This first phase of the town’s water system will eventually give residents and businesses access to more reliable water, a process that may take decades
by CHRIS BURRITT
OAK RIDGE – The town’s biggest and most visible investment in municipal water will start rising behind Town Hall in the next few months.
Oak Ridge Town Council voted unanimously Aug. 1 to spend nearly $3 million for the construction of an elevated water storage tank. It instructed town staff to execute the $2.99 million contract with Caldwell Tanks Inc. for construction of the 250,000gallon tank. Funded by a federal grant and appropriations from the state legislature, the tank will initially be filled by groundwater at Heritage Farm Park and eventually by water piped from Kernersville.
Mayor Jim Kinneman described the project as “a big, big deal. We are becoming a big town, in a way,” he said.
We finally reached the point where we’re taking the first step. This is going to serve generation after generation in our town, and it will transform us. Long after most of us are gone, it will make a huge difference in this town.” Spencer Sullivan, former mayor of Oak Ridge
Although the timetable isn’t set, Town Manager Bill Bruce said the town hopes the contractor will break ground in the next few months. Construction will take about a year, he said in an email earlier this week.
Oak Ridge’s investment comes weeks after some legislative leaders questioned whether Summerfield qualifies as “a paper town,” providing too few services to deserve to keep its charter. The discussion
Summerfield’s legal bills climbing, but by how much?
A lack of financial information from the town leaves the tally of legal spending unknown, frustrating some residents by
CHRIS BURRITT
SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield’s legal bills soared to a record last fiscal year, but by exactly how much remains a mystery to the public. Since taking charge June 11, interim Town Manager and Finance Officer Dana Luther hasn’t released monthly reports ...continued on p. 42
A 250,000-gallon water storage tank will start rising behind Town Hall in the next few months, with completion expected to take about a year. Costing nearly $3 million, the tank will initially supply water for fire trucks and Heritage Farm Park field irrigation and bathrooms.
Rendering courtesy of the Town of Oak Ridge
Summerfield seeks $500,000 grant for Piedmont Greenway
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As proposed, the greenway would pass through Bandera Farms Park along its path from Greensboro to Winston-Salem by CHRIS BURRITT
SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield Town Council has decided to apply for a $500,000 state grant to help pay for the section of the Piedmont Greenway
envisioned to run through Bandera Farms Park.
The council’s unanimous vote this past Tuesday, Aug. 13, authorized interim Town Manager Dana Luther to submit the application for the matching grant from the N.C. Division Parks and Recreation’s Great Trails State Program, with a caveat. Luther needs to confirm that Summerfield can apply grants its already gotten for Bandera’s development as the town’s
Pickleball courts in Oak Ridge – how soon?
Oak Ridge Town Council members Mike Stone and Mike Greeson favor prioritizing the construction of pickleball courts in the town’s new Heritage Farm Park. If funding for sports courts, which is included in the town’s long-term capital improvement plan, were accelerated, they envision pickleball courts could be open for play as early as the fall of 2025.
Construction of permanent courts could occur over a wide period – one to five years – depending upon how Town Council decides to allocate capital spending
by CHRIS BURRITT
OAK RIDGE – Debate over how quickly the town should build pickleball courts is picking up speed, fanned by Mayor Pro Tem Mike Stone and councilman Michael Greeson. Stone and Greeson favor
proceeding sooner rather than later. If other council members were to go along with them, Greeson envisions people whacking pickleballs on courts in Heritage Farm Park by the fall of 2025.
Adobe Stock photo
LEGAL BILLS CLIMBING
of the town’s finances for June, the last month in fiscal year 2023-24, and July, the first month of fiscal year 2024-25.
“We have not yet received the bulk of the June and July invoices for legal services,” Luther said in an email earlier this week.
She went on to explain that “due to situations and circumstances beyond our control, we were not able to update all of the information necessary to close and open a new fiscal year, so the financials will be delayed.”
The Town Council may schedule some special called meetings related to the hiring of a new manager, said Luther, adding “financials may be ready at that time.”
The council didn’t hold its regular meeting in July. The packet Luther prepared for its regular meeting on Aug. 13 didn’t contain financial information, departing from town staff’s monthly practice of breaking down fiscal year-to-date expenses, including payments for outside legal counsel.
In a special called meeting Aug. 1, the council added to its roster of contracted legal counsel. By a 4-1 vote (with councilman John Doggett opposed), it retained Raleigh law firm Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson to explore the town’s legal rights after the state legislature’s vote in June to de-annex nearly 1,000 acres. The town hasn’t disclosed the hourly rate it will pay the firm or an estimate of the length of the engagement.
Public records requests by the Northwest Observer and residents such as Pam Tocornal seeking the amount of legal bills and other information are still waiting for responses. Earlier this week, Tocornal stopped by Town Hall to check on her request and learned from interim clerk Jeff Bacon that it was one of about 60 on various topics that are in the lineup to be fulfilled. Since the majority council’s decision this past spring, all public records requests must be reviewed by the town attorney before staff is authorized to
provide the requested information.
Even before the last fiscal year ended on June 30, Summerfield’s legal bills had set an annual record. Before her departure in June, Dee Hall, the town’s previous finance officer, provided a financial report for May, showing fiscal year-to-date legal expenses of $358,530. That included Hoffman’s bill of $50,500 for legal services in April, his first month as town attorney. It did not, however, include his bill for the month of May, since he hadn’t yet provided it to Hall.
The previous high for legal services totaled $220,077 in the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2022, according to a history of Summerfield’s yearly legal expenses provided by town staff last spring.
In anticipation of higher legal bills, the council appropriated $600,000 for contract legal services this fiscal year, which started July 1. That’s up from $500,000 for last year, when the council increased the original appropriation of $300,000 by $200,000 as legal expenses mounted during the year.
In recent months, the town has hired lawyers to represent Summerfield in the NAACP’s inquiry into the town’s zoning practices and negotiations related to former Town Manager Scott Whitaker’s severance agreement. It also hired Hoffman as town attorney at an hourly rate of $375, compared to the previous town attorney’s hourly rate of $215, and, last year, retained separate counsel specializing in land use for what proved to be its unsuccessful de-annexation fight.
Looking back, Summerfield’s legal expenses began climbing in fiscal 2018, as the town retained outside help for the start of litigation revolving around the removal of Todd Rotruck from the council after the Guilford County Board of Elections determined he was not a permanent resident of Summerfield. Legal costs totaled $113,545 in FY2018-2019, up from $41,051 a year earlier.
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Villages of Summerfield Farms moving ahead, Couch says
by CHRIS BURRITT
Following the legislative de-annexation of David Couch’s nearly 1,000 acres in late June, the Villages of Summerfield Farms developer said he’s in the process of determining the project’s timeline and number of housing units, including apartments. What follows are answers to questions the Northwest Observer posed during an interview last month with Couch, his lawyer Tom Terrell and Victor Dover, designer of the mixed-use project.
Summerfield
Town Council is evaluating whether to take legal action to try to undo the de-annexation of your property. Is the Villages project on hold until the legal threat is resolved?
No, according to Terrell. Even if the town were to sue, Terrell said Couch wouldn’t push the pause button, based on the attorney’s belief that the town lacks legal grounds to overturn the de-annexation.
“Our legal track would be to proceed,” he confirmed.
the de-annexation.
Council members declined to discuss details of possible litigation, including the timeline, potential cost in legal fees, and likelihood of being successful should the town engage in a legal battle. Presumably, the town would sue the state legislature since it voted to de-annex the land in June.
Councilman John Doggett cast the only vote in opposition to hiring the Robinson law firm. He said suing to overturn the de-annexation of developer David Couch’s property would result in excessive legal fees, which have skyrocketed over the last several months, while offering little hope of being successful. He also expressed concern that the action could put the town at greater risk of losing its charter, which some state legislators proposed for consideration
before they voted on de-annexing Couch’s property in June.
Terrell said he believes Summerfield’s legal options are blocked by the legislature’s broad authority over North Carolina municipalities – from incorporating towns to de-annexing property to removing their charters.
“Municipalities are creatures of the legislature,” Terrell said. “The legislature is sovereign.”
Jim Joyce, an assistant professor of public law and government at the UNC School of Government in Chapel Hill, concurred with Terrell’s assessment that Summerfield is going to be hard-pressed to overturn the de-annexation.
“There is not a cause of action that springs immediately to mind,”
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In the 5 ½ weeks since the state General Assembly de-annexed Couch’s property, the town council instructed Town Attorney Jim Hoffman to evaluate the town’s legal options to challenge the legislative move. Then, on Aug. 1, the council voted 4-1 to retain Raleigh law firm Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson to explore the town’s legal rights after
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
Jordan Balmforth
SPR president, volunteer DJ and seminary teacher (and more) is known for his love of people, optimism and finding joy in serving
by ANNETTE JOYCE
OAK RIDGE – Jordan Balmforth enjoys connecting with people and hearing their stories. He also enjoys bringing people together to create something bigger and better than what currently exists. This is especially evident in his work with Stokesdale Parks and Recreation (SPR).
Three years ago, Balmforth took over as SPR’s board president. He was fully aware the nonprofit had been grappling with organizational challenges, and Stokesdale Community Park on Capri Drive, which it owns, operates and maintains, was in poor condition.
“I’d never done anything like this in my life, but I wanted to do right by the kids,” he said, adding that he “loves organizing chaos.”
What he, along with other board members and volunteers, has accomplished in such a short time is impressive, even to Balmforth himself. He credits the many people who have stepped up to donate both their time and resources.
“We had some immediate structural needs, and we wanted to build a playground so that kids didn’t have to play in the parking lot,” he said.
With the help of volunteers, the playground got built after a fundraising campaign brought in $33,000 in one day. The support of area businesses and volunteers also made possible bathroom upgrades, new scoreboards, batting cages, and an announcer booth, as well as fresh, red dirt for improved infield playing surfaces, bringing electrical
lines up to code and clearing property for additional parking.
Last year Stokesdale Town Council unanimously voted to give SPR $50,000 in matching funds to replace worn, wooden light poles which had become a safety hazard at the community park’s baseball and softball fields, along with the installation of new LED lights.
With the upgraded facility, SPR has been able to focus on expanding its lineup of offerings. Along with youth baseball, softball, soccer, basketball and cheerleading programs, the association most recently added an adult coed softball league. A Pop Warner football program has been added for the upcoming fall season, and a volleyball program is planned for 2025.
Balmforth has also focused on ensuring SPR is an integral part of the community. The association has collaborated with Stokesdale Elementary School to update its gym, and Balmforth is currently working on helping to get the gym air conditioned.
Then there’s the fun part – hosting community events. Last fall, the group organized its first Trunk or Treat. This event, conceived by board member Jessica Lambert, also allowed Balmforth to indulge in another of his passions – DJing.
Growing up in Southern California, Balmforth spent time in the ‘90s DJing in small clubs. During the pandemic, he realized the youth at his church had limited ways to connect, so he began organizing dances at his church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Colfax. Reviving his role as “DJ
Fresca,” he’s been volunteering to DJ kids’ events ever since.
“Kids sometimes don’t know how to talk to each other in real life,” said Balmforth, who makes it his mission to encourage conversation. And if no one’s talking or dancing, he jumps into the crowd and finds ways to help the kids interact.
“I enjoy creating a positive environment that’s fun,” he said.
Balmforth is also a seminary teacher for his church and works with a group of high school juniors and seniors in their quest to learn about and act on Scripture. During the school year, he is at the church Monday through Friday at 6:30 a.m. to lead an hour-long class, where about 40 students show up each week.
Balmforth and his wife, KJ, who coaches junior varsity volleyball and softball at Northwest Guilford, have three daughters, Kate, 15, Scarlett, 13, and Emmy, 10.
Thanks to Tire Max for sponsoring this monthly feature in which we recognize “ordinary” people in our readership area who make an extraordinary impact on others. To nominate an “ordinary” person for this feature, email editor@nwobserver.com with their name, a detailed description of how they positively impact others, and your contact info.
Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO
Jordan Balmforth, SPR president and ‘volunteer extraordinaire’
RidgeFest is coming, RidgeFest is coming
The annual three-day festival scheduled for Sept. 5, 6 and 7 is sponsored by Merchants of Oak Ridge, and held in partnership with the Town of Oak Ridge by
PATTI STOKES
OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge resident Randy Floss has been at the helm of Oak Ridge’s biggest community event since it made its debut 14 years ago,
and these days he’s in full gear as the annual event coming up on Sept. 5, 6 and 7 draws closer.
RidgeFest evolved from what was initially a small country fair put on by the Merchants of Oak Ridge and held on the grounds of Oak Ridge Elementary School. Back then, merchants provided “homegrown” activities and treats for kids, and the one-day event drew a few hundred people.
“Lo and behold, the town was opening the new park and the Merchants saw an opportunity to partner and create an event that was
LOOKING FOR NEW OWNERS
Country Store & Working Mill
After 16 years of owning the Old Mill of Guilford, we are looking for someone to purchase and continue operating this gristmill in Oak Ridge. This is an opportunity to own and grow a small, historic business with a rich history, loyal customers and fabulous products.
If interested, please email us at: info@oldmillofguilford.com
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
bigger in nature, and would involve more people and more businesses,” Floss told the Northwest Observer this week as he took a break from his “RidgeFest To Do” list.
When RidgeFest debuted, it was a one-day event.
“Within a few years it was decided that we should hold this event on multiple days, and we moved all the festivities to the evening hours,” Floss said. RidgeFest has since spanned three evenings, with carnival rides, food trucks, live music, and many other attractions added along the way.
Besides the carnival rides and food trucks, a classic car cruise-in – which will include all types of “cool cars” –will be held the evening of Thursday, Sept. 5, with about 100 cars expected (weather permitting, of course)!
Also on Thursday evening, Destination Arts will bring 50 to 60 of their dance students to perform in the park amphitheater, and ORYA will invite their members to come for an Appreciation Night.
“The carnival ride lines aren’t as long on Thursday night, so it’s better for the kids,” Floss noted.
“Music has always been part of what we do,” Floss continued, noting the Merchants like to give local bands an opportunity to showcase their talents to the community. Barefoot Modern will kick off the live music in the park’s amphitheater on Friday, Sept. 6, followed by Limited Engagement, and then again on Saturday, Sept. 7, followed by Ghosts of Liberty.
Carnival rides have been expanded over the years, and about half of the park’s main parking lot is now designated for the rides as well as room for people waiting their turn in line. Allnight carnival ride passes are offered on Thursdays for $20 each, and on Friday and Saturday evenings for $25 each (tickets can also be purchased individually).
A Merchants Midway will also be set up Saturday evening near the park’s amphitheater, where local merchants display their products and offer kids’ games and activities at no charge.
“I expect we’ll have 30 to 40 different merchants this year, with many bringing very creative ideas,” Floss said. “There’s no cost for this part, and it’s another way the merchants contribute to RidgeFest.”
Always a spectator favorite, RidgeFest will culminate Saturday night with a spectacular fireworks display, courtesy of the Town of Oak Ridge.
Floss expresses appreciation to the RidgeFest sponsors, volunteers, the Town of Oak Ridge for its partnership, and in recent years, The Summit Church-Oak Ridge, which always provides fun activities for the kids, all at no charge. Thanks to everyone’s support, Floss estimates that $150,000 in proceeds from RidgeFest have gone back into the community since it began.
“Please support your local merchants, who have also been supporters of this event for the past 14 years and have helped us build scholarship programs, donate money back to local nonprofits and the elementary school,” he said.
When asked how he’ll spend the day after RidgeFest has wrapped up, Floss said there’s always the job of taking things down, but then he usually goes on vacation.
“But I can’t go too far, because I have the Oak Ridge Lions Club annual golf tournament coming up a few weeks later,” he said.
See details on opposite page.
OAK RIDGE TOWN PARK
6231 Lisa Drive
THURSDAY Sept. 5
6–9:30pm
Carnival Rides, Food & Games
All-night ride pass $20
Destination Arts 6:30 - 7:30 pm
ORYA Appreciation Night
RidgeFest Cruise-in
Supercharged by EuroHaus & Shine Shop Automotive
FRIDAY Sept. 6 5:30–9:30pm
Carnival Rides, Food & Games
All-night ride pass $25
Food Trucks
Burgers, BBQ, pizza, bagels, Mexican, Greek, subs, ice cream, shaved ice... and all your carnival favorites
Live Music
Barefoot Modern Acoustic Limited Engagement
SATURDAY Sept. 7 4:30–10 pm
Carnival Rides, Food & Games
All-night ride pass $25
Food Trucks
Burgers, BBQ, pizza, bagels, Mexican, Greek, subs, ice cream, shaved ice... and all your carnival favorites
KidSummit
Merchant Marketplace
Live Music
Barefoot Modern Acoustic Ghosts of Liberty
Town of Oak Ridge Fireworks 8:30 pm
Pineapple Porch
Owner: Tammy Cobb
www.loganforschoolboard.com
“Michael Logan possesses extensive experience in the field of education, having spent decades in direct contact with students in the classroom. His profound understanding of the challenges students face and their educational requirements equips him to effectively guide the Board in providing the next generation with the necessary tools for success. The students and educators within GCS greatly benefit from Michael Logan's contributions to the Board of Education.”
– Pastor Allen Mashburn, Former Candidate for NC Lt. Governor
“Our community’s children are the most vulnerable members of our society, deserving of our utmost protection. We must carefully consider who we entrust with their well-being and education. Michael Logan is an experienced educator, not a politician, who embodies trustworthiness, ethics, and morality, making him an excellent choice for decision-making on policies that directly impact our children’s education.”
– Maria Adams, NWGHS parent
Pineapple Porch, a home décor and gift store, first opened in Oak Ridge in 2020, with a second location in Stokesdale opening several months later. The store in downtown Stokesdale closed a little more than a year later, however, after owner Tammy Cobb grew weary of struggling with pandemic-related issues that included trying to keep two retail stores stocked with gift and holiday items.
When Cobb and her husband moved to Florida last year, they left behind two adult children and pieces of their heart. With the encouragement of her daughter, Holland, Cobb decided this past spring to bring Pineapple Porch back to Stokesdale. She plans to be involved with the store both from a distance as well as up close and in person when she makes regular visits to the area to spend time with her children and grandchildren. After undergoing a beautiful transformation of retail space on U.S. 158 in the heart of downtown Stokesdale, Pineapple Porch held a soft reopening on July 1, with Holland managing the store on a day-to-day basis.
“There were many reasons we decided to do this,” Cobb said. “The biggest reasons centered on our love of decorating and wanting to build up small-town Stokesdale. Holland recently finished her first year in
college, but decided she was more interested in retail and she loved the idea of helping run a small business with the goal of someday owning it. I was, of course, over the moon at the idea of my daughter sharing the same love of Pineapple Porch that I had, so I was immediately on board with her idea to reopen the store! We are so beyond excited to be back in action!”
Pineapple Porch offers a range of unique home décor items, jewelry and accessories, gifts, seasonal decorations and a line of candles from a local vendor that even includes a signature scent created just for the décor and gift store.
Pineapple Porch is open Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A fall open house will be held Friday and Saturday, Aug. 16 and 17, with special offerings and previews of fall items.
See display ad on p. 16
FEED THE HUNGER
For the third consecutive year, First Baptist Church Summerfield partnered with Feed the Hunger to provide meals and the Gospel message to children around the world. On Sunday, July 21, over 150 volunteers gathered in the church’s Christian Life Center to pack 25,980 meals that will be delivered to children in South Africa. In addition, each family who receives food will receive a Bible.
BUSINESS NOTE
DeVaney, assistants attend training course
Dr. Matt DeVaney and his dental assistants just returned from Denver, Colorado, after attending a 16-hour sedation and ACLS training course. Dr. DeVaney attends annually with the Academy of Dental and Medical Anesthesia, using live patient simulators to practice medical emergencies.
Dr. DeVaney is owner of DeVaney Dentistry, with practice locations in Oak Ridge and northwest Greensboro.
10th annual Home Grown Arts Fest, Aug. 24 in Kernersville
Kernersville Arts & Crafts Guild
– Kernersville Arts & Crafts Guild will hold its 10th Annual Home Grown Arts Fest on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Harmon Park in downtown Kernersville. This popular summertime festival draws 3,000 to 5,000 people each year who come to celebrate the creative spirit and skill of our community. All vendors are regional artisans who will share their unique, handcrafted works.
Although art is the central focus, the Home Grown Arts Fest offers much more. There are over 44 talented arts and crafts vendors, sharing creations from intricate jewelry and stunning pottery to beautiful paintings to hand-crafted food items and mixes and innovative home décor – and much, much more!
Food vendors will also be on hand, serving up delicious local fare to keep everyone fueled and hydrated as they explore all the
...continued on p. 22
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Photos courtesy of First Baptist Church Summerfield
With over 100 vendors, you can always find something Fun and Unique!
us
Ladies’ Night! Sept. 5, 6-9pm Community Yard Sale Sept. 14, 7am - 1pm Fall Craft Show
Sept. 21, 10am - 3pm
10-6 &
12-6
‘Grand ole girl’ in need of repairs, restoration
A historic preservation symposium is planned for Aug. 23 to raise funds for Oak Ridge Military Academy’s Maple Glade
by PATTI STOKES
OAK RIDGE – Tucked away in a glade of maple trees for which it is named, the stately Maple Glade stands quietly but majestically on the west side of Oak Ridge Military Academy’s campus just off N.C. 150. It was constructed in 1905 as the home of J. Allen Holt, co-principal of Oak Ridge Institute (now Military Academy), when Oak Ridge was a small, rural farm community. With its Neoclassical design including two-story Doric columns, a large wrap-around porch, and several leaded- and stained-glass windows, it long reigned as one of the most unique and grandest homes in the area.
Until 2017, Maple Glade was home to the academy’s president and also housed its administrative offices. With its front steps and expansive front lawn, it has been the site of the school’s graduation ceremonies, among other special events. The house is a key building in the Oak Ridge Historic District and is included on the National Register of Historic Places.
Caroline Ruch, former vice chair of Oak Ridge’s Historic Preservation Commission, has a special fondness for Maple Glade and in recent years has worked to raise awareness of the historic structure’s value to the community and the need for funds to make critical repairs.
Oak Ridge Military Academy’s Maple Glade is almost 120 years old. The academy and historic preservationists are partnering to raise funds for needed repairs to the building, with the eventual goal to open it up for the community to host celebrations and other special events there.
“I love historic architecture, so it’s easy to fall in love with Maple Glade,” Ruch told the Northwest Observer recently. “She is hidden in the trees, so many people don’t realize she is there unless they’ve
Maple Glade’s porte-cochère is suffering from extensive water damage, and the academy is seeking the community’s support to help cover the estimated $50,000 needed to repair it. Once done, the academy hopes to continue raising funds for other exterior repairs to the historic structure.
been on the campus.”
Maple Glade was opened to the public for the first time in 2017, when Oak Ridge sponsored “Explore Historic Oak Ridge,” a self-guided tour
File photo
Photo courtesy of Caroline Ruch
For sale: Old Mill of Guilford
As Amy and Darrell Klug prepare to retire, they’re seeking a new owner who wants to continue operating the historic grist mill they purchased in 2008
by PATTI STOKES
Long before she and her husband purchased the Old Mill of Guilford in 2008, Amy Klug had been a customer of the mill and said she loved “the products, the atmosphere, and everything” about it.
Having left behind her marketing career to be a stay-at-home mom of three sons, Klug said she and Darrell had been discussing what her next step would be after their youngest son went to kindergarten. It never
occurred to her then that she and her husband might buy the historic landmark on N.C. 68 – until one day she was reading the daily newspaper and saw it was for sale.
The mill’s former owners, Heidi and Charlie Parnell, had died the year before, within five months of each other, and Heidi’s brothers Hans and Freddie were searching for someone to not only carry on the mill’s operations, but to preserve its historical integrity.
“I thought, ‘Oh, that would be fun. I like their products and I bet I could do that!’” Klug said. “So, I called Darrell, who was in Brazil on a business trip, and said, ‘Let’s buy that mill.’
Annie Laura Perdue (left), longtime volunteer-turned-employee and miller, stands with Amy Klug, who owns the Old Mill of Guilford with her husband, Darrell, outside the historic grist mill located off N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge where countless photos have been taken in front of the bright red 24-foot waterwheel. As they prepare to retire, the Klugs are seeking a buyer who will continue operating the 257-year-old grist mill.
“When he got back, we came out here and talked to Hans and Freddie, and the employees and the volunteers. And then we volunteered a little bit to get a feel for it,” Klug said.
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“We really liked it. I love the products and I love the way they’re made –that’s what really drew me.” Longtime volunteer-turned-
employee Annie Perdue, whom Charlie Parnell had trained as a miller, welcomed the idea of the mill being bought by someone who valued the products and the process used to
(File photo)
make them. She admitted, though, that she “wasn’t nice to Amy the first time I met her… And then we got to know one another and now I feel like she is my little sister. It’s a family.”
That sense of family is evident as soon as you step onto the front porch that leads into the mill room. There, you’re likely to be greeted by one of the handful of faithful volunteers who give of their time while sharing plenty of laughs and stories – or by Barbara Stevens, another longtime volunteer who transitioned to a fulltime employee and is a “jack of all trades,” handling everything from equipment repair to milling the grains to minding the mill’s retail store.
The beauty and “step-back-intime” feel of the mill, coupled with the volunteers, employees and loyal customers, are what Klug said has kept her love for it alive over the last 16 years.
“Every time I drive onto the property I think, ‘Wow, it’s a beautiful place, inside and out!’” she said.
Those things are also what have made for such a difficult decision, as she and Darrell make plans to retire and prepare to pass the mill’s ownership onto someone else.
But not just any “someone else” will do.
“We are going to sell it to someone who wants to continue operating it as a grist mill,” she said emphatically. “We don’t want it used for anything else.”
When asked what she would tell a prospective buyer, Klug quickly listed several things.
“First,” she said, “I would tell them ‘It’s a great business, and there is a lot of opportunity to grow it. We have amazing and very loyal customers, volunteers and employees. The products are delicious. It’s not complicated or
high-tech, which makes it good for people like me. We also have good resources. Thanks to the many volunteers, it’s not often that we actually have to pay for repairs.’
“And every day here is a new day,” she continued. “Prepare to learn a lot! I learn something new all the time about the products we carry, and the mill’s rich 257-year history. I’ve also learned how to grind the grain, make mixes and to operate the business, as well as grow the business – which we needed to do and did!”
Klug added that she didn’t initially realize just how important the historic mill is to the community, and that’s something she would emphasize to a future owner.
She would also prepare them for spending a lot of time in an old building that has no air conditioning or heat, and for the many-faceted responsibilities that come with running a business and maintaining a property that is 257 years old.
After taking over the mill’s operations 16 years ago, Klug was slow to make changes.
“We knew people had their heart in it, and we wanted to get to know the business first and then figure out where we could contribute,” she said.
Some of the earliest changes she made included getting computerized, accepting debit and credit cards and updating the website to make online ordering convenient. But barring those, much remains the same as when the Parnells operated the mill –even the fact that some customers still get the bill for their products with an envelope in their shipping box, and mail their check after it arrives.
“We still maintain that policy. And we still get people calling to place their order… but more people order online now,” Klug said.
Whether it’s to buy products made the old-fashioned way, to have their picture made in front of the 24-foot bright red waterwheel, to visit with the
R&K Custom Homes
Where dreams and reality come together
Since launching R&K Custom Homes in 1992, Rich and Kathy Dumas have built over 500 highquality homes in the Guilford County area, establishing themselves as premier builders with a stellar reputation for customer satisfaction.
At the foundation of R&K’s success is a sincere desire to ensure clients get exactly what they want in their new homes while also having an enjoyable building experience.
“We believe it’s vital to give our homebuyers our full attention before, during and after construction,” Rich said.
Before starting construction, R&K team members meet with homeowners to discuss their family’s needs, wishes and best location for their future home as well as their lifestyle and the price range they want to work within.
“We walk with them though the process and provide needed guidance to keep them within budget and ensure the home flows properly,” Kathy said. “While doing this we’re careful not to influence them with our tastes; rather, we work to help personalize their home to fit their sense of design and needs.”
At
R&K Custom Homes, attention to detail ensures that clients receive the homes they desire.
Preliminary planning is done onsite at the 2,200-square-foot office/showroom that complements the couple’s Summerfield home. There, clients can see samples of brick and stone, hardwood flooring and faucets, while also viewing some of the latest design trends the Dumases have incorporated into their own home.
During the 30-plus years they’ve been in business, Rich and Kathy have developed long-term relationships with their suppliers and subcontractors, ensuring that everyone involved in each homebuilding project understands and shares the same expectations for
Rich
In response to the company’s growth, Rich and Kathy’s daughter, Danielle Weaver, joined the family-run business in February 2021 to oversee R&K’s administrative office.
After long-time R&K employee Jason Long briefly left the company to focus on doing remodels, he returned in April 2022 with a generous supply of new knowledge. He now manages R&K’s daily operations, both in and off the field.
“We have a new generation of young clientele, and we enjoy working with them,” Kathy said. “Danielle and Jason bring young and fresh ideas, quality and pride in their profession.
Long after R&K has completed a home, the Dumases make themselves easily accessible to the homeowner for follow-up questions or needs.
“We strive for satisfied customers,” Rich said. “Once we’re done, the homeowner is not
forgotten.”
helping us keep on top of our game!” Paul McMinn and Trevor Matthes round out the R&K team. As field operation manager, McMinn has been with the company since 2012 and has 40 years of experience in the homebuilding business.
Matthes, the all-important “punch expert,” works with clients to make sure all the construction details meet their expectations.
“Our team is committed to bringing ideas and visions to life,” Kathy said. “The long-term relationships we have with our homeowners, along with referrals and many repeat buyers, testify to our dedication to helping them achieve the home of their dreams.”
Kathy (left) and
Dumas, owners of R&K Custom Homes, are known for their highquality homes and exceptional customer satisfaction.
Photos courtesy of R&K Custom Homes
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
Oak Ridge’s Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is trying to persuade owner Philip Cooke not to demolish this circa-1918 house at 2204 N.C. 150 (Oak Ridge Road, beside Sherwin Williams). The commission plans to resume discussions with Cooke during its Sept. 18 meeting, HPC Chair Debbie Shoenfeld told Oak Ridge Town Council during its Aug. 1 meeting.
The 960-square-foot house is a contributing structure to the town’s historic district. The HPC asked Cooke to consider “plans other than demolition and more towards preserving the building by incorporating the house into his plans,” Shoenfeld said. We reached out to Cooke earlier this week but he said he was out of town and not available to discuss his plans.
Public hearing set for Aug. 21
SUMMERFIELD/NW GUILFORD –
Public hearing notices for the county’s special meeting on Aug. 21 are posted in various places along the perimeters of developer David Couch’s 979 acres that were de-annexed from the Town of Summerfield in June. The county’s Planning Board has scheduled the special called meeting at 6 p.m. next Wednesday, Aug. 21, to consider placing original zoning on Couch’s property. As proposed, the 41 parcels would be zoned for a mix of residential districts, general business and agricultural, according to meeting information posted on the county’s website. For more info, see p. 18 in this issue.
For a meeting packet with maps and details regarding the rezoning
request, visit www.guilfordcountync.gov/ our-county/planning-development/ boards-commissions/planning-board and scroll down the page to “Meeting
Agendas & Minutes,” then underneath select “Aug. 21 Special Meeting” on the LH side of the page, then “meeting packet” on the RH side.
Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO
Aviation training center planned for GTCC’s Cameron Campus
COLFAX/NW GREENSBORO – In response to the rapid rate of aviation-related industry growth around PTI Airport and the high demand for jobs associated with it, GTCC is making plans to construct a 100,000-square-foot aviation training center at its Cameron Campus on Leabourne Road in Colfax. The campus is located off N.C. 68, just northwest of Greensboro and about one mile south of Oak Ridge’s town limits.
The new training center will be constructed in two phases. Phase 1 will include a 70,000-square-foot building, estimated to cost $36.4 million and funded by both the state and Guilford County, GTCC president Anthony Clarke said. Plans call for Phase 1 construction to get underway in the second half of 2025 and the building to open for classes in January 2027.
Phase 2 includes a 30,000-square-foot building estimated to cost $21.2 million. GTCC is currently working with the county to approve funding for the second phase, Clarke said. If approved, the proposed target date for completion of Phase 2 is the summer of 2029.
The future aviation training center at Cameron Campus will be within about 5 miles of GTCC’s three
A 100,000-square-foot aviation training center is planned for GTCC’s Cameron Campus just south of Oak Ridge, with the first of two phases scheduled to open for classes in January 2027.
aviation buildings on Regional Road, Radar Road and Old Stage Coach Trail in northwest Greensboro. About 400 students in various aviation degree programs train at those facilities, which
include classroom space, specialty lab space, a 12,000-square-foot-hangar tied to the airport movement area and four full-motion flight simulators used by local industry for training and testing.
Artist rendering courtesy of GTCC
Joyce said in a recent email. “Other creative attorneys may have theories they could apply, but I am not aware of it having been done before.”
Summerfield’s de-annexation took effect June 30, putting Couch’s property stretching from Summerfield Road to Interstate 73 under Guilford County’s jurisdiction. What’s the next step for the county?
district because Couch’s property lacks water and sewer services, a requirement for zoning that would allow apartments, according to Aaron Calloway, a county planner.
If Couch arranges those services, he can seek rezoning to accommodate multifamily housing. A property owner “may initiate a zoning map amendment (rezoning) at any time after the County establishes the original zoning,” according to the meeting agenda.
Now building and developing in some of northwest Guilford County’s finest neighborhoods or wherever you want to be!
In a first step required by state law, the county will consider putting original zoning on Couch’s property, according to Terrell. Much of the rolling pastures and woodlands were zoned agricultural and residential under Summerfield’s jurisdiction, Couch said. Commercial zoning applied to fewer acres, and include the site of the proposed Saunders Village retail and commercial center, at N.C. 150 and I-73.
The county’s Planning Board has scheduled a special called meeting at 6 p.m. next Wednesday, Aug. 21, to consider placing original zoning on Couch’s property. As proposed, the 41 parcels would be zoned for a mix of residential districts, general business and agricultural, according to meeting information posted on the county’s website.
The proposed residential zoning includes districts that allow a maximum of three single-family and two-family dwellings per acre and single-family detached dwellings on lots as small as 20,000 square feet, according to the county’s unified development ordinance.
The county’s planning staff didn’t recommend a multifamily zoning
The general business district is intended “to accommodate moderate to large-scale retail, business, and service uses along thoroughfares and at key intersections,” the agenda said.
What is Couch doing now to move the Villages project forward?
Couch said his team is updating its feasibility study for development of the land. The update will reflect how major economic developments, such as new factories for Boom Supersonic’s passenger jets and Toyota’s electric vehicle batteries, will shape demand for residential and commercial development – and the eventual layout of Couch’s project.
“All that’s happened in the same time frame that we’ve been wrestling locally with this land use issue,” he said, referring to his efforts over the past several years to persuade Summerfield’s council to accommodate his plans for higher density housing. After twice being rebuffed by the council, Couch sought the support of state Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R-District 26) a year and a half ago for the de-annexation of his property.
While the timing isn’t nailed down, Couch said he believes
updating the feasibility study will be finished by the end of this year. It’s possible, he said, that construction of the first phase of his 20-plus-year project may start by the end of 2025.
“Let me emphasize that so many factors that relate to that start are outside of our control – zoning, water, sewer, the economy and the feasibility study update,” Couch said. With de-annexation, are dramatic changes in the works for the Villages?
No, according to Dover. What’s clear at this point, the designer said, is that
“the fundamentals of the plan (for the Villages of Summerfield Farms) are very intact.” Preserving open space is still a priority, as part of the development of 11 residential villages with small businesses such as coffee shops catering to residents, he said.
“None of that has gone away,” Dover emphasized. He added, however, that Couch’s team has “an obligation to kind of restudy all of the details and recount and rethink the numbers. It’s a new day in that respect, but it’s the same project with the same fundamentals.”
From
where are water and sewer services coming?
Couch said he hasn’t nailed down the supplier of water and sewer services for his development. However, he referred to the city of Greensboro or Rockingham or Forsyth counties as “the three logical places” for those services.
Getting water and sewer from Greensboro wouldn’t require annexation by the city, according to Couch.
At what point did Couch decide that negotiating with Summerfield leaders was futile and relying upon legislative de-annexation
was his only option?
Couch cited three incidents that were “the sequential straws that broke the camel’s back of negotiations.”
Back in the fall of 2022, before the Town Council’s consideration of the developer’s second text amendment request, his team proposed meeting with Summerfield council members two at a time to avoid creating a quorum of the council and violating open meeting laws.
Couch said he proposed identifying areas of agreement and disagreement, and then try to build momentum upon points on which
...continued on p. 20
from
the two sides agreed. “That’s just what I’ve learned through negotiations over the years: let’s first build some momentum.”
Couch said then-Town Manager Scott Whitaker arranged the meeting.
“And then it was like they thought about it and they knew there was an election coming up (in November 2023) and they reneged,” Couch said. “It didn’t happen. It was offensive and a punch in the gut. But OK, let’s move on.”
Then in September 2023, just
weeks before the election, the council adopted three resolutions aimed at appeasing Couch and persuading Sen. Berger to hold off on calling a de-annexation vote in the legislature. In one resolution, the council pledged to reconsider Couch’s application to amend the town’s development rules to create a new zoning district that would accommodate higher-density development, including Summerfield’s first apartments. The council would then consider rezoning the property to the new zoning classification.
In early October, the council voted 3-2 to adopt a text amendment. However, a day before the meeting, Couch said Summerfield leaders stopped talking to his team, leaving uncertainty about some of the details in the final draft of the amendment.
“I would say we got to the 10-yard line and then we were ghosted,” Couch said. “It was like Lucy pulling the football as Charlie Brown was going to kick it. They put some things in the text amendment that made our project unfeasible.”
Third, newly elected council members Jonathan Hamilton and Heath Clay campaigned that they were going to play tough with Couch and raised the possibility that the council was “going to unwind this text amendment,” Couch said.
He added “the crowning blow” was the public release of Hamilton’s January email to Michael Thelen, one of the town’s land use lawyers, asking about the process for repealing the text amendment. In that email to Thelen, Hamilton wrote, “I am being asked if there is any issue stopping the town from repealing the three resolutions adopted on September 18th, 2023? If not, is this something we can do without providing notice at a regularly scheduled meeting, or does this require something more?”
Couch said he viewed Hamilton as asking the lawyer “what can we get away with in closed session?” and that violated the transparency pledged by the councilman.
When a citizen questioned Hamilton about the email at the council’s meeting on June 11, Hamilton said he was simply acting on behalf of the council after it had instructed him 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.”
Looking ahead, does Couch imagine he may seek annexation back into Summerfield?
“I don’t see, honestly, the benefit of the services that Summerfield does provide,” Couch said. “One service they have provided has been land use regulation, and they and I simply do not agree on how that was to be applied.”
Couch said he doesn’t hold a grudge against his Summerfield opponents. Although his property is now legally separated from the town, he added “invisible boundaries do not define a town or a community. And an invisible boundary isn’t going to automatically make me a bad developer, an angry developer, a mean developer. That’s not in my being.”
covering northwest Guilford County’s local matters
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B Anders & Barrow CPAs, PC
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creativity on display.
Kids are included, too! The Guild will have a fun art project for kids to make and take home with them.
The Kernersville Arts & Crafts Guild created the Home Grown Arts Fest in 2014 in the spirit of buy local to provide artisans from across the state an opportunity to join guild members in showcasing their creations and to stimulate public interest in handmade arts and crafts.
The vendors at this year’s Home Grown Arts Fest include several familiar faces that event-goers look forward to visiting each year. We’re also excited that many of the arts and crafts vendors are new to the event this year. We know that aficionados of handmade art and craft will enjoy getting to know these new artisans.
Whether someone is an avid art/ craft collector, looking for special gifts, seeking inspiration, or simply
needing a day of leisurely enjoyment, the Home Grown Arts Fest is the place to be.
more info
The Home Grown Arts Fest on Aug. 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., will be held at Harmon Park in downtown Kernersville (152 S. Main St.).
For more info, visit www.thekacg.com/ home-grown-arts-festival or contact Melissa Deputy, HGAF chairperson, at (336) 588-6292 or Megsarts.tatting@gmail.com.
Parking for event-goers is in the public lot on Main Street across from Harmon Park. We are reserving the spaces adjacent to the park (off Cherry Street) for handicapped and others with special needs. Also, see display ad on p. 29 of this issue.
Photo courtesy of Kernersville Arts & Crafts Guild
Kernersville Arts & Crafts Guild will host its 10th annual Home Grown Arts Fest on Saturday, Aug. 24, in downtown Kernersville.
TWO LOCATIONS
Summerfield location: 4446-J US Hwy 220 North, Summerfield
Oak Ridge location: 2205-X Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge
Oak Ridge Commons
Ridge Shrimp & Oyster
Where seafood specialties are the catch of the day
Ridge Shrimp & Oyster opened in Oak Ridge Commons a little over three years ago. Since then, owners Brad Hendrix and Drew Lacklen have worked to establish a reputation for serving unique and delicious food in a setting that is both welcoming and casual. By all accounts, they have succeeded.
As co-owners and friends, Hendrix and Lacklen have worked together for more than four decades. Their previous collaborations include Bert’s Seafood Grille in Greensboro and Reel Seafood Grill in northwest Greensboro.
Both restaurants were co-owned and managed by Lacklen, with Hendrix overseeing the food preparation. Their roles at Ridge Shrimp & Oyster are quite similar, although Hendrix now also does the menu planning and most of the food and supply shopping.
Many of the restaurant’s staff are servers who worked at the duo’s previous establishments. Hendrix describes the team as more of a family and is deeply appreciative of their loyalty – mirroring the loyalty that he and Lacklen have earned from their customers.
such as calamari, crab dip and crab include “Flounder Sesame,” the and grilled orange BBQ mahi-mahi, Hendrix is also known to periodically seasonal flair.
As its name implies, Ridge Shrimp & Oyster offers an expansive selection of shrimp and oysters, prepared raw, fried and steamed. The restaurant’s menu also features appetizers
“The farmer’s market is filled veggies,” he said. “We’re always incorporate those to provide our different.” Right now that “something blackened salmon with cucumber grouper with blue cheese remoulade.
But seafood isn’t the only thing friendly restaurant offers both steaks
Commons
SHOP • DINE • ENJOY
Oak Ridge, at the corner of NC Highways 68 and 150
crab cakes. Seafood entrees restaurant’s most popular dish, mahi-mahi, which runs a close second. periodically add new dishes with a
filled with lots of fresh fruits and thinking about how we can customers with something “something different” includes cucumber dill sauce and potato crusted remoulade.
thing on the menu – the familysteaks and burgers, as well as
Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO
The staff at Ridge Shrimp & Oyster is dedicated to making each visit an enjoyable and memorable dining experience.
a special kid-friendly menu.
Ridge Shrimp & Oyster has also become known for its scrumptious desserts, which include such homemade treats as coconut cream pie, apple dumplings with ice cream and Key lime pie. Everything the restaurant offers is made fresh, Hendrix noted.
“We make everything from scratch, from our main dishes right down to our pie crusts, sauces and dressings,” he said.
Along with delicious food, Ridge Shrimp & Oyster boasts an extensive selection of beer and wine.
Hendrix expressed gratitude for the community’s support since he and Lacklen opened, saying, “We truly appreciate our regular customers. And if you haven’t visited us yet, we invite you to give us a try. We don’t think you’ll be disappointed.”
Ridge Shrimp & Oyster is located in Oak Ridge Commons shopping center, Suite L, and open Monday-Saturday, 5 to 9 p.m. (336) 298-7102
OAK RIDGE town council
Aug. 1 / 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
Sheriff’s Office. The District 1 office reported it responded to 183 calls in Oak Ridge in July, resulting in 14 case reports. Two residential burglaries on July 8 and July 22 remain under investigation; both incidents occurred at separate locations on Pepper Road.
The office also responded to reports of three motor vehicle breakins, one at Town Park on July 10 and the other two, at Town Park and Oak Ridge Swim Club, on July 24;
warrants have been issued for suspects in the latter two cases.
Oak Ridge Fire Department. Firefighter Jon Nunez reported the department responded to 86 calls for service last month, including 23 EMS-related calls, eight service calls, seven calls from false fire alarms and five motor vehicle accidents with injuries. Staff obtained more than 467 hours of training.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Angie Williams, of Oak Ridge Military Academy, said a fundraiser for restoring the historic Maple Glade house on the academy’s campus will be held Friday, Aug. 23, and will include an antiques auction, luncheon and historic preservation symposium. For more details about
the event, to reserve space for the luncheon and tours, and to purchase tickets or make a donation, visit savemapleglade.square.site. (See related story on p. 10.)
MANAGER’S REPORT
Street maintenance addition 5 0 to concur with the state Department of Transportation’s decision to add Monty and Sir William drives in the Shiloh subdivision to the state’s maintenance program. Separately by unanimous vote, the council consented to the addition of three streets in the Parkers View at Bethel Ridge subdivision – Bethel Ridge Drive, Skippers Trace and Lathans Trail – to state road maintenance.
Animal services agreement
5 0 to approve a resolution engaging Guilford County to continue providing animal shelter and control services to Oak Ridge for two more years, through June 30, 2026.
OLD BUSINESS
Town Park entrance master plan
4 1 (Stone opposed) to hire W.C. Construction Co. to complete improvements at the entrance to Town Park, highlighted by landscaping and the construction of two sidewalks and a parking area at the Farmhouse Community Center.
In July, the council continued
its discussion of the project to give Town Manager Bill Bruce the opportunity to negotiate price reductions with W.C. Construction, the lowest of three bidders. Earlier, bids from the Winston-Salem-based company and two other contractors exceeded the $150,000 budgeted for the work, an estimate provided by the project’s landscaping contractor about a year and a half ago.
W.C. Construction’s “valueengineered” bid eliminated ground lighting to illuminate the sidewalks, but it still overshot the budget by $13,000. Initial plans for construction of a parking lot along Lisa Drive were dropped, due to costs.
Discussion among council members reignited several years of discord over the renovation and expansion of the historic Redmon house into a community meeting place.
Stone said costs for restoring the old farmhouse and improving the park’s entrance are approaching $800,000. Costs will climb if the council decides later to add sidewalk lighting, Greeson added.
“It’s way over budget, but I’m going to vote for it tonight,” Greeson said.
Grants will cover $380,000 of the work, Schneider noted,
Ashley Michaels, PA-C and Chase Michaels, PA-C
adding that inflation in recent years has increased costs for capital improvements.
“This is such a longstanding and important project,” she said.
“I think we came pretty darn close,” said Kinneman, referring to the $163,000 bid.
Later in the meeting, George McClellan called park entrance improvements “a great step forward” for Oak Ridge.
Elevated water tank bid
5 0 to spend nearly $3 million for the construction of an elevated water storage tank, the biggest step yet in the development of Oak Ridge’s water system.
The council instructed town staff to execute the $2.99 million contract with Caldwell Tanks Inc. for construction of the 250,000-gallon tank behind Town Hall. Funded by grants, the tank will initially be filled by groundwater at Heritage Farm Park and eventually by water piped from Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities. (See related article on front cover.)
Financial update
5
0 to amend the current fiscal year’s budget to pull forward funds from last year for the Veterans Honor Green under construction in Heritage Farm Park. Due to delayed shipments of some construction materials, the project carried over into the new fiscal year that started July 1.
Donations of $236,955.62, coupled with a $42,739.38 drawdown of the town’s fund balance, will cover the remaining $279,696 cost of the project, according to Sam Anders, the town’s finance officer.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Special Events Committee. Chair Patti Dmuchowski reported the committee is determining a date for the ribbon cutting for the Veterans
Honor Green, with completion of the site slated for this fall.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Board member Phyllis Anders said the town’s Music in the Park concerts have provided “great music and a great amount of people.” The final music event for this season is scheduled for Oct. 12.
Historic Preservation Commission. Chair Debbie Shoenfeld reported the committee urged developer Philip Cooke to incorporate the historic white house at 2204 N.C. 150 (Oak Ridge Road) into his plans for commercial development of the property. The circa-1918 house is a contributing structure in Oak Ridge’s historic district. (See related article on p. 16.)
Triad Municipal ABC Board. Jimm Barbery, Oak Ridge’s representative on the board, reported the town received $59,943 last month as its share of the board’s quarterly profits. Overall, liquor sales have been flat this year, he noted.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Stone urged the council to accelerate construction of sports courts, including pickleball, at Heritage Farm Park. While describing herself as a pickleball supporter, Schneider said she’s also committed to other capital projects, including the water system and sidewalks.
Harton and Schneider praised the council’s decision to proceed with construction of the elevated water tank.
Reaching back decades, Kinneman recognized former councilman Roger Howerton, one of the town’s earliest proponents of municipal water.
Greeson had no comments. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Stay connected to your neighbors at /NorthwestObserver
SUMMERFIELD town council
Aug. 13 / 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 and Jonathan Hamilton present. Councilman Heath Clay was traveling and participated in the meeting remotely.
CONSENT AGENDA
5
0 to approve the consent agenda, including the meeting agenda and open-session minutes to nine meetings between Feb. 13 and Aug. 1.
Approval of the consent agenda also ratified a two-year agreement between Summerfield and Guilford County’s animal shelter and
animal control services. In addition, the council concurred with the state Department of Transportation’s decision to add Deerwood Acres Drive and Still Poplar Court in the Deerwood subdivision to the state’s maintenance program.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Farmers Market welcome. Doggett welcomed Nicki Wagoner, organizer of NW Guilford Farmers and Specialty Market in Summerfield.
Music in the Park. DeVaney reminded people about the next Music in the Park at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, in Summerfield Community Park’s amphitheater. Eric and the Chill Tones are scheduled to perform.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Summerfield Fire District. The district reported it responded to 125 calls in July, which included 23 firerelated calls, 62 EMS-related calls and 40 other calls.
Sheriff’s Office. The District 1 sheriff’s office said it answered 239 calls in Summerfield last month, resulting in 13 case reports.
COMMITTEE REPORT
History Committee. Chair Bruce Petersen reported the committee may perform ground-penetrating radar of the cemetery at Center United Methodist Church on Lake Brandt Road. The church dates back to the 1820s.
The committee also plans to participate in a ceremony honoring the 100th anniversary of the first building at present-day Summerfield Elementary School.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Teresa Perryman urged the council to abandon efforts to establish a municipal water system. If the town builds the system, she said she believes residents who now rely upon private well water would eventually be required to hook up to municipal water.
Gail Dunham expressed her concern that the council hired a new law firm, pushing legal fees higher.
hired Raleigh law firm Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson to evaluate whether the town has legal grounds to challenge the state legislature’s decision in late June to de-annex nearly 1,000 acres owned by developer David Couch.
Kyle Stalls urged other residents to join him in attending the council meetings of other North Carolina towns that publicly supported Summerfield’s de-annexation fight. He said Summerfield needs to express its appreciation to other municipalities in person because leaders in those towns took a political risk in supporting the town.
The town also needs to convey its thanks to state legislators who opposed the de-annexation legislation, Stalls said. Later in the meeting, DeVaney said she’s written thank you notes to state legislators.
Nicki Wagoner, organizer of NW Guilford Farmers and Specialty Market, urged people to support local farmers and crafts makers during the twice-weekly market. Through Oct. 30, it’s scheduled for 4-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays and is held on the front lawn of Greensboro Performing Arts, 7200 Summerfield Road in downtown Summerfield.
Location:
Laughlin Professional Development Center 7911 Summerfield Road, Summerfield, NC
Earlier this month, the council
Later, Robinson said she and other council members will “be brainstorming ideas to support the market.”
Date: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Time:
Materials to Be Accepted:
Electronics: computers, monitors, printers, keyboards, electronic toys, TVs, cell phones, microwaves, DVD and VHS players, and vacuums. (No batteries.)
Appliances: dishwashers, refrigerators, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, grills, and lawnmowers. (Without fuel.)
Scrap tires and rims: a maximum of 50 passenger tires or 10 heavy truck tires; no large equipment tires.
Personal documents for shredding (maximum of 5 file boxes per vehicle) Styrofoam, plastic bags, and cardboard.
*No business waste accepted.*
Call (336)641-3792 or (336)643-8655 for more information.
Sponsored by: Guilford County Environmental Services & the Town of Summerfield.
Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
northwest Guilford County and beyond for over 75 years.
Robert Pittard asked the council to explain possible legal avenues for the town to challenge the de-annexation. Later in the meeting, Hamilton said the council is exploring its options, without elaborating.
“Because we’re talking about it with our attorneys, a lot of that is, of course, private and confidential,” said Hamilton, adding council members may share more information later.
MANAGER’S BUSINESS
Piedmont Greenway grant application
5 0 to apply for a $500,000 state grant to help pay for the section of the Piedmont Greenway slated to run through Bandera Farms Park.
The vote authorized interim Town Manager Dana Luther to submit the application for the matching grant from the N.C. Division Parks and Recreation’s Great Trails State Program, with a condition: Luther needs to confirm that Summerfield can apply grants its already gotten for Bandera’s development as the town’s match for the greenway grant. (See related article on p. 2.)
Public records request update. Luther said she and interim clerk Jeff Bacon are reviewing public records requests dating back to October 2022 in an effort to weed out ones that no longer need to be filled.
When Luther started work at Town Hall June 11, she discovered that 64 requests had apparently gone unfilled by the previous town staff. Among those, Bacon discovered that 18 no longer needed to be filled. At the same time, 20 new requests have arrived recently, pushing the total back over 60, Luther said.
Now that outstanding requests have been organized, Bacon plans to start filling the oldest requests first, Luther said. “We are working on
them; it’s just a long process,” she said.
Robinson said she “thought we were way more up to date” on filling the requests.
COUNCIL’S BUSINESS
Water project update. Robinson said engineering firm Freese and Nichols is making progress on the design of the water storage tank planned as the first phase of the town’s water system.
The firm may be prepared to present the updated design during the council’s meeting Sept. 10, according to Robinson. Last month, she, Luther and councilman Clay met with the engineering firm for an update on the project.
This past spring, then-Town Manager Scott Whitaker signed a contract with Freese and Nichols to proceed with the engineering of the first phase of the system. It will consist of an elevated storage tank located on the northern Gordon property at N.C. 150 and Summerfield Road with transmission lines running from the tank in two directions – west on Highway 150 and south on Summerfield Road.
A & Y Greenway update. Luther said she signed a contract agreeing 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.
In June, the council voted 3-2 to proceed with the additional work after earlier this year the town’s Trails and Open Space (TOS) Committee recommended shifting the A&Y’s route to a more direct route along Summerfield Road through town.
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
thekacg@gmail.com
CRIME / INCIDENT report
District 1 Sheriff’s Office
has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest/northern Guilford County
ASSAULT/THREATS
July 10 | A resident of the 8300 block of Linville Road in Oak Ridge reported a known suspect pointed a handgun at him and threatened to shoot.
July 16 | Officers responded to a reported assault and communicated threats in the 1500 block of Curfman Road in northern Greensboro (near
Lake Brandt Road); a 44-year-old male was subsequently arrested for simple assault.
July 25 | A resident of the 8000 block of Meadow Springs Place in Stokesdale (near N.C. 68 N) reported receiving harassing phone calls.
July 28 | A 46-year-old male and a 44-year-old female were arrested in
MUSIC PROGRAMS
the 7600 block of Sterlingshire Drive in northwest Greensboro (off Northwest School Road) for a domestic violence incident.
July 30 | Officers responded to a reported assault in the 6800 block of Brookbank Road in Summerfield.
Aug. 7 | A 20-year-old male was arrested in the 8300 block of McCrory Road in Stokesdale (near the downtown area) for assault after pointing a gun at someone.
Aug. 7 | Officers responded to a reported physical altercation in the 7000 block of Blacksmith Court in Summerfield (near Strawberry Road).
Aug. 10 | Officers responded to a reported physical altercation in the 7200 block of Dupree Drive in Summerfield (near U.S. 220 N).
BREAKING & ENTERING
July 10 | A citizen at Oak Ridge Town Park reported an unknown suspect broke a window on her vehicle, though no items were reported stolen.
July 24 | A citizen at Oak Ridge Town Park reported an unknown suspect broke a window on her vehicle and stole a sunglasses case, purse and
wallet, which contained several banking cards.
July 24 | A resident of the 2000 block of Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge reported an unknown suspect broke a window on her vehicle and stole her purse containing hand sanitizer, lip gloss and Tylenol.
DEATH INVESTIGATION
Aug. 11 | Officers conducted a death investigation in the 6700 block of Polo Farms Drive in Summerfield (off Strawberry Road).
FOUND/LOST PROPERTY
July 19 | Officers responded to a report of a pellet gun found in the 8100 block of Lariat Drive in Summerfield (off Scalesville Road).
July 24 | The owner of Atlantic Outdoors in Stokesdale reported the following items as lost property: several rifles, two pistols, a shotgun and a lower receiver with a total estimated value of $8,487.
FRAUD
July 19 | A resident of the 8500 block of Croft Drive in Stokesdale (near the downtown area) reported a known suspect defrauded
him of $103,102.42.
July 23 | A resident of the 8000 block of Daltonshire Drive in Oak Ridge (off N.C. 68 N) reported an unknown suspect defrauded her of $10,000.
Aug. 2 | A resident of the 6200 block of Reata Drive in Summerfield (off N.C. 150 W) reported an unknown suspect fraudulently used his personal identification information.
Aug. 7 | A resident of the 7400 block of Summerfield Road reported an unknown suspect forged a check, resulting in a loss of $9,821.30.
Aug. 7 | A resident of the 2500 block of Hillsdale Forest Court in Summerfield (near Scalesville Road) reported an unknown suspect defrauded him of $600.
SAFECRACKING
Aug. 11 | A 40-year-old male was arrested in the 7700 block of Tannery Road in Summerfield (near U.S. 220 N) for safecracking (opening a safe without a key or combination) and obtaining property by false pretenses.
SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
Aug. 1 | Officers responded to a report of suspicious activity in the 7600 block of Summerfield Road.
THEFT
July 12 | A resident of the 1300 block of N.C. 150 W in Summerfield reported an unknown suspect stole yarn, art supplies and baking supplies from her residence.
July 13 | A resident of the 7900 block of Lester Road in Stokesdale (off N.C. 68 N) reported an unknown suspect stole her purse and wallet from her residence.
July 15 | A construction worker in the 7600 block of Kyran Court in Oak Ridge (off Brookbank Road) reported an unknown suspect stole a bundle of shingles from a construction site.
July 22 | A resident of the 5900 block of Pepper Road in Oak Ridge reported an unknown suspect forced open a door to his residence and stole several pieces of jewelry and $600 cash.
July 26 | An employee of Lowes Foods in Oak Ridge reported an unknown suspect shoplifted food items, cleaning products and hair products.
July 29 | An employee of Tire Max in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect forced open a door to the business after hours and stole 10 used tires.
Aug. 1 | A 57-year-old male was arrested in the 8500 block of Fulp Road/Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale for larceny and shoplifting.
Aug. 7 | A resident of the 5300 block of Northwest School Road in northwest Greensboro reported an unknown suspect picked a lock on a door to her residence and stole her purse containing several banking cards.
Aug. 7 | A resident of the 7700 block of Sutter Road in northern Greensboro (near Spencer-Dixon Road) reported a known suspect entered her residence through an unlocked door and stole three pieces of fine jewelry and $100 cash.
Aug. 10 | A construction worker in the 8500 block of Norcross Road in Colfax reported an unknown suspect stole supplies from a construction site.
TRESPASSING
Aug. 9 | A 30-year-old female was arrested in the 5100 block of Old Forge Lane in Oak Ridge (off Stafford Mill Road) for trespassing.
VANDALISM
Aug. 2 | A citizen in the parking lot of Dollar General on Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale reported a known suspect used a knife to vandalize her vehicle.
UNAUTHORIZED USE
Aug. 8 | An employee of Advance Auto Parts in Stokesdale reported a known suspect used one of the company’s vehicles without permission.
Aug. 8 | A 32-year-old male was arrested in the 7700 block of N.C. 68 N in Stokesdale for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and driving without a license.
Guilford County Association of Educators endorses Bill Goebel
Why do I Champion Public Education?
To me, being a champion of public education is about recognizing and acting upon the immense power that education holds. It’s about ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Public education can break down barriers, level the playing field, and open doors to endless possibilities.
Every day, our great teachers inspire curiosity, foster creativity, and build the critical thinking skills that our children need to thrive in an ever-changing world. To champion public education means to stand by our educators and support staff, providing them with the support and resources they need to continue their vital work.
It also means investing in our schools—modernizing classrooms, enhancing learning environments, and ensuring that every child feels safe, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential. Our public schools are the heart of our communities. They are where friendships are formed, dreams are nurtured, and futures are built.
When we uplift our public schools, we uplift our entire community. We create spaces where every student can discover their strengths and pursue their passions. By championing public education, we invest in the leaders, thinkers, and innovators of tomorrow.
WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS
z Farmers & Specialty Market | Northwest Guilford farmers market is open now through late October on 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.
EVERY SUNDAY
STARTING Sept. 8
z Kids running series | Healthy Kids Running Series will host a fun run series for kids pre-K to 8th grade on five Sundays, Sept. 8 to Oct. 6, starting at 3 p.m. each week at Summerfield Elementary
NORTHWEST
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
School, 7501 Summerfield Road. Visit w ww.runsignup.com/hkrssummerfield to register and visit ww w.facebook.com/ hkrssummerfieldnc to learn more, or call (336) 303-1723.
THURSDAY, Aug. 15
z Stokesdale Town Council | Stokesdale TC rescheduled its August meeting due to inclement weather, and the meeting will now be held Aug. 15, starting at 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. Attend in person, access the meeting via Zoom, or view it on the Town’s YouTube channel. Visit ww w.stokesdale.org for a meeting agenda and/or a link to join the meeting via Zoom.
FRIDAY, Aug. 23
z Historic symposium & silent auction | A historic preservation symposium and silent antiques auction to raise funds for repairs to the
care for pets and their families (336) 643-8984
20% OFF DENTAL CLEANING in SEPTEMBER 2024
Full-service medicine, surgery and dentistry Surgical and therapeutic laser
Wendy Camp, DVM | Tina Becker, DVM 1692-J NC Hwy 68 N, Oak Ridge • (336) 643-8984 www.nw-animal-hospital.com
historic Maple Glade house on Oak Ridge Military Academy’s campus will be held Aug. 23, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $30 – purchase them at savemapleglade.square.site or contact Mary Elizabeth Beal, mebeal@mbidinternational.com.
SATURDAY, Aug. 24
z Music in the Park | Town of Summerfield will host a Music in the Park event on Aug. 24 at Summerfield Community Park, 5404 Centerfield Road. Eric & the Chill Tones will perform oldies and beach music starting at 6:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. For more info, see ad below or visit www.facebook.com/townofsummerfield.
MONDAY, Aug. 26
z Community choir | After breaking for the summer, Stokesdale Community Choir will resume Monday morning practices on Aug. 26, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Gideon Grove United Methodist Church, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road. Anyone who enjoys singing and fellowship with others is invited to participate. More info: Sondra Beene, (336) 453-8017.
z Lions Club | Oak Ridge Lions Club will meet Aug. 26 at Bistro 150 in Oak Ridge Commons shopping center. Come at 6 p.m. to socialize and order dinner or a beverage if you would like; the business meeting runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. More info: Jim Kinneman, (336) 207-7166 or james.kinneman@gmail.com.
SATURDAY,
Aug. 31
z Food pantry | Good Samaritan Ministries’ food pantry in Stokesdale will open for those in need of food on Aug. 31, 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Gideon Grove UMC, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road. More info: Terri Johnson, (336) 643-5887 or terrij1957@yahoo.com
TUESDAY, Sept. 3
z Kiwanis Club | Kiwanis Club of Northwest Guilford will meet Sept. 3, starting at 12 noon at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge. More info: nwgkiwanis@gmail.com.
z Summerfield Merchants | Summerfield Merchants Association (SMA) will meet Sept. 3, with social and networking time from 6:15 to 7 p.m. followed by a business meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. Learn more about SMA or RSVP to attend the meeting as a guest at w ww.summerfieldmerchant.com.
z Friends of Stokesdale | Friends of Stokesdale, a nonprofit committed to preserving Stokesdale’s history and downtown charm, will meet Sept. 3, 7 to 8 p.m. at Stokesdale United Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola Drive. More info: w ww.facebook.com/friendsofstokesdale.
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 4
z Community meal | Gideon Grove UMC in Stokesdale will host a free community meal with a pulled pork dinner Sept. 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. More info: ww w.facebook.com/gideongroveumc.
Sat., Aug. 24, 6:30pm-9:00pm at the Amphitheater in the Summerfield Community Park
Free parking at Summerfield Community Center, Medearis St. Trailhead, and Summerfield Elementary.
Check the town’s Facebook page for any unexpected weather updates.
SEPT. 4, 10, 12 & 19
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 Sept. 4 at Oak Ridge First Baptist Church, 2445 Oak Ridge Road; on Sept. 10 at Shady Grove Wesleyan Church (119 N. Bunker Hill Road in Colfax); on Sept. 12 at Stokesdale UMC (8305 Loyola Drive); and on Sept. 19 at Summerfield First Baptist Church (2300 Scalesville Road). To learn more and/or RSVP, call (336) 373-4816, ext. 265.
SEPT. 5-7
z RidgeFest | Merchants of Oak Ridge, in partnership with the Town of Oak Ridge and with the support of sponsors and many volunteers, will host the 14th annual RidgeFest Thursday, Sept. 5, through Saturday, Sept. 7, at Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive. Enjoy carnival rides for kids of all ages, food trucks, live music, games and other activities –and a spectacular fireworks show on the last night. More details in article on p. 6 and ad on p. 7 of this issue.
THURSDAY, Sept. 5
z Oak Ridge Town Council | ORTC will meet Sept. 5, starting at 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. Visit w ww.oakridgenc.com for more info or a meeting agenda.
SUNDAY, Sept. 8
z 9/11 memorial program | Oak Ridge Special Events Committee will host a 9/11 memorial program Sept. 8, starting at 6 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive, at the flagpole near the baseball fields. Scouts from Oak Ridge will participate in the program along with community leaders. More info: (336) 644-7009.
MONDAY, Sept. 9
z Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club | NGWC, which focuses on community service, will hold its monthly meeting Sept. 9, starting at 7 p.m. More info: Tiffany Hansen, president, at (336) 4048038 or tif fanykhansen96@gmail.com.
TUESDAY, Sept. 10
z Summerfield Town Council | Summerfield TC will meet Sept. 10, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community
Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. The meeting will be livestreamed on the Town’s Facebook page. For a meeting agenda, visit w ww.summerfieldnc.gov.
THURSDAY, Sept. 12
z Stokesdale Town Council | Stokesdale TC will meet Sept. 12, starting at 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. For a meeting agenda and/or a link to join the meeting via Zoom, visit w ww.stokesdale.org.
FRIDAY, Sept. 13
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 Sept. 13, starting at 8:30 a.m. More info: Larry McDonald, (336) 215-3141.
z Community movie night | The Summit Church in Oak Ridge will sponsor a movie night Sept. 13 at Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive. Food trucks will be on site at 6:30 p.m., games start at 7 p.m. and the movie begins at dark. Admission and concessions are free. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. More info: ww w.thesummitchurch.net.
SATURDAY, Sept. 14
z SummerCycle recycling event | Town of Summerfield will host a free recycling event for Guilford County residents Sept. 14, 8 a.m. to 12 noon at Laughlin Professional Development Center, 7911 Summerfield Road. Materials accepted will be: tires, large appliances, electronics and personal documents (up to 5 boxes). No business waste. Paper shredding services will also be offered, but only until the container fills up. More info: (336) 641-3792 or (336) 643-8655.
TUESDAY, Sept. 17
z Kiwanis Club | Kiwanis Club of Northwest Guilford will meet Sept. 17, starting at 12 noon at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge. More info: nwgkiwanis@gmail.com.
z 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 Sept. 17, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. More info: Rick Dunlap, (336) 601-0941.
A regular section in the Northwest Observer focused on the youthful matters of northwest Guilford County
Students on Guilford County Schools’ traditional academic schedule will return to the classrooms on Monday, Aug. 26. Drivers are reminded to allow extra time in the mornings when buses are on the road, and if you’re taking your kids to school, be patient in those car rider lines!
GCS opens first school in bond project series
Claxton Elementary became the first new public school to open its doors in Guilford County in nearly a decade this week. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the state-of-the-art facility was held on Monday, Aug. 12.
Funding for the school came from a $300 million bond approved by voters in 2020 and a $1.7 billion bond in 2022. Four additional bond projects Kiser Middle, Brooks Global, Peck K-8 Expeditionary Learning and Foust Elementary Gaming and Robotics, which is the first of its kind in the country — are nearing completion and are scheduled to open in 2025, GCS reports.
“The opening of Claxton Elementary is more than just a new school building. It
represents a commitment to building stronger communities through stronger schools,” Superintendent Whitney Oakley said. “As students thrive and develop in these modern learning spaces, they will become the leaders and innovators of tomorrow, contributing positively to their community.”
GUILFORD COUNTY – Guilford County Board of Education adopted a resolution on Aug. 13 in support of the county’s sales tax referendum, which will be put to voters this fall. If approved, a sales tax increase in Guilford County would be used to increase pay for teachers and frontline workers.
The proposed increase would move Guilford County’s sales and use tax from 6.75% to 7%, and is expected to bring in $25 million in revenue from both residents and visitors.
Many surrounding counties, including Forsyth, Davidson, Randolph and Rockingham counties, already have a 7% sales tax, Gabrielle Brown, director of media relations for Guilford County Schools, noted in a press release after the Board’s vote. Wake and Mecklenburg counties are at 7.25%; Durham is at 7.5%.
Guilford County Schools teachers are paid on average 35% less than those in their peer counties, according to Brown.
15 - SEPT. 18, 2024
“If approved, funds generated by
the increase would be used for teacher supplements and to provide more competitive pay scales to frontline classified staff such as bus drivers, custodians and cafeteria workers,” Brown wrote.
“A sales tax bump would allow us to put more money into the pockets of our most underpaid employees,” BOE chairperson Deena Hayes said. “The tax increase would be minor for individual families, but it would have a major effect on the lives of Guilford County Schools teachers and staff. A
fraction of a penny tax, over time and spread among everyone who makes a purchase in Guilford County, will add up to a big benefit for our county’s future.”
The ¼-cent tax amount would equal an additional penny on a $4 purchase. or five pennies on a $20 purchase. With tax, a $4 item would be $4.28 instead of $4.27. Likewise, a $20 item would cost $21.40 instead of $21.35. As stated in the resolution, the tax would not affect essential items such as gas, groceries or prescription medication.
Adobe Stock photo
Photo courtesy of Guilford County Schools
“For me, success is not about the wins and losses. It’s about helping these young people be the best versions of themselves on and off the field.” - Ted Lasso
“If you give me some bread, will I use butter?” - Cuddy Buddy
programs
What can I do after registering my kid for a sport?
• Volunteer to be a COACH, ASSISTANT COACH or TEAM MANAGER
• Ask the sports director(s) if the program needs any ROLES filled
• Be a SPONSOR and help enlist new sponsors!
• Plan a team PARTY or other event
• Get to KNOW THE FAMILIES on your team
• Identify things that can be improved and be PART OF THE SOLUTION
Things to remember before the seasons begin:
• These are KIDS playing KIDS
• Today's opponent may be tomorrow's TEAMMATE
• RESPECT your REFEREES, UMPIRES and OFFICIALS at all times!
• DON'T coach from the SIDELINES
• RESPECT the FACILITIES. Help keep them clean.
• MODEL sportsmanship for our kids
• SUPPORT your coaches and program leaders
of our local sports programs are volunteer run. Whether playing in Oak Ridge, Summerfield or Stokesdale, our youth associations allow parents to be part of something they will cherish forever.
Call or text: 336-274-7649
Summerfield and Greensboro
EAGLE Scouts
Hodgin achieves Eagle Scout rank
Reynolds & Stoner
ORTHODONTICS
Tate Hodgin, a member of Scouts BSA Troop 600, has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. For his Eagle project, Hodgin led a team of 15 Scouts in designing and building an outdoor chalkboard, playground storage bin, and bench for the Children’s Christian Playschool’s playground in Summerfield.
Tate Hodgin
Hodgin is a member of the Tsoiotsi Tsogalii Lodge of the Order of the Arrow, the honor society of the Boy Scouts of America. He is a rising senior at Caldwell Academy. In addition to his scouting service, he has been an active member of the Summerfield Fire Department Explorer’s Program for the past four years.
Hodgin is the son of Chris and Heather Hodgin of Summerfield. He joins his older brother, Landon, and his grandfather, Ron, in earning the rank of Eagle Scout.
Troop 600 meets every Monday night at Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church. For more information, visit www.scoutdude.com.
Smiles for Summer
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Don’t let anything stop you from getting a great smile, which can give you confidence, but may be hard to afford. We offer 0% financing for orthodontics, so you can get the smile you want without breaking the bank. Whether you need braces, Invisalign, or any other treatment, we have the right option for you. At our private practice, you will get personalized attention from our experienced doctors. Call or text today!
‘Tune out cancer, and tune in to being a kid’
Since losing her son to bone cancer in 2018, Casey Crossan has been dedicated to changing childhood cancer one mailbox at a time.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and with the help of the shared communities of Oak Ridge, Stokesdale, Summerfield and beyond, one mom is determined to “turn the community gold” and help kids feel in control during cancer treatment.
Casey Crossan’s son, Conner, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (a type of bone cancer) in 2016 when he was 9 years old and in the third grade at Oak Ridge Elementary. Conner passed away from this disease in 2018 at the age of 11.
“When we came home on hospice, our neighbors had gold bows on their mailboxes to show us love and support,” Casey said. “I knew then that we could use their act of solidarity as a fundraiser to help change childhood cancer. In very recent years, several other children in our community have been diagnosed with cancer and are
Photo courtesy of Casey Crossan Casey Crossan sells gold mailbox bows each September during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to help kids undergoing cancer treatment. The project has very personal roots for Crossan and her husband, Bryan, after their son, Conner, died of osteosarcoma six years ago at age 11.
fighting or have passed away.
“A gold mailbox bow shows families in our community that we stand with them in their fight,” she continued. “Imagine if it was your
child, how would you feel knowing people were thinking of you, especially on your darkest days?”
During his treatment, Conner depended on his tablet and headphones to “tune out cancer, and tune in” to being a kid, Casey said. The Crossan family founded C3 in Conner’s memory. All proceeds from the sale of gold bows give children in cancer treatment a chance to tune out cancer and tune in to being a kid through their Tune In to Tune Out boxes, including a tablet, headphones, gift card, and more.
want to help?
Purchase a bow at donorbox.org/ gold-bows-for-childhood-cancerawareness-2-2 (or scan the QR code below) throughout September. To learn more about C3, visit c3tuneintotuneout.org.
Reynolds & Stoner’s staff brings smiles to the crowds at Founder’s Day with their Toy Story themed parade float.
The bright colors on monarch butter y caterpillars are a warning to predators to avoid eating them. The caterpillars eat milkweed, which has a toxin that makes them taste bitter.
for sponsoring this issue’s Kids’ Korner
Kids’ Korner
Can you spot the difference?
If you can get a good look, it is actually very easy to tell the gender of monarch butterflies! All monarchs have stripy, vein-like patterns of black on their orange wings. The key place to look for the difference is in the center of the back pair of wings. Males have a distinctive black spot there; females do not.
A quick change!
Female monarchs can lay as many as 100-800 eggs in their short lives. These eggs hatch into small greenand-white striped caterpillars which feed on milkweed leaves for about two weeks. Each caterpillar sheds its skin and transforms into a pupa, which has a hard green shell, or chrysalis, with shiny gold dots around it. In 9-15 days, a butterfly is formed! Once out of the pupa, the butterfly must wait for its wings to dry before it flies away. It then survives by drinking nectar from flowers, including milkweed, clover, and goldenrod.
PICKLEBALL IN OAK RIDGE
...continued from p. 2
The town’s capital improvement plan pushes out the construction of sports courts – pickleball, tennis and basketball – about five years, as a second phase of Heritage Farm Park. While open to the possibility of accelerating the project, Mayor Jim Kinneman and council members Ann Schneider and Jim Harton said they’re unwilling to forego other improvements, such as sidewalks and water infrastructure. Building all of the courts at the same time makes sense, according to Schneider.
“I support pickleball, but I don’t support it leapfrogging ahead of tennis and basketball,” Schneider said during the council’s meeting Aug. 1. “Planning is the most important part of this. Crucial to that planning is keeping our fund balance, as we’ve historically done, above $1 million.”
Oak Ridge’s budget anticipates a fund balance exceeding $2 million next June 30, the end of the fiscal
year, so town leaders have some financial wiggle room if they decided to advance sports courts as a priority.
Based upon an estimate from a court contractor, Stone said in an email earlier this week he believes Oak Ridge could build eight pickleball courts, four tennis courts and one basketball court for $700,000 to $800,000. That assumes the site doesn’t require extensive preparation, he added.
Greeson said he would be willing for the town to borrow money to build the courts. Pickleball continues to gain in popularity and is the nation’s fastest-growing sport. It can be played in Oak Ridge on a temporary setup in the parking lot of Town Park.
Residents deserve permanent courts, said Greeson, echoing Stone’s assertion that the town’s fitness options are limited for older people.
“If you’re over 16 years of age and you’re not in the Oak Ridge Youth Association, other than walking and biking in our parks, there are no services for you,” Stone said during the council’s meeting earlier this month. “A sports court area would rectify that.”
Adult sports leagues play in
Town Park, countered Schneider. She added, “We have nature… a lot of things going on in our beautiful spaces.”
Kinneman said he believes all council members support sports courts. What needs to be worked out, he said, is “a complete solution on all of the courts.”
Trying to spur the process, Stone has talked to leaders in Stokesdale, which opened two pickleball courts and a basketball court last December at a cost of less than $300,000, according to Tee Stephenson, chair of the town’s Park Improvement Committee.
Stokesdale completed its courts in roughly six months, with actual
SUMMERFIELD TC
...continued from p. 29
abandoned railroad bed to a proposed trailhead near Summerfield’s dog park.
The previous route turned south out of the pedestrian tunnel and traveled along Highway 220 before starting a looping route along the Lake Higgins watershed and then northward to Summerfield Road. The longer route would cost more, according to Paul Lambrecht, chair of the TOS Committee.
N.C. 150 speeding. Complaints about speeding and careless driving along a curved stretch of N.C. 150 near the Vineyards at Summerfield subdivision led to the placement of a digital speed-monitoring sign to slow down traffic, according to Hamilton.
The temporary sign is affixed to the post of a 45-mph speed limit sign and flashes the speed of motorists traveling westward toward Highway 220. Once the sign is removed, any deterrent to speeding may disappear, creating the need for other precautions, Hamilton said.
Committee reappointments
5 0 in favor of several committee and board reappointments and an appointment. In separate
construction following Guilford County’s approval of the site plan, Stephenson said in an interview earlier this week.
Early next year, town leaders anticipate getting a cost estimate for running a water main along N.C. 150 from Kernersville to Oak Ridge, as the second phase of the town’s water system. Based upon that estimate, the town may be able to reconsider earlier decisions about capital spending, Harton said in an interview.
“We’re looking at options to bring the courts forward,” he said, estimating that the construction of courts could occur “a couple of years from now.”
votes, the council reappointed:
• Wendel Parks and Rodney Carpenter to the Finance Committee
• Cary Gentry and Trudy Whitacre to the Trails and Open Space Committee
• Mitzi Dawson to the Founders’ Day Committee
• Bruce Petersen and Mark Brown to the History Committee
In addition, the council reappointed Dick Feulner to the Planning Board. It elevated alternate Ron Collier to the position of full member, replacing Whitacre. It’s unclear whether she will become an alternate or leave the board.
Separately, the board appointed Jan Kirven to the Board of Adjustment.
CLOSED SESSION
The council went into closed session for the private discussion of undisclosed matters. The council cited state laws that protect the attorneyclient privilege and employment matters related to candidates’ qualifications and compensation.
After emerging from the roughly two-hour session, the council took no action. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
RE/MAX
Thank you to Nicole Gillespie for sponsoring this issue’s reader photo page
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
Thank you to Nicole Gillespie for sponsoring this issue’s reader photo page The Henson Forest swim team smiled big with the Northwest Observer during City Meet at Greensboro Aquatic Center on Monday, July 8. Go Hammerheads!
Thomas Conaway and Jenny Seel traveled to Ocean Lakes Family Campground with many friends and family from North Carolina, South Carolina and Alabama... and plenty of copies of the Northwest Observer. Will and Mel Rosenburg enjoyed reading the Northwest Observer in Long Island, New York, in front of a 1931 Ford Model A owned by Mel’s dad.
Mel Rosenburg
GRINS and GRIPES
your thoughts in
(From main menu, choose “Submit” dropdown menu, then select “Grin/Gripe”)
Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion.
very nice and friendly cashier!
CP Truck & Automotive Solutions. When an unfortunate mistake was made recently, they went above and beyond to resolve the issue, purchasing new wheels and more! Mistakes happen, but the true test is how they’re resolved.
Scotty Doles at Lowes Foods – a
Wes Mecham, deputy sheriff with Guilford County, for helping the girls of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints with rifle shooting at our camp last month. It was fun and safe, and we appreciate you coming!
Mike Stone for standing up for the citizens of Oak Ridge by voting against the waste of money being thrown at the Redmon house and
for wanting to provide us with more options for activities at the town park.
Beth at Snap Fitness. The gym has never been cleaner, and we appreciate and notice your hard work. Thank you for demonstrating to others how the gym should be sanitized and cleaned on a regular basis.
The family selling baked goods and lemonade Sunday, Aug. 4, in the old Bi-Rite parking lot. That zucchini bread was delicious! You should have your own bakery. We loved everything!
Summerfield Post Office. Customer service is top-notch! Helpful and prompt with resolution of a recent delivery mishap.
Pineapple Porch for reopening in Stokesdale. Their home decor was greatly missed, but the customer service goes above and beyond. Congratulations and good luck!
Stokesdale and Oak Ridge post offices, where the staff is always friendly and helpful and there is no wait. Definitely a perk to living
outside of a city!
Stokesdale Town Park. We recently taught our son how to ride a bike there, and there were so many families out in this great space. Really enjoyed the new flower boxes. Love the parks in our northwest community!
McDonald’s in Oak Ridge for not sticking to a schedule, i.e., locking doors at 8 p.m., ignoring customers at the window, etc. As one of the main food places in Oak Ridge, I and everyone else expect better!
Drivers passing cyclists on a double yellow line with people coming the other way. A split second won’t hurt if you’re late. Taking yourself out due to a stupid decision is one thing, but taking out an innocent is unforgivable.
The person who thinks the only reason Oak Ridge Swim Club’s pool/ grill should close is for a tornado.
Peace of mind all summer
They must do what is best for the staff and members, and while a tornado is dangerous, so is a storm with lightning.
Last issue’s griper about Oak Ridge Swim Club closing when there’s thunder or lightning. I heard the Elks Lodge pool and Bur-Mil pool don’t have waiting lists. Maybe you should try them if ORSC is not meeting your expectations.
Janelle Robinson, a small business owner and Summerfield council member, for recent comments on NWO’s Facebook page regarding boycotting businesses who associate with Summerfield Farms. A lot of support and sponsorships for Summerfield events come from us local small business owners.
Sheetz on N.C. 68 south of Oak Ridge for routinely being $.25 more per gallon than the other Sheetz located four miles farther south on the highway. As such, I have chosen to boycott and get gas at other locations.
The thief who stole 13 American flags from my front yard on July 28 that have been there since 2021.
You trespassed and took what wasn’t yours. How un-American on all counts! What’s next? God help us and the USA.
Oak Ridge Fire Department, which recently acquired an expensive new piece of equipment, and yet they’re asking for even more money. Sorry, but I work to support my family, not the fire department (which has several paid employees, as well as volunteers).
Priority One Auto Sales in Stokesdale. While we understand your desire for security, your alarm system is excessively loud and frequently disturbs the peace throughout the night. Would you please consider dialing it down to a more reasonable volume?
The four Oak Ridge Town Council members who voted to waste more of our taxpayer dollars on the Redmon house, and shame on Mike Greeson for voting with the liberals. None of you have my trust or my vote in upcoming elections.
Summerfield Councilman Jonathan Hamilton’s recent editorial (in Rhino Times) criticizing Mayor Tim Sessoms. It was deplorable, despicable and only
serves to further divide Summerfield. It’s time Hamilton and his colleagues provide leadership to Summerfield instead of higher and higher legal bills.
The griper who wants a fast-food restaurant to clean up the lot after lazy, inconsiderate people litter the area. This attitude is why civility and accountability are fading aspects of society. Teach your kids now to prevent this in the next generation.
Summerfield’s four town council members for wasting our hardearned tax dollars on one lawsuit after another. They aren’t doing anything positive for the town. We should all de-annex from them! Vote them out!
Griper about fast food trash around Bojangles’ property in Oak Ridge. Has nothing to do with the business, it’s people who disrespect nature and throw trash everywhere.
Whoever is responsible for taking down the two old buildings on N.C. 150 – no fencing around the commercial demolition site, leaving the second-floor brick wall detached and leaning against a tree for two days, creating a potential dangerous situation.
Owners of the house at the corner of Oak Ridge & Pepper Road. Are you selling pallets or are those makeshift stands for the local hockey arena?
WATER TOWER IN OAK RIDGE
emerged during debate in Raleigh before lawmakers voted in late June to de-annex developer David Couch’s nearly 1,000 acres in Summerfield.
Investing in municipal water “highlights that our town is bona fide for those at the state level who want towns like ours to be able to compete in the state’s growing economy,” council member Ann Schneider said. “We are playing catch-up on this, but we are doing it in good faith.”
Later during public comments, former councilman George McClellan added that the council’s “transformative vote… places us in the enviable position of being a leader. They can’t say we’re a paper town anymore.”
Light beige in color, the tank will initially provide water for firefighting, as well as athletic field irrigation and restrooms at Heritage Farm Park. In a second phase, the town will run a pipe along N.C. 150 for water from WinstonSalem/Forsyth County Utilities, providing a reliable source of clean water for businesses and homeowners.
Those currently relying upon well water won’t be required to tap into
municipal water, according to Kinneman. In a later expansion that councilman Jim Harton predicted would take decades, plans envision extending lines from the Highway 150 water main to lines supplying residences and businesses, existing and new.
“This is the first big step for the town,” related to water infrastructure, Harton said.
The town’s reliance on state and federal funds for the construction of the tank and a portion, if not all, of the costs for the water line is “a fantastic win for Oak Ridge,” Schneider said. Looking back nearly 25 years during which the town explored and pursued municipal water, former Mayor Spencer Sullivan said “we finally reached the point where we’re taking the first step. This is going to serve generation after generation in our town, and it will transform us. Long after most of us are gone, it will make a huge difference in this town.”
An association of professionals supporting each other and our community
match for the greenway grant.
Soaring costs are prompting town leaders to explore how to scale back Bandera or raise more money for the development of the 119-acre equestrian and hiking preserve slated for Bunch Road at Interstate 73. Earlier this year, design firm Pond Co. estimated the project will cost $6.66 million, exceeding by $3.2 million funding that Summerfield has secured for developing the park.
Prepared by the Piedmont Land Conservancy’s Palmer McIntyre, the greenway grant application is due Sept. 3, prompting Luther to urge the council to vote if it wants to be considered for the grant.
“If you want to move forward with Bandera, you need to do all you can to get more grants in here,” she said, explaining that potential cost reductions wouldn’t bridge the more than $3 million funding gap.
If Summerfield were to win the grant, $500,000 would be the most it could get, according to Luther. Regardless of the amount, the town
would be required to chip in three times as much as the grant. That is, the town would contribute $1.5 million in exchange for a $500,000 grant, she said.
Summerfield’s budget for the fiscal year that started July 1 includes Bandera’s development. However, the fate of the project remains unclear due to uncertainty over how much it will ultimately cost – and how much of the town’s money the council would be required to commit.
Back in August 2022, the Piedmont Land Conservancy said the park was “fully funded” after the county commissioners gave Summerfield $2.3 million in pandemic relief aid, bringing total funding for the park to $3.45 million.
However, Pond’s opinion of probable costs this past spring verified concerns by council member Janelle Robinson and Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney that costs were going to escalate due to inflation.
Be our guest at our next monthly meeting hosted by SMA member Stephanie Lomax/Allen Tate on Tuesday, Sept. 3, beginning 6:15 p.m. RSVP on our website. For more info about SMA: email info@summerfieldmerchant.com, visit www.summerfieldmerchant.com or Facebook.com/SummerfieldMerchantsAssociation
Thanks to the actors with SMA member Summerfield Stage Company for the fun murder mystery dinner performance at our Aug. 5 meeting! And another thanks to SMA member Bistro 150 for providing the food and space for the performance!
SALES & SERVICES
Luxury Auto Service
YARD SALES
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
CHOICE TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE. Oil changes, inspections, alignments and general automotive repairs. 1080 US Hwy 66 S, Kernersville, NC. (336) 992-9002
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
CONSIGNMENT SALE
KIDS' CONSIGNMENT SALE. Fri., Sept. 20, 9am-8pm, Sat., Sept. 21, 8am-1pm. St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road, GSO. Some items 50% off on Sat. www.saintpaulskidssale.com.
YARD SALES
MOVING SALE. Fri., Aug. 16, & Sat., Aug. 17, 7am. 2133 Beeson Rd., Oak Ridge. Furniture, tools, office, household decor & more. DOWNSIZING. Everything must go!
GARAGE SALE. Sat., Aug. 17, 7am-until. 1169 Pleasant Ridge Rd., Greensboro. Lots of camping items, household, designer purses, jewelry, plus-size clothing, Harley-Davidson parts and some furniture.
HOME SERVICES
AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING
A-ACTION AIR. A/C check-up, $79.95. (336) 268-6768 or (336) 382-3750
CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Quality cleaning/ budget friendly. Pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838
EXPERIENCED INTERIOR DECORATOR & personal furniture shopper will help you with style, color, shopping & furniture placement. E-mail appeninc@gmail.com or call Ann Appenzeller, (336) 314-1411
ELECTRICAL
CKH ELECTRIC, LLC. Give us a call for your next residential, commercial, or industrial project. Free estimates. Licensed, insured, and BBB accredited. (336) 944-4820
BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC. Residential & commercial electrical services. Generac home standby generator sales and service. (336) 298-4192
Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? Call Coble Electric, LLC at (336) 209-1486
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 hardwoodflooring.com, or call (336) 215-8842
GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES
Why move when you can improve?
construction well pumps ● plumbing ● foundations sagging floors...and much more!
licensed general contractors
One call fixes all!
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. 23 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
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
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. Landscape lighting installation. Insured. No job too small. Give Gordon a call, (336) 253-7700
HOME SERVICES
GRADING / HAULING
GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150
E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, demolition, lot clearing, excavating, bobcat work, etc. (336) 451-1282
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
GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS
GUTTER CLEANING. Affordable. Dependable Call anytime for free est. (336) 706-0103
HOME SERVICES
LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING
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.
Your HOME SERVICES company should be here! Place your ad online: www.nwobserver.com
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.
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 ads on pp. 20, 44.
HOME SERVICES
MASONRY
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. 23 of this issue (Neighborhood Marketplace).
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. 23 of this issue (Neighborhood Marketplace).
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 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
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.
The Northwest Observer Keeping you connected since 1996!
MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS
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
PEARMAN QUARRY LCID. Inert debris landfill. Yard waste, concrete, etc. Mulch and fill dirt available. (336) 803-2195 or (336) 558-7673
919-931-0856 ● locally owned and operated Serving the Triad since 2018
REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION
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.
BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION
HOME SERVICES
WHITE OAK FINE CARPENTRY. Remodel, custom cabinetry and home repair. Follow us on social media. (336) 497-7835
ROOFING
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
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
MISC. SERVICES
MISC. SERVICES
ZUMBA CLASS. Tuesdays at 9am. Greensboro Performing Arts. Have fun dancing while also getting a great workout! Call for info, (336) 549-2228
WELDING AND TRAILER REPAIR Call Tim, (336) 402-3869
6705 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale (336) 643-9963 (affiliated with Stokesdale Storage)
MISC. FOR SALE
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
Your home services company should be here! Place your classified ad online at www.nwobserver.com
Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Senior discount. 44 years exp. (336) 362-6343
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.
KIMBERLY THACKER. Accounting & Tax Services for individuals and businesses. Intuit QuickBooks ProAdvisor. See our display ad on p. 23 of this issue (Neighborhood Marketplace).
CAROLINA MARINA Lot 228. 1995 Wheelhouse Park Model. Inside furnished, 1 BR (no loft), boat slip included, $175K. Also available: 22-ft. 2012 refurbished Avalon Pontoon Boat with 90HP Mercury motor, trailer not included, $22K. If boat included with Park Model, $195K. Call (336) 558-5377
(336) 643-9963 • 8207 B & G Court, Stokesdale
Ann Piano Studio Oak Ridge
l B achelor’s degree in piano performance
l M aster’s degree in piano performance and education
l B oard - certified music teacher.
l 6 years full -time music teacher in elementary and middle schools
AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350
l 25 years of professional piano teaching and choir coaching experience
l Previous vice president of Greenville Piano Teachers’ Associati on
l Open to all ages & levels
RESTORATION of old barns and log structures. Also new construction of pole barns/ barndominiums. (336) 430-9507
l English and Mandarin 中⽂
ANN PIANO STUDIO located in Oak Ridge. Bachelor’s degree in piano performance. Master’s degree in piano performance and education. Board-certified music teacher. 6 years full-time music teacher in elementary and middle schools. 25 years of professional piano teaching and choir coaching experience. Previous vice president of Greenville Piano Teachers’ Association. Open to all ages & levels. English and Mandarin
l Studio location: Oak Ridge
. annannann3@ hotmail.com. WeChat: annpianostudio. Contact Ann Hung, (252) 864-0417
nn Hung 252 - 864 - 0417
(336)
MISC. WANTED
Wanted: FARM EQUIPMENT to buy. All kinds. Please call (336) 430-9507
PETS/ANIMAL SVCS
WENDY COLLINS PET SITTING LLC.
Certified, bonded & insured. Summerfield, Oak Ridge, and parts of Stokesdale. Wendycollinspetsitting.com. (336) 339-6845
LAND FOR SALE
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
MAPLE GLADE
of 17 historic properties in the town.
“When they opened her up, just the first floor, that was the first time I saw her,” Ruch said. “The exterior, as beautiful as she is, does not begin to tell you the amount of artistry on the inside. You just cannot duplicate the amount of artistic craftmanship for that period in this community.”
Considering her age, Maple Glade’s interior is in amazing condition, Ruch said. However, the exterior of the building is in dire need of repairs and the school lacks the resources to pay for them.
the amount needed to tackle the most urgent project, repairing the porte-cochère (the covered porchlike structure at the main entrance to the house), at an estimated cost of $50,000.
on Aug. 23, when the public will be invited to tour Maple Glade, bid on antique items in a silent auction, take a walking tour of the historic campus, hear a presentation from a panel of historic preservation experts, and enjoy a salad/sandwich bar lunch followed by afternoon breakout sessions.
“Maple Glade is still highly functional – wedding receptions have already been held there,” Ruch said. She and Beal are now focused on “adaptive re-use” of the home, which Ruch explained refers to giving a historical structure a new use in the community to not only preserve a piece of history but also give it a new life and new purpose within its current community. They envision it being rented to the public for weddings and other special events, with rental fees used to cover the cost of keeping the structure maintained.
The cadets will offer a special presentation of honor in front of Alumni Hall, where visitors can also tour the museum inside the building.
“They want people to experience the campus,” Ruch said. And once there, she hopes they’ll fall in love with Maple Glade just like she has, and help bring it back to its original grandeur.
want to go?
“Even though this is owned by the school, they just don’t have that much money to put into the house,” Ruch said. “It’s going to take a lot of us working together… This is done all over the place – Körner’s Folly in Kernersville is an example. That’s why I’ve been involved with fundraising. I want people on campus to see the house and be able to appreciate what I’ve been involved with over the years.
“Every person I’ve taken through the house has been in awe of it, and many say, ‘I had no idea this kind of craftmanship was in here,’” Ruch added.
Ruch is a member of the Guilford Battle Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and has solicited the help of Mary Elizabeth Beal, the chapter’s Preservation Committee chairperson. They’ve partnered on other small events to raise money for Maple Glade, but are far from
“Yes, it costs a lot of money to save these structures .. and Maple Glade could be torn down,” Ruch said. “But do we want to be known for tearing down historic structures? There are so many communities across the nation that have set a good example, such as Old Salem and Williamsburg.”
Beal and Angie Williams, the academy’s Director of Alumni & Development, have put together a historic preservation symposium/fundraiser
The historic preservation symposium/fundraiser will be held on the campus of Oak Ridge Military Academy on Friday, Aug. 23; registration and a silent auction will open 8:30 a.m. at Maple Glade, with tours of the house beginning at 9:30 a.m. Visit www.savemapleglade.square.site for more details on the schedule of events throughout the day, to purchase tickets to the event ($30/person), or to make a donation to help repair and restore Maple Glade.
Contact Mary Elizabeth Beal at mebeal@mbidinternational.com with questions, to pay by check, become an event sponsor, or to donate antiques for the silent auction.
resident cat, or to just sit on the front porch and “rest a spell,” visitors from all over the world and “just down the road” continue to drift in and out of the Old Mill, seven days a week.
Daniel Dillon, who established the mill in 1767 to grind grain for early settlers of Guilford County, could not
have foreseen that his creation would endure through five more owners and over two-and-a-half centuries of change while attracting customers who seek much the same as what he offered way back when – natural stone-ground products, a welcoming smile and a lot of country charm.
“At least once a day, we receive a ‘thank you’ for keeping the mill going,” Amy said. “It’s been an honor to be a part of it, and even after we sell it, we’ll continue being a part of the mill family.”
To a prospective buyer, Darrell added, “If you own the mill, you will experience a range of emotions –and in the end, it will be the most
rewarding experience of your life!”
For more info about the Old Mill, visit www.oldmillofguilford.com. If interested in talking with Amy and Darrell Klug about purchasing the historic mill, email info@oldmillofguilford.com.
