Good Samaritan Ministries: celebrating 30 years of service
by LILY PIERCE
STOKESDALE – Good Samaritan Ministries of Stokesdale, Inc. is marking a significant milestone – 30 years of dedicated service to the community! Founded in September 1994, this nonprofit is often referred to as a “cooperative ministry,” with 11 churches from Stokesdale and Oak Ridge joining forces to operate a food pantry, assist those in need, and host community church services.
The food pantry is housed at Gideon Grove United Methodist Church (2865 Gideon Grove Church Road, Stokes dale). Open on the last Saturday of each month from 9 to 10:30 a.m., it provides boxes of food to anyone in need. Volunteers from the participating churches take turns each month packing and distributing the boxes through a drive-through system. Around the holidays, the distribution may
Community celebrates opening of Veterans Honor Green after five years of planning and fundraising
by PATTI STOKES
OAK RIDGE – On Nov. 11, Oak Ridge’s Special Events Committee officially unveiled the Veterans Honor Green at Heritage Farm Park during the town’s Veterans Day celebration. The grand
opening featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by hundreds, honoring both past and present veterans while showcasing the new site. Committee Chair Patti Dmuchowski reflected
Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO
heavy hearts
To all of you who’ve supported the Gazebo over the years, we want to say thank you. Thank you for visiting us, for making us part of your lives, and for helping us grow.
Keep it green, friends
Summerfield’s new manager seeks ‘consensus’
Quoting the Scriptures during his first Town Council meeting, Charles “Twig” Rollins urged the community and council members to “lock arms together” as two council members sparred with the mayor over the previous staff
by CHRIS BURRITT
SUMMERFIELD – Charles “Twig” Rollins has laid out his vision as Summerfield’s new town manager, saying he’s seeking to build consensus as Mayor Tim Sessoms clashed with council members Heath Clay and Jonathan Hamilton over their questioning of actions by the town’s previous staff.
“I want to promise you the public and the town board that I will be an open and transparent manager in all areas of the town,” Rollins said during the council’s meeting Nov. 12. He said he believes “great things can happen when people come together for the benefit of the greater good.”
Contention resurfaced before and after Rollins’s remarks, souring the cheerful mood at the start of the meeting over the manager’s arrival and his hiring of four new staff members in his first three weeks on the job.
The conversation quickly became heated when Clay asked interim finance officer Dana Luther to explain how the town had missed state regulators’ Oct. 31 deadline for submitting the audit for last fiscal year ending June 30.
Luther responded that she and Tony Brewer, hired as the town’s auditor last month, were “working with some issues… trying to tie the prior balances into the prior audits.” Later she said that “there may be some
restatements… of prior years to correct some items” originally submitted by previous auditor Cindy Randolph.
“There is a lot that’s being researched, so the auditor is looking into a lot of things,” Luther said. “She (Randolph) has responded to my requests for information. She didn’t necessarily have answers to some of them, but we’ll be able to figure out what the adjustments were…”
Luther added that preparation of this year’s audit has also been delayed due to Randolph not submitting her official letter of resignation to the state until recently, although she had notified the town via email last May.
“Was there a push to make her resign?” Hamilton asked Luther. Clay also asked why Randolph had resigned. Luther replied the auditor cited “various reasons,” including that auditing Summerfield’s finances “didn’t fit into her schedule.”
“Was there any inappropriate perhaps communication between the former administration and the auditor that might interfere or push the auditor not to continue her services here?” Hamilton asked.
“I would say, rather than creating a cloud over the previous finance director, if you have information, share it,” Mayor Tim Sessoms interjected.
Hamilton said he would defer to Town Attorney Jim Hoffman to address potential personnel issues.
“So as not to cast any shadows, let’s just remember that we had seven years of perfect audits” under Hall, Sessoms said.
Hamilton then asked Luther to explain the meaning of a “perfect audit.”
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Correction
Oops! A photo caption in our Oct. 17-Nov. 20 issue incorrectly reported the estimated price tag for the Veterans Honor Green in Oak Ridge’s Heritage Farm Park. The cost for the recently completed first phase (not the entire project) of the
veterans’ site is $280,500. The cost for the second phase isn’t known yet; however, the Special Events Committee has raised about $19,000 and the Town Council has budgeted $50,000 for the second phase, according to council member Ann Schneider.
Town of Summerfield’s New Hires
In his first month on the job, Twig Rollins, Summerfield’s town manager, has hired four new staff members to fill some of the vacancies left by former staff members who simultaneously resigned their positions last May. New staff, from L to R: Justin Snyder, planning director; Jeanette Dockery, events coordinator and assistant to the manager; Eric Coon, parks and recreation director; and Jennifer Kelley, finance officer.
“I don’t know that ‘perfect’ is the term you’d want to use with an audit,” Luther said, “because an audit is just pretty much a review of the financial records to make sure there aren’t material misstatements. In contrast to what the general public may think, she said an auditor “isn’t reviewing everything nor are they commenting on fraud or anything else.”
Luther clarified that she was “not suggesting fraud. I’m just answering a question about mitigation of risk and internal controls. I can’t say for certain, but I’m probably 99.9% sure that fraud hasn’t been committed.”
Rollins’s call for unity came after sparring over the audit.
“Many more great things can continue to be accomplished here in
the town of Summerfield, but only if the public, the town board and the town manager can lock arms together and have a common vision – to attack the problems, not the person or persons, to have dialogue, not disagreement on issues,” he said.
“In God’s kingdom, it is a blessing to bring people together who are in conflict,” he continued. “The peacemaker initiates reconciliation when others have wronged him. Let’s all remember that ‘blessed are the peacemakers.’”
Afterwards, Clay expanded his questioning of prior staff’s actions beyond the audit. Asked to identify her biggest challenge as she took charge of Town Hall in June, Luther replied that
Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO
www.nwobserver.com
/northwestobserver
@mynwobserver
OUR TEAM
Patti Stokes, editor/publisher
Kelli Jessup, publisher’s assistant
Rene Collins, administrative assistant
Yvonne Truhon, graphic designer
Leon Stokes, IT director
Lucy Smith, finance manager
Chris Bennett, Tom McCoy, distribution
Chris Burritt, staff writer; Lily Pierce and Annette Joyce, contributing writers
Several months ago, there was much discussion at a council meeting about bringing an ABC store to Stokesdale, and I recall a representative of Greensboro’s ABC Board attending to talk about what that would involve. I haven’t read anything about it since then, though, nor have I seen it on a council meeting agenda for discussion.
Is this still being considered, or did the council just drop the issue?
This past June, Stokesdale Town Councilman Jim Rigsbee proposed the council explore an arrangement with Greensboro ABC to operate an ABC store in Stokesdale. The council took no action on the matter, however, and it has been tabled indefinitely.
that would have gone to Stokesdale was much lower.
@northwestobserver ...continued on p. 20
phone: (336) 644-7035
fax: (336) 644-7006
office: 1616 NC 68 N, Oak Ridge mail: PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310
hours: vary, so please call before dropping by
WANT TO ADVERTISE?
Contact us at (336) 644-7035, ext. 11
display: advertising@nwobserver.com
classified: classifieds@nwobserver.com
Independently owned & published by
The subject of an ABC store in Stokesdale has been brought forward and then tabled twice over the last several years. The topic came to the forefront yet again at the council’s June 13 meeting, when Councilman Jim Rigsbee invited the Greensboro ABC Board’s general manager, Niegel Sullivan, to attend and speak with the council about operating an ABC store in Stokesdale.
After Sullivan’s presentation, council members engaged in an intense discussion. They ultimately took no action at the meeting, and the subject has not been on a meeting agenda in the months since.
When asked for an update, Rigsbee told us, “At this time the proposal is still under review; however, there are no plans to vote on it in the immediate future.”
Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy elaborated, saying, “The economics of allowing the Greensboro ABC board to operate an ABC store in the Town of Stokesdale were not as attractive as similar arrangements the Greensboro ABC has with other
small towns (Summerfield being the prime example). Summerfield has a profit share agreement with Greensboro ABC. The Town of Summerfield receives about $150,000 annually from this agreement, and the money goes to Summerfield’s general fund.”
Foy added that sales projections for an ABC store in Stokesdale were roughly the same as Summerfield (an estimated $2.5 million per year), but the amount of projected profit share
“There were two drivers behind this,” he said: “1) Greensboro ABC wishes to own and operate all new stores versus leasing space. With that would come the high cost of financing a building at 20 years with today’s high interest rates. Couple that with the profit share agreement that would have been split 50/50 between Stokesdale
Adobe Stock photo
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
A passion for children, a heart for those in need
by ANNETTE JOYCE
Sabrina Andrijov has a special place in her heart for children, especially those facing hunger or other hardships.
“I am passionate about helping children and addressing food insecurity,” said Andrijov, a Summerfield resident and Realtor/broker.
It’s that mindset that led her to get involved with Guilford Backpack Ministry (GBM), based in Oak Ridge. The mission of the nonprofit, which is run entirely by volunteers, is to provide food and basic necessities to students in need who attend school in northern and northwestern Guilford County.
The GBM program supports over 400 students and their families by regularly delivering bags of nutritious, shelf-stable food throughout the year, as well as snacks and additional food for holidays, school breaks and emergency situations.
Andrijov, who began as a driver for the backpack ministry, says her primary focus now is on management. However, one of her favorite activities involves volunteering for the Christmas Store, which was started by Summerfield’s Peace United Methodist Church and now falls under GBM’s direction.
Thanks to generous supporters, families with students enrolled in GBM are eligible to shop at the Christmas Store for all of their children from ages newborn to 18.
Based on their age, each child receives necessary items such as a coat, shirt, sweater or sweatshirt, leggings or sweatpants, along with a book and a toy or gift card. In addition, families are given an extra supply of non-perishable food for winter break, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables from Second Har-
vest Food Bank, a grocery store gift card, personal care products, wrapping paper and other essentials.
The Christmas Store relies on donations, and Andrijov devotes much of her time to securing monetary donations and gift cards from various sources, including churches, community organizations, individuals and grants.
“Financial donations are our biggest need,” she said.
She noted that a significant portion of the donated funds goes toward purchasing gift cards for the older children served by GBM. In past years each of them received a $25 gift card, but due to the generosity of donors last year, older children in the program received a $50 gift card. Andrijov is working diligently to make this possible again.
The Christmas Store takes place this year on Saturday, Dec. 14, and once again parents and guardians will be invited to come to Summerfield Peace United Methodist Church – which will be completely transformed to accommodate the store – to select items for their children. Helping these families shop is Andrijov’s favorite part.
“Talk about getting into the Christmas spirit!” she said with a broad smile.
With the Christmas Store so close at hand, Andrijov still finds time to be actively involved with the Greensboro Woman’s Club (GWC), where she gets another opportunity to indulge her passion for taking care of the hungry.
She most recently volunteered with other GWC members at the Greensboro Urban Ministry’s Feast of Caring, an event that raises funds to provide
Thanksgiving meals for the needy. Through the GWC, Andrijov also enjoys volunteering with BackPack Beginnings, a Greensboro-based nonprofit whose mission is to “connect children and their families to resources needed to thrive”
Andrijov is also an active member of Summerfield Merchants Association, a group of professionals committed to supporting each other and the community of Summerfield.
“I love volunteering. Any way I can give back, I do,” she said. “I feel like it’s a calling.”
Andrijov and her husband, Bob, have been married 23 years and have three children, Matthew, 21, and 20-year-old twins Alyssa and Ryan.
want to volunteer/donate?
To volunteer with or donate to GBM for its ongoing program and/or the annual Christmas Store, visit oakridgemc.org/backpacks or email guilfordbackpackministry@gmail.com.
Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO
To Summerfield resident Sabrina Andrijov, giving back is a calling.
let
Happy 90th Birthday!
Josephine Enoch Frazier, Nov. 20
Josephine Enoch Frazier of Stokesdale will be celebrating her 90th birthday Nov. 20.
She is a member of Oak Spring Baptist Church and has been married to James H. Frazier for 72 years as of this December. All her life she has seen the “Goodness of God.”
Thank you to the businesses, organizations and individuals who advertise in the Northwest Observer and make it possible to provide this community resource at no charge to our readers.
Keystone Homes
Building quality and service into every home
Keystone Homes, a leading Triad homebuilder, is known for its commitment to exceptional quality, unparalleled service, and affordable pricing. Founded in 1996 by Scott Wallace and Mark Michael, Keystone has become a trusted name in the area, thanks to their shared vision and extensive experience in the homebuilding industry.
Scott, an engineer, and Mark, a local builder with over 20 years of experience, teamed up to form Keystone Homes with a simple but powerful mission: to build homes that offer lasting quality at a price that homeowners can afford. By working with the best local tradesmen, they ensure that every home they build meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Keystone’s innovative, awardwinning designs have earned the company gold and silver awards from the Greensboro and WinstonSalem Parade of Homes. These
homes are not only built to last but also designed to meet the needs and preferences of today’s buyers, offering a variety of upgrades that set them apart from the competition.
More than just building houses, Keystone Homes is committed to total customer satisfaction. From the first consultation to the final walkthrough and beyond, Scott, Mark, and their team ensure that each homeowner is happy with their new home. Their dedication to quality and service gives buyers the peace of mind that their home is built for a lifetime.
For more information on available homes or to explore custom design options, contact Keystone Homes today and experience the difference for yourself.
‘Beer and Hymns’ – old songs in new places
contributed by REV. KATHY RANDALL BRYANT
On a rainy Monday night this past September, members of three area United Methodist Churches: Stokesdale, Center, and Summerfield Peace ducked the raindrops to gather at Village Beverage Co. on N.C. 150 in Summerfield to enjoy an evening of “Beer and Hymns,” an experimental fresh expression of church.
“Beer & Hymns” is one of the iterations of practice of church community outside the walls of the inherited church. We didn’t invent it, but we think this was the first one ever in Summerfield.
People like hymns. People like beer. People like to be with people. We wanted to try it because we realize that lots of people have lots of history with church, and some of that history holds wounds because the church has harmed folks.
But there are some great things about church, especially singing hymns together. And whenever we sing together, we – whoever “we” happens to be – join our voices together and create a harmonious single sound out of separate pieces.
Though members of at least three churches were represented in the crowd, there were others who participated. We all sat together. We all sang together. One of the couples who joined in are regulars at Village Beverage Co., and one of them was celebrating a birthday that very day. We sang “Happy Birthday” to her, and the joy on her face and amazement at being celebrated by friends old and
Summerfield Lighting Christmas
new was a wonder to behold. There is something particularly special about singing in community!
We invite you to our next Beer & Hymns on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 7 p.m., when Village Beverage Co. on NC 150 in Summerfield will graciously host us again. Beer, soda, juice, slushies, and sparkling water will be available to purchase, and there will also be snacks!
If you love hymns, if you miss singing with a group and whether you go to church every Sunday or if it has been a while, we’ll have a songbook ready for you!
For questions or more info about “Beer and Hymns,” email KBryant@wnccumc.net.
... more Bits & Pieces on p. 36
share your news with your neighbors! email your community news to: communitynews@nwobserver.com
Saturday, Nov. 23, 5:30pm
Summerfield Athletic Park (5200 US-220 North)
Check the town’s Facebook page for weather updates
FREE EVENT! The Northwest Guilford Backpack Ministry Program will be collecting non-perishable food items. For a list of needed items, please visit: backpackministry.wixsite.com/backpacks/itemsweneed
Drop-off locations: Reynolds & Stoner Orthodontics, Bank of Oak Ridge (Summerfield location), Oak Ridge Physical Therapy (Summerfield and Oak Ridge locations), Yoga Lane, Village Beverage, EuroHaus, Golden Antiques & Treasures, The Gardens at Gray Gables, Summerfield Wealth Advisors, Bistro 150
Members of Good Samaritan Ministries participate in the Good Friday Cross Walk held each year in downtown Stokesdale.
GSM: 30 YEARS
...continued from p. 1
occur a week earlier to accommodate families.
In addition to the food pantry, Good Samaritan Ministries (GSM) organizes several community initiatives. Each fall before the new school year gets underway, the ministry sponsors a large school supply drive for local elementary schools. During the
Christmas season, the GSM Angel Tree, which is set up at Fidelity Bank in Stokesdale, features names and wish lists for local children in need. Community members can fulfill these wishes by purchasing the requested gift items, or donate funds to support the initiative.
GSM’s impact extends far beyond these visible efforts. Much of the nonprofit’s funds go toward helping local residents with essential expenses
like utility bills, rent, medicine, and car repairs to ensure families can stay in their homes, get needed medical care, and have transportation to work.
“Being involved in this organization has made me more generous,” said Terri Johnson, longtime GSM volunteer and current treasurer. “I didn’t realize how great the need is. One thing can go wrong, and suddenly, people have to choose between fixing a flat tire and buying groceries. I feel like if I have lights and power, so should everyone else.”
In 2023 alone, GSM contributed an impressive $77,586.31 to help individuals and families in need. The nonprofit is run entirely by volunteers, meaning every dollar raised goes back into the community.
GSM also hosts several fundraisers, including the Fifth Sunday Singing, a musical event held four times a year at various churches.
Additionally, Walk for Hunger takes place each spring at Bethel Methodist Church in Oak Ridge. In the fall, the fish fry dinner at Stokesdale Christian Church draws crowds for great food and a great cause. GSM also offers
Fifth Sunday Singing, one of several fundraisers Good Samaritan Ministries holds throughout the year to raise money for helping those in need, is held four times a year – on the fifth Sunday of the month – at various churches. The idea for the community song service was proposed 30 years ago during one of GSM’s first board meetings.
“alternative giving” Christmas cards, designed by JNA Signs LLC, as a unique way to support its work.
Throughout the year, the ministry coordinates special community events, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter services, the Good Friday Cross Walk in downtown Stokesdale, and a National Day of Prayer service held in front of the Stokesdale Fire Station.
From its very first meeting 30 years ago, where the vision for a food bank and community song service was discussed, GSM has remained steadfast in its mission to serve others and honor God. As current president Mahalia McGee puts it, “This ministry is a good way to help people who are less fortunate.”
Thanks to the enduring commitment of its members, Good Samaritan Ministries continues to cross lines of denomination, race, and gender to unite the community in service and faith. Here’s to the next 30 years of making a difference!
want to help?
Learn more about GSM at www.facebook.com/ stokesdalegoodsamaritans. To make a donation or receive assistance, contact GSM treasurer Terri Johnson, (336) 643-5887, and leave a detailed message. Donation checks can be mailed to Terri Johnson, 7769 N.C. 68, Stokesdale, NC 27357.
Photos courtesy of Good Samaritan Ministries
For the love of Garret
Marine veteran’s legacy inspires support for PTSD healing through service dogs
by ANNETTE JOYCE
When Marine Sgt. Garret Torney returned home from two tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, his family immediately noticed a profound change in him. Once a vibrant and outgoing young man, he was visibly struggling with anger, anxiety, and isolation.
“He was always the life of the party,” said his mother, Katy Torney, of Summerfield. “He left an impression everywhere he went.”
But when Kathy planned a beach trip for some family members and friends to spend time with Garret shortly after his return, she was troubled at what she saw.
“He was angry and anxious and slept on the floor in a closet,” she recalled. “He didn’t want to be with his family, his friends, or anyone.”
Unbeknownst to Katy at the time, Garret was battling Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) stemming from his combat experiences. She had
little experience with the disorder, and struggled to understand what he was going through or how to help him.
A turning point came when Garret got two puppies. Katy noticed a remarkable change in her son – he was calmer, less anxious, and more like his old self. Tragically, before he could follow through on his plans to become a Marine instructor, Garret died in a car accident in 2017.
Determined to honor his legacy, Katy, her daughters, and Garret’s close friends launched the Garret Torney Foundation (GTF). The organization’s mission is to support veterans dealing with PTSD by funding partnerships between veterans and service dogs.
A PARTNERSHIP FOR HEALING
After extensive research, GTF partnered with Saving Grace K9s (SGK9s), a Lexington, North Carolina-based organization dedicated to helping veterans with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI).
SGK9s offers a unique approach, training veterans to teach their own service dogs.
“This way of training produces
Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO
Leanne Pizio (left) and Katy Torney illustrated and authored the book “Boots” to help children understand PTSD.
STOKESDALE town council
Nov. 14 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
as reported by PATTI STOKES
CORRECTION: In last month’s Stokesdale Town Council meeting coverage, we incorrectly reported that Athens Road resident Hollie Reed said drivers in the car rider line for Stokesdale Elementary School had knocked over mailboxes on Athens Road. “I stated that I can tell there was an increase in the number of cars in the pick-up line by how far the line backs
Mayor Mike Crawford opened the meeting at 7 p.m., and members of Girl Scout Troop 2465 led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Before offering the opening prayer, Pastor Charmaigne Van Rooyen of Bethel Methodist Church in Oak Ridge referenced Matthew 25 from the Bible and said Jesus taught that leaders “should not exercise authority over people, rather humble themselves as servants so they
up east on Athens Road, using the mailboxes as markers,” Reed wrote to the Northwest Observer. “My mailbox is ¼-mile from the school.” She added the only thing that was almost hit was her husband, who was mowing his lawn one day when a driver turning around in their front yard came faceto-face with him as he was coming around the corner on the mower.
can lead.” She urged the town’s leaders and its citizens to humble themselves and be servant leaders.
PRESENTATION ON SCHOOL TRAFFIC
Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy introduced Mike Richey, Assistant Superintendent of School Safety and Emergency Management for Guilford County Schools (GCS). Richey began by saying the school system
recognizes the car rider traffic at Stokesdale Elementary School needs improvement.
When Stokesdale Elementary School was built, he said, the school system followed the standard formula for the number of students who were car riders, which was about 35%. However, due to the changing culture as well as COVID, about 50% to 60% of students are now car riders.
“That increases the car rider line tremendously,” Richey said. “Every school in Guilford County has this issue.”
Increasing the stacking space for car rider traffic on school property must include fixing the intersection going into and coming out of Stokesdale Elementary, and statemaintained road projects must be approved – and constructed – by NCDOT, Richey said.
GCS’s recommended solution for Stokesdale Elementary involves snaking two lanes of traffic around the stacking line on school property and creating a car rider loading/unloading zone at the “new front of the school.” Separately, the driveway for buses to enter school property off U.S. 158 will be relocated and widened, and a bus loading/unloading zone created in the “old front of the school.”
Cars exiting the car rider area would no longer be able to turn left on Tower Road (beside the water tower) and then onto U.S. 158; rather they would go to Angel Pardue Road, where there would be a coordinated traffic signal.
Richey estimated these changes would bring about 80 more cars off nearby state-maintained roads and onto school property, while acknowledging that even with the proposed changes, traffic will still likely back up on Athens Road during morning student drop-off and afternoon pick-up times.
Moving the project forward entails a four-step process, beginning with the School Board recommending the plan, Richey said. Then, because bond money would be used to pay for the portion of the project on school property, the plan must be approved by the county commissioners, then by the
NC Dept. of Public Instruction. NCDOT gives final approval for all changes to state-maintained roads, then must find the funds for the project.
The school system can get its part of the process, from bid to the end, completed in three months, Richey said, confirming the ideal time for road and driveway work in this area would be during the summer when school is out.
“So you’ll shoot for next summer?” Councilman Tim Jones asked, to which Richey answered, “We would love to at our end.”
To Foy’s question about what the town could do to expedite things, Richey recommended contacting its state representatives (Sen. Phil Berger and Rep. John Blust), who have pull with NCDOT.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
David Coates introduced himself as the newly elected District 3 Board of Education (BOE) representative and commended Richey on his presentation.
Hollie Reed asked Richey if someone could pay for officers to direct school traffic between now and when the improvements are made; he responded it would cost $600 per day to have someone direct traffic, and the school system cannot pay that.
Michael Logan, who lost his bid to remain on the BOE as District 3’s representative, said he would continue to be involved with Guilford County Schools. He then told the council the BOE recently approved funds for air conditioning, replacement of windows and roof repair on the Stokesdale Elementary gym. Logan then offered his personal email address to anyone wishing to contact him –tgwhunter@gmail.com.
Bill Goebel, who also lost his bid for the BOE’s District 3 representative, thanked everyone who had supported him in the November election.
“We’ve made a lot of friends here that we didn’t have before,” he said. “And while a door closed on Election Night, we’ll wait for another door to open.”
Tracy Williams, attorney
The Town of Stokesdale’s Events Committee proudly presents
2024 Stokesdale Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 14, 2 pm
Be sure to arrive early to enjoy local vendors and secure a good viewing spot!
Crafts and Vendors (Hosted by Purple Wagon Events) will be set up at the Stokesdale United Methodist Church at 9:00am. Thank you to this year’s parade sponsors
IN LOVING MEMORY OF MICKEY WAGONER May 27, 1940Oct. 29, 2024
SUMMERFIELD town council
Nov. 12 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
as reported by CHRIS BURRITT
SUMMERFIELD – Mayor Tim Sessoms called the monthly meeting to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney and council members Janelle Robinson, John Doggett, Jonathan Hamilton and Heath Clay present.
Sessoms thanked Town Manager Charles “Twig” Rollins and acting Town Clerk Jeff Bacon for arranging the livestreaming of the council’s meeting on the town’s new YouTube channel.
NEW STAFF
Four recently hired staff members introduced themselves: Jeanette Dockery, events coordinator and assistant to the manager, Jennifer Kelley, finance officer, Justin Snyder, planning director, and Eric Coon, parks and recreation director.
Later in the meeting, Rollins said he’s still working on filling the town clerk’s position. He explained that interim finance officer Dana Luther will remain on staff for about a
month to help Kelley get acclimated in her new role. After that, Luther will be available on an as-needed basis as an advisor to Rollins and Kelley.
CONSENT AGENDA
5 0 to adopt the consent agenda, which contained a resolution appointing Rollins to the additional post of deputy finance officer. It also included the meeting agenda and the open session minutes of the council’s May 29, June 6 and Oct. 8 meetings.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Touch-a-Truck a success. DeVaney said several hundred people attended the Touch-a-Truck kids’ event at Summerfield Athletic Park earlier this month.
Christmas Tree lighting. The annual lighting of the Christmas tree at Summerfield Athletic Park is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. this coming Saturday, Nov. 23.
Park staff kudos. DeVaney thanked
7604
Calmeria Court, Kernersville
Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO
After introducing himself at Summerfield’s Nov. 12 council meeting, new town manager Twig Rollins outlined his responsibilities. Moving the development of Bandera Farms Park forward is his No. 1 capital project to focus on, based on feedback he has received after meeting individually with council members and the mayor, Rollins said.
parks and recreation workers Rich Schlobohm and Scott Crews for their efforts to maintain and improve town facilities and properties in recent months.
Welcome, more thanks. Clay welcomed Rollins to his first regular council meeting as the town’s new manager. Hamilton and Sessoms thanked Dana Luther for serving as interim manager and interim finance officer.
Rabies clinic. The town and Guilford County Animal Services plan to host a free rabies clinic at Summerfield Community Center Jan. 18.
Veterans’ recognition. The council recognized three veterans in attendance – Rollins, Town Attorney Jim Hoffman and Summerfield resident Don Wendelken.
Historic plaques. Last week, the History Committee presented plaques recognizing the historical significance of the Martin house, the Gordon Hardware building and the Brittain building (site of Town Hall).
Martin’s Mercantile. Sessoms said owner Lauren Cox is preparing for the grand opening of Martin’s Mercantile in the renovated and updated Martin house.
Missed audit deadline. Summerfield missed state regulators’ Oct. 31
deadline for submitting the annual audit of the town’s finances, Luther said. The town’s new auditor, Tony Brewer, is assisting with completion of the audit for the fiscal year that ended June 30. (See related article about audit discussion on p. 2.)
PUBLIC SAFETY
Summerfield Fire District. The department responded to 125 calls for service in October; of those, 30 were fire-related, 54 were EMSrelated and 41 were miscellaneous. Staff installed 14 child safety seats.
Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s District 1 office responded to 292 calls for service in Summerfield last month, resulting in 16 case reports.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Kyle Stalls said he visited Stokesdale and Lewisville to thank their town councils for supporting Summerfield’s de-annexation fight, while DeVaney spoke to the Oak Ridge and Weddington councils.
Stalls urged Summerfield’s leaders and residents to continue talking about the de-annexation fight because other municipalities are facing issues of local autonomy.
Later, Hamilton and Clay thanked Stalls for his efforts in the town’s de-annexation fight.
Teresa Perryman said she’s pleased the town has resumed livestreaming of council meetings. She urged the council to adopt a social media policy that would prevent people from making negative comments on the Town’s social media sites such as Facebook.
Perryman also urged the council to abandon the recommendation Clay made last month for turning the community center into permanent meeting space for the town and no longer offering the option of renting it out to citizens for private events.
Separately, she reiterated her view that the town should not spend money on developing and installing a water system, but instead put funds into development of Bandera Farms Park. She also stressed her opposition to construction of the Atlantic and Yadkin (A&Y) Greenway along Summerfield Road.
In terms of major projects, Gail Dunham said, “Bandera should be No. 1.” She added that the proposal for erecting an elevated water storage tank should go before residents in a referendum.
James Brady, chair of the town’s Board of Adjustment, said the board’s recent denial of a variance request by the owners of 3.2 acres at N.C. 150 and Strader Road demonstrated “what some may perceive to be a deficiency” in the unified development ordinance (UDO).
Brady said he may introduce a text amendment to the UDO to create “wiggle room” for people seeking to build single-family homes on lots smaller than 40,000 square feet.
“What I’m suggesting is there could be a place for 30,000-squarefoot lots,” he said. (See related article on p. 22.)
For those council members who didn’t already know, Kathy Rooney said she had resigned from the Town’s Planning Board. While she declined to discuss her reasons, she addressed her disappointment
about the legislative de-annexation of developer David Couch’s nearly 1,000 acres from Summerfield.
“I’m really sorry what went down with the de-annexation,” Rooney said. She preferred that long-stalled negotiations between Couch and the council would have proved successful, leading the developer to present Summerfield with a rezoning request for his land.
Rooney’s property sits across Summerfield Road from Summerfield Farms, Couch’s event venue. Now that the developer’s property falls under Guilford County’s zoning jurisdiction, she said, “I have no recourse to go over there and make sure what is eventually granted to him is what is actually being done.”
Separately, Rooney said, the proposed A&Y Greenway would run along Summerfield Road’s public right of way, not on private property.
“People along the road who don’t like it, they have one voice along with the 11,000 other voices in this town,” she said. “Some
people would like to have it; some people wouldn’t.”
Later, Clay, Hamilton and Doggett thanked Rooney for her volunteerism, including 17 years on the Planning Board.
Lexie Cline questioned the sincerity of Hamilton’s proposal last month to explore ways to gather more public input and “to foster fellowship” with public forums because of his social media criticism of some residents, including the mayor.
“Tim Sessoms has neither been a stalwart guardian of Summerfield nor a leader trying to cultivate harmony or compromise, and I’m worried about the division he helped sow,” Hamilton wrote in a statement posted by the Rhino Times in August.
Hamilton was responding to Sessoms’s earlier comment to the online publication that “I don’t want to resign, but to be the master of ceremonies over this Ringling Brothers circus is pointless when I can’t do anything about it.”
After the Rhino Times posted an article in August stating that Sessoms doesn’t plan to resign, Hamilton wrote, “That is going to be sad news for Summerfield, I know many residents have expressed excitement that he was resigning. While I am always open to giving a person a chance, it is my observation that Sessoms has largely been an ineffective Mayor bitter that his friends on the previous council lost to myself and Heath Clay.”
Stating that “the most hateful rhetoric” comes from Sessoms’s supporters posting on the Summerfield Strong Facebook page, Hamilton wrote the mayor “certainly helps set the tone with statements that liken the council to ‘The Ringling Brothers Circus.’ If I wanted to be on his level, I would say he is sticking around because without him, we wouldn’t have a clown, but I won’t do that.’’
Beth Kaplan reminded the council members they had stressed they would be “open and transparent,” and then asked for an update on the status and costs of litigation involving Summerfield. That includes legal fees for a feasibility study to determine whether the town has grounds to sue the state legislature over its de-annexation of Couch’s property and the NAACP’s complaint that the town’s zoning practices have resulted in housing discrimination.
“In the name of transparency, I anxiously await your answers,” Kaplan said. She also thanked Luther for her service as the town’s interim manager and finance officer since June.
on p. 14
RESPONSES TO PUBLIC COMMENTS
Noting that Cline and Kaplan are related to councilman Doggett, Hamilton said he believes their criticism “is definitely aimed at trying to get into Patti Stokes’s Northwest Observer. I couldn’t disagree with them more,” he said. Then, referring to the critical remarks, he added, “in some ways they are definitely defamatory, potentially actionable.
“I feel like this town is actually on a good course now,” he added. “With the administration that is being built, this is a great opportunity for Summerfield.”
Hamilton defended his idea for starting Town Hall forums “to allow citizens to let us know what they like and what they don’t like.”
Luther thanked fellow staff members, volunteers and council members for their efforts since June when she took charge of Town Hall on an interim basis following the departure of town staff.
“This was a difficult undertaking,” Luther said. “With your help, we got through it, and I think we did a pretty good job.”
“I’m glad you can still laugh,” Robinson said.
“It’s better than crying,” Luther said.
MANAGER’S BUSINESS
Manager’s duties. As an explanation of his responsibilities, Rollins said “it is my job to execute the consensus of this board. It is not my job to be unilateral. It is not my job to set policy. It is not my job to set goals or vision.”
Those are responsibilities of the council, Rollins noted, explaining he has spent many hours meeting individually with the mayor and council members to understand their priorities. From those meetings emerged the No. 1 capital improvement project to focus on, which is developing Bandera Farms Park. Bandera Farms Park. Rollins said he’s scheduled a Dec. 4 meeting with engineering firm Pond, the Piedmont Land Conservancy, town staff, council members DeVaney and Clay and other parties “to get Bandera finished.” Planning involves “value engineering” to reduce costs, he said.
A&Y Greenway. Rollins said he, Clay and Doggett planned to meet with representatives of engineering firm Kimley-Horn for a progress report on plans for extending the
greenway from Greensboro through Summerfield.
Municipal water system. Rollins said he, Clay and Hamilton planned to meet with representatives of engineering firm Freese and Nichols to discuss plans for construction of an elevated water storage tank on the northern Gordon property. Initially for filling fire trucks, the tank would feed lines running along Summerfield Road and Highway 150.
Town welcome signs. Next month, Rollins said he plans to give the council estimates for erecting four welcome signs that will cost less than $75,000.
Property inspection. Rollins said he’s inspected all town properties and found “lots of deferred maintenance. I will be coming for funds.”
In addition, he’s contacted the state probation and parole agency about assigning people under its supervision to help maintain and clean up the town’s properties.
COUNCIL’S BUSINESS
Board appointments
5 0 to appoint Sonja Turner to the History Committee and, in a separate vote, Maria Adams to the Founders’ Day Committee.
5 0 to move Kyle Stalls from an alternate on the Planning Board to a regular member to replace Kathy Rooney.
Town seal. By consensus, the council instructed Rollins to use the seal with “Town of Summerfield” written prominently, instead of the seal featuring the Revolutionary War bugler boy, on signs and decals.
New Christmas tree 5 0 to approve the expenditure of $7,100 for a pre-lit artificial tree to replace the stringing of lights for the town’s annual tree lighting. Setting up the lights costs $750 to $1,500 each year, so replacing them with a 14-foot-tall tree expected to last 20 or more years represents a good investment, Rollins said.
Tree lighting menu. At Rollins’ recommendation, the council agreed to provide pizza from Domino’s in Summerfield for the tree lighting ceremony, replacing the menu from Chick-fil-A that has been served in previous years.
Overflow parking. The council pushed back on Rollins’s suggestion that it approve the use of the Town Hall parking lot at N.C. 150 and Summerfield Road to accommodate overflow parking for visitors to Martin’s Mercantile, which will soon open across the street. Later, the renovation of the historic Gordon Hardware building for use as a retail store will create the need for more parking. Council members cited safety concerns for people crossing the
...continued on p. 36
Thanks to SMA member Pat O’Neal with The Carolina Signsmith and his wife, Kim, for hosting our Nov. 5 meeting in their home, and to all of our members who contributed to our “Friendsgiving” meal. We thoroughly enjoyed our time together, delicious food, and a beautiful evening at the O’Neal home. Welcome to our newest members, The Gardens at Gray Gables, All American Pet Resort and Alloy Personal Training!
STOKESDALE TC
Rigsbee thanked Logan and Goebel for attending meetings in Stokesdale over the last several months and for advocating for schools in northwest Guilford County.
“We hope that will continue with the board member-elect,” he said.
Richey then came back to the speakers’ podium and explained he couldn’t guarantee how fast the traffic project at Stokesdale Elementary would move forward because some of it is out of his control.
“I am only going to guarantee that which I can,” he said. “But, what I can guarantee is that I’ll do everything I can to get this done as quickly as possible.”
With the period for public comments closed, the council moved on to other business.
5 0 to have Robbie Wagoner, town administrator/clerk, compose a letter to Sen. Phil Berger, Rep. John Blust and Michael Fox with the N.C. Board of Transportation outlining the car rider traffic issues at Stokesdale Elementary and proposed solution, with a request to help move the road improvement project forward as soon as possible – and to have all council members sign the letter.
4
1 (in separate votes) to approve minutes of the Sept. 9, 2020 and Nov. 12, 2020 closed session meetings and Oct. 24, 2024 special
called council meeting; Jones voted nay because he didn’t attend the meetings. The council also voted 5-0 to approve the Sept. 12, 2024 regular council meeting minutes.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Stokesdale Fire Dept. Fire Chief Todd Gauldin said the department responded to 88 calls for service in October. Of those, 40 were medical-related, 12 fire-related and 36 miscellaneous.
As a safety tip, Gauldin urged residents to make sure they have a functioning smoke detector in every bedroom and outside of every sleeping area, and to test them at least once a month.
“And if you know someone who can’t afford one or needs help installing one, call us at the station,” he said.
Sheriff’s District 1 office. Town administrator/clerk Robbie Wagoner read a report submitted by Sgt. Ryan Seals, noting the District 1 office responded to 164 calls for service last month in Stokesdale, resulting in 10 case reports; there were no significant incidents or crime trends.
ADMINISTRATIVE
Foy asked Town Finance Officer Kim Thacker the status of the town’s annual audit, and she said the goal is to have it submitted by the Nov. 30 extended deadline.
Wagoner then gave a report on the town’s water system and skimmed over a three-page report he provided in the
council’s packet of administrative activities that occurred in October and are scheduled for upcoming weeks.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Town Park Improvement. Chair Tee Stephenson said soccer field lighting is a priority for the committee, which is also discussing additional security lighting at the basketball and pickleball courts.
Also a volunteer with the Christmas Parade, Stephenson said the town has secured 20 parade sponsors and 26 parade entrants have registered thus far, with the parade entry registration deadline on Dec. 9. The NWHS marching band will be back this year, he added.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Thacker gave an overview of the town’s revenue and expenses for the month of October in the general and water enterprise accounts and noted the town has received $4,500 from parade sponsorships and entries to date.
OLD BUSINESS
Athletic field lighting. Foy noted Reynolda Electric Company, the selected vendor for athletic (soccer) field lighting in the town park, attended a special called council meeting last month and answered questions about the GeoSport lighting system it recommended, which includes a 25-year warranty on the full system. Thacker was asked to explain where the $410,662 for the lighting system will come from and she stated the town has $276,791 remaining in federal ARPA funds plus $175,000 from a state grant that is designated specifically for town park improvements. After paying for the lighting system, $41,129 will be left in grant funding for other projects.
Duke Energy will upgrade the electrical supply to Stokesdale Town Park from a 240-volt single-phase system to a 480-volt three-phase system.
NEW BUSINESS
...continued from p. 10 ...continued on
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
5 0 to approve Foy’s motion to enter into contract with Reynolda Electric Company to install a lighting system for the soccer fields in the town park, with a stipulation that the company use a manufacturer-approved installer.
Developer request. Foy said he spoke with the developer of property on Plunkett Road in Forsyth County about a 64-single-family home development the developer hopes to tie into Stokesdale’s water system.
Because the development is outside the town’s jurisdiction, it would charge a 30% premium for water usage, Foy noted. With that, revenue from 64 homes is estimated at $45,691 per year, and would yield $30,611 net after the cost of water.
Council then discussed the town’s current option to purchase up to 500,000 gallons per day from Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County Utilities and its predicted needs over the next several years.
The town’s water consumption for the last five years has increased by an average of 18,000 gallons per day; for 2024 it averaged 185,000 gallons per day, Foy noted.
Councilman Jimmy Landreth asked if any of the projections for water consumption over the next 20 years take potential commercial or industrial development into consideration and Aaron Babson with Hazen & Sawyer, the town’s water engineering firm, said no, but the water system master plan is being updated. As part of that update, Hazen & Sawyer will assess the infrastructure needed for potential water system growth as well as funding options such as grants.
When asked whether WinstonSalem/Forsyth County Utilities would be willing to increase the amount of water it sells to the town in the future, Babson said his firm would be asking that.
“We should be good for 15 to 20 years, but the biggest variable for me is, what is the ceiling for how much water we could buy from Forsyth County?” Foy said.
Jones suggested drawing up a standalone agreement stating that any water supplied to a development outside of the Stokesdale town limits not be deducted from the town’s 500,000-gallons-per-day capacity.
To Brent Sievers, an engineer and project manager representing the developer on Plunkett Road, Foy said,
Roger Southern honored with DAR community service award
contributed
by
JANELLE JOHNSON
MADISON/STOKESDALE – On Oct. 27, Roger Southern, a dedicated member of Madison United Methodist Church, was recognized by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) with the prestigious Community Service Award. Presented by the James Hunter Chapter in Madison, the award celebrates individuals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to serving their communities.
Janelle Johnson, Community Service chairperson of the James Hunter Chapter, said Southern’s efforts embody the spirit of selflessness, much like the Good Samaritan.
“His dedication spans multiple outreach initiatives, including his work with the Hands of God Food Pantry,” Johnson said. “When the pantry receives items it cannot use, Southern ensures they are redirected to those in need or donated to the Salvation Army, keeping them out of landfills. He also contributes to the church’s clothing closet, personally delivering clothing to individuals in need whenever he learns of someone requiring assistance.”
A mail carrier for over 40 years, Southern remains active in his 70s. Rather than retire when he became eligible a few years ago, he continues to work and uses his job with Stokesdale’s post office to connect with and serve his postal patrons beyond delivering their mail to them. He also uses his income to give back to others through his various outreach ministries.
As an example, when he heard about families with children on his route who were struggling to afford milk, he personally delivered some to them. Through his connections in
the Postal Workers Association, he also identifies individuals who would benefit from prayer shawls, coordinating with his church’s prayer shawl group to have them made.
Johnson noted that Southern’s contributions extend to his church as well.
“He plays a vital role in the Men’s Ministries’ fundraiser, overseeing the preparation of boiled peanuts, from purchasing supplies to organizing the cooking process,” she said. “On Sundays, he provides breakfast between services, personally purchasing and preparing a spread of meats, eggs, fruit, donuts, and biscuits. He also cooks meals for special church events such as Easter egg hunts and picnics.
“Roger Southern exemplifies what it means to serve a community,” Johnson added. “We need more individuals like Roger, who see a need and work tirelessly to find a solution.”
Photo courtesy of Janelle Johnson
Roger Southern, a Madison resident and longtime mail carrier with Stokesdale’s post office, poses with the community service award he received on Oct. 27 for the many ways he serves his community, his postal patrons and his church. The award was presented by Janelle Johnson (left), Community Service chairperson of the James Hunter Chapter of the DAR, and Glover Lowery (right), with Madison United Methodist Church, where Southern attends.
OAK RIDGE town council
Nov. 7 / MEETING
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.
PROCLAMATION
Honoring American Indians. Kinneman read a proclamation declaring November as National American Indian Heritage Month, recognizing the customs, traditions and contributions of American Indians.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Oak Ridge Fire Department. Lt. Mike Ritchey reported the department responded to 88 calls for service in October; of those, 41 were medical-related calls and five were motor vehicle accidents. Staff completed 286 hours of training.
Sheriff’s Office. The District 1 office reported it responded to 176 calls for service in Oak Ridge last month,
HIGHLIGHTS
resulting in 11 case reports but no significant incidents.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Bill Goebel thanked Oak Ridge voters who supported his bid for the county’s District 3 school board seat. Running as an unaffiliated candidate, he finished third behind victor David Coates, a Democratic newcomer, and Republican Michael Logan.
Logan, the current District 3 school board rep, also expressed his appreciation for residents who voted for him.
MANAGER’S REPORT
Committee appointments
5 0 to appoint Allison Corado as a regular member of the Tree Committee and Holly Stewart as an alternate on the Finance Committee. Separately, the council voted unanimously to reappoint Adrian Eckenrod to the Parks and Recreation (P&R) Advisory Board.
5 0 to support Summerfield’s application for a Great Trails State Program grant for construction of the Piedmont Greenway through Bandera Farms Park.
The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation grant for approximately $300,000 requires matching funds that would be paid with federal pandemic relief money administered by Guilford County, according to Town Manager Bill Bruce.
“It’s right next to us; we’re definitely going to benefit from it,” said Kinneman, referring to the 120-acre hiking and horseback-riding park planned for Bunch Road at Interstate 73.
NEW BUSINESS Water line funding
5 0 to approve a resolution accepting a 2023 state appropriation of $4.43 million for the construction of a 3.2-mile water line along N.C. 150 from Kernersville to an elevated water storage tank to be built behind Town Hall. Construction of the tank is scheduled to start soon, Bruce said.
Farmhouse Community Center policies
3 2 (Schneider and Harton opposed) to continue until the council’s Dec. 5 meeting the possible approval of rental fees, alcohol consumption and other policies for the Farmhouse Community Center.
The council instructed the P&R Board to revisit and clarify some of the policies, such as the requirement that businesses and others conducting commerce during their rentals provide proof of $1 million of liability insurance. Kinneman and Stone questioned whether individuals selling art or leading exercise classes, as examples, should be required to have that much insurance.
Stone and Greeson said they believe rental fees, such as $20 an hour with a two-hour minimum
for residents, are too low. Council members also debated the proposal allowing people over 65 years old to use the center at no charge for a minimum of two hours Monday through Thursday, based on availability.
Stone objected to proposals for alcohol consumption, signs, inclement weather and some other rules.
“The bones are good,” he said, referring to the rough draft of proposals reviewed by the council. “I want to have everything a little cleaner.”
Schneider disagreed with Stone, saying that “policy is best when it doesn’t try to envision every single thing that happens.” As proposed, decision making on rentals would fall on the P&R Board and Brock Dunigan, the town’s parks superintendent.
Schneider said she’s “in favor of moving forward” with the adoption of policies upon which council members agreed. As an example, Town Attorney Michael Thomas said proposed alcohol rules, such as requiring a caterer or licensed bartender to provide the town with a copy of its ABC off-premises license and proof of liability insurance, would be sufficient to protect the town from potential litigation.
Kinneman said he’s opposed to “a piecemeal approach” and wants to return the rough draft to the P&R Board “for a little tweaking. We don’t have to rush this” since rental of the center won’t start until around February, he said.
Later in the meeting, P&R Board co-chair Adrian Eckenrod said the board will provide feedback to the council about how it arrived at proposed policies for the center.
Ben Walraven urged the council to refrain from adopting policies that would discourage use of the center.
Recording of town meetings 3 2 (Schneider and Harton opposed) to continue until the
council’s January meeting the discussion of whether and how to record and broadcast committee, board and commission meetings.
The two-month delay “will give us some time to decompress a little bit and get a little more information,” Kinneman said after council members discussed to what extent Oak Ridge’s statutorily required and volunteer committees should be required to record or livestream meetings using platforms such as Zoom.
Earlier in the meeting, six members of the Special Events, Conservation Easement, Finance and some other committees stated their opposition to the recording of meetings.
Patti Dmuchowski, chair of the Special Events Committee, said at least one committee member would resign if the council takes that step, and others have expressed opposition to it.
Dmuchowski said taping would threaten “the creativity and spontaneity of the group,” which “brainstorms many ideas, from the ridiculous to the solid.”
“This proposal adds no value to the work of our volunteer committees,” said Martha Pittman, of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail Committee. “On the contrary, it will stifle creativity, sow distrust and discourage citizens from serving our town as volunteers.”
After speaking to members of other committees, Special Events co-chair Ben Walraven said, “It is clear the committee members feel like there is an element of distrust that is sort of being waved around.”
The public can attend meetings during which minutes are taken and rules are followed, Walraven said.
“Now you want to put another onerous regulation on us,” he said. “It just doesn’t fly.”
He added that recording meetings will require training of committee members and staff, possibly requiring additional pay for staff members who work longer hours to attend meetings.
If taken out of context, recorded comments can “possibly be used in a nefarious manner,” said Eckenrod, co-chair of the P&R Board.
Schneider and Hartron agreed that recording or livestreaming of meetings may discourage open discussion by committee members or possibly lead to resignations.
“Why on earth would we risk that?” Schneider said. Recording of meetings signals “profound distrust” and represents “a form of surveillance” by the council.
“I believe the committee members will find the best path forward by freely challenging each other,” Harton said.
Kinneman argued that recording meetings advances openness in town affairs.
“The purpose of public meetings is to ensure transparency in government decision making, which includes discussion at all stages, whether fully formed or preliminary,” he said.
Some people are too busy to attend meetings due to work and family obligations or can’t attend because of health reasons, according to the mayor. By recording or livestreaming meetings, he said, “we build trust, foster engagement and create a more informed community.”
The council’s meetings are
...continued on p. 20
DECEMBER 7, 2024 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm Oak Ridge Town Park Join us for a free, fun, & fabulous family holiday event!
2-4 pm - Hayrides with the Grinch and Letters to Santa 2-7 pm - Craft & Food Vendors
2:00 pm - Holiday Music by Central Baptist Band 2:30 pm - ORE Jumpers 3:00 pm - Destination Arts Dancers 3:30 pm - ORE Choir 4-6:30 pm - Visits with Santa 5:30 pm - Community Sing by Presbyterian Church and Hot Chocolate Served by Summit Church 5:45 pm - Lighting of Town Tree & Luminaries Additional parking available in parking lot on Linville Rd., SECU, & Cross Fit
by
Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
OAK RIDGE TOWN COUNCIL
livestreamed on YouTube and minutes are taken of other board and committee meetings. Requiring the audio or video recording of committee meetings would represent “nothing more than a consistent application of the best practices already in use in the town,” said Stone, who originally proposed the idea of recording committee meetings. “In all reality, this is just a housekeeping issue.”
While he supports a consistent policy for committees, Greeson said he favors delaying a decision until January to give staff the opportunity to evaluate various methods of recording and livestreaming of meetings. Schneider and Kinneman said they also want to gather feedback from more committee members and residents.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Historic Preservation Commission. Member Barbara Engel reported
from p. 19
the commission continued until its Nov. 20 meeting consideration of issuing a certificate of appropriateness for the demolition of the historic house at 2204 Oak Ridge Road, next to the Sherwin-Williams store.
Mountains-to-Sea Trail Committee. Chair Anne Steele said the Headwaters Trail northwest of town “has made it through recent storms in decent shape,” requiring minor maintenance and monitoring of some drainage problems.
Conservation Easement Committee. Chair Stephanie Farrell said the committee is monitoring the progress of two properties awarded conservation easement grants.
The grants are helping defray costs for establishing a conservation easement on the Sanders-Blaylock house property, at 1815 Oak Ridge Road, and for helping pay for an easement for approximately 17 acres
of open space at 2120 Beeson Road.
Special Events Committee. Chair Patti Dmuchowski said the first phase of the Veterans Honor Green was nearly complete in advance of the grand opening on Veterans Day Nov. 11. Preparation is underway for Light Up the Night festivities scheduled for Dec. 7.
Tree Board. Co-chair Roy Nydorf said the committee is measuring trees that were nominated for the town’s Treasure Tree program.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Co-chair Adrian Eckenrod said the operation of security cameras at Heritage Farm Park was awaiting the installation of internet service.
Triad Municipal ABC Board. Jimm Barbery, Oak Ridge’s representative on the board, reported the town received $45,026 as its share of
YOUR QUESTIONS
...continued from p. 4
and Greensboro ABC versus a much more favorable 70/30 split that Summerfield contractually locked into years ago. The profit share from Greensboro ABC to Stokesdale would have only been a fraction of what Summerfield sees on similar top-line sales.”
Foy said he isn’t opposed to an ABC store operating in Stokesdale, but respects the fact that two members of the Town Council were strongly opposed to it.
the board’s quarterly profits from July through September.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
“Sometimes progress is ugly, but progress none the less,” Stone said.
“It’s been a long night,” Harton said. He thanked committee members who expressed their views.
Schneider thanked “everyone for hanging in here,” including Scouts who attended the meeting.
“No question, making policy has been described as making sausage,” Kinneman said. “It is not pretty; it can take a long time.”
Greeson offered no comments.
CLOSED SESSION
The council entered a closed session to discuss a legal matter. After reconvening, no action was taken, and the meeting was adjourned at about 10:05 p.m.
“These guys are my friends and colleagues,” he said. “We work together and find common ground when possible on issues important to how the Town government operates and best serves the folks who live here. I put great value on that collaboration and see no need to jeopardize it over a liquor store.
“And for what it’s worth, I haven’t had one citizen reach out to me and say that the Town needs an ABC store,” he concluded. “So several variables are at play here... and at the end of the day, the juice wasn’t worth the squeeze.”
Disney Construction Co.
Grateful for the opportunities to create ‘this sacred space called home’ for countless families
When Oak Ridge residents Francis and Patti Disney started their construction business 40 years ago, their goal was to provide a place for families to gather and call home.
Patti still remembers the company’s first spec home, a small ranch located on Zack Road in Oak Ridge. From those humble beginnings, Disney Construction Co. has since earned a time-tested reputation for quality custom home building, and is now one of the most sought-after builders in northwest Guilford County.
“We are grateful to the many people who assisted, supported and gave us confidence along the way,” Patti said.
Over the years the Disneys have seen their share of business highs and lows, including volatile interest rates and market conditions and rapidly increasing residential development. Patti credits Francis and his steadfastness, faith and determination for keeping the company strong even in the leanest of times.
“When the industry experienced low points, Francis never failed to put on his work boots, pack his
peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich and set out to earn what was needed for the family,” Patti said. “Today it’s a ham and cheese, but his work ethic remains the same.
“As we move into the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, we pause to reflect with gratitude the opportunities we have had to provide homes for countless families throughout the area,” she added.
While slowly transitioning out of the day-to-day operations of the business, Francis and Patti are passing the baton to their son, Mark, with confidence the company will continue to flourish under his watch.
Since joining his parents in the business over 16 years ago, Mark has proven to be a skilled craftsman and a force within the local building industry. He has served as president of the Greater Greensboro Builders Association and was one of Triad Business Journal’s 2018 “Forty Under Forty.” His wife, Jennifer, assists with selection and design of new homes and oversees the company’s marketing and social media program.
The Disneys are deeply grateful for
The Disney clan is thankful for the hundreds of homeowners who have entrusted Disney Construction Co. to build their homes over the last 40 years.
the people who have helped build their company – their loyal subcontractors, sales representatives, and suppliers.
“Our subcontractors and suppliers are more like extended family,” Patti said. “We rely on them to help provide our homebuyers with personal attention and walk them through the process of building their custom home. In the end, they take as much pride in the finished home as we do.
“We hope the next generation will look at homeownership and the trades as something to consider,” Patti added. “The home provides an atmosphere to nurture the family. The trades offer the opportunity to put our God-given talents into creating this sacred space we call home.”
With the reputation Francis and Patti have earned for quality construction and homeowner satisfaction
the years combined with the youthful energy and leadership Mark and Jennifer have provided, the family business is well-positioned to stand on solid ground for generations to come.
“As we move forward with great confidence in the future, we would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss building your custom home in one of our neighborhoods, or wherever you’d like to be in the northwest area,” Patti said.
The chair of the Board of Adjustment said he may propose an amendment to the town’s unified development ordinance allowing smaller lots for single-family houses
by CHRIS BURRITT
Quality Craftsmanship
SUMMERFIELD – A vote by the town’s Board of Adjustment (BOA) to deny a zoning variance to accommodate four roughly 30,000-square-foot housing lots prompted the board’s chair to propose amending Summerfield’s development rules to allow smaller lots.
The board voted in September to deny a request for the variance for 3.2 acres at N.C. 150 and Strader Road. The owners sought the variance so they could build “affordable workforce housing” on lots consisting of 31,000 square feet to 33,000 square feet. That’s less than the minimum lot size of 40,000 square feet for single-family homes required by the town’s unified development ordinance (UDO).
Speaking at last week’s Town Council meeting, BOA Chair James Brady said the denial of the variance request “pointed out what some may perceive as a deficiency in the UDO.”
Brady told council members he was seeking their feedback before drafting a text amendment “to permit 30,000-square-foot lots under certain circumstances.”
How the council reacts may show its willingness to allow construction of smaller houses almost five months after losing its de-annexation battle with developer David Couch. During several public hearings, some residents said they’d be open to Couch’s proposal for smaller and multi-family
A variance request for 3.2 acres at N.C. 150 and Strader Road has been denied. The property was rezoned for residential development this past summer, and the owners had hoped to get a variance that would allow them to build four houses on 30,000+-squarefoot-lots as opposed to the minimum 40,000-square-foot-lots required by Summerfield’s development ordinance.
housing as long as he wasn’t allowed to build Summerfield’s first apartments.
During last week’s meeting, councilman Heath Clay said the council “needs to look into” Brady’s proposal with input from Town Manager Charles “Twig” Rollins.
The zoning of the Strader Road property has been in flux since earlier this year. In February, the council denied a request to rezone the property to accommodate medical and
File photo
‘Let’s be candid: Summerfield’s going to grow’
The de-annexation of developer David Couch’s property won’t ease pressures on development and the need for planning, according to the new town manager
by CHRIS BURRITT
SUMMERFIELD – Town Manager
Charles “Twig” Rollins said the legislative de-annexation of nearly 1,000 acres owned by developer David Couch didn’t change the development outlook for the rest of the town.
“Twig” Rollins
“Everybody needs to accept we’re going to grow,” Rollins said in an interview last week. “We’re going to have commercial, we’re going to have housing, we’re going to have… you can fill in the blank. Only the ignorant person thinks we’re not going to grow and we’re going to be able to stay the same as we are right now.”
Rollins said he’s conveyed that view to council members since taking charge at Town Hall Oct. 13. In the almost five months since lawmakers de-annexed Couch’s property, council members have bemoaned the decision, but said little publicly about how they envision development unfolding elsewhere in Summerfield.
Based on his discussions with council members, Rollins said he believes they “agree as a whole Summerfield is going to grow.”
For residents at large, he added, “I respect the side that wants to keep it one way and the side that wants to keep it another. But everybody needs to understand Summerfield is going to grow. We’re sitting next to the 69th largest city in the United States. If you look at all the major metropolitan areas, all of the suburbs are blowing up.”
Rollins said he’s also told council members that “Summerfield needs to be visionary and say, ‘we want to grow this here and this here.’ We need to manage that growth. What does that look like? I don’t know right now, but we need citizen participation in every major decision that we make.”
The council’s strategic planning retreat, slated for early next year, will give the council the opportunity to jump-start efforts to adopt a land use plan and proceed with updates to the comprehensive plan and unified development ordinance.
Those efforts stalled as the council fought de-annexation, which took effect in late June. Starting next month, the town’s new planning director, Justin Snyder, will join the town staff from Guilford County where he was a senior planner.
“We just need to update all of our planning development documents,” Rollins said. “And that update needs to have copious amounts of citizen involvement and input.”
Land development planning is “an ongoing thing for every community,” he said. “Your vision today is not your vision tomorrow.”
Oak Ridge SHOP • DINE
Destination Arts: Center for A family culture and sense of belonging underlie the center’s
When Cameron Ligon opened Destination Arts Center 11 years ago in a small space in Oak Ridge Commons, she envisioned making a huge impact on the community by giving both children and adults a place to grow creatively and gain confidence. By all accounts, her vision has become a reality.
In 2017, the performing arts center expanded its space at Oak Ridge Commons and this past spring, it expanded yet again. A second studio opened last year in Summerfield Village Shopping Center at 4446 U.S. 220 North.
“Our Summerfield campus has been great,” Ligon said. “It’s been fun to meet kids from farther out in our northwest community and help them find their studio home. Plus, we’ve been able to give students more class options and days/times
that work with their schedules, since Oak Ridge stays very full.”
Both the Oak Ridge and Summerfield locations offer dance lessons for students 18 months and up; acrobatics/ tumbling lessons for ages 3 and up; and private music lessons in voice, piano and guitar for ages 5 and up. Last year the Oak Ridge studio added adult coed tap/jazz and adult hip hop to its line-up.
Ligon said her adult students love the community and camaraderie they find at Destination Arts.
“It’s a fun environment that students can enjoy while getting in some movement and improving their skills,” she said. “No experience is necessary. You just have to like having a great time.”
This past September, Destination Arts introduced yet
Photo courtesy of Destination Arts
Commons
DINE • ENJOY
Oak Ridge, at the corner of NC Highways 68 and 150
for Performing Arts center’s continuous growth
another offering at its Oak Ridge campus –Bloom Fine Arts Preschool, a half-day, fine arts-based preschool that preps 3- to 4-yearold students for kindergarten and beyond.
“The preschool is led by Kate Harding and Mary Crilly, who have taught preschool in the area for years and are well-loved and highly trained,” Ligon said.
While the programs offered by Destination Arts are wildly popular, Ligon believes it’s the center’s philosophy that has made it so successful.
A large poster hanging on one wall of the studio displays the company’s culture/ mission statement. There, the first thing you’ll see listed is “family first.”
“Miss Amanda, our operations manager, knows everyone when they walk in the door. She is awesome at making families feel welcome, and in everything we do, that’s always the overall voice,” Ligon said.
The center’s instructors are united in their mission to not only teach dance and music lessons, but to cultivate a feeling of family while providing an excellent student experience, Ligon added.
“We want our students to have a sense of belonging when they come through our doors,” she stressed.
The staff is also intentional about helping instill confidence in their students, and nothing makes them smile more than seeing a child blossom through having gained that confidence.
Ligon credits her staff for embracing the center’s mission.
“Most of my work is behind the scenes; the real ‘MVPs’ of our organization are our wonderful staff,” she said. “I’m very proud of them for always going the extra mile to love on and nurture our wonderful students.”
VETERANS HONOR GREEN DEDICATED
...continued from p. 1
on the journey, acknowledging the challenges and triumphs experienced over the five years of planning.
“Leading this committee was a new experience for me,” Dmuchowski said. “But our team was incredible, with everyone contributing unique talents. Some were visionaries, others focused on logistics, and many enhanced the site’s visual appeal with gardening and creative skills.”
Initially, the project was considered for Oak Ridge’s original park across Linville Road. However, the committee later shifted the location to Heritage Farm Park, which proved ideal.
“The spot near the pines was perfect,” Dmuchowski explained. “It’s close to the youth athletic fields yet offers a serene area for reflection. We also thought about the summer
heat and found a shaded place where people could sit comfortably.”
The committee collaborated with Mark and Anna Reaves of Revington Reaves, a local landscape architecture firm, to design the Honor Green. Their vision included monuments dedicated to all six branches of the U.S. military. After gathering public feedback during an open house, the design was finalized with little need for adjustment.
Fundraising became the next hurdle. Committee members approached local businesses and individuals with a presentation to garner support.
“The community’s generosity was overwhelming,” Dmuchowski said.
“Everyone we spoke to had a personal connection to a veteran, which made this project deeply meaningful.”
Although rising costs presented additional challenges, the committee remained steadfast.
“We never gave up,” Dmuchowski said. “When the dedication day arrived, I was focused on the details, but later, sitting quietly at the site, I realized how extraordinary this achievement was. It’s a tribute to my father and all veterans who have served.”
Phase I of the Veterans Honor Green is now complete, but the work continues. The committee has already been raising funds for Phase 2, which will include a boardwalk through the pine trees and educational plaques about the 13 military conflicts involving the U.S. The goal is to honor veterans while teaching younger generations about the nation’s history.
Dmuchowski expressed heartfelt gratitude to committee members Amy and Brent Carrickhoff,
SMALLER LOTS?
...continued from p. 22
professional offices. The conditional business rezoning request drew objections from nearby residents, including Jessica and Pat Sterling, who bought the property in May. Aside from block commercial development of the property, they planned to build moderately priced housing, as recommended by Summerfield’s comprehensive plan.
The couple faced a two-step process to proceed with plans to subdivide their property into lots of roughly 30,000 square feet.
This past summer, they applied for and won the council’s approval to rezone the property to residential (RS). Under that designation, lots must be at least 40,000 square feet, according to the UDO.
Ann Schneider, Barb Engel, Ben Walraven, Caroline Ruch, Claudia Whitaker, Corinne Pickford, Courtenay Benbow Harton, Danny Yanusz, Diana Macklin, Martha Pittman, Olivia Rudolph, Rose Shetzley, and Sue Madison.
“Without them this never would have happened,” she said.
want to help?
The Special Events Committee has raised $20,000 toward Phase 2, with $50,000 committed by the Town of Oak Ridge. The total estimated cost is $80,000–$85,000.
To contribute or purchase a commemorative brick paver, visit www.oakridgenc.com, stop by Oak Ridge Town Hall on Linville Road, or call (336) 644-7009.
As a result, the Strader Road property owners sought the zoning variance from the BOA. The board denied the request, partly because “zoning in the UDO basically allows two outcomes for the number of housing units per acre,” Brady told the council last week.
First is the RS designation for one house on a minimum of 40,000 square feet, according to Brady. Second is the allowance of 3.46 units per acre in the open space –mixed-use village district. The council adopted that designation in hopes of persuading Couch to drop his pursuit of legislative de-annexation of his nearly 1,000 acres in Summerfield.
“There is a large void in the middle, no wiggle room” in the UDO’s zoning designations, Brady said. “I am suggesting that there could be a place for 30,000-squarefoot lots.”
“probably the biggest obstacle” was her lack of “access to passwords for the things that were necessary to conduct town business. Unfortunately, we are still working through some of that.”
As an example, Luther said, “we still don’t have complete control over Facebook… In this day and age, unfortunately, a lot of things are tied to your personal cellphone. It makes it difficult to change things over when people leave.”
Recently, town staff created a YouTube channel that enabled livestreaming of last week’s council meeting after five months of meetings not being recorded.
Clay asked Luther whether the council could have done a better job helping with the transition of staff.
“I would say an exit strategy… for your town manager,” she said. “I think that you need processes and procedures in place when you go from one (manager) to the next.”
Hamilton asked whether the previous staff had been helpful.
“I worked closely with the finance officer and she was very forthcoming,” Luther said. “She tried to provide all of the information that she could provide in such a limited time. It would have been nicer to have a longer transition. I know there were complications with that.”
On June 10, Hall’s last day on the job, she met with newly hired Luther to discuss the transition of financial responsibilities.
Hall “was trying to provide me as much as she could about everything,” Luther said. “I have pages and pages of notes.”
Whitaker’s last day of employment with the Town of Summerfield was the same day as Hall’s.
Asked by Clay about her interactions with Whitaker, Luther said she “met with him shortly, but then he was
coordinating with the IT people so I didn’t have a whole lot of interaction with him.”
The decision by the majority on the council in February not to renew Whitaker’s employment contract, without stating a reason – and, its initial decision not to provide him with a severance package – prompted the resignation of the entire town staff, which left in the weeks leading up to Whitaker and Hall’s June 10 departure.
“Do we still not have access to the hard drive?” Robinson asked. Luther
replied that “it’s only been a little over a month… that we have access to the final stuff that was locked up.”
Sessoms interrupted the questioning, saying “this is neither new business or other business or on the agenda.”
The mayor then ceded to Clay’s request to ask Luther a final question, which was for advice to the council or the new manager.
“Pretty much, do what’s best for the town,” Luther said. “Don’t get into the politics.”
FOR THE LOVE OF GARRET
a much stronger bond between the veteran and the dog,” the organization’s website states.
...continued from p. 9
past September, raised $60,000 for SGK9s.
HOT. RAIN. COLD.
The program, which lasts six to eight months, includes weekly classes combined with an additional 10 hours of practice on what the veteran and dog team have learned, real-world public access training, and personalized assistive training. Many veterans bring their own dogs to the program, while SGK9s assists those without a canine partner in finding a suitable match.
Located on a 13-acre property, the facility provides a tranquil environment with walking trails, a fishing pond, and even a woodworking shop. It also hosts monthly family events to foster community and support.
Since its inception in 2017, GTF has funded 127 veteran-dog teams, with each pairing requiring $2,500 to train.
RAISING AWARENESS AND FUNDS
GTF’s first fundraiser was a humble yard sale.
“We all cleaned out our closets and ended up buying each other’s stuff,” Katy joked. “We made about $500.”
Over time, fundraising efforts have grown more ambitious and now include an annual golf tournament. The sixth event, held this
Katy also authored a children’s book, “Boots,” illustrated by Oak Ridge artist Leanne Pizio. The story, told from the perspective of a dog named Ella, focuses on Boots, a veteran who suffers from PTSD. Ella remembers what he was like before he left for war and realizes how different he is since he returned home. Much to Ella’s delight, Boots is able to get help, not surprisingly from a place called Saving Grace.
“There weren’t any good books on PTSD for families to use to talk with their kids,” Katy explained. “This gives them a way to open up a dialogue.”
Through the Garret Torney Foundation, Katy and her team are keeping Garret’s memory alive by helping other veterans find healing and hope.
want to help?
The “Boots” children’s book is $20, and all proceeds go to GTF. To place an order, contact Katy at (336) 339-7818 or email cjtorney@icloud.com.
For more information on GTF, visit thegarrettorneyfoundation.com.
For more information on Saving Grace K9s, visit www.savinggracek9s.org.
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
Call or text: 336-274-7649
Summerfield and Greensboro
FALL into a new smile!
0% Financing for Smiles!
With more than 150 combined years of orthodontic experience, our private practice knows how to make you smile! We welcome patients of all ages and offer both braces and aligners. At our office, you can expect beautiful results as well as a fun, patient-centered experience. Call or text us at 336-274-7649 for a free new patient exam today!
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!
Local equestrian team earns national honors
contributed by LAUREN RIEHLE
SUMMERFIELD – High Caliber
Reynolds & Stoner ORTHODONTICS
Stables National Academy Team competed and received top honors at the National Academy Championship Horse Show in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Oct. 31 – Nov. 3. The team took 17 riders and 10 horses to compete among the best-of-the-best Academy riders in the country.
All 17 riders made it to the Finals round in their respective divisions and classes, a feat almost unheard of. As a team they walked away with 22 first-place awards and a multitude of additional ribbons. The instructors also earned “The Instructors of the Year Award” for Meredith Ross, Abigail Jones, and Lauren Blue’s commitment to excellence, sportsmanship and future equestrians.
Team members could be heard cheering for and congratulating not only their own team but all competitors.
The National Academy
Championship Horse Show was founded in 1999 by Joyce Webster.
For 25 years, the Academy National Horse Show has provided an opportunity for the best-of-the-best Academy riders to show, compete, and demonstrate their love for equestrian sports while raising money for St. Jude’s. Over the years, many riders have gone on to compete on
an even larger stage.
The High Caliber Stables National Academy Team, consisting of 17 riders and 10 horses, earned 22 firstplace awards and a multitude of additional ribbons at the National Academy Championship Horse Show in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Oct. 31 – Nov. 3.
High Caliber Stables, founded in 2008 by Mary and Evan Orr, has been a long-time business in the Summerfield community, providing an opportunity for riders of any age or experience level to enjoy equestrian sports and ride magnificent horses. Their commitment to horses and riders was showcased and honored at the National Horse Show.
“We are incredibly proud of all the riders, horses and instructors for their dedication to the sport and their accomplishment earlier this month. We are even prouder of their sportsmanship and commitment,” said Tamieka Howell, a proud parent of two riders.
Photo courtesy of High Caliber Stables
& Kids’ Korner
A serval’s spots help them blend into their surroundings to catch prey. This camou age also helps servals hide from larger carnivores!
Thank you to for sponsoring this issue’s Kids’ Korner
Serval true or false?
1. Servals have the largest ears of any cat.
2. Servals primarily eat hares, birds and reptiles.
3. A mother serval and her cubs are bonded for life.
4. Servals like water.
5. Servals are nickednamed the “giraffe cat.”
Servals
Servals have long, powerful legs that allow them to jump up to 12 feet to catch birds in mid-air.
1. True.
2. False. Servals primarily eat rodents (up to 4,000 a year).
3. False. Servals are loners, except for mother and kittens. However, at six months mothers chase male kittens off their territory; female kittens are tolerated a bit longer.
4. True.
5. True. They are nicknamed for their long necks and legs.
Saturday, Nov. 9, was a beautiful day for the Town of Summerfield’s annual Touch A Truck event, held at Summerfield Athletic Park off U.S. 220. Kids of all ages enjoyed climbing on various big and little vehicles, an enclosed tractor with front-end loader, tractor trailers and a fire engine as they got a booklet stamped by the owners/operators of each one they viewed, then turned it in for a prize. (Vehicles with horns that kids could blow and lots of gadgets to touch were especially popular!)
Girl Scout receives highest honor for recruiting animal foster families
NW GUILFORD – Emma “Fairy” Hilton has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award for a community service project that aimed to increase available animal foster homes in Guilford County.
As a senior at New Garden Friends School, the Girl Scout Ambassador addressed the rise in animals living in shelters across the country with a local campaign, “Fostering Animal Friends,” to share the need for more animal foster homes.
“The number of animals in our local shelters is staggering and it was very eye opening to realize that over 7,000 animals are taken into shelters in our community every year,” said Fairy, a Girl Scout of 11 years. “Increasing available foster homes for animals will give them a better chance at being adopted. Throughout my time with Red Dog Farm, I saw that there were always more animals in need of homes than there were available foster homes.”
Fairy partnered with Red Dog Farm, a local animal rescue agency that helps place a variety of animals like dogs, cats and farm animals like goats and horses. The Girl Scout hand-crafted 17 dress-up items like hats and collars to use as
Emma “Fairy” Hilton recently earned the Gold Scout Gold Award for her efforts to raise awareness of the need for foster homes for animals and the opportunities available to foster animals.
photo props to boost Red Dog Farm’s promotions and generate more interest in fostering. She also shared fliers amongst high schools to recruit foster families as a means of earning community service hours, and hosted a movie night where attendees met some of the rescue animals and learned about fostering opportunities.
Fairy, who graduated from New Garden Friends School earlier this year, is the daughter of Michelle Barrett-Hilton and John Hilton of northwest Greensboro.
High School Football Roundup
Northwest Guilford Vikings, 9-1 in the regular season, defeated the Olympic Trojans 21-14 on Nov. 15 in the first round of state playoffs. The Vikings have won four of their last five matchups and advance to the second round of playoffs this Friday, Nov. 22, for an away game against Mooresville (9-1 in the regular season).
Northern Guilford Nighthawks, 9-1 in the regular season, defeated West Cabarrus 21-20 on Nov. 15 in the first round of state playoffs. The Nighthawks advance to the second round of playoffs this Friday, Nov. 22, when they’ll face Marvin Ridge (4-6 in the regular season).
Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO
Photo courtesy of Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont
REGISTER NOW
z Stokesdale Christmas parade | Dec. 9 is the deadline for registering parade entries for the Stokesdale Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 14 (starting at 2 p.m.). Visit www.facebook.com/Stokesdale or www.stokesdale.org for an entry form and more details. More info: deputyclerk@stokesdale.org. See display ad on p. 11.
SATURDAY, NOV. 23
z Food pantry | Good Samaritan Ministries’ food pantry in Stokesdale will open for those in need of food on Nov. 23, 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Gideon Grove United Methodist Church, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road. To receive assistance or to make a donation to the ministry, contact Terri Johnson, (336) 643-5887 or terrij1957@yahoo.com.
z Summerfield Christmas tree lighting | Town of Summerfield will host its annual Christmas tree lighting Nov. 23, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Summerfield Athletic Park, 5200 U.S. 220 N in Summerfield. Greensboro Performing Arts members will sing carols, and there will be a
NORTHWEST
performance by Bella Ballerina dancers and Summerfield Rec. Assoc. cheerleaders, refreshments, S’mores by a bonfire and a visit with Santa. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the Guilford Backpack Ministry; visit www.summerfieldnc.gov to see the list of items needed. See display ad on p. 7.
MONDAY, NOV. 25
z Lions Club | Oak Ridge Lions Club will meet Nov. 25 at Bistro 150, 2205 Oak Ridge Road. 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.
THURSDAY, NOV. 28
(Thanksgiving)
z Bryant’s Table | BJ’s Gril, located at 8212 US Hwy. 158, Stokesdale, will be hosting its seventh annual Bryant’s Table on Thursday, Nov. 28 (Thanksgiving Day), from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The restaurant will be serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal, with all proceeds going to ARCA (Addiction Recovery
Care Association). If you or anyone you know battles with drug addiction and feels shunned, please know you never have to sit alone and you’re always welcome at our Thanksgiving table.
SUNDAY, DEC. 1
z Lighting of the Oak | The Summit Church - Oak Ridge invites the community to its annual “Lighting of the Oak” event on Dec. 1, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., as it lights the giant oak tree in front of the church, located at 1420 N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge. Details and RSVP at www.ChristmasAtTheSummit.net. See display ad on p. 35.
TUESDAY, DEC.
3
z Kiwanis Club | Kiwanis Club of
Northwest Guilford, a nonprofit that engages in projects focused on children in our community, will meet Dec. 3 and Dec. 17, starting at 12 noon at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge. More info: nwgkiwanis@gmail.com
z Friends of Stokesdale | Friends of Stokesdale, a nonprofit committed to preserving Stokesdale’s history and downtown charm, will hold its monthly meeting Dec. 3, from 7 to 8 p.m. at Stokesdale United Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola Drive. More info: www.facebook.com/ friendsofstokesdale.
DEC. 4, 10, 12 & 19
z Senior programs | Guilford County Senior Resources will sponsor a senior program including Ladies, you’re invited...
Join other women for a time of worship, encouragement and teaching that will draw your heart right back to Jesus!
Saturday, December 7 9 a.m. -12 p.m.(begins with continental breakfast) Central Baptist Church 1715 NC Highway 68 North, Oak Ridge RSVP at 336-643-7684 or mauri@triad.rr.com
activities and a take-home lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Dec. 4 at Oak Ridge First Baptist Church, 2445 Oak Ridge Road; on Dec. 10 at Shady Grove Wesleyan Church (119 N. Bunker Hill Road in Colfax); on Dec. 12 at Stokesdale United Methodist Church (8305 Loyola Drive); and on Dec. 19 at Summerfield First Baptist Church (2300 Scalesville Road). To learn more and/or RSVP, call (336) 373-4816, ext. 265.
DEC. 4 & 19
z Senior programs | Town of Summerfield in cooperation with Guilford County Senior Resources hosts a coffee & conversation program for men over 60 on the first and third Thursday of each month, 9 to 10:30 a.m., at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. More info: w ww.summerfieldnc.gov. The town also sponsors a senior luncheon for men & women over 60 on the third Thursday of each month, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Summerfield First Baptist Church, 2300 Scalesville Road.
THURSDAY, DEC. 5
z Town Council meeting | Oak Ridge Town Council will meet Dec. 5, starting at 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. Attend in
person or view the meeting on the town’s YouTube channel. More info: w ww.oakridgenc.com.
DEC. 6-8
z “A Charlie Brown Christmas” | Summerfield Stage Company, a nonprofit community theater group, will present the beloved holiday classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 7 at 2 and 6:30 p.m.; and Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. at the historic Ai Church, 1306 N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge. Adapted for the stage, this 40-minute live musical features local talent of all ages and is appropriate for the whole family. Purchase tickets at summerfieldstage.ludus.com, or learn more at ww w.facebook.com/ summerfieldstage.
FRIDAY, DEC. 6
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 Dec. 6, starting at 8:30 a.m. More info: Larry McDonald, (336) 215-3141.
SATURDAY, DEC. 7
z Christmas concert | Stokesdale Community Choir will perform a Christmas concert Dec. 7, starting at 11 a.m. at Gideon Grove UMC,
2865 Gideon Grove Church Road in Stokesdale. Pre-concert music starts at 10:30 a.m. There will also be refreshments and prizes.
z Light Up the Night | Town of Oak Ridge will host its annual Light Up the Night event Dec. 7, from 2 to 8:30 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive. One thousand luminaries will light up the park, and children can enjoy visits with Santa and with the Grinch. There will also be food trucks and craft vendors, and The Summit Church – Oak Ridge will serve hot chocolate. The Town Christmas tree will be lit, and there will be performances from Oak Ridge Elementary School choir and Destination Arts dancers. Attendees are encouraged to bring canned food items for Guilford Backpack Ministry. More info: www.oakridgenc.com. See display ad on p. 19.
TUESDAY, DEC. 10
z Town Council meeting |
Summerfield Town Council will meet Dec. 10, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. Visit ww w.summerfieldnc.gov for a meeting agenda.
THURSDAY, DEC. 12
z Town Council meeting | Stokesdale Town Council will meet Dec. 12, starting at 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. Citizens may attend in person, or view the meeting on the town’s YouTube channel. More info: w ww.stokesdale.org.
TUESDAY, DEC. 17
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 Dec. 17, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. More info: Rick Dunlap, (336) 601-0941.
THE OAK
THE LIG H TING OF December 1 6:30 - 7:30pm
Join us at The Summit Church as we light the giant oak tree and kick off the Christmas season! Details and RSVP at www.ChristmasAtTheSummit.net
Neighbors gather to support Community Meals on Wheels program
A spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Nov. 8 raises over $6,000 to support the program’s mission contributed by KRISTEN JARRETT
SUMMERFIELD – Nearly 100 community members gathered on the evening of Friday, Nov. 8, at Summerfield Peace United Methodist Church for a spaghetti dinner fundraiser hosted by Community Meals on Wheels. The event was a resounding success, raising over $6,000 to
support the organization’s mission of delivering hot meals to homebound residents in Summerfield, Oak Ridge, and Stokesdale.
The fundraiser was spearheaded by Abby English, a high school senior at High Point Christian Academy and resident of Oak Ridge. Abby, who is serving as an intern for the organization as part of her high school capstone program, has volunteered over 30 hours, dedicating her time to marketing and fundraising initiatives. Her efforts culminated in Friday’s event, when she and her family prepared the meal for attendees.
Community Meals on Wheels
Providing care for adults and children since 2011
On Nov. 8, a spaghetti dinner fundraiser was held for the Community Meals on Wheels program and spearheaded by Abby English, a high school senior from Oak Ridge. Abby and her family prepared the meal that raised over $6,000 for the program.
operates solely on donations from individuals and churches. With an annual operating budget of about $20,000, the nonprofit ensures homebound residents receive hot meals, regardless of their ability to pay. Recipients enjoy not only the meals, but having them delivered by the dedicated team of volunteers who often bring along an added serving of friendly greetings, encouraging words and a few minutes of conversation.
S’FIELD TOWN COUNCIL
roads. The council decided to table the request while Rollins meets with state Department of Transportation staff to discuss the town’s traffic needs; that includes the possibility of marking pedestrian crossing lanes at the Summerfield Road-Highway 150 intersection.
CLOSED SESSION
The council entered closed session for the private discussion of undisclosed matters, citing state laws that protect the attorney-client privilege and pertain to employment
want to help?
Those interested in volunteering or inquiring about meal services are encouraged to call Marie Wilson at (336) 317-3139. Tax-deductible donations can be made to “Community Meals on Wheels” and mailed to Kerry Skara at 7502 Carignan Court, Kernersville, NC 27284. Contributions are also accepted via Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal at https://linktr.ee/ communitymealsonwheels.
...continued from p. 14
matters such as those related to candidates’ qualifications.
The council came back into open session after a roughly one-hour, 20-minute session during which angry voices coming from the closed session meeting room could be overheard at times.
After voting for town staff to follow the same Christmas and New Year’s holiday schedule as followed by the state government, the council took no other action before adjourning the meeting at 9:39 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Kristen Jarrett
GRINS and GRIPES
Delighted or dismayed by something in your community?
Share your thoughts in 40 words or less email: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com
Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion.
family enjoyed these festive homes.
The cashier at the BP station on N.C. 68 and Haw River Road who put my husband’s money aside in a safe place after he had a seizure and completely went blank, leaving all his money on the counter and walking away.
The woman who dressed up last Halloween as the lady from a gripe about not wearing enough clothing while doing yard work. I got a good chuckle thinking about you when I saw the Great Pumpkin Event advertised last month.
The Northwest High School teacher who removed a student from homecoming court for making hurtful comments about two fellow students online. Well done!
All the volunteers who made the 2nd annual Stokesdale Parks and Rec “Trunk or Treat” a fantastic night! The spooky trail addition was awesome. We’re grateful for your dedication to our community and putting kids first!
Food Lion off N.C. 68 in Stokesdale. The cashiers aren’t on their cell phones or standing and eating, as I’ve seen in some stores. And when I pull into the parking lot, I don’t feel like I’m in a flea market.
The two Oak Ridge homes with fantastic Halloween decorations. One was on the corner of Maloe Court and Stafford Mill (love the Mystery Machine!) and another near our home on Alcorn Road. Our
Mrs. Ressler, Mr. Rasch, and Mrs. VanHorn for volunteering their time and putting in so much effort into coordinating another amazing run club season. The kids at Oak Ridge Elementary School are so lucky, and now many love running!
The woman driving the Mary Kay SUV who pulled over to make sure I was okay after witnessing my two dogs and me almost getting hit in the crosswalk in front of Oak Ridge Town Hall. Thank you for caring.
Summerfield Peace UMC for hosting and staffing the Community Meals On Wheels spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Nov. 8! We absolutely could not have done it without you, and appreciate your support so much!
Those who helped set up luminaries in Oak Ridge Town Park last year – they bring so much joy! Volunteers are also needed and welcome to help us set up again this year, on Dec. 3 at 10 a.m.
All who participated in the funding, implementation and celebration of our beautiful veterans monument and designated area in Heritage Farm Park.
Oak Ridge Town Council members who support renovation of the Redmon House. Hopefully, the council will reconsider offering our senior citizens, who are on fixed incomes, a discount for its use.
The ORES PTO for hosting a boys’ event at the Boxcar Arcade in downtown Greensboro. What a fun
event and great way to spend time together. I may have even enjoyed it more than my son!
Oak Ridge’s Special Events Committee for creating the Veterans Honor Green, a beautiful site to honor all of our veterans
Bethany Elementary School’s principal, Josh Eanes, all the staff members, and all the teachers. And especially all those precious students for being so very respectful during a ceremony honoring veterans. They all stood up and clapped and smiled and sang.
Oak Ridge Special Events Committee for the fantastic Veterans Day ceremony, and for working so hard to raise money to create our beautiful Veterans Honor Green for all to enjoy!
Jamie, our postal carrier in Oak Ridge’s Foxbury Meadows neighborhood. She always goes the extra mile and is the epitome of service with a smile. Oak Ridge is lucky to have a gem like her!
The many Oak Ridge town
committee members who had the guts to speak against a new policy to record all committee meetings at the request of some council members, not residents!
People who don’t like the loud white Chevy truck (re: Gripe in Oct. 19-Nov. 20 issue). First, watching “Murda” (that’s what it says on the back) going down the road is always pure entertainment! Second, with that hairdo, you gotta drive like that – if you ain’t first, you’re last!
Whoever vandalized the four plaques in Oak Ridge Town Park honoring those who have served our community, including the one installed at the base of the tree planted in memory of Sgt. Dale Nix, who died in the line of duty.
School Board member Deborah Napper for stripping students of their First Amendment rights by voting to adopt Joe Biden’s unconstitutional Title IX regulations.
The runner on Highway 150W in Oak Ridge who’s causing frequent near-accidents. God bless you for being out in the cold, rain or shine, but drivers have to swerve into the oncoming lane because you’re running where there is no shoulder.
The young man driving the new Audi convertible who passed me going darn near 90 mph on Eversfield Road last week (late October). This is a residential neighborhood and growing daily! Slow down and show some respect to the residents!
The homeowner on Osage Road for leaving trash containers in the road, not mowing the grass or
trimming shrubbery, leaving trash in the driveway and a mattress on the front porch, and floodlights on all the time.
Whoever has been coming onto properties in Stokesdale’s Arbor Run and surrounding neighborhoods at night and looking into our houses and the windows of our vehicles. We have you on camera and the police have been notified.
The driver of the white truck who speeds excessively on West Harrell Road in Oak Ridge. It’s a narrow, curvy road, with joggers, pedestrians
CRIME / INCIDENT report
District 1 Sheriff’s Office
has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest/northern Guilford County ...
ASSAULT/THREATS
Oct. 12 | An assault was reported in the 4100 block of Oak Ridge Road in Summerfield.
Oct. 14 | Officers responded to a report of communicated threats in the 8200 block of Millrun Road in Stokesdale (near U.S. 158).
Oct. 20 | A 39-year-old male was arrested in the 5000 block of Alton Drive in Oak Ridge (off Alcorn Road) for violating a domestic violence protection order.
Oct. 22 | A 47-year-old male was arrested in the 7500 block of Summerfield Road in Summerfield for cyberstalking and domestic criminal trespassing.
Oct. 22 | A physical altercation was reported in the 1600 block of N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge.
Oct. 26 | An assault was reported in the 8900 block of Grove Park Drive in Oak Ridge (near Pepper Road).
Nov. 3 | A 32-year-old male was arrested in the 4500 block of Peeples
344 Saddlebred Loop, Stokesdale
Enjoy a serene private setting and outdoor oasis on 1.5 acres with four-season room and rocking chair front porch. Spacious living room features a fireplace with gas logs and the updated kitchen boasts granite countertops, a subway tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. Primary BR has volume ceilings, an oversized walk-in closet, and a private bath; two additional BRs upstairs. $369,000
Road in Oak Ridge (off N.C. 68 N) for assault on a government official.
Nov. 4 | A 36-year-old male was arrested in the 3400 block of Crimson Wood Drive in northwest Greensboro (near Lewiston Road) for domestic violence.
Nov. 6 | A 27-year-old male was arrested in the 200 block of Connel Drive in northwest Greensboro (near Lewiston Road) for domestic violence.
Nov. 8 | A 43-year-old male was arrested in the 20 block of Penton Ridge Court in northwest Greensboro (off Lake Brandt Road) for assault on a female.
Nov. 16 | A 36-year-old male was arrested in the 3600 block of Edgefield Road in northwest Greensboro for assault on a police officer, resisting justice, carrying a firearm without a concealed carry license and seconddegree trespassing.
DEATH INVESTIGATION
Oct. 31 | Officers conducted a death investigation in the 6200 block of
Moores Creek Drive in Summerfield (near Bunch Road).
Nov. 7 | A death investigation was conducted in the 3600 block of Oak Ridge Road in Summerfield.
Nov. 15 | A death investigation was conducted in the 8000 block of Lester Road in Stokesdale (off N.C. 68 N).
Nov. 17 | A death investigation was conducted in the 6800 block of Shields Drive in Oak Ridge (off Pepper Road).
FOUND & LOST PROPERTY
Oct. 17 | A resident of the 7000 block of Denison Road in Summerfield (near N.C. 150 W) reported he lost a Raymond Weil watch worth $1,500.
Oct. 31 | Officers responded to a report of firearm ammunition found in the 3200 block of Pasture View Drive in Summerfield (near Scalesville Road).
FRAUD
Oct. 17 | A resident of the 7900 block of Valley Falls Road in northwest Greensboro (off N.C. 150 W) reported she was defrauded of six event tickets she purchased online.
Oct. 17 | An employee of Gusto Pizzeria in Oak Ridge reported that a known suspect accessed the business computer in May and defrauded the business of $9,733.88.
Oct. 24 | A 48-year-old male was arrested in the 6200 block of Lake Brandt Road in Summerfield for credit card fraud and felony conspiracy.
Oct. 25 | An employee of Dove Medical Supply in Summerfield reported an unknown suspect bought several items in August using a forged check.
Nov. 17 | A resident of the 7700 block of U.S. 158 in Stokesdale reported that in July a known suspect forged a Power of Attorney document and a property deed.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
ORDINANCE VIOLATION
Oct. 19 | A local ordinance violation was reported in the 5500 block of Murphy Road in Summerfield (off U.S. 158).
RECOVERED VEHICLE
Oct. 17 | The Greensboro Police Department recovered a vehicle that had been reported stolen in the
7900 block of Summerfield Road/ Summer Haven Drive in Summerfield.
Nov. 17 | Officers recovered a vehicle that had been reported stolen in the 7600 block of Royster Road in northwest Greensboro (off N.C. 150 W).
THEFT
Oct. 15 | A resident of the 4100 block of Oak Ridge Road in Summerfield reported an unknown suspect stole her vehicle after breaking a window to gain access.
Oct. 15 | An employee of Lowes Foods in Oak Ridge reported an unknown suspect shoplifted donuts and sun-dried tomatoes and also defrauded the store of $102 using a false identity.
Oct. 17 | A resident of the 5700 block of Bunch Road in Summerfield reported an unknown suspect stole his trail camera.
Oct. 21 | A 46-year-old male was arrested in the 7900 block of Lester Road in Stokesdale (off N.C. 68 N) for misdemeanor larceny.
Oct. 26 | A resident of the 7700 block of Tannery Road in Summerfield (off Summerfield Road) reported a known suspect stole her vehicle.
Oct. 26 | A resident of the 4600 block of U.S. 220 N in Summerfield reported an unknown suspect stole a purse containing a wallet and a pair of AirPods.
Oct. 28 | An employee of Circle K gas station in Colfax reported an unknown suspect shoplifted four cases of beer.
Oct. 29 | A resident of the 6600 block of U.S. 158 in Summerfield reported an unknown suspect stole a cordless wrench and an impact socket.
Nov. 2 | A 31-year-old male was arrested in the 1400 block of Grantland Place in northwest Greensboro (near Old Oak Ridge Road) for stealing horses, dogs, mules, swine and cattle.
Nov. 4 | A resident of the 5500 block of Spotswood Circle in Summerfield (near I-73 N) reported an unknown suspect stole a firearm, jewelry and $100 cash.
Nov. 5 | Officers responded to a ...continued on p. 46
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 Thanksgiving is a
Nicole E. Gillespie SPS , REALTOR®/Broker RE/MAX Realty Consultants
Thank you to Nicole Gillespie for sponsoring this issue’s reader photo page
Thank you to Nicole Gillespie for sponsoring this issue’s reader photo page
of Ted Webster, Sr., originally of Eden, celebrating his 94th brithday by relaxing and reading the Northwest Observer. Going near or far? Be sure to pack up your
Kim and Wade Cole of Summerfield snuck this photo of Ted Webster, Sr., originally of Eden, celebrating his 94th brithday by relaxing and reading the Northwest Observer.
The Ellis and Wilson families of Oak Ridge enjoyed staying up on the local news while on this beautiful beach in Turks and Caicos over fall break.
(Back row, L to R) Suzie, Sue, Joel and (front) Scott Butler of California enjoyed getting a glimpse of life in northwest Guilford County by reading the Northwest Observer that Summerfield residents Leon and Patti Stokes (back row, far right) had brought along on their journey to Lucca, Italy, in October.
and other drivers whose safety is threatened. The posted speed limit is 35mph!
All those who voted for Sen. Phil Berger. I hope you enjoy the casino and high-density housing in your neighborhood.
Northwest Guilford and GCS for sending out LGBTQ information via email to all students throughout the month of October. This is not history and should not be taught in school.
The woman who almost hit my two dogs and me while in the crosswalk in front of Oak Ridge Town Hall, with lights activated, on Nov. 4 at 4:15 p.m. – and then just shrugged at me! I hope you don’t kill someone eventually.
People eating in fast food restaurants who move tables and don’t put them back, and leave trash everywhere. Please put things back as you found them and be respectful of the people who work there!
Northwest Middle School for terminating the Viking Voltage e-Sports Gaming Club. So many students put their heart and soul into this team. Students and parents are disappointed.
The homeowner in Linville Ridge who shamed me for coming to “her neighborhood” on Halloween and shooed me away. I had driven from another neighborhood in Oak Ridge where most of our residents are elderly and don’t do trick or treating.
Oak Ridge Councilman Mike Stone, who wants to surveil and record all committee meetings for his convenience. Almost all committee chairs have opposed this idea. We are volunteers, not paid employees. For those interested, minutes are available for every meeting.
All those who made an uninformed vote for Bill Goebel for Board of Education’s District 3. Thanks for serving up our district to the Democrats. Next time do your research.
Drivers who fly around the side road at Tractor Supply leading to McDonald’s. Slow down!
People who still haven’t taken their Trump yard signs down. Some have been planted there for over eight years – you could have grown a nice tree in that time.
NCDOT for repaving all of Warner, Anthony and Pearman Quarry Roads – except the bridge that needed it the most!
People who “dump” unwanted cats or dogs instead of taking them to Red Dog Farm or another rescue organization. A pet is a lifetime companion – and responsibility. Have some empathy; how would you like to be tossed away like trash?
The three Oak Ridge Town Council members who are against giving our seniors special rates to use the new Community Farmhouse while we give ORYA free use of our athletic fields. This is shameful!
STOKESDALE TC
...continued from p. 16
“We’re inclined to do this but we need more information.”
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Eileen Thiery asked why the town would take responsibility for providing homes outside of town limits with water.
“I think this is too far out for a small town to take on,” she said.
Hollie Reed, referencing the proposed solution to the car rider traffic at Stokesdale Elementary, said she wasn’t sure how “flip-flopping the bus and car rider line” will help the traffic flow on Athens Road.
“It sounds like this prioritizes the school’s problem, but not necessarily the rest of the traffic on U.S. 158,” she said.
Foy noted that Richey’s focus is on the school campus property – “Once you get off the property, that’s DOT’s domain,” he said. Reed then asked if the town could get a second opinion and Crawford said Richey and the NCDOT are the authorities on this issue.
Athens Road resident Dena Keesee said she contacted Rep. John Blust twice about the car rider traffic backing up on her road, but he hadn’t answered her email or phone call.
“Is a child’s life not worth $600 a day (to pay someone to direct traffic)?” she asked. “We do have the money (in the town’s budget) … could we not participate in the cost? Is spending that money on something else like the playground in the park more important than these children’s lives? Please investigate what portion you can pay toward having an officer out here, at least until winter break.”
Rigsbee asked Reed and Keesee for a suggested solution and Reed suggested widening a turn lane to give parents more room to get off the shoulder on U.S. 158 East.
“We’ve been working on this for some time and are getting the best guidance we can,” Mayor Crawford then said.
CLOSED SESSION
Before going into closed session at 9:19 p.m., Foy thanked Logan for attending council meetings and sharing updates, and
welcomed David Coates as the incoming District 3 BOE representative.
OPEN SESSION
After returning to open session nearly an hour later, the council voted to accept a payment of $2,000 from ANSCO & Associates, a telecommunications installation company frequently contracted by companies like Spectrum and AT&T for fiber optic cable installations in Stokesdale. In September, company employees were observed accessing a town-owned fire hydrant and taking water without prior payment, which led to this restitution.
Additionally, the council accepted a payment of $1,437 from Coda Oliver White as restitution for damage he caused to the grass surrounding the parking lots at Stokesdale Town Park during an incident of reckless driving last February.
Deputy Clerk Mason Winfree was congratulated on his one-year anniversary with the town and a motion to approve a 10% performance-based increase, to $20.39/hour, effective Nov. 24, passed unanimously.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Rigsbee said Northwest High School’s varsity football team would play its first game in the state playoffs Nov. 15.
Foy congratulated Mason Winfree, thanked Mike Richey, congratulated former Stokesdale town planner Justin Snyder on his new job as planning director for the Town of Summerfield, and invited everyone to attend the town’s Christmas parade on Dec. 14.
Landreth said there was a lot to be thankful for, including living in such a great town.
Jones thanked Tee Stephenson and Karen Landreth for staying until the end of the meeting, and BOE representative Michael Logan for doing ”a super job.” He also welcomed David Coates, the incoming District 3 BOE representative, and said he had big shoes to fill.
Crawford congratulated Jim Rigsbee and his wife on their 25th anniversary and their son for playing lacrosse in college, then invited everyone to attend the town’s “world-class” Christmas parade. The meeting was adjourned at around 10:30 p.m.
Extended cab. Only 86,100 miles. VGC. Owned by PS Communications, and driven once or twice per month for local delivery of publications. Serviced locally. Available in late December. $10,850. Call (336) 340-3763
CHOICE TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE. Oil changes, inspections, alignments and general automotive repairs. 1080 US Hwy 66 S, Kernersville, NC. (336) 992-9002
KNIGHT IMPORT SPECIALTY SERVICE
European Auto Service & Repair. Specializing in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. BMW, Audi, Volvo, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Mini, and Porsche. 32 years experience. 4559 US Hwy. 220, Summerfield (across from Food Lion). (336) 337-0669
EMPLOYMENT
WENDY COLLINS PET SITTING LLC is hiring part-time team members for multiple mini-shifts. Please see our current openings and fill out an application at www.wendycollinspetsitting.com
FORBIS and DICK FUNERAL SERVICE, Stokesdale Chapel has an opening for a part-time Administrative Assistant. Must have a “can do,” positive attitude, be friendly and professional. Skills must include experience with MS Office, including Excel, Outlook, and Publisher; QuickBooks and Photoshop. Varied schedule with some weekend hours required. Please email resume to rwhetstone@forbisanddick.com
FORBIS and DICK FUNERAL SERVICE, Stokesdale Chapel has an opening for a part-time Funeral Assistant. Must be a professional people person with ability to lift 100 lbs. Suit and tie attire is required. Flexible schedule with availability during the day, nights and weekends. Please email resume to rwhetstone@forbisanddick.com
HOMECARE NEEDED
Seeking compassionate, mature PERSONAL ASSISTANT for elderly woman in Summerfield. The position requires toileting assistance, meal preparation/feeding support, dressing assistance and basic mobility help. Client is mentally alert with limited physical mobility. Part-time hours available. Private hire – no agencies please. You may email your qualifications and contact information to Journal70@pm.me
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
SAVE THE DATE
BRYANT’S TABLE 2024. BJ’s Grill, located at 8212 US Hwy. 158, Stokesdale, will be hosting its seventh annual Bryant’s Table on Thursday, Nov. 28 (Thanksgiving Day), from 11am-2pm. The restaurant will be serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal, with all proceeds going to ARCA (Addiction Recovery Care Association). If you or anyone you know battles with drug addiction and feels shunned, please know you never have to sit alone. You’re always welcome at our Thanksgiving table.
STOKESDALE COMMUNITY CHOIR
WINTER CONCERT, Saturday, December 7, at 11am with preconcert music at 10:30am. Gideon Grove UMC, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road, Stokesdale. Free to the public. Prizes and refreshments.
CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Quality cleaning/ budget friendly. Pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838
The Northwest Observer Keeping you connected for 28 years!
DECORATING
EXPERIENCED INTERIOR DECORATOR & personal furniture shopper will help you with style, color, shopping & furniture placement. E-mail appeninc@gmail.com or call Ann Appenzeller, (336) 314-1411
ELECTRICAL
CKH ELECTRIC, LLC. Give us a call for your next residential, commercial, or industrial project. Free estimates. Licensed, insured, and BBB accredited. (336) 944-4820
BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC
Residential & commercial electrical services. Generac home standby generator sales and service. (336) 298-4192
continued on p. 44
MONTERO'S HARDWOOD FLOORING Installation of hardwood, laminate, carpet & tile; hardwood sanding & finishing. Commercial & residential. Insured, 20 yrs. exp. Free est., excellent references. Visit our new showroom at 605 N. Main St., Kernersville, or Monteros-hardwood-flooring.com, or call (336) 215-8842
GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
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
GRADING / HAULING
E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, demolition, lot clearing, excavating, bobcat work, etc. (336) 451-1282
ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING
HOME SERVICES
ALLPRO SEAMLESS GUTTERS. Installation of 5” and 6” seamless gutters, downspouts and leaf protection. Insured, free estimates. (336) 362-2099 See our display ad on p. 37 of this issue (Neighborhood Marketplace).
EXTERIOR GREENSCAPES. Lawn maintenance service. Call for a free estimate (336) 682-1456
AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Quality irrigation systems. NC licensed contractor. We service all systems. Free est. (336) 644-1174.
Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt, available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035
APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707. Repair & Service
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. 37 of this issue (Neighborhood Marketplace).
“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
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. 37 of this issue (Neighborhood Marketplace).
AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIR
GRADING CONSULTANT, Bobby Lipstreu, former owner of H&L Grading. I can match your project to appropriate local contractor. I also provide custom rough-cut cutting with a portable sawmill. (336) 543-7867
GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150
GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS
STEVE NEWMAN, TREE SERVICE. FREE EST. 40+ yrs. exp. Fully insured. Any phase of tree work. Natural area thinning and cleanup. Oak Ridge. (336) 643-1119
DeLima Lawn Care, LLC
FREE ESTIMATES
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.
GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE
.
. Call anytime for free est. (336) 706-0103
Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490
What’s going on around town?
Check in with your neighbors at facebook.com/northwestobserver
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
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.
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
HOME SERVICES
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
PAINTING & DRYWALL
HOME SERVICES
PLUMBING
WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING, Inc (336) 992-2503. Licensed, insured, bonded. 24/7 service. Plumbing, drain cleaning, well pumps. Give us a call, we do it all! Go to www.webstersplumbing.com for more info.
BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic./ Ins. Cleanliness in your home is our #1 priority. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924
NEW CONSTRUCTION of buildings, pole barns and barndominiums. (336) 430-9507
WHITE OAK FINE CARPENTRY. Remodel, custom cabinetry and home repair. Follow us on social media. (336) 497-7835
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.
919-931-0856 ● locally owned and operated Serving the Triad since 2018
REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION
ORTIZ REMODELING Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981
AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350
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. To start your next project, visit www.myrenovationworks.com or call (336) 427-7391
The Northwest Observer Keeping you connected since 1996!
ROOFING
OVER THE TOP 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
WELDING AND TRAILER REPAIR Call Tim, (336) 402-3869
PIANO LESSONS, all ages and levels, Summerfield area. Patti, (336) 298-4181 6705 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale (336) 643-9963 (affiliated with Stokesdale Storage) locally owned & operated
KIMBERLY THACKER. Accounting & Tax Services for individuals and businesses. Intuit QuickBooks ProAdvisor. See our display ad on p. 37 of this issue (Neighborhood Marketplace).&
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED Gated access with 24/7 camera surveillance
(336) 643-9963 • 8207 B & G Court, Stokesdale
MISC. FOR SALE
SEASONED FIREWOOD. Any size load delivered or you pick up. Steve Newman Tree Service. Call (336) 643-1119
HAY FOR SALE. Round bales. Fescue or orchard grass. Call (336) 430-9507
WOOD LATHE for sale. Sears, Roebuck and Co. Model#149.23871. 35 inches between centers. Mounted on an industrial table with wood top. No tools. $150. Also GM turbo transmission, needs rebuilding, $120. GM 305 engine, block#14010202, needs rebuilding, $200. (336) 549-6806, text or leave massage.
GOLDEN BUZZAROUND SCOOTER. Like new. $1,100, OBO. Elenker knee scooter, like new. $75, OBO. Other mobility equipment available as well. Please call (336) 644-9065 or (336) 604-1869
PERSIMMON PULP & more. At the Old Mill on Saturdays in November or call (336) 816-3441
TWO OFFSET PRINTING PRESSES and 30'' paper cutter. Can remain in existing building. Oak Ridge area. Retiring. (336) 993-5399.
MISC. WANTED
$$$ – WILL PAY CASH for your junk / wrecked vehicle. For quote, call (336) 552-0328
FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, generators, power washers, 4-wheelers, mini-bikes, golf carts, go-carts and other gas-powered items. (336) 491-1565
Wanted: FARM EQUIPMENT and LOG STRUCTURES to buy. (336) 430-9507
YARN NEEDED to make children's hats for homeless shelter. Call Beth, (336) 644-8155
PETS/ANIMAL SVCS
Where veterinary care is unavailable or unaffordable, treat allergy scratching on dogs & cats with HAPPY JACK® SKIN BALM®. At Tractor Supply® www.happyjackinc.com
WENDY COLLINS PET SITTING LLC. Certified, bonded & insured. Your Summerfield pet sitter since 2018 (limited Stokesdale and limited Greensboro, small portions of 27455 and 27410). www.Wendycollinspetsitting.com. (336) 339-6845
REAL ESTATE
LAND FOR SALE
FINISHED CORNER LOT. Located on Stafford Mill Rd., Oak Ridge. (336) 209-1296
SUMMERFIELD. Only six 1+ acre homesites! Restricted but no HOA. Call (336) 314-3773 anytime!
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
NEED TO SELL YOUR HOUSE FAST? No repairs needed! Get a cash offer today. We’ll fix and sell your home at no cost to you. You get the market value. Call/Text (336) 999-9086
Kimberly Thacker Accounting ................ 37
Anders & Barrow CPAs, PC 38
Arts BC
SALES / SERVICE EuroHaus 43 Oak Ridge Auto and Trailer Sales 15
Car Wash
stuff? Need stuff? www.nwobserver.com
CRIME/INCIDENT REPORT
reported theft of a motor vehicle in the 5300 block of U.S. 220 N in Summerfield.
Nov. 11 | A resident of the 5000 block of Laurinda Drive in northwest Greensboro (near U.S. 220 N) reported a known suspect stole a diamond ring and $1,000 cash.
VANDALISM
Oct. 18 | Officers responded to reported vandalism at the Stokesdale
Tell over 28,000 of your neighbors in northwest and northern Guilford County! Place your ad online today at www.nwobserver.com
...continued from p. 40
Town Park; the damage was estimated at $9,432.66.
Note: According to Stokesdale Town Administrator/Clerk Robbie Wagoner, in mid-October, Town staff noticed tire marks across the parking lots at Stokesdale Town Park. After reviewing the security footage, they confirmed that a vehicle had been driving recklessly in the parking lots during the nights of Oct. 14 and 15.
