GRINS and GRIPES

Delighted or dismayed by something in your community?

Share your thoughts in 40 words or less

online: nwobserver.com email: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com

Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion.

 Everyone who stopped to help as well as those who proceeded with caution when they saw a puppy on the loose on Strawberry Road on May 1. Special thanks to Tracy O’Brian for skillfully leashing him and getting him to safety!

 Tire Max. We are not only fortunate to have a business like this in our community, we are blessed!

 Natalie at Bank of Oak Ridge, who went out of her way to make a complicated situation much more manageable. She demonstrates the type of excellent customer service that all service providers should aspire to!

 Elizabeth Jernigan with Greensboro Parks & Recreation, for so quickly responding when condition of the gravel parking lot off Strawberry Road was brought to her attention. Three workers, a truckload of gravel, and this A&Y Greenway access is usable again!

 Denise, who works at McDonald’s in Oak Ridge. She’s always happy and kind, and has a wonderful smile. She’s become our favorite at this location. The world needs more people like her! feel grass in their own yards, guarding them from injury/death by cars or wildlife, along with protecting other animals from cat predation.

 Mr. Rasch at Oak Ridge Elementary School for going the extra mile and attending his students’ sporting events. The kids love seeing him cheer them on!

 To the Moon and Back Frozen Treats for your over-the-top generous support of our Odyssey of the Mind teams. And to the rest of the community who supported our fundraising efforts!

 Organizers and volunteers of the Oak Ridge Canine Capers event. My pup and I enjoyed it. We appreciated all of the goodies and opportunity to chat with the vendors.

 Michelle Bardsley with Revolution Academy. She welcomes the families at the crosswalk with a smile every morning and her passion for serving the community is evident. Thank you for leading the children in the right direction.

 Friendly smiles and great prices at our hometown Food Lion in Stokesdale. Does anybody that grew up in Stokesdale remember when we had to drive miles for a decent grocery store? Not anymore!

 Town of Summerfield for hosting the Movie in the Park on May 5, and to First Baptist Church Summerfield for the free popcorn. Looking forward to bringing my grandkids to more of these events!

 Nate and all the great employees of Bank of Oak Ridge. Always friendly and helpful, whether by phone or in person, and no issue is too small or great for them to handle with skill and kindness.

 The Stokesdale Elementary School community who participated in the 2nd Annual Fun Run and Bike Parade! Special thank you to Patti Stokes, the Stokesdale Fire Department, Stokesdale Deputy Town Clerk Robbie Wagoner, and Jaxson Franklin for being part of the event!

 From local dogs and their friends to Oak Ridge town staff, volunteers and sponsors for making another wonderful Canine Capers event possible this year!

 Stokesdale Elementary PTO for planning and organizing another great bike race and decorating contest in the town park. So much fun to see all the kids on their bikes and families spending time together outside!

~SPACE IS LIMITED to 50 kids ages 6–12.

~Registration begins May 22, the form is available at www.summerfieldnc.gov.

~Bring your rod & reel or use ours—bait provided. ~Free t-shirt!

 April Hairston at Oak Ridge Elementary School for loving our students and for going the extra mile!

 Feline caregivers who safely allow their beloveds to smell fresh air and

 The boys who told us they’re nephews of Parker’s View and Bethel Ridge’s developer, for using our neighborhood as their personal dirt bike racing track. Violate county’s noise ordinance, warning; violate again, fines to $500. Trespass, 60 days jail and $1,000 fine.

 McDonald’s. Gave them another chance and ordered one item – a large Diet Coke. Got a large regular Coke. I guess I am the stupid one for going back.

 Northwest Observer and Bill Goebel for slanted article attempting to sweeten people on him. He stole the seat. His is not the right choice for District 3. Doesn’t have what it takes to stand up to the BOE and fix GCS.

 Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center owners, for installing that ridiculous speed bump/hump. I am handicapped and drive a van for handicapped. I won’t be going to the Commons since my van is low – and yes, it scrapes even going slow.

 To the women and boys running their mouths to the Northern girls at last Friday’s conference softball game. We need to raise a generation that doesn’t call girls degrading names when “smack talking.” Do better!

 Cyclists who ignore a long row of cars behind you. Instead of taking up the entire lane, do us a favor –move over and let us pass. This isn’t Tour de France.

 The man who brought his dog to the Stokesdale council meeting. What was your purpose, other than to stir up trouble? Get a life or go back to where you came from if you are not happy here.

 Organizers of Oak Ridge’s April Music in the Park event, for moving it inside at a local church due to bad weather. It takes away from the pleasure of listening outdoors. Keep it outside and just reschedule.

 Those who believe that one can only have compassion for wildlife and domestic pets. FYI, my heart also breaks for farm animals and any animal treated or killed cruelly. You have no idea what’s on my plate.

 The Shell gas station in Oak Ridge. Apart from your gas being so much higher than in Greensboro, we don’t want our eardrums assaulted by the non-stop racket coming from loudspeakers 6 feet from our heads.

 Apartment complexes that advertise available units through the use of flags, balloons and other similarly garish attention grabbers. No one in the internet age looks for housing by questing after evidence of kitschy incontinence signifying a vacancy.

 The citizen who brought a dog to Stokesdale’s Town Council meeting… really? Another self-serving distraction and disregard for Council’s and fellow citizens’ time. Shameful, irresponsible and absurd action, especially from a citizen so vocal about concerns for Council’s efficiency and effectiveness.

 NWHS PTA for changing to the national PTA, a politically charged organization. I will no longer donate due to this change. Should keep it local.

...continued on p. 39 eldMerchantsAssociation

Thanks to Josh Cockman (shown in photo, at right), owner of Village Beverage Co. in Summerfield, and his sidekick, Sarah Hooven, for graciously hosting our May 1 meeting.

(L to R) SMA Scholarship Committee members John Mazza (chair) and Cyndi Brown, 2023 scholarship recipients Matthew Adams and Jenna Scheponik, and Scholarship Committee member Elaine Thomas at SMA’s May 1 meeting. Congratulations, Matthew and Jenna! Look no idea.”

Adams said state Rep. Jon Hardister (R, 59th District) has been working on a resolution to the issue and been quoted as saying, “It’s certainly not over … the School Board has defied the law twice now. We are strongly considering taking additional action…”

Public Hearing

 5  0 to approve a rezoning request for 22.65 acres on Eversfield Road, from AG to RS-30 (Residential, minimum average lot size of 30,000 square feet). Prior to the council’s vote, a public hearing was held and no one spoke in opposition to the rezoning request.

Closed session recordings. Continuing a discussion from the council’s April 13 meeting, town attorney Chuck Winfree explained why recording of closed sessions is usually prohibited; Stokesdale, however, has no policy on the matter. Winfree offered the council five options for consideration if/when adopting a policy.

Jones asked if a council member was legally prohibited from recording a closed session, and Winfree said no.

“I have recorded closed sessions and I plan to continue,” Jones then said.

Winfree explained that if a council member recorded a meeting which later got out into the public and caused damage, the council could be held liable.

 2  3 (Rigsbee and Crawford in favor) to adopt a policy allowing the town clerk to record closed sessions to assist with preparing minutes, with the recording to be secured and then deleted after the minutes are approved.

Since the motion failed, Rigsbee then motioned to adopt a policy of no recording by anyone. Martin said until she came to work for the Town of Stokesdale, she had never recorded a closed session and had relied on her notes.

“I can’t take notes as fast as others,” Jones responded. “I’m not surrendering my Constitutional rights.”

 1  4 (Rigsbee in favor) to adopt Rigsbee’s motion.

After further discussion, Foy motioned to adopt a policy stating that only the town clerk can record a closed session, with the recording being preserved indefinitely but secured.

More discussion and a brief recess followed, after which the council reconvened and voted on Foy’s motion.

 2  3 (Rigsbee and Foy in favor) to approve Foy’s motion.

After failing three times to adopt a policy regarding recording closed sessions, the council opted to move on.

 4  1 (Jones opposed) to adopt a resolution setting the filing fee for candidates in the upcoming November election at $5 (Jones wanted to raise the fee to $10).

 5  0 to fund sending deputy clerk Robbie Wagoner to municipal clerks’ school in August and a master clerks’ academy in November, at a cost of up to $4,000, to be included in the FY2023-24 budget.

 5  0 to approve a capital budget ordinance for purchasing and installing playground equipment, basketball and pickleball courts and nature trails in the town park, noting the funding will come from a $50,000 small town development grant and federal ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds.

 4  1 (Jones opposed) to have the town attorney draft a contract with Stokesdale-based CJ Builders to oversee construction of outdoor basketball and pickleball courts in Town Park and manage the installation of sport court materials.

 5  0 to accept Yates Construction’s $4,500 proposal to address erosion issues in Town Park and pay for it with ARPA funds.

 2  3 (Jones and Crawford in favor) to continue discussion on the relocation of a water blow-off assembly on Curraghmore Court in Angel’s Glen. Jones, who had requested this topic be placed on the agenda, said he wanted to continue it until he obtained more information, and Foy said that since Jones felt it should be an agenda item, they should go ahead and discuss it.

Foy then explained the issue involved him personally, because the end of his driveway had recently been dug up after it was discovered the driveway had been installed over a water system blow-off assembly. Foy said he didn’t learn his driveway needed to be dug up until receiving an email from Jones the evening before it was done – and furthermore, during the process of digging up his driveway, the water line was cut and several of his neighbors were temporarily without water.

“I would request that in the future, when we have a contractor who is going to dig up someone’s driveway –or if work is going to negatively impact a resident or neighborhood – that they

(homeowners) be notified more in advance,” Foy said.

The town was billed $1,250 for the water blow-off assembly work, which Foy reimbursed (along with paying over $3,000 for driveway repair).

“The town should have had the blow-off valves marked,” Rigsbee said. “And the town should reimburse Mr. Foy for five hours at $250 per hour… We need to be consistent and ‘own’ our water system. I wouldn’t want this to happen to anyone else in this town – we don’t need to bust someone’s driveway up without a plan for how we’re going to pay for it.”

Council decided to continue its discussion of whether to reimburse Foy, and whether to cover future costs regarding moving or repair of any valves.

Citizen Comments

 Tee Stephenson asked if county planners or inspectors should not have determined where the blow-off valves were during the site plan review and Jones responded that every licensed contractor is responsible for knowing the location of gas lines, utility lines, etc.

Closed Session

Council entered into a closed session at 9:54 p.m.; about 30 minutes later Jones came out of the conference room and then left the meeting. The remaining four council members reconvened into open session at 10:29 and Foy announced that Jones had been excused from the meeting.

Council Comments

 Foy wished all the moms a happy Mother’s Day.

 Landreth said this day was his 36th wedding anniversary and that he loved his wife, Karen, very much. Karen was present at the council meeting and stayed until the end, as she does every month. Landreth said he and Karen have never had a fight in all their years of marriage.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:31 p.m.

 AUTO SALES & SERVICES

MOTORCYCLE for sale. 2019 Honda Shadow “Phantom.” 1,900 miles. Good condition. Asking $6,950. Call John, (336) 501-3222

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

 EMPLOYMENT

 HOME CARE AVAILABLE

(336) 891-3876

EUROHAUSAUTO.PRO

Place

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

KNIGHT IMPORT SPECIALTY SERVICE

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

 EMPLOYMENT

LAWN CARE WORKER. Part-time. Flexible hours. Wages negotiable. Experience with lawn equipment helpful. Call Ken, (336) 508-7400

Seeking SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERT. Must have experience creating and running ads on social media platforms. Work from home. Flexible hours. $15-$18 per hour. Call Ken, (336) 508-7400

CHURCH FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATOR 20 hrs. per week. Candidate should be proficient in processing and monitoring payments, expenditures, receipts and preparing and monitoring the payroll system. For more information contact JoAnn Hampton, (336) 665-1944 or joann.hampton@cbc-gso.org

Hiring? www.nwobserver.com

An award-winning HEARING CARE practice in Greensboro is seeking a full-time Patient Concierge to join their passionate and caring team. They are looking for someone who is a great fit for their special culture, with a positive attitude, helpful nature, and a commitment to teamwork. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in delivering patient success by providing excellent customer service, handling phone calls, scheduling appointments and assisting with admin. duties. A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is preferred, as well as a willingness to learn new skills. The base wage is $16 with opportunities for career growth, 401(k), health insurance and paid time off. Applicants are encouraged to send their resume to hear.jobs@outlook.com.

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

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

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

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

 HOME CARE AVAILABLE

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

The Northwest Observer Keeping you connected since 1996!

NOT AN AGENCY. Hands-on caregivers. Excellent references. Ready and willing to work with seniors NOW. Guilford, Forsyth and Rockingham counties. (276) 206-9275

 PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING. Oak Ridge Town Council will hold a public hearing to consider the fiscal year 2023-24 budget ordinance on Thursday, June 1, 7pm, at Oak Ridge Town Hall. Copies of the budget are available at Town Hall and on the Town website at www.oakridgenc.com

 VBS

LIVING WATER BAPTIST CHURCH VBS

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

 YARD SALE

WILLARD OAKS YARD SALE. Saturday, May 20, 7am-12pm. Sponsored by Ramilya Siegel. Highway 150 to Chalet Dr.

 HOME SERVICES

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

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

Cleaning

CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Quality cleaning/ budget friendly. Pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838

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 continued on p. 36

 HOME SERVICES

CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING

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

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

ELECTRICAL

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

BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC

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

Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? Call Coble Electric, LLC at (336) 209-1486

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

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

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

 HOME SERVICES

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

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

“No Job Too Small”

Contact

(336) 669-7252 oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com

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

L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE

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

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 handyman ● painting ● kitchen & bath residential & commercial ● free

336.554.5007 kjhomeservices4u@gmail.com ● kjhomeservicesnc.com

APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance

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

GRADING / HAULING

EXCAVATION, GRADING and LAND

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

ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING

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

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 rough-cut lumber. Call owner/operator Bobby Lipstreu, (336) 543-7867.

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

GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS

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

WILSON Seamless Gutters

Installation, repair, replacement, Leaf Guard

Stokesdale

336-420-0200

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

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

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

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

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

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.

 HOME SERVICES

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.

Masonry

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

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

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

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS

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

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.

PAINTING & DRYWALL

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

 HOME SERVICES

PLUMBING

WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING, Inc

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

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

Pools

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

PRESSURE WASHING

CUTTING EDGE PRESSURE WASHING

Affordable. Dependable. Call anytime for free estimate. (336) 706-0103

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

The Northwest Observer Keeping you connected since 1996!

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

RENOVATION WORKS, INC.

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

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

 HOME SERVICES

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.

Construction Services, INC

Roof and window replacement

(336) 644-8615 office

(336) 508-5242 cell

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

Roofing

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

(336) 310-4133

WWW.VILLAGEROOFS.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

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

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

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

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

DUSTIN CLINARD ROOFING. Shingles,

 HOME SERVICES

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.

 MISC. SERVICES

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

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

 MISC. WANTED

Information on WILLIAM J TURNER, Confederate veteran buried in Oak Level Cemetery. Call (336) 706-0714. If no answer, leave message and I’ll return call.

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

FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, generators, power washers, 4-wheelers, mini-bikes, 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

 PETS/ANIMAL SVCS.

locally owned & operated

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8112

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OAK RIDGE’S ‘YEAR OF LARGE PROJECTS’

...continued from p. 1 loan and some of the grants, he said.

The proposed budget projects revenue and spending of $6.43 million. It does not include the $5.36 million appropriation for the park. That spending is funded in a separate capital project ordinance, a tool that allows local governments to spread costs over more than one fiscal year, Bruce said in an email earlier this week.

“This is the year of large projects,” councilman George McClellan said during the council meeting. “We are living within our means. We are trying to address what people will want as they move here.”

Town leaders have been planning the expansion of Town Park over the past five years after acquiring the tract of fields and woods behind Town Hall. The idea of establishing a municipal water system goes back two decades and is coming together now with the help of nearly $3 million in state and federal grants that will pay for tank construction and engineering.

The draft budget also allocates $650,000 for the renovation and expansion of the historic Redmon house into the Farmhouse Community Center, with $380,000 coming from a federal grant and the remainder from town funds. A mix of donations, town funds and a $50,000 state grant is earmarked for the Veterans Honor Green, estimated to cost about $240,000.

Oak Ridge resident Mike Stone criticized the proposed budget as “a spending spree (of) large and pet projects.” Instead of spending, he favors a reduction in the property tax rate and urged the council to “tighten your belt.”

Mayor Ann Schneider offered a different view, saying, “this is another tight budget, even as it is ambitious.”

“The budget is ambitious, but we also have significant grant funds,” council member Martha Pittman added. “That means we can move forward without compromising our fund balance or raising our tax rate.”

want to participate?

A public hearing during the council’s June 1 meeting will give residents the chance to provide feedback on the proposed budget. The council plans to consider adoption of the budget during the meeting.

GRINS & GRIPES ...continued from

p. 33

Outside the …

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

GRINS to...

 North Carolina Republicans changing their voter registration to “unaffiliated” in order to cast a ballot for RFK Jr. for the Democratic presidential nominee. Give our country two good options.

GRIPES to...

 State Sen. Michael Garrett for co-sponsoring a $750,000 bill to entice Disney World to relocate to North Carolina. Our state is in dire need of teachers, police, fire and other essential workers. WDW seems like political grandstanding if you ask me!

 Those who want to blame everything they don’t like on racism. Please stop rushing to judgment and do your own research when stories are sensationalized on the news and shows like “The View.”

 Those who disrespect America by brazenly and shamelessly breaking in –and the Democrats who enable them. No surgeons or engineers, bringing nothing to the table, not even love for America as they defiantly wave their foreign flags.