Northwest Observer / May 4 - 17, 2023

PTI lands $50 million, 240-job aerospace facility

Looking past the school board controversy

Bill Goebel plans to seek the District 3 school board seat next year after his appointment last month led to his censure by the Guilford County Republican Party

Britain’s Marshall Aerospace selected the Greensboro airport from more than 30 sites for its U.S. maintenance operations

by CHRIS BURRITT

NW GREENSBORO – Piedmont Triad International (PTI) Airport won a recruiting war with several other states to snag Britain’s Marshall Aerospace as the newest tenant at the airport.

by CHRIS BURRITT

NW GUILFORD – Looking past his divisive appointment to the Guilford County Board of Education (BOE) last month, Bill Goebel said he’s already decided to seek election to the District 3 seat next year.

“I’m going to run,” Goebel said in an interview earlier this week. The northwestern Greensboro resident said he’s going to create a political action committee – called Citizens for

Common Ground – to raise money for himself and other local Republicans running for office.

For now, Goebel said he’s planning to visit schools and meet with parent, teacher, student organizations in the district to understand his responsibilities. Earlier this week, he sat on the front row in downtown Greensboro’s Tanger Center to hear Guilford County Schools

Sunday, May 14

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO Piedmont Triad Airport Authority Executive Director Kevin Baker (left) and Chair Paul Mengert talk to reporters last week after Cambridge, U.K.-based Marshall Aerospace announced it has selected the Greensboro airport for a $50 million facility expected to create 240 jobs.

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO District 3 school board member Bill Goebel (center) talks to (at left) Rebecca Kaye, senior adviser to the district’s superintendent, and Board of Education Vice Chair Bettye Jenkins after GCS Superintendent Whitney Oakley presented her strategic vision for the district earlier this week.

Preview: Oak Ridge Town Council meeting, May 4

by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge Town Council plans to review a draft of the town’s budget for the fiscal year starting July 1. Details of the proposed budget weren’t available at press time.

In other business at its May 4 meeting, the council plans to conduct a public hearing to gather residents’ views on a request for the rezoning of nearly 19.6 acres from agricultural (AG) to conditional zoning residential (CZ-RS-40).

Residential development is planned for the property, located at 1338 Forsyth Road in Oak Ridge’s extraterritorial jurisdiction, south of

A&Y Greenway land acquisition planned for this year

N.C. 150 and east of the Forsyth County line.

The property is owned by the Duggins Family Trust. Trustees Debra Duggins and Van Duggins are seeking the rezoning.

Separately, the town’s Special Events Committee raised $7,845 in donations for the Veterans Honor Green in the first three months of 2023. As the council has done in earlier quarters, it will consider matching the donations, bringing to $184,932.24 the total raised for the veterans’ site at Heritage Farm Park, according to an April 19 memo from Sandra Smith,

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Negotiating the purchase of right of ways from property owners along the trail’s route is part of the process

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – The owners of two dozen pieces of land along the future extension of the Atlantic and Yadkin (A&Y) Greenway are going to get a letter and phone call later this year, starting the process of buying their land for the right of way for the public cycling and running trail.

The town hasn’t identified the

property owners, but some own land on Summerfield Road, part of the route of the 3.6-mile greenway continuation. As proposed, it will start at the U.S. 220 pedestrian tunnel and end at the future Medaris Street trailhead, near Summerfield’s new Paw Park.

The Town Council voted unanimously last month to approve a contract paying consulting firm Kimley-Horn as much as $620,752.35 to complete planning of the “A&Y Summerfield South” project and provide right-of-way acquisition services. The contract breaks down planning and engineering costs

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Summerfield mulls easing rules for short-term rentals

Trotter Ridge homeowner Joanne Bond explains to Summerfield’s Planning Board her plans to convert the two-story barn on her property into a short-term rental. Bond attended the board’s meeting on April 24 to present her request for an amendment to the town’s unified development ordinance.

A text amendment to the town’s development rules would apply to all homeowners, not just the resident seeking the change

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – After moving to the Trotter Ridge subdivision a year and a half ago, Joanne Bond has decided she wants to renovate a two-story barn on her property into living quarters.

She envisions hosting friends and family visiting her in Summerfield. She also wants to seek short-term renters through online booking service Airbnb. However, renting the stand-alone space for as many as 30 days requires Bond to convince the Summerfield Town Council to amend the town’s unified development ordinance (UDO), which imposes numerous restrictions on short-term rentals.

Bond plans to present her case to the council next Tuesday, May 9, after gaining the support of the town’s

Planning Board last month. By unanimous vote, the board recommended approval of her request to remove the UDO’s requirement that month-long rentals be located within the principal dwelling on the property, not in any other structure such as “a cabin, hut, tent, yurt, treehouse, teepee, etc.”

“I want this to attract professional people to the area,” Bond told the Board. In her application for the text amendment, the Windsor Farme Road homeowner said her short-term rental would be “an asset to visitors coming to the area to investigate suitable schools, universities and potential small businesses. If accommodations like this are professionally presented, I believe they will attract professional people to the area.”

Town Attorney Bob Hornik pointed out that changing the text amendment would apply to all property owners, not just Bond. Although board members were impressed by her plans for converting the barn’s 450 square feet of unfinished space into cozy quarters in compliance with town and Guilford

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

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Why was such a large speed bump placed in Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center recently?

Goodness, if I don’t go very slowly, it scrapes the bottom of my car!

Philip Cooke, manager of JPC Monroe, LLC, which owns Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center, acknowledges a very noticeable speed hump (often not as high, but wider than a speed bump) was recently installed between the entrances to Rio Grande and Bank of Oak Ridge, two of the outbuildings in the shopping center.

“We’ve had problems, especially in the warmer months, with teenagers loitering in the shopping center’s parking lot, and they sometimes were using the circular road around the shopping center as a raceway, especially at night when there weren’t as many people out there,” Cooke told us.

“We’ve added some security to monitor the center and parking lot,” he continued, while explaining the installation of a speed hump was considered another necessary step to discourage unsafe driving around the shopping center’s main parking lot.

“And you know, I think it’s been very effective in that regard,” he added. “If you go over it (the speed hump) and you’re not speeding, you’ll go over it just fine, but if you’re speeding, you’ll probably feel it.”

Cooke also added that “warning” signs to let drivers know the speed hump is ahead are on backorder and will be installed as soon as they arrive.

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Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

This speed hump recently installed on the circular road in Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center, near Rio Grande and Bank of Oak Ridge, is

driving and make the crosswalk safer for pedestrians.

Is the new school proposed for Colfax going to replace Northwest Guilford Middle School?

We asked the same question when we heard that Guilford County Schools (GCS) has found roughly 34 acres with a Colfax mailing address where it wants to build a kindergarten-eighth grade school. GCS hasn’t purchased the property yet.

As it turns out, the proposed $56.8 million school wouldn’t replace Northwest Guilford Middle School. Instead, it would be a new science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) school named after NASA mathematician Katherine G. Johnson.

GCS officials haven’t yet decided whether the school would serve as a STEM hub that would accommodate field trips by students from other district schools that don’t have STEM laboratories and other facilities, according to GCS spokesperson Gabrielle Brown.

District officials plan to provide an update about the proposed Colfax school during a meeting this Thursday, May 4, from 5:30-6:30 p.m., in the multipurpose room of Colfax Elementary School. The address is 9112 W. Market St. in Colfax.

The new school would also alleviate “overcrowding” at Colfax Elementary and Southwest Elementary and Middle schools, according to a presentation during an April 25 meeting of county Board of Commissioners and Board of Education members.

The property is located in a rural area at South Bunker Hill and Boylston roads. It’s on the opposite side of Colfax from northwest Guilford – about one mile south of Interstate 40 and roughly 4.6 miles from the dead end of North Bunker Hill Road at Stafford Mill Road in Oak Ridge.

As proposed, the city of High Point would annex the property and rezone it as institutional, which permits construction of schools, according to last week’s presentation to the county’s Joint Capital/ Facilities Planning Committee.

The committee reviewed other projects to be funded by $2 billion in bond sales – $300 million authorized by voters in 2020 and another $1.7 billion in 2022.

Replacing Northwest Middle School is one of nine projects to be funded with $92 million from the 2022 bond, according to the presentation. A total of $7.5 million is earmarked for project management and design of the middle school.

Those plans and estimates are unchanged from a meeting of the committee last October. GCS is still looking for land for the site of a new Northwest Middle School, GCS Chief of

As proposed, after the middle school is relocated, Northwest High School would expand onto the campus to be vacated by the middle school.

Even after GCS buys land for the middle school, completion of both Northwest schools may take several more years. As part of its modeling of cash flow for GCS projects, the county is estimating that, on average, the design of a new school takes 15 months, followed by 15 months of construction.

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

A sign posted near the proposed site of a kindergarten-eighth grade school in Colfax reflects the feelings of nearby neighbors concerned about traffic/safety.

Staff José Oliva said an interview after last week’s meeting.

OAK RIDGE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING PREVIEW

...continued from p. 2

assistant town manager and clerk.

The council will also consider increasing the monthly base rate for the town’s municipal water system due to rising costs for chemicals and other supplies since the adoption of the rate last year. If approved by the council, the base rate would climb to $24 plus $7.50 per 1,000 gallons of water, up from the initial rate of $21 plus $6.50 per 1,000 gallons.

In addition, the council will consider approving a budget amendment for $10,000 for start-up costs for this year’s Music in the Park series.

The council will also consider authorizing town staff to hire a

contractor to remove from Town Hall and destroy 24 boxes of documents with “little or no reference value,” according to a March 24 memo from Smith.

Mayor Ann Schneider will read a proclamation recognizing this Thursday, May 4, as National Day of Prayer.

want to attend/watch?

The 7 p.m. meeting at Town Hall this Thursday, May 4, is open to the public. The meeting will be livestreamed on the town’s YouTube channel. For more information, visit www.oakridgenc.com.

SHORT-TERM RENTALS

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County regulations, board member Clint Babcock said, “I want to make sure everybody else does what she does.”

As a result, the board recommended the council stipulate that stand-alone short-term rental structures be properly permitted for occupancy by county inspectors. During its meeting next week, the council will seek public comments about Bond’s text amendment request.

Regulating short-term rentals has become an increasingly common and sometimes divisive topic as the popularity of online booking services has grown. In recent months, the Greensboro City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission have been gathering public comments about a proposed ordinance to regulate shortterm rentals.

A Northwest Observer Facebook post last week about Bond’s request prompted several readers to share their views about short-term rentals. Generally, readers supported the practice, but insisted that property owners require their guests to behave responsibly and respect neighbors.

“Let people decide what to do with their property,”

Phyllis Atchison

wrote in a post. Added Judi Bastion: “No large parties.”

In Oak Ridge, short-term rentals are not allowed by the town’s zoning ordinance, according to planning director Sean Taylor. He added, however, that “in certain zoning districts, a bed and breakfast would be allowed if granted a special use permit. Bed and breakfasts are different in that they require owner occupation of the residence.”

Stokesdale’s ordinance “does not appear to explicitly regulate short-term rentals,” said Justin Snyder, a senior planner in the county’s planning and development department who assists Stokesdale with zoning and development matters.

Snyder noted that legislation pending in the state Senate would prohibit municipalities from regulating short-term rentals, except for requiring certain setbacks and zoning regulations and permits.

The state’s Court of Appeals “recently struck down most of Wilmington’s processes because under state law, regulation of someone renting out their home, even on a short-term basis, has been deemed illegal,” Snyder said in an email earlier this week. “I do expect the state bill to pass in some form, but whether that happens in this legislative year is unknown.”

This trails map shows the A&Y and other planned trails in and surrounding Summerfield.

The following information is from the Town of Summerfield’s website:

“The ‘A&Y Summerfield South’ project will begin on the west side of the U.S. 220 tunnel, and then immediately turn south, then west into watershed woodlands and exit onto Summerfield Road south of Auburn Road. The remaining southern section will roughly follow the abandoned railbed along Summerfield Road. This segment will end at Medearis Street north of Summerfield Community Park.

“The greenway has been awarded significant rightof-way and construction funding by NCDOT and construction is planned to start in 2024. The intent is for the A&Y to be the major backbone of the trail system with smaller, more natural trails connecting to it, along with the proposed Piedmont Greenway that would further connect citizens to a regional network.”

More details can be found at www.summerfieldnc.gov (select “Projects” on center of homepage).

Map courtesy of Town of Summerfield

A&Y GREENWAY LAND ACQUISITION

...continued from p. 2

of $425,252.35 and right-of-way acquisition services for no more than $195,500, with the state Department of Transportation paying 80% of the cost and Summerfield 20%.

Subcontractor Right-of-Way Acquisitions will conduct negotiations with owners of as many as 24 parcels, based upon state and federal guidelines, according to Kimley-Horn.

If negotiations are unsuccessful, the subcontractor can start the process of condemning the property, KimleyHorn said.

The town’s contract with the consultant doesn’t cover the cost of buying parcels along the greenway continuation, according to Town Manager Scott Whitaker.

Kimley-Horn is still finalizing details for the start of right-of-way negotiations with property owners, according to Jeff Moore, a senior vice president for the company. He’s working with Summerfield leaders on the greenway.

“We typically send a letter and follow up with a phone call to set up an in-person meeting,” Moore said in an email earlier this week, noting the firm will conduct a public meeting to provide more information.

Exactly how much right of way will be required for the greenway isn’t clear, Moore said.

“We do not know the exact easement width at this time, but anticipate that the greenway will be 10 feet wide and will be comprised of boardwalk, asphalt and concrete sections depending on the location,” he said.

Summerfield has laid out the course of the trail. As walkers, runners and cyclists exit the U.S. 220 tunnel, they will turn immediately left, or south, and follow the greenway toward Lake Higgins before looping through the watershed woodlands back to Summerfield Road, according to a description of the project on the town’s website.

From there, the greenway will generally travel over the abandoned railroad bed along the northeastern side of Summerfield Road before crossing the road at Summerfield Elementary School. From Centerfield Road, it will follow the railbed through a wooded area before ending at the future Medaris Street trailhead, just north of the dog park.

Construction of the greenway is slated to start in 2024, depending partly upon securing of right of ways.

“Time is of the essence,” Ginger Lambrecht, chair of the town’s Trails and Open Space Committee, wrote in an April 5 letter urging the council to hire Kimley-Horn. “To stay on schedule and meet requirements of the 80% funding for the A&Y Trail, we have to get the right of ways secured,” she said.

Kimley-Horn succeeds design and engineering firm Stewart, hired by the town in 2015 to design the A&Y Summerfield South project. According to Whitaker, Stewart’s performance lagged, partly due to a lack of staffing, and the town terminated its relationship with the firm in January.

Superintendent Whitney Oakley unveil her strategic vision for the district.

Sitting further back was Michael Logan, the choice of the county Republican Party’s executive committee to succeed Pat Tillman, who resigned from the board after his election to the county’s Board of Commissioners last November. In an interview after Oakley’s presentation, Logan said he’s still exploring legal and legislative options to have Goebel removed from the board so he can fill the seat.

If those efforts are unsuccessful, Logan said he intends to seek the District 3 seat in the November 2024 election, pitting him against Goebel.

Goebel lives in northwestern Greensboro where his three children – now grown – attended a mix of public schools and Caldwell Academy, a private school in Greensboro. Logan’s two children attended Stokesdale Elementary and Northwest middle and high schools.

Logan lives near Northwest High School and he’s made a point of criticizing the school’s reliance upon “temporary” trailers for more than two decades as classrooms. Improvements to the school haven’t yet been scheduled as part of $2 billion in spending authorized by school bond referendums in 2020 and 2022.

Although he plans to follow the wishes of District 3 voters, Goebel said he doesn’t plan to try to intercede on the timing of improvements to northwestern Guilford

schools, laid out in the district’s 2019 master plan for replacing and updating schools, starting with those most in need of improvements.

The northwest-area schools in District 3 are Oak Ridge Elementary, Stokesdale Elementary, Summerfield Elementary, Pearce Elementary, Kernodle Middle, Northwest Middle and Northwest High School.

Others in the district are Brooks Global Studies, Claxton Elementary, General Greene Elementary, Guilford Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, Lindley Elementary, Sternberger Elementary, Kiser Middle, Grimsley High School and The Early College at Guilford.

“Some people say it’s a bad thing to say, but I’ve got a lot to learn,” Goebel said. “I’m going to be very involved.”

Educating himself about his responsibilities as a board member is the first of 10 steps Goebel plans to pursue. Focusing on students’ success, practicing financial stewardship and embracing diversity are others, he said.

In the month since the board appointed Goebel to fill the District 3 seat, he said he’s not spoken to Logan, although he intends to do so. “It’s too new,” Goebel said.

Since late last year, the board rejected Logan four times to succeed Tillman. Earlier this year, as Logan’s appointment to the board became uncertain, Goebel said he discussed his interest in filling the District 3 seat in meetings with David Gleeson, then chair of the local Republican Party, and Chris Meadows, who now serves as the party’s local chair.

Goebel said he told the GOP leaders that “I’m willing to serve. I’m not trying to push Michael Logan out.”

Goebel said he also met with Logan in February and told him that he wasn’t trying to push him aside so he could fill the vacant seat.

The board voted 6-2 – along party lines – to appoint Goebel to serve the remainder of Tillman’s term representing District 3, which encompasses Summerfield, Oak Ridge and Stokesdale. Logan attended last month’s meeting believing he would finally be sworn in as the District 3 representative.

Instead, T. Dianne Bellamy Small, a Democrat representing District 1, nominated Goebel. After Logan angrily stood

up and shouted his objections to the board’s decision, he declined to remain in his seat and was ultimately escorted from the board room at the request of board Chair Deena Hayes, a Democrat representing District 8.

Since then, Logan and his supporters have maintained the county’s Republican Party followed protocol in nominating him and the BOE was legally obligated to seat him. In March, the state legislature enacted a bill intended to require the school board to seat the local GOP’s nominee. However, school board attorney Jill Wilson cited a loophole in the law, giving the board the right to seat Goebel.

In its censure of Goebel, the local GOP’s executive committee cited him for “Party disloyalty, deceiving Party leadership and circumventing the proper avenues for filling a vacancy on the Guilford County Board of Education.”

In the interview earlier this week, Goebel disagreed, saying local GOP leaders knew he was interested in filling the District 3 vacancy if Logan’s candidacy fell through. Goebel added that he learned he would be nominated in a meeting with Wilson and Hayes, just hours before the board’s vote.

“I didn’t do any collusion,” Goebel said. “My name was out there.”

On social media and in an advertisement in the Northwest Observer last month, supporters of Logan criticized the board’s decision. The ad called Goebel a “self-serving traitor” and a “RINO (Republican In Name Only)” who wasn’t elected by voters or nominated by the local Republican Party.

In response to the RINO label, Goebel said, “You know, you’re right. I’m an American first. I’m an independent more than anything else.”

He said some opponents on social media have gone as far as criticizing how he “combs over” his thinning hair. When relatives in Ohio saw the posts, he said they asked him, “What’s going on down there in North Carolina? What are you drinking down there?”

In meetings with other local Republicans, Goebel said he’s “noticed there’s a pretty radical group that hates the school board. They just don’t like any Democrat. There’s no common ground. It’s just hate, and I’m part of the hated group.”

Ordinary people, Extraordinary impact

by ANNETTE JOYCE

“I get excited about helping people,” said Judi Fleming, her enthusiasm evident in her dazzling smile. “(For me) the meaning of life is to do the greatest good for the greatest number for the greatest fun.”

With that thought in mind, Judi has dedicated her life to helping others in both large and small ways, impacting everyone and everything she touches. Many say her passion for sharing and her upbeat attitude are contagious.

Judi and her husband, Steve, are huge animal lovers, so it’s not surprising they take care of not only their own animals but a continually growing number of foster animals on their farm in Summerfield.

Judi said she began fostering animals about 35 years ago and has worked with local Red Dog Farm Animal Rescue Network since it was founded in 2006. Over the years, she and Steve have fostered not only cats and dogs but all types of farm animals including horses, sheep, goats, turkeys, peacocks, rabbits and donkeys.

Judi tends to focus on the animals that are harder to adopt, such as the overly aggressive dogs, escape-artist goats and currently, a handsome horse with a hip injury. She provides a safe, loving home for them while working with them until they’re healed and ready to move to their forever home – or in some cases, she adopts them herself.

A member of Red Dog Farms’ board of directors, this busy woman also does an outreach program with her adopted miniature horse, Peppa, and adopted sheep, Shaun. For a donation to the animal rescue organization, she and Steve take the animals

to events like birthday parties.

With her love of horses, it’s not surprising that Judi is also involved with HORSEPOWER Therapeutic Learning Center, a High Point-based program that provides therapeutic horseback riding and equine-assisted activities for individuals with disabilities.

A U.S. Army veteran herself, Judi especially enjoys working at the veterans’ barn every Thursday morning.

“It’s a barn specifically for use by veterans,” she explained. “I do whatever is needed, which mostly involves encouraging people to have fun.”

Besides people and animals, Judi has a love of gardening – as evidenced by the bountiful and beautiful plants all over her farm. She’s a part of several national organizations as well as a member of Oak Ridge Garden Club, where she helps tend to various gardens around town including the Oak Ridge Military Memorial Garden and the trailheads at Oak Ridge Town Park.

Separately, she helps with HORSEPOWER’s landscaping and is happy to share her knowledge of plants with anyone who’s interested in learning about them.

Judi also has a passion for anything that involves gourds. In fact, she’s a gourd expert and travels across the country sharing her knowledge. She’s also an accomplished artist and spends time teaching people how to turn these fruits into amazing art creations such as colorful dragons, birdhouses and tiny gnomes.

While engaging in all of these activities, Judi is always on the lookout for even the smallest ways in

which she can make a positive impact on someone else. Often, it’s the simplest of things like growing her hair out, cutting it off every couple of years and donating it to make wigs for women who have lost their own hair to cancer, or making baskets and painted gourds to donate to different fundraisers.

One of her favorite “acts of kindness” is to clip flowers from her plants, arrange them in vases and give them to unsuspecting people while she’s out running errands.

“I love handing these out to people, especially if they look sad,” Judi said.

That’s what it’s all about for Judi – making other people’s days just a little brighter and having fun doing it.

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

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

‘Doing the greatest good for the greatest number for the greatest fun’

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

Judi Fleming loves animals, gardening, gourds and finding ways to brighten the days of those she encounters along her path in life.

Summer eld resident Judi

Fleming seeks small and large ways to brighten the days of others

Cambridge, U.K.-based Marshall announced April 25 it plans to invest $50 million and create about 240 jobs in a facility that will provide maintenance, repair and overhaul services for the U.S. military’s fleet of tactical transport Hercules C-130 airplanes. Operations are slated to start in early 2025.

Securing Marshall’s U.S. operation base comes two years, three months after PTI landed Boom Supersonic. The Denver, Colorado-based company is grading its 62-acre site and preparing to start building its $500 million passenger airplane factory. It plans to start production in 2024, with employment eventually reaching 2,400 people.

Marshall’s facility will be located near Boom’s site along Interstate 73. Together, the two operations will occupy roughly 100 acres, or a tenth of the 1,000 acres slated for economic development at PTI, according to Kevin Baker, the airport authority’s executive director. Economic development recruiters are talking to other potential PTI tenants.

“We’re not done,” authority Chair Paul Mengert told Triad leaders gathered at the airport last week for Marshall’s announcement.

Marshall is the U.K.’s largest privately held aerospace and defense contractor. In a statement, the company said its selection of PTI supports its plans to expand in North America, the world’s largest market for the C-130 Hercules tactical transport aircraft.

In its first phase of development at PTI, the company plans to build a single hangar with six bays for maintenance, repair and overhaul services and an additional bay for painting.

Marshall expressed its initial interest in PTI about two years ago and then grew more serious about the site last year, Baker said. Amid competition with other sites, he told reporters last week “we had to prove why our site was the best.”

For several years, PTI has been grading property on both sides of I-73 in preparation for new tenants. “When a company likes this comes along, they can get their building going that much faster,” Baker said.

Marshall initially looked at more than 30 sites across the U.S. before narrowing its list to sites in Alabama, Kansas, Missouri and North Carolina, according to David Rhoades, communications director for the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

As part of its evaluation of the top 10 sites in nine states, the company considered several factors, including the availability of labor, training and development programs, access to suppliers and financial incentives, Rhoades said in an email earlier this week.

Recruiters used more than $3 million in state and local incentives to lure Marshall. Incentives from the state Department of Commerce totaled as much as $2.6 million, while the Guilford County Board of Commissioners gave incentives for as much as $433,000. The Greensboro City Council approved at least $240,000 in incentives.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement that the state’s reputation in the aerospace category “continues to grow worldwide,” as Marshall joins numerous other aviationrelated companies employing about 8,600 people at PTI. Aside from Boom, they include FedEx, Honda Aircraft Co., HAECO Americas and Cessna.

If he’s not eating, Oscar, a 15-year-old forest Guinea hog, can be found sunbathing outside the Science Center’s Friendly Farm.

Elsa, Moana, Luisa and Gracie are the newest members of the Jessup clan of northwest Greensboro. These four jump out of their coop each morning anxiously awaiting their breakfast treat of oats mixed with cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Did you know chickens can’t taste spicy things? They happily eat the cayenne pepper which keeps rodents away and helps fight off bacterial infections like salmonella.

King Louie happily assumes his royal throne – any place on the couch snuggled up close to his beloved owner, Keith Brown.

photo courtesey of Greensboro Science Center

Still Small Farms: a goat-raising adventure

by ANNETTE JOYCE

When Amy Leebrick and her family moved from their Greensboro home to a farm in Stokesdale in the summer of 2018, she had no intention of being a goat farmer. But life takes some strange twists sometimes, and within a year Amy found herself with a small herd of goats.

Okay, Amy thought, she’d take the

goats but she’d never, ever milk them. That didn’t work out either.

These days, Amy is quite the goat farmer and doesn’t waste a drop of the precious milk she collects from her goats. With help from her husband, Brandon, and their children, Amy now cares for a herd of about 20 goats and oversees Still Small Farms.

The goat adventure began when Amy’s brother and sister-in-law decided to sell their own farm before moving to do mission work.

“They had eight goats left and Brandon agreed to take them without consulting me,” Amy said with a smile. “Then Amanda, my sisterin-law, told me ‘By the way, the

Stokesdale residents rapidly increase herd of eight goats to a herd of 20 while learning along the way

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

The Leebrick family: (front row, L to R) Emmett, Everett and Allen; (back row, L to R) Mila, Amy and Brandon.

goats are pregnant.’”

At that time, this homeschooling mom knew absolutely nothing about goats. Always up for a challenge, however, she immediately began doing her research and soon found a wealth of knowledge online from Facebook groups that dealt with goats.

Amy said she’s learned so much from “randomly reading” people’s posts and asking questions. She’s since become well-versed in knowing what her goats need and being able to tell if they’re sick or if something’s not quite right. A lot of her knowledge has also come from experience.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, Amy had extra time to work with her goats. That’s also when she decided to try her hand at milking them. Of course, she needed to find a way to use the milk since she isn’t able to sell unpasteurized milk. Fortunately, she and her family acquired a taste for goat’s milk, which they found rather tasty. They now happily drink the milk, Amy cooks with it, makes yogurt and ice cream and produces goat’s milk soap.

The farm’s primary source of income comes from selling the baby

goats, which are born in the spring and fall. For the Leebricks, the goats provide more than just another income stream; the animals also offer valuable life lessons for the children.

“ e kids are learning through experience,” Amy explained. “ ey see the source and understand where their food comes from. ey get to see the animals give birth. It also teaches them responsibility as they help care for the goats.”

Although Amy is satisfied with how things have turned out, she doesn’t recommend that a “newbie” take the route her family took to goat ownership.

“Don’t do it the way we did it,” she laughed. “Do your research. Find a good goat mentor and find groups online. Figure out your fencing area and shelter (before you bring a goat home).”

She also advises taking a pass on

purchasing goats at a sales barn or livestock auction, since these animals are often sick or have other issues.

“Never get a free goat,” she stresses. “You definitely don’t want one of those. It’s better and safer to buy from a reputable farmer. You’ll get a better, healthier animal.”

While people have different reasons for purchasing goats, many want them as a pet. Amy doesn’t like to sell a goat by itself, and advises people to have a minimum of two.

“Goats are herd animals and get lonely and depressed and don’t thrive when there’s only one,” she said. “I don’t want to sell someone something that’s not going to work.”

Amy and her husband, Brandon, who is an attorney in Greensboro, have four children, twins Emmett and Everett, 10, Allen, 6, and Mila, 4. They attend Mercy Hill Church in Greensboro and enjoy giving back to others. The family recently brought their baby goats to the Camp Carefree Chili Championship, where they raised money for the camp by allowing people to spend time with the babies for a small donation.

Canine Capers gives dogs their day on April 29

If you were at Oak Ridge Town Park on Saturday, April 29, you probably noticed an abundance of happy dogs and their humans as they took over part of the park for the annual Canine Capers event.

As always, there was lots to see and do. Bark Avenue, the path leading from the parking lot to the dog park, was lined with booths that showcased veterinarians, pet supply retailers, pet artists, dog trainers and boarding facilities. Rescue organizations showed up with a multitude of dogs, puppies and even a few felines looking for good homes, garnering an ample amount of attention as well.

Attendees and their dogs were able to participate in a standard dog show, and the popular fun show contests included such categories as best paw-shaker, kisser, vocal performance and senior dog.

A new addition to the lineup, the Pup Cup ice cream eating contest, was de nitely a favorite among the four-legged contestants as they raced to see which dog would be the rst to nish the frozen treat.

Another favorite, Oak Ridge Lions Club’s dog maze, attracted both participants and

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

Decked out in her pearls, Cricket, a great Dane, took “Best in Show” at Canine Capers. At left, Cricket shows off her ribbon as she poses with owner and Summerfield resident Jeremy Hammond.

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

This good-looking border collie, Duck, received the reserve title in the Canine Capers dog show. Duck and her owner, Cindy Daniel, live in Kernersville.

spectators as owners attempted to be the fastest to help navigate their dogs through the webbed maze.

Terry Lannon, Oak Ridge’s parks and recreation director, was pleased

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It

love

when

Summerfield Paw Park set to open this Saturday, May 6

with this year’s Canine Capers.

“It was just a fantastic day,” Lannon said. “Both people and their dogs seemed to have a lot of fun with all the di erent events.

“This was our ninth year and we’re extremely grateful for the continued support of the vendors and the people who bring their dogs out for the day. We brought in quite a bit of money, which will be donated to the participating rescues.”

After nearly a year of planning and construction, the Town of Summerfield will host a grand opening for Summerfield Paw Park this Saturday, May 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 10 a.m.

Cheryl Gore, Summerfield events coordinator/assistant to the manager, said the grand opening will be low-key, with a few pet-friendly vendors on hand for the floating event and the first 150 visitors receiving a free gift.

Located at the end of Medearis Street just off Summerfield Road, the 1-acre park features two separate areas where dogs can play, based on their weight – there’s a large enclosure for dogs over 25 pounds and another smaller enclosure for dogs 25 pounds and under.

The park was designed with the comfort of both dogs and owners in mind. Both sides are equipped with benches, tunnels and water fountains and also offer both shaded and grassy areas. There are also logs and hoops for the smaller dogs and hurdles and weaving poles for the large dogs.

Gore said the park opening is a much-anticipated event.

“We’re super excited and we’ve heard from many citizens who can’t wait for this weekend,” she said.

“Hopefully the park will be put to great use.”

The Paw Park connects with Summerfield Community Park near the amphitheater, where restrooms are located. Before entering the dog park for the first time, visitors are required to register at www.summerfieldnc.gov/spp.

The dog park will be open from dawn to dusk.

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

was

at first sight

Oak Ridge resident Julie Suprenant laid eyes on Rigsby, a rescue with Ruff Love Rescue.

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

The grand opening of Summerfield Paw Park on Saturday, May 6, will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m.

Adoptable Pets

Red Dog Farm Animal Rescue Network

CHLOE

Meet Chloe! Her mom, Zoe, was found as a stray and taken to the Rockingham County Animal Shelter. Fortunately, Red Dog Farm was able to get Zoe from the shelter and give her a safe space to have her sweet puppies (three girls, five boys), who were born March 15. While Mom is a hound mix with a long nose and short stature, we have no info about the father. Chloe has very pretty facial markings and the sweetest demeanor to go with them. She is very laid-back during playtime and is often found snuggled up against her mom. It’s easy to fall in love with Chloe’s personality and her thick, soft fur. Chloe and her siblings will be available for adoption May 20 and we’re accepting applications now at reddogfarm.com.

MARY, BOB and ROSE

The best moments in the mornings are seeing these three patiently waiting at the gate for their feed. Mary, Bob and Rose are always happy to meet Ewe! These bonded babies were surrendered to us from Animal Control after they were found wandering alone. They are learning to trust humans, and are as kind as they look. Bob and Rose are adults while Mary is younger. They are in search of a new family willing to keep them together and watch as they quickly become the new favorite of the farm!

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

Guilford County Animal Resource Center

BACCHUS

Bacchus is a handsome 10-pound domestic shorthair boy. With a name like Bacchus (the Greek/Roman god of wine and the theater, also called Dionysos), you might take him for a real party animal, but like most cats (and many humans!) he enjoys napping. Bacchus is 4 1/2 years old, so he has years of love to give to his new family. Please ask for Bacchus by ID#GCAS-A-8326.

NEMO

Nemo is a 41-pound neutered pit bull terrier. He’s a goodlooking 5 1/2-year-old guy with his glossy brindle fur. Now, you might think he was named for the main character in “Finding Nemo,” but actually he prefers to identify with Captain Nemo, commander of the Nautilus in Jules Verne’s “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.” Please give Nemo a safe port; ask for him by ID# GCAS-A-8293.

Guilford County Animal Resource Center

980 Guilford College Road, Greensboro • Walk-in adoptions: Wed-Sun, 12-4pm To check animals’ availability or make surrender appointments, call (336) 641-3400 or visit www.guilfordcountync.gov/our-county/animal-services

Sheets Pet Clinic

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

& T

uses to hide from predators. It has millions of cells under its skin called chromatophores that help it change color!

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

Kids’ Korner

AWESOME ANIMALS

Giant Pacific Octopus did you know?

• e giant Paci c octopus is the largest species of octopus in the world. Adult giant Paci c octopuses typically weigh about 110 pounds and are nearly 16 feet across (compare that to the more familiar octopus, which averages 12 to 36 inches and weighs 6 to 25 pounds).

• Giant Paci c octopuses are extremely intelligent! In laboratory tests they’ve completed tasks like solving mazes and opening jars with their eight arms.

• Giant Paci c octopuses are carnivores who hunt at night, using venom to paralyze their prey — clams, shrimp, lobsters and small sh — and then crack open shells and tear through esh with their sharp beaks.

• ese octopuses like to spend most of their time alone. ey make themselves cozy dens within rock crevices where they hang out most of the day, only leaving at night to nd food.

• Giant Paci c octopuses are prey to seals, sea otters, sharks and large sh like tuna. Luckily, they have lots of defense mechanisms to help them escape these predators including their abilities to spray black ink, squeeze into small spaces and quickly expel water to jet away.

• e giant Paci c octopus has eight arms with about 2,240 suction cups which they use to taste and smell. Larger suckers near the beak and mouth can hold up to 35 pounds!

• ese octopuses have rectangle-shaped pupils which allow them to see in all directions, and give them control over how much light they let into their eyes. is is very helpful for the giant Paci c to catch prey and to watch out for predators while hunting at night. Extra fun fact: goats, sheep and toads are also part of the rectangle-shaped-pupil crowd.

• e female giant Paci c octopus can lay up to 74,000 eggs at once. For about six months, she stays with her strings of eggs while protecting them, cleaning them and making sure they get plenty of oxygen. She never leaves them during this time, and eventually dies of starvation a er completing her goal of passing on genes to her o spring.

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Rio Grande Kitchen & Cantina Let’s get this party started

What do Leroy the donkey, a mechanical bull, delicious drinks and delectable Mexican food have in common? You’ll find them all at Rio Grande Kitchen & Cantina when this favorite neighborhood eatery pulls out all the stops to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

Restaurant manager Daniel Perez, assistant managers GiGi Nunez and Nati Zavaleta, and marketing consultant Layla Rolfes have been working hard in recent weeks to plan a celebration that won’t soon be forgotten.

“We’ve got great food and drinks, entertainment and giveaways to keep everyone happy,” Zavaleta said. “We’re also closing down the back parking lot to make room for music, an outdoor bar, a mechanical bull ride and lots more seating.”

To accommodate the expected crowd on Cinco de Mayo, Rio is expanding its outdoor seating area;

GIFT CARDS now available!

beer, margaritas, mojitos and freshly made tamales will all be available at the outdoor bar.

While tamales are available in Rio’s various combo meals, Zavaleta noted they are not a regular menu item. On Cinco de Mayo, however, customers seated outdoors will be able to enjoy this Mexican favorite by itself.

For those brave souls who want a little more adventure, a mechanical bull is part of the party plan. Plus, special guest Leroy the donkey will be there, dressed in his best Mexican attire, from noon to 4 p.m., providing great photo ops for both kids and adults.

The music cranks up at 5 p.m., when outside customers will be entertained by a DJ. Local band Jacob Vaughan will hit the stage at 6 p.m. and turn the energy up a notch.

While all of this is going on outside, inside patrons can enjoy a full

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One of our customer favorites, veggie spring rolls wrapped in rice paper served with peanut sauce.

and

throughout the day, including T-shirt giveaways and piñatas for the kids. Representatives from several beverage distributors will also be dropping by at various times to pass out

Joyce/NWO

giveaways from their respective companies.

To facilitate faster service and avoid any issues with underage drinking, Rio is checking IDs at the door and passing out special wristbands for customers who plan to drink alcoholic beverages.

The entire Rio staff is excited about this year’s festivities and is looking forward to seeing all their friends, regular customers and new patrons as well.

“We invite you to come out and join the party,” Zavaleta said. “It’s a great day for a celebration!”

Photo by Annette

mark your calendar

EVERY WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY

 NW Guilford Farmers & Specialty Market | A combined Oak Ridge/Summerfield farmers market is now open 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; the market will run until Oct. 28. More info: Nicki Wagoner, (336) 817-7765 or fromtheearthfm@gmail.com.

SUNDAYS until MAY 21

 Fun Runs | Nonprofit Healthy Kids Running Series is hosting a fun run for kids 2 to 14 years old on Sundays through May 21, starting at 3 p.m. each week at Summerfield Elementary School, 7501 Summerfield Road. Visit www.runsignup.com/hkrssummerfield to register. Registration fee includes a T-shirt, snacks and medals for top finishers. More info: (510) 606-3430 or summerfieldnc@healthykidsrs.org.

EVERY MONDAY in MAY

 Block party | Morehead United Methodist Church at 3214 Horse Pen Creek Road in northwest Greensboro is hosting a block party every Monday in May from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Enjoy a free outdoor concert, a food truck and a funnel cake truck. More info:

www.facebook.com/moreheadumcgso.

FRIDAY, MAY 5

 Movie in the Park | Town of Summerfield will host a free Movie in the Park featuring Disney’s “Coco” on May 5 at Summerfield Athletic Park, 5200 U.S. 220 N. Music begins at 7:30 p.m. and there will be performances by dancers from Bella Ballerina Greensboro. The movie begins at 8:30 p.m. (dusk). Kona Ice will be onsite and Summerfield First Baptist Church will provide free popcorn. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on. More info: (336) 643-8655 or cgore@summerfieldnc.gov.

SATURDAY, MAY 6

 Grand opening: Summerfield Paw Park | Town of Summerfield invites humans and their four-legged friends to the grand opening of Summerfield Paw Park on May 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Medearis Street trailhead that connects to Summerfield Community Park, 5404 Centerfield Road. Enjoy free dog treats and a chance to explore this new park for dogs. A few pet-friendly vendors will be onsite, also. Before using the dog park for the first time, visitors must register at www.summerfieldnc.gov/spp.

SUNDAY, MAY 7

 Railroad plaque unveiling | Summerfield Historical Committee invites the community to the unveiling of the Summerfield Road railroad freight shed plaque and the historical train depot marker on May 7, starting at 2 p.m. at 7400 Summerfield Road. Local railroad enthusiast Kevin W. Von Der Lippe will be our

guest speaker. Attendees can park at 7400 Summerfield Road (Fire Station #9) in front of the burn building. More info: (336) 643-8655.

MONDAY, MAY 8

 NWGWC meeting | Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club, a nonprofit with members including women from all walks of life who enjoy fellowship and community service, will hold its monthly meeting May 8, starting at 7 p.m. To learn more about NGWC or to attend the meeting as a guest, contact Tiffany Hansen, president, at (336) 404-8038 or tiffanykhansen96@gmail.com.

MAY 9, 11 & 18

 Senior programs | Senior Resources of Guilford County will sponsor a senior program including activities and a take-home lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon on May 9 at Center UMC (6142 Lake Brandt Road in northern Greensboro) and Shady Grove Wesleyan Church (119 N. Bunker Hill Road in Colfax); on May 11 at Stokesdale United Methodist Church (8305 Loyola Drive); and on May 18 at Summerfield First Baptist Church (2300 Scalesville Road). To learn more and/ or RSVP at Center UMC, which starts at 10:45 a.m., contact the church at (336) 643-7765; for the others, contact (336) 373-4816, ext. 265.

TUESDAY, MAY 9

 Town Council meeting | Summerfield Town Council will meet May 9, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield

✯ RIDES + ACTIVITIES: tickets/wristbands available at event for $20 either day (unlimited rides); inflatables, lawn games, rock-climbing, facepainting, caricature drawing, and balloon-twisting

✯ FOOD TRUCKS + 40 CRAFT/BUSINESS VENDORS

✯ TENTS: history and trails/greenways

✯ LIVE MUSIC: Greensboro Performing Arts, Repertory 336, Summerfield Charter Academy, Revolution Academy, Highland North, Northern Guilford Jazz Band

Friday, May 19 (6p–10p) +

Saturday, May 20 (10a–4p)

✯ FESTIVITIES at 7300–7400 Summerfield Road near fire station #9

✯ SATURDAY PARADE at 10a on Summerfield Rd. (Centerfield Rd. to Oak St.)

✯ EXTRA PARKING and SATURDAY SHUTTLES from Laughlin Prof. Development Center (7911 Summerfield Rd.)

✯ sorry, no pets or alcohol

free, family-friendly entertainment | parade food | live music | vendors & exhibits | rides

Music in the park

CALENDAR EVENTS

...continued from p. 22

Road. The meeting will be livestreamed on the Town’s Facebook page. Visit www.summerfieldnc.gov for a meeting agenda. More info: (336) 643-8655.

 Stokesdale Fire District public hearing | Guilford and Rockingham County citizens who pay taxes to the Stokesdale Fire District are invited to a public hearing May 9, starting at 7 p.m. at the Stokesdale Fire Station, 8401 U.S. 158. The hearing is to discuss a request to increase the fire district tax rate. More info: (336) 643-0790.

featuring GIPSY DANGER

Saturday, May 13

music begins at 6:30pm

Food trucks available and a beverage garden will be provided by Wise Man Brewing and Oak Ridge Cra & Vine

Oak Ridge Town Park

Amphitheater

In case of inclement weather, this event will be held in the Family Life Center at Oak Ridge United Methodist Church. (No beer or wine served)

This event is FREE thanks to our generous sponsors!

Oak Ridge Commons SHOP • DINE • ENJOY

Domino’s Pizza Oak Ridge Craft & Vine

THURSDAY, MAY 11

 Town Council meeting | Stokesdale Town Council will meet May 11, starting at 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. Citizens may attend in person or view the meeting on the town’s YouTube channel. Visit www.stokesdale.org for a meeting agenda. More info: (336) 643-4011.

FRIDAY, MAY 12

 5K race & 1-mile Color Run | Northern Guilford Middle School, 616 SimpsonCalhoun Road in northern Greensboro, will host a 5K race & 1-mile Color Run on May 12, 5 to 8 p.m. There will be food trucks, inflatables, door prizes and an obstacle course. The 5K will be chip-timed by Trivium Racing. Attendees are encouraged to bring food items to donate to Guilford Backpack Ministry. For more info and to sign up, visit www.facebook.com/ ngms.ptsa.nighthawks.

SATURDAY, MAY 13

to a Music in the Park event May 13 at Oak Ridge Town Park Amphitheater, 6231 Lisa Drive. Gipsy Danger will be performing “new grass” music from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket; food will be available for purchase and Kona Ice will be onsite. Beer and wine will be for sale in the beverage garden provided by Wise Man Brewing and Oak Ridge Craft & Vine. The music performance is free, but donations for the band are appreciated. In case of inclement weather, this event will be held in the Family Life Center at Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, 2424 Oak Ridge Road (no alcohol if moved to the church).

TUESDAY, MAY 16

 Northwest Guilford VFW | Northwest Guilford VFW invites veterans and individuals who have served overseas in a conflict to join VFW Post #7999 for their monthly meeting May 16, 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. More info: (336) 456-2199 or (336) 601-0941.

 Kiwanis Club | Kiwanis Club of Northwest Guilford, a nonprofit that engages in projects focused on children, will meet May 16, starting at 12 noon at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge. More info: nwgkiwanis@gmail.com.

FRI. & SAT., MAY 19-20

Tire Max

 Camp Carefree fundraiser | In honor of National Train Day on May 13, Camp Carefree invites the community to come see a newly assembled O scale and other model trains, and make a donation to the camp for the upcoming summer season, on May 13, from 9:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the campground’s barn/dining room, 275 Carefree Lane in Stokesdale. Camp Carefree is a nonprofit that offers a free, one-week camp experience to children with serious illnesses and special needs. More info: (336) 427-0966.

 Music in the Park | The Town of Oak Ridge and its Parks & Recreation Advisory Board invite the community

 Founders’ Day | Town of Summerfield will host its annual two-day Founders’ Day festival Friday, May 19, 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, May 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7300-7400 Summerfield Road, next to Summerfield Fire Station #9. Friday’s festivities will include performances from students at Greensboro Performing Arts, carnival rides, inflatables, food trucks and more. Saturday’s festivities will include a parade at 10 a.m. along Summerfield Road, performances from students of Summerfield Charter Academy, Revolution Academy and Greensboro Performing Arts, carnival rides and games, local craft and business vendors, caricature drawing, face painting and balloon twisting, food trucks and more. Shuttle service will be provided on a continuous loop from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. More info: visit www.summerfieldnc.gov/foundersday, call Town Hall at (336) 643-8655, email foundersday@summerfieldnc.gov, and/or see ad on p. 23.

Dynamic duo takes gold, silver in pickleball national championship

Northwest Guilford High School guidance counselor Morgan Kaplan and Proehlific Park’s Katie Allegro recently teamed up to win gold and silver medals in the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships

NW GREENSBORO –

When he plays pickleball, Northwest Guilford High School guidance counsel Morgan Kaplan loves attacking his opponents. Katie Allegro, Proehlific Park’s pickleball director, is adept at dinking the ball, dropping it just over the net.

It’s a winning combination. The pair won gold and silver medals last month when they teamed up for mixed doubles at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida.

Billed as the largest pickleball event in the world, the championships drew the best players – including Kaplan and Allegro, who played at the highest amateur level, just below professional. He is 30; she is 33 –putting them in competition against other players 30 years and older.

in an interview earlier this week.

us.”

and Allegro are lining up sponsors to help pay entry fees and other expenses. Tenten1 Pickleball Apparel is supplying Kaplan with hoodies, shirts and shorts, while Allegro is negotiating a sponsorship with the maker of Gruvn paddles.

Other potential sponsors for Allegro are a clothing manufacturer and Proehlific Park, where she also serves as chief operating officer. She learned

As they’re beginning to advance into professional tournaments, Kaplan ...continued on p. 26

Photo courtesy of Morgan Kaplan Morgan Kaplan (left) and Katie Allegro won gold and silver medals in last month’s U.S. Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida.

“I’m pretty aggressive, and she is really steady and doesn’t make a lot of errors,” Kaplan said

“ at works well for

about pickleball several years ago when club members were eager to play the increasingly popular sport.

After playing recreational tennis and basketball for years, Kaplan discovered pickleball about three years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic. As his college classes shifted online, he moved home to Norfolk, Virginia, from Raleigh where he was completing his master’s of education degree at N.C. State University.

Having lived in Greensboro previously, Kaplan moved back in 2021 for

an internship at Western Guilford High School. He joined the guidance counseling staff at Northwest Guilford last year.

As Kaplan began playing pickleball in Greensboro, he met Allegro, a 2011 graduate of Greensboro College where she played on the soccer and tennis teams. Emerging as two of the strongest players in the area, they began teaming up in mixed doubles.

In the past two months, they have won tournaments in Greensboro and Durham.

“We used them as tune-ups for the U.S. Open,” Kaplan said.

The pair enjoys a natural edge, so to speak, in that Kaplan plays lefthanded and Allegro swings her paddle with her right arm. They line up so their paddles are pointed toward the center of the court, an advantage when playing doubles in games such as pickleball and tennis.

They play to the strengths of their differing styles. Kaplan “likes to go fast-paced,” sometimes smashing the ball across the net from the back of the court, Allegro said.

When opponents return Kaplan’s shots, Allegro said she tries to settle them down, sometimes dropping the ball just across the net into an area known as the kitchen.

This area extends 7 feet from the net on both sides of the court. Players can’t step into the kitchen to volley the ball – or return it before it hits the ground.

Allegro specializes in dinking the ball into the kitchen at an angle, forcing opponents to wait for the ball to bounce before returning it in an upward direction across the net. That essentially tees the ball up for Allegro and Kaplan, allowing them to smash

35 Years

the ball back and win points.

“It’s a chess match,” Allegro said. “When you’re in the kitchen, the objective is to be the rst one to set up the most attackable ball.”

As long as he plays well, Kaplan said he expects to win when he teams up with Allegro.

“She can out-dink anybody,” he said.

“She’s more vocal on the court; she gets fired up when we play, but not at me,” Kaplan said. “And I’m more laid-back.”

But that’s not the case when Kaplan swings his paddle. He hits the ball hard, sometimes aiming for his opponents.

“I’m not trying to hurt anyone, but sometimes you’re aiming at people to end the point,” he said. “I’ve been hit. It stings and it’s annoying. But it’s part of the game.’’

Samuel K.

welcome to ... Youth Sync

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

Top 1% Invisalign Providers! Reynolds

Congratulations to Reynolds & Stoner Orthodontics! Our practice continues to be in the top 1% of all Invisalign providers. Since 2021, we have been the only office in the Triad with this award which means you get experience and expertise when you see our orthodontic specialists. Call or text our office to schedule a FREE consultation with either of the doctors in our private practice.

Middle school Odyssey of the Mind teams headed to World Finals

Info contributed by Kate Harding, OM coach

NW GUILFORD – Two local Odyssey of the Mind teams are heading to the world finals in Lansing, Michigan, later this month. Both teams (two of five teams sponsored by the Northwest Guilford Kiwanis) started their journey last September and have been meeting regularly to solve their problem since. The first team placed first at Regionals and first at State Finals to qualify for World Finals. The second team placed first at Regionals and third at State Finals.

The 14 team members are in sixth through

eighth grade and collectively attend Northwest Middle School, Brown Summit Middle School, Northern Middle School, Revolution Academy and The Academy at Lincoln. While some of the students are brand new to OM, others have been participating for as long as six years. At World Finals, each team will compete against about 60 teams from around the world and the U.S.

On behalf of all of our OM teams, I would like to thank Northwest Guilford Kiwanis for their support, and the friends, family and community members who have encouraged these students along the way.

want to support these teams?

To help cover travel expenses to the World Finals in East Lansing, Michigan, later this month, the OM teams will host a Trivia Night on Friday, May 19, at Craft & Vine in Oak Ridge Commons shopping center. Attend the event in person, or make a donation or purchase raffle tickets by emailing OM coach Kate Harding at K8harding@yahoo.com (raffle tickets must be purchased by May 20).

For more info, you can also message the Northwest Guilford Kiwanis’ Odyssey of the Mind Facebook page.

Call or text: 336-274-7649 Summerfield and Greensboro

(L to R) OM team members Will Jamieson, Kellan Harding, Alex Rudolph, Ansley LeCompte, Katie Schmitz, Connor LeCompte and Meagan Brady are members of one of two local Odyssey of the Mind teams that qualified for the OM World Finals and will be headed to Lansing, Michigan, later this month.

(L to R) Shubhi Gupta, Anastasia Soto, Seth Edeh, Samuel Patterson, Pihoo Agarwal, Samhita Shyam and their coach, along with Eli McLamb (not shown) will also compete in the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals later this month.

Photos courtesy of Kate Harding

Local Scouting volunteer receives Medal of Merit

beyond what is normally expected.

Stanislawscyk was nominated for the award in recognition of his potentially lifesaving efforts during a Scouting event. In fall 2022, he successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver, a first-aid procedure used to remove airway blockages, to rescue a Scout who was choking.

Richard Stanislawscyk was recently awarded Boy Scouts of America’s Medal of Merit in recognition of his potentially lifesaving efforts during a Scouting event last fall.

Boy Scouts of America has awarded Richard Stanislawscyk, Scouts BSA Troop 600 assistant scoutmaster and Troop 219 committee member, the Medal of Merit, which recognizes registered youth and adults for notable acts of service above and

“Richard truly lives up to Scouting’s motto – ‘Be Prepared’,” said Mike Matzinger, Scoutmaster for Troop 600. “… His calm, quick and effective action saved the day.”

In honor of Stanislawscyk’s efforts, Troop 219 has set a goal for all 42 Scouts to be certified in First Aid, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), and AED (automated external defibrillator) and for every leader to be certified in Wilderness First Aid.

Troop 600 for boys and Troop 219 for girls meet Monday evenings at Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church. For more information, visit www.scoutdude.com.

Virtual Care from Your Home

Photo courtesy of Shana Shumate

In between rain showers, Summerfield Elementary fifth graders (L to R) Chase Shumate, Sullivan Pearson and Truman Housely celebrated Earth Day on Saturday, April 22, by cleaning up trash along Strader Road in Summerfield.

Photo courtesy of Holly Stewart

ORYA Vikings

Cheerleading Camps

We are excited to be o ering three di erent cheer camps this summer! All camps will focus on skill building in multiple areas such as jumps, chants, dance and stunts. No two camps will be the same! Join us for one camp or all three!

For more information about ORYA or to register for upcoming sports and programs, visit

Oak Ridge Youth Association thanks McDonald's for sponsoring this page

McDonald’s Oak Ridge 8000 Marketplace Drive

STOKESDALESpring Festival

Saturday, May 6 ● 10am-4pm

Stokesdale United Methodist Church

8305 Loyola Drive

Need more info? Email purplewagonevents@gmail.com

Thanks to our sponsor:

CRIME / INCIDENT report

District 1

’s O ce

The District 1 office, one of three district offices in Guilford County, encompasses Oak Ridge, Summerfield, Stokesdale, Colfax and northwest and northern Greensboro. It is bounded by Rockingham County on the north, runs east along U.S. 29 South, west along Forsyth County and south along the Greensboro city limits.

ANIMAL-RELATED

April 28 | A resident of the 6700 block of Ashton Park Drive in Oak Ridge (off Oak Ridge Road) reported that between April 26 and April 28 some of his livestock was damaged by bees. April 30 | Law enforcement officers responded to a report of an injured animal in the 8200 block of Hunting Cog Road in Oak Ridge (near Oak Ridge Road).

ASSAULT/DOMESTIC INCIDENT

April 21 | Officers responded to a report of communicated threats and an assault in the 7000 block of Summerfield Road in Summerfield.

April 22 | Officers responded to a domestic incident in the 7700 block of McAdams Court in northwest Greensboro (near Northwest School Road).

April 25 | A 73-year-old male was arrested in the 4500 block of Spinnaker Court in northwest Greensboro (near Fleming Road) for assault on a female.

April 28 | Officers responded to a reported assault in the 7800 block of Chesterbrooke Drive in northern Greensboro (near N.C. 150 W).

April 29 | A 28-year-old male was arrested in the 7500 block of Auburnwood Drive in Summerfield (off Oak Ridge Road) for assault with a deadly weapon.

May 1 | A non-resident in the

8000 block of Fogleman Road in Oak Ridge (off N.C. 68 N) reported a known suspect pointed a firearm at him and threatened to shoot, and a 28-year-old male was arrested for two out-of-county offenses.

DEATH INVESTIGATION

April 21 | Officers conducted a death investigation in the 8000 block of Meadow Springs Place in Stokesdale (near N.C. 68 N).

DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED

April 26 | An 18-year-old male was arrested in the 8500 block of Haw River Road in Stokesdale for driving after consuming alcohol underage and also cited for driving 15 mph over the speed limit.

OVERDOSE

April 21 | Officers responded to a heroin overdose in the 7000 block of Summerfield Road in Summerfield.

Sheri

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

Most Trusted Hearing Care Experts in The Triad

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

April 24 | Officers responded to a report of suspicious activity at Southern Sod Grass and Landscape Supply in Colfax.

THEFT

April 17 | A resident of the 7700 block of N.C. 68 N in Stokesdale reported that between April 12 and April 17 an unknown suspect stole a black trailer worth $2,000 from his property.

April 22 | Multiple citizens at St. Thomas Chapel in northern Greensboro reported that between

1:40 and 2:45 p.m. an unknown suspect broke their vehicles’ windows to gain entry and stole several items including purses, wallets with banking and gift cards, checkbooks, a laptop bag and books.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

April 26 | Officers responded to a traffic accident in the 600 block of James Doak Parkway in northern Greensboro (near N.C. 150 W).

VANDALISM

April 20 | A citizen at Summerfield Athletic Park reported that between

6 and 8 p.m. an unknown suspect did $500 worth of damage to her vehicle.

April 21 | A resident of the 8000 block

of Nellis Lane in Colfax (near Cude Road) reported an unknown suspect did $100 worth of damage to his grass.

District 1 Sheri ’s O ce

7504 Summerfield Road

Main number: (336) 641-2300

Report non-emergency crime-related incidents by calling: (336) 373-2222 8 a.m.–5 p.m., M-F www.guilfordcountync.gov/ our-county/sheriff-s-office

We Are The Revolution

Urgent

Primary Care

Pap smear

Full-service labs

Long COVID

EKG with interpretation

Rapid COVID, flu, strep, RSV IV fluids and medicines

Referrals for age-appropriate screenings (colonoscopy, mammogram)

HepC and PSA screenings

Subscription Plans

$99/month

 School librarians

Colleen Pinyan and Patty Stringer for all they do for Northwest schools. They wear many hats and care so much for the staff and students.

 The folks who came out to support Stokesdale Community Choir – you are the best! And to Elizabeth Crouch for stepping up to direct and Rev. Danny and Kimberly Hemric for the preconcert music. Y’all make us smile.

 Triad Door Co. for sending Justin out to repair our garage door opener. It was late on Friday, April 14, and Justin was on his way home from work. Our vehicles were in the closed garage.

 Bank of Oak Ridge for supporting the Greensboro Symphony. What an incredibly talented group of musicians, which we are very fortunate to have in our area. They deserve our support!

 Oak Ridge and Summerfield fire departments for putting out the spot fires during the GTCC training burn on Brookbank Road.

 Summerfield Farms employees (Holly and Collins) for picking up trash at the end of Pleasant Ridge Road and around the softball fields. I’m thankful for people who help keep our community clean and looking good.

 Stephanie, who works at the Exxon station near Lake Brandt Road, for giving me $10 of her personal money to buy gas when I left my wallet at home and was on empty. Amazing kindness!

 Wesley and Brad (and Brian) at Tire Max in Summerfield. Needed two tires on a stroller pumped up quickly before a buyer from Facebook Marketplace picked it up and they got right to it (their first stroller tire repair, too!).

 The kind person at Summerfield Food Lion on April 24 who paid for someone’s groceries when their credit card was declined. We all left with a smile. You are a great example!

 Tom Malone and TM Construction for our beautiful new porch. You went above and beyond. Truly amazing work and a pleasure working with you!

 Gary Holbrook and the basketball coaching staff at ORMA. Our son had two fabulous seasons playing the game as it should be played. First-class athletes and students there as well.

 The seventh grade Northwest Middle School parents who literally braved the elements to help chaperone students at Carowinds. Your help (and patience) made the trip a success!

 Oak Ridge Elementary PTO and parents/families for celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week in such a thoughtful way. You filled us “UP” with your kindness!

 The young man and Oak Ridge town employee who helped when my mom tripped and fell on the way to the softball field. Your strength and kindness were appreciated more than you know.

gravel parking area at the access to the A&Y greenway. Grading is needed. As is, this is destructive for cars and dangerous for their inhabitants.

Editor’s note: We reached out to the County’s parks and maintenance department this week about the condition of this parking lot, but learned it falls under the City of Greensboro’s jurisdiction; we’re following up with someone in the city’s parks maintenance department and hope to report back with their response in our next issue.

 Guilford County Schools for fooling the taxpayers of Guilford County. Site proposed for new K-8 /STEM school at Bunker Hill and Boylston Road is too small, so dropping the STEM. Site is inappropriate!

Editor’s note: According to Gabrielle Brown, a spokesperson for Guilford County Schools, the school system expects the K-8 school planned for Colfax to be a STEM school; however, the district is still evaluating plans. An informational meeting is scheduled for 5:30-6:30 p.m. this Thursday, May 4, at Colfax Elementary School at 9112 W. Market St. in Colfax.

 UPS store on Church Street for not being open during posted business hours. Countless times I have gone during the business day and the doors are locked. Gripes also for not having staff for advertised services such as a notary.

 The developer who ignored the request from 49 residents on Brookbank Road to not burn the Carlson house and did so anyway.

 The landowner in Summerfield who will stop at nothing to get his way. I guess he will suck the town dry in legal fees, too. Just ridiculous!

 The griper regarding people letting their cats outside. It is not cruel. How would you like it if someone put you inside your house for your whole life, never to feel the sun or grass under your feet? Now, that’s cruel.

 Whoever is responsible for the steep drop-off from Strawberry Road to the

 Sen. Phil Berger for suggesting David Couch and Summerfield work to find a solution. No! How about David Couch build within the existing rules? Stay out of our town’s business!

 Stokesdale Town Council member Tim Jones, who keeps bringing up old “news” when he needs to take care of today’s business in Stokesdale. There is more to worry about today than what happened at a council meeting three years ago.

 David Couch. Work with residents or put your property up for sale. It is clear your plans are not what the majority wants, regardless of what city/town it pays taxes to. Stop forcing the town to spend to defend itself!

 Those expressing compassion for animals killed by gardeners and cats while ignoring the terror, torture and death of the animals on their own dinner plates.

 NorthStar Medical Group for just not being what it used to be. Chase and Ashley, my family will follow you and the best nurses, Heather and Mandy!

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

A&B Portable Toilets

Affordable Home Repairs

Amada Senior Care

Carlie Rae Beauty

Gospel Baptist Church

Indigo Art Studio

NeuroStrive

North Star Moisture Solutions

Team Alliance / Keller Williams

To the Moon and Back Frozen Treats

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

BEK Paint Co. |since 2009

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital |since 2008

Bistro 150

Destination Arts

since 2007

since 2015

Dillon Tree Service |since 2022

Great Clips

since 2008

Kimberly Thacker Accounting |since 2009

Novant – Forsyth Pediatrics |since 2009

Oak Ridge Physical Therapy

Olmsted Orthodontics

Prestige Car Wash

Rio Grande Kitchen & Cantina

Ridge Shrimp & Oyster

...and welcome back: McDonald’s of Oak Ridge

Scott’s Tractor & Equipment, Reidsville

since 2008

since 2014

since 2004

since 2003

since 2021

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

Call (336) 644-7035,

 AUTO SALES & SERVICES

 EMPLOYMENT

SUMMERFIELD VETERINARY HOSPITAL is seeking a full-time Kennel Assistant. Weekends and holidays a must. Drug and background check required. Please apply in person at 4318 US Hwy 220N, Summerfi eld, NC, or email resume to lydia@summerfieldvet.com.(336)643-6326

(336) 891-3876

EUROHAUSAUTO.PRO

Seeking experienced HORSE/BARN HELP

 PUBLIC NOTICES

STOKESDALE FIRE DISTRICT INC

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

15-20 hours/week, 5-6 days/week. For 3 horses. Duties include mucking stalls, feeding, turnout, arena and barn maintenance. Grooming 4-5 days/week. Located in Summerfield. Please contact me at: cmm2661@gmail.com or (805) 358-4765

The SHRIMP CONNECTION is hiring. Great for those wanting 12-15 hrs./wk. Fri./ Sat. We've been having fun serving the Triad fresh seafood since 2001. Text/call Joy, (336) 848-9361

WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING. Hiring experienced service plumbers. Vacation and holiday pay. Truck provided. Please call (336) 992-2503

Board of Directors interest packets are available for pickup. The board will have four positions available for election during the July 2023 annual meeting. If interested in applying for one of these positions, please pick up your packet at the station located at 8401 US Hwy. 158. Packets must be returned no later than May 15, by 4pm in order to be considered.

PUBLIC HEARING. The Stokesdale Fire District Inc. will hold a public hearing for anyone in Guilford or Rockingham County who pays taxes into the Stokesdale Fire District. It will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 7pm at the fire station, 8401 US HWY 158, Stokesdale. The hearing is to discuss a request to increase the fire district tax rate.

LOVE DRIVING A STICK? This is the car for you! Great condition and fun to drive. Has been a favorite car but due to growing family, need a larger vehicle that fits more car seats. In great condition and has been regularly serviced. 2.0L, 4 cylinder with great gas mileage. Power windows and locks. Two key fobs. $9,000. Contact Chris for more information, (336) 686-0692

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

THE GARDEN OUTLET is hiring. Landscaping crew, Bobcat operator, delivery driver. For more information, give us a call at (336) 643-0898

Hiring? www.nwobserver.com

Follow us on Facebook for updates! facebook/northwestobserver

 HOME CARE NEEDED

Need DEPENDABLE CAREGIVER with dependable transportation. Must provide references. Please contact (336) 215-6108.

 HOME CARE AVAILABLE

CAREGIVER. Kernersville and NW Guilford County area. Several shifts open. 19+ years experience. Excellent references. Business license. Not an agency. (276) 206-9275

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.

The ANNUAL MEETING of the Oak Ridge Fire and Rescue Company, Inc., will be held Monday, June 12, at 7:30pm. The purpose of the meeting will be the election of corporate officers and directors, the presentation of the annual performance and financial reports for the fiscal year ending June 12, 2023, and other business of the corporation. Anyone interested in filing to run for a position will need to contact Gale Long, Administrative Assistant, to obtain and file the appropriate forms. The filing period opened April 13 and closes May 12. Those desiring to vote at the meeting must be registered voters in the Oak Ridge Fire District and be listed on the voter registration rolls as maintained by the Guilford County Board of Elections effective as of May 13, 2022. Gale may be contacted at 8325 Linville Road, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 or by telephone at (336) 643-3783

 SAVE THE DATE

NATIONAL TRAIN DAY is Sat., May 13, 9:45am-5pm. Visit Camp Carefree, 275 Carefree Lane, Stokesdale, for our fundraiser and see a train display by Ann and Art Riddle. Donations for Camp Carefree will be appreciated.

continued on p. 36

 VBS

LIVING WATER BAPTIST CHURCH VBS.

June 19-23, 6-8pm. Lite Dinner 5:30-6pm. Ages 3-adult. Register @ lwbctriad.org

Something going on?

Planning a yard sale?

Place your classified ad online at www.nwobserver.com

 YARD SALE

NEIGHBORHOOD YARD SALE. Saturday, May 6, 7am-1pm. Carlson Ridge Court, Summerfield. Three homes, tons of stuff !

 HOME SERVICES

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

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

CLEANING

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

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

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

 HOME SERVICES

ELECTRICAL

BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC

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

Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? 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.

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

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

 HOME SERVICES

GENERAL HANDYMAN. Repairs, installations, assemblies, etc. Light electrical and plumbing. Yard work and power washing. Insured. No job too small. Give Gordon a call, (336) 253-7700

AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIR

Why move when you can improve?

construction

well pumps ● plumbing ● foundations sagging floors...and much more!

licensed general contractors

One call fixes all!

(336) 643-1184

APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance

A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707

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

The Northwest Observer

Sharing news of your community since 1996!

GRADING / HAULING

EXCAVATION, GRADING and LAND CLEARING. New driveways or ponds. Drainage. Please call Douglas Construction, (336) 413-5050

 HOME SERVICES

H&L GRADING, LLC No job too tough or too small. Call us first! We are a full-service grading company that specializes in 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, portable sawmill and much more. We also do custom roughcut lumber. Call owner/operator Bobby Lipstreu, (336) 543-7867.

GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS WILSON

Installation, repair, replacement, Leaf Guard

Stokesdale

336-420-0200

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

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

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.

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

T's HOME REPAIRS. Get ready for spring. Deck staining, pressure washing, update fans or lighting, other repairs. Insured. Text Trevor at (336) 404-4480

OLD SCHOOL HOME REPAIR

See display ad on page 22.

L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE

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

ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING

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

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

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

 HOME SERVICES

GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE

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

R C LAWN CARE. Res./comm. lawn service. Fully insured. Call/text (336) 231-9599

McCOLLS'S LANDSCAPE. Full lawncare service. In business 24 yrs. Call/text, (336) 339-1356. emmccoll@gmail.com.

HILL LAWNCARE & OUTDOOR SERVICES

Free est. Call (336) 669-5448

AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Quality irrigation systems. NC licensed contractor. We service all systems. Free est. (336) 644-1174

GOSSETT ' S LAWNCARE. Complete lawn care and maintenance. Res./comm. Fully insured. In business for 33 years. (336) 451-5216.

WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC

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

ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE

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

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

COLFAX LAWNCARE. Core aeration & seeding. Fertilizing, mowing, trimming. Complete lawn care/maintenance. Res./comm. Fully insured. Serving the Triad for 34 years. (336) 362-5860.

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.

Offer a service? visit nwobserver.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

The Northwest Observer

Keeping you connected for 25+ years!

MASONRY

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

CONCRETE COATINGS

Flake Epoxy Systems

Garage Floor and Concrete Resurfacing

Decorative Concrete Overlays Stamped Concrete Rejuvenation

Eric Sauls, Owner ● (336) 970-3543

Call

for your free estimate

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

 HOME SERVICES

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

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS

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

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

Certified Mold Inspections

Certified Mold Remediation

Crawl Space Vapor Barriers

Crawl Space Cleaning

Insulation/Foam Board Sealing

Basement Moisture Issues

locally based in Stokesdale ● (336) 937-4983 northstarmoisture@gmail.com www.northstarmoisture.com

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

PAINTING & DRYWALL

 HOME SERVICES

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

BEK Paint Co.

Residential & Commercial

David & Judy Long, owners

(336) 931-0600

BEKPaintCompany.com

• References Available

• Licensed & Insured

• All Work Guaranteed

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

PLUMBING

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

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

POOLS

COX POOL SERVICE. Openings, closings, routine maintenance, weekly service. No contracts; free estimates! (336) 327-5122

PRESSURE WASHING

Residential • Commercial • Licensed & Insured

Available working in NW Guilford County since 1999

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

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

CUTTING EDGE PRESSURE WASHING Affordable. Dependable. Call anytime for free estimate. (336) 706-0103

continued on p. 38

 HOME SERVICES

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

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

AMERICAN BUILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC. Remodeling/repairs/decks. Any size job. Short wait. (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.

TMConstruction Services, INC

 HOME SERVICES ROOFING

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

(336) 310-4133

WWW.VILLAGEROOFS.COM

DUSTIN CLINARD ROOFING. Shingles, metal, and leak repairs. Certified for 50year non-prorated shingle warranties. Call (336) 268-1908

 MISC. SERVICES

WILDLIFE REMOVAL & Exclusion Services. Bats, birds, beaver, raccoons, squirrels and monthly snake services. Veteran owned. Insured. Call (336) 529-2075

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

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

PIANO LESSONS, all ages and levels, Summerfield area. Patti, (336) 298-4181

 MISC. FOR SALE

BUILDING

Screened

CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC

40 + years experience. (336) 643-8191

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

 REAL ESTATE

LAND FOR SALE

SUMMERFIELD LAND FOR SALE. Large lots and tracts of land for sale. If you’re looking for land or a great building site, call now, (336) 430-9507

LAND WANTED

Single family WANTING TO PURCHASE land in NW Guilford or Rockingham County for personal home. We are NOT a developer or realtor! Looking for 10 to 100 acres. Please call Brian at (336) 416-6506

WANTED: LAND. Any size or shape. Vacant or with dwellings. Matters not. We pay CASH! Quick closings! Call (336) 430-9507

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

KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION, LLC

N.C. general contractor with 30 years experience. Specializing in new homes, room additions, kitchens & baths, garages, decks, vinyl siding and windows, painting, tile, laminate and vinyl plank, and remodeling of all kinds. Quality for the right price. Free est. Please call (336) 362-7469.

PAINTING, DECKS AND MORE. Call

Premier Construction for free estimates. (336) 430-9507

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.

Place your ad online: nwobserver.com

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

Your company should be here!

Place your classifi ed ad online at www.nwobserver.com

 MISC. SERVICES

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

EXERCISE BIKE! This stationary bike provides low-impact cardio workout without back strain. Price $150. Please call David, (336) 643-0282

www.nwobserver.com

 MISC. WANTED

REALTORS

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

Gated access with 24/7 camera surveillance

We carry moving & shipping supplies

WELDING AND TRAILER REPAIR Call Tim, (336) 402-3869. & (336) 643-9963 • 8207 B & G Court, Stokesdale

CHEER LESSONS. All levels and ages. Get help to make your team. (336) 420-6605

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

Wanted: FARM EQUIPMENT to buy. All kinds. Please call (336) 430-9507

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

 REAL ESTATE HOME FOR RENT

2BD/1BA DUPLEX in Oak Ridge. Appliances included. W/D hookup. Available May 5. $1,200/mo. $1,200 dep. (336) 312-0305

Austin

Zach and Susan Swartz of Summerfield celebrated their 25th anniversary by taking a trip to London in April. While there they demonstrated one of the keys to a long and wonderful marriage – reading the Northwest Observer together!

Laura Craven (left) of Colfax and Amy Carrickhoff of Oak Ridge took a train trip to Washington, D.C., in March to do some sightseeing and enjoy the thousands of cherry blossoms during the week of peak bloom (they even wore cherry blossom T-shirts for the occasion!). While there, they paused for a few minutes to peruse the local news while enjoying the beautiful backdrop. Note: There are about 3,800 cherry trees on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

and Lauren Daugherty recently celebrated their honeymoon in Italy. The Trevi Fountain topped their list of the most picturesque spots to read the Northwest Observer.