PLAY LIKE A PRO

GRINS to...

 The Oak Ridge Elementary student who found my keys at Oak Ridge Town Park and gave them to a teacher. I searched for a couple of days before I finally went to Town Hall and discovered my keys had been found!

Oak Ridge Youth Association leaders, coaches, and volunteers who gave us a great season of baseball this past spring! Thanks for your commitment to having fun, teaching teamwork and sportsmanship, and learning. Great program!

 NorthStar Medical Group in Stokesdale. Ben Mann is the most personable and easy-to-talk-to medical provider that I have ever spoken with.

 Sarah Tibbetts, Summerfield’s town clerk, for providing such an amazing service each and every day. Summerfield is certainly lucky to have an employee as outgoing and dedicated as her. Keep up the great work, Sarah!

Brooks Home & Farm on N.C. 68 in Stokesdale – the best thing to happen in town since moving here 15 years ago. The peaches and strawberries are delicious, and other produce is added when available. More convenient than

The Quality Mart Shell gas station in Oak Ridge for turning down the volume on the ear-splitting and grating “music” that emanated from the speakers just feet from your head. The lowered volume is much more appropriate. I’m coming back!

Sam, our Brookbank Road mail carrier, who took our broken “tin man,” repaired it and gave him a red heart and a smile! Everyone at Childrens Choice says, “Thank You Sam!”

 Dr. Wendy Camp (Northwest Animal Hospital) for working our 4-year-old Lab in on a full day of scheduled surgeries after Magnolia ate a ham bone and her stomach swelled from bone fragments –and for Dr. Camp’s tender care and great communication!

 The staff at Carolina Priority Care in Oak Ridge for their compassionate response when I walked into their clinic after a severe allergic reaction to another bee sting (my third in the last year!).

GRIPES to...

 PTI Airport for removing the departures and arrivals parking meters. I gladly put several quarters in them to park. Price has increased to $2 and there is no option for people with only cash. Not everyone has plastic!

 The folks on Whitaker Drive who put their goats in the front yard. I don’t have anything against the goats, but did you have to put them on the road frontage? Won’t help real estate values.

 Azaleas and Peonies. Instead of relying on personal gardening experience to critique which plants were not included, why not consult horticultural professionals actually living in Oak Ridge for guidance before you ask for random species with very different cultural requirements?

 Whoever put June 15 is Flag Day in the last issue of the Northwest Observer. It’s the 14th.

Editor’s note: I apologize for not catching the mistake in the photo caption that was submitted to us, and as editor I accept responsibility for all errors in this paper, whether they were made by me, one of our writers or one of our readers. (P.S. Just so this mistake doesn’t undermine the reason we ran the photo and caption in our last issue… Grins to the Guilford Battle Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution for recognizing National Flag Day – which always falls on June 14 – and to Camping World/RV along I-40 in Colfax for the huge American flag that flies over its property for passersby to see every day!) – Patti Stokes, Northwest Observer editor

 All the “Karens” who have nothing better to do than complain about Kit Kats, gas prices, leaf blowers, kids riding their bikes and dogs relieving themselves. Might I suggest bird watching as a better hobby?

 People who keep horses (and other animals) outside without any shelter from the beating sun.

 The fragile individual who was offended by a candy display at Lowes Foods. Sounds like you’re the racist. Youth of every color need support and we should build children up, not tear them down. Find something else to worry about.

 The Town of Oak Ridge for not properly maintaining the “Welcome to Oak Ridge” sign at Pepper Road and N.C. 150. Half-dead shrubs and kneehigh weeds aren’t very welcoming.

Northwest

 Snap Fitness’s owners for not maintaining the facility as it was under the previous owners, who kept it clean and all equipment in good condition.

 The driver of the black pickup who

Outside the

let your dog ride unrestrained in the back of your truck before dropping it off at Beacon Suites Pet Resort in Stokesdale last week. “But I’m a careful driver.” Famous last words.

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...

 The UK Independence Party’s excellent solution for illegal immigration –ship them to the Falklands to make a life for themselves. That’s how Brits

Loving care for pets and their families

cultivated the islands and built a civilized society – and they want to be British, right? Brilliant!

GRIPES to...

 People who use the words “free” and “freedom” when describing this country. You are about as “free” as the fish in my aquarium. You think otherwise, you’re just in denial, or oblivious to reality, or both.

Editor’s note: The fact that this gripe was published runs contrary to the reader’s statement. I used my freedom to choose whether to publish it, while he used his freedom to publicly express an opinion which I strongly disagree with.

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 AUTO SALES & SERVICES

 EMPLOYMENT

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

(336) 891-3876

EUROHAUSAUTO.PRO

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

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

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

 EDUCATIONAL SERVICE

GUILFORD COUNTY elementary school teacher available for tutoring during the summer. 1st-4th grade math; 1st-8th grade reading. Caleb Morgan, (336) 280-1561

 EMPLOYMENT

Work at the WYNDHAM Championship Tournament. Sedgefield Country Club is currently seeking service staff, bartenders, cooks and food runners for the dates of Thursday, Aug. 3, through Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023. If interested, please email your resume or relevant work experience and contact information directly to aayers@sedgefieldcc.com

LOCAL PRESCHOOL seeking qualified and experienced preschool teacher to bring your passion for teaching and working with young children to join our team as the lead teacher in our five day pre-K class. Please email Lindsay Villaran @ orpcschool@gmail.com

EDWARDS & MILLS PLUMBING in Greensboro is hiring helpers and plumbers. Please contact us at (336) 299-6309, or come by 107 South Walnut Circle, Greensboro, to fill out an application.

Hiring? www.nwobserver.com

 YARD SALE

HUGE YARD SALE. Fri., July 7, and Sat., July 8, 8am-2pm. 4005 Windspray Loop, Summerfield. Great stuff ! Rain dates Sat., July 8, and Sun., July 9.

 HOME SERVICES

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

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

CLEANING

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

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

CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING

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

Your business should be here!

Place your classified ad online at www.nwobserver.com

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

 HOME SERVICES

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

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

BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC

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

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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 handyman

336.554.5007

L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE

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

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

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

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

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.

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

 HOME SERVICES

BRAD'S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS

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

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.

Grading ● Hauling

Land Clearing

Concrete ● Gravel Driveways

Tree/Brush Removal

Drainage ● Demolition

Residential & Commercial

Owner Jackson Prillaman

Call or text for free estimate

336-905-0665

Fully licensed and insured

 HOME SERVICES

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

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

 HOME SERVICES

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

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

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Contact

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

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

Place your classified ad online at www.nwobserver.com

GRADING / HAULING

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

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

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 Seamless Gutters

Installation, repair, replacement, Leaf Guard

Stokesdale

336-420-0200

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

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

Your HOME SERVICES company should be here!

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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

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

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

DSL DRAIN SYSTEMS & LANDSCAPING (336) 362-4354

MASONRY CONCRETE COATINGS

Flake Epoxy Systems

Garage Floor and Concrete Resurfacing

Decorative Concrete Overlays

Stamped Concrete Rejuvenation

Eric Sauls, Owner ● (336) 970-3543

Call for your free estimate

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 continued on p. 30

 HOME SERVICES

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.

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS

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

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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

PAINTING &

Drywall

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

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

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