Northwest Observer / June 20 - July 17, 2024

Summerfield de-annexation vote coming, Berger says

Sen. Phil Berger, speaking at a Boom Supersonic event at PTIA on June 17.

State Senate President

Pro Tem Phil Berger said he believes everything is in place to move deannexation bill forward by

CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – State Senate

President Pro Tem Phil Berger said he believes he’s got enough support

More revenue, more trouble?

Council members debate merits of ABC store

by PATTI STOKES

STOKESDALE – A contentious issue that had been buried for over seven years surfaced again at last week’s Stokesdale Town Council meeting

when Councilman Jim Rigsbee proposed the town consider locating an ABC store within its limits.

“We’ve always tried

Heritage Farm Park opens

Oak Ridge Mayor Jim Kinneman (center), along with council members Mike Stone (back row, far left) and Ann Schneider, and Parks & Recreation Advisory Board co-chairs John Browning (front, far left), and Adrian Eckenrod (back row, second from left), board member John Garrett, and guest Juan Pleitez, who sang the national anthem, celebrate as the ribbon is cut to signify the official opening of Heritage Farm Park on June 9.

STOKES

OAK RIDGE – “As we stand here in this lush, green space, it’s essential to recognize that this park is more than just land and trees; it is a testament to the power of community spirit and the dedication of many caring individuals over the years,”

Photo courtesy of Town of Oak Ridge

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

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Alleged confidential email resurfaces publicly

Summerfield citizen reads aloud an email sent in January by councilman Jonathan Hamilton, who claims the communication with a town lawyer was confidential by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – An email that Summerfield councilman Jonathan Hamilton said he wrote confidentially in January to one of the town’s land use lawyers has resurfaced publicly, leading to a heated exchange during last week’s council meeting.

Summerfield resident Pam Tocornal read the Jan. 31 email out loud during the council’s June 11 meeting. Afterwards, Hamilton told her “you have an attorney-client privileged document that was leaked out… Would you mind telling us where you got that document?”

“It’s really none of your business,”

responded Tocornal, although one possibility was from reading the Summerfield Strong Facebook page which had reposted the email in late May.

Summerfield Strong said it initially obtained the email through a public records request to the town. In its May 24 post, it maintained the email “is not (covered by) client-attorney privilege,” as Hamilton asserted.

In his January email, the councilman reached out to Michael Thelen, one of the town’s land use litigators, about the process for repealing the text amendment approved by a 3-2 vote of

...continued on p. 38

Summerfield Road to be evaluated for A&Y Greenway

A 3-2 vote by Summerfield’s council authorized spending of nearly $147,000 to determine the feasibility of shifting the greenway to southern end of Summerfield Road

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – By a split vote, the Summerfield Town Council agreed to pay engineering firm Kimley-Horn an additional $147,095 to evaluate the southern end of Summerfield Road as a possible route for the Atlantic and Yadkin (A&Y) Greenway.

Trail proponents applauded the 3-2 vote during the council’s June 11 meeting after supporters disputed what they called misconceptions that trails attract crime and devalue nearby properties. Voting against the motion were council members Jonathan Hamilton and Janelle Robinson, who based her opposition on conversations she said

she had with Summerfield Road residents and research on the history of the trail’s planning.

“Not a single person who lives there is OK with it,” Robinson said. Even though the trail would traverse the state’s right of way, she said residents mow the lawns and care for the property.

“I don’t think it’s fair to the people living there,” said Robinson, adding that she believes building the trail on the eastern side of Summerfield Road, across from the mobile home park, is “not feasible and it’s not safe.”

Earlier this year, the town’s Trails and Open Space (TOS) Committee

on p. 13

‘Hidden surprises’ delay progress on Redmon house

Securing a structural engineer to redesign the floor system has slowed the pace of renovation work, but pending receipt of contractor’s change order, it should soon accelerate, town manager says

by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – After the Northwest Observer reached out this week for an update on the historic Redmon house at Oak Ridge Town Park, Town Manager Bill Bruce explained that back in January, additional interior demolition determined “the soils would be unable to support the floor system as originally designed.”

Discussions between the town, Greensboro-based BAR Construction Co. and the project’s architect led to the conclusion that “the most prudent solution was a re-design of the floor system,” Bruce said in an email earlier this week.

“Much of the delay over the last few months is attributable to the difficulty our contractor had in identifying and securing a structural engineer and the subsequent building inspector review,” Bruce said.

Now that those tasks have been completed, he said, the town expects to receive a request for a change

order from Bar in the near future. It’s not yet known how much the new work may cost, he added.

Oak Ridge has appropriated $650,000 for the renovation and expansion of the historic Redmon house into the Farmhouse Community Center. Spending consists of $270,000 in town funds and another $380,000 in grants, according to the fiscal 2024-25 budget message posted on the town’s website.

The budget contains a contingency fund to address unexpected higher costs, according to Mayor Jim Kinneman.

“As anyone who has undertaken a major home renovation knows, encountering unplanned issues is quite common,” the mayor said in an email. “For example, opening a kitchen wall might reveal unexpected pipes or wires. The farmhouse, being an old structure, had a few hidden surprises that we only discovered once all the walls and floors were opened up.”

If so, we invite you to participate in the Oak Ridge Treasure Tree program, sponsored by the Oak Ridge Tree City USA Committee. This program wishes to recognize the largest, rarest, oldest and otherwise important tree species located in Oak Ridge.

PROGRAM CRITERIA

Trees designated as treasure trees are:

V The most significant tree of their species. Size is determined by height, average crown spread and circumference.

V Of historic, environmental or otherwise significant value.

V Of a species, variety or cultivar proved to be relatively long-lived and adapted to our geographic region.

V Of such health and condition, as judged by the Treasure Tree Committee, as to have a reasonable prospect of continuing life.

V Located on either public or private property within Oak Ridge.

Please call Oak Ridge Town Hall at (336) 644-7009 or email ssmith@oakridgenc.com if you would like someone from the Oak Ridge Tree City USA Committee to contact you about registering your tree.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Aug. 31, 2024

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Visible progress on renovation of the historic Redmon house at Oak Ridge Town Park has been slow in recent months due to issues with the floor system.

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Is there an update on when the A&Y Greenway pedestrian bridge that crosses over Lake Brandt might be replaced?

Unfortunately, it will be a while before the pedestrian bridge near the Strawberry Road trail access will be replaced. The northernmost trestle bridge on the A&Y Greenway, located between Strawberry Road and Bur-Mil Park, closed to all traffic on Oct. 27.

by Patti Stokes/NWO

The northernmost trestle bridge on the A&Y Greenway, located between Strawberry Road and Bur-Mil Park, closed permanently on Oct. 27. A consultant’s contract to design a new bridge is under review and the project is set to be put out to bid by September 2025.

approximately $2.5 million,” the release indicated. “The Greensboro Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (GUAMPO) is seeking federal funding in the amount of $2 million which will be combined with a $500,000 local match. The design and permitting is anticipated to begin in early 2024 with construction in 2025, due to the sensitive watershed habitat surrounding the bridge, permitting requirements, and project complexity.”

Earlier this week Craig McKinney, transportation planner with Greensboro DOT, told us via email that the City of Greensboro is reviewing a

consultant’s contract to design the bridge replacement.

“This process involves internal and NCDOT review of the contract before it is sent to Greensboro City Council for approval in July, followed by a final approval by NCDOT in August,” McKinney wrote. “The consultant likely will begin work in September (of this year) with the goal of having the project going out for bids by September 2025.”

Once a contractor has been selected and work gets underway, it will take several months for the new bridge to be completed, which means it will likely be sometime in early 2026.

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According to a press release by the Greensboro Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (GUAMPO), the closure was necessary “based on the findings and recommendations of an engineering firm that completed a structural assessment of the greenway’s two bridges spanning Lake Brandt in late September 2023.”

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The press release went on to say the City of Greensboro was prioritizing work on this project and actively pursuing the funding necessary to execute its planning, design, and construction.

“Preliminary cost estimates are

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Council pauses trail work due to disputed easement

After homeowners sought a 10-year moratorium, the council approved a 17-month reprieve from possible development of a future section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail

by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge Town Council paused for 17 months the development of a trail that, if built, would traverse an easement opposed by adjacent homeowners.

The easement is 8 feet wide and runs 90 feet on the western side of Ashford, a subdivision under development on Brookbank Road. On the other side of the easement is the Bear Creek subdivision where

homeowners oppose the future construction of an unpaved path as part of the statewide Mountains-toSea Trail (MST).

During its June 6 meeting, the council rejected homeowner Jonathan Deline’s request for a 10-year moratorium on development of the easement so that local MST volunteers, town staff and residents can try to find a trail alternative. Saying a decade would be too long, the council members settled on 17 months for what Town Attorney Michael Thomas called “a do-nothing order” for town staff.

The period falls within the elected terms of the council members, who pledged to “check in” with Bear Creek property owners and other interested parties at intervals of 12 months and 17 months.

Before the council voted to pause

trail work, Mayor Pro Tem Mike Stone offered a motion to close the easement and Councilman Michael Greeson seconded. They said they’re concerned about protecting the privacy of homeowners, while Stone added that the town faces the potential of litigation and related costs in the dispute.

The motion failed, however, after Mayor Jim Kinneman and council members Ann Schneider and Jim Harton voted against it.

Bear Creek homeowners are making the “‘not in my backyard’ argument,” Schneider said, as trail development is gaining momentum statewide, from Oak Ridge to the state legislature in Raleigh.

Saying that all Bear Creek homeowners had signed a petition opposed to the easement, Deline said he and HOA President Kevin Brekka have identified “a better path” and talked to local trail advocates about the alternative route.

“I would rather collaborate and get this done the right way,” said Deline, explaining that homeowners prefer the council remove the easement while the parties explore options for a new path. That process may take “multiple years,” he said.

As envisioned, the segment of the MST passing through Oak Ridge would go to Bandera Farms Park, a proposed equestrian and hiking preserve in Summerfield, and the future Piedmont Greenway stretching from Greensboro to Winston-Salem.

Stephanie Farrell, a member of Oak Ridge’s MST Committee, told the council that closing the easement

would set “a dangerous precedent” in the committee’s six-year effort to build an off-road route for the statewide trail through the town. She urged the council to keep the easement open while halting possible development of the trail for at least a year.

On the other hand, Bear Creek homeowner Lindsey Clark reiterated her view that the town’s acceptance of the easement violated Oak Ridge’s development rules. If the council were to close the easement, she said, it wouldn’t set the precedent for “closing other trails” in Oak Ridge.

Councilman Jim Harton called the easement “an asset of the town” that’s worth keeping as parties explore trail options.

Noting that an alreadycompleted section of the MST and the recently opened Heritage Farm Park abut homeowners, Mayor Jim Kinneman said “all our amenities are in someone’s backyard.”

Thomas and Patrick Haywood, a lawyer for Ashford developer Joe Brady, disagreed on whether the easement is effective. Brady offered the easement during the town’s review of his subdivision plans, but later revoked it.

Haywood cited state law requiring governing boards to accept by resolution the dedication of land, even though the plat of the property may have been recorded.

Thomas, the Town’s attorney, countered that Oak Ridge’s development ordinance authorized administrative acceptance of the easement, with no vote by the council required. The easement “is valid and accepted,” he said.

Ordinary people, Extraordinary impact

“Wherever you turn, you can find someone who needs you. Even if it is a little thing, do something for which there is no pay but the privilege of doing it. Remember, you don’t live in the world all of your own.” – Albert Schweitzer

‘I like the way I feel when I’m helping others’ - Austin Johnson, 18

by ANNETTE JOYCE

“Giving back to the community is vital for everyone to do. No matter where you are in life, it’s so important to make these connections to people,” says Austin Johnson, a recent graduate of Northwest Guilford High School (NWGHS).

During his high school career, Johnson, 18, put those beliefs into action through his work with the school’s Key Club, an international high school service organization.

“Service learning has been a key aspect of my high school time,” the Oak Ridge resident said, adding, “I like the way I feel when I’m helping others.”

Johnson, who served as the Key Club’s president this past year, has been involved in nearly every project the club has done in the last four years, projects which have included an annual Rock-athon to raise funds for the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina; sponsoring a child for the Christmas Warrior Project, which provides gifts for children with cancer; greeting veterans on the Triad Honor Flight at the airport as they return from their one-day trip to Washington, D.C.; and creating and delivering Valentines to residents of Countryside Manor in Stokesdale

One of his favorite Key Club projects involved volunteering with the Out of the Garden project, when he and about 15 of his peers would package food for families on Wednesdays. He not only liked the idea of helping those in need but also enjoyed the

camaraderie he and his peers shared while working together towards a common goal.

“Austin has gone above and beyond, ‘to provide service, build character, and has developed leadership skills not only for our school, community, town, state, and nation, but for the world,’” said NWGHS teacher Jennifer Goldin, the club’s advisor. “These meaningful words are from the mission statement for Key Club International, for which Austin takes pride in living by each day.”

A sports enthusiast, Johnson even channeled his love of sports into serving others. During his senior year, he initiated, organized and hosted two volleyball tournaments in which students formed their own teams and donated money to play. Proceeds were distributed between two organizations –the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Athletes for Hope.

Johnson played on the NWGHS men’s tennis team both his junior and senior years and was more than happy to share his love and knowledge of the game when volunteering as a Rising Stars summer tennis camp counselor. In this role, he worked with and coached middle school kids on proper tennis-playing techniques.

Besides the feeling of making the world a little bit better, volunteering has given Johnson the opportunity to meet new and interesting people and venture down new paths.

“I’ve done things I never thought I’d do,” he said. For instance, he recently helped out with A Kettle of Wishes Pancake Breakfast, a fundraising event held at Countryside Manor for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Little did he know in advance that he would be tasked with leading a llama around for a Meet and Greet! Despite having no experience with these interesting animals, he enthusiastically took on the challenge.

While in high school, Johnson played saxophone with the wind ensemble and jazz band, performing at assisted living centers, country clubs, school events and churches. He will be attending the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill this fall, where he plans to continue serving others in any

Austin Johnson, a recent NWGHS graduate, plans to continue serving others when he starts college this fall.

SUMMERFIELD town council

May 29 / SPECIAL CALLED MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

as reported by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney brought the special called meeting to order, with council members Janelle Robinson, John Doggett, Jonathan Hamilton and Heath Clay present. Mayor Tim Sessoms was absent, as was Town Manager Scott Whitaker.

The council voted unanimously to excuse Sessoms. Since DeVaney was standing in for the mayor, she wasn’t allowed to vote on motions except to break a tie, according to town policy.

CONSENT AGENDA

 4  0 to approve the meeting agenda after agreeing to Hamilton’s suggestion that discussion of several items, including updates on the proposed municipal water system and Bandera Farms Park, be postponed.

PROPOSED BUDGET

Finance officer Dee Hall reviewed the town’s proposed $10.41 million budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1.

It’s the largest budget in Summerfield’s history, according to Hall, due to $7.26 million in grants for capital projects including the municipal water system, Bandera and the Atlantic and Yadkin (A&Y) Greenway.

The council is still discussing how to proceed with those projects. It will review and consider final approval of the proposed budget during a special called meeting at Summerfield Community Center at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 25.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

ably a $100 million budget because you don’t have enough money for the other things.

“Tell us what it’s going to cost to build and maintain every project in there,” Dunham said. “And if you can’t answer it, then don’t do it.”

Two residents criticized actions taken by DeVaney, Hamilton, Robinson and Clay in recent months, including their decision in February not to extend Whitaker’s employment contract.

Lexie Cline criticized the council’s majority for making “a cascade of asinine and irrational decisions (that) has plunged the town into utter chaos. What should be a period of stability for Summerfield as we batten down the hatches to weather the storm of a precarious future has instead become a ton of uncertainty and disarray.”

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

„ Gail Dunham said next year’s spending plan is “probably not a $10 million budget” because she believes that capital expenditures supported by grants “is only the start of these massive projects. And it’s prob -

„ Pam Tocornal said the council majority’s “actions and behaviors since assuming office have shown them to be petulant, arrogant, disrespectful and very shortsighted – not only in the way they’ve treated our town manager, but also the mayor as well as their entire community.”

“What these four have done is

push our community toward disaster,” Tocornal said. “They’ve led Summerfield right to the door of the state legislature looking the possibility of de-annexation right in the face, possibly even losing our town charter.”

„ Neala Jones said she and other members of the town’s Trails and Open Space (TOS) Committee favor extension of the A&Y Greenway along the southern end of Summerfield Road. That route “would give so many individuals the opportunity to ride, walk, jog, take their dogs down a trail and stay safe,” she said. (See related article on p. 2.)

COUNCIL’S BUSINESS

A&Y Greenway extension. Trails Committee Chair Paul Lambrecht urged the council to authorize the spending of nearly $147,000 for engineering and design consultant KimleyHorn to determine the feasibility of extending the A&Y Greenway along the eastern side of Summerfield Road, across from the mobile home park. If approved, the spending would bring to $778,478 the town’s spending with Kimley-Horn on the project.

PUBLIC EDUCATION

The council resumed discussion of the trail’s possible path during its June 11 meeting. In a presentation, council member Robinson said the Summerfield Road route isn’t safe because it would cross over more than 20 driveways and the proposed route would also encroach into some residents’ yards, even though it would be in NCDOT right of ways.

Board appointments

3  1 (Doggett opposed) to appoint Terrence Johnson to the Finance Committee for a two-year term, starting July 1.

4  0 to appoint Michele Miller to the History Committee for a twoyear term, starting next month. The council also named Laura Mortensen as an ex-officio member of the committee.

CLOSED SESSION

The council entered closed session to discuss compensation and other terms of an employment contract. After reconvening, the council didn’t provide specifics or vote on the topic.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

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HEALTHCARE ACCESS & AFFORDABILITY

I will continue to advocate for women’s healthcare rights, science-based policies, medical debt relief, and patient-centered laws.

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Summerfield councilman asserts ‘nefarious activity’

Jonathan Hamilton said some people who don’t control Summerfield want to ‘burn it to the ground’

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield councilman Jonathan Hamilton said he believes “there is nefarious activity going on within this town” by people who “if they can’t be in control, will burn it to the ground.”

Hamilton made the assertion during the council’s June 11 meeting after sparring with resident Pam Tocornal over an email she read out loud to the audience. Earlier, Town Attorney Jim Hoffman had determined the email between Hamilton and one of the town’s land-use lawyers wasn’t a public document due to attorney-client privilege.

A critic of the council’s majority that took charge last December, Tocornal questioned the ethics of Hamilton, Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney and council members Janelle Robinson and Heath Clay. The four have taken a more rigid approach than the previous council’s majority in opposing landowner

David Couch’s efforts to win legislative de-annexation of his nearly 1,000 acres in Summerfield.

Some people on social media have urged the council’s majority to step down. In response, Hamilton said, “I’m not leaving, and neither are these other folks.”

After the meeting, Hamilton, DeVaney, Robinson and Clay didn’t acknowledge a request for comment on Hamilton’s “nefarious activity” assertion.

“There was nothing nefarious about the release of his email,” said Mayor Tim Sessoms, at odds with the council’s majority after they largely cut him out of decision making. “And it is shortsighted to refer to the citizens of Summerfield as nefarious. People have different opinions, and that is their right.”

“I don’t see nefarious Summerfield citizens; I see passionate Summerfield citizens,” said councilman John Doggett, who last month in a letter to the community criticized actions of the council’s majority as detrimental to the town.

Interim manager rebuilding staff

SUMMERFIELD – Hired last week, interim town manager and finance officer Dana Luther, who previously served as the town’s finance officer and, for six months in 2012, as interim town manager, has her work cut out for her.

Luther is rebuilding Summerfield’s staff after all nine employees submitted their resignations last month over the council majority’s treatment of manager Scott Whitaker and public statements council members made that they said left them feeling they were easily dispensable.

The council’s majority hasn’t responded publicly to some residents’ criticism of their performance. In an attempt to put a positive spin on the situation, DeVaney said last week during

a council meeting that “it’s going to be a happy summer” after thanking volunteers for helping maintain the town’s parks following the departure of the parks and recreation staff.

Earlier this week, Rich Schlobohm was hired as the town’s parks and recreation director. Schlobohm ran unsuccessfully for Town Council in November 2019 on a “Voices of Summerfield” ticket; running mates mayoral candidate Danny Nelson and council candidates Sean Dwyer, Priscilla Olinick and Dana Luther also lost their bid for election.

According to the terms of Luther’s employment contract with the town, she is being paid an hourly rate of $125, plus a full benefit package.

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Steve Luking, candidate, Senate District 26

My name is Steve Luking and I am running against Phil Berger for Senate District 26. Most of my potential voters live in Guilford County.

I’m a recently retired family doctor. I served as chief of staff for Annie Penn Hospital, chairperson of our hospital board, and I co-established Reidsville Family Medicine over 30 years ago.

I fought Berger hard on Medicaid expansion for nearly 12 years. He and the General Assembly finally relented, but not before thousands of uninsured patients died prematurely and unnecessarily, billions of our tax dollars were sent elsewhere, and our state saw a community hospital bankruptcy rate four times higher than those states that had the good sense to expand Medicaid from the start. Unforgivable.

Over the same timeframe, Berger and his colleagues have taken their wrecking ball to public education. We are now 48th in the nation in funding! Meanwhile, Berger boasts of dropping corporate taxes to the lowest in the nation. We are the only

state in the nation to see a drop in public school funding, as adjusted for inflation, from 2002 to 2020. Shameful.

We must promote good public schools, pay educators living wages, defend women’s healthcare rights, recruit good industries (not casinos), reject extreme and racially-based gerrymandering, reject voter suppression, promote science-based policies, promote patient-centered legislation, defend the environment, and defend our brothers and sisters in the LGBTQ+ community.

We will not win these fights by sitting out contests just because they are deemed difficult to win. That is not how you confront bullies. (Summerfield is a stark example of bully behavior.) Phil Berger absolutely deserves a staunch opponent, and he has one in me.

Check out steveluking4nc.org and learn about my vision to take on Phil Berger and his extreme agenda that damages our state. Please support our campaign.

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Mother/daughter duo assist senior dogs in finding forever homes

With the recent incorporation of nonprofit Vintage Fur, Kim and Claire Lewis hope to remove some of the financial barriers associated with adopting older dogs

by ANNETTE JOYCE

When it comes to adopting rescues, senior dogs are often overlooked in favor of the cute puppies and younger dogs with fewer health issues.

“While 60% of young dogs will be adopted, only 25% of senior dogs will find their forever home,” Claire Lewis said.

Claire and her mom, Kim Lewis, have a passion for rescuing senior dogs and doing what they can to ensure their last days are lived out in

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a loving, comfortable environment. The mother/daughter duo already have three rescues between them. Puggy, 13, and Mario, 15, live a carefree life with Kim and her husband, and Rocky, a special needs dog who’s about 5 years old, has found a loving home with Claire.

Knowing they couldn’t personally care for every senior dog in need of a home, they considered starting a rescue, or even a sanctuary for elderly dogs, but those ideas just didn’t fit with their lifestyles.

Then, Kim hit upon a unique idea – helping with medical expenses for senior dogs being adopted out by local rescue groups.

“Many prospective adopters fear the costs associated with an aging dog, which often includes prescriptions, special diets or vet bills for chronic conditions,” Kim said. “(We want) to remove the financial barriers.”

Just a few months ago, the two dog lovers started Vintage Fur, a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) organization that provides medical scholarships for adoptable senior dogs in the Triad. Through this organization, they

work with local rescues to financially sponsor senior dogs that might not be adopted because of the need for expensive medical treatments.

Kim, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, and Claire, who works in digital marketing but has a background in the animal care industry, know first-hand the rewards of caring for senior dogs.

The family began rescuing older dogs in 2018. Their inspiration for doing even more to help the senior population came when they adopted Romeo, an elderly chihuahua.

“We adopted Romeo in the spring of 2020. He was a tiny, toothless old fellow with bald patches and a long tongue that permanently stuck out the side of his mouth,” Kim recalled. “He had been up for adoption for months without any prospects, and despite the name, he was more homely than charming. Of course, we were immediately smitten.”

The family didn’t know what to

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

Claire (left) and Kim Lewis love spoiling senior dogs Puggy, 13, and Mario, 15.

Photo courtesy of Vintage Fur Romeo was the inspiration for Vintage Fur, a nonprofit created to help with expenses related to the adoption of senior dogs.

expect. Their new pup was skittish and frail, and he was only expected to live another year. However, they were determined to provide him with a comfortable and loving home where he could live out his remaining days.

“As weeks turned to months, we witnessed an incredible transformation,” Claire said. “Romeo’s charming personality began to shine through. His appetite grew, his fur became softer and shinier, and he even began to play and pounce.”

Romeo traveled with Kim all over the country, frequenting wine bars in cities and walking through the Texas Tundra. Kim scrolls on her phone to a photo of Romeo that shows the sweet dog’s spunky personality as he tries to befriend a pair of very large Irish wolfhounds in a New York City bar. The tiny little dog was fearless in his desire to be part of their pack.

Sadly, Romeo passed away a few weeks ago at the age of 17. Kim and Claire take comfort in knowing his last years were spent in a loving home, and they cherish the memories of the once homely little dog with the sparkling personality.

That’s the kind of life the two want to give to other senior dogs who are spending their days waiting for someone to take a chance on them.

“Romeo’s transformation inspired us to contribute to senior dog welfare on a larger scale,” Kim said. “We

quickly realized that while there is a large population interested in senior dogs, they become discouraged by veterinary expenses. Many seniors have chronic conditions or require expensive medications that hopeful families cannot afford.”

Vintage Fur seeks to make senior dogs more adoptable by providing some financial respite. A sponsored dog is given a $1,000 Vintage Fur scholarship, which renews each year and can be used for veterinary expenses for special conditions that aren’t part of routine care.

Money for the scholarships comes entirely from donations. So far, the majority have come from family and friends, but the two women are working on ideas for fundraising.

They’re excited to be on the verge of announcing their first sponsored canine. Claire wasn’t quite ready to reveal details, but she said the dog is 17, in fairly good health and has chronic kidney disease.

want to learn more/help?

Visit vintagefur.org or contact claire@ vintagefur.org or kim@ vintagefur.org. Donations may be made online or mailed to Vintage Fur at 5705 Forest Manor Drive, Greensboro, NC 27410.

recommended shifting the A&Y’s route. Turning north out of the U.S. 220 pedestrian tunnel, the trail would follow the sidewalk along the highway to Summerfield Road. From there it would travel along the shoulder of the roadway before crossing the road near Summerfield Elementary School. From there, it would travel along the abandoned railroad bed to a proposed trailhead near Summerfield’s dog park.

The previous route encountered opposition from some property owners and would have required the town to seize property by eminent domain, according to Paul Lambrecht, chair of the TOS Committee.

“You guys have all said you don’t want to do that,” he told the council.

As previously envisioned, the trail would exit the pedestrian tunnel and turn south along the highway toward Lake Higgins. It would then follow the watershed and track north before connecting with Summerfield Road past the mobile home park.

The Summerfield Road route is shorter, likely resulting in lower costs than building the trail through the marshy woods, Lambrecht said.

Adding the nearly $147,000 in surveying and engineering of the proposed route brings to $778,478 that Summerfield is paying Kimley-Horn. The town is relying on federal funding through the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to help build the trail.

If the council were to decide to halt the project, the town would struggle to get future transportation funding, according to representatives of NCDOT and the Greensboro Urban Metropolitan Planning Organization, which administers the federally required transportation planning process.

“I’m not just saying end it now,” Robinson said. “I’m saying Summerfield Road is not the answer.”

Council member Health Clay disagreed, saying that public trail building supports the recommendations of Summerfield’s comprehensive plan.

“It’s irresponsible to spend over a half million dollars and have nothing to show for it,” Clay said. “It’s not fair to deny existing businesses, the children, the families of our community a connection from a painted tunnel through our town that (would go) safely to a trailhead park.’’

Robert “Bob” Whetstone

What’s the status of renovation work on the Martin House across from Summerfield Town Hall?

“As most people would have guessed and predicted, it is taking much longer than we thought,” owner Lauren Cox told us this week.

Cox and her husband purchased the historic Martin House at 4118 Oak Ridge Road (N.C. 150) from the Town of Summerfield last October. Over the last several months they have worked to acquire permits and undergo the arduous task of removing trees at the rear of the property to accommodate a septic system and parking, replace the rear porch on the house and make other exterior improvements, install a septic system and renovate the interior of

Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO Owner Lau -

ren Cox said she hopes to open Martin’s Mercantile, a general store, coffee, beer and wine shop, and restaurant/ gathering place in the historic Martin House in Summerfield by late summer/ early fall.

the house for its transformation to Martin’s Mercantile, a general store, restaurant and gathering place.

Progress is made on a daily basis, Cox told us, but the project has been delayed several times, with installation of the septic system being the greatest challenge.

“We are hopeful to get that (septic installation) started on June 27, assuming no more delays!” she said.

Installation of the HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems are near completion, and the rear porch is about 85% complete.

“We are so excited about the thoughts of people being able to sit under a few of the newly installed ceiling fans!” Cox said.

Plans are to introduce Martin’s Mercantile in two phases, with the first phase offering coffee for sale, food for dining in and takeout, beer and wine, and a space

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for DIY workshops.

“We want it to be a community gathering place,” Cox said.

She hopes to open Martin’s Mercantile to the community by late summer/early fall.

As I recall, the Last Minute Market on Haw River Road in Oak

Ridge was sold last year and the new owners indicated they

planned to reopen; however, there hasn’t seemed to be any recent activity at the property. We are curious if and when the store and gas station will be back in business.

Bill Greco, president of Land Solutions, is working closely with the owners of the former Last Minute Market and

Plans for renovating and expanding the former Last Minute Market on Haw River Road in Oak Ridge are still being refined, and there is no set time for when the new owners plan to reopen it.

confirmed they do plan to reopen the convenience store and gas station at some point. However, he explained they are still refining their plan for interior and exterior changes to the property that will align with the personal customer experience they want to offer.

“We are spending an extraordinary amount of time on every aspect of the experience they want customers to have, from the time they pull up to the pumps for gas to when they walk into the store,” Greco said.

We’ll keep you posted as plans are finalized and the project moves forward.

REAL ESTATE/BUSINESS briefs

‘Affordable’ housing planned for N.C. 150/Strader

Road

The proposal which is supported by surrounding homeowners and the town’s Planning Board awaits final approval by the Summerfield Town Council by CHRIS

BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – The new owners of 3.2 acres at the corner of Strader Road and N.C. 150 are seeking rezoning of the property for the development of “affordable workforce housing.”

That’s how Jessica Sterling described plans for the corner property if the Summerfield Town Council approves the rezoning request by Sterling Strader Road LLC, representing Jessica and Pat Sterling. The plans were supported by several Strader

Road residents who attended the council’s June 11 meeting prepared to speak in favor of them (the public hearing was postponed due to a technicality).

Last month, the town’s Planning Board recommended the council approve the rezoning request. The property consists of two parcels, with one currently zoned agricultural (AG) and residential (RS-30) and the other business (BN). The applicants hope to

Quality Craftsmanship

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Boom Supersonic eyes expansion at PTI

(L to R) U.S. House Rep. Kathy Manning (D-6th District), state Secretary of Commerce Machelle Baker Sanders and Gov. Roy Cooper look on as Boom Supersonic founder and CEO Blake Scholl cuts the ceremonial ribbon on June 17 in celebration of completing the company’s $450 million factory at PTI Airport.

Boom Supersonic marked the completion of its $450 million factory at Piedmont Triad International Airport earlier this week with plans to build a second and possibly third facility on its Greensboro campus for assembling passenger jets flying faster than the speed of sound. The Denver-based company plans to accelerate Greensboro hiring in the next six to 12 months as it ramps up testing of different steps in assembling the plane, which will sell for $200 million apiece, founder and CEO Blake Scholl told reporters.

Earlier, he participated in a ribbon cutting that attracted Gov. Roy Cooper and other state officials to the ceremony in the parking lot of the rectangular black-and-white factory along Interstate 73.

Once in full production, the plant will produce as many as 33 planes a year, Scholl said.

“We plan to build two, maybe three of these factories here...” he added. “That’s up to 100 state-ofthe-art Supersonic airliners taking flight from Greensboro every year.”

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Building beautiful custom homes in the Triad for over 30 years

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

Rich and Kathy Dumas, owners

Ray Bullins Construction

Take a look at current real estate magazines or HGTV catalogs, and you’ll get a glimpse of the latest trends in the homebuilding industry.

“One trend we’ve noticed in our area is that there’s a lot more interest in quieter, more rural settings than in the past,” said Ray Bullins, who co-owns the awardwinning Ray Bullins Construction along with his wife, Lisa.

number of projects within Rockingham County in the future.

“In the last two years, we’ve worked with over half a dozen clients to build their custom house on privately owned rural acreage,” Ray said. “One way we have dealt with that challenge is by finding ways to expand the radius of the areas in which we are able to confidently manage projects while maintaining efficiency.”

Reflecting the ongoing high demand for custom-built homes in northwest Guilford County, Ray and his team have projects underway in the Angel’s Landing, North Ridge, and Haynes Meadows developments. They’re also building homes on several privately owned lots outside of subdivisions and anticipate they’ll have a growing

“There’s a lot of growth expected along the U.S. 220 North corridor as people begin looking farther out from the larger cities in search of more affordable options,” Ray noted.

As evidence of that, the company recently began its second project just across the Guilford County line in Providence Glen, a new neighborhood underway in Madison.

“Another trend we’re seeing is that people are spending a lot more time independently researching and exploring their options, not just for the oven or for the light fixtures, but also for the builder they want to work with,” Bullins said.

That trend is what Bullins said led his son and project manager, Mitch, to push for the company’s upscale website, www.raybullinsconstruction.com, that launched last year.

“These days even our ‘oldschool’ clients are emailing me designs they found on Pinterest or a link to a certain fixture they want for their house,” Mitch said. “I wanted to make sure people would get a good feel for our aesthetics and quality of work when they’re researching potential builders for their future project.”

Ray Bullins Construction Company stays up-todate on the latest trends in design and features, while building homes that are both comfortable and elegant.

With over 30 years in the industry and 200+ homes completed, Ray has seen countless trends rise in popularity and later fall from favor, sometimes more than once.

The aesthetics showcased in a Ray Bullins Construction home is largely credited to Lisa, who serves as the team’s office manager and lead designer. Ray said she plays an integral role in developing the company’s sense of style and design, and in keeping up with the latest design trends.

“One thing that doesn’t really change for us is the people. ‘Home’ is a special place that is more than just the walls that make it up,” he said. “It’s special to help realize that experience of home for someone, and it’s why I’m still passionate about building homes after doing it for so many years.”

Photos courtesy of Ray Bullins Construction Co.

(L-R) Lisa, Mitch and Ray Bullins team up to build the beautiful homes their clients dream of.

The housing market’s generational divide

Rising mortgage rates prompt aging baby boomers to stay put, lessening supply for younger millennials, national research and local Realtors say

by CHRIS BURRITT

NORTHWEST GUILFORD

– A Summerfield couple nearing retirement wanted to downsize to a smaller house, but decided to stay put because sharply rising mortgage rates made buying a new home more than they wanted to spend.

The couple was working with Oak Ridge Realtor Tim Atkins, who, like other agents, attributes the shortage of houses for sale partly

to homeowners with relatively low interest rates staying where they are, even if they’d like to move. Such decisions mean fewer listings are going to hit the market, exacerbating the already tight housing supply in northwestern Guilford County and nationwide.

“When you’ve got a 2 or 3% rate locked in, it’s hard to go buy something at 7%,” said Atkins, of Allen Tate in Oak Ridge. For some homeowners “who refinanced or bought their homes during COVID, it would make no sense to sell and buy again, unless they’re paying cash.”

A

& B

Anders & Barrow CPAs, PC

The residential real estate market is favorable to sellers, but buyers are struggling with low inventory, interest rates holding steady at 7%, and rising home prices. The median home sale price jumped 22.9% from $480,000 to $590,000 from a year earlier in Oak Ridge and Summerfield, while increasing 13.1% from $422,000 to $477,450 in Stokesdale, according to the Greensboro Regional Realtors Association (GRRA).

A recent article in Fortune magazine described the scenario as “a bit of a generational war zone, mostly between baby boomers and millennials.”

As of this year, baby boomers are between 60 and 78 years old, making up a third of U.S. homeowners. Among them, more than half don’t have mortgages, Eric Finnigan, vice president of demographics for John Burns Research and Consulting, told Fortune.

That helps explain why some mortgage-free boomers aren’t moving – and are not selling their houses to millennials, also known as Generation Y, ranging in age from 28 to 43. Making matters worse for prospective buyers, mortgage rates

have rocketed from historic lows during the pandemic to around 7% now.

“Unless you have a real motivation to move, a lot of people have found themselves fairly comfortable with that 3% rate,” said Stokesdale Realtor Phillip Stone, who owns A New Dawn Realty with his mother, Dawn.

Higher rates are making housing less affordable for many Americans, according to the latest National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) housing affordability index released earlier this week.

Nationally, the monthly mortgage payment increased by $119, or 5.7%, from March to April, according to NAR.

Adobe Stock photo

“Higher mortgage rates are hiking up monthly mortgage payments,” the report said. “Qualifying incomes are climbing and outpacing median family incomes. Home price growth has continued to present challenges, pushing out potential home buyers.”

The report added, “lower rates will help relieve some of the pressure on family incomes.”

In its latest forecast, governmentsponsored Freddie Mac “expects mortgage rates to remain elevated through most of 2024. These high interest rates will prompt prospective buyers to readjust their housing expectations.”

Freddie Mac, which buys loans from traditional lenders in the secondary mortgage market, confirmed the reluctant-to-sell mindset of homeowners with relatively low rates.

“While elevated interest rates have put homes out of reach for many prospective homebuyers, current homeowners are refraining from listing their homes for sale, keeping the existing home inventory low,” Freddie Mac said. “Many homeowners are hesitant to sell their current home to move to a new one because they secured historically low mortgage rates when rates on average were 3.20% in 2020 and 3.06% in 2021.”

Housing prices are still climbing in northwestern Guilford County. In the first quarter, the median price jumped 22.9% from $480,000 to $590,000 from a year earlier in Oak Ridge and Summerfield, while increasing

13.1% from $422,000 to $477,450 in Stokesdale, according to the Greensboro Regional Realtors Association (GRRA), citing Triad Multiple Listing Service data.

Houses in the three northwestern Guilford towns took longer to sell in the three months ended March 31, GRRA said.

“The problem with the existing market is people can’t find a home that’s similar or better for equal or less money,” said Jason Smith, senior vice president of Smith Marketing Inc. in Summerfield.

“They’re buying less home for more money due to interest rates,” he said. “And I think that discourages people from listing and buying.”

On the other hand, Smith said, “what’s moving the market is the creation of jobs and relocations to the area and people who are buying with cash. There’s certainly a lot of that going on as well.

“It’s certainly a good market and a good time to sell

a

home because of the supply and demand,” Smith said. “But the challenge is when you sell, what are you going to buy? Are you going to be able to replace the house you sell with a similar home or a similar payment?”

Instead of moving, some homeowners with relatively low rates are renovating to improve and expand their living space, according to Ray Bullins, of Ray Bullins Construction in Kernersville.

“As the rates have gotten higher, people have decided to stay put,” Bullins said. Even if owners were able to sell their houses for substantially

more, higher borrowing costs due to rising rates would erode equity, he explained.

That explains why some of “the lateral moves aren’t happening. A lot of people are saying if we can’t afford to move, we’re just going to fix what we got.”

Bullins added that higher rates are weighing on homeowners who

are borrowing to renovate.

“Pulling cash out of the home equity line is affected by the higher rates,” he noted.

Looking ahead, Atkins said he expects the housing market to slow headed into the Nov. 5 election cycle. If history repeats itself, he said, “the market will kind of stall from summer until fall.”

VERSATILE FLOOR PLAN

rezone the parcels to residential (RS).

“We’re just going to clean all that up and make all of it residential on the map,” Sterling said. “This rezoning would be a welcome solution to this corner.”

Earlier this year, the council voted

After a request to rezone 3.2 acres at the corner of Strader Road and N.C. 150 in Summerfield for commercial use was rejected by the town council earlier this year, new property owners have presented a plan for residential use that’s supported by neighbors as well as the town’s Planning Board.

unanimously to deny the conditional business rezoning of the property, as requested by developers and previous owners Will Stevens and Tim Whelan. They proposed to build medical and other professional offices on the property, drawing opposition from nearby

Create your own outdoor paradise

property owners who said commercial development was incompatible with the area.

Building houses on the property would be a better outcome, according to Kirsten Pearson, who lives nearby.

“We fully support this…because this result is so much better than (the proposal by) the prior developers,” she said. “We also recognize the new owners took a great personal and financial risk purchasing these properties, and we would hope they’re able to at least one day develop new moderatesized homes on smaller lots, which are in line with that surrounding area.”

The council delayed its vote on the rezoning request because it hadn’t gotten a signed copy of the town’s Planning Board’s recommendation to approve the rezoning request.

Speaking from the audience,

Planning Board Chair Dick Feulner offered to sign the recommendation on the spot. However, the town’s development rules require the document be signed before the start of the meeting, according to Mayor Tim Sessoms.

As a result, the council voted unanimously to table discussion on the topic until a later meeting, possibly during a special called meeting scheduled for June 25.

Sessoms apologized to Sterling and her neighbors for the delay.

“It’s just the transition that’s going on,” he said, referring to resignation of town staff, including the two planning employees. “Times are tough.’’

DE-ANNEXATION MAY MOVE

among lawmakers in Raleigh to proceed with legislation de-annexing developer David Couch’s nearly 1,000 acres in Summerfield.

“To the extent that I can predict exactly what the General Assembly is going to do, it is my intention to see that bill move,” Berger said in an interview earlier this week during a Boom Supersonic event at Piedmont Triad International Airport. “In my conversations with other members and with leadership in the House, I am satisfied that we have everything in place to move a bill.”

The state Senate has postponed voting on House Bill 5 (HB 5), which authorizes the Summerfield de-annexation, several times in recent weeks. The delay has led some opponents to speculate that the bill lacks support in the House.

Instead, Berger said, some language in the legislation is outdated. As an example, the effective date of the de-annexation, as stated in the bill, has already passed. If the legislation were to take effect as written, Couch could seek a refund of the property taxes he’s already paid, the senator said.

“That is something we need to clean up,” possibly by putting the

Summerfield de-annexation in a separate bill, said Berger, a Rockingham County Republican. That vehicle is now House Bill 909 (HB 909), which earlier this week added the Summerfield de-annexation to other municipal actions, including de-annexations in Fuquay-Varina and Kannapolis.

Moving through legislative committees this week, HB 909 may come up for votes in the Senate and the House as soon as next week, according to Summerfield Mayor Tim Sessoms.

The legislative session is drawing to a close, with the Senate planning to remain in session for another two weeks, and possibly longer if issues remain unresolved, Berger said.

In recent months, opponents and supporters of de-annexation have intensified lobbying of legislators ahead of votes on the bill.

Council members and other de-annexation opponents have visited Raleigh to appeal to legislators to oppose de-annexation in Summerfield. On the other side, Couch, his lawyer and his lobbyists have been reaching out to lawmakers as well.

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Nicole E. Gillespie

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Thank you to Nicole Gillespie for sponsoring this issue’s reader photo page

Thank you to Nicole Gillespie for sponsoring this issue’s reader photo page

Going near or far?

west Observer and

Going near or far? Be sure to pack up your Northwest Observer and send us your NWO on the go photos! Email your high-res photo to: photos@nwobserver.com

Mike and Barb Cronin of Stokesdale stopped to read the Northwest Observer while on a 6-mile hike on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Mike and Barb Cronin of Stokesdale stopped to read the Northwest Observer while on a 6-mile hike on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

David and Patty Brookbank “stay connected” with the Northwest Observer while enjoying a muleback rim ride around the Grand Canyon.

David and Patty Brookbank “stay connected” with the Northwest Observer while enjoying a muleback rim ride around the Grand Canyon.

Kris Scheponik of Summerfield (left) and Tim Golladay of Oak Ridge (right), both leaders for Troop 139 in Oak Ridge, hiked to Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal on April 14, and enjoyed catching up on the local news at 17,598 feet above sea level.

Kris Scheponik of Summerfield (left) and Tim Golladay of Oak Ridge (right), both leaders for Troop 139 in Oak Ridge, hiked to Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal on April 14, and enjoyed catching up on the local news at 17,598 feet above sea level.

Conor Lavelle of Stokesdale recently visited his grandparents in Ireland, where he enjoyed learning about their home and, among other things, a tour of the Guinness Brewery. This smart young lad remembered to take along his Northwest Observer so he could share a little bit of his hometown news with his grandparents.

Conor Lavelle of Stokesdale recently visited his grandparents in Ireland, where he enjoyed learning about their home and, among other things, a tour of the Guinness Brewery. This smart young lad remembered to take along his Northwest Observer so he could share a little bit of his hometown news with his grandparents.

SUMMERFIELD town council

June 11 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

as reported by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – Mayor Tim Sessoms called the monthly meeting to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney and council members Janelle Robinson, John Doggett, Jonathan Hamilton and Heath Clay present. Newly hired interim finance officer and town manager Dana Luther was not present; it was noted she had let the council know she wouldn’t be able to attend on June 11 when she was recently offered the position.

Sessoms thanked Lisa Vierling for agreeing to “step in at the last minute” to serve as clerk for the meeting, and possibly as interim clerk until a replacement is found for

Sarah Tibbetts, whose resignation took effect a week earlier.

CONSENT AGENDA

 5  0 to approve the consent agenda, including the meeting agenda and a budget amendment to take $37,300 from the town’s undesignated fund balance to cover salary and benefits for Dana Luther. After being given notice by the council in February, Scott Whitaker worked his last day as town manager June 10. Finance officer Dee Hall left the same day.

The council also concurred with the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s decision to accept

Summerfield staff members gather for a picture at the end of the Town’s annual Founders’ Day celebration on May 18. The following day, all nine of the Town’s staff members submitted their letters of resignation to Town Manager Scott Whitaker, whose annual employment contract was not renewed this month. At the June 11 council meeting, volunteers were commended for stepping up to help maintain the Town’s parks and with other duties as the town council focuses on hiring new staff members. Shown in photo: (back row, L to R) former Town staff members Daniel Bare, enforcement officer; Rick Biggs, part-time P&R; Scott Whitaker, town manager; Jeff Goard, P&R director; Brad Rentz, planning director; (front row, L to R) Dee Hall, finance officer; Cheryl Gore (events coordinator/asst. to town manager); and Sarah Tibbetts, town clerk. Not shown, Jaegar Nance and Tanner Nance, parttime seasonal park employees.

four streets in the Farm at Lake Brandt subdivision for state maintenance: Hayes Farm Drive, Pasture View Drive, Paso Fino Trail and Cavelletti Court.

Separately, the agenda noted that “due to volume and time constraints,” open- and closedsession minutes for council meetings since February weren’t included in the meeting packet for the council’s consideration. Those minutes “should be adopted at a future meeting,” according to the agenda.

DeVaney also noted there were no committee reports in the council’s packets.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Volunteer kudos. DeVaney thanked volunteers who have stepped forward to clean and maintain the town parks and Summerfield Community Center, following the resignation of the town’s parks and recreation department staff earlier this month.

The sites include the dog park, Summerfield Community Park and Summerfield Athletic Park, which is being maintained by Summerfield Recreation Association.

Before resigning as the town’s parks and recreation director, Jeff Goard said he talked to the association about the maintenance ...continued on p. 26

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Summerfield Fire District’s 2024 Fire Camp got off to a great start on Monday, June 17! 48 campers will spend the week covering a lot of topics like bike safety, CPR, fire safety and the equipment firefighters use. Day 1 included learning about raising a vehicle with airbags, first aid and K9 officers and their jobs.

Volunteers

arrangement since some of its baseball teams play on fields at the athletic park.

Interim hiring. Hamilton predicted a “bright future ahead of us” following the council’s hiring of Luther. In light of Whitaker’s recommendation before he departed, the town also hired N-Focus, a Kannapolis-based land planning firm that specializes in municipal planning, public administration and code enforcement. The town contracted with N-Focus for planning and enforcement services several years ago, before hiring employees to perform those services.

Summerfield temporarily halted planning services earlier this month following the resignations of planning director Brad Rentz and Daniel Bare, planning technician and code enforcement officer.

Staff appreciation. Sessoms expressed his appreciation for the service provided by Whitaker and the nine other staff members who had all ended their employment with the town as of June 10. In explaining their resignations, staff has cited the council majority’s decision in February to give Whitaker notice his employment

contract would not be renewed this month without offering him severance – until Whitaker hired an attorney to mediate on his behalf; the majority council’s subsequent treatment of Whitaker and Hall in public and at Town Hall; and statements the majority council members released and made to the media which staff members felt indicated they were not valued and easily replaceable.

“It is normally our tradition here that we would celebrate those folks and be able to present them with a plaque, but with the way things have unfolded, that has not presented itself as an opportunity,” Sessoms said. “But I didn’t want to let it go by without saying a fond farewell and a big thank you to those people who have served our town with all their heart and done such a great job over the years.”

A fundraiser for Whitaker and his wife, Emily Sarah, who has been battling cancer over the last several months, raised about $20,000, the mayor said. The Doggett family hosted the June 8 event at their farm in Summerfield, and over 200 people came throughout the day to extend well wishes and show their appreciation to Whitaker and his family, as well as eight of the nine former town staff members who recently resigned.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Sheriff’s Office. The District 1 office responded to 262 calls for service in Summerfield in May, resulting in 13 case reports. “There were no significant incidents in the township for the month,” according to the activities report. Summerfield Fire District. The department didn’t provide an activities report for last month.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Several people spoke about the proposed extension of the Atlantic and Yadkin (A&Y) Greenway in Summerfield and, separately, about email correspondence in January between Hamilton and a lawyer representing the town in its legislative de-annexation fight. (Those comments are included in separate articles on pages 2 and 3.)

PUBLIC HEARINGS

The spending plan developed by former Finance Officer Dee Hall and Town Manager Scott Whitaker is the largest in Summerfield’s history, due to $7.26 million in grants for capital projects including the A&Y Greenway, Bandera Farms Park and the municipal water system. The proposed budget recommends leaving the property tax rate unchanged at 2.75 cents per $100 property valuation.

The council, which hasn’t yet decided how to proceed with the projects, voted to delay consideration of the spending plan; the decision was supported by Don Wendelken and Gail Dunham, who urged the council to give Luther the opportunity to review the budget.

“There isn’t one thing in this budget that you know what it’s going to cost to build or what it’s going to cost to maintain, and I have a problem with that,” Dunham said. “I would strongly recommend that this be done with our professional manager who’s also a CPA.”

COUNCIL’S BUSINESS

A&Y Greenway

Biological Lawn Care

Biological Tree & Shrub Care

Fungicide Treatments

Aeration & Seeding

Strader Road rezoning

Due to the council not having a signed recommendation by the Planning Board chair in advance of the scheduled public hearing, the hearing for the rezoning of two parcels consisting of 3.2 acres at N.C. 150 and Strader Road was postponed. The council will hold a special called meeting on June 25 for the FY 2024-25 budget, and likely hold the public hearing for the rezoning during the same meeting.

Next fiscal year’s budget

 5  0 to schedule a special called meeting Tuesday, June 25, for further discussion and approval of the $10.41 million budget for the fiscal year starting July 1.

 3  2 (Robinson and Hamilton opposed) to pay engineering contractor Kimley-Horn an additional $146,095 to perform surveying and other work to determine whether the southern section of Summerfield Road would be suitable for the A&Y Greenway. (See related article on p. 2.)

Committee appointments

 5  0 to appoint Robbie Gaines to the Finance Committee for a twoyear term, starting July 1.

By unanimous vote, the council also named Laura Mortensen to the History Committee. Last month, the council appointed her as an ex-officio member of the committee; however, a resignation from the committee opened up the seat now filled by Mortensen. Bandera Farms Park update. The council decided to delay discussion of the project until it has the opportunity to review architectural firm Pond and Co.’s latest cost estimate of $6.27 million for the project. It

envisions transforming 120 acres on Bunch Road at Interstate 73 into a horseback riding and hiking park. Founders’ Day praise. DeVaney thanked staff, volunteers, sponsors and others who made last month’s Founders’ Day festivities a success. De-annexation update. DeVaney said the town has spent about $12,200 on its public relations campaign to urge state legislators to oppose de-annexation of almost 1,000 acres owned by developer David Couch. She urged residents to continue calling and emailing lawmakers, saying, “They love hearing from Summerfield residents.”

CLOSED SESSION

The council entered a closed

session to discuss compensation and other terms of an employment contract. After reconvening in public session, the council voted unanimously to approve terms of Luther’s employment.

Interim manager’s contract  5  0 to approve hiring Luther on an employment contract, at a rate of $125 an hour – with no 40-hour-perweek limit – to serve as the town’s new interim manager and finance officer.

According to the terms of her contract, Luther is also eligible for paid sick leave, vacation time, disability, hospitalization and life insurance, and retirement benefits “as established by the policy and procedure of the Town.”

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:33 p.m.

YOUR QUESTIONS ...continued from

behind the closed doors of her downstairs office.

One of the two doors to the clerk’s office remains locked when closed. It’s unclear whether the door Whitaker tried to enter was also locked. The manager knocked on the door and then knocked louder, bringing the interview to an end.

Afterwards, five employees gathered around the downstairs conference room table, but refused to answer the lawyers’ questions, according to Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Goard. He called the lawyers’ visit “an ambush” aimed at intimidating staff.

Hoffman characterized his intentions differently.

“This was simply an opportunity for those who had announced they were departing to talk with me about reasons for leaving, any problems that they had, anything we needed to be aware of,” he said. “It was purely voluntary. If they wanted to talk to me, they could. If they did not want to talk to me, they didn’t have to.”

Whitaker said in the past he, as town manager, has been the one to conduct exit interviews of departing employees. However, Hoffman

p. 5

questioned whether that arrangement would have been appropriate since Whitaker was “inside the middle of it,” and possibly would discourage staff from talking freely.

Two days earlier in a statement explaining their resignations, staff placed their grievances not on Whitaker but on the four council members who had voted in February not to extend the manager’s employment contract.

“… the majority Council’s treatment of Town Manager Scott Whitaker in not renewing his contract, and their subsequent overstep of staff duties, has made it impossible for us to stay,” the statement said.

Mayor Tim Sessoms said Hoffman didn’t notify him about his plans to conduct exit interviews with employees. The mayor arrived at Town Hall while Hoffman was still there, and as the lawyer was preparing to leave, Sessoms said he told him, “to be clear, if you’re doing something, I want to know about it.”

Afterwards in an interview, the mayor described the incident as “the most unprofessional thing that I’ve ever seen. I call it guerilla warfare. This is so off the rails.”

Oak Ridge Commons

GUSTO Pizzeria

Mario Miceli, head chef at Oak Ridge Commons’ newest eatery, Gusto Pizzeria, loves talking about the restaurant’s Napoletana Classic-style pizza –almost as much as he loves making and eating it.

“Most people aren’t used to our kind of authentic Italian pizza, but once they try it, they don’t want any other kind,” Miceli said.

Originating in Napoli, Italy, this style of pizza is simple, preservative-free and features only the freshest ingredients – a light dough, tomatoes, high-quality cheese, basil and a minimum number of toppings generously sprinkled with olive oil

Before opening Gusto, Miceli, whose Italian father taught him the fundamentals of good Italian cooking, spent time in Los Angeles, California, training under some of the country’s best Napoletana pizza makers. While acquiring

the basic skills of pizza making, he also picked up many culinary secrets from these accomplished chefs. Since then, he’s added his own touch to give his pizzas their uniqueness.

According to Miceli, the key to an amazing pizza is the dough.

“Our dough is definitely different. It’s done the Italian way, meaning it’s fermented for at least eight hours and often as long as 36,” said Miceli, who makes all Gusto’s dough himself. “This makes it much lighter and tastier.”

To ensure the best flavor, Miceli selects the highest quality ingredients, from the choicest cheeses to the freshest toppings. The pizzas are then cooked in the imported Italian brick oven within 90 seconds.

The resulting pizza has a distinct taste and is much healthier compared to most American-style pizzas.

“There and it’s Miceli said. Among zas Gusto favorite after Miceli’s sweet peppers, caramelized the BBQ is covered caramelized

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“There are less calories digested much faster,” said.

Among the 10 different pizGusto currently serves, a is the “Louie.” Named Miceli’s father, it features peppers, sausage and caramelized onions. Another is BBQ chicken pizza, which covered with grilled chicken, caramelized onions, bacon and

BBQ sauce.

A lunch special is offered Monday-Friday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when personal pizzas (10-inch pies) are $9.99 each.

Along with its pizzas, Gusto’s menu includes a tasty selection of fresh and unique salads large enough for an entire meal; smaller portions make an excellent complement to the pizza. Kids can choose from their

Photo by

Annette Joyce/NWO

The staff at Gusto Pizzeria serves up authentic Italian pizza as well as fresh salads, Italian desserts and a wide selection of wine.

own menu, which includes cheese pizza, spaghetti and meatballs, cheesy bread and mozzarella sticks.

To add to the authentic Italian dining experience, Gusto Pizzeria offers an outstanding selection of wine.

“We have the best Italian wine selection in the Triad,” Miceli said proudly. “It’s all imported. I’ll put it up against anybody else’s any day.”

No authentic Italian meal would be complete without dessert, and a cup of gelato or a freshly made cannoli is the perfect sweet ending to a delicious meal.

Miceli invites anyone who hasn’t yet visited Gusto’s to give it a try, with a promise that “you won’t be disappointed.”

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STOKESDALE town council

June 13 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

as reported by PATTI STOKES

Mayor Mike Crawford called the monthly council meeting to order at 7 p.m., then thanked everyone for their thoughts, prayers and patience during his illness over the past several months. Explaining he is continuing to work on getting up to speed on town-related issues, the mayor then deferred to Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy to lead the council meeting.

Pastor David Bailey of Crossroads Community Church gave the opening prayer, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

 5  0 to approve the meeting agenda after adding a discussion item requested by Bill Greco of Land Solutions and agreeing to continue a public hearing for a rezoning request to the July 11 meeting.

PRESENTATION

Jackson Messersmith of Troop 600 presented a proposal for his Eagle

Scout project, which entails installing solitary bee habitats in Stokesdale Town Park. The habitats will include specific flowers that attract bees and bee houses that attract mason, leafcutter and other non-aggressive bees.

Councilman Jim Rigsbee said he supported the project, provided it doesn’t present safety issues or conflict with a similar Girl Scout project in the park that was recently approved.

 5  0 to accept Jackson’s project proposal and work with him to find an appropriate location within the park for the bee habitats.

 5  0 to approve minutes from a closed session meeting on Dec. 20, 2018, which were overlooked until recently.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Stokesdale Fire Dept. Chief Todd Gauldin said the call volume was lower in

May, with the department responding to 43 medical-related calls, eight fire-related calls and 23 miscellaneous calls.

On a safety note, Gauldin advised residents to make sure they only use their grills outdoors, and keep them at least 3 feet away from structures and other flammables. Also, always light the grill with the lid open and ensure charcoal is completely cooled before disposing of it.

District 1 office. The Guilford County Sheriff’s District 1 office reported it responded to 179 calls in Stokesdale last month. Of the 10 formal case reports filed, one involved a homicide on May 15 at 7876 Eversfield Road in which Troy Scott Surface, 38, was found to have been shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene; John Austin Cain, 18, was subsequently charged with 1st degree murder.

On May 14, a citizen reported a driver fired multiple rounds from a handgun in a road rage incident on Ellisboro Road; no injuries were reported.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Town Clerk Robbie Wagoner gave a water system report and updates on

water line extension projects on Coldwater Road, which is advancing into the preliminary design phase, and Ellisboro Road, which will soon go out for bid.

Wagoner also reported on several other administrative items, including meetings he attended in recent weeks as a representative of the town, upcoming committee and board meetings and reports submitted to state agencies.

Garbage/recycling fees. Wagoner noted that per GFL’s franchise agreement with the town, the company is allowed to raise rates up to 5% every July to align more closely with the annual Consumer Price Index.

“The rate increase last year didn’t happen until September, but this time they are going to do it in July,” he explained.

Councilman Jimmy Landreth was thanked for stipulating in the town’s current franchise agreement with GFL that the company could not raise fees more than 5% regardless of the CPI, which was higher than 5% both last year and this year.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Town Park Improvement. Chair Tee Stephenson said Andrew Knesel’s

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Ashley Young, former Northwest Guilford High School principal, has taken a new position as a Zone 1 Principal Supervisor, Middle and Early Colleges.

Dr. Brian Muller, former Southern Guilford High School principal, has taken a new position as the principal of Northwest Guilford High School. Dr. Muller is a resident of Oak Ridge and a Northwest parent!

Eagle Scout project, which involves developing a nature trail in the park, is progressing and should be completed by the end of July. Twenty-three people have collectively volunteered over 120 hours to work on the trail, Stephenson noted.

Field lighting. Stephenson said the committee did not receive any responses to its RFP (Request for Proposals) for soccer/athletic fields lighting, and will be following up with some particular vendors to learn why.

Park accessory items. Rubber mats under playground equipment, and benches and trash cans at the basketball and pickleball courts were recently installed, Stephenson said.

Parking. The committee is considering options for additional “real” parking spaces near the basketball and pickleball courts in hopes of discouraging people from parking along the busy road.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Finance officer Kim Thacker gave the monthly financial report and noted the town received $600,000 from Guilford County for water line extensions, but hasn’t spent it all.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

„ Pastor Randy Winn of Stokesdale Christian Church said he opposed locating an ABC store in close proximity to a church or school. His church has an Alcoholics Anonymous program, and Winn said an ABC store located nearby could present “too much of a temptation for those fighting alcoholism.” If the council decides to locate an ABC store in town, Winn requested it be at least one-fourth of a mile from any church or school.

PUBLIC HEARING: BUDGET

Eileen Thiery was the only citizen who commented on the proposed budget for FY 2024-25, saying it was “a good budget.”

 5  0 to approve the FY 2024-25 budget for the general fund ($1,090,189.57), and for the water enterprise account ($5,232,454.97). As in previous years, the town will not have a property tax.

ABC store. See article beginning on FC.

Clarification. Bill Greco, president of Land Solutions, asked council for clarification about a process outlined in the town’s development ordinance

which he said resulted in “judgment calls” and was delaying a development project he is working on.

Councilman Tim Jones acknowledged the town’s ordinance seemed to be “disagreeing with itself” and other council members concurred.

 5  0 to allow Section 5.2 of the ordinance to prevail over Section 5.7, which enables Greco to move his project forward.

 5  0 to adopt the 2024-25 budget ordinance for the general fund and water enterprise fund, and in a separate vote, to adopt four budget amendments for the current FY budget.

 5  0 to approve an interlocal agreement with Guilford County to provide animal shelter and control services, at a cost to the town of $19,800 for FY 2024-25.

Phone, internet, TV service. Council thanked Wagoner and deputy clerk Mason Winfree for researching options for telephone, internet and TV services and comparing them to the town’s current service agreement with Spectrum, which provides a broadband speed of 25Mbps (megabits per second)

and charges the town $821/month.

 5  0 to accept a proposal from airespring, which is in partnership with AT&T, to provide phone service at $178.50/month and internet service (300Mbps) at $398.69/month, for a term of one year.

 5  0 to allow Wagoner to attend the summer municipal clerks conference, fall regional clerks conference, fall master clerks academies, and spring regional clerks conference within the 2024-25 fiscal year, for a total cost of about $3,480.

 5  0 to approve funding for the town finance officer to attend the NC Government Finance Office Association’s summer conference, at a cost of $1,845.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

„ District 3 School Board representative Michael Logan referenced two state statutes dealing with the proximity of ABC stores to schools and churches.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

„ Foy expressed appreciation to town staff.

“Your interaction with citizens is admirable and I am grateful to Robbie, Kim, Priscilla, Mason, Gary and Dale ...continued on p. 32

...continued from p. 1

to maintain a no-tax stance,” Rigsbee told fellow council members at their June 13 meeting. “I mainly wanted to look at the possibility of getting our own store to increase our revenue.”

Niegel Sullivan, Greensboro ABC CEO/general manager, spoke at the meeting and told the council the Greensboro ABC Board oversees 16 ABC stores in Guilford County, with Summerfield being the only one outside the Greensboro City limits. The board prefers to locate its stores near grocery stores that sell beer and wine, he noted.

Summerfield received $154,000 in revenue last year from its ABC store in the Food Lion shopping center on U.S. 220.

While Stokesdale might not reach that revenue level, Sullivan noted the ABC store on Fleming Road in northwest Greensboro has lower sales than most other Greensboro ABC stores, but is still profitable. In fact, the board had planned to close it when a new ABC store opens near Sheetz at I-73 and N.C. 68, but is reconsidering.

Confusion arose when Sullivan said the board had considered locating a

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store in Stokesdale in 2009, but the town didn’t have the required 1,000 voters at the time to qualify. That wasn’t true – the town had well over 1,000 registered voters in November 2009, when Stokesdale citizens voted to approve the sale of mixed alcoholic beverages with 416 votes for and 276 against; and to locate an ABC store within the town limits, with 420 votes for and 274 against.

While the sale of mixed drinks moved forward, the town wasn’t able to find a local ABC board to join at the time.

“The economy is not such that the trend is to be opening stores,” then Mayor Randle Jones said months after voters approved the ABC store. “Until that changes, I don’t think we’ll see anything in the future.”

The issue was put to rest until early 2017, when then-council member Frank Bruno said he had been in contact with the Greensboro ABC Board about a store in Stokesdale.

After an almost hour-long discussion during the March 9, 2017 council meeting that included economic benefits, crime statistics, the town’s history of bars and related incidents of violence, the will of the people and a pastor telling council members they would have to “stand before the Lord

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to answer for your choice,” the Town Council approved a resolution inviting the Greensboro ABC Board to partner with Stokesdale to bring an ABC store to town.

The 3-2 vote – with Mayor Randy Braswell calling in from 175 miles away from Town Hall to join council member Tim Jones in voting nay –triggered a feasibility study paid for by the Greensboro ABC Board.

But three months later, on June 9, the Town received a letter from the Greensboro ABC Board saying the board “will not be able to pursue opening a store in Stokesdale at this time.”

“The decision was made after a thorough study of the existing operations of the Board and how a potential store in Stokesdale might fit in those operations,” the letter read.

Fast forward to last week, when Sullivan told the council the Greensboro ABC Board is now very open to operating an ABC store in Stokesdale.

“In any community within a corridor where there is going to be growth, we want to get ahead of it, especially if we’re going to buy land,” he said.

Sullivan noted the board prefers to build its own ABC stores versus leasing space for them, and securing land and building a store from the ground up would likely take two to three years.

“In the interest of full disclosure, I voted against an ABC store the last time (in 2017) and I will this time,” Councilman Tim Jones said. “I’d like

S’DALE TOWN COUNCIL

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Martin,” he said. “Also, I’m excited about all that is taking place in the park including the Eagle projects.”

„ Council members told Mayor Crawford it was great to have him back and Jones thanked the healthcare providers who took care of him during his months of illness. Jones then encouraged every-

this to be one place where there is not an ABC store. Stokesdale has a checkered history with alcohol … this is a very hard sell for me. I don’t care if it brought the town $1 million a year.

“This is an issue that easily divides our citizens – neighbor against neighbor,” he continued. “…Regarding separation from churches, schools and daycares, that is very important to me. The last thing I want to see is someone stepping out of church on Sunday and looking out over an ABC store.”

Rigsbee pointed out the vote at this meeting would simply be whether to request the Board of Elections place a referendum for an ABC store on the ballot in November.

“But if it passed in 2009, I’m not sure we need it to go on the ballot,” Town Attorney Chuck Winfree noted. (Since the June 13 meeting, Winfree has confirmed citizens approved an ABC store in 2009, and it is not necessary to put it to another vote.)

Jones then motioned to table the discussion about an ABC store with no set time to bring it back up. Councilman Jimmy Landreth, who also voiced strong opposition to locating an ABC store in the town, said he wanted to continue – not table – the issue to the July 18 issue and Jones then modified his motion.

Council subsequently voted 5-0 to continue the discussion about locating an ABC store in Stokesdale to the July 11 meeting.

...continued from p. 31

one to remember what Independence Day is and that “our quality of life is what we have and what we need to protect. He then encouraged everyone to read Psalm 37: 12-30, which encourages people to turn from evil and do good.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:17 p.m.

OAK RIDGE town council

June 6 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

as reported by CHRIS

BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – Mayor Jim Kinneman called the monthly meeting to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Mike Stone and council members Ann Schneider, Jim Harton and Michael Greeson present.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Oak Ridge Fire Department. Chief Ken Gibson reported the department responded to 86 calls in May, with 42 related to EMS and 36 miscellaneous.

The department’s new fire training facility on Scoggins Road behind Station No. 15 is “up and running,” Gibson said. Neighboring departments are using the facility, described by the chief as “a model” which is drawing visits from fire department officials in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Gibson presented Strength and Honor Fund Scholarship awards to Logan Bryant, who is pursuing a degree in healthcare management at Appalachian State University, and Wilson S. Anders, who plans to attend UNC-Greensboro this fall.

The $2,500 award honors

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Andrew David Russoli, killed in combat in Iraq. He planned to join the Oak Ridge Fire Department after ending his military service.

Oak Ridge Fire Chief Ken Gibson (center) presents the department’s Strength and Honor Fund scholarship awards to recipients Wilson Anders and Logan Bryant at the Oak Ridge Town Council meeting on June 6. Wilson will be attending UNC-G in the fall, and Logan is a rising sophomore at Appalachian State University. The Strength and Honor Fund was created by the parents of Lance Corporal Andrew Russoli of the U.S. Marine Corps, an Oak Ridge Fire Department volunteer who was killed in action in Iraq in 2005.

Sheriff’s Office. The District 1 office highlighted two incidents of breaking and entering in Oak Ridge last month. The first occurred May 9 in the 5500 block of Tanyard Court, while the other happened May 31 in the 7300 block of Hidden Valley Drive.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

Trail easement



5  0 to instruct town staff to refrain for 17 months from developing a trail that, if built, would traverse a disputed easement adjacent to the Bear Creek subdivision on Brookbank Road. (See related article on p. 6.)

Budget, FY 2024-25

 5  0 to approve the town’s $2.7 million budget for the fiscal year starting July 1 after hearing from residents during a public hearing.

The property tax rate remains unchanged at 8 cents per $100 of valuation. John Jenkins said he and other members of the Finance Committee discussed the possibility of reducing the tax rate, but by consensus the committee recommended the council hold the rate steady to help generate sufficient revenue for capital projects.

Committee Chair Stuart Mease said the budget reflects Oak Ridge’s “successful journey” as a desirable place to live, with the rising home sale

prices boosting property valuations. In turn, the town’s revenue has grown, enabling spending on amenities, such as parks.

Patti Dmuchowski spoke in support of the budget, which she described as “conservative.”

The spending plan is “conservative because of the excessively high tax rate,” Chuck Salmon said. He urged the council to reduce the rate from 8 cents to 6.25 cents, lowering tax bills in Oak Ridge after Guilford County’s reappraisal of real estate in 2022 increased valuations countywide.

Salmon also suggested that in the future the council change the public hearing date related to the budget, saying he’d prefer it be presented for public comments during the council’s May meeting instead of gathering public comments and voting on the budget simultaneously during the June meeting.

The council has “no time to react or make changes to the budget,” Salmon said.

Stone said he supported Salmon’s suggestion. On the other hand,

Photo courtesy of Town of Oak Ridge

Kinneman said people can speak about the budget during the period set aside for general comments during regular council meetings. Finance Committee meetings are also open to the public, giving residents the opportunity to make suggestions related to the budget, noted Jacob Binder.

Ben Walraven said “lowering your tax rate is not a good idea,” as rising inflation has eroded the town’s spending power and put pressure on its financial reserves.

Maintaining the property tax rate at 8 cents will help the town pay for capital projects such as the municipal water system and pickleball courts over the next few years, according to Schneider and Harton.

Stone said he supports the budget in the “spirit of compromise,” even though holding the rate steady results in higher property taxes in Oak Ridge. Greeson offered no comment about the budget.

Noting that annual property taxes

total $400 on a house appraised at $500,000, Kinneman said he believes he and others in Oak Ridge “are getting value” for the taxes they pay.

Voluntary annexation  5  0 to approve an application for the voluntary annexation of nearly 20 acres at 1338 Forsyth Road on the western edge of Oak Ridge. The property is being developed as a subdivision called Southern Pines.

The packet of information about the subdivision reviewed by the town’s Planning and Zoning Board last month also included the voluntary annexation application. Frank Carroll, who lives near the new subdivision, said the combination of documents suggested the subdivision case and the voluntary annexation application were somehow connected, and he believes they shouldn’t be.

Later in an interview, planning director Sean Taylor said he put the application in the packet as information, not to imply a connection to the subdivision case.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

„ Citing the growing popularity of pickleball, Brian Dawson urged the town to accelerate plans to build courts for people to play the game at Heritage Farm Park. Chelsea Young concurred, saying pickleball courts would attract out-of-towners who would patronize Oak Ridge businesses.

„ Maria Adams praised the council for its decision last month to reject a request by the county’s Board of Education for $30,384 to continue a “high-dose” tutoring program next fiscal year when federal pandemic relief funds for the program expire. Among shortcomings in the request, Adams said the board’s leadership didn’t consult with District 3 board member Michael Logan before asking Oak Ridge’s council for money.

„ Bill Goebel, who is running as an unaffiliated School Board candidate against Republican Logan in the Nov. 5 election, said he favors increasing Guilford County Schools’ endow-

ment as a source of funding. As the principal in the endowment grows, the district could tap interest to pay for projects, he noted.

„ Now that construction of the Veterans Honor Green is underway, Ben Walraven urged town staff to schedule the project so that completion of the first phase is followed quickly by the start of the second phase.

„ Sam Anders, who serves as the secretary/treasurer of Oak Ridge Fire and Rescue Co., said the department has asked the county’s Board of Commissioners to approve a fire district tax increase of 2.5 cents per $100 of property valuation. The current tax is just shy of 10 cents per $100 valuation.

MANAGER’S REPORT

Road addition  5  0 to concur with North Carolina Department of Transportation’s recommendation to add Caison Drive to the state’s road maintenance program.

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Youth on a mission: from San Bernardino to Seoul

While on a mission in Texas this past year, Northern Guilford graduate Cobe Housley (above) participated in a live nativity scene during the Christmas season. Housley and Youngin Cho (below) are among 20 local youth serving, or preparing to serve the next 18 to 24 months as missionaries in the U.S. and across the world.

Twenty recently graduated young men and women with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are embarking on an 18- to 24-month mission in various parts of the world

Article submitted by RONDA TUCKER and MELISSA WOODEN

SUMMERFIELD – Twenty recent graduates of northern/northwest Guilford County public and private high schools have been called to serve missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. They will join over 67,000 young men and women, ages 18-25, serving worldwide as missionaries.

Area ecclesiastical leader, President James D. Carlson, said the missionaries seek “to bring light and hope to others. Our missionaries leave behind their homes, educational pursuits, and personal comforts to dedicate 18 to 24 months in service, sharing the message of Jesus Christ and offering assistance in practical ways.”

Missionaries of the Church don’t request their area of assignment, nor do they know in advance whether they will be asked to learn a new language. While away, they spend their time teaching others about Jesus Christ, studying scripture and doing community service.

Funds for missionary service are provided by

the missionaries, their family, and/or members of their congregation.

After eagerly awaiting his call, Noah Wooden was thrilled to learn he was assigned to Tijuana, Mexico.

“I’m so excited to serve the people in Mexico, as well as many displaced individuals at the border,” he said. “It will be great to learn fluent Spanish and be among people from another culture.”

Blaklee Galiotti, who is headed to Portugal, said she has dreamed about being a missionary for as long as she can remember.

“I love God and Jesus Christ with my whole heart and soul. They are the best part of this life, because they are the purpose of this life,” she said.

Jason Larson, who is serving in the Chicago, Illinois area, observed that it is through faith in Jesus Christ that we get through life’s challenges and find peace and happiness.

Also speaking of challenges, Dallin Duncan, who has been serving in Brazil for almost a year, said he’s learned that “Jesus Christ lives, and because He lives, with Him on my side I can do anything He needs of me and I can overcome any challenge that comes my way.”

As she prepares to head to the Dominican Republic for 18 months, Abby Carlson said she is excited about the opportunity “to share God’s love and serve others.”

While serving in Texas, Cobe Housley was part of a live nativity during the Christmas season. He said of this experience, “I could feel peace and a gladness in my heart as I thought about Christ. He truly is ‘The Greatest Gift!’”

Courtesy photos

SUMMER SMILE

NWHS graduate

Hayden Martin admits that preparing to head to Bolivia for the next two years and leave behind everything that is familiar “is definitely difficult… but I know that God is going to bless me because of it. I’m really just happy to serve and explore the world.”

President Carlson said he is inspired by the profound dedication and unwavering commitment of the missionaries.

“These young men and women who serve missions embark on a transformative journey of service and faith that ripples positively through communities around the globe,” he said. “The essence of their work lies in the profound belief that every human being is valued and loved by our Heavenly Father. Missionary work is a beacon of service and faith, illuminating the path towards a more compassionate and connected world. We are profoundly grateful for their tireless efforts and the enduring legacy of goodwill they leave behind.”

The following are the 20 missionaries being sent out from our area, along with the high school/ homeschool they graduated from and their mission assignments:

Alora Arny: Northern Guilford – Provo, Utah

Caleb Arny: Northern Guilford – To be determined

Joseph Bagley: Northern Guilford – Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic

Liam Buchanan: Grimsley – Santiago, Chile

Abby Carlson: Greensboro Day School – Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Keala Cho: Northern Guilford – Seoul, Korea

Youngin Cho: Northern Guilford – Newport Beach, California

Nicky Dodson: Northern Guilford – San Bernardino, California

Dallin Duncan: Northwest Guilford – Sao Paulo, Brazil

Blaklee Galiotti: Cornerstone Charter Academy –Lisbon, Portugal

Annika Hilton: Homeschool – Phoenix, Arizona

Cobe Housley: Northern Guilford – Houston, Texas

Aubrey Larson: Northern Guilford – Sao Paulo, Brazil

Jason Larson: Northern Guilford – Chicago, Illinois

Hayden Martin: Northwest Guilford – Cochabamba, Bolivia

Daniel Ross: Northern Guilford – Denver, Colorado

Jacob Siple: Northwest Guilford – Columbus, Ohio

Dallin Tucker: NC Leadership Academy – Dallas, Texas

Kylie Tucker: NC Leadership Academy – San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Noah Wooden: Caldwell Academy – Tijuana, Mexico

HERITAGE FARM PK.

...continued from p. 1

Oak Ridge Mayor Jim Kinneman told those attending the ribbon cutting ceremony for Heritage Farm Park, marking its official opening. The 60-acre park property located behind Oak Ridge Town Hall on Linville Road is an expansion of Oak Ridge Town Park off Linville Road and Lisa Drive.

Kinneman thanked a long list of people “whose passion and commitment have paved the way for this moment,” including former and present council members who worked tirelessly on the park project for the last five years, retired Parks & Rec director Terry Lannon, McGill and Associates, the consulting firm that designed the park, town staff, members of the town’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and countless other volunteers.

Last but not least, Kinneman gave a special acknowledgment to “a couple without whom we wouldn’t be here today – Claudia and Frank Whitaker, who generously made this land available to our town.” The longtime Oak Ridge residents sold the property to the town in 2018.

“Both our parks have similar legacies, where long-time residents have seen the value of open space and wished to preserve it,” Kinneman said. “Frank and Claudia continue to show how a community depends on our shared concern for each other. As a community, we are connected by our

parks and trails, strengthening our bonds. And for that we give them a heartfelt thank you.”

Council member and former mayor Ann Schneider said the over 100 years of farming history on the land now known as Heritage Farm Park “make it a centerpiece of our rural Historic District, created in 1994.”

“Now known as Heritage Farm Park – a perfect name – the front portion preserves the scenic vistas that are so important to our Historic District,” she noted. “The central area will continue to be farmed for hay, contributing to the beauty and educational value of the park.”

In concluding his speech, Kinneman told those attending the ceremony, “It is with great pride and gratitude that we open this park today. May it be a place of joy, laughter, and connection for all who visit.”

want to go?

The parking lot to Heritage Farm Park can be accessed from Scoggins Road, behind Oak Ridge Fire Department. The park offers two lighted multi-purpose fields, restrooms, a picnic shelter, walking trails and a playground that accommodates children with special needs. The Veterans Honor Green will also be located within the park, and is expected to be completed by early fall. Outdoor basketball, pickleball and tennis courts are planned for Phase 2.

the previous council last October. He said he was awaiting specifics about the “ultimate direction our council wants to take” related to the town’s unified development ordinance.

In the same email, Hamilton also questioned the attorney about how much the council would need to disclose to residents about its intentions to do so.

“I am being asked if there is any issue stopping the town from repealing the three resolutions adopted on September 18, 2023?” he wrote. “If not, is this something we can do without providing notice at a regularly scheduled meeting, or does this require something more?”

Hamilton continued, asking “if the town seeks to completely remove the previous text amendment, what notice is required for the council to do that? If we were to have a special called joint meeting with the planning board, do we have to specifically state what we are going to do or are we allowed to leave it more open?”

Questioned by Hamilton about the email being made public, Town Attorney Jim Hoffman said he “had a conversation with two people to tell them it was an attorney-client privilege document that was inadvertently released through a public records request. And I asked them not to release it any further and to return and destroy all copies.”

When Hamilton suggested disclosing the name of the citizen who publicized the email on social media, Hoffman told Hamilton he didn’t think it “appropriate.”

Tocornal asked Hamilton why he didn’t relay his questions to Thelen through Town Attorney Bob Hornik or Town Manager Scott Whitaker.

Even though both were still employed by the town at the time, the council’s majority was increasingly taking over some of their responsibilities.

“Is it ethical for you to use a committee or a board… to try to get through something that obviously the four of you all have already decided you want to do?” Tocornal asked.

Hamilton told her he was acting on behalf of the council after it had instructed him in December to represent the town in exploring how to proceed with efforts by the previous council to fight possible de-annexation.

“It’s not unusual to ask questions to an attorney about what you can and what you can’t do,” Hamilton said. “I think it’s good that we continue to explore what we can and cannot do; otherwise we’re just going to wander endlessly.”

After the meeting, Hamilton declined to elaborate on his email.

According to Mayor Tim Sessoms, Hamilton wasn’t “just asking questions” in his email.

“He was looking to fulfill a campaign promise – rescinding the resolutions and undoing the text amendment that we adopted in an effort to compromise with Mr. Couch and keep the General Assembly from de-annexing his property in Summerfield,” Sessoms said in an interview earlier this week.

Late last month, Summerfield Strong reposted Hamilton’s email, saying it had removed it earlier at the request of Hoffman after he said “the council was working in the best interests of the Town.”

Along with the email, Summerfield Strong’s administrators cited subsequent actions by the council’s majority, including its decision in February not to extend Town Manager Scott Whitaker’s employment contract and initially deny him severance pay and health insurance benefits, which contributed to the resignation of Summerfield’s nine employees earlier this month.

- JULY 17, 2024

Oak Ridge’s Music in the Park attracts record crowd

An estimated crowd of 4,000 attended Oak Ridge’s Music in the Park on June 8 to hear 80Z Nation and enjoy an evening in the park. With the addition of beer/ wine sales and more widely known bands this season, Music in the Park events in April and May drew crowds of about 900 and 1,500.

by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – The town’s Music in the Park attracted a record crowd of about 4,000 people last Saturday, June 8, resulting in longer food and beverage lines but overall “a total win for the town.”

That’s the assessment of John Browning, co-chair of Oak Ridge’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and one of numerous volunteers at last weekend’s concert. He estimated that roughly half of the crowd consisted of followers of ‘80s music tribute band, 80Z Nation, which contributed to the record attendance.

Crowds for the concerts in Oak Ridge Town Park have grown since last summer with the addition of beer and wine sales, food trucks and sponsors to help pay for more well-known bands.

“The only criticism I’ve heard was that it was too crowded,” Browning said in an interview earlier this week. “Lines were longer than people would have liked them to be.”

Some of the 80Z Nation followers dressed up in ‘80s attire and “had a very good time.”

“Community coming together and having a great time makes us happy,” Browning said. “It’s just another way that the park can bring people together.”

The town averted a potential bathroom headache after a plumbing

contractor restored water to the park before the concert.

Overflow parking in the park’s grassy area handled traffic, while people were able to see the performance in the amphitheater, even though “people were packed in there pretty tightly,” Browning said.

Ashley Royal, Oak Ridge’s deputy clerk, organizes the seasonal Music in the Park events, which includes scheduling the bands as well as securing sponsors, working with food and drink vendors, and coordinating volunteers. She expressed appreciation for the sponsors and the community’s enthusiastic response to the music events this season.

“We are extremely appreciative to our sponsors who allow these events to be free,” Royal said. “We have built an experience that our community has embraced, as evidenced by their attendance. The attendance at the 80z Nation event was estimated to be around 4,000 people, which is a record crowd for a Music in the Park event. While the lines were long at food trucks and beverage tents, people were patient and had a great time. We had three security guards present, and they reported no incidents.

“We have three events left for the season and look forward to continuing to offer social activities that are enjoyed by not only our residents but also by visitors,” Royal added.

Photo courtesy of George McClellan

&

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Kayden Friddle earns 1st place in Congressional art competition

SUMMERFIELD – Kayden Friddle earned 1st place in the 2024 Congressional Art Competition in April; the annual competition celebrates the artistic achievements of the nation’s high school students. Each year House members honor one high school student from their district by selecting a piece of artwork for inclusion in a one-year exhibit in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol.

Kayden recently graduated from Weaver Academy, where her art teachers selected her chameleon piece for entry this year and a panel of district artists selected her art as the winner.

Summerfield resident Kayden Friddle, a recent graduate of Weaver Academy, created this art piece, titled “Spectrum,” digitally. It was part of her senior project on “exploring how animals use art for the continuation of their species.” It took her 31 ½ hours and over 120,000 strokes to complete.

A reception hosted by Rep. Kathy Manning was held in late April to honor Kayden’s art work and the art of several other

students. There will be another reception in Washington, D.C., at the end of June for all winners across the country.

school / youth

James Reed earns Eagle rank

James Croft Reed III, a member of Scouts BSA Troop 600 based in Oak Ridge, has earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

For his Eagle Scout service project, he led nine Scouts in the building of a flag retirement center that includes a brick fire pit and patio at the Stokesdale Town Hall.

A resident of Oak Ridge, James, 15, is the son of Jim and Elizabeth Reed and a freshman at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, where he earned All-Conference honors for indoor track and field for the 2023-2024 winter season. He also plays baseball for his high school and Greensboro Batting Center.

Troop 600 meets Monday nights at Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church. For more information about the troop, visit their website at www.scoutdude.com.

Jenna Gray earns Girl Scout Gold award

Jenna Rose Gray of Troop 1707 sponsored by Guilford College United Methodist Church received her Gold Award recognition at an awards banquet on May 19. Jenna’s Gold award project was to teach chair ballet to the residents of Well-Spring in Greensboro.

Jenna attended Northwest Guilford High School until her senior year, when she attended and graduated from UNC School of the Arts. She is currently a student at Appalachian State University.

Jenna Rose Gray

Reynolds & Stoner’s staff brings smiles to the crowds at Founder’s Day with their Toy Story themed parade float.

Photo courtesy of Paige Friddle

James Reed

CRIME / INCIDENT report

District 1 Sheriff’s Office

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

Deputy shot, resident jailed on multiple charges

OAK RIDGE – Just after 1:30 a.m. on June 10, three officers responded to a report of an unspecified “incident” at 7504 Skippers Trace in Oak Ridge (near Haw River Road). Upon arrival they found Andrew Caetto, a 54-year-old male, in the driveway area and reported he was argumentative and combative. A “violent” physical struggle ensued, during which Caetto reportedly tried to grab a gun from one

of the officers; the gun was discharged and another officer, 29-year-old Master Corporal Dakota Brim, was shot. He was transported to the hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Caetto was also treated at the hospital for injuries he sustained during the struggle with officers before being arrested and jailed for assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, three counts of

Law enforcement was called to this home on Skippers Trace in Oak Ridge on the morning of June 10. They reported the homeowner was combative and a physical struggle ensued, resulting in a firearm being discharged and an officer being shot. The homeowner and the officer were transported to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries and the homeowner was later jailed on multiple charges.

assault on a law enforcement officer and felony assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm.

face up to 40 years in jail.

Thanks to Southern Outdoor Living in Summerfield for hosting a joint meeting of Merchants of Oak Ridge (MOR) and Summerfield Merchants Association (SMA) on June 4. During our meeting SMA recognized its 2024 scholarship recipients, (L to R) Madison Casolino (Northern High School) and Jack Montgomery (Cornerstone Charter Academy), and MOR recognized scholarship recipient Kara Dell (Northwest High School); Not shown, Jayden Triplett (Oak Ridge Military Academy).

Be our guest at our next monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 2 from 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. RSVP on our website. For more info about SMA: email info@summerfieldmerchant.com visit www.summerfieldmerchant.com or Facebook.com/SummerfieldMerchantsAssociation An association of professionals supporting each other and our community

After appearing in court on June 11, the court determined Caetto was a danger to the community and committed him to Central Regional Hospital.

Caetto’s next court date is scheduled on Aug. 1. If convicted, he could

ASSAULT/DOMESTIC/THREATS

May 13 | A resident of the 5500 block of Rambling Road in northwest Greensboro (near Pleasant Ridge Road) reported a known suspect committed assault using a motor vehicle and also stole her sprinkler system; a 64-year-old male was arrested for aggravated assault.

May 15 | A resident of the 8900 block of Ellisboro Road/Gideon Grove Road in Stokesdale reported a known suspect discharged a firearm and also pointed it at her and threatened her.

May 20 | A resident of the 7700 block of N.C. 68 N in Stokesdale reported a known suspect assaulted her and also damaged her vehicle.

May 22 | A domestic assault was reported in the 8300 block of Cold-

GCSO Major Crimes Investigative Unit Captain M. Holder reported law enforcement had been called to Caetto’s home four times in the last month; most of the calls were in response to complaints by Caetto about neighborhood kids riding four-wheelers and dirt bikes on nearby property.

water Road in Stokesdale (off Belews Creek Road).

May 23 | A reported burglary and assault occurred in the 6200 block of Windcrest Drive in Summerfield (off Hamburg Mill Road).

May 25 | Officers responded to a reported physical altercation in the 8100 block of Shoeline Road in Stokesdale (near U.S. 158).

May 26 | Officers responded to a reported physical altercation in the 1800 block of Egers Way/Caffey Drive in Colfax (off Cude Road).

May 30 | Officers responded to a reported assault in the 8300 block of Linville Oaks Drive in Oak Ridge (off Linville Road).

June 5 | A physical altercation was reported in the 7000 block of West-

Courtesy photo

field Village Circle in Summerfield (off Oak Ridge Road).

June 9 | A 36-year-old male was arrested in the 4500 block of U.S. 220 N/ N.C. 150 W in Summerfield for communicating threats.

June 10 | Officers responded to a reported assault in the parking lot of Oak Ridge Commons.

June 12 | A 47-year-old male was arrested in the 2000 block of Scalesville Road in Summerfield for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and communicating threats.

June 14 | A resident of the 5800 block of Diercrest Court in Oak Ridge (near Oak Ridge Road) reported she has been receiving harassing phone calls from a known suspect since March.

June 16 | A 40-year-old female was arrested in the 7800 block of Springdale Meadow Drive in Stokesdale (near N.C. 68 N) for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE/ DEATH INVESTIGATION

May 8 | A death investigation was conducted in the 200 block of Marshall-Smith Road in Colfax.

May 30 | A death investigation was conducted in the 9100 block of U.S. 158 in Stokesdale.

June 4 | A death investigation was conducted in the 3800 block of Lewiston Road in northwest Greensboro.

June 5 | A death investigation was conducted in the 8300 block of Tyner Loop in Colfax (off Sandy Ridge Road).

June 11 | A death investigation was conducted in the 6700 block of Brookbank Road in Summerfield.

June 15 | Officers responded to an attempted suicide via narcotics overdose in the 8000 block of Stokesdale Street (near downtown Stokesdale).

DISORDERLY CONDUCT

May 27 | Officers responded to a report of disorderly conduct in the 4700 block of Crestfield Road in Summerfield (off U.S. 220 N).

FOUND/LOST PROPERTY

May 13 | A citizen reported he lost his vehicle’s dealer tag at the corner of N.C. 68 N and U.S. 158 in Stokesdale.

June 16 | A citizen reported finding

a pink and black duffle bag at First Baptist Church in Summerfield.

FRAUD

May 10 | A resident of the 5900 block of Crutchfield Farm Road in Oak Ridge (off Alcorn Road) reported an unknown suspect hacked into one of his bank accounts and defrauded him of $30,828.90.

May 15 | A resident of the 7500 block of Somersby Drive in Summerfield (off N.C. 150 W) reported an unknown suspect blackmailed her out of $1,100.

June 6 | A resident of the 300 block of Quail Ridge Road in Stokesdale (near U.S. 158) reported an unknown suspect fraudulently used her personal ID info.

June 11 | A resident of the 5200 block of Red Fox Drive in Oak Ridge (near Oak Ridge Road) requested officers investigate money possibly missing from his deceased relative’s estate.

LARCENY/ FALSE PRETENSES

June 8 | A 40-year-old male was arrested in the 4600 block of U.S. 220 N in Summerfield on two counts of obtaining property by false pretenses and two counts of failure to work after being paid.

June 17 | A 46-year-old male was arrested in the 7700 block of N.C. 68 N in Stokesdale for larceny.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

June 12 | Officers responded to a report of suspicious activity in the 7300 block of Toby Court in Summerfield (near Strawberry Road).

THEFT

May 9 | A resident of the 5500 block of Tanyard Court in Oak Ridge (near Oak Ridge Road) reported an unknown suspect entered his residence through an unlocked door and stole clothing, shoes, groceries and an Apple iPad.

May 24 | A resident of the 5200 block of Millstone Drive in Oak Ridge (off Stafford Mill Road) reported an unknown suspect attempted to steal items from her motor vehicle; no items were reported stolen, but the passenger window was removed.

May 29 | A resident of the 5200 block

of Williard Road in Oak Ridge (off Stafford Mill Road) reported an unknown suspect stole his grapple rake and his skid steer loader tooth bucket.

June 5 | Officers responded to a reported theft in the 5500 block of Spotswood Circle in Summerfield (near I-73 N); the specific items stolen were not reported.

June 14 | A resident of the 7700 block of Tannery Road in Summerfield (near Summerfield Road) reported an unknown suspect stole three customized rings.

TRESPASSING

May 9 | A resident of the 7200 block of St. Crispins Way in Summerfield (near Oak Ridge Road) reported a

known suspect trespassed on her property and threatened her.

May 15 | A resident of the 6600 block of Stonecroft Drive in Oak Ridge Road (off Bunch Road) reported a known suspect trespassed on her property.

June 14 | Officers responded to a report of trespassing in the 7600 block of Thomas Road in Stokesdale (near U.S. 158).

WEAPONS

May 28 | Officers responded to a report of a handgun being discharged illegally in the 8300 block of Moritz Drive in Stokesdale (off U.S. 158).

June 6 | A firearm that had been reported stolen was recovered by officers.

WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS

z Farmers & Specialty Market | Northwest Guilford 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.

JUNE 23-27

z Vacation Bible School | Stokesdale Christian Church at 8607 Stokesdale Street will host Vacation Bible School for ages K-5th grade and also an adult class from Sunday, June 23, to Thursday, June 27, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. every night. Learn more at www.stokesdalechristian.com, or call (336) 643-3111.

MONDAY, JUNE 24

z Lions Club | Oak Ridge Lions Club will meet June 24 at Bistro 150 in Oak Ridge Commons shopping center in Oak Ridge. Come at 6 p.m. to socialize and/or have dinner before the meeting gets underway at 6:30 p.m. More info: Jim Kinneman, (336) 207-7166 or james.kinneman@gmail.com

David Lorczak

FRIDAY, JUNE 28

z Interest meeting | Oak Ridge Methodist Church at 2424 Oak Ridge Road invites those interested in the Al-Anon program to a special meeting June 28, starting at 8 p.m. A guest speaker will share his story about being in both AA and Al-Anon, and there will be a time for questions and answers. Learn more at www.triadalanon.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

z Food pantry | Good Samaritan Ministries’ food pantry in Stokesdale will open for those in need of food on June 29, 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Gideon Grove United Methodist Church, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road. More info: (336) 643-5887.

SUNDAY,

JUNE 30

z Fifth Sunday Singing | Good Samaritan Ministries of Stokesdale invites the community to a Fifth Sunday Singing event June 30, starting at 6 p.m. at Gideon Grove UMC, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road. Groups from local churches will sing and play instruments, with light refreshments to follow. More info: (336) 643-5887.

TUESDAY, JULY 2

z Kiwanis Club | Kiwanis Club of Northwest Guilford will meet July 2, starting at 12 noon at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge. More info: nwgkiwanis@gmail.com.

z Summerfield Merchants meeting | Summerfield Merchants Association (SMA) invites professionals

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Oak Ridge Business Center, Linville Rd & NC 68 | (336) 644-8078 | orchiro.com

based in or surrounding Summerfield to a summer social July 2, 6:15 to 8 p.m. Learn more about SMA or RSVP to attend the meeting at www.summerfieldmerchant.com.

z Friends of Stokesdale meeting | Friends of Stokesdale, a nonprofit committed to preserving Stokesdale’s history and downtown charm, invites those with similar interests to its monthly meeting July 2, 7 to 8 p.m. at Stokesdale United Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola Drive. For more info, visit www.facebook.com/friendsofstokesdale or call Joe Thacker, president, at (336) 708-0334.

JULY 3, 9, 11 & 18

z Senior programs | Senior Resources of Guilford County will sponsor a senior program including activities and a take-home lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon on July 3 at Oak Ridge First Baptist Church, 2445 Oak Ridge Road; on July 9 at Shady Grove Wesleyan Church (119 N. Bunker Hill Road in Colfax); on July 11 at Stokesdale United Methodist Church (8305 Loyola Drive); and on July 18 at Summerfield First Baptist Church (2300 Scalesville Road). To learn more and/or RSVP, call (336) 373-4816, ext. 265.

THURSDAY, JULY 4

z Kids’ bike parade | Town of Oak Ridge invites kids and their families to participate in a bike parade July 4, 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive. Kids will decorate their rides (bikes, wagons, strollers, etc. – anything without a motor) under shelter #1 by the main playground, then parade around the

NORTHWEST

front loop of the park in honor of Independence Day. There will also be other kids’ activities, including face painting, as well as food and treats. Don’t forget to wear red, white and blue! More info: (336) 644-7009. See display ad on p. 35.

SATURDAY, JULY 6

z July 4th celebration | Central Baptist Church at 1715 N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge invites the community to an Independence Day celebration on July 6, starting at 2 p.m. There will be a patriotic band concert, Revolutionary period fife and drum corps, and free hot dogs and apple pie while supplies last. Seating is limited, so make reservations by calling (336) 643-7684 (open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). See display ad on this page

MONDAY, JULY 8

z Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club | Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club (NGWC) is a nonprofit whose members share a commitment to community service. The group will hold its monthly meeting July 8, starting at 7 p.m. To learn more about NGWC or to attend the meeting as

a guest, contact Tiffany Hansen, president, at (336) 404-8038 or tif fanykhansen96@gmail.com

TUESDAY, JULY 9

z Town Council meeting | Summerfield Town Council will meet July 9, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. Visit www.summerfieldnc.gov for a meeting agenda.

THURSDAY, JULY 11

z Town Council meeting | Oak Ridge Town Council will meet July 11 (one week later than usual due to its regular meeting date falling on July 4), starting at 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. Attend in person or watch the meeting on the town’s YouTube channel (a link to the recorded meeting will also be posted on the town’s Facebook page). Visit www.oakridgenc.com for more info or a meeting agenda.

z Town Council meeting | Stokesdale Town Council will meet July 11, starting at 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. Citizens may attend in person or watch it on the town’s YouTube channel. For a meeting agenda, visit www.stokesdale.org.

FRIDAY, JULY 12

z Veterans’ breakfast | Bethel Methodist Church at 8424 Haw River Road in Oak Ridge invites local veterans to a monthly event for coffee, breakfast and fellowship July 12, starting at 8:30 a.m. More info: Larry McDonald, (336) 215-3141.

SATURDAY, JULY 13

z Music in the Park | The Town of Oak Ridge will host a Music in the Park event on July 13 at Oak Ridge Town Park Amphitheater, 6231 Lisa Drive. The Mason Lovette Band will perform “newgrass” music starting at 6 p.m. There will be several food trucks; alcoholic beverages will be for sale. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. The event is free, but donations for the band are appreciated. To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/oakridgetownpark.

TUESDAY, JULY 16

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

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

stay tuned!

The Northwest Observer will be back in print on Thursday, July 18. Stay tuned to community happenings throughout the month via Facebook.com/Northwest Observer and www.nwobserver.com.

GRINS and GRIPES

Delighted or dismayed by something in your community?

Share your thoughts in 40 words or less email: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com

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

GRINS to...

„ Moderators on nextdoor.com for preventing gossip, slander and bullying by keeping bullies off the forum. Wish every neighborhood would prevent gossip/bullying, but unfortunately this isn’t the case. Thanks for keeping the forum kinder than some neighborhoods.

„ Dillon’s Tree Service, for removing some trees from Countryside Village Retirement Community. Their very professional, well-orchestrated crew kept everything safe, tidy and moving efficiently. Highly recommend this company!

„ The Sterling family in Summerfield for stepping in at your own personal financial risk to help save “Strader Corner” from corporate demise and also allow new families to our neighborhood. Encouraged by the positive shift!

„ Lee’s Well Service, who said the first time we met he’s “in the business to help people” and truly is – always great experiences!

„ Oak Ridge Fire Department captain and crew for hanging out at Town Park on May 29 for hours so our first-grade ORES students could learn about the department and

their duties. I’m sure we have some future firefighters after this awesome experience!

„ Summit Church for the love you gave the NWHS 2024 senior class by hosting a fall “bonfire,” December movie night, a delicious spring breakfast and running the foam machine at the senior picnic. You’re a wonderful asset to our community!

„ CVS pharmacy staff in Oak Ridge. Every time I go in there, I am impressed by how each employee is cool and steady in that hectic workplace – and by the way, they have to get it right each time, too!

„ A&Y Greenway supporters who provided factual information to the town council related to the economic impacts, mental/physical benefits, and how greenways build stronger communities by bringing neighbors together. Summerfield is in desperate need of community building!

Lowes Foods, Oak Ridge Bagels and Deli, Rio Grande, Sheetz, Starbucks and Tractor Supply for your generous donation to the NWHS senior picnic.

„ Jennifer Mun, owner of Bistro 150 in Oak Ridge, for making my birthday dinner with friends so special. We had the delicious Chesapeake pasta and a great wine – and then she brought me a piece of cake with a candle!

GRIPES to...

„ Speeders on Bunch Road. I’ve seen four bad accidents at the same curve in the past six months. Slow down and quit tailgating! It’s disrespectful to the people who live on that road.

„ The person who came onto the back of our property (between Hwy. 150 and N. Strawberry Road) on May 10 at 8:30 p.m. and shot our dog in the face, resulting in permanently scarring her.

Peace of mind all summer Tested

„ Stokesdale Elementary Asst. Principal Michael Stys for leading with grace, compassion, and positivity. Your support was unmatched: always fist-pounding, taking pictures, talking to families. This is a loss for Stokesdale, and you will be missed – good luck at your new school!

„ Northwest Observer’s article in the last issue stating Hampden Sydney college gave a football scholarship. This is inaccurate reporting. As a D3 school, they do not provide sportsrelated scholarships. If they did, it’s an NCAA violation.

„ Yolanda, who works for the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office in the CCP department. She was such a pleasure to speak with and she really made my day!

„ Amanda Overmyer. Your hard work, dedication, and kindness have been an enormous asset to Northwest High School.

„ Stokesdale Elementary counselor Martha Stilson for 26 years of kind and empathetic service! You have made a meaningful impact on thousands who walked through the school’s doors. Thank you for always radiating optimism and understanding – enjoy retirement!

„ Bank of Oak Ridge, BiRite, Bojangles, Domino’s, Fisherman’s Cove, Gusto Pizzeria, Joey’s Burger Bar,

Editor’s note: No NCAA violation has been committed to our knowledge. We apologize that our writer made a mistake in noting that NWHS standout athlete Tanner Ballou will be attending Hampden Sydney on a football scholarship – Ballou does plan to compete for the starting quarterback’s position on the football team, but he will be attending the university on an academic, not a football scholarship.

„ NC Sen. Phil Berger for garnering votes for the de-annexation bill for David Couch’s 1,000 acres in Summerfield.

„ The squirrels growing fat off the bird feeder I recently installed. The seeds were gone within four days of my filling it. I hope the squirrels are more than satisfied, because the birds and I are not.

„ Two Oak Ridge council members

voting against connecting neighborhoods with trails and paths. Ostriches burying their heads in the sand to the wishes of vocal town citizens. Can anyone say “campaign promises?”

„ Balloons on mailboxes. I know you’re proud of your graduate/new baby/birthday/anniversary, etc., but please throw away your balloons when you’re done instead of letting them fly away weeks later. They can be fatal to your neighbor’s livestock.

„ The socialist evidently triggered by the sight of me wearing an American flag shirt. Obviously, my patriotic spirit is aggravating your demons. Sorry, Comrade. It’s a slow news day in Oak Ridge when this is “news.” Sincerely, Mike Stone

„ Summerfield Town Council’s four members in the majority. Such a shame what is happening with the town council! Scott Whitaker did not deserve how you treated him. I hope he finds his forced departure a blessing in disguise.

„ The writer of the silly gripe in the May 16–June 19 edition, encouraging Councilman Mike Stone to read Sec8, Pt D of the U.S. Flag code. This paragraph

pertains to using the flag as clothing, not wearing a stars/stripes T-shirt.

„ The shocking stories about Summerfield, which are dominating the local news and keeping the public from the real story of our times: what’s going on with the scantily clad ladies doing yard work?!? Inquiring minds need to know!

„ Summerfield Town Council’s poor leadership. You were elected to be leaders and the results? Every town employee quit and you face de-annexation of almost 1,000 acres. Complete failure!

„ Neighbors who don’t mow their yards for weeks and make all the yards around them look bad.

„ Golden Antiques for no longer allowing carrying our purses while shopping. They asked I use their locker to store it. Treating all your shoppers like criminals is not OK. Long-term supporter will not be back!

Editor’s note: We reached out to Gina Childress, who owns Golden Antiques with her husband, John, and asked her to explain why this new policy has been instituted. She responded immediately with this explanation: “I am so sorry this new policy is frustrating for our custom-

ers. We do allow purses, they just need to be small enough to be easily carried across your body. We decided to offer the lockers to make it convenient to those who don’t want to lock their purses in their car if they’re too large.

“Sadly, with the influx of larger items missing we had to do something storewide,” Childress continued. “We have over 100 small businesses in our store and missing/stolen items are a big deal to a small business. We just wanted to help them. The majority of our customers have been so kind and supportive, and I hope one day you will come back to shop with us. We’re not trying to single out anyone, and definitely think all of our customers are wonderful. We’re just doing whatever we can with a difficult situation.”

„ The person who vandalized our fence in Arbor Run by bending the top pickets and removing a post cap and stuffing trash in it. One of many times our property has been vandalized in this neighborhood.

„ Oak Ridge Town Council members whose minds were made up before the hearing on the Ashford trail easement removal. This precedent showed

residents nothing stops you from steamrolling your agenda. We’ll be heard at the ballot box in 2025.

„ The house between Grays Harbor and Croft on U.S. 158 that has had a recliner sitting by the road for months. Face it, no one wants it and the trash man is not taking it!

„ Northwest High School for no longer singing the school alma mater at graduation. Apparently, 50+ years of tradition no longer mean anything.

„ Summerfield Town Council majority of four. Just so we’re clear, Scott’s $151,000, time-limited contract was unfair, but Dana Luther’s $260,000 open-ended contract is peachy? How does that work, exactly?

„ Oak Ridge Town Council. Now we can stream video while getting run out of the crosswalk on Linville Road. Nothing says “heritage,” “farm” or “park” like high-speed internet! Don’t worry, you can now leave valuables in plain sight!

„ The amount of time it is taking BAR Construction and the Town of Oak Ridge to complete the Redmond house project. Dumpsters were first delivered one week before RidgeFest last September.

2020-2024 graduates from any Guilford County high school (public, private, or registered home-school) are eligible. In-state tuition and college/course fees are 100% covered.

$500,000 available for full-time or part-time enrollment at GTCC.

OAK RIDGE TC

...continued from p. 35

Speed limit reduction

 5  0 to ask NCDOT to reduce the speed limit in the Stonehenge subdivision from 30 mph to 25 mph. Initiated by homeowners, the resolution cites the number of houses in the neighborhood and plans for developing an adjacent subdivision with streets that will traverse Stonehenge.

Meeting change

 5  0 to revise the town’s meeting schedule to move the Water Advisory Committee meeting to the second Wednesday of the month. Animal shelter agreement

 5  0 to approve the town paying the county an estimated $25,459 for animal control services and the operation of the animal shelter. The renewal of the agreement covers two fiscal years, starting July 1.

The council voted 5-0 to install security cameras at Oak Ridge Town Park and Heritage Farm Park. According to a member of the Town’s Parks and Advisory Board, installation of the system will not only help discourage crime, but also expand Wi-Fi services and the availability of electricity in the town’s parks.

Park security

Join

 5  0 to spend $71,559 for security measures, including the installation of cameras, at Town Park and Heritage Farm Park.

Addressing privacy concerns by some residents, Stone said the system won’t ever be used for surveillance of individuals or specific areas, but only for “legitimate security purposes” to assist law enforcement in reducing crime, such as smash-and-grab thefts from motor vehicles at the parks.

“This system won’t go live until we have policies and procedures in place,” incorporating law enforcement and legal recommendations, as well as input from residents, Stone said.

Kinneman said he awaits advice from Town Attorney Michael Thomas. As an example of privacy precautions, the lawyer said the video wouldn’t be subject to public records requests.

Earlier in the meeting, resident John Colby questioned whether the system will effectively discourage crime and lead to apprehensions unless it’s actively monitored. He asked whether the town may be legally liable if the tape recordings are mismanaged.

As a less expensive, less intrusive alternative, Colby said, “you can always just lock up your stuff” in

Adobe Stock photo

vehicles before entering the park.

“This is not just for park security,” said Adrian Eckenrod, co-chair of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. The system would also expand Wi-Fi services and the availability of electricity in the town’s parks, he said.

Eckenrod added that the system can be actively monitored, alerting law enforcement to the location of individuals engaged in suspicious or illegal activities.

“The system is capable of that type of intelligence,” he said.

Kinneman said the sheriff’s office recommends the installation of the system, which is one of the reasons he supports the project.

FINANCIAL UPDATE

Year-end budget adjustment

 5  0 to authorize finance officer Sam Anders to make budget adjustments to ensure a balanced budget at the end of the current fiscal year ending June 30. Anders is required to report back to the council via email by July 6 and at the council’s Aug. 3 meeting.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Special Events Committee. “This has been a long road,” said Chair Patti Dmuchowski, referring to the start of construction of the Veterans Honor Green. Honoring military veterans, the project in Heritage Farm Park goes back to 2019. Tree Committee. Co-chair Austin Goldman said the committee is taking steps to remedy problems caused by river birch tree roots extending underneath the paths at Town Park. As a safety precaution, staff painted areas

where roots have cracked and raised the asphalt.

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. As preparations were underway for a big crowd at the Music in the Park concert Saturday, June 8, Town Manager Bill Bruce said a plumbing contractor was going to try to restore water to Town Park. He said staff had arranged for the delivery of “quite a few porta johns” in the event that water services weren’t restored before the concert.

Water Advisory Committee.

Kinneman said the council and the committee plan to meet jointly June 27 for a work session to discuss development of Oak Ridge’s water system. Historic Preservation Commission.

Member Courtenay Harton said the commission has sent its book about historic Oak Ridge properties to a graphic designer for layout.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

„ Greeson and Stone said they support accelerating construction of pickleball courts.

„ Harton congratulated the two high school seniors who received Strength and Honor Fund scholarships from the fire department. Schneider offered congratulations to all high school graduates in the area.

„ As a member of the Oak Ridge Lions Club, which gives an annual scholarship to a northwestern Guilford County high school student, Kinneman said he is amazed by students’ volunteering and community services.

CLOSED SESSION

The council entered closed session to discuss the price and other terms of a contract or proposed contract for the acquisition of property. After reconvening in open session, no action was taken.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:05 p.m.

Stay connected to your neighbors at

District 3 candidate

Dear Graduates,

Congratulations on reaching this remarkable milestone! Today, you stand on the cusp of a new and exciting chapter in your lives. Your dedication, hard work, and perseverance have brought you to this moment of achievement, and you should be incredibly proud of all you have accomplished.

As you step into the future, remember that learning doesn’t stop here. Embrace every opportunity with curiosity and courage. The world awaits your unique talents and perspectives, ready to be transformed by your contributions. Whether you’re heading to college, starting a career, or embarking on a different journey, trust in your abilities and stay true to your passions.

Celebrate this moment, cherish the memories, and look forward to the adventures that lie ahead. We believe in you and can’t wait to see all the incredible things you will achieve.

Warmest congratulations and best wishes for your future endeavors!

Sincerely, Bill Goebel

LETTERS/OPINIONS

Submit your letters (maximum 350 words) online: nwobserver.com email: editor@nwobserver.com

Include your name, daytime phone number and name of community. Letters from the same writer will be published no more than every 30 days.

Majority council has failed us

What should be a period of stability for Summerfield as we batten down the hatches to weather the storm of a precarious future has instead become a time of uncertainty and disarray.

For those unaware of the timeline:

• (Heath) Clay, (Lynne W.) DeVaney, ( Jonathan) Hamilton and (Janelle) Robinson voted to not renew Scott Whitaker’s contract.

• Following the decision, none of the four would second a motion to offer Whitaker severance.

• The town attorney, the town’s lobbyist, the entire town staff, the town’s auditor, and two members of the Finance Committee resigned.

• The new town attorney and employment attorney conducted unscheduled “exit interviews” with town employees without the mayor or town manager’s prior knowledge.

• Hamilton and Robinson told news outlets they weren’t concerned with any of this and they’d be able to find volunteers to fill all of the vacancies.

The resignation of Summerfield’s entire town staff isn’t just a loss of individuals; it’s a loss of institutional knowledge, continuity, and the very foundation upon which Summerfield

operates. We cannot depend on volunteers to handle the day-to-day business of our town, and it’s laughable that the council would even suggest such a possibility. This isn’t just about administrative turmoil; it’s about the real and tangible impact on the daily lives of every resident.

What, you may ask, are the implications of this mass exodus? Well, our town is already rife with more drama than you could ask for in “The Young and The Restless”! Potential homebuyers are avoiding this area like the plague, and it’s not simply due to the looming threat of de-annexation. Business owners have no desire or motivation to root themselves in a community so full of discord and governmental ineptitude. The young professionals and budding families council claim so ardently to desire have indicated they have no desire to live here.

The council members who were responsible for these decisions have failed us. Their actions created a void that will take significant time and effort to repair. Trust placed in them has been shattered. Governance isn’t a game of power or personal agendas; it’s a solemn responsibility to serve with integrity and care.

Lexie Cline SUMMERFIELD

Stay connected to your neighbors at /NorthwestObserver

Community’s kindness is deeply appreciated

Some friends and supporters did a wonderful thing – they held a fun-run/ walk benefit at the “Doggettville” farm in Summerfield. It started as an effort to help with medical costs related to my wife’s cancer treatments given my work situation, and following the departure of all Town of Summerfield employees, it evolved into a celebration of them, too.

June marked the end of Summerfield “life” for me and staff. People say funerals are for the living, but when we go and hear interesting stories about the departed and hug those we haven’t seen in too long, we wonder why we didn’t make more time to gather and share when the deceased was alive.

Thanks to friends and neighbors, our family and staff were celebrated while still alive! We laughed, cried, and our family marveled at the effort and outpouring of love and financial support. We didn’t expect such a turn-out and monetary gift. We didn’t deserve such praise, but we’re beyond grateful.

We’re thankful for all involved: for the Doggett clan who planned, hosted, and coordinated food and homemade cookies at their beautiful farm; for Patti Stokes who publicized

and professionally documented our fun; for Kona Ice and Mitzi Dawson who kept us cool; and for every person who came, walked, ran, and gave (whether present or not). And thanks to all who showed our work family appreciation and love for their dedicated service in Summerfield.

My family’s $15,000 health insurance deductible resets July 1, and my wife’s oncologist wants her to begin six months of a chemo pill to lower the chance of recurrence (and possibly a preventative bone infusion once every six months for three years). With other out-of-pocket health expenses and workrelated legal fees, the event proceeds provide some peace while I job search.

Thank you again for every prayer, visit, donation, card, food, and act of kindness. While the fundraiser is a great financial gift, the true treasure is the community’s demonstrated love and kindness.

Sincerely, Scott Whitaker and family OAK RIDGE

Editor’s note: The writer served as the Town of Summerfield’s manager from June 2012 until last week, on June 10.

Dog attacks are no laughing matter

Many of us have seen a cartoon or read a comic strip where a dog chasing a letter carrier is often portrayed as a comedic situation. You may have seen a viral video of a letter carrier narrowly escaping a dangerous situation involving a dog.

These instances are no laughing matter. There were more than 5,800 dog attacks last year across the country, with 185 attacks taking place in our state. One attack is too many. Any attack can cause significant injuries and have life-altering consequences.

Dogs, even nonaggressive ones, are generally protective of their turf and owners. Securing your dog before

the carrier approaches your property will minimize any potentially dangerous interactions.

When a letter carrier comes to your home, keep dogs:

• Inside the house or behind a fence;

• Away from the door or in another room; or

• On a leash.

Our carriers receive regular dog bite prevention training, carry dog repellent spray, and have scanners that alert them to the presence of a dog at a residence. Still, we need your help to ensure they can deliver your mail and packages safely. Queen Stevens, NC district safety manager, US Postal Service

Uniforms aren’t the answer –let kids express themselves

I have been to two schools in the past year and I know the impact of school uniforms on kids. In my opinion, there is no reason for a uniform.

The argument of the educators who are for uniforms is that students won’t pay attention in class, rather they will pay attention to the student with a weird shirt. Educators also want to have a uniform so kids can be prepared for working jobs as an adult. Schools are also worried about boys looking at the girls inappropriately. These are all good arguments but, in my opinion, it shouldn’t matter what you are wearing right now.

Students don’t really pay attention to other kids’ clothing at all unless you have uniforms. Kids don’t really care what color shirt someone is wearing because they’re worrying about themselves and not other people’s clothing. Preparing kids for the future is important, but preparing a 10-year-old kid who won’t start working for at least another six years is not necessary.

Also, since COVID, some people

have been working from home and don’t really need a dress code. And schools are not teaching a kid to have a uniform. It’s super easy to wear a uniform.

If schools are so worried about boys, that’s not the girls’ faults, it’s the boys. They need to learn etiquette because society won’t let that happen. So if schools are so worried about uniforms, maybe they should be more worried about guys looking at women like objects because that will not slide in society when they get older.

Having uniforms is hard on the families, especially ones who are less fortunate, because they cost a lot and kids grow out of clothes really fast. Let kids be kids and let them have fun because they don’t have these years forever.

Dress codes are not as effective as educators and teachers think they are. Kids are not kids forever, and letting them express themselves through their individual style is very important.

Ansley LeCompte OAK RIDGE

‘Summerfield 4’ lacking in leadership, vision, compromise

The “Summerfield 4” members of Summerfield Town Council – Jonathan Hamilton, Janelle Robinson, Lynne W. DeVaney and Heath Clay – are a bitter disappointment. Since taking the reins just months ago, they’ve proven to be petulant, arrogant, disrespectful and very short-sighted, not only in the treatment of our town manager but also our mayor and the citizens they were elected to represent (which are not just those who voted for them, by the way).

Luxury Auto Service

Call EuroHaus for the

at (336) 891-3876.

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

99 ROAD GLIDE HD. Great shape. Black. 45K mileage. Includes a cover, manual and jack. $7,500. (704) 418-1217

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

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

„ EMPLOYMENT

TREE CLIMBER. Experienced. Top pay based on experience. By day or job. Steve Newman Tree Service. (336) 643-1119

STAFF ACCOUNTANT for local CPA firm. Experience with bookkeeping and tax return preparation required. PT-FT flexible hours available. Send resume to office@andersbarrowcpa.com

Besides bringing more chaos, they’ve moved our town closer to the possible de-annexation of nearly 1,000 acres from its very heart. That is not leadership.

In the nearly 25 years I have lived here, Henson Farms, Henson Forest, and Armfield, a former horse farm, forest and cattle farm, respectively, are now all covered with houses, forever changing our town’s rural character.

As much as we may want

...continued on p. 55

MT. PISGAH WEEKDAY SCHOOL is looking for a Monday/Wednesday/Friday Twos Assistant. This position will start on August 26. Hours are 8:30-1:30. We follow GCS calendar. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds. Please email resume or questions to mpws@mtpisgahgso.org

Have a job opening? Place your ad at www.nwobserver.com

„ EMPLOYMENT

LOCAL PRESCHOOL seeking an enthusiastic and engaging lead Pre-K teacher for our church preschool. Background in early childhood education or related field preferred. Fourday position: M-TH 8:30-1:15. Contact Lindsay Villaran at orpcschool@gmail.com to apply.

The GARDEN OUTLET in Summerfield: Looking for bobcat operator, landscaping crew, holiday floral designer. Please call (336) 643-0898 for more information.

BAKER/BAKERY MANAGER experienced in commercial bakery, baking, managing workflow and production. M-F schedule starting at 5:30am. Contact Mike at (336) 949-4802. Kalo Foods, LLC.

CONSTRUCTION LABORER position. The specific responsibilities and requirements may vary depending on the company and project. This position will require out-of-state travel. Full-time. If interested please respond to ryand@cardinalmillwork.com.

„ HOMECARE AVAILABLE

SENIOR HELPERS. Homecare for seniors and others including companion, personal needs, transitional, chronic disease, VA, respite, post-surgery assistance. Can provide house chores as part of service at no extra charge. Knowing your loved one is happy, safe, and cared for is your priority and ours too! Locally owned and operated. Call (336) 893-0300.

„ YARD SALES

MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE. Saturday, June 22, 7am-until. 693 Angell Road, Madison. Rain date June 29.

NEIGHBORHOOD YARD SALE. Saturday, June 22, 8am to 1pm. Elmhurst Estates, Joseph Hoskins Road, Summerfield.

TWIN CREEKS neighborhood yard sale! Sat., June 22. Twin Creeks Dr., Stokesdale. Multiple families.

„ HOME SERVICES

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

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

„ HOME SERVICES

HVAC MAINTENANCE and REPAIR. Affordable. Dependable. Flat rates, no service fee. If I don't fix it, you pay nothing. (336) 706-0103

CLEANING

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

CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING

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

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

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

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

CKH ELECTRIC, LLC. Give us a call for your next residential, commercial, or industrial project. Free estimates. Licensed, insured, and BBB accredited. (336) 944-4820

BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC. Residential & commercial electrical services. Generac home standby generator sales and service. (336) 298-4192

Your HOME SERVICES

company should be here!

Place your ad online: www.nwobserver.com

„ HOME SERVICES

FLOORING / TILE

MONTERO'S HARDWOOD FLOORING

Installation of hardwood, laminate, carpet & tile; hardwood sanding & finishing. Commercial & residential. Insured, 20 yrs. exp. Free est., excellent references. Visit our new showroom at 605 N. Main St., Kernersville, or Monteros-hardwood-flooring. com, or call (336) 215-8842

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance

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

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

AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIR

Why move when you can improve?

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

licensed general contractors

L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE

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

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

OLD SCHOOL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

New decks, repairs/replacement, wood rot repairs, bathroom remodeling and other home repairs. “No job too small.” (336) 669-7252. See our display ad on p. 11 of this issue (Neighborhood Marketplace).

GARY’S HANDYMAN HOME SERVICES

“Providing value for the home-ownership experience.” Gary Gellert, serving NC’s Piedmont Triad area. Garygellert@gmail.com, (336) 423-8223

„ HOME SERVICES

GRADING / HAULING

ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING

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

GRADING CONSULTANT, Bobby Lipstreu, former owner of H&L Grading. I can match your project to appropriate local contractor. I also provide custom rough-cut cutting with a portable sawmill. (336) 543-7867

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

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

BRAD'S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS, LLC Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647

GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS

„ HOME SERVICES

ALLPRO SEAMLESS GUTTERS. Installation of 5” and 6” seamless gutters, downspouts and leaf protection. Insured, free estimates. (336) 362-2099 See our display ad on p. 11 of this issue (Neighborhood Marketplace).

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

HILL LAWNCARE & OUTDOOR SERVICES Free estimates. Call (336) 669-5448

SOUTHERN LAWNS. Mowing, maintenance, hardscaping and more. Free estimates. ashtonachase@gmail.com. (336) 279-6591

„ HOME SERVICES

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

COLFAX LAWNCARE. Core aeration & seeding. Fertilizing, mowing, trimming. Complete lawn care maintenance. Res./comm. Fully insured. Serving the Triad for 35 years. (336) 362-5860

DILLON TREE SERVICE. Certified arborists. BBB accredited. Fully insured. Familyowned. Tree removal and trimming. Available for emergency removals 24/7. Free estimates. (336) 996-6156. www.dillontreeservice.com. info@dillontreeservice.com. See our display ad on p. 48.

ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE

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

CM STUMP GRINDING, LLC. Family owned and operated. Commercial/residential. Free quotes! (336) 317-4600

„ HOME SERVICES

MASONRY

NEW PHASE CONCRETE. Here for all your concrete needs including pouring driveways, patios, garage slabs, pool decks, etc. Specializing in decorative stamp, stained, epoxy and all other concrete 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; drystack natural stone and flagstone. Let us help you plan your patio, fire pit, fireplace, kitchen – or anything else you would like! Small jobs welcome. (828) 312-0090 www.colonialmasonry.com.

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS

„ HOME SERVICES

Residential & Commercial

& Judy Long, owners (336) 931-0600

• References Available • Licensed & Insured

• All Work Guaranteed

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

WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC

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

BAJA LAWNCARE. We do all aspects of lawncare – mowing, trimming, seeding, fertilizing and everything else that's needed to make yards green and beautiful! (336) 215-6319 See our display ad on p. 11 of this issue (Neighborhood Marketplace).

MEDLIN'S LANDSCAPING. Res./comm. lawn service. Fully insured. Call/text (336) 817-3036

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

STEVE NEWMAN, TREE SERVICE. FREE EST. 40+ yrs. exp. Fully insured. Any phase of tree work. Natural area thinning and cleanup. Oak Ridge. (336) 643-1119

BRADY LANDSCAPES. BBB accredited

Owner: JC Ruiz ● 336.669.5210

A+. A full-service landscape contracting co. Seasonal color, mulch & pine needles. Shrubbery bed installation & renovation. 40 years exp. Fully insured. FREE EST. (336) 621-2383. www.bradylandscapes.com.

EXTERIOR GREENSCAPES. Lawn maintenance service. Call for a free estimate (336) 682-1456

GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE

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

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

Furniture Refinishing & Repairs Colored lacquering on furniture

1316 Headquarters Dr., Greensboro, NC Philbarkersrefinishing@gmail.com

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

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

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

PAINTING & DRYWALL

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

Follow us on Facebook and keep up with all the northwest-area news!

7 days/week emergencies, parties, preparing for guests, etc. Ask us about PRESSURE WASHING

Owner: Carlos Ruiz 336.669.5210 ● carlospainting14@live.com

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

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

continued on p. 54

„ HOME SERVICES

PRESSURE

WASHING Roof Soft Washing House Soft Washing Driveway Cleaning Gutter Cleaning

919-931-0856 ● locally owned and operated Serving the Triad since 2018

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

POWER WASHING/SOFT WASHING, window cleaning. Affordable. Dependable. Free estimates. (336) 706-0103

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

Construction Services, INC

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Screened porches | Sunrooms | Eze-Breeze ® (336) 644-8615 office (336) 508-5242 cell

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION

Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Senior discount. 44 years exp. (336) 362-6343

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

RESTORATION of old barns and log structures. Also new construction of pole barns/ barndominiums. (336) 430-9507

WHITE OAK FINE CARPENTRY. Remodel, custom cabinetry and home repair. Follow us on social media. (336) 497-7835

The Northwest Observer Keeping you connected since 1996!

„ HOME SERVICES

KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION, LLC

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

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.

ROOFING

DUSTIN CLINARD ROOFING. Certified 50-year non-prorated shingle warranty. Certified commercial roof systems and coatings. Offers commercial maintenance as well as shingle, metal and leak repairs. Free estimates. (336) 268-1908

CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC

40 + years experience. (336) 643-8191

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION ROOFING.

All your roofing needs. Residential or commercial. Call (336) 430-9507.

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

„ MISC. SERVICES &

„ MISC. SERVICES

KIMBERLY THACKER. Accounting & Tax Services for individuals and businesses. Intuit Quickbooks ProAdvisor. See our display ad on p. 11 of this issue (Neighborhood Marketplace).

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

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

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

„ MISC. FOR SALE

FRESH PRODUCE, FLOWERS, vegetable plants, hanging baskets & some trees and shrubs. Knight's Plants & Produce, 14809 Hwy. 158, Summerfield. (336) 708-0485

PET SITTING. Daytime or overnight. Make your vacations easy with pet sitting by an experienced and compassionate veterinary student. Book now in time for summer. peytonspetcare@gmail.com

WENDY COLLINS PET SITTING LLC. Certified, bonded & insured. Summerfield, Oak Ridge, and parts of Stokesdale. Wendycollinspetsitting.com. (336) 339-6845

(336)

WELDING AND

REPAIR Call Tim, (336) 402-3869

„ MISC. WANTED

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

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

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

YARN NEEDED to make children's hats for homeless shelter. Call Beth, (336) 644-8155

APARTMENT FOR RENT

STUDIO APARTMENT. Oak Ridge / Summerfield border, all open, full kitchen, all appliances. Wi-Fi & digital cable TV, electric incl. $900/mo. No pets. Available now. Call Todd, (336) 508-5232

LAND FOR SALE

3-ACRE COMMERCIALLY ZONED, level lot in Summerfield, Rockingham County. Located on the corner of US Hwy. 158 & Haynes Rd., one block from Lake Brandt Rd. with public water on 158 and natural gas available on Lake Brandt Rd. Fabulous opportunity in fast-growing NW county! The possibilities are endless. Call or text agent for more information. Deryle Peaslee-Wood, (336) 6014765. BHHS Yost and Little.

SUMMERFIELD area homesites! Brand new on the market. One-plus acre lots. Restricted but no HOA. Call (336) 314-3773 anytime. Only seven available.

FINISHED CORNER LOT. Located on Stafford Mill Rd., Oak Ridge. (336) 209-1296

LETTERS/OPINIONS

...continued from p. 51

Summerfield to remain a rural, sleepy community, that’s not realistic. Soon 8,000 new jobs will be opening from just two nearby companies. Workers will need someplace to live, and reasonably may want to live in Summerfield.

This is where we hoped our leaders would bring forth a vision for at least the next five years, but

instead the Summerfield 4 seems to only plan for the next five minutes.

Leaders look to future needs spurred by growth – and plan for how to fund them. Instead, the Summerfield 4 has led Summerfield right to the door of the State legislature and de-annexation. If David Couch successfully de-annexes his 1,000 acres, the blame sits squarely on their shoulders… squarely.

“Apartments” seem to be the key divider in our community. It should

come as no surprise that someone wants to build apartments in Summerfield, which the Summerfield 4 seems to believe would attract the “wrong kind of people.” In fact, most young people happily call their first home an apartment.

If Couch’s 1,000 acres are de-annexed, Greensboro will happily gobble them up and Summerfield will have zero control over how they’re developed. Millions of tax dollars will go into Greensboro’s coffers. And

it could have been ours if not for the Summerfield 4’s “our way or the highway” attitude.

Hamilton recently released a statement in which he assured citizens he would put Summerfield’s train back on the tracks without skipping a beat. Instead, we’re headed for a devastating train wreck. Summerfield may very well be better served if these four council members resigned.

Pam Tocornal SUMMERFIELD

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