Northwest Observer / Feb. 16 - March 1, 2023

Dueling surveys seek to sway views on apartments

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – A survey conducted on behalf of landowner David Couch found that almost half of respondents would be “more open” to well-managed and maintained apartments if they could be assured that traffic congestion, school crowding and higherdensity development wouldn’t follow.

“They are not to be trusted,” countered a post earlier this week by Keep Summerfield Rural, a Facebook page that opposes Couch’s plans for transforming his 973 acres into the Villages of Summerfield Farms. A recent survey by the group found that 94% of respondents oppose apartments in Summerfield.

e dueling surveys illustrate the divisiveness between opponents and supporters of Couch’s proposal. e discord is surging again as the Town Council prepares to vote this Tuesday, Feb. 21, on the developer’s request to amend the town’s development rules to accommodate higher-density housing.

Happy 100th, Payne!

Oak Ridge’s big ‘gulp’

The Town Council signs off on $9.1 million in capital projects

by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – In a succession of votes earlier this month, Oak Ridge Town Council gave unanimous approval to funding of $9.1 million for four capital projects – Heritage Farm Park, an elevated water tank and water line, the Farmhouse Community Center and N.C. 68/150 improvements.

Combined, the series of 5-0 votes represented the council’s biggest financial commitment in Oak Ridge’s 25-year history, according to Sam Anders, the town’s finance officer. Here’s the breakdown from the council’s Feb. 2 meeting:

„ The acceptance of Greensboro-based Bar Construction Co.’s $4.79 million bid to develop Heritage Farm Park. Bar’s original bid last month totaled $5.44 million, leading to negotiations that trimmed as much as $654,000 from the price tag.

climate.”

“I think we all gulped when we saw $5.44 million,” Mayor Ann Schneider said. “It’s still a gulp at $4.79 (million). In this economy, I think we are very fortunate. The price tag is as reasonable as it can be in today’s

Photo courtesy of Alison Huber Lifetime Oak Ridge resident Payne Stafford prepares to dive into the hundreds of cards and notes he received from friends and community members for his 100th birthday on Feb. 15. Look for a story about Stafford in our March 2 issue.

Digital speed sign set for Haw River Road after fatality

by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – The town of Oak Ridge is installing a digital radar speed sign on Haw River Road at the recommendation of the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) following a Halloween night pedestrian fatality.

Fourteen-year-old Aliyah Thornhill died the night of Oct. 31 after being struck by a sports utility vehicle as she and a friend walked along Linville Road. Three years earlier, Noah Chambers, 11, was fatally injured as he crossed the road to attend Halloween night activities at Bethel United Methodist Church.

Oak Ridge’s Town Council voted unanimously during its Feb. 2 meeting to install the sign at an estimated cost of $4,000. Council members said they hope the sign will be the first of other

safety measures on Haw River Road.

Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman cautioned that the sign “has the potential to fall in the category of window dressing” because NCDOT determined that speed wasn’t a factor in ornhill’s death. Road safety education for pedestrians would help prevent accidents, Kinneman said.

The vehicle that struck Thornhill was traveling 30 mph, 15 mph slower than the posted speed limit, NCDOT Division 7 engineer Wright Archer III told Oak Ridge Mayor Ann Schneider in a Nov. 23 email.

The crash report determined that “it was dark (with) foggy conditions and the road was wet” when the vehicle struck Thornhill, according to Archer. The victim “was in the roadway walking eastbound, with (her back facing) traffic.”

The investigation found that the impact threw Thornhill into her friend, and both came to rest on the shoulder of the road, according to the crash report.

NCDOT’s speed and traffic analysis found that drivers travel at higher speeds on Haw River Road west of Linville Road before they “typically slow to (an) average of 45 mph as they approach the more residential areas of the road,” Oak Ridge Town Manager Bill Bruce wrote in a Feb. 2 memo to the council.

Accordingly, placing the sign

Virtual Care from Your Home

on Haw River Road east of Linville Road is intended to show eastbound drivers how fast they’re driving as they approach residential areas nearing N.C. 68, encouraging speeders to slow down, Bruce said.

NCDOT doesn’t recommend reducing the 45-mph speed limit because it’s already slower than the agency’s recommended speed of 50 mph for the road, the manager said.

“I see this as a pilot program,” said Schneider, explaining that the town may place signs elsewhere, such as on Linville Road near Town Park, where speeding is a problem.

GCS chief confronted by angry parents’ questions

Price reduction sought for Gordon Hardware building

 Guilford County Schools Superintendent Whitney Oakley tells Northern Guilford High School parents that safety is a top priority for the district.  Guilford County Schools security chief Mike Richey (at right) explains that technology is helping improve safety in the district as Northern Guilford High School parents, such as Andy Gaskins (to Richey’s left), expressed concerns about vaping and drug use by students.

In a meeting at Northern Guilford High School, GCS Superintendent Oakley addresses drugs, safety and discipline concerns

by CHRIS BURRITT

NORTHERN GREENSBORO – Guilford County Schools (GCS) Superintendent Whitney Oakley and the district’s security chief fielded questions from Northern Guilford High School parents upset about fights, vaping

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield

Town Council plans to consider reducing the $125,000 asking price for the Gordon Hardware building at the request of the second bidder for the property.

The request tops the agenda for the council’s special called meeting at 6:30 p.m. next Monday, Feb. 20, at Summerfield Community Center. A presentation of the town’s audit for last fiscal year is also on the meeting agenda.

The council may also decide to seek requests for qualifications from engineering firms for the development of the southern section of the A&Y Greenway.

The council will consider whether to lower the asking price for the Gordon Hardware building after an initial bid for the circa 1870s building at 7722 Summerfield Road fell through, according to Cathleen Turner, regional

director for Preservation North Carolina. The nonprofit is attempting to sell the Gordon Hardware building and the nearby historic Martin house for the town.

During 120 days of due diligence, the first prospective buyer of the Gordon Hardware building was unable to present a plan for providing septic services to the property, as well as enough parking to meet the town’s permitting and occupancy requirements, Turner said in an email last week. The bidder wanted to turn the two-story structure into “a brew pub” with food sales and room for gatherings, according to Town Manager Scott Whitaker.

While declining to identify any of

www.dedesrealestategroup.com

Photos by Chris Burritt/NWO

The request leads the agenda of Summerfield Town Council’s special called meeting next Monday, Feb. 20

File photo

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Can you provide an update on those schools?

It’s actually been almost a year since Revolution Academy’s board of directors authorized Principal Mary Catherine Sauer to proceed with her plan to try to find land for a new high school. Last May, National Heritage Academies won rezoning approval to build a high school on 37.2 acres on U.S. 220 North across from its Summerfield Charter Academy.

At that time, leaders of both

organizations said families in their schools sought the construction of the high schools to accommodate their children when they entered the ninth grade. If plans had gone as officials envisioned, Revolution Academy’s high school could have started in a temporary location this coming August, while National Heritage Academies’ high school could open its doors in August 2024.

Last week, we reached out to officials of both schools for an update on their plans.

Michele Harris, who took over as Revolution Academy’s principal after Sauer’s departure last June, told us the academy’s board has reversed course and abandoned plans for a high school.

“After careful consideration and research on all possibilities, the board made a 5-0 decision at the December 2022 board meeting not to move forward with the Revolution Academy High School at this time,” Harris said in an email last week.

“While the board agrees that a Revolution Academy High School would be successful, now is not the right time to expand and the focus is on our current students’ success, personal growth, and academic development,” Harris said. “We are

confident that when leaving Revolution Academy, our students will be successful in their future high school programs.”

Leah Nixon, a spokeswoman for National Heritage Academies, said in an email earlier this week that the Grand Rapids, Michigan-based charter school management company has “no new developments to share.”

Seven months ago, Nixon confirmed that timing for construction of the proposed high school in Summerfield was uncertain. She cited pandemic-related problems.

“While there are increasing costs due to inflation, a bigger challenge remains construction delays and supply chain issues,” Nixon said in an email last July. “Considering these factors, we do not have plans to open a high school immediately and will continue evaluating when the time is right.”

Last year, there was talk of two charter high schools possibly coming to the northwest Guilford area.

ANGRY PARENTS

...continued from p. 3

and marijuana smoking in the bathrooms and what they consider a lack of consequences for students breaking the rules.

“When is the school going to address the drug use?” asked Andy Gaskins, echoing other parents’ concerns during the Feb. 9 meeting at the high school.

He added that teachers are aware of smoking and selling of marijuana in bathrooms and described these incidents as occurring “almost every day.”

For starters, Oakley said school administrators need to make students feel comfortable reporting law breaking and violations of GCS policies.

“If we don’t know, we can’t administer the consequences,” she said. She added that district leaders, school staff members, law enforcement, parents and students “must all be at the table” to address the problems.

Oakley visited Northern Guilford after a group of parents had met in November to express their concerns about a ninth grader’s threat of violence against 13 other students in the school. A parent mentioned the incident during last week’s meeting, but it didn’t generate discussion or a response from Oakley.

Parents brought up some of the same concerns they had expressed during the November meeting. Some called for a policy of zero tolerance for student offenses, leading to disciplinary actions that would discourage students from misbehaving.

Parents also expressed concerns about the threat of more serious drugs, such as fentanyl, in schools. They recommended that teachers and the Guilford County sheriff’s deputy assigned as the school resource officer

(SRO) patrol hallways and bathrooms more often.

Improving technology in the district’s schools, including Northern Guilford, is aiding staff and SROs in monitoring students’ behavior, according to Mike Richey, the district’s assistant superintendent for school safety.

He noted that teachers are educators, not law enforcement officers.

The recent replacement of Northern Guilford’s camera servers is going to allow staff and the SRO to monitor the coming and going of students from bathrooms, Richey said. The improvements will allow staff to look for incidents in which students who enter don’t exit promptly and may be engaged in improper activities, he said.

The district is also exploring vaping detectors for schools, Richey said.

Since taking charge as GCS’ superintendent last September, Oakley has visited schools in what the district calls her “Better Together” tour. Last fall, she expanded the district’s school safety office in response to increasing school violence.

Districtwide, schools are reporting “more assaults, fighting, affray and aggressive behavior, as well as an increase in the number of out-of-school suspensions,” GCS said in a statement last November. The district’s data “is consistent with an increase in violent offenses in the county, state and nation.”

In response, Oakley has laid out a 12-point health and safety strategy for the district. Aside from updating the use of cameras in schools and on buses, the efforts span anti-bullying training for staff, increasing mental health support for students and staff and a pilot program exploring financial incentives for staff to attend athletic events.

Some Northern parents, such as Andy Gaskins, expressed frustration that such initiatives are taking too long to show up in the school.

“I just want to hear a concrete answer,” he told Oakley.

...continued from p. 1

„ The approval of a $422,500 contract for Oskaloosa, Iowa-based Musco Sports Lighting LLC for the design, layout and installation of lights at two multipurpose fields at Heritage Farm Park.

In total, approved spending for Heritage Farm Park totals $5.21 million. However, it does not cover the cost of playground equipment and, as recommended by consultant McGill Associates, the council set aside of $239,500 as a construction contingency and another $100,000 for possible rock excavation and unsuitable soil removal on the site.

Slated to start in the spring, construction of the 62-acre park is expected to take about 15 months.

During the Feb. 2 meeting, the council also voted unanimously to

borrow $3 million from Truist Financial to help pay for the park development project. The 15-year loan charges an interest rate of 3.94%.

In addition, the town will spend $1.66 million in federal pandemic relief funds on the park, along with $490,000 from a North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant and $66,398 from the town’s reserves, according to a resolution passed by the council.

“It’s a big step,” Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman said. “But it’s where we should be going. It’s defi nitely something the residents have clearly said they want.”

„ The approval of a contract with Guilford County for disbursement of $3.27 million toward Oak Ridge’s

water system infrastructure: building a 250,000-gallon elevated water storage tank and partial construction of a water main connecting the tank to Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities.

„ The approval of a second contract with Guilford County for $305,000 to be applied to the cost of renovating and expanding the Farmhouse Community Center in Town Park; the town plans to use the historic house as a community gathering place and to rent it out for parties and other events.

The council hasn’t committed to spending on either of the above two projects. As required by rules of American Rescue Plan Act funding, municipalities must encumber the money by

Dec. 31, 2024, and spend it by the end of 2026.

„ The council approved an agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for the town’s $326,700 estimated share of N.C. 68/150 improvements, such as sidewalks, a retaining wall and fencing. Slated to start in September, the improvements are expected to take two years to complete.

“We approved proceeding with some significant projects,” Councilman Spencer Sullivan said at the end of the meeting. “It is the result of intentional long-term planning. This is a culmination of several years of hard work. It is something our citizens should be proud of.”

The grand opening of Summerfield’s new dog park is scheduled for Saturday, May 6, according to Jeff Goard, the town’s parks and recreation director. Workers recently installed the fence enclosing the park and poured the concrete pad where two gates – one for big dogs and the other for small ones – will provide access to the playgrounds. The park is located near the amphitheater in Summerfield Community Park on Centerfield Road, behind Summerfield Elementary School, and is accessible from a gravel drive off Medaris Street. In coming weeks, workers plan to run water lines to supply dog fountains, place benches and complete preparation for the grand opening

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

This one’s for all the dogs out there!

FACT: Approval of this Text Amendment creates an OSM-V district in the Town of Summerfieeld Unified Development Ordinance This zoning district would allow the Town to negotiate an acceptable Rezoning and detailed Development Agreement for the regulation of this world-class, once-in-alifetime opportunity

FACT: Villages of Summerfieeld Farms is proposing a variety of housing choices, from single-family to garden-style, multi-family homes. We believe it is important to offer housing options that are inclusive and welcoming for all who want to be a part of our community

FACT: Villages of Summerfield Farms will span 973 acres, of which 50% will remain as open space. The most valuable and beautiful rural vistas and long open spaces in the plan will be PERMANENTLY preserved for everyone to enjoy The plan will also provide a connection to a future section of the A&Y Greenway and to the planned Piedmont Greenway

FACT: Villages of Summerfield Farms will offer 11 distinct clustered villages, with walkability to local amenities that include a farm-to-table restaurant, small local coffee shops and boutique stores

Want connected walking trails, more places to gather, local shops, restaurants and cafes, more housing choices (yes, including some multi-family, garden-style apartment buildings), all while preserving Summerfield's sweeping vistas and rural character? Then please make your position known, either in person, online or in writing to your Town Council members.

OAK RIDGE town council

Feb. 2 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

as reported by CHRIS

BURRITT

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

Claudia Whitaker, a member of the town’s Special Events Committee, offered the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

CONDOLENCES

On behalf of the town, Schneider offered condolences to the family of Oak Ridge resident Evelyn Peoples, who died Jan. 29 at the age of 84. Peoples taught school for more than 30 years and during her lifetime had been very active in Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, according to her obituary. Peoples’ late husband, Mack, who died in 2000, served as an interim member of the Oak Ridge Town Council and longtime chairman of the Oak Ridge Horse Show.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Sheriff’s Office. Deputy T. Howes

WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted:

reported the sheriff’s District 1 office responded to 172 calls for service in Oak Ridge in January. Among them were eight burglaries and assistance to the state Highway Patrol on eight vehicle accidents.

Deputies have increased patrolling on Peeples Road and N.C. 150 in response to concerns about speeding motorists, Howes said.

Thefts from vehicles in Town Park remain a problem, he noted.

Separately, he reported that officers arrested two of the suspects in thefts from 14 unlocked vehicles parked at various residences in the vicinity of N.C. 150 the night of Jan. 26 and the morning of Jan. 27. Search warrants for the suspects were obtained, leading to the recovery of most of the stolen items, Howes said.

He urged people to lock their car doors and either remove their valuables, or place them out of sight. Thieves are stopping along the road and walking down driveways to check for unlocked vehicle doors, he noted.

Mayor Ann Schneider, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan, Martha Pittman and Spencer Sullivan voted on the following issues during the Feb. 2 meeting:

 5  0: Appoint Gigi Williams to the town’s Tree Board

 5  0: Increase the town’s funding of the Historic Heritage Grants program to $8,000

 5  0: Install a digital radar speed sign on Haw River Road, a safety measure recommended by North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)

 5  0: Approve three resolutions advancing the development of Heritage Farm Park

 5  0: Approve two contracts with Guilford County making official the town’s receipt of nearly $3.6 million in federal pandemic relief funds

 5  0: Approve an agreement with NCDOT for Oak Ridge to pay its estimated $326,700 share of N.C. 68/150 road improvements.

 5  0: Approve the January financial report

Later in the meeting, Schneider said she and town staff met with representatives of Guilford County Sheriff’s Office to discuss putting “more boots on the ground” and installing surveillance cameras to combat smash-andgrab incidents in the park. Oak Ridge Fire Department. Firefighter Kyle Solomon reported the department responded to 69 calls for service last month, including 30 medical-related incidents, three vehicle accidents and one cooking fire.

Solomon urged homeowners to operate indoor heaters with caution.

MANAGER’S REPORT Board appointment

 5  0 to appoint Gigi Williams to the town’s Tree Board.

Voluntary annexation applications. The town is accepting voluntary annexation applications from property owners through April 15, Town Manager Bill Bruce said; he noted that

applications held over from last year will be considered during this application cycle. Annexations will take effect July 1, the start of the new fiscal year. Frequently asked questions and other information about the process are posted on the town’s website.

Historic Heritage Grants funding

 5  0 to increase the town’s funding of the Historic Heritage Grants program by $3,500, to $8,000. The maximum annual grant goes from $2,000 to $4,000 for nonprofit property owners and $3,000 to other property owners.

Separately, the council voted to expand the flexibility for submitting grant applications, which can now be submitted at other times of the year besides just prior to the annual deadline.

Historic preservation and conservation is “in our DNA,” said Pittman, joining other council members in

applauding the success of the grants program.

Schneider said the program serves as a model for other towns exploring historic preservation grants.

The town’s investment in historic preservation shows state legislators that Oak Ridge “has skin in the game,” which also helps gain state funding, McClellan added.

Making more funds available for the grants program helps offset rising renovation costs and may encourage more property owners to apply for grants, said Sandra Smith, assistant town manager and clerk.

From its start in 2016 through June 2022, the program disbursed $22,800 in grants to support $125,435 in structural and exterior improvements for 15 projects at historic properties in Oak Ridge, according to a Jan. 27 report by the Historic Preservation Commission.

Grant recipients are required to contribute at least an equal amount in matching funds to their restoration projects. Often, property owners spend more than the program requires, according to the report.

New staff member. Smith introduced Genevieve Geib as the town’s new office assistant. An Oak Ridge resident, Geib began working in Town Hall in mid-January.

Haw River Road speed sign

 5  0 to install a digital radar speed sign on Haw River Road, a safety measure recommended by North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) after a Halloween night traffic fatality. (See related article on p. 2.)

NEW BUSINESS

Heritage Farm Park resolutions

 5  0 to approve three resolutions advancing plans for Heritage Farm Park after the town received a bid from Greensboro-based Bar

Construction Co. last month to develop the project.

The resolutions relate to adopting an ordinance authorizing the capital project, awarding the bid to Bar and approving terms for borrowing money for the project from Truist Financial. In a related move, the council approved a contract with Musco Sports Lighting for installing athletic field lights in the park. (See related article on front cover.)

Pandemic relief funds

 5  0 to approve two contracts with Guilford County that authorize the town to receive federal American Rescue Fund Plan (ARPA) money 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, if the council decides to proceed with constructing infrastructure for the town’s municipal water system. (See related article on front cover.)

Another $305,000 in ARPA funds is earmarked for renovation and expansion of the Farmhouse Community Center (formerly called the Redmon House) in Town Park. Plans call for restoring the historic house as a community gathering place and small event venue.

N.C. 68/150 improvements

 5  0 to approve an agreement with NCDOT for Oak Ridge to pay its estimated $326,700 share of N.C. 68/150 road improvements.

Starting next September, NCDOT plans to build two roundabouts and upgrade the N.C. 68/150 intersection in an effort aimed at slowing traffic and improving pedestrian and cyclist safety in the commercial business district.

The town plans to help pay for fencing, a retaining wall and sidewalks, as well as stamped concrete in a

...continued on p. 10

The Historic Preservation Commission is looking for small-scale, high-impact grant projects to help preserve the historic properties that are at the heart of our community.

•

Grants up to $3,000, or $4,000 for nonprofits, will be awarded to maintain and preserve the exteriors of historic properties in Oak Ridge. Applicants must cover at least 50% of project costs.

•

•

•

• Call Town Hall at (336) 644-7009

• Attend an information session Friday, March 3 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall (8315 Linville Road)

Application deadline: April 14

cobblestone pattern to improve the appearance of the roundabouts.

Working with NCDOT promotes Oak Ridge’s goal of creating a village feel in the town core, Pittman said.

The project is expected to take two years to complete, and the council acknowledged it will disrupt traffic through the heart of Oak Ridge during the process.

Oak Ridge’s representative on the Triad Municipal ABC Board, said the town’s ABC store sold 18,201 bottles of whiskey in December.

“For a town our size, I think that’s really great,” Barbery said.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Tree Board. Chair Nancy Stoudemire said the new board had its first meeting during which Town Manager Bruce explained its responsibilities. At the recommendation of the Arbor Day Foundation, the council created the board in December to maintain the town’s standing as a Tree City USA.

FINANCIAL UPDATE

Finance Director Sam Anders reported Oak Ridge collected $250,628 in revenue last month; property tax receipts totaled $107,349, followed by fourth-quarter ABC operating profit of $103,592. A year earlier, the town’s ABC receipts totaled $86,343, Anders noted.

 5  0 to approve the town’s financial report for January.

Later in the meeting, Jimm Barbery,

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Co-chair John Garrett reported the board approved the Special Events Committee’s use of Town Park for five events this year. Two nonprofits, the Piedmont Advantage Credit Union’s foundation and Hannah’s Haven, have planned fundraisers in the park.

Water Advisory Committee. Chair Jim Harton said the committee met late last month with engineering consultant

Wooten Co. to continue discussions about the possible construction of an elevated water storage tank and extension of a water main from WinstonSalem/Forsyth County Utilities.

Historic Preservation Commission. Chair Debbie Shoenfeld reported the commission’s Historic Heritage Grant Committee and some commission members prepared the report assessing the performance of the Historic Heritage Grants program; she thanked the council for approving requested program changes.

Planning and Zoning Board. Chair

Jason Streck said the board unanimously approved plans for a subdivision consisting of four lots on 23.6 acres on Peeples Road; the property is owned by Oak Ridge United Methodist Church.

Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Co-chair Anne Steele reported volunteers continue work on building a new trail adjacent to the Pemberly Estates subdivision, east of N.C. 150.

Conservation Easement Committee. Chair Stephanie Farrell reported two historic properties – the Old Mill of Guilford and the Sanders-Blaylock house – are under consideration for conservation easements.

Special Events Committee. Chair

Patti Dmuchowski reported Oak Ridge resident Mickey Tingen, owner of Domino’s Pizza in Oak Ridge, recently donated $5,000 to the Veterans Honor Green and Oak Ridge Lions Club donated $500.

Fundraising for the veterans site planned for Heritage Farm

Park totaled $6,255 in January, Dmuchowski said. With $182,000 raised, the committee is very close to its $200,000 goal.

Oak Ridge Elementary School. Interim Principal Jim Smith reported the school’s student government, with support from the community, collected more than 400 pounds of supplies for Greensboro Urban Ministry.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

„ Sullivan said he was pleased the new sound system may be installed in the council’s chambers before the March 2 meeting.

„ Pittman praised town staff for guiding council members through the details of the contracts for Heritage Farm Park. She described the process as “a labyrinth of requirements and information.”

„ Kinneman said construction of sidewalks and trails are enabling more residents to walk to Town Park. The completion of the N.C. 68/150 improvements will improve access from the eastern side of Oak Ridge to the western side of N.C. 68.

„ McClellan praised efforts by town staff, volunteers and council members to advance capital projects, and said the town “can be extremely proud.”

„ Schneider said the town’s strategic plan has guided town leaders in achieving their “ambitious agenda” of capital projects and other improvements.

With no further comments, the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

“The end result will be worth it, I believe,” Kinneman said. “But for the next two years, there will be a lot of pain.”

“We are getting the pieces together,” he said.

STOKESDALE town council

Feb. 9 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

as reported by PATTI STOKES

Mayor Mike Crawford called the monthly meeting to order at 7 p.m.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Councilman Tim Jones offered the opening prayer. The agenda was then adopted after removing one discussion item and adding three other items.  5  0 (in three separate votes) to approve minutes from the May 5, 2022 special called budget workshop and minutes from the Oct. 13, 2022 and Jan. 12, 2023 closed sessions.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Stokesdale Fire Chief Todd Gauldin reported the department responded to 74 calls for service in January; of those, 47 were medical-related, seven were fire-related and 20 were miscellaneous.

As a safety tip, Gauldin encouraged residents to test their smoke detectors, and also, to make sure children and elderly adults living in the home know what the smoke detectors sound like when they go off. District 1 sheriff’s office. A corporal with District 1 sheriff’s office reported that officers ran 216 calls for service in Stokesdale last month, which resulted in 13 formal case reports. Officers are

still actively investigating a Jan. 10 shooting in the 7900 block of Lester Road; on Jan. 9, officers responded to a domestic aggravated assault in the 8000 block of Oak Creek Drive, which resulted in an arrest.

Citizens were reminded to lock their cars, and to remove valuables.

PUBLIC HEARING

Justin Snyder, town planner, presented a request submitted by High Point-based RS Parker Homes to rezone 10.16 acres at 7577 Happy Hill Road from AG to RS-40.

Snyder noted the request is not for a subdivision plan approval, rather “this is a legislative hearing on whether this is worthy of RS-40, and consistent with the town’s Future Land Use Plan.”

The property is within the Stokesdale Fire Protection District, and the applicant plans to connect homes built on the property to Stokesdale’s water system. The surrounding properties are primarily rural residential and/or undeveloped.

Proposed road improvements would be subject to NCDOT driveway requirements, Snyder noted, adding that about 500 cars per day travel on

Happy Hill Road, and development of the property would bring one to five extra students to Stokesdale Elementary, and Northwest middle and high schools.

Snyder said staff recommended approval, based on the requested rezoning being consistent with the town’s Future Land Use Plan and being adjacent to other residential uses in the area.

PROPONENTS

„ Greg Garrett with RS Parker Homes in High Point explained this rezoning would give his company roadway access to 94 other homes on property that has already been rezoned for residential use by Forsyth County. He plans to build six more homes on the 10.16acre tract, which lies within Stokesdale’s town limits, and the existing singlefamily home on it will remain, bringing the combined number of homes in the subdivision to 101.

Garrett emphasized that rezoning this property will improve access to the other 94 homes on land that has already been rezoned by Forsyth County. Should this property within Stokesdale’s limits be rezoned, he said his company plans to extend Stokesdale’s water line down Happy Hill Road by about 2,700 feet.

“To clarify, will the development (of the 94 homes) move on anyway, since you have access already approved?” Councilman Jimmy Landreth asked, to which Garrett answered, “yes.”

OPPONENTS

„ Shenea Carroll said she and her husband live on land adjacent to this property on Happy Hill Road and expressed concerns about traffic.

“We live at the top of the hill,” she said. “You can’t see cars coming up.”

Carroll also expressed concerns about encroachment, saying “there isn’t enough land to safely put a road in there.”

„ Darrell Watkins, another Happy Hill Road resident, said he was a lifetime resident of Stokesdale and would

be one of the property owners most adversely affected by this rezoning if it were approved.

Watkins echoed Carroll’s concerns about the traffic on Happy Hill Road, sight distance and about encroachment, questioning whether there was enough right of way for utilities and a water line.

“Every house on Happy Hill Road has some sort of rock that needs blasting – this company coming in, they are going to jeopardize our homes with this,” Watkins continued. “If they mess up our foundations on our homes, who is going to repair it?”

At this point in the public hearing, Councilman Tim Jones suggested the time for speakers be extended so that everyone who wished to speak could do so.

 5  0 to allow up to 10 minutes each for anyone wishing to speak during the Public Comment period of the public hearing.

„ Realizing he had not invited anyone else to speak in favor of the rezoning, Mayor Crawford then allowed Norris Clayton, an engineer with Hugh Creed Associates, to speak; Clayton said the right of way that fronts this property would allow enough room for an 8-inch water line.

„ Dwayne Dalton spoke on behalf of the area’s wildlife.

“The Town of Stokesdale is being sucked in and animals don’t have anywhere to go,” he said. “The animals can’t speak… You shouldn’t have to go to the zoo to see a deer, or a raccoon or a skunk … but that’s what’s going to happen.”

„ Gerard Carter of Happy Hill Road reminded council that this rezoning wasn’t just about the one existing and six new homes that would be built on

this property.

“We’re talking about 101 homes … they’ll come through there (the proposed new access) because it will be easier to get out to U.S. 158. There will be some accidents there.”

„ Albert Schneyer said pulling out of Happy Hill Road onto U.S. 158 is already tough, and asked who would fund a traffic signal there. He

also asked, if this AG property were rezoned, would the town council preserve open space elsewhere in the town.

„ Reese Curry of Van Hoy Road asked to clarify whether this rezoning was about the entrance on Happy Hill Road. Councilman Derek Foy confirmed this public hearing was about rezoning 10 acres on Happy Hill Road

– the property adjoining this tract, where 94 homes are planned, has been approved by Forsyth County.

REBUTTAL, Proponents

„ Garrett, the developer, admitted making a mistake earlier with regard to a 60-foot access having been already rezoned; in fact, the previous town attorney had stated the access point did not have to be rezoned.

Garrett explained why he hoped to gain a new access to the 94 acres he plans to develop (mainly because of the topography). As for concerns about rock, he said a lot of geologic work had been done on the property and there was no indication that rock would be a problem. Should that occur, however, he said a seismologist

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STOKESDALE TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 13

would be called in.

REBUTTAL, Opponents

„ Margaret King of Happy Hill Road said everyone on the road had run into rock issues when building their homes.

“I don’t know who is doing his (the developer’s) survey, but he might want to get a refund,” King said.

„ Adam Meylor said he owns 22 acres on Happy Hill Road and had to dig 18 holes to get his property to perk for one home.

Garrett said he was a hands-on developer and was on the property when the rock studies were done.

“I spent four or five days out there … we strategically chose where we would have to do some excavating,” he said.

After closing the public hearing, council members discussed concerns about the rezoning request, including whether there was enough room for the entrance road without encroaching on neighbors’ property.

Landreth said he had driven out to the property earlier in the day and confirmed “it’s a terrible place right there (regarding traffic and sight distance) … My concern is that that (access) road could possibly serve all those houses (the 94 already planned, plus seven more on this 10.16-acre tract). It could happen.”

Foy asked about the path of the water main before Jones motioned to deny the request to rezone the property and Foy seconded.

Jones said he had observed the previous council approve a rezoning on Coldwater Road, which lies within Forsyth County and the town limits of Stokesdale. The mayor at that time had promised water to the developer, but wasn’t authorized to do so, Jones said; the council had subsequently voted to provide water to the subdivision without a plan to review.

Jones said Stokesdale’s cap on the amount of water it purchases from Winston-Salem is currently 300,000 gallons a day. Furthermore, he said he grew up in Stokesdale and is very familiar with Happy Hill Road.

“God made that corner of town a little rougher than the rest of Stokesdale … it is rocky over there. I am concerned about getting water lines installed there,” he said. “If this was just about seven lots, I wouldn’t see much of a problem. I generally vote for rezonings … in this case I have done a lot of pondering, and examined this several times. Common sense can’t be defined, but this project goes against common sense and my judgment.”

Regarding safety, Foy said he couldn’t imagine significantly increasing the number of cars on

Happy Hill Road, “especially as you’re coming from 158.”

Furthermore, Foy said there was no binding document between the town and the developer to have this property connect to the town’s water system. And, he said he was concerned about two neighboring property owners and whether there was enough room for easements for the utilities.

Councilman Jim Rigsbee echoed concerns about the impact of easements for the utilities on the two neighboring property owners.

“The other concern I have is that it’s not consistent to put a couple of smaller houses in the middle of that large tract,” Rigsbee said.

“This is tough,” Landreth said. “… I look at that hill (at the highest point on Happy Hill Road) today – once we rezone this – if we did – we’d have to rely on DOT and it would be out of our hands. How many houses are built there? That’s out of our hands. It’s a tough one for me.”

 5  0 to deny the rezoning.

 4  1 (Landreth opposed) to draft a resolution stating the town objects to Forsyth County removing an internal road connection to this development, which would result in water lines being run through three property owners’ backyards.

Following a 10-minute recess, the council reconvened at 9:36 p.m.

 5  0 to approve a revised internal controls and separation of duties policy.

IT contract. Council discussed proposals it received from GeekBox IT and Total Computer Solutions (TCS), the town’s current IT provider, for remote IT support, monitoring, managing antivirus and security.

 5  0 to enter into a one-year contract with TCS for IT services at $677.84 per month, effective April 1.

 5  0 establish the speed limit on a designated portion of Athens Road at 25 mph.

Field maintenance. After discussing the service provided by the town’s lawn/field maintenance company, council asked staff to request the company provide a proposal for services for the remainder of this year.

 5  0 to schedule budget workshops on Thursdays, March 2, April 6 and May 4, at 7 p.m.

 5  0 to have staff send RFPs to audit firms on a list provided by Finance Officer Kim Thacker.

 5  0 Reappoint Michael Threatt, an alternate on the Planning Board, for another two-year term

 5  0 to approve an updated Rules and Procedures document for the Planning Board, effective Feb. 9.

 5  0 to approve the contract between the county and the town which establishes terms and conditions for the $3.1 million the county allocated to Stokesdale for water system infrastructure, and authorize the mayor to sign it.

 5  0 to adopt the job description for a part-time administrative assistant.

 5  0 to increase the fee for the town’s engineer firm to review water main plans and inspect the water main for new subdivisions. The fee increases from $500 to $1,500 for plan review and $1 a square foot for water main inspection; the new fees are effective Feb. 9 for all new applicants.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

„ Foy said he was still frustrated that Stokesdale and Oak Ridge are without representation on the School Board, “which is, in my opinion, illegal.”

„ Jones echoed Foy’s concerns about lack of representation, which he said “demonstrates a lack of respect” for those in northwest Guilford County. Closed Session. Council recessed at 11:05 p.m. for a closed session meeting to consult with the attorney on a legal matter; after reconvening about 20 minutes later, the meeting was adjourned.

22

Reading, writing and radishes

16 Business Q&A Is a burger bar opening in Oak Ridge Commons? And is the new bagel place opening soon?

18 GreenGo Buggies seeking to purchase land for expansion

or-

grown food items and free-range eggs in their restaurants, and he also sells them

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO Aubrey Cupit, owner of Gate City Harvest, stands in one of the greenhouses on his 9-acre organic farm off Pleasant Ridge Road in Summerfield. Some of the fresh produce Cupit grows for individuals and commercial customers includes radishes, onions, Swiss chard, carrots, tomatoes, cauliflower and herbs. Several of his customers use his

ganically

at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market and at a roadside stand at the end of the gravel road leading to his farmland.

Barbour & Williams Law

I heard a burger bar is opening in Oak Ridge Commons shopping center, and another restaurant will be opening right next to it. Can you confirm what’s in the plans?

We talked with Rio Grande owner Pepe Silva earlier this week, and he told us he is converting the original Rio Grande (beside Bistro 150) in Oak Ridge Commons shopping center into a burger bar. The restaurant will specialize in smash burgers (for those who aren’t familiar with smash burgers, they’re ground beef patties that are smashed on a searing hot flat grill and cooked until the edges are crispy).

Silva also said he plans to open a pizzeria next to the burger bar, in the space formerly occupied by Nonna

Teresa Eatery (and before Nonna Teresa’s, Elizabeth’s Italian Restaurant occupied the space for about 20 years).

A specialized flat grill for the burger bar and a pizza oven for the pizzeria have been on order for the last few months, but due to the lingering effects of COVID, fulfilling and shipping the order has been a slow process and Silva said he has still not received confirmation as to when they will be delivered. Once he gets the word, he’ll have a better idea of when the burger bar and pizzeria can open, and he promised to keep us posted.

Is the new bagel place in Oak Ridge going to open up any time soon?

According to the company’s website, Oak Ridge Bagels & Deli, owned by Stokesdale residents Corey and Nicole Crites, is now hiring and plans to open next month. The New York-style bagel shop

and deli will serve fresh bagels (of course), along with artisan deli sandwiches, gourmet salads and sweet treats; it will be open seven days a week.

Stay tuned atoakridgebagels.com and follow the new business on Facebook, Instagram and other social media.

For those interested in applying for a job, you can also download an application from the company’s website.

Adobe Stock photo

Adobe Stock photo

GreenGo Buggies seeking to purchase land for expansion

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – GreenGo Buggies is planning for its second move in less than two years due to rising demand for the low-speed battery-powered vehicles it builds in Summerfield.

Referred to as “street-legal golf carts,” the vehicles they build can lawfully travel on public roads with speed limits posted at 35 mph or less.

“We’re out of room and looking to expand,” said Nikki Price, who owns GreenGo Buggies with her husband, Brian. Since the spring of 2021, the business has occupied the former Purgason’s Western Wear store on Auburn Road at U.S. 220.

For their next move, the Prices are seeking the rezoning of nearly 6.1 acres at 7620 Deboe Road from single-family residential (RS-30) to conditional zoning business district (CZ-BN). If Summerfield’s Town Council approves the rezoning request, Nikki said she and her husband plan to buy the property, located off N.C. 150, and construct a building for GreenGo Buggies.

“We want to build to meet our needs,” said Nikki, explaining that the couple has rented space in their previous two locations.

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Before moving to the former Purgason’s store, GreenGo Buggies shared space with Sport Auto on Summerfield Road across from the post office.

Town staff kicked off a series of three public meetings last Thursday, Feb. 9, by holding an informational meeting to gather feedback from residents.

GORDON HARDWARE

...continued from p. 3

the bidders, Turner said, “our current potential buyers are pursuing some preliminary due diligence. The official due diligence clock will start running once the contract is signed.”

The council shifted the Gordon Hardware discussion and several other items of business to next Monday’s special called meeting, to keep it separate from its regular monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21. The focus of that meeting will be landowner David Couch’s request for a text amendment to Summerfield’s development regulations. Town leaders anticipate the Feb. 21 meeting may last several hours because of the likelihood that a large number of opponents and supporters of Couch’s application may speak during a public hearing.

Two public hearings are planned, the first during the Planning Board’s meeting Monday, Feb. 27, and the next during the council’s meeting Tuesday, March 14. The board will recommend approval or denial of the rezoning application to the council, which will make the final decision on the request.

Due to an expected large crowd, the meeting, which is typically held in Summerfield Community Center, will be held in the Community Life Center of Summerfield First Baptist Church at 2300 Scalesville Road.

want to go?

The special called meeting on Monday, Feb. 20, begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be held in Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. The regular monthly council meeting, which will include a public hearing for a text amendment proposed by developer/landowner David Couch, will be held Tuesday, Feb. 21, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Life Center of Summerfield First Baptist Church, 2300 Scalesville Road. More info: www.summerfieldnc.gov.

Smith Marketing

Mother-and-sons’ team offers expertise to navigate today’s real estate market

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and a cost of construction/land development that is climbing,” he continued. “While there are many other economic and global factors that come into play, those are the direct challenges we face on a daily basis.”

With such a low inventory, brokers looking for new home opportunities for their buyer clients are facing an uphill battle. As a result, Smith said several volume-home builders are entering the market to attract some of these buyers.

“We have experienced record-low inventory levels, rising interest rates

“It is not uncommon to see the volume builders now offering homes in the $500,000s and $600,000s,” he said. “With a few occasional exceptions, the custom home builders are pretty much building in the $600,000s and up.”

Photo courtesy of Smith Marketing As the owners of Smith Marketing, Betty Smith (center) and her sons Jason (left) and Jeff have been providing professional expertise to home buyers and sellers for over 20 years.

“ e new homes market in the Triad is like nothing any of us have ever seen before,” said Jason Smith, vice president of Smith Marketing.

An upward trend in interest rates is further impacting the residential real estate market.

“People need to keep in mind that if rates slightly climb, it is not the end of the world,” Smith said. “In the big picture, we’re still looking at very reasonable interest rates.”

velopment. One of the most popular is Pemberley Estates, located on the site of a former 52-acre farm, in the heart of Oak Ridge along N.C. 150.

Featuring larger lots that can accommodate estate-type homes, Pemberley Estates is limited to 25 lots, ranging from 1 to 3 acres each. Rather than including a community clubhouse or pool, lots are large enough that families can enjoy those and other amenities on their own private mini estates.

Those looking to purchase new construction homes have the assurance that Smith Marketing has worked with the builders they represent for many years and can attest to the quality and care these builders put into every home they construct.

“It’s so important to know who is building your home,” Smith said. “Do your due diligence on builders and make sure they are the right fit for what you are looking for. We specialize in this area of real estate and are here to assist you in any way we can.”

Smith Marketing is currently marketing several luxury new home communities in various stages of de-

Custom-built homes in Pemberley Estates are being built by an exclusive slate of local builders that include R&K Custom Homes, Don Mills Builders, Walraven Signature Homes and Friddle and Company.

Coming soon, Smith Marketing will introduce Lion’s Gate, located just off Lake Brandt and Plainfield roads in northwest Greensboro. Homes will likely start in the $900,000s.

Late this summer, Smith Marketing will begin selling homes in Riverside at Oak Ridge, with custom homes starting in the $900,000s.

For those interested in homes starting in the upper $400,000s, Smith Marketing is currently offering homes in Honeycutt Reserve, located off Bunch Road in Oak Ridge. The 66-home community is being built by Garman Homes.

to you

by Smith Marketing

e Smith Marketing team works hard to stay on top of the ever-changing market, and is constantly shi ing to adapt to current conditions.

Reading, writing and radishes

Gate City Harvest, a Summerfield farm, has dedicated a portion of its property to a new school that intertwines teaching, gardening and environmental stewardship

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – Even though the morning was unusually warm for early February, Aubrey Cupit’s farm is still several weeks from springing to life. The fields were brown and the bee hives dormant, a bare setting except for a flash of activity down the gravel driveway.

Children played in the field next to a white geodesic dome. Measuring 21 feet tall and twice as wide, the futuristic sphere of interlocking triangles looks out of place amid low-slung greenhouses and a barn and cabin with roofs of red tin.

Then again, the unusual structure is home to a fledgling, out-of-the-ordinary school at Gate City Harvest, Cupit’s farm on Pleasant Ridge Road in Summerfield.

PL AY LIKE A PRO

The school for grades six through eight is the brainchild of Ben Payne, who until last spring directed the Upper School at Greensboro Montessori School. Cupit also works for the school, managing the garden. The more the two men talked, the more Cupit warmed up to Payne’s idea of establishing a school on the farm.

“I wanted to carry out the educational opportunity here, trying to combine the academic vigor of a liberal arts school with the experience of being on a farm,” Payne said. “Aubrey’s got a beautiful spot here.”

Motorists have probably seen Cupit’s farm stand at the corner of Pleasant Ridge Road and Lazy Creek Lane, the gravel road that leads to the farm. For several years, Cupit worked for other farmers and helped them sell at local farmers markets before buying nine acres on the stretch of Pleasant Ridge Road between Fleming and Lewiston roads.

Although the School at Gate City Harvest is Payne’s venture, Cupit said he “offered my space for him to start

it” because he believes his farm is wellsuited for being an instructional model for young people.

The school opened last August. This spring semester, its five-day-aweek enrollment includes four students who have been homeschooled by their parents. Tuition is $1,000 a month, with scholarships available, according to Payne.

The homeschooling parents “are choosing us over themselves to deliver a higher level of instruction,” he said.

“I

bring

to Aubrey’s farm, to work with these amazing young people, and to help build community around the authentic pursuit of the best for our children, our families, and our future,” Payne wrote on the school’s website. ...continued

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

From left, Gus Trippe, Soraya Zavitz and Paola Nascimento eat lunch beside the geodesic dome that houses the School at Gate City Harvest off Pleasant Ridge Road in Summerfield.

feel so blessed to

an educational component

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READING, WRITING AND RADISHES

...continued from p. 22

“At a time when we are being bombarded with toxic and destructive messaging (social media and countless other ways), and when optics tend to drive decision-making in our culture, our community at Gate City Harvest relies on a symbiotic relationship, authentic care, and the pursuit of the good, the true, and the beautiful,” he continued.

Thanks to Oak Ridge Physical Therapy in Summerfield for hosting our Feb. 7 meeting! We enjoyed the food, camaraderie and presentation by Andy Michels, owner (photo above, left) and Chad Parker, Director of Physical Therapy (photo

The school follows the Guilford County Schools calendar. Each day starts in the dome with instruction in English language arts, math, history and wellness. During the afternoon, learning moves outside where the setting provides opportunities in art and “science of the farm,” consisting of get-your-handsdirty instruction in biology, chemistry and earth sciences.

SMA President Patti Stokes (right) was happy to present our association’s first G.A.B (Going Above and Beyond) Award to Cyndi Brown (left), our longtime member, faithful volunteer and SMA co-founder, along with her husband, Dr. Rod Brown of Summerfield Family Chiropractic.

Welcome to our two newest members: Stephanie Rothe, Movement Mortgage, and Jennifer Mun, Bistro 150

Join us at our next meeting on Tuesday, March 7, at 6:30 p.m. To RSVP, email info@summerfieldmerchant.com

“Ben has definitely structured the day for optimal learning, but there’s also an innate sense of freedom on the farm,” said Joan Lindley, a retired public school teacher who volunteers at the Gate City Harvest school one afternoon a week.

After supervising the students in a language arts-based creative activity, Lindley leads what she calls “a walk and talk with Joan” around the farm. The children identify vegetables and fruits in the fields and trees in the woods.

Last fall, the children gathered persimmons. Payne turned the adventure into a lesson, requiring the students to use their math skills to figure out the ingredients needed for making persimmon pudding.

“The environment is like every kid’s dream,” said Sherene Zavitz, who enrolled her daughter, Soraya, in the School at Gate City Harvest last August.

“They get theory taught on the board and with hands-on sessions outside,” she said. “For some

children, it’s easier to apply that type of reasoning and that type of learning when you’re physically seeing it and physically doing it, rather than writing it out on paper.”

As spring arrives, students will design and build beds for vegetables. Not only will they learn how to plant, they will also learn how their efforts create “value” in the form of food that they and others can eat, according to Cupit.

And when their plants wither and die, they’ll also learn about failure.

Over the past seven years, Cupit has learned such lessons on his farm. Starting out, he said, he grew too many varieties of tomatoes before realizing that “people mainly want a pink, a purple, a red and maybe a cherry mix.”

Early on, Cupit raised laying hens for eggs. However, foxes liked to eat his chickens, so he now buys eggs locally

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Fresh, organically grown produce sold by Gate City Harvest includes radishes, onions, carrots, tomatoes, cauliflower and Swiss chard.

above, right).

for customers who buy from his farm online and at the farm stand. He also grew too many eggplants, so he now mainly grows enough to sell to Jerusalem Market, an outlet for Middle Eastern foods.

“You learn your customers and what they want to buy,” said Cupit, explaining that he believes students are going to learn, as he did, that “the farm is a perfect example of diversity and relationships.”

Cupit grows his crops without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. He plants cover crops (plants intended to cover the soil rather than to be harvested) to promote the success of the vegetables he plants later. These methods are part of his commitment to holistic, environmentally friendly farming practices known as permaculture.

“Everything you do is interconnected, and the success of the growing is dependent upon every system supporting each other,” Cupit said. “Nature is the best demonstrator of this. In a sense, the farm cultivates good people with strong character.”

By learning through trial and error, Payne said he believes his students will learn patience and resolve. On the other hand, he said, traditional education is part of “a transactional culture” in society driven by the immediacy of social media. Too often, disrespectful comments on sites such as TikTok draw immediate disrespect in return, he said.

“There’s no conversation about

what it means for your community or the world at large,” Payne said. “When you get immediate satisfaction, then you’ve got no appreciation for time and no appreciation for work.”

Othon Nascimento, who enrolled his daughter, Paola, in the school last August.

While the lack of a traditional school building may concern some parents of potential students, Nascimento said

he’s pleased with the environment because of the interaction of students with teachers and the level of the instructors’ professionalism. He said he also appreciates that parents are invited to eat lunch with their children and on Fridays they prepare meals from the vegetables grown on the farm.

“Our daughter is very engaged,” Nascimento said. “Some days, she doesn’t want to leave the school.”

want to know more?

For more info about Gate City Harvest, visit www.gatecityharvest.com. For more info about the School at Gate City Harvest, visit www.theschoolatgch.org.

“That’s what we want for our daughter – to be a better human being and a better citizen of the world,” said

By contrast, the guiding principles posted for students at the Gate City Harvest school say “Freedom is the ability to do what you ought” and “Do what is right, not what is easy.”

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO Aubrey Cupit, owner of Gate City Harvest, in one of his greenhouses.

welcome to ... Youth Sync

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

TWO LOCATIONS

SUMMERFIELD – Aubrey Denton, a Summerfield resident and eighth grader at Triad Baptist Christian Academy, recently won Northwest Guilford VFW Post 7999 Patriot’s Pen for the third consecutive year. The Patriot’s Pen is one of two essay contests the local VFW holds, with winners advancing to the district level of competition; this year Aubrey also won at the district level (for the second

consecutive year), and advances to the state competition.

Aubrey’s essay prompt was “My Pledge to Veterans.” In her essay she shared that her father and grandfather both served in the military, and when she was younger, her mother toured the country singing for veterans; those experiences helped instill in her both a sense of pride and gratitude toward veterans.

“Veterans have always been our first line of defense,” Aubrey wrote. “They have willfully provided aid and protection against our enemies.

Despite those positive influences, unfortunately, many Americans get complacent over time and choose not to show gratitude to our veterans. Today, I’m making a pledge to never be complacent about honoring our veterans.

“Without our veterans we would not have the peace, safety, and religious freedoms that we have today,” she continued. “President Lincoln once affirmed it is our duty, ‘To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.’ He spoke of the solemn sacrifice that veterans

made and the gratitude that should be present towards them and their families… I may only be in eighth grade, but my appreciation for those who served has no limits. I promise as I age, I will always show my gratitude towards those who put their lives on the line for me to live the American dream.”

Aubrey volunteers with Triad Honor Flight, a nonprofit started by Stokesdale resident Alison Huber that sends local veterans on an all-expense paid one-day trip to Washington, D.C., to visit war memorials and honor their comrades.

Leah McCorquodale, a senior at Cornerstone Charter Academy, earned her Girl Scout Gold Award earlier this month.

For her Gold project, Leah created fun and interactive learning math and science games for elementary school students.

A member of Troop 02419, Leah has been involved in Scouting for the past 11 years, and has enjoyed learning about and demonstrating community service, leadership and commitment.

Leah is the daughter of Tyler and Dona McCorquodale.

‘My pledge to veterans’

Eighth grader pledges to never be complacent about honoring veterans

Photo courtesy of Julia Denton Representatives of VFW Post 7999 present the Patriot’s Pen award to Summerfield resident and eighth grader Aubrey Denton at an awards ceremony held in Greensboro on Jan. 21.

Youth Sync

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EAGLE Scouts

Luke Scheponik, 17, was recently promoted to the rank of Eagle Scout. The son of Kris and Kim Scheponik of Summerfield, Luke is a student at Northwest Guilford High School and a member of BSA Troop 139.

For his Eagle project, Luke built a chicken coop for Red Dog Farm Animal Rescue Network, a nonprofit dedicated to the rehabilitation, fostering and adoption of animals of all sizes.

Luke thanks his former Scoutmaster, Tom Needham, for his support over the years, and current Scoutmaster Tim Golladay and assistant Scoutmaster Michael Brown for their support with his Eagle project.

Daken Whitaker, 18, a member of BSA Troop 139, was recently promoted to the rank of Eagle Scout. Daken is a senior and is dual-enrolled at Northwest Guilford High School and GTCC. He lives in Oak Ridge with his parents, Scott Whitaker and Emily-Sarah Lineback.

Daken’s Eagle project involved split-rail fence replacement/improvements within Summerfield Community Park; an older portion of fencing was broken and rotting, and a robust replacement was needed for improved safety and aesthetics.

“I would like to thank my eagle advisor, Mr. Kyle Trahan, and all the BSA leaders who invested in my development during Scouting,” Daken said.

Ben Steele, 18, a member of BSA Troop 139, was recently promoted to the rank of Eagle Scout. The son of Galen and Anne Steele of Oak Ridge, Ben graduated from Northwest Guilford High School in June 2022 and is a freshman at East Carolina University.

Ben’s project focused on the youth

group at Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, where he led a team of Scouts, parent volunteers and Scout leaders in building four benches for seating around the fire pit on the church property. They also built a storage area for firewood to protect it from the weather.

Ben said he is very grateful for the guidance and support he has received throughout his years in scouting and extended his appreciation to his parents, his former Scoutmasters Kris Scheponik and Tom Needham, as well as current Scoutmaster Tim Golladay. BSA Troop 139 meets at Oak Ridge United Methodist Church on Mondays at 7 p.m. For more info, visit www.bsatroop139.com.

Luke Scheponik

Ben Steele

Daken Whitaker

Youth Sync

Northwest wrestling team captures state championship

by CHRIS BURRITT

NW GREENSBORO – For the second time since 2019, Northwest Guilford High School’s wrestling team has won the NCHSAA 4-A state dual team wrestling championship.

The 52-24 victory over Wilmington’s Laney High School earlier this month represented revenge for the Vikings, who lost the state championship to Laney by a single point last year. Northwest’s victory over Laney in 2019 marked the school’s first state wrestling championship.

Northwest got off to a fast start in the Feb. 4 matchup against Laney High, winning by pin in five of the first six matches and adding a bonus point win by major decision in the other match.

According to NCHSAA’s website, Nick Byrd led off the match with a huge win for Northwest in the heavyweight division over Michael Williams, stapling Williams to the mat just 55 seconds into the dual match. Byrd was selected as the 4A Most Valuable Performer for his leadoff win.

Despite this year’s wider margin of victory, Vikings coach Ron Bare said, “I wouldn’t put anything under the easy category in the state tournament.

We got out to a good lead and had

a lot of momentum.”

Ten seniors led this year’s team, including Drew Pepin, who has signed to wrestle for the Gardner-Webb University Runnin’ Bulldogs in Boiling Springs, North Carolina.

Back in 2019, most of the seniors were in eighth grade as they watched the Vikings’ narrow loss to Laney. Since then, they’ve attended summer camps and trained hard during the

season, according to Bare.

“We have high expectations for our wrestlers,” the 59-yearold coach said in an interview last week.

Bare has coached Northwest Guilford’s wrestling team since 1989, the first seven years as the assistant coach.

“We’re going to challenge ourselves,” he said. “We’re going to wrestle the best competition that we can. The kids buy into the program.”

Replacing the 10 seniors – representing 10 of the 14 weight classes –“is not an easy thing to do,” Bare said. “But we feel comfortable with the guys we’ve got coming back. There will be a learning curve, but we’ll be OK. We have a lot of good older kids.”

Courtesy photo

Northwest Guilford High School’s wrestling team and coaching staff pose for a photo after winning the NCHSAA 4-A state dual team wrestling championship on Feb. 4; it was the Viking wrestling team’s second state championship in four years.

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. Anyone 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 on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Craft & Vine, 2205 Oak Ridge Road, near Lowes Foods in Oak Ridge Commons shopping center; proceeds will be divided between Camp Carefree and other nonprofits the club plans to support this year. 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.

TUESDAY, FEB. 21

 Fat Tuesday pancake dinner | Gideon Grove United Methodist Church at 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road in Stokesdale will host a free pancake dinner Feb. 21, 5 to 7 p.m. More info: (336) 643-6042.

 Trail workday | Oak Ridge Mountains-to-Sea Trail Committee will host a trail workday Feb. 21, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, with volunteers meeting at the Headwaters Trail Parking lot on Linville Road. Standard trail maintenance tools will be provided, but bring loppers if you have them. Gloves, hats and long sleeves/pants are recommended. To sign up, visit https://www.signupgenius.com/ go/10c0e4aa4af29a1f8c16-mstworkday#/. More info: Town Hall, (336) 644-7009.

FEB. 24-26, MARCH 3-5

 Dr. Seuss-themed play | Kernersville Little Theatre will present “Seussical the Musical,” a Dr. Seuss-themed play featuring “The Cat in the Hat,” “Horton” the elephant, the “Whos of Whoville” and more, Feb. 24-26 and March 3-5 at Kernersville Elementary School, 512 W. Mountain St. Friday and Saturday showings start at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday showings start at 2 p.m.

It’ll be a great time for the whole family, especially kids and grandkids. More info: (336) 993-6556 or office@kltheatre.com. Visit kernersvillelittletheatre. thundertix.com to purchase tickets in advance.

SATURDAY, FEB. 25

 Food pantry | Good Samaritan Ministries’ food pantry in Stokesdale will open for those in need of food on Feb. 25, 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Stokesdale Business Center, 8500 Ellisboro Road. To receive assistance or to make a donation to the ministry, contact Terri Johnson, (336) 643-5887 or terrij1957@yahoo.com.

MONDAY, FEB. 27

 Lions Club | Oak Ridge Lions Club, a nonprofit that helps sight- and hearing-impaired people, volunteers for quarterly roadside litter pickups and annually awards a scholarship to a local high school senior, will meet Feb. 27 in the Oak Ridge Room (next to Bistro 150), 2205 Oak Ridge Road. Come at 6 p.m. to socialize; the business meeting runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. More info: Jim Kinneman, james.kinneman@gmail.com, or (336) 207-7166.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1

 Senior program | Senior Resources of Guilford County will sponsor a senior program including activities and a take-home lunch on March 1, 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon at Oak Ridge First Baptist

Church, 2445 Oak Ridge Road. To learn more and/or RSVP, call (336) 373-4816, ext. 265.

 Preservation Oak Ridge | Preservation Oak Ridge, a nonprofit committed to preserving historic structures in Oak Ridge, will meet March 1, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Historic Ai Church, 1306 N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge. More info: www.preserveoakridge.org or call (336) 644-1777.

 Friends of Stokesdale | Friends of Stokesdale, a nonprofit committed to preserving Stokesdale’s historic structures and downtown charm, will hold its monthly meeting March 1,

7 to 8 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. For more info, visit www.facebook.com/ friendsofstokesdale or call Joe Thacker, president, at (336) 708-0334.

THURSDAY, MARCH 2

 Town Council meeting | Oak Ridge Town Council will meet March 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.

Stay connected to your neighbors at /NorthwestObserver

TAWCMM invites you to a FREE Men’s Dinner

Come enjoy a meal and fellowship with other men in your community!

Paul Lessard, founding president of the High Point Community Foundation, will share about God’s impact on his life. The High Point Community Foundation was established in 1998 and has given $4 million in unrestricted grants and $37 million in Donor Advised Fund grants since its founding.

Thursday, Feb. 23

The Crossing Church 1130 N. Main Street, Kernersville 6pm, floating dinner ● 7pm, speaker

Janice Courtney Wilson

Sept. 8, 1959 – Dec. 27, 2022

Janice Courtney Wilson of Stokesdale, 63, passed away in her home on Dec. 27. She was born to Gilbert Rodda and Elizabeth Cooksey Courtney on Sept. 8, 1959, in Washington, D.C. As a child, Janice was fun-loving, vibrant and full of laughter. She loved listening to music – Three Dog Night was her favorite – and roller skating.

Janice played the clarinet and was an active member of the Suitland High School Class of 1977 marching and symphonic band. She was a pompom girl, a member of the drill team, and as a child, was a cheerleader.

In the early 70s, Janice met and fell in love with Randy Wilson, a charismatic, handsome teenager. As the story goes, he blew her a kiss outside a window of English class and she was hooked from that day forward. A move to West Virginia briefly separated them, but his heart would find hers again and they married in January 1978.

Randy was an active member of the U.S. Marine Corps, which led to many of Janice’s travels. She lived in Arizona, Virginia and Maryland before finally digging her roots into North Carolina in December 1993.

Janice and Randy were married 31 years before they divorced, but they still loved each other very much. Randy made

regular visits to see Janice and was a constant companion until his passing in February 2022.

Janice is survived by her two daughters, Amber Gene Wilson Redmon (Donnie) of Stokesdale, born in 1979, and Kasey Elizabeth Wilson of Stokesdale, born in 1985. She is also survived by her five grandchildren: Cooper Michael Perry, Brooke Elizabeth Payne, Landyn Elizabeth Payne, Dakota Gene Redmon and Lindsay Gene Redmon, whom she loved dearly and was proud to be their “Meme.” She is also survived by her brother, Martin Courtney of Huntingtown, Maryland.

In addition to her parents, Janice was preceded in death by a sister, Beverly Courtney, and brother, Lance Courtney.

Janice loved being around her grandchildren, and despite having MS, would jump at any chance to have Mexican food! We are thankful for everyone who scooped her and her wheelchair up to make that happen. Her final days were spent listening to her favorite evangelists and spreading her love for Jesus.

Janice was loved by so many and was blessed to have a life full of memories with many dear friends throughout.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Janice’s name to the MS Society, P.O. Box 91891, Washington, DC 20090-1891.

GRINS and GRIPES

Delighted or dismayed by something in your community?

Fa Lo ll in ve

Fl

“Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day.” It was so much fun, and yummy!

„ Bream Medical for coming to downtown Stokesdale – happy to have you!

„ Rene Collins, Northwest Observer’s admin assistant, and the advertising department at NWO for tremendous devotion to detail, and caring beyond expectations!

„ Hundred Acre Farm in Summerfield for your amazing and trustworthy CBD products! My husband loves your salve for his back pain, and your Delta 8 gummies work wonders for my anxiety. We know we’re receiving great products and love supporting local.

„ Kate Harding for dedicating many years to our local Odyssey of the Mind teams! Your devotion is impacting those kids in ways that will benefit them well into adulthood! It’s always a pleasure to read about awesome folks like you!

„ The man who has been picking up trash on U.S. 220, between Owls Roost Road and N.C. 150 East. What a difference to have it clean and litter-free!

„ Patti Stokes for publicly taking responsibility for an omission in the NWO. It’s rare today for anyone to accept blame or responsibility for their actions, and I respect her for doing so. We’re fortunate to have credible journalism in our community.

„ To The Moon and Back, for hosting

„ Tire Max for financially supporting the NWO’s Extraordinary People feature every month. Our communities have countless dedicated people who give so much of their time to benefit others, and we appreciate you providing an avenue for us to read about them!

„ Northwest and Northern school bus drivers for getting our children to and from school safely. Happy “Love the Bus” month!

„ The 13-year-old girl who lives off Old Battleground Avenue in northwest Greensboro and spent two hours last week going around her neighborhood picking up trash. And to all those who voluntarily pick up trash along our roadsides – you rock!

„ Terry Burns of Colonial Masonry for the awesome job he did on my brick walkway. He’s very hard-working, honest and dependable.

„ High school kids rolling through Oak Ridge, scaring my 5- and 7-year-old in the parking lot with your 2000 or older junk truck. Must give you great pleasure seeing little kids hold their ears.

„ Bream Medical. Happy to have you in downtown Stokesdale, but yikes, couldn’t you have chosen a color for

the exterior of your building that’s more appropriate for the historic downtown than purple?

„ The three teenagers in the silver Honda Odyssey van who threw some sort of yucky liquid on people as they were walking in Cardinal Manor one day last week.

„ David Couch and his unwanted development plan. In the midst of your shops, houses and apartments, are you building new schools as well? The schools are already spilling over into trailers.

„ The griper criticizing the gripe about Republic Services’ trucks leaking hydraulic fluid in neighborhoods. They need to ride through our neighborhood and observe all the oil on our streets where the trucks stop. I’ve complained to Republic, but nothing is done.

„ The large subset of Summerfield residents who seem to have an unexplainable false sense of entitlement and superiority. Is there a tangible reason for this, or did it come to them in a dream?

„ Oak Ridge planning staff for thinking there are 160-foot trees at ORMA to justify a 180-foot tower. The existing towers by the Town Park and

hidden off Scoggins Road are more reflective of what 10%-over-average tree height looks like.

„ David Couch’s out-of-towners –lawyers, money-lenders, real-estate agents and other business associates –extolling the benefits of apartments. Town Council should only permit Summerfield residents to speak, not traveling profiteers.

„ The Springdale resident who thinks the HOA rules don’t apply and makes the entrance to our neighborhood look trashy.

„ Those who go well over the posted 35mph speed limit on a section of Pleasant Ridge Road in Summerfield. I hope your water heaters go out.

„ The Summerfield developer who isn’t budging on apartments or the non-contiguous parcel clause. He could request amendments that would allow him to build in line with the UDO more profitably, but he’s not interested in doing that. Happy Groundhog Day!

„ Spectrum, for increasing our bill $20 in one month. We are senior citizens, and this is outrageous! Can anyone tell me if there are any other options for internet, cable and phone in Stokesdale?

Outside the …

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

GRIPES to...

„ Those trying to help God with climate change. It is just a method to control and tax. The more CO2, the more oxygen, the greener the planet. The climate will change and there is nothing anyone can do to stop it.

„ The N.C. Supreme Court for

deciding to revisit cases decided before the election. Now they are putting their tribal interests before those of the citizens of the state.

„ All the “experts” who managed to demonize coughs, sniffles and fever, but normalized strokes, heart attacks, autoimmune diseases and “died suddenly.”

Oak Ridge Lions Club will award a $2,500 scholarship this May to a high school senior who lives in the Northwest High School district and will be enrolled in an institute of higher learning next fall.

To be eligible, the senior must live within the Northwest High School district, but may attend Northwest High School, a private or other public school, or be homeschooled.

Application DEADLINE is April 4. For more details and a scholarship application, email Oak Ridge Lions Club member Patti Stokes at patti@nwobserver.com.

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.

Board is choosing politics over students

I am writing in support of Mr. Michael Logan’s appointment to represent District 3 on the Guilford County Board of Education.

Deena Hayes-Greene and the other Democrats on the board are choosing to disregard their oath of office and resort to partisan politics. Unfortunately, Mr. Logan has been entangled in their power trip and is being denied his rightful place on the board. It begs the question, just what are they afraid of?

I have known Michael for over 25 years and can attest to his character and his concern for his students. He has an over 20-year unblemished employment record with Guilford County Schools. Perhaps it his conservative outlook concerning the lack of security and the waste in the system that gives board members cause for concern. It would seem to me that his teaching experience and knowledge of the system would be welcomed by the board to help fix these and other problems so that more time and money could be spent on educating our next generation.

It is unfortunate that this board has chosen politics over the students. Let’s hope they come to their senses.

What a missed opportunity.

Regards,

While preserving half of his nearly 1,000 acres as open space, the 11 villages proposed by Couch would bring about 600 apartments and other higher-density development to Summerfield, along with water and sewer services for his project. Couch, owner of Summerfield Farms, said property owners in his development – not other Summerfield taxpayers outside of it – would pay for the utilities.

Summerfield residents on both sides of the debate are familiar with Couch’s efforts. So are Summerfield’s leaders, who relocated next Tuesday’s council meeting from Summerfield Community Center to Summerfield First Baptist Church’s Community Life Center in anticipation of attendance by a large number of people who will speak for or against Couch’s proposal.

For the second time in the past year, Couch is seeking an amendment to the town’s UDO (unified development ordinance) that would create a new zoning district – open space mixed use – village (OSM-V) to accommodate higher-density housing while preserving open space. Couch also wants to build cottages, townhouses, traditional single-family houses and estate homes on his property stretching from Summerfield Road to Interstate 73.

Last March, the council voted 4-1 to reject Couch’s application

for the text amendment, reflecting council member Janelle Robinson’s view that “the overwhelming majority of you don’t want apartments and high density.”

A month later, Couch submitted a new application that halved the number of apartments he wants to build from the originally proposed 1,200. Last month, he took his request to the town’s Planning Board, which voted 3-2 to recommend the council approve his application.

If the council were to approve the creation of the new zoning district, Couch would face two additional steps before he could begin developing his property. First, he would have to win rezoning of his property to the new classi cation. Second, he’d have to negotiate a development agreement with the town which would provide project design and construction details.

In recent months, Couch’s team has hosted two webinars to explain the process, trying to counter the view that approval of the developer’s plans would crack the door

open for other higher-density development. The webinars have also sought to alleviate concerns that apartments would bring traffic congestion and school crowding.

The online efforts have drawn criticism from Couch’s opponents, as has his recent survey seeking residents’ views on apartments. The developer and Keep Summerfield Rural plan to share the results of their surveys with council members ahead of next week’s meeting.

community,” Irina Woel e, the owner of a Miami-based marketing and public relations rm who conducted Couch’s survey, said in an email earlier this week. “ e dueling surveys create even more tension.”

want to go?

Summerfield Town Council will hear landowner David Couch’s text amendment request during its meeting at 6:30 p.m. this Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Summerfield First Baptist Church, 2300 Scalesville Road.

WE’LL BE BACK IN PRINT MARCH 2

Lee Haywood SUMMERFIELD

“Obviously this is an emotionally-charged issue for the entire

District 1

Sheriff

’s Office

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

ASSAULT/STALKING/THREATS

Jan. 31 | A 50-year-old male was arrested in the 5200 block of Michaux Road in northwest Greensboro (off U.S. 220 N/Battleground Ave.) for stalking and violating a protection order.

Feb. 1 | Law enforcement officers responded to a reported assault in the 8400 block of Hunting Court in Stokesdale (off N.C. 65).

Feb. 4 | Officers responded to a family disorder in the 8100 block of Lariat Drive in Summerfield (off Scalesville Road).

Feb. 8 | A citizen at Summerfield Square on U.S. 220 in Summerfield reported a known suspect threatened him.

Feb. 14 | A 38-year-old female was arrested in the 7700 block of Sorrel Run Court in Summerfield (near Strawberry Road) for simple assault.

BREAKING & ENTERING/LARCENY

Feb. 2 | A 45-year-old male was arrested in the 5600 block of Fleming Terrace Road in northwest Greensboro (off Fleming Road) for breaking and entering with intent to terrorize/injure.

Feb. 4 | A 28-year-old male was arrested in the 7100 block of Martin Lake Road in Summerfield (off N.C. 150 W) for larceny.

Feb. 9 | A 48-year-old male was arrested in the 4800 block of Jessup Grove Road in northwest Greensboro (near Lewiston Road) for possession of stolen goods.

DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED

Feb. 4 | A 19-year-old male in the 7200 block of Strawberry Road in Summerfield was arrested for driving while impaired and consuming alcohol underage.

Feb. 10 | A 19-year-old male was arrested in the 8300 block of Stokesdale Street/Vaughn Street in Stokesdale for driving while impaired, consuming alcohol underage and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

FRAUD

Jan. 30 | A resident of the 7900 block of Windspray Drive in Summerfield (off Scalesville Road) reported that between Jan. 5 and Jan. 30 an unknown suspect used her personal ID information to defraud her of $60.

LOST PROPERTY

Feb. 5 | A resident of the 7500 block of N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge reported she lost a coin worth $100.

MISSING PERSON

Feb. 8 | A resident of the 8100 block of Falcon Trail in Oak Ridge (near N.C. 68 N) reported a missing person.

THEFT

Jan. 30 | A construction worker in the 8500 block of Norcross Road in Colfax reported that between

Jan. 26 and Jan. 30 an unknown suspect broke into the construction site and stole $1,000 worth of building materials and $500 worth of computer hardware.

Feb. 3 | A resident of the 7600 block of Royster Road in northern Greensboro (off N.C. 150 W) reported that between Jan. 15 and Feb. 3 an unknown suspect stole her pink GLOCK 42 firearm worth $460.

Feb. 7 | A construction worker in the 7700 block of Dovefield Drive in Stokesdale (near U.S. 158) reported a suspect was caught on camera casing the site at 7:38 p.m. before stealing 16 75-pound bags of concrete mixture, a box of wires and a set of electrical pliers; a 41-year-old male was arrested later the same day for larceny from a construction site, and his vehicle was impounded.

Feb. 8 | A resident of the 6900 block of Summerfield Road in Summerfield reported that between Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. and Feb. 8 at 6 a.m. an unknown suspect entered his unlocked vehicle and stole $530 worth of items including a red/black Milwaukee drill combo set, two sets of keys and a hunting knife.

Feb. 9 | An employee of Dollar General on Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale reported that the previous evening an unknown suspect stole $20 from a donation jar on the front counter.

VANDALISM

Feb. 8 | A resident of the 3100 block of Annry Drive in Summerfield (off Strawberry Road) reported an unknown suspect did $600 worth of damage to the grass in her front yard.

Place online at

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

 AUTO SALES & SERVICES

 EMPLOYMENT

 HOME SERVICES

Call (336) 644-7035, ext.

Mon-Fri • 9am-12:30pm

(336) 891-3876

EUROHAUSAUTO.PRO

2013 NISSAN JUKE. Only 37,566 miles! Automatic, 2WD, Bluetooth, navigation, USB, Rockford Fosgate, 2 keyless entry fobs, rear-view camera. $17,500. Serious inquiries only please. (336) 210-5955

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

KNIGHT IMPORT SPECIALTY SERVICE.

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

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

 EMPLOYMENT

OAK RIDGE SWIM CLUB is currently accepting applications for seasonal employment for the 2023 swim season. Visit www.orcaswim.org for more information and/or to submit an application.

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

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

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

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

HIRING?

Place your classified ad online at www.nwobserver.com

 HOME CARE AVAILABLE

SENIOR HELPERS. Homecare for seniors and others including: companion, personal needs, transitional, chronic disease, VA, respite, post-surgery assistance. Can provide house chores as part of service at no extra charge. Knowing your loved one is happy, safe and cared for is your priority and ours too! Locally owned and operated. Call (336) 554-2187

 CONSIGNMENT SALE

KIDS CONSIGNMENT SALE. Fri., Mar. 3, 9am-8pm; Sat., Mar. 4, 8am-1pm. St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road, GSO. Some items 50% off on Sat. www.saintpaulskidssale.com

 HOME SERVICES

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

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

CLEANING

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

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

DECORATING

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

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

ELECTRICAL

BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC.

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

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

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

FLOORING / TILE

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.

336.554.5007 kjhomeservices4u@gmail.com

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

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

 HOME SERVICES GRADING / HAULING

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

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

Contact

(336) 669-7252

oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com

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

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

L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE

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

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

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

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

PLACE YOUR AD: nwobserver.com

GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS

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

 HOME SERVICES

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

AUGUSTA GREEN LANDSCAPES. 15+ years experience. Complete lawn care. Landscape design, pine needles/mulch, aeration, & more. Fully insured. Free estimates! (336) 708-6150

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

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

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

 HOME SERVICES

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

MASONRY

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

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.

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

Installation, repair, replacement, Leaf Guard

GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE

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

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 HOME SERVICES

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS

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

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

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

PAINTING & DRYWALL

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

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

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

Your HOME SERVICES

company should be here!

Place your classified ad online at www.nwobserver.com

PLUMBING

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

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

SIGNATURE PLUMBING. Discount hotwater heater and toilet installation and plumbing. Insured. 20 years experience. Guaranteed work. Call Craig, (336) 279-6196

 HOME SERVICES

PRESSURE WASHING

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

HOUSE and ROOF SOFT WASHING

Martin's Pressure Washing. (919) 931-0856

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

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.

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

 HOME SERVICES

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

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

ROOFING

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

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

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

(affiliated with Stokesdale Storage)

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

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

(336) 310-4133

WWW.VILLAGEROOFS.COM

644-8615

508-5242

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

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

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

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

CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC 40 + years experience. (336) 643-8191. www.5StarROOFINGUSA.com

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

SEASONED FIREWOOD. $90/pickup truck load, delivered & stacked. (336) 253-7615

 MISC. WANTED

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

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

 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 LEASE. 1 yr. term. 3BR, 2BA, 1-car gar., private lot. Colfax & Northwest schools. Benchmark Real Property, Inc. benchmarkrealproperty@gmail.com.

SELLING or RENTING?

Get the word out to over 28,000 readers!

Call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10. or place your classified online at

LAND FOR SALE

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.

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

4 Bedroom, 4 Bath

$1,049,000 Building

6394 Whitaker Trace

8112 Falcon Trail

The Lambert, Pratts and Bermudez cousins kicked off Thanksgiving week 2022 by visiting Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. After an exciting day of riding, feasting and memory making, they had just enough energy left for a fun photo-op with the Northwest Observer!

John and Sondra Wright recently journeyed to Dubai and Abu Dhabi to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. A visit to the Burj Khalifa (pictured here), the world’s tallest building, standing at 2,717 feet, was among their many adventures. The Wrights shared that the Northwest Observer was wonderful reading for the long flight, an excellent conversation starter as they made new acquaintances, and the perfect way to share information about their hometown as they also learned about others’ hometowns.

Nick Jamieson and friends Olivia and Alex Rudolph, Kellen Harding, Connor LeCompte and Will Jamieson paused their Monopoly game to read the article about the Honor Run in the Northwest Observer while on a camping trip at Falls Lake. Nick organized the Honor Run last October for his Eagle Scout project and his friends volunteered at the event.