Guilford County residents to lock their vehicles when unattended.

My goal is simply to help you achieve a path of wellness with your dental health. I want it to be as easy as possible to have a smile that lasts in both form and function. Come experience exceptional dentistry!

“We might feel safe leaving our vehicles unlocked at night if we live in a low-crime neighborhood, but that’s what these criminals are counting on,” he said.

CRIME / INCIDENT report

1

Sheriff

’s Office

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

ASSAULT/DOMESTIC INCIDENT

Jan. 16 | Law enforcement officers responded to a report of an assault involving a physical altercation at Rio Grande in Summerfield.

Jan. 18 | Officers responded to a reported assault in the 5600 block of Ashview Court in Summerfield (near U.S. 158).

Jan. 19 | Officers responded to a reported assault in the 7800 block of Springdale Meadow Drive in Stokesdale (off N.C. 68 N).

Jan. 19 | A female resident of the 8000 block of Oak Creek Drive in Stokesdale (near U.S. 158) reported a male resident assaulted her. After she filed a protection order against him on Jan. 20, officers were court-ordered to seize 44 different weapons, firearms and explosives from the male resident.

Jan. 20 | A 39-year-old male was arrested at 12:40 a.m. in the 5000 block of Shoreline Drive in northwest Greensboro (off Lewiston Road) for assault on a female and also cited for interfering with emergency communications.

Jan. 24 | Officers responded to an aggravated assault incident involving threats with a firearm and a physical altercation at 3 a.m. in the 600 block of Plainfield Road in northwest Greensboro; a 51-year-old male was arrested for assault inflicting serious injury, and a 43-year-old female was arrested for simple assault.

Jan. 25 | A resident of the 8100 block of Omega Way in northwest Greensboro (near Lake Brandt Road) reported a known suspect threatened to assault him and did $35 worth of damage to a table and a yard light.

Jan. 27 | Officers responded to a domestic incident in the 5400 block of Summer Haven Drive in Summerfield (near U.S. 220 N/I-73).

BLACKMAIL/FRAUD

Jan. 18 | Officers responded to a blackmail incident in the 5400 block of Endrick Court in northwest Greensboro (near Northwest School Road) involving pornography; the suspect extorted $3,123.50 from the victim.

Jan. 24 | A manager at State Employ-

ees’ Credit Union in Oak Ridge reported that between Jan. 18 and Jan. 24 an unknown suspect defrauded the business of $800.

DEATH INVESTIGATION

Jan. 19 | Officers conducted a death investigation at Countryside Manor in Stokesdale.

Jan. 26 | Officers went to conduct a welfare check which became a death investigation in the 1800 block of Cude Road in Colfax.

FALSE REPORT OF MASS VIOLENCE

Jan. 30 | A 55-year-old female was arrested in the 4000 block of Straw Hat Road in northwest Greensboro (near Lewiston Road) for making a false report of mass violence on educational property.

LARCENY

Jan. 20 | A 30-year-old male was arrested in the 6100 block of Boughton Court in northwest Greensboro (at the corner

of Pleasant Ridge Road and Fleming Road) for robbery with firearms, larceny and possessing stolen goods.

Jan. 20 | A 65-year-old female was arrested in the 7100 block of Summerfield Road for larceny after breaking and entering.

LOST PROPERTY

Jan. 21 | An employee of Summerfield Farms reported that between Jan. 20 and Jan. 21 a citizen lost his wallet containing $10 cash and several banking and I.D. cards.

SCHOOL FIGHT

Jan. 17 | Officers responded to three fights in the same day at Northwest High School.

THEFT

Jan. 25 | A resident of the 7100 block of Martin Lake Drive in Summerfield (off N.C. 150 W) reported an unknown suspect stole three amplifiers, worth $880 altogether.

Jan. 25 | An employee of Dollar Gener-

al on Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale reported at 11:40 a.m. an unknown suspect shoplifted a T-shirt, blanket and umbrella, worth $31.50 altogether.

Jan. 26-27 | A resident of the 2600 block of Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge reported an unknown suspect entered her unlocked vehicle and stole a purse, a bookbag, a set of keys for a Hyundai Elantra and $120 cash; the purse and bookbag were later recovered. A resident of the 8400 block of Chartwell Drive in Oak Ridge (near Stafford Mill Road) reported an unknown suspect entered two unlocked vehicles, leaving the door ajar to one and stealing the other. A resident of the 8400 block of Benbow-Merrill Road in Oak Ridge (off Beeson Road) reported an unknown suspect entered his unlocked vehicle and stole a pink bag containing a wallet with $10 cash and several banking cards. A resident of the 2800 block of Norwell Court in Oak Ridge (near Oak Ridge Road) reported

Virtual Care from Your Home

an unknown suspect entered his unlocked vehicle and stole $100 worth of items including a bookbag containing headphones, workout clothes and shoes. A resident of the 5400 block of Berrier Ridge Court in Oak Ridge (near Oak Ridge Road) reported an unknown suspect entered his unlocked vehicle and stole a jacket and a water bottle, worth $190 together. A resident of the 6800 block of Danbers Court in Oak Ridge (near Oak Ridge Road) reported at 2:46 a.m. an unknown suspect entered multiple unlocked vehicles and stole $750 worth of items including several articles of clothing, a Gamo air rifle, a Smith & Wesson firearm and a checkbook; the suspect then fled the scene with a getaway driver.

VANDALISM

Jan. 17 | A resident of the 6300 block of Wescott Drive in Summerfield (off Bunch Road) reported an unknown suspect caused $1,000 worth of damage by breaking a window on his front door.

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 Our fabulous Stokesdale Elementary teachers and staff! Congratulations on a great second quarter – we are halfway through the year!

 “Keep Summerfield Rural” for creating an excellent survey to collect the opinions of Summerfield residents regarding the future of Summerfield. The survey asks the “real” questions that matter for our town’s future!

 Temo, the college student working at McDonald’s in Oak Ridge, for having such a positive attitude and making it a pleasure to come to the drive-through window for my weekly Egg McMuffin.

 Rick Dunlap, Guilford County Schools’ bus driver, who wrote a check for $100 to help pay for an EP Pearce student’s delinquent lunch bills/fees.

 The public safety gripe (in Northwest Observer’s Jan. 19-Feb. 1 issue) regarding N.C. 65, Ogburn Mill Road, Kingsbranch Drive and Guilrock Court area, where people associated with drugs have lived for nearly two decades. One bad apple can ruin it for all. Glad to see action taken.

 Dear little Lola, the funniest, furry four-legged friend in Oak Ridge Park. Where have you been? We all miss your irrepressible exuberance and joie de vivre. Come back and say “hi”!

 The person who took my wallet

to Lowes Foods last Saturday around 2 p.m. when I dropped it near the pet food/supply store while walking my dog. Much appreciated!

 Guilford County School Board for not seating Michael Logan, duly nominated by the Guilford County Republican Party to serve the remaining term of Republican Pat Tillman.

 Northwest Observer for not covering the sentencing of the driver involved in the alcohol-related death of two teenagers in Oak Ridge in June 2021. (I recognize it’s a sensitive topic and lives were changed forever, but thought I’d see something.)

Editor’s note: I, too, recognize the sensitivity of this topic and that the lives of the two teenagers who survived this accident, including the driver, and all those who know the survivors and who knew the two teenagers who were killed have been altered forever. The lack of coverage, however, was not intentional, rather a matter of me not being aware of the sentencing until the reader submitted this gripe. I try to stay on top of all things local, and apologize that sometimes I fall short and have to rely on members of the community to bring news such as this to my attention. Although it is weeks after the fact, please see News Briefs

in this issue for coverage on the sentencing of the driver in the June 2021 accident that resulted in the death of two teenagers.

 The Guilford County Schools’ bus driver who blew right through the red light while turning left on N.C. 150 from U.S. 220 on the morning of Jan. 20. Glad we decided to sit and wait, even though we had the green light!

 Capt. Hall’s response (in the Northwest Observer’s Jan. 19-Feb. 1 issue) about School Resource Officers not directing traffic. Northwest High students cannot see to pull into the road, which is very dangerous! My daughter gets her license soon and I am very nervous. This needs to be revisited!

 Summerfield Town Council, for all the conflict and drama. I love living in Summerfield, but I’m so embarrassed by our council. Can we stop being so political and underhanded and get to the business you were appointed for?

 David Couch. What is so wrong with developing according to Summerfield’s current UDO, like the rest of us?

 Northwest-area youth recreation

leagues. It’s a shame there are a number of inconsistencies our families have to deal with involving several sports teams that don’t play other towns because of the lack of cooperation, communication and overall leadership.

 The griper about Republic Services’ trucks leaking hydraulic oil. We are not the only ones using the public roads –other heavy vehicles use those roads also.

 David Couch’s wants, not needs, which will destroy Summerfield. Does he care? Doesn’t he have enough money? All I can do is pray to God my Savior that he has a change of heart. He needs to read Luke 12:16-21.

 The young man who runs on Bunch Road after dark for wearing all dark clothing and nothing reflective. You startle me every time I see you!

 Summerfield Planning Board. If approved, development of 600 apartments begins. How will the area provide education, medical and fire protection services, water, traffic control, etc.? Summerfield will have to be annexed into Greensboro for this to work. Thus, our town dies.

7813 Spencer Brook

Immaculate stately home features a southern rockingchair front porch, complete with swing, which leads into the sun-filled interior. Beautiful kitchen features S/S LG Smart appliances; serene level backyard offers soothing fishpond sounds. Options for home office in bonus & rec room. Spacious primary bedroom. Tankless WH. Quaint suburban setting, yet minutes from I-73, Hwy. 220, Hwy. 68, beautiful parks & Belews Lake.

LETTERS/OPINIONS

Submit your letters (maximum 350 words)

online: nwobserver.com

email: editor@nwobserver.com

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

Council is fiscally extravagant

Without quibbling over abstruse technicalities, Michael Smith’s essential point (in his editorial, which appeared in our Jan. 5-18 issue) is that Oak Ridge Town Council spends taxpayers’ money extravagantly and wantonly. This is illustrated by their decision to spend half a million dollars (minimum) on a run-down 92-year-old

house recently assessed at $116,000. Would you do that with your money?

The unconscionable profligacy of the public sector is not confined to Washington, D.C.

Christopher Rees OAK RIDGE

Your noise gives us headaches

When people are walking their dogs or jogging along the streets of Oak Ridge, they can hear the loud, annoying noises of huge pickup trucks, motorcycles and regular cars in general. This noise disrupts people’s regular lives and is very irritating.

People may wonder why these cars are so loud and disturbing –it’s because of the removal of their mufflers.

There are many reasons why people remove mufflers from their cars. It can be for thrill, performance, or just to grab attention. But, though it might be something the driver likes, it is not a pleasant experience for those around them. Many websites and research have shown that removing the muffler from a regular car has very little effect on the performance quality. Users say it increases the horsepower of the car by allowing greater amounts of exhaust to leave

the car, but in reality, the difference is very small.

You might remove your muffler for the thrill or “sporty” look. But, when people are driving on N.C. 150 and are right behind you, it can be extremely irritating to hear your car accelerate every couple of seconds. For those who have very sensitive ears, it can be even more irritating.

So the next time you drive without a muffler, consider the people around you. Think about how irritating it can be to hear these loud engines driving by your house every day. Please don’t remove your mufflers purposefully just for the “sporty” or thrill look, because it is very annoying to people in our community.

Rishi Kandala, Troop 600 OAK RIDGE

Editor’s note: the writer is a Scout with Troop 600 and is working on his communications badge.

Here are just of the few responses to our post on Jan. 30 about the new communications tower installed behind Oak Ridge Military Academy’s gymnasium. As required by Oak Ridge’s development ordinance, the tower is camouflaged at the top with fake pine branches and can’t be more than 10% taller than the average height of trees in the vicinity. (See p. 3 for more details.)

 “She’s a real beaut, Clark!”

 “Here’s the question…. why try to camouflage a cell phone tower? They obviously aren’t trees.”

 “It looks so natural. Said nobody.”

 “Looks like a tree that was hit by a storm! At least they could of made it look like a Christmas tree

if they were going to do all this!

 “Love this, so needed in that area. No Verizon signal currently. I always just laugh at the ‘pine trees’ that are 40 feet taller than any others.”

 “What tower?! All I see is a beautiful pine tree.”

And in response to our Jan. 23 post about surveys circulated by Let’s Talk Summerfield and Keep Summerfield rural, which sought Summerfield citizens’ viewpoints on development in advance of the first of two public hearings on David Couch’s text amendment request, here’s what some readers had to say:

 “No high-density housing in Summerfield”

 “After seeing Couch’s survey, it is clear that it was never intended to be an unbiased, information gath-

WE’LL

ering survey.”

 “Stop high-density development....”

 “Have them to build a school within every so many buildings –stop putting this on taxpayers.”

 AUTO SALES & SERVICES

KNIGHT IMPORT SPECIALTY SERVICE

European Auto Service & Repair. Specializing in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. BMW, Audi, Volvo, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Mini, and Porsche. 32 years experience.

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

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

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

Place online at

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

Call (336) 644-7035, ext.

(336) 891-3876

EUROHAUSAUTO.PRO

 EMPLOYMENT

Hiring full-time LANDSCAPE maintenance crew, crew leader and foreman. Some experience preferred, but willing to train. Year-round work, good pay and hours. Mowing using various walk-behind and ride-on mowers, edging, trimming, pruning, mulching, etc. We are located locally in Kernersville. Call (336) 588-9456

Local FORKLIFT REPAIR COMPANY looking for part-time mechanic's helper. Great pay. Background check required. For more information call (336) 253-7147

The SHRIMP CONNECTION TRIAD is hiring. 12-15 hrs./week, Fri./Sat. Great for retirees or someone who'd like part-time work. Serving the Triad fresh seafood since 2001. Text/call Joy @ (336) 848-9361

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

The Northwest Observer Keeping you connected since 1996!

 EMPLOYMENT

NEW HAIR SALON located in Cardinal Shopping Center is looking for ambitious stylists. We have chairs for rent and will consider commission. To find out what incentives we have to offer, call Lori or Ava at (336) 286-2006

HIRING?

www.nwobserver.com

 HOME CARE NEEDED

CAREGIVER NEEDED. Oak Ridge area. COVID vaccinated. Background check and references. Must have dependable transportation. Call (336) 215-6108

 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

CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING

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

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 winter! I do detailed cleaning. Licensed, bonded, insured and vaccinated. Please call Lisa, (336) 207-0770

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

DECORATING

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

 HOME SERVICES

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

ELECTRICAL

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

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

BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC

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

FLOORING / TILE

MONTERO'S HARDWOOD FLOORING

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

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

MCGEE'S HANDYMAN SERVICES Flooring, siding, rotten wood replacement, decks, drywall and more. Free estimates! Please call (336) 423-1259

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

OLD SCHOOL HOME REPAIR

See display ad on page 22.

L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE

“We get you mowing!” Comm./res., all models. Oak Ridge, NC. Please call (336) 298-4314 Ltsmeng16@gmail.com

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

continued on p. 36

„ HOME SERVICES

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

GARY’S HANDYMAN HOME SERVICES

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

GRADING / HAULING

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

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

BRAD'S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS

LLC Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647

H&L GRADING, LLC. No job too tough or too small. Call us first! We are a full service grading company that specializes in residential projects. Owner/Operator Timmy Hart has more than 30 years of grading and equipment experience. Fully licensed and insured. Land clearing, debris removal, driveways, French drains and much more. Call Bobby Lipstreu, (336) 543-7867

ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING

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

DTW GRADING & HAULING, INC. Offering a sum of aggregates, including but not limited to: fill dirt, stone, asphalt millings, and crushed concrete. We also offer full bobcat services. Driveways, minor clearing, drainage solutions and snow removal. Daniel Wilson, (336) 339-0212

The Northwest Observer

14,400 copies every week!

Direct-mailed to every mailbox with an Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale address, and available for pick-up at 70+ area businesses.

Place your classified ad online at www.nwobserver.com

„ HOME SERVICES

„ HOME SERVICES

„ HOME SERVICES

GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS WILSON Seamless Gutters Stokesdale 336-420-0200

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

DeLima Lawn Care, LLC

Installation, repair, replacement, Leaf Guard

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

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

DILLON TREE SERVICE. Certified arborists. BBB accredited. Fully insured. Familyowned. Tree removal and trimming. Available for emergency removals 24/7. Free estimates. (336) 996-6156. www.dillontreeservice.com. info@dillontreeservice.com.

DSL DRAIN SYSTEMS & LANDSCAPING (336) 362-4354

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

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

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

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

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

Owner: JC Ruiz ● 336.669.5210

FREE ESTIMATES

GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE

Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490

HILL LAWNCARE & OUTDOOR SERVICES

Free est. Call (336) 669-5448

WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC

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

ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE

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

STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. FREE

EST. Fully insured. Topping, pruning and removal. Natural area thinning and cleanup. Oak Ridge. (336) 643-1119.

MASONRY

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

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

COLONIAL MASONRY. 40 yrs. exp. Specializing in outdoor living spaces; dry-stack natural stone and flagstone. Let us help you plan your patio, fire pit, fireplace, kitchen –or anything else you would like! Call (336) 949-9019. www.colonialmasonry.com.

CONCRETE COATINGS

Flake Epoxy Systems

Garage Floor and Concrete Resurfacing

Decorative Concrete Overlays

Stamped Concrete Rejuvenation

Eric Sauls, Owner ● (336) 970-3543

Call for your free estimate

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS

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

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

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

The Northwest Observer Keeping you connected since 1996!

PAINTING & DRYWALL

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

working in NW Guilford County since 1999

Residential • Commercial • Licensed & Insured

Available 7 days/week emergencies, parties, preparing for guests, etc. Ask us about PRESSURE WASHING

Owner: Carlos Ruiz

336.669.5210 ● carlospainting14@live.com

 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

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

BEK Paint Co.

Residential & Commercial

David & Judy Long, owners (336) 931-0600

BEKPaintCompany.com

• References Available

• Licensed & Insured

• All Work Guaranteed

PLUMBING

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

SIGNATURE PLUMBING. Discount hotwater heater installation and plumbing.

 HOME SERVICES

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.

PRESSURE WASHING

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

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

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

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

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION

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

 HOME SERVICES

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

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

 HOME SERVICES

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.

Your HOME SERVICES company should be here! Place your ad online: nwobserver.com

ROOFING

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

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

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

Roof Replacement • Roof Repairs NEW! Roof Rejuvenation

www.5StarROOFINGUSA.com

336-780-7800

customerservice@5starroofingnc.com

CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC 40 + years experience. (336) 643-8191.

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Lifetime shingle and metal roofing. We finance. Free estimates. Since 1979. (336) 362-6343

Roofing, Gutters, Leaf Guards Oak Ridge Based. Free Quotes.

 MISC. WANTED

FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, generators, power washers, 4-wheelers, mini-bikes, mopeds, other gaspowered items, tools, air conditioners, batteries, most metal items, etc. (336) 689-4167.

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

We critters

Check out our Pets & Critters section in the first issue of every month

on page 13 of this issue (and send your high-resolution animal photos to us at photos@nwobserver.com!)

 PETS/ANIMAL SERVICES

SPENCE CANINE ACADEMY. Dog training. Private lessons, behavior modification, service dogs & more! Call/text Sarah at (336) 406-9543 for more information.

 REAL ESTATE

HOME FOR RENT

HOUSE FOR RENT IN STOKESDALE

2BR, 1 BA, 2-car garage/shop, full upstairs that could be used as a bedroom or office. Large yard. $1,200/month. Contact Mon.Sat., 9am-6pm. (336) 707-9934

LAND FOR SALE

COMING SOON! 1- to 3-acre lots in Rockingham County, Reidsville area. Modular homes allowed. Call (336) 314-3773 anytime.

MADISON PROPER, 8-10 acres zoned for multi-family. Water/sewer hookups at property. Great property for apartments, investor or builder. Call (336) 430-9507 anytime. PROFESSIONAL

Hi! My name is BENTLEY. I'm a bright, happy, exuberant puppy looking for a kind person/family. I'm neutered, vaccinated, & house-trained. I love dogs, especially young, playful ones. OK with cats. I'm a GREAT Snugglebug!! (Ref. required.) Text (336) 549-6017 or Naturespirit63@aol.com

VACATION RENTAL on Smith Mountain Lake, VA. Only a 2-hour drive from Greensboro! Sleeps 10. Allows dogs. Has fenced yard. Visit vavacationrentals.com, listing #73, Dream Come True, to see pics & get rates and contact info. Rare opening for week of Aug. 13. Weekly only in summer months. 3-night minimum in other months.

Several Schmidts and Van Eerdens of Stokesdale trekked to the (not then frozen) tundra at Lambeau Field to watch the Green Bay Packers tame the Chicago Bears. Everyone knows a pre-game celebration isn’t complete without the Northwest Observer!

Victoria Halpin, a sophomore at Northwest Guilford High School, and Marty Halpin attended the G2i2 Global Green Inclusive Innovation Summit at the United Nations in New York City on Oct. 27. In between sessions, which were focused on the impact that minority- and women-owned companies can have in solving the 17 environmental issues identified by the G20 Summit, these two enjoyed catching up on the news back home.

Longtime Summerfield resident Flor White (left) kindly shared a copy of the Northwest Observer with her family members Valentina, husband Wain, and Aidan at the “Galleria Vittorio Emanuele” in Duomo Square during a trip to Milano, Italy, her hometown. Flor said Wain took the Northwest Observer with him so he would have something interesting to read during the flight, and to stay on top of the local news!