Northwest Observer / July 20 - Aug. 2, 2023

IN THIS ISSUE

“Silkies Hike”

About 100 veterans participated in the “Silkies Hike” in Greensboro on July 15 to raise money and awareness about veteran suicides. The hike was organized by Summerfield residents Will and Deborah Napper.

Summerfield’s Will Napper Jr. helped organize a Greensboro hike for more than 100 military veterans last Saturday, July 15. Named after military physical training shorts, the “Silkies Hike” was part of an effort by a national group called Irreverent Warriors to raise money and public awareness about suicide among veterans.

The series of hikes across the U.S. helps fulfill the nonprofit’s mission to “bring veterans together using humor and camaraderie to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide.” The hikes are reserved for veterans and active service members, and rely on volunteers such as Napper’s wife,

Deborah, to help organize them.

Will Napper is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. In advance of the Greensboro hike, Will and hike coordinator Chris Kirwan spoke to the Greensboro City Council and the Guilford County Board of Commissioners to raise awareness for the group’s cause.

HondaJet maker’s expansion to

add 280 jobs

Honda Aircraft will invest nearly $56 million to develop a new corporate jet at its Greensboro airport operations

by CHRIS BURRITT

at PTI

NW GREENSBORO – Honda Aircraft Co. selected Piedmont Triad International (PTI) Airport last week for a $55.7 million expansion of its HondaJet operations that will create 280 jobs.

The Greensboro airport beat out a site in Alberta, Alabama, for the production of the HondaJet 2600,

Photos courtesy of Deborah Napper

Filing season soon draws to a close

Period for candidates to file for office in November municipal elections will close this Friday

by PATTI STOKES

NW GUILFORD – The filing period for mayor and town council candidates in Summerfield, Oak Ridge and Stokesdale will close Friday, July 21, at noon. As of Wednesday afternoon, the following citizens have filed to run in the Nov. 7 municipal elections:

OAK RIDGE

Five candidates have filed for the three open seats on Oak Ridge Town Council. The candidates include current council members George McClellan and Martha Pittman, along with former council and Planning Board member Mike Stone, and newcomers Jim Harton and Michael Greeson.

After taking a break from the council, former mayor and longtime council member Spencer Sullivan returned last year to serve the remainder of the late Doug Nodine’s term after Nodine experienced health issues. Sullivan has not filed to run for election this November when his term expires.

Oak Ridge Town Council has five members, each serving staggered four-year terms (with two elected in one municipal election and three elected in the next municipal election). Ann Schneider, who currently serves as mayor, and Jim Kinneman, who serves as mayor pro tem, are midway through their four-year terms, with their seats opening in November 2025.

Oak Ridge’s mayor is elected from among the town council members; although the mayor serves at the pleasure of the council and can be voted in – or out – at any time, the council traditionally votes for its mayor every

two years in December, following the previous month’s election.

SUMMERFIELD

Summerfield has five council members who serve staggered fouryear terms and a mayor, who is elected separately by the citizens for a two-year term. Mayor Tim Sessoms has filed for re-election and as of this writing, is the only candidate for mayor.

Summerfield’s mayor does not vote on matters that come before the council except in the case of a tie vote.

Council members Lynne Williams DeVaney, who serves as mayor pro tem, Jeff Davis and Reece Walker have all filed to run for another four-year term, with no other candidates on the ballot as of this writing.

Council members John Doggett and Janelle Robinson are midway through their four-year terms, with their seats opening in November 2025.

STOKESDALE

Stokesdale’s Town Council has five members including the mayor, who is elected separately by the citizens and votes on all matters that come before the council. All council members serve staggered four-year terms.

Council members Derek Foy, who serves as mayor pro tem, Jim Rigsbee and Jimmy Landreth have all filed for re-election in November; no other candidates have filed as of this writing. Mayor Mike Crawford and council member Tim Jones are midway through their council terms, with their seats opening in November 2025.

For info about registering to vote, polling locations and more, visit www.guilfordcountync.gov/our-county/ board-of-elections. Early Voting information for the 2023 election cycle will be posted closer to voting dates in October and November.

Casino headed to southern Rockingham County?

gaming operations

by CHRIS BURRITT

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY – A North Carolina holding company with ties to gaming developer The Cordish Cos. is seeking the rezoning of almost 193 acres in southern Rockingham County that would allow for electronic gaming operations.

In a July 10 presentation to the county’s Planning Board, representatives of NC Development Holdings sought the rezoning of the tract from residential agricultural (AG) to highway commercial (HC). Voted down by the board, the request now goes to the county Board of Commissioners for consideration during its Aug. 21 meeting.

If the rezoning is approved by the commissioners, it would allow “electronic gaming operations” among numerous permitted commercial uses.

The property abuts Camp Carefree, a nonprofit organization that for the past 37 years has offered a week of free summer camp to children with chronic illnesses as well as to siblings of children with chronic illnesses.

As part of the rezoning process, the applicant is not required to disclose how the property might be used if it were rezoned.

In June, the Planning Board voted to amend the county’s unified development ordinance to remove the requirement for a special use permit in the highway commercial district for electronic gaming operations. The county’s “leadership” requested the text amendment, according to minutes of the meeting.

The registered address for NC Development Holdings is the same

Illustration courtesy of Rockingham County Community Development

A North Carolina holding company has requested the 193-acre tract depicted in this illustration (center, in stripes) be rezoned from residential agricultural (AG) to highway commercial (HC). The land is in Rockingham County, just a few miles outside of Stokesdale’s town limits. The Rockingham County Board of Commissioners will consider the request at its Aug. 21 meeting.

8oz pair of ribeye steaks with the purchase of $45.00 or more. Limit 1 per customer.

The rezoning of nearly 193 acres next to Camp Carefree on U.S. 220 would accommodate electronic

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Possible Summerfield de-annexation still up in the air

SUMMERFIELD – Suspense over the possible de-annexation of landowner David Couch’s 973 acres in Summerfield may drag on until next month.

As the state House of Representatives and the Senate continue to debate the new state budget and other issues, the legislative session “will likely go into August,” said Lauren Horsch, a spokeswoman for state Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger.

“There is no update on any potential legislation related to Summerfield,” Horsch said in an email earlier this week.

Town leaders haven’t gotten an update from Berger or resumed early talks with Couch to resolve differences

despite the “town’s continued commitment to negotiate,” Summerfield Mayor Tim Sessoms said in an interview earlier this week. Couch, owner of Summerfield Farms, declined to comment on the matter.

Berger is a possible sponsor of de-annexation legislation after Couch sought the lawmaker’s support to de-annex his Summerfield property earlier this year.

Couch pursued the legislative route after the Town Council twice denied his request for an amendment to the town’s development rules to create a new zoning district. That would be the first step in winning the town’s approval to build Summerfield’s first apartments. The Town Council opposes the developer’s de-annexation request.

If Couch’s property were de-annexed, it would fall under the jurisdiction of Guilford County, which allows construction of apartments in some zoning districts. www.nwobserver.com

In the meantime, please email your classifieds, questions, grins and gripes, photos, etc., to the email addresses on the left-hand side of this page, or call us at (336) 644-7035, ext. 10.

Most Trusted Hearing

CASINO?

...continued from p. 3

as for Baltimore-based Cordish, according to an article earlier this week by WRAL News in Raleigh. It reported that paperwork filed with the state of North Carolina lists the head of Cordish’s casino division as the contact for the holding company.

“I think it’s supposed to be hushhush what they’re putting in there,” B.J. Rierson, who lives across U.S. 220 from the property, told the Planning Board earlier this month. “We don’t want it.”

Although the property shows a Stokesdale address, it is not in the town limits of Stokesdale, rather in Rockingham County.

Statewide, lawmakers are talking about legalizing some new casinos. State Senate Pro Tem Phil Berger, a

280 JOBS FOR PTI

...continued from p. 1

designed to be the first light jet capable of nonstop transcontinental travel across the U.S. Honda Aircraft already produces its very light jet model, the HondaJet Elite II, at PTI.

The initial development of the corporate jet will occur in the company’s existing facilities at the airport, Kevin Baker, executive director of Piedmont Triad Airport Authority, said in an email earlier this week. Efforts will focus initially on the critical design and production readiness of the plane, requiring significant research and development resources, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

The company plans to create the new jobs over the next five years. The pay will vary by position, but will average $88,761 a year, the department said in a statement last week. The current average wage in Guilford County is $57,190.

The company’s investment of almost $56 million in the project will bring its total investment in the state to more than $335 million, the department said.

The HondaJet announcement adds to PTI’s winning streak. Nearly three months ago, Britain’s Marshall Aerospace announced plans to invest $50 million and create 240 jobs in a new facility to maintain, repair and

Republican from Rockingham County, said recently there is a better than 50-50 chance for new gambling legislation to pass the legislature, WRAL News reported. Berger has expressed concerns that North Carolinians are passing through Rockingham County to visit a new casino in nearby Danville and said North Carolina should explore its options for additional gambling venues.

“Expanding gaming in North Carolina remains a conversation in the General Assembly, but what that expansion looks like has not been determined,” Lauren Horsch, a spokeswoman for Berger, said in an email earlier this week. “Sen. Berger is supportive of efforts to expand gaming, but it is still too early in the discussions to comment on any specifics.”

overhaul military aircraft.

With its investment of $500 million, Boom Supersonic is building a factory to produce passenger jets that will travel faster than the speed of sound. Employment is projected at more than 2,400 jobs by 2032.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper announced Honda Aircraft’s expansion last week, a month after the company said it will commercialize the HondaJet 2600 concept. State and local efforts to recruit the company were dubbed “Project Sage,” although Honda Aircraft’s identity as the economic development prospect was widely speculated about in recent weeks.

Recruiters used a state Job Development Investment Grant to lure Honda Aircraft to PTI. If the company meets incremental job creation and investment targets, it will be potentially eligible for $3.43 million in reimbursements over 12 years, the department said.

Over the 12 years, the project is estimated to expand the state’s economy by $2.37 billion, according to a state projection.

Honda Aircraft, a division of Honda Motor Co., selected PTI for its global headquarters in 2006. Three years earlier, an experimental HondaJet successfully completed its initial flight test at the airport. The company makes engines in a plant in Alamance County.

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July 13 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

as reported by PATTI STOKES

Mayor Mike Crawford called the monthly council meeting to order at 7 p.m. with all five council members in attendance as well as the town attorney, finance officer, clerk and about 12 citizens. Following the opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, the published meeting agenda was adopted with one addition.

 4  1 to approve the May 11, 2023 regular town council meeting minutes, with Councilman Tim Jones opposed.

 5  0 (in separate votes) to approve the May 11 closed session minutes and June 8 regular council meeting minutes.

Mayor Crawford congratulated Robbie Wagoner on his new role as town clerk (at the June 8 meeting, the

STOKESDALE town council BOB RENTS

council voted to promote Wagoner from deputy clerk, effective July 1).

PUBLIC SAFETY

Fire District. Stokesdale fire chief Todd Gauldin reported the department responded to 79 calls in June; of those, eight were fire-related, 45 were medical-related and 26 were miscellaneous.

Gauldin said the district will hold its annual meeting on July 25, 7:30 p.m. at the fire station in downtown Stokesdale. A yearly report will be presented and the board of directors elected at this meeting.

As a safety tip, Gauldin advised those with fire extinguishers to periodically check them to make sure they are fully charged and to review instructions on how to use them.

Sheriff’s Office. Sgt. Ryan Seals with the District 1 sheriff’s office reported in writing that officers responded to 197 calls for service in Stokesdale in June, resulting in 17 case reports. One of three theft-related incidents involved a skid steer being stolen from a construction site on Dock Ridge Road. Twenty-two of the calls for service last month were due to house/business alarms going off, two were for reports of residential burglaries, five were domestic incidents, one was for a report of rape and 129 were “other.”

ADMINISTRATIVE

In his municipal water system report, Town Clerk Robbie Wagoner noted nine water meters were installed last month, there were 10 applications for transfer of water service, 15 water meters put on hold by builders and 764 water bills mailed out.

In his administrative report, Wagoner gave a rundown of annual and quarterly reports that had been submitted to various state

The clerk also reported a site plan had been received for the new outdoor basketball and pickleball courts in town park; Kallam Exterminators removed a hornets’ nest from trees next to the paved walking trail in the park; and a maintenance person to take care of town property repairs and maintenance on an as-needed basis has been vetted.

Before proceeding, Crawford paused to thank everyone who had expressed concern about him in recent months while he was experiencing health issues.

“I missed a few meetings, but I am back and feeling better,” the mayor said.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Property. Councilman Jim Rigsbee, who serves on this committee along with Councilman Jimmy Landreth, said he recently repaired a sink in one of the park’s restrooms, worked on a jammed door and hung a soap dispenser back up on a restroom wall.

Park Improvement. Chair Tee Stephenson reported this committee is now meeting bi-weekly rather than weekly and reminded citizens the meetings are open to the public.

Stephenson also confirmed the new playground equipment geared toward older children (ages 5 to 12) has been ordered and will hopefully be installed by late September. Construction on the outdoor basketball and pickleball courts should get underway within the next few weeks and be completed by late fall.

“Next month, I hope you will be able to look out the window and see dirt piles,” Stephenson said.

The committee is also discussing surface material for the future nature trails in the town park.

“We hope it (the trail surface) will be either self-maintained or low maintenance, and we are hoping some civic groups may take them on as a project,” Stephenson said.

Stephenson said the soccer fields are so well used in the off seasons that the turf doesn’t have time to regenerate before fall soccer season gets underway, so the committee is considering fencing the fields for protection and control.

FINANCIAL

Finance officer Kim Thacker gave an overview of financial activity and balances in the town’s general fund and water enterprise accounts. As of June 30, total assets in the general fund were $3,792,252.94 and in the water enterprise account, $2,018,367.14.

Undesignated – or “unrestricted” –funds in the general fund totaled $3,069,109 as of June 30, with additional revenue of about $76,000 anticipated for the fourth quarter’s ABC profit sharing.

“I believe that’s the highest fund balance the town has seen, except for when we were receiving sales tax,” Derek Foy, mayor pro tem, noted. “It’s personally satisfying that the fund balance has grown this much.”

“That’s pretty good for a town with no taxes!” Councilman Jimmy Landreth added.

CITIZEN COMMENTS

„ Bill Goebel, District 3’s new representative on the Guilford County School Board, introduced himself, briefly acknowledging the controversy surrounding his appointment last April to fill a vacant seat on the board. Goebel said his focus since being appointed has been on what can be done for students and their parents.

Speaking of those things under our control versus those that are not, Goebel shared an excerpt from Oswald Chambers’ devotional book, “My Utmost for His Highest,” in which Chambers relied on his trust in the Lord to such a degree that even during a very challenging time, he told his wife, “I trust the Lord and do the next thing,”

and then rolled over and took a nap.

“So, I’m going to trust the Lord and do the next thing – work with you folks to improve our schools,” Goebel said.

Rigsbee asked if any northwest-area schools would soon be in a beginning construction phase. Goebel answered the school board is looking at land for one northwest-area school, and promised to provide the council with more details if/when the purchase is finalized.

Goebel also said GCS (Guilford County Schools) is installing over 8,000 state-of-the-art cameras in

schools, with automatic alerts going to administrators and the sheriff’s office in the event of an emergency; new body scanners are also being installed in the schools.

Mayor Crawford said the town would like to have an officer at Stokesdale Elementary the first week of school to direct traffic in the peak morning and afternoon hours. Goebel said he visited with the school’s principal recently and that was one of the things she requested. She also requested mental health counseling for students and staff, and Goebel

said the county received an almost $15 million federal grant earlier this year to expand its mental health services.

Foy asked Goebel to expand on the body scanners that will be installed and Goebel said they would scan for metal, knives, guns, etc.

“Will kids have to take bookbags off and put them to the side?” Foy asked, to which Goebel said he would have to come back with more details.

Rigsbee then asked why the SRO (School Resource Officer) at Northwest High School couldn’t direct traffic in

front of the school for about 15 minutes in the afternoons, and Goebel said he would check into this.

Councilman Tim Jones asked Goebel if he supports “multiple pathways to a good education,” i.e., charter schools, private schools and vouchers. Goebel said he went to a private allboys Catholic school and some of his siblings went to traditional public and charter schools, so he recognizes that different schools work for different students. His concern about charter

schools and vouchers, he said, is their level of required accountability is less than with traditional public schools.

Jones then asked how Goebel plans to bring northwest Guilford County’s portion of school funding back to the area, to which Goebel responded that since being appointed April 4 he has been working to get up to speed with the northwest area’s school needs, and would come back with more information. He then promised to return in September.

„ Gordon Morrison, whom Mayor Crawford has recommended to be the town’s new maintenance man, introduced himself and said he was very impressed to see how the local council conducts business.

enjoyed fixing things, including light fixtures, furniture assembly, light electrical, plumbing, and small engine repair.

Council made no commitment, but agreed having someone to do minor repairs to town property would be an asset.

„ Mark Nadel read an excerpt from the June council meeting minutes and said that, based on Robert’s Rules of Order, the council had not followed proper procedure. He was referring to Jones calling for “a point of order” during that meeting after Nadel brought his dog into the council meeting room and positioned him on the floor beside Nadel’s chair.

“He had no right to call for that based on the way Robert’s Rules of Order are set up, because no rules were violated,” Nadel said.

OLD BUSINESS

Describing himself to the council, Morrison said, “I tend to do exactly what I’m going to do, I get paid reasonably and make sure everyone is happy before I go home.”

When asked about his experience, the retiree said he was a licensed airplane mechanic and has always

Water line extension. Aaron Babson, an engineer with Hazen & Sawyer, presented an alternatives analysis of two options to reinforce the single water main supplying the Town. The alternatives included running an 8-inch pipe down Coldwater Creek Road and extending it along N.C. 65 before tying it to the water system on Oak Level Church Road; or installing an 8-inch pipe along Happy Hill Road, beginning at the end of the section to be installed by a developer, to Warner Road, then Haw River Road before eventually tying

into pipe at the Kings Crossing shopping center entrance.

Estimated cost for two alternatives to the Coldwater Creek Road loop is between $3.6 to $4.3 million and for the Happy Hill loop, $5.8 million.

Crawford asked Thacker how much grant money had been allocated for water system projects, and she answered “$4.3 million.”

Babson said it would take about 12 months to design the project, three months to let it out to bid, and then 12 to 18 months for the delivery of raw materials and construction – so, 27 to 33 months from start of design to end of construction.

Council members agreed this project is a priority, with Foy saying he would also like to see the replacement of a control valve, which was included in a plan Hazen & Sawyer presented in 2019.

“We keep pushing this thing down the road. The longer we wait, the more costs go up,” Rigsbee said.

 5  0 to approve Jones’s motion to enter into a contract with Hazen & Sawyer to design the Coldwater Road loop, at a cost not to exceed $366,400 for engineering design services.

NEW BUSINESS

Rigsbee suggested using grant money to re-stain the picnic shelters in the park and inspect the shelter roofs to ensure they’re in good repair.

 5  0 for the town clerk to finalize a job description, then advertise for a full-time (32 hours/week) deputy clerk at an hourly salary of $18 to $22, based on experience, with the same benefit package as is offered to other full-time town employees.

 5  0 to authorize the town clerk to approve the completion of minor repairs and maintenance of town property, with a spending limit of $500. Before proceeding, the clerk will notify the council of the repair or maintenance need and get a cost estimate.

CLOSED SESSION

Council recessed the open meeting

at 9:37 p.m. to go into a closed session, and reconvened at 10:07 p.m.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

„ Rigsbee expressed the importance of small, local government, and announced he has filed to run for reelection this November.

„ Foy thanked Goebel for coming to the meeting and congratulated Rigsbee for his decision, adding he hoped Landreth would follow suit. As for himself (running for re-election), Foy said he was “keeping it in thoughtful prayer. I do enjoy it. I often feel the wagon is full and I need to take a load off the wagon. I truly don’t know … I’ll continue to give it good thought.”

„ Landreth said he grew up in Stokesdale and loves the town.

To his fellow council members he said, “I have enjoyed being on the council with you guys. I feel comfortable we will have at least three people to carry on some of the projects (referring to Jones and Crawford, who are not up for re-election, and Rigsbee).”

„ Addressing comments made by Mark Nadel during the period for Citizen Comments earlier in the meeting, Jones said when making decisions he relies on his Bible and the U.S. Constitution.

“I will try to do the right thing and use my best judgment,” he said. “...I hope the council members elected this fall have a heart for this town and not this government, which is just a necessary evil.”

„ Crawford thanked Rigsbee for filing for re-election.

“I think we have had a very good council,” he said. “I pray Mr. Foy will reconsider – we could use him another four years. Mr. Landreth, you too. You are a valuable additive to this…I never expected to be a politician but I have enjoyed it and hope I’ve added something.”

Landreth told Crawford it was good to have him back, and that he hoped his health issues go uphill from this point.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:15 p.m.

“When I was in junior and senior high school, you learned some things (about government), but didn’t see it in practice. I’m impressed with what I see here,” he said.

PS Communications welcomes Kellen Holtzman

As associate editor, Holtzman will cover a variety of local news and human interest topics and head up Youth Link, the company’s newest publication on the horizon

PS Communications, publisher of the Northwest Observer, annual northwestFINDER, spring and fall editions of At Home in northwest Guilford County – and coming this fall, Youth Link – is pleased to announce Kellen Holtzman has joined our staff as a full-time associate editor/community journalist.

Holtzman has over 15 years as a community journalist and for the last almost two years has served as editor of his hometown newspaper, the Henderson Daily Dispatch. His individual work has received distinction from the North Carolina or Virginia Press associations a total of 14 times across varying categories within writing, photography and video.

You can overcome anything, if and only if you love something enough. – Lionel Messi

Six of the state press association awards he has received were in feature writing categories. In his reporter and editor roles, Holtzman has reported extensively on local government, crime, business, education, human interest and youth sports.

“I take a lot of pride in presenting multiple viewpoints while also aiming to provide objective reporting,” Holtzman said. “I believe the common denominator in my work is accurately and thoughtfully capturing the big picture, offering perspective, acting as a documentarian, and relaying the stories of smaller communities.”

In his new role as PS Communications’ associate editor/community journalist, Holtzman will cover a wide range of local news as well as human interest topics while also focusing on the company’s newest publication set to launch this fall, Youth Link. The

Linda Atkins Pearman

April 6, 1942 – July 7, 2023

KERNERSVILLE – Linda Atkins Pearman, 81, passed away Friday, July 7, at Forsyth Medical Center. Linda was born on April 6, 1942, to James Atkins Sr. and Vernon Lucille Atchison Atkins.

Linda grew up in Guilford County as a farm girl and graduated from Colfax School in 1960. She loved sports, especially basketball, making High School All County for three years. Coach Roger Nelson had a great influence on Linda.

Linda loved life and kept a happy outlook at all times. She would do anything for anybody. She enjoyed her job as a supervisor at Lorillard Tobacco Company for 30-plus years.

In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her daughter, Joyce Shannon, and one brother, Cecil “Bill” Atkins.

She is survived by two brothers, Williard Atkins and James Atkins, Jr.; and one sister, Elizabeth “Libby” Parker. She is also survived by other family and friends who loved her.

No formal services are scheduled at this time. Hayworth-Miller, Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family.

Peace of mind all summer

Kellen Holtzman

Popularity and perils of pickleball

The popularity of America’s fastest growing sport is leading to a rise in injuries, especially among players over age 60

by CHRIS BURRITT

NW GUILFORD/GREENSBORO – From head to foot, the number of pickleball injuries is rising as the popularity of the sport skyrockets.

Players 60 years and older account for 86% of pickleball injuries, according to a health care industry report last month by UBS, an investment bank and financial services firm. Injuries to wrists and lower legs are most common, followed by injuries to the head,

lower trunk, knees and ankles.

This year alone, medical costs related to America’s fastest growing sport could range from $250 million to $500 million, according to UBS. The firm’s research bears out injuries treated by physical therapists and trainers across northwest Guilford County and Greensboro.

“It’s mostly overuse injuries,” said Nate Whicker, a physical therapist assistant at Oak Ridge Physical Therapy. Like other professionals, he’s cared for individuals whose enthusiasm for pickleball trailed their level of fitness preparedness to play the sport.

While perhaps “not as intense as tennis, pickleball is still a very dynamic sport with a lot of fast changes in direction and a lot of speed changes,” Whicker said.

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“Some people think it’s going to be easy to play when, in fact, their bodies are just not ready for it.”

Citing statistics from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, UBS reported that pickleball grew 159% from 3.5 million players in 2019 to 8.9 million in 2022 when the easing of the COVID-19 restrictions spurred participation.

“Pickleball is as much a social activity as it is exercise,” said Lara Gallert, co-owner and trainer at Alloy Personal Training in Summerfield. “We had lost interaction with other people during COVID.”

At Spears Family YMCA in northwest Greensboro, pickleball play starts at 5 a.m. Monday through Friday and draws what wellness coordinator and instructor Tabitha Southard calls “an avid group of players.”

TO YOUR HEALTH

With the continuous rise in the popular-

who began playing the game about two years ago as the pandemic waned. Although he said he has fallen while playing pickleball, he’s not been injured.

“This is my exercise. It keeps me in shape,” Coleman said.

Injuries range from Achilles tendon tears to twisted backs and knees to fractured wrists due to falls, she said. Even though people of all ages play the sport, injuries are concentrated among seniors. Players 60 years and older account for most emergency department visits, according to UBS.

“Compared to previous generations, seniors are living longer and are more active,” the report noted. “They have shown a greater preference to age in place, exercise, play sports, and travel.

One recent morning, eight players, mostly seniors, competed in two games set up on the basketball court in the YMCA’s gymnasium. Talking among

themselves, 14 other players waited their turn to play.

“Pickleball has been a lifesaver for a lot of us,” said James Coleman, 72,

Southard advised that as a first step, players new to the game need to realize pickleball “can be a challenging sport… Some people want to come in and start playing right away without conditioning themselves in advance.”

“While we generally think of exercise as positively impacting health outcomes, the ‘can-do’ attitude of today’s seniors can pose greater risk in other areas such as sports injuries, leading to a greater number of

... continued on p. 20

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Players waiting for their turn on the pickleball court at Spears Family YMCA on a recent morning stack their paddles on the gym floor next to the net.

mark your calendar

EVERY WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY

z NW Guilford Farmers & Specialty Market | A farmers market is 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. More info: Nicki Wagoner, (336) 817-7765 or fromtheearthfm@gmail.com. (See ad on this page.)

EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT

z GriefShare | Oak Ridge First Baptist Church at 2445 Oak Ridge Road is hosting a GriefShare session

every Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Each week, this support group watches a video seminar about moving through the grieving process, followed by a discussion. Learn more at www.griefshare.org. Register to attend at www.griefshare.org/groups/166856.

JULY 24-AUG. 4, AUG. 5

z Running camp & 5K fundraiser | Oak Ridge Youth Association will host a free running camp Monday, July 24, to Friday, Aug. 4, for kids age 8 to 14, five days a week (M-F) from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive. There will be a 5K fundraiser for Second Harvest Food Bank on Saturday, Aug. 5, starting at 8:30 a.m. at Oak Ridge Town Park. All ages are welcome to participate in the 5K. Sign up for the camp or the 5K at www.orya.org. Donations of non-perishable food items will be collected. More info: information@orya.org.

MONDAY, JULY 24

z Lions Club | Oak Ridge Lions Club will meet July 24 in the Oak Ridge Room (next to Bistro 150) in Oak Ridge Commons, 2205 Oak Ridge Road. Come at 6 p.m. to socialize; the business meeting runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. More info: Jim Kinneman, president, (336) 207-7166, or james.kinneman@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, JULY 25

z Stokesdale Fire District meeting | Taxpayers in the Stokesdale Fire District are invited to attend

the district’s annual meeting on July 25, starting at 7:30 p.m. at the fire station, 8401 U.S. 158. The annual report will be presented and an election will be held for four board members.

SATURDAY, JULY 29

z Food pantry | Good Samaritan Ministries’ food pantry in Stokesdale will open for those in need of food on July 29, 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Stokesdale Business Center, 8500 Ellisboro Road. To receive assistance or to make a donation to the ministry, contact Terri Johnson, (336) 643-5887 or terrij1957@yahoo.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 30

z Fifth Sunday Singing | Good Samaritan Ministries of Stokesdale invites the community to a Fifth Sunday Singing event July 30, starting at 6 p.m. at Bethel Methodist Church, 8424 Haw River Road in Oak Ridge. Groups from local churches will sing and play instruments, with light refreshments to follow. An offering to support Good Samaritan Ministries will be taken. More info: (336) 643-5887.

TUESDAY, AUG. 1

z Kiwanis Club | Kiwanis Club of Northwest Guilford, a nonprofit that engages in projects focused on children in our community, will meet Aug. 1, starting at 12 noon at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge. More info: nwgkiwanis@gmail.com.

Housing market still ‘very, very strong,’ according to custom homebuilders

NW GUILFORD – The market in northwestern Guilford County is “very shielded compared to some other markets nationally,” Casey Johnson, co-owner of Stokesdale-based CJ Builders, recently told the Northwest Observer.

“So many people are moving here,” Johnson said, adding that he’s begun meeting with prospective homeowners

who are moving to the area to work for Boom Supersonic, which plans to employ more than 2,400 people in its operations at Piedmont Triad International Airport.

Johnson and other custom homebuilders we spoke with said that despite rising interest rates and construction costs driving home prices ever upward, demand for new houses is strong and

they have no, or very low, inventory.

“We have no inventory… I don’t see anything changing unless a very drastic economic failure happens,” Matt Walraven, owner of Walraven Signature Homes, said in an interview earlier this week. “But I don’t see that happening.”

Nationally, the low inventory of housing is “keeping demand solid for

new homes,” helping boost builder confidence in July “even as the industry continues to grapple with rising mortgage rates, elevated construction costs and limited lot availability,” the National Association of Homebuilders said in a statement earlier this month. July was the seventh straight month of rising confidence among builders.

Free Fall Lawn

Recently

The 57 acres of old farmland is owned by the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority, and it’s the future site of the service center and parking lot for rental car agencies at the airport.

Kevin Baker, the authority’s executive director, explained the trucks are hauling dirt a short distance from Inman Road to a site on the airport’s property along North Chimney Rock Road. The tract is between Old Oak Ridge Road and Ballinger Road, near the entrance to Honda

Aircraft Co.’s operations.

In recent weeks, trucks have also hauled away several big piles of trunks and limbs of trees cleared from the Inman Road property. Most of the debris removal is now complete.

Partially visible from Interstate 73, the property on North Chimney Rock Road is being graded and improved for erosion control. It “will be a future site for some tenant,” as part of the airport authority’s effort to recruit aerospace companies, Baker said in an email.

He described moving earth between the two sites as “basically killing two birds with one stone – preparing two sites for the cost of one.”

Once earth moving is complete, the Inman Road site will be seeded for grass, Baker said.

“For the near term, nothing will be constructed” there, he said.

I’ve seen a lot of dump trucks hauling dirt away from the property that’s been cleared on Inman Road near the airport. Where’s the dirt going?

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Last month, a track hoe loads tree debris on a dump truck on the Piedmont Triad International Airport Authority’s property on Inman Road. It’s being cleared and graded for the future service center and parking lot for rental car agencies at the airport

in the coal mines, Don Mills decided to follow in his family’s footsteps and began framing houses in 1983. Today, he and his wife, Annette, own and operate Don Mills Builders.

One of the things Don enjoys most about building homes is solving problems that are inevitably part of any project, whether they involve dealing with a seemingly impossible

Ray Bullins Construction Co.

Building a home should be exciting

“We think building a custom home should be an exciting event filled with hope and expectation for the entire family,” Ray said. “When that happens, we know we’ve done our job.”

At its next meeting on July 27, Stokesdale Planning Board will consider rezoning this recently cleared land, consisting of two parcels totaling .87 acres, in downtown Stokesdale to Conditional Zoning-General Business.

30,000 square foot lot, (RS-30) to Conditional Zoning-General Business (CZ-GB).

Along with abiding by the Town of Stokesdale Development Ordinance and Future Land Use Plan, the application included several other conditions that would be met; these included restrictions on hours of operation, signage and lighting.

something to go there.

The lot is actually two abutting parcels – one located at 8200 Stokesdale Street and the other at 8320 Loyola Street – which together make up .87 acres.

A Conditional Use Rezoning request was submitted last month by Bill Greco of Land Solutions to change the zoning from Limited Office (LO) and Residential, minimum

What is being built just north of Sheetz on N.C. 68 at Leabourne Road in Greensboro (just outside the Town of Oak Ridge limits)?

The property fronting N.C. 68 is being graded for retail establishments, including a possible ABC store, according to Robbie Perkins, the market president for NAI

A public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, July 27, at 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall when the town’s Planning Board will consider the rezoning request.

The property is owned by Aisha Realty LLC, a company based in Summerfield and owned by Murand Ali. We spoke with Ali last week, but he declined to elaborate on his plans for the property.

Rumors are circulating that a hardware store will be built on the property, but we were not able to confirm those rumors.

Piedmont Triad, a commercial real estate company.

Construction of more than 300 luxury apartments is planned for about 20 acres behind the retail strip, Perkins said in an interview earlier this week. He’s handling the leasing of the sites for Collett, the Charlotte-based developer of the property.

The land is located on the western side of N.C. 68, with Leabourne Road

Photo courtesy of Kim Thacker

You dream i t

...let us build it

Rich and Kathy Dumas began building in the Triad in 1992. Since then, R&K has become a respected, multi-gold award-winning home builder. Having built over 500 homes ranging in price from the $500,000s to $2 million, our wide range of construction and design types separates our company from the others. We’ll walk you through every detail as we show you our passion for not just crafting homes, but building memories. Our challenge to produce the best never ceases.

Rich and Kathy Dumas, owners

CALENDAR EVENTS ...continued from p. 12

z SMA meeting | Summerfield Merchants Association (SMA), which focuses on supporting local businesses and the Summerfield community, invites professionals based in Summerfield to a meeting on Aug. 1, with social/ networking time from 6:15 to 7 p.m. followed by a business meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. Learn more about SMA at www.summerfieldmerchant.com, or email Patti Stokes, SMA president, at president@summerfieldmerchant.com. RSVP on the website to attend the meeting.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 2

z Senior program | Senior Resources of Guilford County will sponsor a senior program including activities and a take-home lunch Aug. 2, 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon at Oak Ridge First Baptist Church, 2445 Oak Ridge Road. To learn more and/or RSVP, contact (336) 373-4816, ext. 265.

z Community meal | Gideon Grove United Methodist Church at 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road in Stokesdale will host a free community meal Aug. 2, 5 to 6 p.m. More info: (336) 643-6042.

z Preservation Oak Ridge meeting | Preservation Oak Ridge, a nonprofit committed to preserving historic structures in Oak Ridge, will meet Aug. 2, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the historic Ai Church, 1306 N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge. More info: www.preserveoakridge.org or call (336) 644-1777.

z Friends of Stokesdale meeting | Friends of Stokesdale, a nonprofit committed to preserving Stokesdale’s history and downtown charm, will meet Aug. 2, 7 to 8 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. For more info, visit www.facebook.com/ friendsofstokesdale or call Joe Thacker, president, at (336) 708-0334.

PICKLEBALL

...continued from p. 11

orthopedic procedures,” UBS pointed out.

Pickleball players may be more prone to injury because the sport “is so darn fun that it’s addictive,” said Katie Allegro, pickleball teaching pro at Proehlific Park. She describes the activity as “hidden exercise.”

“You’re having such a great time that you lose track of how long you’re playing,” said Allegro, who plays pickleball professionally. “One more game can turn into 10 more games.”

As a result, swinging the paddle and stopping and starting many times over an hour or two – or longer – can lead to injuries related to repetitive movements. According to trainers, people who jump into the sport without being physically fit are more prone to injury than those who routinely exercise.

Pickleball “is an easy way to exercise and have fun at the same time without thinking about it,” said Jamaal Johnson, a trainer at SNAP Fitness in Oak Ridge. “But the sport is like any other physical activity; you want to work your way into it.

“It’s good to build up a certain amount of flexibility, muscular endurance and mobility before you just jump in,” Johnson advised. He recommends exercises such as leg lunges that put muscles and joints through a wide range of motions.

– especially older people – work out, they work out in a box,” Johnson said. “They stay close and tight within their bodies.”

Improving strength and flexibility can ease the transition to pickleball for people who spend a lot of time sitting at a desk or on the couch, according to Johnson. For them, a lack of flexibility in the gluteal muscles around the buttocks is a common problem that can lead to tightness in smaller muscles such as the hamstrings and the calves.

“Our body parts are interwoven,” he said. “And when those big muscles get tight, they pull on all the small things around them.”

Conditioning exercises such as yoga can improve range of motion, core strength, balance and body awareness, according to the YMCA’s Southard.

For pickleball newcomers, Alloy’s Gallert recommends “foundational exercises” to improve balance, mobility, core strength and cardio/respiratory health.

“Helping our clients become more mobile and strengthen their core is going to transfer into their everyday life and activities, such as playing pickleball,” Gallert said. “Your core strength is going to protect your spine.”

Deb Vincent, league coordinator for Play Team Pickleball in the Triad and the Durham-Chapel Hill areas, also recommends that players take precautions.

By contrast, some popular exercises such as arm curls provide less range of motion and fewer benefits.

“Most of the time when people

“We encourage everybody to loosen up and get your muscles ready to exercise,” she said. “We do not want people to go blindly backwards to get a ball, because people of all ages fall down.”

“Mobility is flexibility and strength combined,” he explained.

Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC

Healthy Smiles. Happy Patients. Quality dental care for the entire family!

SummerfieldDentist.com

Love your SMILE

RE/BUSINESS QUESTIONS ...continued from

p. 18

CRIME / INCIDENT report

ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING

July 16 | Officers responded to an accidental handgun shooting in the 8300 block of W. Harrell Road in Oak Ridge (off N.C. 68 N).

ASSAULT

July 14 | Officers responded to a reported assault in the 4900 block of Little Oak Drive in northwest Greensboro (off Pleasant Ridge Road).

Old Brick Store Road in Greensboro (near Lake Brandt Road) reported that between March 28 and July 14 an unknown suspect hacked his computer and used his identification info.

MISSING PERSON

July 5 | Officers responded to a missing person’s report in the 8200 block of Curraghmore Court in Stokesdale (near U.S. 158).

THEFT

and the Cameron campus of Guilford Technical Community College to the north. At the southern end, the property abuts the Sheetz gasoline convenience store and is near several distribution centers built in recent years. To the east is the Piedmont Saddle Club, an equestrian center on Leabourne Road.

Directly across N.C. 68 from the property is 68 North Crossing, a commercial strip with no tenants yet, and the Retreat at Sixty-Eight, a

complex of about 260 apartments. Nearby, another 200-plus apartments are planned, according to Perkins.

The juncture of Interstate 73 and N.C. 68 has emerged a commercial hub since the opening of the northwestern Guilford County section of the interstate in 2017. Its proximity to Piedmont Triad International Airport and other highways, including Interstates 40 and 85 and U.S. 220, is attracting distribution companies.

Grading is underway next to Sheetz on N.C. 68 (near the I-73 interchange) to make way for retail establishments, including a possible ABC store, according to Robbie Perkins, the market president for NAI Piedmont Triad, a commercial real estate company. Construction of more than 300 luxury apartments is planned for about 20 acres behind the retail strip. In the background is GTCC’s Cameron campus on Leabourne Road. We

July 14 | Officers responded to a reported assault involving a physical altercation in the 6000 block of Mountain Brook Road (near N.C. 150 W).

FOUND PROPERTY

July 11 | A citizen surrendered three pieces of found property: two firearms and unknown identification documents.

FRAUD

July 10 | An employee of Bi-Rite in Stokesdale reported that between July 7 and July 10 an unknown suspect fraudulently used an EBT card to obtain $143.91 in food items.

July 10 | A resident of the 4000 block of Bienvenue Drive in northwest Greensboro (off Pleasant Ridge Road) reported an unknown suspect defrauded her of $782.

July 14 | A resident of the 6000 block of

July 11 | A resident of the 8900 block of U.S. 158 in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect stole a gardenia bush and a shoe organizer from her yard; the items were returned July 17.

July 15 | A resident of the 7600 block of Henson Forest Drive in Summerfield (near I-73 N) reported an unknown suspect broke in through the home’s back door and stole an $80 bottle of cologne, an 18-karat white gold tennis bracelet worth $4,850 and $100 cash.

July 16 | An employee of AAA Self Storage on Pleasant Ridge Road in northwest Greensboro reported that between July 7 and July 16 an unknown suspect stole a black pressure washer worth $4,000.

olmstedorthodontics.com

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Kids’ Korner

Pickleball WORD SEARCH

PICKLEBALL

Have you played America’s fastest growing sport? Learn more about it in this week’s article on page 10. Then, complete the pickleball matching game and word search.

Pickleball Match. Draw a line from the words on the left to the words that match them on the right.

Bop to the top with Disney’s ‘High School Musical JR’

The musical will be performed by middle and high school students participating in Guilford County Schools’ Summer Arts Institute

NORTHWEST GUILFORD – Middle and high school students throughout Guilford County will be performing Disney’s “High School Musical JR.”

at Northwest High School’s auditorium on July 28, 29 and 30. The funfilled 60-minute musical, designed for middle school-aged performers, is based on the 2006 Disney Channel Original Movie and the subsequent National Tour. The cast includes 60+ students led by Jacob Luck, director of theatre at Northwest Middle, and Nicholas Shoaf, director of choirs at Kernodle Middle School, who have partnered with Guilford County

Coming this fall

thwarted as they navigate the cliques of East High?

Summer Arts institute programs.

“As the director of Northwest Little Theatre, we are so grateful to return to storytelling after three years of rebuilding theatre arts at Northwest Middle and High schools, and Kernodle Middle,” Luck said. The Northwest theatre arts department is committed to creating and sustaining a professional theatre environment for young artists of all backgrounds and seeks to create positive change in the community through courageous collaboration and socially conscious theatre.”

“High School Musical JR,” an up-beat throwback to the ins and outs of high school drama, is a nostalgic romp for young and old alike! The plot revolves around an audition notice that’s posted for East High’s spring musical, and superstar athlete Troy and science whiz Gabriella secretly want to try out. Will their dreams be

Adapted for young performers, this musical includes favorite “High School Musical” songs such as “Get’cha Head in the Game,” “Stick to the Status Quo,” and “We’re All in This Together.” With its inspiring message of friendship, self-discovery and teamwork, you’ll be singing and cheering along with “High School Musical JR” all the way to opening night and long afterward!

Follow Northwest Little Theatre on Facebook; for sponsorship opportunities or other info, contact Jacob Luck, director, at LuckJ@gcsnc.com.

want to go?

Disney’s “High School Musical JR” will be performed in Northwest High School’s auditorium, 5400 Northwest School Road, on Friday, July 28, and Saturday, July 29, at 7 p.m., and on Sunday, July 30, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 and will be sold at the door. The musical is presented through special arrangement with, and all materials are provided by, Music Theatre International. have

Bill’s Bulletin

School News from Bill Goebel, your District 3 School Board Representative

Hello District 3 community,

As a North Carolina citizen, I am proud that CNBC ranked North Carolina as No. 1 on its list of America’s Top States for Business two years in a row. For years, state leaders have been intentional about making investments and building an infrastructure that positions North Carolina as a key destination for businesses across the globe. In contrast, we have not done the same for public education. I see a great opportunity to reverse this issue.

Guilford County has a higher child poverty rate, more food insecurity, and lower median family income than our sister counties of Wake, Mecklenburg, Durham and Forsyth. This causes Guilford County to have to spend more resources to address these issues. In addition, our teachers continue to be undervalued for their hard work and have seen few changes in compensation over the years, putting their salaries far behind the national average.

Do you see the problem here? Though business is booming, and our state is growing, our communities remain fragile because of how little we have invested in our public schools – which are often the top employers in communities across the state. Flourishing business in North Carolina brings us one step forward, but meager teacher compensation takes us two steps back. Burnout is intensifying, teachers are leaving, undergraduate teaching programs are enrolling fewer students – and all of this is happening in the wake of pandemic learning loss when our kids need high-performing and committed teachers most.

Our dollars speak volumes about our indifference.

I say this not with bullheaded partisanship or false alarm but with desperation for our state’s citizens to understand the realities we are facing and the dangerous trajectory we are on. Being the top state in business and the last in teacher pay is a future we cannot afford. It is a future where millions of kids lacking high-performing teachers are robbed of the opportunity that could have been theirs – and where our communities, once filled with promise, become fragile. I believe our kids deserve better – that we all deserve better. Our communities can only be as strong as our public schools, which is why we must invest in them with competitive compensation in order to attract and retain the best teachers.

Consider what our hard-working teachers have been able to accomplish despite decades of underfunding and inadequate pay. I think, for example, about the broad range of choice programs Guilford County Schools offers families that have been developed in partnership with businesses and aligned to workforce needs – including STEM, aviation, artificial intelligence, global logistics, biotechnology research and advanced manufacturing. We also have early and middle colleges, language immersion schools, top art programs and four separate public schools for students with severe and profound disabilities. These choice programs are completely unmatched in the private and charter school sector – and they are offered for free in order to transform life outcomes for all students regardless of zip code. Imagine, then, what our public schools might do with competitive

teacher salaries and adequate funding. We would be able to attract the best teachers in the nation, giving our own students a competitive advantage to lead in a global economy. What is special about public schools is that they belong to all of us, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or ability to pay. We take all students. That is not the case for private schools.

I do not oppose families having the opportunity to choose the best school possible for their children, but that should not come at the expense of public education. If we want to remain a state that attracts global employers, we must invest in our young people at scale. This is a pivotal moment for the state, and our kids and our communities are waiting on us to show up for them. Will we embrace the opportunity to train our workforce and strengthen our communities? Or will we give up on the schools and teachers who have shown remarkable resilience crisis after crisis? The choice is ours. I hope we can stand united on behalf of our youngest North Carolinians for their future and the future of North Carolina.

As your school board representative of District 3, I am committed to supporting what is best for our students, and that unequivocally means investing in them. Our children’s education is a top priority, and I will work tirelessly to ensure they have access to the resources, opportunities, and dedicated teachers they need to thrive. Together, let’s seize this pivotal moment and stand united in building a brighter future for our youngest North Carolinians and the entire community.

With gratitude and unwavering dedication, Bill

Goebel

Bill Goebel

School Board member, District 3

Keep the main thing, the main thing! 336-687-3593

goebelw.gcsnc.com

*some information in this article has been extracted from a speech given by Dr. Whitney Oakley, School Board superintendent

„ All who volunteered/ donated to Oak Ridge’s bike parade on July 4. Bob Rents did a fantastic job facepainting, Lions Club donated hot dogs, and To the Moon and Back donated ice cream. What a fantastic show of support for this community!

„ Union Grove Baptist Church (I think) for the patriotic songs on the morning of July 2, played by your church bells. It made my morning walk so enjoyable!

„ Wendy’s in Oak Ridge for always getting my food out hot and fresh. It’s really nice to finally have a “fast” fast food restaurant in town.

„ Village Roofs. I saw their ad in the NWO and called Sue to have an attic roof fan installed on my sharply pitched roof. After accepting her quote, the job was completed quickly and professionally within a couple of days.

„ The Good Samaritan who pushed my broken-down car across N.C. 150 to the shoulder. Thanks for the help!

„ Joyce at Truist. Your kind note of encouragement truly helped me drag myself out of the dark mire of negative self-commentary. Thank you for being a light.

„ NWO readers for only submitting two gripes in the last issue! So glad to see that people are happy and doing things that make them happy instead of saying mean things about their neighbors. Don’t worry – be happy!

Editor’s note: The reprieve on gripes was short-lived, as you’ll see. But on a positive note, there were also only a few grins in our last issue, and they are more plentiful this week as well!

„ To the Moon and Back Frozen Treats – the caramel apple ice cream is delicious!

„ All the young men sporting killer mullets. Thanks for bringing back a legend. Your hard work does not go unnoticed.

„ The Northwest Observer for only publishing two gripes in the last issue. I look forward to reading the gripes every week and was sorely disappointed. I want to see more trash talking, please.

Editor’s note: Reader-submitted gripes (and grins, for that matter) for the last issue were definitely at a low, and we attribute that largely to people being away during late June and early July, which is the peak season for summer vacations. As you read on, you’ll be happy to see that people have apparently returned home and found things to gripe about.

„ Whoever is responsible for maintaining the “Welcome to Oak Ridge” sign on N.C. 150. The roses there aren’t just half dead, they have Rose Rosette disease, which is incurable/ highly contagious. Perhaps the town needs to bring in some horticultural experts.

„ Bill Goebel (District 3). If he is as wonderful as he says he is, why did he vote against NC HB187 on his very first vote on the school board, opposing Equality in Education and voting no to parents.

„ The person driving on Whitaker Drive (in Summerfield) who threw a water bottle at me while I was biking.

Please respect cyclists and pedestrians.

„ The limited number of gripes in the NWO’s last issue. These are my weekend entertainment. Really missing the leaf blower arguments these days.

„ The people living in the homes facing Coldwater Road (Stokesdale) for leaving their trash cans at the road. Take them back to your house!

„ The person who griped about SNAP Fitness being dirty after new owners took over. I have gone there 3x/week for many years. People are sloppy returning their equipment sometimes, but that has always been the case. Good place to work out.

„ Lumos for starting their installation by digging to lay lines, destroying neighborhood yards, and causing congestion on the neighborhood roads. This was done without any advance notification. Will never sign up for Lumos services!

„ The person who griped about having to change their baby’s diaper on Bi-Rite’s bathroom floor. Why not carry your baby through the rain and change the diaper in the car? A little rain is better than a public restroom floor!

„ The women in my neighborhood who wear a sports bra and tight shorts when doing lawn work, which is distracting to drivers. Show some respect here in our great little neighborhood and put more clothes on!

„ AUTO SALES & SERVICES

2021 CORVETTE . Removable top, 2,000 miles. Loaded. $98,000. (336) 643-5939.

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

„ YARD SALES

YARD SALE! Saturday, July 22, 7-11am. 8109 Dorsett Downs Drive, Stokesdale.

GARAGE/YARD SALE. Saturday, July 22, 8am-until. Household, antiques, tools and tool boxes, metal shelving, furniture, books, lawn chairs, jewelry, name-brand purses, pet items, clothing and St. Nick Village decorations.

„ HOME SERVICES

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

FLOORING / TILE

gen, Mini, and Porsche. 32 years experience. 4559 US Hwy. 220, Summerfield (across

Place online at

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

(336) 891-3876

EUROHAUSAUTO.PRO

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

„ EMPLOYMENT

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

„ PUBLIC NOTICE

STOKESDALE FIRE DISTRICT INC. will hold its annual meeting on Tues., July 25, at 7:30pm, at the fire station located at 8401 US Hwy 158. We will present the Annual Report (financial and operational) and hold the election of four board members. Current vehicle registration may be required for proof of voter eligibility if vehicle tax is the only tax paid in the Stokesdale Fire District.

GARAGE SALE. Sat., July 22, 8am-noon. 1910 Ridge Oaks Court, Oak Ridge. College stuff, girls' and women's clothing, furniture, odds and ends.

„ HOME SERVICES

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

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

CLEANING

KC CLEANING and PAINTING. Free estimates. Find us on Google. Text or leave message; quick response. (336) 604-3249

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

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

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

handyman ● painting ● kitchen & bath residential & commercial ● free estimates 336.554.5007

kjhomeservices4u@gmail.com ● kjhomeservicesnc.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

„ HOME SERVICES

APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance

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

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

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

GRADING / HAULING

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 roughcut 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

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„ HOME SERVICES

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

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

DILLARD'S TREE SERVICE, LLC. Veteran owned/operated. Fully insured. Commercial/ residential. Tree removal, trimming and storm cleanup. Emergency services available. Free estimates. (336) 402-8138

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.

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

„ 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

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

Your HOME SERVICES

your classified ad online at www.nwobserver.com

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

„ 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

MASONRY

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

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

CONCRETE COATINGS

Flake Epoxy Systems

Garage Floor and Concrete Resurfacing

Decorative Concrete Overlays

Stamped Concrete Rejuvenation

Eric Sauls, Owner ● (336) 970-3543

Call for your free estimate

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS

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

„ HOME SERVICES

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

HOME SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER

Oak Ridge and surrounding area. Will run errands and do light housekeeping. M,W,F. Call (336) 707-4946; ask for Katrena.

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

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

PAINTING & DRYWALL

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

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

„ HOME SERVICES

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

Place your ad: www.nwobserver.com

BEK Paint Co.

Residential & Commercial

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

BEKPaintCompany.com

• References Available

• Licensed & Insured

• All Work Guaranteed

PLUMBING

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

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

„ HOME SERVICES

PRESSURE WASHING

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

HOUSE and ROOF SOFT WASHING

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

CUTTING EDGE PRESSURE WASHING

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

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

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

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION

Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Senior discount. 41 years exp. (336) 215-6122 or (336) 362-6343

The Northwest Observer Covering your community since 1996!

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

We DISASSEMBLE and RECONSTRUCT old log buildings, cabins and tobacco barns. If you have a log structure and don’t want it, we will remove it for you! If you want to relocate it, we can do that too! We also construct pole barns/buildings. Call (336) 430-9507 anytime.

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

„ HOME SERVICES

RENOVATION WORKS, INC.

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

ROOFING

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION .

Lifetime shingle and metal roofing. We finance. Free estimates. Since 1979. (336) 215-6122 or (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

ROOFING.

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

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

Check in with your neighbors: www.facebook.com/northwestobserver

„ MISC. SERVICES

WELDING AND TRAILER REPAIR

Call Tim, (336) 402-3869

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

locally owned & operated

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

(affiliated with Stokesdale Storage)

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

„ MISC. FOR SALE

GAMING COMPUTER with Windows 10. Loaded with NASCAR Racing 2003. Tutorial, steering wheel, shifter & pedals. $99. (336) 662-8496

BLUEBERRIES! You pick or pre-picked. Heritage Blueberry Farm, Darla Drive in Summerfield. (336) 908-3644

CONCEPT 2 INDOOR ROWER, Model D. Like-new condition, manuals included. One owner. $500. Call (336) 608-9967

„ MISC. WANTED

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

„ PETS/ANIMAL SVCS.

Use HAPPY JACK® KENNEL DIP ® as an area spray to control deer ticks, fleas, stable flies, & mosquitoes where they breed. Biodegradable. At Tractor Supply ® www.happyjackinc.com

GOLDEN SHEEPADOODLES. Reserve your puppy today! Six weeks old. Will be ready to go to their fur-ever home Aug. 5. Please call (336) 906-6691 to schedule a meeting to see these beautiful babies!

„ REAL ESTATE

HOME FOR SALE

OPEN HOUSE: Sun., July 23 • 2-4pm

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS

Place your ad today: (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 www.nwobserver.com

„ MISC. WANTED

FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, generators, power washers, 4-wheelers, mini-bikes, golf carts, bikes, and other gas-powered items. (336) 491-1565

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

8169

Sanfords Creek Dr., Colfax

MEET THE BUILDER – NEW ENERGY STAR home. Enjoy the benefits of this healthy, eco-friendly, energy efficient 4BR/4BA, 3100 sq. ft. home with 2 main-level BRs, open floor plan, 4 extra rooms upstairs, covered porch and composite deck. NW Guilford County schools. $689,500

GIL

VAUGHAN

Realtor ®/Broker • (336) 337-4780

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

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

...continued

monthly publication will give Holtzman an opportunity to draw on his first professional love, which is sports coverage, as well as to write feature stories on youth-centered topics, student profiles, and more.

Holtzman graduated from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, in 2009, with a bachelor of science degree in journalism and public relations. While at ECU,

he served as sports editor of The East Carolinian and Buccaneer student publications.

Please give Holtzman a warm welcome when you see him at community events, town council meetings, in our local schools and on youth athletic fields throughout northwest Guilford County.

Holtzman can be reached at kellen@nwobserver.com.

Jason and Melissa Robinson, along with their twin daugh ters, Olivia and Macie, and son, Worth, recently vacationed at Marco Island, Florida, where they enjoyed many moments by the water with their favorite hometown newspaper.

Dan Bausum of Oak Ridge traveled to Dhaka, Bangladesh, on a missions trip with a group from Triad Church. While visiting a residence inside a fort in Old Dhaka, Dan enjoyed reading about the equally interesting places back home!

instructional coach and teacher at Revolution Academy in Summerfield, and Toni Montgomery (right), who tutors at the academy, enjoyed reading the Northwest Observer with editor Patti Stokes when she visited one of the academy’s yearbook/journalism classes in May.

Michelle Bardsley (left),