Northwest Observer / December 19, 2024

Goodbye, NWO – and Hello Connect 2NWGuilford

by PATTI STOKES

The more I say this out loud, the less it hurts my ears … after 28 memorable years of publishing the Northwest Observer, this is our final issue. It’s been a bittersweet decision for sure, as it marks the end of my journey as owner, editor and publisher of a local newspaper – a role I felt totally unprepared for when I started almost three decades ago. I especially thank those of you who were with me from the beginning, when I was a very naïve, inexperienced writer, reporter and business owner with one thin layer of skin and no idea of where I was going

with my little eight-page newsletter.

Not once since I stuck my neck out and embarked on this journey in November 1996 has there been a dull moment, whether spent covering local government meetings and community events to gathering stories of “ordinary but extraordinary” individuals in our community, and so much in between.

I’ve treasured the connections I have helped facilitate over the years between residents, businesses and their communities, and it’s been an honor to have the job of keeping you informed – and sometimes

WHAT MADE THE NEWS IN 2024

Summerfield

De-annexation

The legislative de-annexation of developer David Couch’s nearly 1,000 acres in late June marked a year of transition in Summerfield, often divisive and disruptive.

The Town Council and other de-annexation opponents failed to persuade state lawmakers to deny Couch’s request, endorsed by state Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger. For several years, the Summerfield Farms owner had sought changes to the town’s zoning regulations so that he could build higher density housing, including Summerfield’s first apartments.

The council’s split-vote on an amendment to the town’s unified development in late 2023 fell short of concessions sought by Couch. And his lawyer Tom Terrell didn’t trust that the council’s new majority

would follow through with the text amendment passed by the previous council.

Criticized by opponents as threatening what remained of Summerfield’s rural character, Couch countered that the Villages of Summerfield Farms would preserve green space and open land up to the public with a network of trails. A range of housing would include lower priced options, he said.

Now that Couch’s real estate falls under Guilford County’s jurisdiction, he is seeking original zoning for the property by the Board of Commissioners. That’s a first step before he can circle back for the rezoning of parcels that he wants to develop.

Topsy-turvy Town Hall

The council’s 4-1 vote in February not to extend Town Manager Scott Whitaker’s employment contract set off a chain of events that turned staffing at Town Hall upside down.

$1.5 million in cuts proposed for Bandera Farms Park

The elimination of one of two permanent restrooms represents the biggest savings for the project that may get underway next fall by CHRIS

BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – Leaders of Summerfield and other groups working on the development of Bandera Farms Park say they have found an estimated $1.5 million in cost reductions for the proposed equestrian and hiking preserve.

Eliminating one of two permanent restrooms – and replacing it temporarily with portable toilets – will result in savings of about $1 million, according to Summerfield Town Manager Twig Rollins. Scaling back on landscaping

and using gravel instead of asphalt in some parking areas and on the greenway running through the park are among other cuts.

The cost reductions emerged from a meeting earlier this month when Rollins, Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney and councilman Heath Clay engaged in what the manager described as “severe value engineering” with representatives of engineering firm Pond Co., the Piedmont Land Conservancy (PLC), state grant makers and others involved in the project.

The group struck a balance between “having a good park and being able to afford this park,” Rollins told the Town Council during its Dec. 10 meeting. Later in an interview, he said savings may exceed $1.5 million.

“We’re being conservative,” he said. “We’d rather

Decision on community center policies delayed

With the newly renovated Farmhouse Community Center in Oak Ridge set to open in early February, town council members have frustrated some citizens by not approving the center’s usage policies; after two months of deliberation, they plan to vote on the policies at their Jan. 2 meeting.

OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge Town Council has again postponed adopting policies for the newly renovated Farmhouse Community Center, set to open as early as Feb. 1. During last week’s meeting, the council voted 4-1 to delay

its decision until Jan. 9, following Town Attorney Michael Thomas’s recommendation to give staff and the Parks and Recreation (P&R) Advisory Board time to finalize rules and rental fees.

Photo by Rene Collins/NWO

Proposed new gas pipeline stirs fight

Some local property owners are joining with environmental groups to oppose federal approval of plans for expanding the Transco pipeline across the southeastern U.S.

by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – More than 60 years ago, Ron Ray watched workers bury gas pipelines across his family’s land on Stafford Mill Road. Then he basically forgot about it until last year.

Since then, Ray, 72, and other Oak Ridge property owners have learned about plans by Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Williams Cos. to expand Transco, an artery of nearly 10,000 miles of pipelines from south Texas to New York City.

For decades, three pipelines have passed through Oak Ridge, one of the communities where environmental groups such as the Sierra Club are mobilizing opposition and encouraging local governments to oppose the expansion by Williams.

“The pipeline installation would disrupt the daily lives of many people, and the pipelines would forever create a much more dangerous and unsafe community,” Ray told the Oak Ridge Town Council

earlier this month. He was one of six townsfolk who expressed safety and environmental concerns about Williams’ Southeast Supply Enhancement project.

Austin Goldman, a member of Oak Ridge First Baptist Church, said the possible “blast zone” for the existing pipelines encompasses his church and two others on N.C. 150 east of N.C. 68: St. James AME and Oak Ridge Methodist. In the event of an explosion, “high-consequence risk areas” reach farther and contain Oak Ridge Military Academy and Oak Ridge Elementary School, according to a presentation by the Property Rights and Pipeline Center, a group seeking to end the use of eminent domain for oil and gas pipelines.

Citing risks from “three aging pipelines,” Brenda Chaney said her property lies in the path of the proposed new line, which would be 42 inches in diameter and transport gas under pressure. She urged the council to adopt a resolution opposing the project.

At the end of the meeting, councilman Mike Stone replied to homeowners’ opposition to the pipeline expansion.

“I know they don’t want to hear this, but the reality is that we don’t have any authority in a federal infrastructure project,” he said.

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO Transco’s natural gas pipeline sits across N.C. 150 from Oak Ridge First Baptist Church where the congregation is concerned that the addition of a line would raise safety risks.

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your QUESTIONS

I noticed that Summerfield’s new manager, Twig Rollins, is jump-starting some of the town’s big projects. Taking ownership of the historic Laughlin school and renovating it for community use (including a new town hall) has been discussed for the last few years – is that on the town’s lists of projects to pursue?

According to minutes of the town’s Finance Committee meeting Nov. 18, Rollins has formed opinions about the future of the property, which has most recently been used by Guilford County Schools as a staff development center.

Summerfield Town Council is once again considering taking ownership of the historic Laughlin School and using it for a town hall, community gathering and recreational space and possibly a local history museum. The once all-Black Laughlin School was built in 1934 and initially named Summerfield Colored School. It opened with five teachers and 190 students. The school was renamed Laughlin School in honor of Duella M. Laughlin, who taught grades five, six, and seven and later served as the school’s principal from 1936 to 1950, a few years after she retired.

In 1970, when Guilford County Schools became fully integrated, Laughlin was paired with Summerfield Elementary School, which took in grades 3-5. In 1987 second grade was moved to Summerfield Elementary and Laughlin remained a K-1 school until it closed in 2011. A year and a half later, GCS began using it as a professional development center for teachers.

GCS announced in 2022 that it would close Laughlin as part of a consolidation of administrative buildings in the district’s $2 billion plan to build and remodel schools countywide.

The manager sees the Summerfield Road property “as a museum with a focus on town and local Black history including a site for community programs, possible future Town Hall location, event space, and performance space,” the minutes read. “We will need several years of funding support, Finance Committee and Council support to push this project over the finish line.”

In recent years, Mayor Tim Sessoms negotiated with county officials on behalf of the town to secure the property. Efforts languished in 2023 as the Town Council shifted its focus on blocking legislative

de-annexation of developer David Couch’s nearly 1,000 acres in Summerfield.

In an interview last week, Sessoms said “it would take a great commitment on behalf of a council, a mayor, a town and the county and the state, and perhaps even the federal government, to get what finances would be required

The ‘reforesting’ of Oak Ridge

Lifelong Oak Ridge resident Frank Whitaker and his wife, Claudia, stand at a willow oak in Heritage Farm Park that was planted by Frank more than 40 years ago. The tree is one of over 300 willow oaks he planted as seedlings in the early ’80s in the meadow behind the historic Oakhurst home where he grew up. Three years later, with the help of volunteers, the trees were transplanted to various places within the center of town. Around the same time, 1,000 pine seedlings were purchased for 10 cents each and also planted throughout town.

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

groves of pine trees.

One of the piney patches serves as the backdrop to the recently dedicated Veterans Honor Green. Next year, the second phase of the veterans site will extend into the grove, creating a shady area for people to reflect.

“The entire town of Oak Ridge was reforested for a total cost of around $300,” lifelong resident Frank Whitaker said during the Town Council’s Dec. 5 meeting. Earlier, an Arbor Day proclamation read by Mayor Jim Kinneman declared the trees to be “a source of beauty, joy and spiritual renewal.”

The tree-planting idea originated with Whitaker in the early 1980s. A student and later board member at ORMA, he noticed that storms, disease, abuse and old age had claimed large trees along Highway 150, especially on the school’s campus.

beyond the campus.

While a UNC-Chapel Hill student, Whitaker had admired the beauty and durability of willow oaks, which grow faster than the red and white oaks prevalent in Oak Ridge. He settled upon willow oaks for his hometown, buying 300 16-inch-tall seedlings from Tennessee.

Each of the oaks cost 50 cents. Around the same time, the pine seedlings Whitaker bought from the U.S. Forestry Service were an even better bargain: 1,000 for $10.

In the early 1980s, Oak Ridge was still unincorporated and had no Town Council. A leading organization within the community was Oak Ridge Community Center, organizer of the annual Oak Ridge Easter horse show, and it paid for the trees.

The small oaks started in a meadow behind the historic Oakhurst home where Whitaker grew up and now lives with his wife, Claudia. Three years later, after the oaks had grown to a height of about 6 feet, the couple and other volunteers transplanted the trees around town.

For a cost of $300, hundreds of willow oak and pine seedlings planted more than four decades ago have flourished, creating splendor and shade across the town

by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – Volunteers who planted hundreds of willow oak and pine seedlings in Oak Ridge more than 40 years ago could hardly have imagined the bounty they would create.

Not only did the slender sprigs take root and survive transplanting as they grew taller, they also soared to 60 feet in height, shading the grounds of Oak Ridge Military Academy (ORMA), Oak

Ridge Elementary School and other landmarks. Spaced along more than two miles of N.C. 150, they’ve created a scenic buffer separating the road from Heritage Farm Park where additional planting decades ago produced

“I can’t remember that a tree was ever replaced,” Whitaker, 82, said in a recent interview. He set out to remedy the steady loss of Oak Ridge’s shade trees, starting at ORMA and later extending

The Oak Ridge Garden Club pitched in. Former Mayor Spencer Sullivan donated the use of his tractor, which was attached to a rented auger that dug the holes. The bare-root trees were transported in 50-gallon barrels of water and then tended to by the Oak Ridge Fire Department after they were replanted.

Most survived the transplanting, according to Whitaker. Aside from stretches of Highway 150, ORMA’s campus and the elementary school’s road frontage, the oaks also stand tall in the yards of Oakhurst and the Jesse Benbow house and in Oak Ridge Methodist Church’s cemetery.

“It is amazing that something you guys did many years ago is standing the test of time,” Mayor Kinneman told the volunteers present for the council’s Arbor Day proclamation earlier this month. “We can see that today.”

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

Stokesdale veteran dedicated to honoring those who served

by ANNETTE JOYCE

Some of Powell Shelton Jr.’s earliest memories are of his late mother, Betty Shelton, carefully placing miniature flags on the graves of veterans at Stokesdale United Methodist Church for Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

“She spent a lot of time placing those flags,” Shelton recalled. “About 12 years ago, I thought it was too hot for her, so I volunteered to help.”

For Shelton, now 75, that day marked the beginning of a heartfelt mission to honor the men and women who have faithfully served America. A veteran himself, Shelton served in the U.S. Army for two years before attending Appalachian State University. He went on to become a physical education teacher and coach, dedicating 33 years to students at Jamestown and Southwest middle schools before retiring in 2009.

Shelton’s unwavering commitment to veterans remained throughout his career and beyond. When his mother could no longer place the flags, he took over the tradition. This year, he also placed flags at Eden Methodist Church’s cemetery in Madison.

In 2005, Shelton volunteered to be site manager for the Stokesdale Veterans Monument Committee.

“My mother was one of the original committee members,” he said. “She, along with Peggy Joyce and Juanita Southern (who have both passed away), and Barbara Marshall, came up with the idea for the monument. They raised the funds and worked with Vulcan Materials, which donated the property.”

As site manager, Shelton diligently ensures the monument and its surroundings are well-maintained. Twice a year, he thoroughly washes the monument,

pavers and military benches. Before Memorial Day and Veterans Day, he replaces the flags of all branches of the military that have become worn to ensure they are pristine. On Memorial Day, he’s at the site at dawn to lower the American flag to half-staff, then returns at noon to raise it.

“Most people don’t realize that’s the tradition,” Shelton explained. “The lowered flag honors those who have died, while raising it at noon celebrates those who are still with us.”

Shelton also organizes the annual veterans’ programs at the monument, but credits the dedication of fellow committee members Barbara Marshall, Randy Southard and Robert Whetstone for making the events run seamlessly.

“Everybody knows what to do, and it all runs smoothly,” he said. “All I really do is pray for good weather.”

The Veterans Monument in Stokesdale is a community effort, Shelton emphasized. Vulcan Materials keeps the property mowed year-round, provides golf carts and refreshments, and offers quarry tours on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Several individuals and local organizations, including the Stokesdale Fire Department, Forbis and Dick Funeral Service-Stokesdale Chapel, Tire Max, MG12 and Masonry Concepts, have also contributed to ensure veterans are honored properly.

Last year, Shelton participated in the nonprofit Triad Honor Flight’s program which provides veterans with a free, one-day trip to Washington, D.C., to visit their memorials.

“It was an unbelievable experience and one of

the most well-organized events I’ve ever seen,” Shelton said. Wanting to make sure other veterans have the same experience, he’s since become a sponsor of Triad Honor Flight.

Shelton’s dedication extends beyond those projects, however. After applying to volunteer at the Kernersville VA Clinic, he began making plans to drive golf carts to ferry veterans from the parking lot to the clinic entrance.

When he’s not working to honor veterans, Shelton enjoys spending time with his wife, Susan, and their dog, Larson. He and Larson are often seen walking at Stokesdale Park (where we’re told Shelton makes sure the doggy poop bag stations are kept filled) or visiting the staff at Stokesdale Town Hall.

Through every flag placed, every program organized, and every task completed, Shelton carries on his mother’s legacy while ensuring that veterans receive the recognition they deserve.

Thanks to Tire Max for sponsoring this monthly feature in which we have recognized “ordinary” people in our readership area who have made an extraordinary impact on others!

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

Powell Shelton Jr., the son of one of Stokesdale’s earliest council members, has carried forward his parents’ commitment to community service while preserving his mother’s legacy of honoring veterans.

Grand marshal nominations now being accepted

Deadline is this Friday, Dec. 20

Citizens are encouraged to weigh in on who will have the honor of serving as grand marshal for the Town of Summerfield’s 2025 Founders’ Day parade. According to the town’s website, nominations for a person who represents “the best our Summerfield community has to offer,” can be submitted by completing the nomination form at www.summerfieldnc.gov.

But hurry, the deadline for nominations is this Friday, Dec. 20!

Your feedback is appreciated!

Summerfield Fire District is asking residents, business owners, and anyone who has interacted with Summerfield Fire Department to complete an online survey that will help shape the future of the department.

“By participating, you’re contributing to important decisions regarding our services, personnel, and community safety initiatives,” the department wrote on its Facebook page.

Find the survey at Facebook.com/SummerfieldFireDistrict, or scan this QR code.

Congratulations!

The following staff and volunteer firefighters with Summerfield Fire District were recognized at the department’s annual awards banquet on Dec. 2:

10-years of service: Brandon Bull, Colton Ide

20-years of service: Joe Marshburn and Scott Lansink

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WELCOME to our new advertisers

Thank you to the businesses, organizations and individuals who advertise in the Northwest Observer and have made it possible to provide this community resource at no charge to our readers.

All American Pet Resorts

Creating a remarkable experience Owners: Andy and Bethany Brehm What made you decide to start your business, and when did you start it? We are new to All American Pet Resorts. Our love for animals – dogs in particular – and our desire to live in the Greensboro area led us to open this business. We are excited to be part of this wonderful community! What are the main services All American Pet Resorts offers? Dog boarding, daycare, grooming and training. Would you tell us about your philosophy and approach to customer service? We aim to “Create A Remarkable Experience (C.A.R.E.)” for the pets we care for, their owners, and our staff. We will accomplish this through impeccable animal care, uncompromising customer service, and practicing honesty, integrity and mutual respect in everything we do. What do you think will be some of the most rewarding parts of your job? Seeing our four-legged friends go home happy!

Are you a member of, volunteer with and/or support any nonprofits or charitable initiatives? Our focus so far

has been on supporting the following organizations through volunteer work and sponsorships: Guilford County Animal Services, Friends of Guilford County Animal Services, schools in northwest and northern Guilford County, Summerfield Health Kids Running Series, Greensboro Chamber of Commerce and Summerfield Merchants Association.

What prompted you to move to Greensboro? After growing up in Ohio and spending many years living in Texas and abroad, we decided we wanted our children to spend their formative years in the Triad area. Many friends and family had made their way to the Carolinas, and whenever we visited Greensboro it always just felt like home. Now that we have moved here, we only wish we had made the decision sooner!

What do you enjoy doing in your downtime? We love the outdoors and being in nature!

Legacy Classical Academy

Offering a back-to-basics

Certificate of Recognition: Colton Ide and Justin Bray

Certificate of Commendation: Shane Taylor, Colton Ide, Greg Ebel, Zack Hardy, Chris Gibson, Reece Walker, Chase Loye and James Torbett

Call Response: Station 9: George Baer; Station 29: Anthony Howerton; Station 39: David Inman

Training Award: Station 9: Barbara Beck; Station 29: Anthony Howerton; Station 39: Rick Moseley

Volunteer of the Year: Greg McClinton

Retiree Plaques: David Inman, Steve Satterfield and Kent Berrier

classical education

Principals: Dr. Renee Clifford, principal; Michelle Bardsley, asst. principal What led to the creation of Legacy Classical Academy? A passion to provide a strong classical educational foundation for K-8 students. Is Legacy Classical Academy a public or private school, and what

grades do you serve? We are a free, state-funded public charter school, currently enrolling grades K-5 for the 2024-2025 school year (limited spots available). We will add sixth grade in August 2025. Applications for 2025-2026 enrollment are open now for the Feb. 1 lottery.

Tell us about your school’s mission and how it is different from most traditional public schools. Legacy

(L to

Explorer of the Year: Tate Hodgin: Rookie of the Year: Barbara Beck; Employee of the Year: Colton Ide

Classical Academy’s mission is to develop productive citizens who are prepared for a lifetime of achievement by using a traditional and challenging classical academic program, creating meaningful parental partnerships, character education, cursive handwriting, a grammar program, limited use of technology and an emphasis on student responsibility.

What are some of the challenges you face as an administrator at Legacy? We are in our second year as a school, and still developing our school community, facility and grounds. Parental support through the PTO and community partners are essential in developing our school. We believe

students’ being responsible for their work, strong parental partnerships, and teacher excellence are instrumental to student success.

What are some of the most rewarding parts of your job? Seeing the positive impact of a strong, back-tobasics classical education curriculum on student academic and character development.

Are you and your staff involved with organizations and/or nonprofits outside your school community? Our school has many community leaders on our LCA Board and PTO, and they’re involved in a variety of fields including public safety, mental health, business, medical and other industries.

Our administrative team is involved in the community. Dr. Renee Clifford, our principal, tutors local students and teaches yoga at the Spears YMCA. Michelle Bardsley, assistant principal, serves on the boards of Affordable Housing Management Inc. (AHMI), Triad Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Carolina Teachers Alliance (CTA), and sings on the worship team at Westover Church in Greensboro.

Flores Party Rentals

“Your event, our commitment” Owner/manager: Camilo Flores Moreno

What made you decide to start this business, and when did you open it? I began this business last year just as a side hustle

For more info about Legacy Classical Academy and registering for the 2025-26 school year, see ad on p. 13

on my days off. Thank the Lord that it has turned out well as it has opened a lot of doors for me and allowed me to meet some interesting people What are the main services you

WELCOME TO OUR NEW ADVERTISERS

...continued from p. 9

provide? We rent tables and chairs for 100+ people, for any kind of event. Tell us about your approach to customer service. We focus on communicating with the client so we are on the same page, and we always deliver first thing in the morning so clients don’t have to worry about tables or chairs being set up before their event starts later in the day. Our tag line is “Your event, our commitment.”

What are some of the most rewarding parts of operating a rental business? Driving on new roads, traveling to new places and meeting awesome people. Are you involved with any nonprofits or charitable initiatives? We support the Southern Latino Festival in Martinsville, Virginia, and provide tables and chairs for the event.

Would you share something about yourself on a personal note? I was born in Guanajuato, a state in Mexico known for its mummies, but at the age of 4 I was brought to the United States (legally) and raised in Martinsville, Virginia. When I was 14 my fam-

ily and I moved to Reidsville, where I still live. I got to know the Summerfield community when I started working at Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant (in Hillsdale Village) this past May – it’s a great place to work with an awesome community (and I also met NWO editor/owner Patti Stokes there when she was bringing newspapers by).

What do you enjoy doing in your downtime? Spending time with my dog, who is very energetic and playful. I also enjoy grabbing a book and having time to relax and read. Anything else you’d like to share with our readers? I’d like to give a shoutout to Juan Robertson for being there for me and guiding me when I feel stuck on some life decisions.

Ava Grace Construction

“Your Home | Our Passion”

Owner/manager: Robert Bardsley

What led you to start your business?

After spending 30 years working for large corporations managing global projects and organizations, I started Ava Grace Construction two years ago with many transferable skills that were useful in getting it up and running.

In 2022, my daughter, a UNCG

interior architecture graduate, and her husband bought a home in Sunset Hills. Together, along with a general contractor, we renovated and added a second story to the 1929 bungalow while keeping many of the timeless features of a cottage-style home. That project, and other prior home renovations, inspired me to start a new career and found Ava Grace Construction. We’ve since stayed very busy with several additions, kitchen and bathroom renovations, and an upcoming Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).

What are the main services Ava Grace offers? Remodeling and additions, new construction, and design services. Tell us about your approach to customer service. Our No. 1 goal is to build a trust relationship with our clients and get to know them so we can design their project to fit their lifestyle. We strive to approach clients with a learning attitude versus a knowing attitude, and our highest priority is to deliver the project with quality and integrity.

Communication with clients and vendors is critical to the success of our business. We encourage our clients’ involvement with their project, and provide a portal to communicate directly with us, view the project schedule, and see all financial and associated information related to the project.

What are some of the challenges of your work? Not being able to control the unknown – such as when an item on the critical path of a project is disrupted. Knowing that every project is different, we strive to build contin-

gencies into our baseline plan. I stay on top of our project plans, adjust as needed, and am directly involved with all projects and client interaction.

What are some of the rewards of your work? I enjoy watching our clients’ excitement build as the project progresses and the vision transitions from paper to reality – and then hearing them say, “This is exactly what I envisioned!”

Are you involved with any professional organizations or nonprofits?

Ava Grace is a member of the Better Business Bureau, Greensboro Builders Association, NC Builders Association, National Association of Home Builders – Remodelers Council, and supports the Family Services of the Piedmont and Reliant Missions.

Tell us something about yourself on a personal note. I grew up in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. My family and I relocated to Greensboro in 2004 due to a corporate move. My wife and I have been married 32 years, and we have four children and five grandchildren.

In my downtime, I enjoy the outdoors, brewing beer, cooking (because I like to eat!), and hanging with my family and friends.

YOUR QUESTIONS

...continued from p. 4

to make Laughlin viable. But if those stars aligned, I think there’s definitely interest in pursuing Laughlin.”

Starting with its planning/budget retreat next month, the council plans to set priorities for the next three years, Rollins said in a recent interview. The process will help the council decide how Laughlin ranks as a priority, he said.

Rollins’s vision aligns with efforts by Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams

DeVaney. Earlier this year, she said she “threw out a big ask” of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners to help secure the historic Laughlin property free-of-charge from Guilford County Schools. The town could possibly use the property for a town hall, community gathering place, to host dance and other youth lessons, a Black history museum and youth sporting events, DeVaney said.

See display ad on p. 12

See display ad on p. 3

Thank you!

I am deeply grateful and humbled by the support of so many across the 5th Congressional District who voted to keep me as their representative. Serving my friends and neighbors in Northwest North Carolina is one of the greatest honors of my life, an honor I will never take for granted. My profound thanks to each and every voter who made th is resounding vi ctory possible.

With the re-election of Presiden t Trump, a new Republican majority in the Senate, and Republicans maintaining our majority in the People’s House — our future is bright! As I have always done, I will continue seeking your input on the issues facing our communities and working tirelessly on your behalf. I am very optimistic about what we can accomplish these next two years and beyond!

Your voices must be heard in Wash ington, and I will never yield in ensuring that happens. I will n ever stop fighting for you, repr esenting our shared interests, and upholding our Con stitution. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the support a nd trust you have placed in me. May God continue to bless you, our beloved North C arolina, and the United States of America!

Gratefully,

Town Attorney Bob Hornik resigned, effective April 1. Protesting the council majority’s treatment of the manager, the entirety of town staff left as well, leaving only finance officer Dee Hall working with Whitaker until his last day June 10.

The council began filling the void, hiring Jim Hoffman as the town’s new attorney and then Dana Luther as interim manager, starting the day after Whitaker’s departure. In turn, Luther hired a town clerk and parks and recreation director on a

temporary basis until the council hired a permanent town manager.

That occurred in September with the hiring of Charles “Twig” Rollins from the eastern North Carolina town of Magnolia. He started as Summerfield’s manager Oct. 13 and since then has filled all of the staff vacancies.

Rollins has moved fast to set priorities for major projects, including the development of Bandera Farms Park. He’s also seeking to build consensus among council members

and townsfolk who battled over issues such as de-annexation and the pace of development in Summerfield.

“Let’s all remember that ‘blessed are the peacemakers,’” Rollins told the council in November.

Oak Ridge

New park

Several years of planning culminated with the completion of some major projects, including the opening of Heritage Farm Park in June.

While preserving farmland and scenic views, the 60-acre park offers two lighted multipurpose athletic fields, a playground, walking trails and other amenities that complement Town Park, located on the other side of Linville Road.

“May it be a place of joy, laughter, and connection for all who visit,” Mayor Jim Kinneman said during the ribbon cutting for the new park.

Veterans Honor Green

In a November ribbon cutting, the town’s Special Events Committee unveiled the Veterans Honor Green at Heritage Farm Park.

Five years of planning and fund raising brought the veterans site to fruition near a grove of pine trees that, in a second phase, will provide a shaded, serene area for reflection.

Farmhouse Community Center

The renovation and expansion of the historic Redmon farm house is nearing completion. Shaded by oaks at the entrance to Town Park, the Farmhouse Community Center may open as soon as February for public gatherings from weddings to quilting and other activities geared for senior citizens.

The Town Council is still discussing usage rules and other policies for the center. In recent years, council members and residents debated whether to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants and Oak Ridge taxpayer dollars to

preserve the historic structure and repurpose it for events. The price tag is estimated around $650,000.

Now that the center is nearly finished, council member Ann Schneider said its rental rates and policies “should support strong community usage of the farmhouse. We didn’t build this to sit empty.”

Water tower

In August, the Town Council voted to spend nearly $3 million for the construction of a 250,000-gallon elevated water tank behind Town Hall.

It represents the town’s biggest and most visible investment in municipal water, a stop-and-start effort dating back a quarter of a century to Oak Ridge’s incorporation.

Funded by a federal grant and appropriations from the state legislature, the tank will initially be filled by groundwater at Heritage Farm Park and eventually by water piped from Kernersville.

“This is going to serve generation after generation in our town, and it will transform us,” former Mayor Spencer Sullivan told the council in August. “Long after most of us are gone, it will make a huge difference in this town.”

Stokesdale

Town Park takes off

The completion of the basketball and pickleball courts at Town Park in late 2023 generated excitement and spurred further improvements on the property behind Town Hall on AngelPardue Road.

“It warms my heart to see the vision come to life,” said Tee Stephenson, chair of the town’s Park Improvement Committee.

The improvements mirrored the wishes of town residents who participated in a survey years ago. The Town Council approved several Scout projects in the park, including construction of a nature trail, solitary bee habitats, and a pollinator

garden. In an earlier project, a Scout built a flag retirement ceremony station in the park.

The council has continued its spending on park improvements, and by summer, new benches, bicycle racks trash receptacles and mats under the new playground equipment had been installed.

The council is exploring whether to enlarge and pave the parking area at the basketball and pickleball courts.

In November, the council approved a motion for the town to enter into contract with Reynolda Electric Co. to install a lighting system for the soccer fields; at an estimated cost of over $410,000, the town will be investing more in this project that it has in any other park project to date. The lighting system will be paid for with federal ARPA funding and a state grant.

Water system improvements

Stokesdale sent out 837 water bills in November, representing the largest number of customers ever on the town’s water system.

By comparison, Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy said, the number of water customers has increased by more than 270 in the five years since he took office.

Anticipating further growth, the town council is extending water lines in two projects.

The line extension at Coldwater and Belews Creek roads is about halfway complete, according to Town Manager Robbie Wagoner.

Based upon a recommendation by Kennerly Engineering & Design, the council voted in September for the town to pay Yates Construction $194,660 to extend the Ellisboro Road water line by about a quarter mile.

Looking ahead, the council is evaluating Stokesdale’s future water needs, with assistance from Hazen & Sawyer, the town’s water engineering firm.

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, according to Foy.

In its contract with WinstonSalem/Forsyth County Utilities, the town has the option to purchase up to 500,000 gallons a day. As part of an update of the town’s water system plan, Hazen & Sawyer will assess the infrastructure needed for potential water system growth, as well as funding options such as grants.

The firm will also ask WinstonSalem/Forsyth County Utilities whether it would be willing to sell Stokesdale more water in the future.

“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.

NW Greensboro

‘Funnel’ of commercial activity

The development of long-vacant parcels on N.C. 68 at Interstate 73 accelerated as plans emerged for a state ABC store and construction started on Bee Safe Storage and All American Pet Resorts.

On the opposite side of Highway 68, a 20,000-square-foot strip center is rising in front of the Retreat at Sixty-Eight apartments. Another 300 apartments are under construction nearby.

The development is occurring in the vicinity of the Sheetz gasoline convenience store, just south of Oak Ridge’s town limits. The stretch of highway is “the funnel between Summerfield and Oak Ridge and the airport,” said Robbie Perkins, market president for NAI Piedmont Triad, a commercial brokerage active in the area.

Housing boom

In the latest sign of demand for new housing in northwestern

Greensboro, the city’s Planning and Zoning recently approved a request to rezone nearly 21 acres on Fleming Road south of Pleasant Ridge Road for as many as 80 townhouses.

Among conditions required for the rezoning, a garage and covered front porch or front entrance is required for each unit. Even so, some nearby homeowners complained the attached dwellings would be out of character with houses in the surrounding area, such as the Cardinal subdivision.

“We do need all types of housing” in the area, P&Z Board member Paul Gilmer said.

Nearby on Pleasant Ridge Road at Long Valley Road, Windsor Homes has begun grading for townhouses. When the City Council approved rezoning of the property in 2022, the developer planned to build 85 townhouses. The company didn’t reply to a request for an update on the project, which is located across Pleasant Ridge Road from Summerfield’s town limits.

Southwest of Windsor’s project, at Pleasant Ridge Road at Alcorn Road, LeoTerra Development Inc. plans to put down utilities early next year for about 230 townhomes.

Max Gardner: Ordinary, Extraordinary

Adm. Grace Hopper’s advice, “Ask for forgiveness, not permission,” felt fitting as I gathered input for this tribute to Max Gardner, a man who epitomizes generosity, integrity and community spirit. If I had asked Max for his approval to feature him in our “Ordinary, Extraordinary People” series, I’m certain he would have politely declined. So, encouraged by those who know him best, I decided to proceed anyway.

As the owner of multiple Tire Max locations in the region, Max has been a loyal advertiser and unwavering supporter of this paper. While I hope part of his motivation was the potential benefit of boosting his company’s visibility, I’ve always felt his dedication ran deeper and that it reflects a strong sense of responsibility and a belief that local businesses play a crucial role in sustaining vital community resources like this publication.

A few years ago, Max came to me with an idea he and Jonathan Fowlkes, his store manager in Stokesdale, had been discussing: sponsoring a monthly full-page ad that would be dedicated to spotlighting remarkable individuals in our northwest communities. I readily agreed, and their idea led to the creation of the “Ordinary, Extraordinary People” feature, which celebrates those who serve others selflessly.

The more I learn about Max through my own interactions with him as well as the insights others have shared, the more I’m convinced that no one is more fitting for the very feature he sponsored than Max himself.

While he may wince at this recognition, I’ll gladly ask for forgiveness so that those who didn’t know of him before will have an opportunity to see what an exceptional man he truly is.

Patti Stokes

Sandra Smith, Oak Ridge’s town clerk/assistant manager, recalls how Max went above and beyond to help her late mother, Carolyn Brown, who was stranded in Hilton Head after her car broke down and needed to be towed. Max arranged for a tow truck

to travel to Hilton Head and bring her car all the way back to Oak Ridge — a 12-hour round trip — and refused to accept payment.

“That’s just the kind of person Max is,” Smith said. “He always puts others first.”

Alison Huber, executive director for Triad Honor Flight, a non-profit that honors local veterans with a one-day trip to visit their memorials in Washington, D.C., met Max through church.

“We both go to Oak Ridge Methodist Church (ORMC),” she said. “I admire Max’s giving heart and servant leadership. When Triad

Honor Flight was just getting started, Max donated $750 to have us listed in a non-profit section of O.Henry magazine. We were struggling for every dollar and knew that would help get the word out.”

Max has continued to support the program in the years since by sponsoring a veteran for each of his six locations.

“Max has built a very successful business, and in doing so he uses it as a tool to give back to the community,” Huber said, adding that Max has a heart for missions and has participated in numerous ORMC trips to Guatemala.

“The amazing thing about Max is that he’s willing to do and help anytime there is a need,” she said.

“Max never does anything for the accolades, rather from the kindness of his heart,” said one local resident who wanted to be identified as an “anonymous Oak Ridge Methodist pastor,” joking that Max doesn’t like being in the spotlight and there might be repercussions.

“One of my first times witnessing an act of ‘Max Gardner Grace’ was when I was driving down N.C. 68 and noticed his truck sitting on the side of the road,” the pastor said. “Then, I noticed Max walking by himself, with a trash bag in his hand. He saw there was trash that needed to be picked up and he just did it.”

According to the pastor, Max loves the communities of Oak Ridge, Stokesdale and Summerfield and is passionate about everything he does, especially when it involves helping someone in need.

“His love even extends internationally to the people in Guatemala, where he goes to build stoves and water filters through Empower Guatemala out of Oak Ridge Methodist Church,” the pastor added. “It is the love of Jesus Christ that lives in his heart.”

“Max has been a mentor to me for over 10 years now,” said Justin Gardner, a manager with Tire Max. “He has helped me with business, personal development and faith more times than I can count over the years.

“He has the highest of standards to push people to grow. He has more compassion than most people deserve. And his drive to continue to better and grow as a person and businessman is truly inspiring,” he continued. “There is no way I could explain all that he means to me, Tire Max and the community, but if anyone deserves to be recognized it’s Max!”

Jonathan Fowlkes worked a short time for Max years ago before moving away, but the two kept in touch. When he moved back to the area several years ago, Max was one of the first people he called.

“It took a little time, but he found a position for me and when I came

back to work for him in 2014, there was no doubt I had found a home. It’s been an honor and privilege to work closely with such a great fella. There is no way my family and I would have the life we have without him, and I have watched Max do the same with so many others through the years.

“He teaches others to be better, work harder, and strive for excellence.”

Fowlkes gave several examples of Max’s unwavering commitment to serve others, such as coaching employees, attending weddings and funerals and picking up roadside trash.

“His dedication is so steadfast that he once reset his own dislocated shoulder on the side of the road so he could get back to work,” Fowlkes added. “Max doesn’t just lead – he inspires. He’s given us lessons in leadership, focus and kindness that will stay with us for life. He truly brings out the best in everyone.”

Summerfield resident Tim Sessoms has known Max for about 10 years and marvels at the many ways his friend quietly helps others.

“He drives the seniors on the church bus and takes them here, there and everywhere – and when he learns about someone in need, he immediately calls on his network of friends who are ready to assist however they can,” Sessoms said. “He never seeks recognition, he just helps people because he is truly a caring individual.”

One of the many things Sessoms admires about Max is how he conducts himself in business.

“I have learned volumes about running a business from Max. To hang out with him at any of his stores is a lesson – he knows his customers; his phone rings constantly with people asking about their car

and he takes the time to talk with them,” Sessoms said. “He doesn’t give himself a lot of credit for all the knowledge he has, but he is an encyclopedia on how to take care of his people, his customers, and his friends.

“Max knows far more people, and more people know Max than most political figures in the area,” he continued. “And they not only know him, they respect his opinion, his character, his promptness and the fact that he’s a straight shooter… He’s a solid, loving, caring parent and husband, an humble man and a servant leader. You could write volumes about the things he has done for others.”

Sessoms closed with these words, which I’ll use as my armor if Max comes after me, “I know this (article/ recognition) is going to make Max mad, but he’ll have to get over it, because he’s too deserving for us not to do this.”

Building beautiful custom homes in the Triad for over 30 years

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Business & REAL ESTATE

Springtime moving date planned

by Rene Collins/NWO

Next May, Sam Anders, CPA, plans to relocate his accounting firm, Anders & Barrow, C.P.A.s, to this new office building under construction on N.C. 150 at Linville Road. Since buying the property in 2022, Anders has demolished two buildings deemed unsalvageable and taken steps to preserve and renovate the historic Moore house at the corner. Landscaping will tie the 1800s house to the new office, according to Anders, who serves as Oak Ridge’s finance officer and assistant fire chief.

Oak Ridge grants COA for demolition of historic house

Photo by Rene Collins/NWO

Oak Ridge’s Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) recently granted a COA (certificate of appropriateness) for the demolition of this circa-1918 house on N.C. 150 in Oak Ridge’s historic district. The HPC cannot deny a COA for demolition, but it can delay the demolition by up to 365 days, during which HPC chair Debbie Shoenfeld says the commission will work with owner Philip Cooke to consider options other than demolition.

by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge’s Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) has approved a COA (certificate of appropriateness) for the demolition of the historic H.C. Gardner house, next to the SherwinWilliams store on N.C. 150.

The approval of the certificate last month clears the way for owner Philip Cooke to tear down the circa1918 house, which has served as the location for several businesses in recent years after its

Photo



Owner Lauren Cox stands at an entrance to the Alexander Strong Martin House, 4118 Oak Ridge Road in Summerfield, with a plaque she was presented last month by the Town of Summerfield’s Historic Committee. Now displayed beside the door to the rear entrance of the circa 1837 historic house which Cox and her husband purchased in October 2023, the plaque reads: “This Greek Revival home was owned by Alexander Strong Martin (1787-1864). He was the son of Alexander Martin (1740-1807), a Revolutionary War patriot and multi-term governor of the State of North Carolina.”

 After undergoing major exterior improvements that included replacing the rear porch, installing a septic system and creating a parking lot, and renovating the interior of the house, which lacked restrooms and indoor plumbing and heating, Cox’s plans to transform the nearly 200-year-old historic building into Martin’s Mercantile became reality last month when a general store and gift shop opened to the public. A coffee and bottle shop as well as spaces for community gatherings and arts and crafts and other Do-It-Yourself workshops are on the horizon. For more info, visit Martin’s Mercantile in Summerfield on Facebook.

(Above) Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO / (Below) Photo courtesy of Martin’s Mercantile

Couch property zoning headed to county commissioners

Conditional business zoning is proposed for 83 acres at N.C. 150 and Interstate 73 where the developer wants to build the Saunders Village commercial and retail center

by CHRIS BURRITT

GREENSBORO – A zoning request for the largest of developer David Couch’s three tracts on N.C. 150 and I-73 is scheduled to go before Guilford County’s Board of Commissioners on Dec. 19. After holding a public hearing for the request, commissioners will decide whether to assign conditional zoninggeneral business (CZ-GB) to the triangle of land in the northeastern quadrant of the Highway 150/I-73 interchange.

The county took over jurisdiction, including zoning authority, of Couch’s nearly 1,000 acres in Summerfield in late June after the state legislature voted to de-annex the property from the town. Original zoning for most of the land is already set after the county’s Planning and Zoning Board voted unanimously to assign a mix of residential and agricultural zoning to Couch’s property stretching from Summerfield Road to I-73. It is anchored by Summerfield Farms.

The board’s vote in August left unresolved zoning of the N.C. 150/I-73 property, which is divided into three tracts. Two are south of Highway 150, and the parcel that’s up for zoning debate this week is north of the highway. It’s bounded by I-73 to the west and Deboe Road to the east.

In recent months of negotiations with the county’s planning staff, Couch’s team has offered some conditions on the property’s zoning. Prohibited is multifamily housing – a lightning rod in years of divisive debate in Summerfield – as well as a homeless shelter, psychiatric hospital, landfill and electronic gaming establishment.

Tom Terrell, one of Couch’s lawyers, offered three additional conditions during the P&Z Board’s meeting in October: no outdoor theaters and no microbreweries immediately adjacent to residential properties on the eastern side of Deboe Road and the southern side of Highway 150. Third, operating hours for an event center – if one is built –would be limited to 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

According to the county’s permitted use schedule, many other business uses are still allowed in the county’s general business zoning district, including a hotel, convenience store, daycare, shooting range, nursing home and business, medical and government offices.

Once the county’s original zoning is in place, Couch can propose rezoning to accommodate his development plans. He’s yet to take that step.

want to go?

Guilford County’s Board of Commissioners will consider rezoning 83 acres of developer David Couch’s commercial property during a meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19. The meeting will be held in the commission chambers in the Old Guilford County Courthouse at 301 West Market Street in Greensboro.

original use as a residence.

While the commission can’t deny a COA for demolition, it can delay a property demolition for as long as 365 days, according to the Oak Ridge Historic District’s Design Standards Handbook.

During that period, the HPC is continuing to encourage Cooke to consider options other than demolition, HPC Chair Debbie Shoenfeld said in an interview after the Town Council’s meeting Dec. 5.

During the meeting, Shoenfeld said the commission urged Cooke to incorporate the house into the commercial development of the property where it’s located.

“It would cost him to tear it down,” Shoenfeld said in the interview, helping explain Cooke’s willingness to assist financially with the relocation

of the structure, if that arrangement could be worked out.

Cooke didn’t reply to an interview request. His family developed Oak Ridge Commons and other commercial properties at N.C. 68 and 150, the town’s major intersection.

Adorned with Craftsman details, the Gardner house is a single-story “shotgun” house. That refers to the layout of early 20th century houses that allows a shot fired through the front door to pass unobstructed through the back door.

The house is a contributing structure to Oak Ridge’s historic district.

While respecting the rights of property owners, the Design Standards Handbook said the “demolition of contributing structures…is strongly discouraged. Loss of historic resources through demolition is irreversible.”

Developer redesigning Pleasant Ridge Road townhomes

by CHRIS BURRITT

NW GREENSBORO – Two and a half years after clearing the property, LeoTerra Development Inc. is upgrading plans for townhouses on Pleasant Ridge Road at Alcorn Road.

“The project is being redesigned for a higher-end product,” LeoTerra President Buddy Lyons said in a text

earlier this week.

Instead of building townhouses with 1,400-1,800 square feet, the Greensboro-based developer plans to build about 230 units in the range of 2,600 square feet, Lyons said. Pricing will be in the mid-$400,000s.

The project is a short distance from ...continued on p. 37

‘Caring, attentive, compassionate’ physician retiring after 38 years

Dr. Fred Wilson has spent his entire career as a primary care physician at the former Summerfield Family Practice (now Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Family Medicine–Summerfield)

by PATTI STOKES

SUMMERFIELD – After earning his undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from Georgia Tech, Fred Wilson planned to work in research and development. Fortunately for many, he decided to become a doctor instead.

“I wanted to do something to help people,” he said. “My older brother went into physics and then medicine, and that gave me the opportunity to see some of the things doctors do.”

It was after hearing something on the radio about family medicine “as kind of a new specialty” that Wilson’s interest was piqued.

“From the beginning, I didn’t want to go into a subspecialty, and family medicine struck a chord. I’ve never regretted it,” he said during a recent interview, just a day before his 70th birthday.

The steep tuition at medical schools he applied to in Georgia and elsewhere led him to North Carolina, which had very reputable, but less expensive schools. He earned his medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine and afterward, joined the faculty at a hospital in Hennepin County, Minnesota, where he completed his residency.

“I loved that residency because at that time everybody rotated through some of the specialties, including the emergency room, and there was a very strong sense of cooperation there,” he said.

When his residency was completed, Wilson flew south and traveled around to practices in North and South Carolina and Virginia. A chance meeting with a former friend from medical school who had worked at Summerfield Family Practice led him to request an interview there.

“I met with David Kaplan, who was in charge of the practice; his wife-tobe, Flo, was the head nurse at the time,” Wilson said. “I made it a point to talk with all the employees, not just the doctors, and everyone was very nice. For me, it was head and shoulders above any other practice I had visited, and I didn’t have to think about any other places because I knew that was going to be my home.”

Initially working there only parttime, he worked at emergency rooms in Asheboro and Burlington on weekends to earn some extra money and gain experience.

Two months after he settled in at

Summerfield Family Practice, Wilson had a serious accident and was hospitalized for four weeks, followed by two weeks in rehab.

“The people at the practice were very supportive, and visited me in the hospital,” he recalls. “And David assured me that my job was secure.”

A doctor who worked at the practice before Wilson told him he had gotten a company car when

Dr.

at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Family Medicine - Summerfield at his retirement party last week. Wilson ended his career as a family medicine doctor at the same practice where he started 38 years ago.

he started working there, but when Wilson asked if he would be getting one, Kaplan told him he would be given the “opportunity” to work at Countryside in Stokesdale.

“I didn’t see it that way at the time, but it was a gift,” he said. “The following January I started seeing patients at Countryside one day a week, and continued doing that until a few years ago. That was, and still

Photo courtesy of Bonnie Nolan

Fred Wilson (center), is flanked by co-workers

is, a very nice place.”

Wilson said he’s seen both welcome and not-so-welcome changes since he started practicing family medicine 38 years ago. Not having to rotate being on call for hospital duty and admitting his patients to the emergency room at all hours has been one of the welcome changes, but he finds the billing and coding he’s required to do cumbersome.

“When electronic medical records came out, that was difficult for me. Every time there is a change like that, I have to start all over, and it’s distracting,” he said. “And now I have to write things in the chart while I’m talking with a patient, which makes it hard to give them my full attention.”

It’s the “amazing stories” his patients share with him that are among the things he treasures most about his job.

“I want to know what’s going on in their lives,” he said. “Sometimes they tell me about trauma they’ve experienced, and I’ve had some people say, ‘You’re the only person I’ve ever told this to.’ I feel very privileged and honored that they trust me.”

Colleagues and patients alike speak highly of Wilson and the impact he’s had over the duration of his career. Kris Kaplan, PA, described him as “one of a kind” adding, “Dr Wilson will give his patients as much time as they require. He is compassionate and is willing to go above and beyond for his patients. He has patients who have been seeing him for 38 years and place their full trust in his hands.

“He can find the good even in a long and exhausting day,” she continued. “I appreciate him always supporting me and my career. When I first came to work here, I had to bring my youngest son, Sam, to the office from 5 to 7. Dr. Wilson would take him out to the garden and give him “planting jobs” and let him be his helper. This is a kindness that Sam and I still talk about today… I will truly miss him in many ways.”

Bonnie Nolan, practice manager, said, “In the age of modernized medicine, Dr. Wilson continued to spend the time needed to assess his patients and provide the necessary care. He is caring, compassionate and kind –traits that are so important for a family medicine physician.”

One of Wilson’s many patients who gave him a 5-star review on the practice’s website wrote, “He always listens to my concerns and answers my questions clearly and patiently. He carefully analyzes test results and is thoughtful in recommending any follow-up tests or medications. He is extremely knowledgeable and easy to talk to – the ideal doctor.”

Others echoed those thoughts, expressing appreciation that Wilson always takes time to listen and never makes them feel rushed.

To anyone contemplating going into family medicine, Wilson offers this advice: “First, I would say, ‘Good for you.’ It’s a great field to go into. In family medicine, you have to know a little bit about everything but you also have to allow yourself not to know everything. And you have to accept uncertainty.”

When asked what’s next on the horizon, Wilson said he started a few projects in the practice’s office building that he needs to finish, and he’ll drop by occasionally to tend to the garden he started there many years ago, which now consists of a blackberry patch and a few fruit trees.

“But I think for the most part, I will just want to take it easy and see what comes,” he added. “I have a lot of hobbies, and a pottery studio and a woodworking shop that have been neglected.” He and his wife, Jennifer, also have six acres just outside Summerfield with a garden that will keep him busy.

As for what he’ll miss most when he retires, Wilson said it will be “seeing patients and having that contact with the outside world. And I will miss the people I work with, because they’re my family.”

SUMMERFIELD town council

Dec. 10 / 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 councilmen John Doggett, Jonathan Hamilton and Heath Clay present. Council member Janelle Robinson was absent.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tree Lighting kudos. DeVaney thanked staff and volunteers for organizing last month’s Christmas tree lighting event.

Founders’ Day schedule. The town has set Friday and Saturday, May 16-17, as the dates for Founders’ Day festivities next year.

Parade grand marshal. The

town is accepting nominations for grand marshal of the Founders’ Day parade, and they can be submitted on the town’s website through Friday, Dec. 20 – visit www.summerfieldnc.gov, tap “About” on the menu bar and look for the “News & Notices” tab.

Committee vacancies. The town is seeking volunteers to fill vacant seats on the Planning Board, the Board of Adjustment, Finance, Founders’ Day, History and the Trails and Open Space committees.

Rabies clinic. The town will partner with Guilford County Animal Services to host a free rabies clinic from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 18, at Summerfield Community Center.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Summerfield Fire District. The fire department responded to 33 firerelated calls, 61 EMS-related calls and 44 other calls, for a total of 138 calls in November. Firefighters installed eight child safety seats. Sheriff’s Office. The District 1 sheriff’s office responded to 250 calls for service in Summerfield last month, resulting in 15 case reports.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Check register. At the request of Hamilton, finance officer Jennifer Kelley agreed to add the town’s check register to the council’s meeting packet, starting with the Jan. 14 meeting.

Audit update. Kelley said the town submitted its annual audit after missing state regulators’ Oct. 31 deadline for turning in the audit of its financial records for the fiscal year that ended June 30. Tony Brewer, Summerfield’s new auditor, plans to discuss his financial review during the council’s next meeting on Jan. 14, Kelley added.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

„ Dwayne Crawford and Don Wendelken recommended longtime Summerfield volunteer Danny Nelson to be grand marshal of the 2025 Founders’ Day parade.

„ Lexie Cline told Hamilton she was “shocked and appalled” by his response to her criticism of him during last month’s council meeting.

During the Nov. 12 meeting, Cline questioned the sincerity of Hamilton’s proposal to explore ways to gather more public input and “to foster fellowship” with public forums, based on his social media criticism of some residents, including the mayor.

Referring to Cline’s critical remarks, Hamilton responded, “in some ways they are definitely defamatory, potentially actionable.”

“This reaction does not embody leadership; rather, it reveals a profound discomfort with the very

foundation of public office,” Cline said last week. “Criticism is part and parcel of representing the people.

“By labeling my comments ‘defamatory,’ you send a chilling message that citizens who question or criticize you might be punished for exercising their right,” Cline said. “If you feel that honest feedback is intolerable or if you find the basic principle of public scrutiny burdensome, then it may be time for you to reflect on whether this role is truly the right fit for you.”

Later in the meeting, Hamilton made it a point to say that Cline is councilman John Doggett’s daughter and then reiterated his stated view last month that her comments during the period for Public Comments are made in order to gain publicity in the Northwest Observer.

„ Planning Board Chair Dick Feulner suggested the council create a Lifetime Service award recognizing contributions of some of the town’s volunteers, and that Trudy Whitacre, who died unexpectedly in October after many years of volunteering on committees and other initiatives in Summerfield, should be posthumously honored as the first recipient of the award. While no action was taken on the proposal, several council members expressed support for establishing the award.

NEW BUSINESS Calendar for town meetings and holidays

 4  0 to adopt the 2025 calendar for town meetings and holidays. The council amended the proposed calendar by dropping plans for a council meeting July 8. The

midsummer break will give staff the chance to catch up on work, while creating the opportunity for staff and council members to take time off for vacations, according to DeVaney.

Town events calendar. A calendar prepared by staff listing events for 2025 drew questions, suggestions and criticism from some council members and residents.

New events for next year include an Easter egg hunt, a back-to-school event helping teachers with school supplies, a fall festival and the addition of a vintage car show to the Touch-A-Truck kids’ event.

Scheduled for Aug. 3, the back-toschool event for teachers may conflict with “last-minute vacations” by school staff and families, said DeVaney, who suggested the event be rescheduled for later in the school year.

Earlier, Teresa Perryman said the Easter egg hunt scheduled for April 12 would compete with similar events at churches and the Summerfield Fire Department. She also questioned whether the town should spend $1,600 on the event.

Budgeted for $2,000, a fall festival slated for Oct. 25 may overlap the Northwest Guilford Farmers Market in Summerfield, Perryman added.

Leaving the date for the back-toschool event to be determined later, the council concurred with the 2025 events calendar.

Staff produced the calendar as “a courtesy” to residents to put on their refrigerators, Town Manager Charles “Twig” Rollins said, adding that it will also be posted on the town’s website.

For more info about SMA: email info@summerfieldmerchant.com, visit www.summerfieldmerchant.com or Facebook.com/SummerfieldMerchantsAssociation

Budget-planning calendar. Rollins proposed the town’s budget-planning calendar for 2025, culminating with its presentation to the council May 13 and adoption during the June 10 council meeting.

The council accepted the schedule, which Rollins said would give staff time to implement changes if requested by council members before June 30, the state’s deadline for adopting the annual spending plan.

Founders’ Day fireworks. The council backed away from staff’s recommendation for a fireworks display May 17 as a wrap-up for Founders’ Day after learning that an osprey living at Summerfield Athletic Park may be a protected species (see related article on p. 27).

Voluntary annexation process  4

0 to adopt the updated process and related paperwork for

property owners seeking voluntary annexation into Summerfield.

Charitable organization support. Some people who would like to donate money to benefit Summerfield residents seek to give through a charitable organization to qualify for tax exemption. That’s the impetus for Rollins’s proposing the council support the creation of a charitable organization that would be taxexempt under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Possibly called “Friends of Summerfield,” the nonprofit would be separate from town government, according to Rollins.

He cited the sponsorship of a Music in the Park band or the placement of a park bench in honor of a family member as examples of giving that would benefit Summerfield at no cost to taxpayers.

Photo by Caroline Z Photography

“This is independent of the town, not sponsored by the town?” Clay asked Rollins.

The manager replied “1,000% independent.” Explaining the group would establish its own bylaws, policies and procedures, he added “we have no say-so over what they do with their money.”

Sessoms said an existing charitable organization in Summerfield may be a vehicle for donations. Aside from accepting donations to the town, the council would have no role, he added.

“It’s totally outside the realm of anything we would ever do or touch,” the mayor said. He cautioned that the council would risk engaging in favoritism if it supported a charitable group with a vote or even “if we sit back here and nod our heads ‘yeah, we’ll support them.’”

Rollins concurred with they mayor’s view, saying “we don’t need to blur the lines between government and 501 (c) (3)” organizations.

Clay suggested that town staff explore whether existing charitable organizations would be suitable for accepting donations for Summerfield’s benefit. Rollins said staff would pull together a list of organizations by the council’s meeting in January.

MANAGER’S BUSINESS

Bandera Farms Park. Parties working on the development of Bandera Farms Park have agreed to expense reductions totaling $1.5 million. (See related article on p. 2.)

Atlantic and Yadkin Greenway. Rollins reported that engineering firm Kimley-Horn is progressing with its evaluation of the southern end of Summerfield Road as a possible route for the greenway.

Town clerk hiring. Mason Winfree joined the staff as town clerk last

week after working for 13 months as a deputy clerk for the Town of Stokesdale. Summerfield “is now fully staffed,” Rollins said.

Winfree succeeds Jeff Bacon, who served as acting town clerk. Bacon will remain on staff for a month to help the new clerk get settled and work on the backload of public records requests, Rollins said.

Hamilton and other council members praised Bacon’s contributions.

Welcome signs. Rollins said he and DeVaney are preparing to get price quotes for Welcome to Summerfield signs.

CLOSED SESSION

After citing state laws that protect the attorney-client privilege and pertain to employment matters, the council entered closed session. Emerging from the nearly half-hour session, the council took no action. The meeting was adjourned at 8:09 p.m.

Should the osprey nest stay or go?

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – The Summerfield Town Council must decide whether to remove an osprey nest at Summerfield Athletic Park to allow a proposed fireworks display for Founders’ Day next May 17; removing the nest would also protect the functionality of a park light pole where a pair of federally protected ospreys return to a “gigantic” nest each spring during mating season.

Regardless of whether fireworks are added to the Founders’ Day lineup, Town Manager Twig Rollins said the town may consult with Summerfield Fire Department about removing the nest because the big bundle of sticks and twigs, sometimes freshened and expanded by the returning birds, “is going to start affecting the lights. Sooner or later, it will ruin the lights, and that’s a very expensive venture,” he said.

Eric Coon, the town’s parks and recreation director, said some years both ospreys return to their nest in the town’s athletic park, and other years only one returns. Their call is an ear-piercing whistle, according to Coon, joking that the birds are so big they cast shadows over the fields when they fly overhead.

Federal law protects ospreys from harassment, but nests can legally be removed before the birds become active. Rollins said removal is possible until eggs are laid, after which disturbing the nest would be prohibited.

Council members expressed mixed feelings about the fireworks, with John Doggett voicing concerns about spooking wildlife, including the ospreys, and farm animals, while Heath Clay wondered if residents shouldn’t be directed to larger fireworks displays in Greensboro.

Wildlife experts suggest ospreys might adapt by building new nests elsewhere, as they often occupy multiple nests or abandon compromised ones.

With the birds expected to return in late winter or early spring, the council must decide soon to avoid conflicts with federal protections. According to wildlife extension biologist Falyn Owens, once the birds return, “you’re not supposed to harass them in a way that causes injury or kills them or significantly impedes their ability to raise young. That means now is the perfect time of year to remove a nest.”

RIDGE

Oak Ridge Commons: Hwys 150 / 68 • (336) 643-3991

GREENSBORO

Cardinal Center: 2202 Fleming Rd • (336) 665-0880

Gunter’s Crossing: 5828 N Church St • (336) 644-7204

Oak Ridge Commons

Great Clips: Convenient, stylish, affordable

Since 2002, Great Clips in Oak Ridge has provided local residents with quality, affordable hair care along with convenient daytime, evening and weekend operating hours to fit their busy schedules.

Owned by Greensboro native Richard White, the family hair salon specializes in haircuts for adults and children of all ages. The talented stylists are also able to create beautiful and unique updos for special occasions such as weddings, holiday parties and proms.

Manager Becky Keaton, who has been part of the Great Clips team for the past 14 years, oversees the store’s daily operations, and the franchise is run by White’s niece and vice president of operations, Courtney Lowrance.

The experienced professionals at Clips in Oak Ridge taking pride in offering their clients the most up-to-date styles making sure they can be easily maintained.

Great Clips is founded on belief that great results can provided at a reasonable price.

Along with offering everyday low Great Clips offers veterans free haircuts Veterans Day and discounts several year through corporate promotions publications.

Great Clips is open seven days a No appointments are required, but

Commons

SHOP • DINE • ENJOY

Oak Ridge, at the corner of NC Highways 68 and 150

at Great offering styles while maintained. on the be price. low prices, haircuts on times a and local a week. the

salon has a mobile app that offers an online check-in service so clients can add their names to a waitlist before they arrive.

An active business participant in the community, Great Clips supports local schools, churches and charitable events that

impact area youth.

“Thanks to our loyal customers, we’ve had a great year, and we just want to express our gratitude to those who have continued to support our business,” Lowrance said. “We look forward to seeing all of you in the new year!”

Photo by Annette Joyce (NWO)

The staff at Great Clips in Oak Ridge Commons: (front row, L-R) Fatemeh, Becky (manager) and Hannah; (back row, L-R) Eunice, Brittany, Jenifer and Andrea.

STOKESDALE town council

Dec. 12 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

as reported by PATTI STOKES

Mayor Mike Crawford called the monthly council meeting to order at 7 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy and council members Jimmy Landreth, Tim Jones and Jim Rigsbee were present, as were the town administrator/clerk, finance officer, attorney and about 30 citizens.

Pastor David Bailey with Crossroads Community Church led the opening prayer. The meeting agenda was approved after moving a discussion item regarding additional surveillance equipment in Stokesdale Town Park to the Jan. 9, 2025 meeting; minutes of the July 11 closed session and Oct. 10 regular town council meetings were unanimously approved.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Fire Department. Stokesdale Fire Chief Todd Gauldin reported the department responded to 52 medical-related calls, 15 firerelated calls and 31 miscellaneous calls for service in November.

Gauldin then reminded residents to make sure live Christmas trees are watered regularly, be mindful of

where the trees are placed, and read the safety level information on power strips.

District 1. Town administrator/ clerk Robbie Wagoner read a report provided by Sgt. Ryan Seals of the sheriff’s District 1 office. The office responded to 152 calls for service in Stokesdale last month, but no significant incidents or crime trends were noted.

ADMINISTRATIVE

Water system report. On behalf of Priscilla Hunsucker, the town’s water system customer service manager, Wagoner reported 847 water bills were sent out last month, nine new water meters were installed and 17 water meters were on hold for builders.

Water line extensions. Yates Construction hopes to begin installing water lines along Ellisboro Road in early spring 2025. Hazen & Sawyer, the town’s engineering firm, plans to present a final design for the Coldwater Road extension in early 2025.

Other water system issues. Hazen & Sawyer continues its work on updating the town’s water model, which will impact its Capital Improvement Plan. The firm is also gathering data to include in an application for a water system pre-production planning grant.

Deputy clerk. Deputy Clerk Mason Winfree worked his last day on Dec. 5 before beginning his new job as town clerk for the Town of Summerfield.

Christmas parade. Twenty parade sponsors and 62 parade participants brought in over $5,000 of revenue to date, which covered all paraderelated expenses.

COMMITTEES

Town Park Improvement Committee. Chair Tee Stephenson gave an update on the soccer field lighting project in the town park. Duke Energy has indicated it will be one to two months before it can install a 480V three-phase service that will run from Angel-Pardue Road to the soccer fields; once complete, Reynolda Electric can move forward with installing the lighting.

“That’s a big deal for us – we’re very proud of that and very glad it’s in the works!” Stephenson said of the town’s investment in field lighting.

The committee is still considering options for increased security at the park’s basketball and pickleball courts.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Town Finance Officer Kim Thacker highlighted November financial activities for the general fund and water enterprise accounts. The town has $3,564,866.83 in general fund bank accounts; $2,743,440 of this is invested in CDARS.

Thacker noted there are zero accounts in the water system’s 90-day past-due category.

The annual audit has been submitted and accepted by the Local Government Commission.

PUBLIC HEARING

Rezoning. Oliver Bass with Guilford County’s Planning and Development Department presented a rezoning request for 100.25 acres at 7848 U.S. 158, from AG (agricultural) and RS-40 (single-family residential) to CZ-RS-30 (conditional single-family residential). Developer Kevan Combs has proposed two conditions: the maximum number of lots be 85; and the zoning be subject to all permitted uses within the RS-30 zoning district except junked motor vehicles. The property will connect to the town’s municipal water system.

The town’s Planning Board recommended approving the rezoning request; staff also recommended approval, with added development conditions: a small pond on the property must be evaluated by a professional engineer, with a report on its stability and recommendations for repairs; necessary repairs must be completed and the area stabilized; and an Operation & Maintenance Plan for the pond and dam must be created for the HOA and recorded in its governing documents.

Foy asked if developer Kevan Combs had agreed to the above conditions and Town Attorney Chuck Winfree said no; later he explained the conditions were recommendations of the town’s planning staff, but Combs wasn’t required to agree to them as part of his zoning request.

Landreth confirmed the developer could drain the pond on the property if he chose to do so.

Council members also discussed the developer’s self-imposed condition prohibiting junked motor vehicles.

“In my mind, that puts us in the business of patrolling this neighborhood for junked motor vehicles… my mindset is that it would be better handled by the HOA,” Councilman Tim Jones said. He also noted the definition of junked cars varies widely.

Speaking on behalf of developers

and contractors Kevan Combs, Commie Johnson and Casey Johnson, Andrew Crish, with FEI Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors, offered more details about the project.

No one spoke afterward during the period for those opposed to the zoning request.

With the matter in the council’s hands, Jones motioned to approve the rezoning request but to remove the condition regarding prohibiting junked motor vehicles.

“I’m in favor of the rezoning, but this is too much government,” he said.

Winfree explained the rezoning request had been advertised with that condition included, so advised against removing it. Councilman Jim Rigsbee then motioned to approve the rezoning, with conditions as written.

 5  0 to approve the rezoning request as presented.

NEW BUSINESS

Road Improvements. Jones said he asked that discussion of road improvements to Athens Road, the Athens Road Connector and Angel-Pardue Road be added to the agenda in response to an email from a NCDOT representative.

Speaking on behalf of NCDOT, Brian Ketner said a revised design of this intersection meets criteria of the school and the state department. Improvements include adding signals at Athens Road, Angel Pardue Road and U.S. 158, although he said the signals are only warranted during peak school traffic hours.

Improvement costs are estimated at $2.3+ million. NCDOT has identified $800,000 in funding and Guilford County Schools has committed to $750,000, so an additional $800,000 still needs to be secured.

Council discussed whether the traffic signals could be inactivated during non-peak school hours and Ketner said possibly.

If funding is secured, Ketner said this project could be completed next summer when school is out.

 5  0 to approve a resolution of support regarding road improvements that include traffic signals on U.S. 158 at Angel-Pardue Road and on Athens Road at Angel-Pardue Road.

 5  0 to approve the 2025 holiday closing schedule.

 5  0 to approve the 2025 regularly scheduled town council meeting schedule.

 5  0 to approve the BOA regular meeting schedule.

 5  0 to appoint Kurtis Gentry and Andrea Meylor to two-year terms as full voting members of the Planning Board, effective Jan. 1.

CITIZEN COMMENTS

„ PS Communications owner Patti Stokes told council that after 28 years, the Northwest Observer’s last issue will be published on Dec. 19. For the last several years Stokes has reported on Stokesdale Town Council meetings, and she praised the current council and staff for their professionalism and for how council members disagree in a civil, respectful manner.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

„ Rigsbee thanked Stokes for her dedication to the community and said the Northwest Observer will be missed, then wished everyone a merry Christmas.

„ Foy thanked everyone who sponsored this year’s Christmas parade, and gave a shoutout to Tee Stephenson for all his work on the parade.

He then thanked Stokes for her dedication to the Northwest Observer and said, “I have a new appreciation after these last five years for the amount of time and effort that you and your staff put into covering these meetings … thank you for your friendship, your counsel, your insight – we will miss you.”

„ Landreth also thanked Tee Stephenson and then told Stokes he felt like he was losing a friend because the Northwest Observer has been around for so long.

“It’s almost like it’s a bond for the communities – all the communities together – and I’m sure it’s going to be missed,” he said, and then congratulated Mason Winfree on his new role in Summerfield, expressing happiness for him but admitting he was irritated that Summerfield had “stolen” him from Stokesdale.

„ Jones thanked the four citizens who stayed until the end of the meeting, and then recognized Stokes for “the number of words, pages and pictures” that had been

offered in the Northwest Observer over the years. “It’s just astounding, the amount of work it must take to get that done.” He added he hoped that Summerfield might learn something from having Winfree, a former Stokesdale employee, encouraged everyone to be careful during the parade, and to remember that “Jesus is the reason for the season.”

„ Crawford said his wife was one of the Northwest Observer’s biggest fans and he hated having to tell her its last issue was coming up. After inviting everyone to attend the town’s parade on Dec. 14, he offered Merry Christmas wishes and gave the announcements before the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

OAK RIDGE town council

Dec. 5 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

as reported by CHRIS BURRITT

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

PROCLAMATION

Arbor Day recognition. Kinneman read a proclamation declaring Dec. 5 as Arbor Day in Oak Ridge and then recognized a group of citizens who more than 40 years ago planted willow oaks in several locations in town, including on Oak Ridge Military Academy’s campus and along N.C. 150. Back in the early 1980s, lifelong resident Frank Whitaker presented the idea to plant the seedlings, which have grown into

“majestic 60-foot-tall shade trees,” according to the proclamation. (See related article on p. 6.)

PUBLIC SAFETY

Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s District 1 office responded to 146 calls for service in Oak Ridge in November, resulting in five case reports.

The town’s recently installed security cameras enabled detectives to identify the tag number of a vehicle driven by the suspect in a Nov. 11 smash-and-grab car break-in at Town Park.

Investigators believe the 30-yearold Florida man later broke into a vehicle in the parking lot of the Cascades Preserve hiking area on Goodwill Church Road. Authorities have linked him to multiple incidents of breaking and entering in eastern North Carolina and are pursuing him for those as well as larceny and fraud.

Oak Ridge Fire Department. Firefighter Jon Nunez reported the fire department responded to 88 calls for service last month, most of which were EMS-related. Staff obtained more than 620 hours of training.

Nunez urged homeowners to follow precautions during the holidays which include keeping cut trees watered and candles away from flammables.

‘CLEAN’ AUDIT REPORT

An independent review of the town’s financials confirmed a “clean” audit opinion for the fiscal year ending June 30, according to a presentation by Chad Cook, audit director for Greensboro-based accounting firm Forvis Mazars.

PUBLIC HEARINGS Board of Adjustment

A public hearing for citizen

feedback on dissolving the Board of Adjustment drew no comments.

 5  0 to dissolve the Board of Adjustment (BOA) and assign its duties to the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Board. Town Manager Bill Bruce recommended the change in September due to requests for zoning variances and appeals being so infrequent. P&Z Board members will receive training for their new responsibilities.

Street plan revision

 5  0 to approve an update of roads in Oak Ridge as identified in the revised thoroughfare and collector street plan. This is essentially the official road map of the Greensboro Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, which coordinates the federally required transportation planning process.

“It basically suggests where a road would go if development occurs,” Kinneman said. No one spoke for or against the plan during a public hearing.

Tracy Williams, attorney

Photo courtesy of Sandra Smith, Town of Oak Ridge Oak Ridge Town Council honored volunteers who more than 40 years ago planted hundreds of willow oaks around town and who serve on the town’s Tree Board. Starting at the bottom left, the four volunteers pictured with the council are: John Browning, Gary Blackburn, and Claudia and Frank Whitaker.

Clear skies and brisk temperatures set a festive tone for Stokesdale’s annual Christmas tradition that brings everyone together to celebrate the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

Festivities kicked off at 11 a.m. with Candy Cane Lane, a craft, vendor and food/beverage fair hosted by Purple Wagon Events on the front lawn of Stokesdale United Methodist Church. By 1 p.m., DJ Henry Woods and his wife Shirley were setting the mood with Christmas music in front of Forbis & Dick Funeral Home.

Highway 158 closed to traffic as children of all ages bundled up and lined the streets to view the parade and position themselves to catch the treats tossed out by parade participants. The parade started promptly at 2 p.m., with Stokesdale Fire Department leading the procession through downtown, followed by the Oak Ridge Military Academy Color Guard, the Northwest Guilford Viking Marching Band, dance troupes, school groups, decorated floats, antique vehicles, and more. The highlight, of course, was the arrival of Santa Claus.

This year’s parade, funded entirely by the 20 generous sponsors and 67 participants, drew record crowds and filled Stokesdale with the sights, sounds and spirit of the holiday season as well as unforgettable memories.

Merry Christmas, and best wishes for a safe, happy, and prosperous New Year!

Tee Stephenson, chief parade volunteer

Wishing

Thank you all for another

Nicole E. Gillespie SPS , REALTOR®/Broker

Nicole E. Gillespie SPS ,

RE/MAX Realty Consultants

RE/MAX Realty Consultants

REALTOR®/Broker

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

We have loved the photos of our readers with the Northwest Observer,

We have loved the photos of our readers with the Northwest Observer, and want to thank you for letting us be there with you, whether you traveled across the world or were right here at home!

Tammy Cobb (left), owner of Pineapple Porch in downtown Stokesdale, and her daughter Holland, who manages the store, enjoyed reading the Northwest Observer during a brief lull between the Stokesdale Christmas Parade on Dec.14 and the stream of shoppers who stopped in afterward to purchase some gift items. What a great way to make use of a little downtime!

Thank you to Nicole Gillespie for sponsoring this issue’s reader photo page Tammy Cobb (left), owner of Pineapple Porch in

Art League (right) and his wife found a great way to pass the time while waiting for the Stokesdale Christmas Parade to get underway on Dec. 14 – reading the Northwest Observer!

Summerfield Feed Mill owners (L-R) Steve, Brandi and Arlene Neal work hard, but they know how to recharge! When it’s time for a break, reading the Northwest Observer gives them just the boost they need to get through their busy days. (Their favorite feature in the Northwest Observer is the painfully detailed Summerfield Town Council meeting coverage. Just kidding – it’s the Grins and Gripes, of course!)

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Several speakers expressed concerns about safety and property rights related to a proposed expansion of the Transco gas pipeline through Oak Ridge. (See related article on p. 3.)

OLD BUSINESS

Community Center rules

 4  1 (Schneider opposed) to continue until the council’s Jan. 9 meeting a vote on the Farmhouse Community Center’s fees and usage rules.

Town Attorney Michael Thomas recommended delaying the vote on policies for the renovated historic house at Town Park to give town staff and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board more time to incorporate suggestions and prepare a final recommendation.

Debate during the meeting centered on the days and hours during which people 60 years and older could rent the space without charge.

Schneider favored voting on the rules during the Dec. 5 meeting, saying it would give staff more time to publicize fees and rules on the town’s website and social media. The Farmhouse Community Center may open as soon as Feb. 1, 2025. (See related article on p. 2.)

BUSINESS OF THE MANAGER Board

appointments

 5  0 to assign BOA duties to P&Z Board members Jason Streck, Nancy Stoudemire, Ron Simpson, Patti Paslaru and Clay Flynt, who represents the town’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. Patrick Fiorentino, Craig Rosenfeld and Tara Tillman were appointed as alternates.

 5  0 to appoint Paul Carney as a regular member of the Historic Preservation Commission.

 5  0 to reappoint Nancy Stoudemire to the P&Z Board and the Tree Committee, Roy Nydorf to the Tree Committee and Chelesa Young as an alternate on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

Meeting schedule

 5  0 to approve the 2025 calendar for council and committee meetings.

Holiday schedule

 5  0 to approve the schedule for Town Hall closures due to the observance of holidays.

Pornography viewing prohibition  5  0 to adopt a resolution ensuring that Oak Ridge complies with a recently adopted state statute forbidding the viewing of pornography by state employees, elected officials and public appointees on networks or devices owned or otherwise controlled by the state agencies.

Oak Ridge’s personnel policy has always prohibited pornography viewing as “conduct unbecoming a public officer or employee,” Bruce wrote in a Nov. 27 memo to the council.

FINANCIAL UPDATE

 5  0 to approve a resolution amending the capital project ordinance for the first phase of Heritage Farm Park. The move added $85,334 to the project’s fund to cover earlier expenses for well drilling, engineering and other tasks.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Historic Preservation Commission. Chair Debbie Shoenfeld reported the commission granted owner Philip Cooke a certificate of appropriateness for the demolition of the circa1918 house at 2204 N.C. 150, next to the Sherwin-Williams store.

The 960-square-foot house is a contributing structure to the town’s

historic district. In recent months, the commission has been working with Cooke to possibly incorporate the house into his commercial development plans for the property, or contribute financially to the relocation of the structure, Shoenfeld noted.

Special Events Committee. Volunteer Barbara Engel presented a report from committee Chair Patti Dmuchowski stating that fund raising for Phase 2 of the Veterans Honor Green now exceeds $20,000.

Tree Committee. Co-chair Roy Nydorf reported that Brock Dunigan, the town’s parks superintendent, planted a maple tree and two cherry trees in Town Park.

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Co-chair Adrian Eckenrod reported that installation of security cameras at town parks is complete. As noted earlier, camera recordings at Town Park identified the vehicle tag number of a smash-and-grab suspect.

Bruce said Eckenrod’s expertise as an IT consultant was critical in the installation of the park cameras.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

„ Stone said he wants the council to resume discussions next month

about accelerating the construction of courts for pickleball and other sports at Heritage Farm Park.

„ Harton, who noted he was just completing his first year on the council, thanked staff for its professionalism and stated that he still has “a lot to learn” in his second year as a councilman.

He urged the council to improve its “listening skills” and then, directing his comments to citizens, added, “We have much to improve in the next 12 months. I hope we can raise the bar to meet your expectations and keep your trust.”

„ “I agree we’ve gone through some stumbling this year, and we’ve got some progress to make,” Schneider said. “I really would like us to spend more time on moving Oak Ridge forward and less time on endless discussions” that dampen residents’ interest in being involved in town affairs.

„ Kinneman said “we basically have a no-drama staff. Staff does an amazing job. They keep the town running very well.”

Council members wished everyone happy holidays. Greeson offered no comments.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:27 p.m.

Congratulations to Ramilya Siegel

Congratulations to Ramilya on being ranked by Real Trends and featured in the Wall Street Journal in the list of 1,000 top performing Realtors across the country. Ramilya brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the ever-changing local real estate market. She has helped over 1,300 buyers and sellers in our area since 1996.

amused – about local happenings. The relationships I’ve developed through the Northwest Observer have been a gift, and it’s those connections and relationships that have made it so hard to let go.

But time is also a treasure, and given that we can’t purchase more time or stockpile it for a later day, I want to focus more of what I have on my husband of 40 years, our two adult children and their spouses, and my five grandchildren who are such bright stars in my sky. I also want to spend more time with extended family members and a handful of close friends, pursue new adventures, take more frequent walk/runs on the A&Y Greenway and group classes at the gym, volunteer more, hone my photography skills and engage in both casual and deep conversations over coffee when I’m not taking notes and being a reporter, just being me.

As much as retiring after 53 years in the workforce has its appeal, though, leaving our readers and local businesses without a way to connect to each other and their community – and not being a part of that connection – just doesn’t feel right. That’s why, with your support, I plan to launch Connect2NWGuilford in March – a quarterly publication blending many of the most valued elements of our monthly Northwest Observer community newspaper, annual northwestFINDER community directory, and semi-annual At Home in northwest Guilford County feature publication.

While not intended to be a newspaper, Connect2 will have a smidgen of local news, with a broad range of feature articles on our area’s history, “ordinary but extraordinary” people of all ages, pets and the role they play in our lives, local trivia, and some new features we’ve

always wanted to introduce but didn’t because of time and space constraints.

I’m excited to share that my entire PS Communications team is continuing with me, ensuring Connect2NWGuilford will reflect the same dedication to our profession and our community as the Northwest Observer.

Thank you for 28 incredible years!

USAGE RULES DELAYED

This marks the second delay since November when the council tasked the P&R Board with revising policies, particularly surrounding free usage hours for seniors. The board had twice unanimously recommended allowing seniors to use the center free of charge for two-hour slots, Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, the council debated modifying those hours to balance other community needs for the facility.

Councilman Jim Harton’s proposal to limit free senior hours to Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., garnered support from several other council members. Harton also suggested initially revisiting the policies at intervals of three months, creating a basis of “data rather than opinions” that typically reflect personal interests.

P&R Board member Caroline Ruch expressed frustration over the council’s deliberations, saying she was “absolutely amazed at the amount of scrutiny” it was spending on free hours for seniors, emphasizing that senior hours would not exclude others from using the center. She criticized the lack of collaboration between the council and advisory boards, arguing it hindered progress.

Other council members explored additional options, such as Mayor Jim Kinneman’s suggestion of seniors having early-morning access via keyless entry.

Please be on the lookout for our first issue of Connect2NWGuilford in early March, when we hope to celebrate and connect northwest Guilford in a new and engaging way! P.S. We’ll keep our office phone lines and all email addresses ending in @nwobserver.com active through mid-January, but you can reach us now or in the future at info@Connect2NWGuilford.com.

“I’m not too worried they’re going to have a raucous party at 7 in the morning,” leaving a mess for town staff to clean up, he said.

Ending free senior hours at 2 p.m., Kinneman and others noted, could allow after-school groups and other community activities later in the day.

Council member Ann Schneider opposed postponing the decision, urging the council to adopt the policies promptly to allow ample time for publicizing them ahead of the center’s February opening.

“We didn’t build this to sit empty,” she said of the center.

Meanwhile, volunteers Barbara Engel and Ben Walraven noted Oak Ridge historically provides funding for youth athletic fields and facilities in its parks, and stressed the importance of also investing in senior citizens such as themselves. Walraven referenced seniors’ high voter turnout and tax contributions, while Engel highlighted their volunteer efforts.

Seniors “have given their tax dollars to Oak Ridge for many years and have received little in return,” longtime volunteer and senior citizen Phyllis Anders said in a statement read by P&R Board co-chair Adrian Eckenrod.

With the council’s decision pushed back until January, Kinneman acknowledged, “I know it’s frustrating. We will get there.”

underpromise and overdeliver.”

As costs are currently estimated, the Town Council would need to draw about $1.2 million from Summerfield’s fund balance, according to Rollins. Early next year, the town expects to learn whether it’s been awarded a grant totaling $500,000, further reducing the town’s spending on the park, he said.

“It’s like a moving set of goalposts,” Rollins said, adding that skepticism among cost-wary council members has eased as efforts to trim costs have accelerated. “There are also conversations that some other local governments may pitch in more,” he said.

Estimated costs for the 119-acre park slated for Bunch Road at Interstate 73 have climbed in the 3 ½ years since the adoption of the master plan prepared by the PLC. In August 2022, the Greensboro-based nonprofit group said the park was “fully funded” after the county commissioners gave Summerfield $2.3 million in pandemic relief aid, bringing total funding for the park to $3.45 million.

Then last April, Pond’s opinion of probable costs soared to $6.66 million, exceeding funding by more than $3 million. The estimate verified recent concerns by DeVaney and council member Janelle Robinson that costs were going to escalate, partly reflecting rising construction costs across the state and the U.S. related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bandera’s probable costs soared from earlier estimates due to rising costs for asphalt, concrete, gravel and labor for parking lots and access roads, according to Pond. Earlier design work underestimated costs for grading and moving earth for the Piedmont Greenway, a trail expected to pass through Bandera in its route from Greensboro to Winston-Salem.

Envisioned as a regional recreational preserve for hikers and horseback riders, the project won support and funding from the PLC, Guilford County, the city of Greensboro and the towns of Oak Ridge and Summerfield, which owns the property.

As proposed now, cost cuts would delay construction of a restroom facility near the parking area for trucks and horse trailers, Rollins said. Plans remain in place for a permanent bathroom in the parking area for hikers.

Initially, portable toilets and a handwashing station would serve the equestrian area, according to the manager. He added that if riders need to change clothes, they could go to the permanent bathroom facility. Or as a horseback rider who participated in the costcutting meeting said, they could change in their trailers.

Rollins said another participant in the meeting commented that “when I go hunting, I don’t go out there and then change clothes to go hunting. Just like if somebody’s going to hook up their horse trailer, they’re already dressed to go riding.”

Council approves rezoning of 100.25 acres for houses

STOKESDALE – Stokesdale Town Council approved a rezoning request last week for 100.25 acres at 7848 U.S. 158, about 3,400 feet east of the U.S. 158 and N.C. 68N intersection, from AG (agricultural) and RS-40 (single-family residential) to CZ-RS-30 (conditional single-family residential). The zoning application was submitted by property owners Donald Best and Elizabeth Angel Cook, and developer Kevan Combs.

A single-family residence and outbuildings are located on the southwestern and central portions of the site, with the remainder being undeveloped wooded land and fields, according to a site review conducted by Pilot Environmental for the developer’s Greensboro-based engineering firm, Fleming Engineering.

A pond is located on the northeastern part of the property and

streams are located on the northern and eastern parts, several of which are subject to Jordan Lake Riparian Buffer Regulations.

The developer placed two conditions on the rezoning: the maximum number of lots will be 85, and the zoning will be subject to all allowable uses within the RS-30 zoning district except junked motor vehicles.

The Stokesdale Planning Board voted 4-0 last month to recommend the town council approve the rezoning request. After holding a public hearing during its Dec. 12 meeting, in which no citizens spoke for or against the rezoning request, the council voted 5-0 to approve it after discussion about the pond on the site and the exclusion of “junked vehicles,” which some council members felt was best regulated by the development’s HOA as opposed to the town.

REDESIGN BY DEVELOPER

Piedmont Triad International Airport’s mega-site envisioned by economic developers as the future home for aviation-related companies employing thousands of workers. Across I-73 from the site, Boom Supersonic and Marshall Aerospace are building factories.

...continued from p. 20

“The northwest market is missing affordable housing options, specifically for families,” Lyons said. “Going with larger townhomes will make the product more expensive but nicer and, more importantly, will create a product for families that the previous plans didn’t have. They will feel like single-family homes.”

The townhouses will feature two-car garages and downstairs bedrooms catering to two-income earners with children. They “will give working class families an alternative to live in new housing in the northwest submarket other than $800,000 to $2 million custom homes.”

Lyons said he anticipates the installation of utilities to start late in next year’s first quarter, with completion of the development later in 2025.

COMING MARCH 2025

Northern Guilford JV and Varsity cheer teams

NORTHERN GUILFORD – On Saturday, Dec. 7, Northern Guilford High School’s JV and Varsity cheer teams participated in the 2024 NCHSAA Cheerleading Invitational at the Raleigh Convention Center, where the Lady Nighthawks competed against cheer squads from across the state. Led by Head Coach Shanice So, JV Coach Krystal McLean, and Assistant Coach Ashley Hairston, the Varsity cheerleading squad secured a Cheerleading State Championship in the Varsity Game Day Medium Non-Tumbling D1 Division, which was a first for the cheer team and the 11th state title in school history. The JV team won 1st place in the Junior Varsity D1 Game Day Non-Tumbling Division.

Northern Guilford Varsity cheerleaders: Isabella Trindel, Leah Green, Jasmine Afankwah, Sara Benincasa, Isabelle Dallape, Xyla Jones, Lilly Messer, Rosemary Messer, Lyla Bissett, Emma Caroline Poe, Jayla McCloud, Erin Hild, Ava Tatum, Maddie Calkins, Sophia Rubanyi, Ava Coleman, Camille Humber, Camdyn Paige and Anisah Lawing

Northern Guilford JV cheerleaders: Allie Carper, Callie Davidson, Chloe Braxton, Emmerson Gdovin, Jennifer Umugwaneza, Kinley McClain, Kora Mullins, Lilly MacKay, Lily Clark, Lydia Easley, Nyla Gainey and Sarah Ross

Team photos courtesy of Wendy Messer

Red-ru ed lemurs keep their fur clean using a tooth comb. A tooth comb is a set of teeth that are close together like the teeth of a comb you might use for your hair!

for sponsoring this issue’s Kids’ Korner

Red-ruffed lemur WORD SEARCH

Did you know?

Red-ruffed lemurs...

• Are native to Madagascar

• Live in groups ranging from about 2-16 and spend much of their time grooming themselves and each other

• Live in the canopy of rainforests

• Are vegetarians who largely eat fruit

• Are very vocal and use over 12 different calls to communicate

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Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Members of Cub Scout Pack 130, based in Oak Ridge, proudly stand beside their float in the Stokesdale Christmas parade on Dec. 14 with their “Best Float in Parade” trophy.

THURSDAY, DEC. 19

z “Mistletoe Madness” | Summerfield Stage Company will present a fundraiser cabaret show featuring

holiday tunes and favorite singalong songs on Dec. 19, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Village Beverage Co., 1015 N.C. 150 W in Summerfield. Suggested donation is $10. More info: www.facebook.com/ summerfieldstage.

SATURDAY, DEC. 21

z Food pantry | Good Samaritan

Goodbye from our team at NWO!

(By PATTI STOKES, assisted by ChatGPT)

For 28 years, we’ve shared your tales, From shining successes to stormy gales. Your opinions, your milestones, your calendar dates, Thousands we published, without complaints.

Good Samaritan Ministries: celebrating 30 years of service

We brought you the news, the highs and the lows, The victories cheered, the challenges posed. Grins and Gripes, your favorite spread, Our pages alive with the lives you’ve led.

Community celebrates opening of Veterans

We chronicled crime, the whispers, the facts, We printed the past, as we followed its tracks. From bake sales to contests, parades down the street, We photographed and reported from our back-row seats.

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

Ministries’ food pantry in Stokesdale will open for those in need of food on Dec. 21, 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Gideon Grove United Methodist Church, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road. More info: Terri Johnson, (336) 643-5887 or terrij1957@yahoo.com.

TUESDAY, JAN. 7, 2025

z Kiwanis Club | Kiwanis Club of Northwest Guilford meets the first and third Tuesday of each month, starting at 12 noon at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge. The group’s first meeting of 2025 will be on Jan. 7. More info: nwgkiwanis@gmail.com.

Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola Drive. More info: w ww.facebook.com/ friendsofstokesdale.

JAN.

9, 14 & 16

z Senior programs | Guilford County Senior Resources will sponsor a senior program including activities and a take-home lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Jan. 9 at Stokesdale United Methodist Church (8305 Loyola Drive); on Jan. 14 at Shady Grove Wesleyan Church (119 N. Bunker Hill Road in Colfax); and on Jan. 16 at Summerfield First Baptist Church (2300 Scalesville Road). To learn more and/or RSVP, call (336) 373-4816, ext. 265.

JAN. 2 & 16

But now comes the time for this journey to end, We'll miss you so much, our dear readers and friends! Our office is quiet, our keyboards aren’t clicking, It’s a bittersweet moment, but our hearts are still ticking.

So here’s our goodbye, with a tear and a smile, It’s been 28 years, and worth every mile.

But wait…

Honor Green after five years of planning and fundraising by

z Summerfield Merchants | Summerfield Merchants Association (SMA), which supports local business and nonprofit professionals as well as the Summerfield community, will next meet Jan. 7, beginning with a social and networking time from 6:15 to 7 p.m. followed by a business meeting lasting about one hour. More info or RSVP: www.summerfieldmerchant.com.

PATTI STOKES

We’re not leaving forever, just for a while –We plan to return this spring, with a whole new style, From feature articles to trivia, and a dabbling of news, We hope to inform, entertain, and maybe amuse.

ceremony attended by hundreds, honoring both past and present veterans while showcasing the new site. Committee Chair Patti Dmuchowski reflected

z Friends of Stokesdale | Friends of Stokesdale, a nonprofit committed to preserving Stokesdale’s history and downtown charm, will next meet Jan. 7, from 7 to 8 p.m. at Stokesdale United

z Senior programs for Summerfield citizens | The Town of Summerfield in cooperation with Guilford County Senior Resources hosts a coffee & conversation program for men 60+ on the first and third Thursday of each month, 9 to 10:30 a.m., at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road, and a senior luncheon for men and women 60+ every third Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Summerfield First Baptist Church, 2300 Scalesville Road. More info: w ww.summerfieldnc.gov.

THURSDAY, JAN. 2

z Town Council | Oak Ridge Town

Council will meet Jan. 2, 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. Attend in person or watch the meeting on the town’s YouTube channel. More info: w ww.oakridgenc.com.

FRIDAY, JAN. 3

z Veterans’ breakfast | Bethel Methodist Church, 8424 Haw River Road in Oak Ridge, invites local veterans to a monthly event for coffee, breakfast and fellowship on Jan. 3, starting at 8:30 a.m. More info: Larry McDonald, (336) 215-3141.

THURSDAY, JAN. 9

z Town Council | Stokesdale Town Council will meet Jan. 9, starting 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. Citizens may attend in person, or watch the meeting on the town’s YouTube channel. More info: ww w.stokesdale.org.

MONDAY, JAN. 13

z Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club | NW Guilford Woman’s Club (NGWC), a nonprofit whose members share a commitment to community service, will next meet on Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. To learn more about NGWC or to attend as a guest, contact Barb Cronin, president, at croninb60@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, JAN. 14

z Town Council | Summerfield Town Council will meet Jan. 14, 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. Attend in person or watch the meeting on the town’s YouTube channel. More info: ww w.summerfieldnc.gov.

TUESDAY, JAN. 21

z Northwest Guilford VFW | Northwest Guilford VFW invites veterans and individuals who have served overseas in a conflict to join VFW Post #7999 for its monthly meeting Jan. 21, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. More info: Rick Dunlap, (336) 601-0941.

CRIME / INCIDENT report

District 1 Sheriff’s Office

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

ASSAULT

Nov. 18 | A resident of the 8500 block of Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale reported a known suspect assaulted him and used his vehicle without permission; a 29-year-old female was subsequently arrested for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Nov. 18 | Officers responded to a reported assault in the 8400 block of Deer Path Court in Stokesdale (off Oak Level Church Road).

Nov. 19 | Officers responded to a reported physical altercation in the 8300 block of Linville Oaks Drive in Oak Ridge (off Linville Road); separately, another altercation was reported the same day in the 2800 block of Candlenut Road in Stokesdale (near U.S. 158).

Nov. 28 | A 53-year-old male was arrested in the 4600 block of Pine Cove Road in northwest Greensboro for domestic violence and assault by inflicting serious bodily injury.

Nov. 30 | Officers responded to a reported physical altercation and a motor vehicle theft in the 3300 block of Edgefield Road in

northwest Greensboro.

Dec. 3 | An assault was reported in the 6300 block of Alley Ridge Way in Summerfield (near Oak Ridge Road).

Dec. 6 | An assault involving a firearm was reported in the 6400 block of U.S. 158 in Summerfield.

DEATH INVESTIGATION

Nov. 28 | A death investigation was conducted in the 2700 block of Pleasant Ridge Road in Summerfield.

Dec. 8 | A death investigation was conducted in the 4500 block of Fence Drive in northwest Greensboro (off Edgefield Road).

FRAUD/THEFT

Nov. 18 | An employee of Pineapple Porch in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect defrauded the business of $3,011.20.

Nov. 20 | Officers responded to a reported theft at a business in Summerfield Village in which an unknown suspect used a cutting instrument to break into a coin machine.

Nov. 20 | An employee of Food Lion in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect shoplifted several food items.

Nov. 23 | A resident of the 8100 block of Flatrock Road in Stokesdale (off U.S. 158) reported an unknown suspect stole his doorbell camera and a picture frame.

Nov. 27 | An employee of AAA Self Storage in northwest Greensboro reported an unknown suspect used a cutting instrument to break into a storage unit and steal a rare pair of Air Jordan sneakers.

Nov. 29 | A resident of the 6900 block of Brandi Wood Circle in Summerfield (near Oak Ridge Road) reported an unknown suspect stole a diamond ring.

Nov. 29 | A resident of the 6000 block of Mountain Brook Road in northern Greensboro (near N.C. 150 W) reported an unknown suspect stole his Apple MacBook.

Dec. 7 | A resident of the 8200 block of Witty Road in Summerfield reported an unknown suspect stole $5,500 in cash.

VANDALISM

Dec. 3 | A resident of the 5400 block of Union Grove Road in Oak Ridge reported a known suspect vandalized his vehicle; a 29-year-old male was subsequently arrested for injury to personal property.

WEAPONS

Nov. 29 | A resident of the 7600 block of Middle Drive in northwest Greensboro (near Edgefield Road) voluntarily surrendered several pistols, rifles and shotguns.

GRINS and GRIPES

„ Everyone who participated in the funding, implementation and celebration of our beautiful veterans monument and reflective area in Oak Ridge!

„ Mrs. Bonapart and Mr. Spinks, both of Pearce Elementary, for finding me and making sure I made it home safely after a very serious walking accident. You were my human angels!

„ All LGBTQIA+ individuals in our community – you bring a light like nobody else can... Don’t let anyone else dull your sparkle. You are seen, you are heard, and you are loved.

„ Oak Ridge Town Council for following through on renovating the Redmon House for a community center. Hopefully, they will carefully consider offering our senior citizens,

who are on fixed incomes, a discount for its use.

„ The 10-Minute Oil Change business in Oak Ridge. I went there for an inspection and they could not have been nicer. Even with a car ahead of me, I was in/out in 20 minutes with a smile and a wave.

„ Everyone who came out in 24-degree weather for the food drive at Stray Cat Garage in Stokesdale. Thanks to you, we delivered 856 pounds of food and $750 to Urban Ministries in Greensboro to help those in need throughout the Triad.

„ The kind gentleman who helped me get back in my truck several weeks ago after I fell in the Harris Teeter parking lot off Battleground and struggled due to back injury.

„ Everyone who came out to support the Stokesdale Community

Accepting new patients

644-7606

Choir and the Huntsville Elementary School chorus as they presented their Christmas musical. 350+ was a record attendance. We appreciate each of you!

„ All the dedicated volunteers who worked for hours in very cold temperatures putting up the luminaries and new lighted archways in Oak Ridge Town Park. It is beautiful, and I highly recommend taking a stroll through the park at night when everything is lit up!

„ Lowes Foods for bringing former manager Jeff Beane back to manage its Oak Ridge store. It’s great to have him “home.”

„ The CBC Wind Ensemble for their recent performance during Central Baptist’s Christmas Cantata. Your best performance ever. Keep up the great work.

„ All the donors and the Special Events Committee members who made our new Veterans Honor Green possible. It’s a beautiful tribute to all veterans and their sacrifices!

„ Any educator who supports and provides LGBTQIA+ resources to students. Thank you for leaving history behind, where it belongs. Our future is bright!

„ Kevin and Mike for fixing and passing out plates during Thanksgiving and making sure the less fortunate and homeless had a good warm meal. They are two caring individuals who made a difference putting others first!

„ Oak Ridge Methodist Church for the beautiful Christmas program. Thank you for providing such a joyful way to worship the Lord.

„ Stokesdale’s Tee Stephenson and all the other volunteers, staff and sponsors involved with the awesome Stokesdale Christmas parade on Dec. 14. Best parade so far!

„ Patti Stokes and the Northwest Observer for keeping our community informed and involved for nearly three decades. It’s sad to see it come to an end, but looking forward to seeing that first issue of Connect2 in March.

„ Summit Church in Oak Ridge for providing free hot chocolate and photos at the town’s Light Up the Night event, and for the “Lighting of the Oak” event at your church Dec. 1. We loved it, and that lighted tree is beautiful!

„ The bicyclists on Sunday, Nov. 24, turning left from Linville Road onto Oak Ridge Road, who didn’t have the right of way but turned right in front of us. My newly permitted driver almost hit you, which was very upsetting.

„ The healthcare worker who befriends elderly patients, especially those with no heirs, in hopes of acquiring money/land from them. Beware, senior citizens... wolf in sheep’s clothing!

„ The owner of the squatted truck who has paired it with the worst exhaust system known to man. Now I like a truck or muscle car with a nice growl, but your truck sounds terrible and is very loud and irritating.

„ The person who complained about Trump signs remaining on personal property. We are proud to display the true duly-elected president of the United States’ signs and flags. They will remain indefinitely.

„ The person concerned about LGBTQ information being distributed to students. Buckle up: LGBTQ have been with us throughout history, and they’ll be here in the future. Bravo to schools that promote acceptance, individuality, and foster an inclusive environment (especially here in rural America).

„ Those who came together to get a felon elected to the White House. Congratulations – may you who voted for him get everything you voted for, tenfold. Happy Holidays!

„ Oak Ridge council members Kinneman, Stone and Greeson for all the debate related to reduced rental rates for senior citizens who want to use the Farmhouse Community Center, while giving ORYA free use of

our parks and sports fields.

„ Stokesdale Post Office for the piles of trash behind the building. It looks terrible and the trash goes everywhere when the wind blows.

„ School bus drivers on U.S. 158 who cut cars off; I’ve been cut off numerous times, whether from them pulling out of a neighborhood in front of me or slamming on their brakes. They’re endangering children’s lives, and others as well.

„ The griper complaining about private property owners not taking down yard signs. Stop worrying about yards that you do not pay taxes on. It’s my private property and my right to place signs on my lawn.

„ Our neighbor who burns household trash. The smell is so bad, and the ashes are blowing on my yard and cars. Please stop!

„ Oak Ridge citizens who display Trump signs. Please stop the idolatry and take them down.

„ The person on U.S. 158 at Anthony Road who was burning a big pile of wood all night on Dec. 6 when we hadn’t had any rain. Please think before burning. Would hate to see this get out of control.

„ The reader in the NWO’s last issue who complained about the homeowner on Osage Road. Worry about yourself and your property. You don’t know their situation and if you actually cared, you would offer to help. BTW, you don’t pay the property taxes there either.

„ Oak Ridge Councilman Mike Stone for wanting to surveil and record all committee meetings for his convenience. Almost all committee chairs have opposed this idea. We are volunteers, not paid employees. Minutes are available for every meeting.

„ Northwest Observer for publishing a half-page story on Beer and Hymns that apparently someone thinks is even remotely okay. If this is all you can publish, don’t put another paper in my mailbox! This is disgraceful!

Editor’s note: We’re sorry the idea of drinking a beer and singing hymns together offended you. Based on your reaction, I’m amazed that this is the first time you’ve been offended or appalled at something you’ve read in our paper, because frankly, we’ve published much more disturbing stories than this one.

As for “if this is all you can publish,” I’m curious… Did you read the article on the front cover about Good Samaritan Ministries – or the one about a dedicated group of volunteers who helped raise over $200,000 for a Veterans Honor Green in Oak Ridge? Or how about the article on Sabrina Andrijov, a working mother who volunteers with Guilford Backpack Ministry? Or the woman who started a nonprofit to honor her son who suffered from PTSD and help others who suffer from it also? And maybe you also missed the one about longtime

Stokesdale Post Office carrier Roger Southern, who was honored with a DAR Community Service Award? And the detailed town council coverage we provided for the towns of Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale? How about the Girl Scout who earned her Gold Award by raising awareness and donations for foster animals? Or the Calendar Events for our local nonprofits, and the article about volunteers who support the Community Meals on Wheels program?

It seems the only thing you read in our last issue was an article about some people getting together and drinking a beer while singing hymns and praising God in a public place. But let me put your mind at ease; we promise not to deliver any more Northwest Observers in your mailbox. Enjoy the silence.

„ Homeowners on Tanyard Court who have been burning for weeks. Smoke is traveling far with your day-long burns,

day after day. Those of us with asthma are begging you to please stop.

„ That no one has been able to locate the women working on their lawn in their sports bra. I’m sure they would want to showcase how wonderful their lawn looks. Come on people, let’s solve this case once and for all.

Editor’s note: How appropriate that this topic, which garnered more Grins and Gripes than any in our newspaper’s history – and had the longest life by far – should surface one… last… time. May it rest in peace.

„ Drivers at crosswalks. To get home from school I cross two crosswalks at Oak Ridge and Linville. Today a green SUV almost hit me and my whole 15 years flashed before my eyes. Slow down and be careful of pedestrians in crosswalks.

„ The intoxicated gentleman drinking beer during the playing of White Christmas at Golden Ticket Cinemas Ale House. Thanks for your obnoxious behavior! Go get alcohol counseling!

HOT. RAIN. COLD. Tested for

The Northwest Observer – what it’s meant to our team

Regardless of our individual roles here at PS Communications, having a part in publishing a local newspaper has been a unique and memorable experience for each of us, and we’ve done our share of reflecting as we prepare to send out our last issue of the NWO this week.

In this issue I’ve taken some opportunities to share my thoughts on what it’s like to be retiring the paper after 28 years, but it occurred to me that I’m not the only one of us here whose life will be affected when the NWO goes to mailboxes and newspaper stands tomorrow for the last time – my staff will feel the impact also.

Before we wrap up, I’d like to share some of their thoughts on what they’ve learned, valued and will miss about being a part of this community newspaper with a 28-year history. And while this is the end of the line for the NWO, I’m so glad it’s not the end of the line for us as a team, because we’ve still got some roads to travel together and some stories to share.

On behalf of all of us, we look forward to bringing the same sense of pride and teamwork to our new publication as we brought to the Northwest Observer – and as my late mother would often say, “If the good Lord is willing and the creek doesn’t rise,” we’ll see you next March!

Patti Stokes, owner PS COMMUNICATIONS

When I retired from full-time work at FedEx, I was apprehensive about sliding into total retirement. I had not been unemployed since I was a teenager and the thought of coming to an abrupt stop kind of scared me – so, I came to work here part-time and never dreamed I’d still be here five years later. I truly feel like I’m a part of a little family here, and I’m very proud to tell people that I work for the Northwest Observer. I love being around other people and I think of all the people I would have never met had I not worked here. It is quite a few!

Before working here, I guess I took the paper for granted. I knew it would always

show up in my mailbox or I could pick one up around town. I could not have imagined the work it takes to get each issue out and it’s truly amazing that the few people who work here accomplish it.

Rene Collins, admin assistant

While working for PS Communications, I have most enjoyed getting involved in the community! Keeping up with the community calendar in the Northwest Observer has shown me how many awesome events are happening in this area all the time. It is amazing and truly admirable to see the commitment of local towns, churches and other volunteers year after year. I feel more grateful now than ever before to live in Summerfield!

Lily Pierce, contributing writer

I moved to the area in 2001 and lost my job the next year. I knew no one, but by chance I connected with Patti Stokes while placing an ad and ended up working for the NWO in marketing and as a writer. I’ve been with the company in some capacity ever since. Working for the paper has given me the opportunity to meet so many people and become embedded in the community at warp speed. I will always be grateful for this. As a member of the team, I’m proud of the impact our publications have had on the community and our readers. Everyone has a story and it’s amazing to see where those lead.

For instance, I wrote an article about the late Marie Armstrong, a lovely elderly woman who was able to reconnect with her first love, David Stewart, Sr., after 65 years. Even though he lived in Reidsville, he got a copy of the newspaper, read the article and found out how to contact the Oak Ridge resident. Both in their 90s, the two later married. Because of the NWO, those two people were reunited and lived out their final days together.

I personally experienced the extraordinary kindness of our readers after I wrote

about the passing of my beloved dog, Charlie. Oak Ridge artist Cathy Fuquay, a complete stranger, took the time to draw a beautiful portrait of Charlie and presented it to me as a way of easing my grief.

I’ve seen so many wonderful things come out of our community from business owners, volunteers and everyday people. The Northwest Observer has shined the light on these people and made our community a much better place.

Annette Joyce, contributing writer

One of the things I’ve really enjoyed about working for the company is meeting and talking to readers as I deliver the paper to their various outlet stations. I’m invariably stopped two to three times a day by a reader who has a comment about a story or about a grin/gripe or about the editor! Amazingly enough, I cannot remember hearing a negative comment in my travels. Everyone was happy to see the paper arrive. It will be missed.

Lastly, I have to admire the sense of commitment Patti and her staff have shown to unfailingly create and distribute a quality product week after week, year after year.

Tom McCoy, chief delivery guy

I’ve enjoyed the chance to learn new things, and to pass on some of the tricks of the trade to our art director, Kelli (an extremely apt pupil). Also seeing the span of growth and change in the paper – from the days of grayscale with a few color ads to every page being full color. And working in an appreciative and positive environment, with give-and-take. I’ve been “changed for good,” as the witches sing in “Wicked.”

Yvonne Truhon, graphic artist, page layout

Over the past five years, I’ve had the joy of working with our advertisers to help create visuals that showcase their businesses. It has been incredibly fun for me to bring an

...continued on p. 50

Thank you to our readers for being a part of our journey over the past 28 years. And a special thanks to our advertisers – without you, this journey wouldn’t have been possible.

LETTERS/OPINIONS

Thank you, NWO and PS Communications staff

As a northwest Guilford resident, I’m sad to see the Northwest Observer leaving our community in the form that’s long spoiled us. This journalistic jewel has regularly landed in our mailboxes as an excellent example of a community paper – well researched and written, timely, hyper-local (no news pulled from wire services), and delivered with no subscription costs. The Observer checks a lot of boxes with its “need-to-know, fun-to-know, and good-to-know” content covering civic activities, schools, lifestyle, events, and local services. For many, a key role has been that of a local government watchdog with in-depth coverage of council meetings, zoning and development matters, service changes, and elections. This last issue marks the end of fair coverage and the accountability attached to that.

Community journalism aims to inform, interpret, and provide a forum for varying perspectives, and the Observer has excelled at this since its inception. Yet how we access news

has changed drastically, and touchable print isn’t everyone’s news-delivery preference. As someone with past publishing and newspaper experience, I especially value the work required of genuine journalism, and I suspect many of you will miss coverage of area people (we can talk to), places (we can visit and patronize), and things (events that we won’t necessarily find on social media).

Thank you, NWO and PS Communications staff – those generating the revenue and handling finances, administration, IT, writing, design and layout, and distribution. Special thanks to dedicated reporters with a heart for accuracy like Chris Burritt –he’s tackled some challenging stories through the years. And hats off to your long and successful run at the helm, Patti Stokes. I have respected your professionalism, objectivity, commitment, and gift of communicating fairly and locally. All the best with your future specialty publications and other endeavors.

Scott Whitaker, OAK RIDGE

We don’t need another dirty, dangerous methane pipeline

Our small community is facing the burden of Transco’s attempt to force a massive methane pipeline, the Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (SSEP), through Oak Ridge. This multi-state, high-pressure 42-inch pipeline would run directly through our town, providing no gas for local use while creating significant safety, environmental and economic risks.

Many schools and churches are located in the pipeline’s blast zones, including Oak Ridge Weekday School, Oak Ridge Elementary, Oak Ridge Military Academy, Oak Ridge First Baptist Church, St. James AME Church, and Oak Ridge Methodist Church. This raises serious concerns about the safety of our families, students and community members.

Methane gas infrastructure is unreliable. During Winter Storm Elliot, methane gas plant failures caused 63% of power loss across the Eastern U.S., while solar and wind were responsible for just 1% and 4%, respectively. This is part of a larger trend: over the past 12 years, gas plants have repeatedly failed during extreme winter weather

Dear editor, I am proud of you!

Dear Editor (and Mom), I’ve written this letter 100 times and have begun so many versions with things like “it’s not the ending… just a new beginning” or “every ending is the start of something new” or “the best is yet to come.” But the truth is, this is an ending. And, it’s the ending of what has been a pretty remarkable journey.

While I hope you don’t sit too long in the sadness of saying goodbye to the Northwest Observer, I do hope you let

yourself grieve the goodbye of something you’ve loved deeply and to reflect on the beauty of the journey: the people you’ve met, the stories you made it possible to share, the character built, the friendships made, the jobs provided, the businesses promoted, the hardships endured, the grins laughed over, the gripes you shook your head at, the coffees enjoyed over a good read… Praise be to God that this journey which is about to end is one that is worth missing.

I’ve said many times, if you

events, making them a costly and risky energy source.

Economically, this project is a waste. Transco estimates SSEP will cost $1.5 billion. Meanwhile, renewable energy – like solar and battery storage – is now more affordable, especially with tax credits. Duke Energy could save millions by prioritizing renewables instead of methane gas.

For Oak Ridge, SSEP brings zero benefits and countless harms. Short term, we will experience traffic disruption and landscape destruction. Long term, our air and water quality will suffer, and the risks of explosions, asset destruction, and landowner disputes along the pipeline’s path will persist. Additionally, the presence of this pipeline will make Oak Ridge a less desirable place to live and work.

We must protect our community’s future. Please ask our Oak Ridge Town Council members to oppose SSEP disrupting our community at their next meeting on January 9, 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall.

Ron Ray, OAK RIDGE

wanted me to take over the newspaper, I shouldn’t have lived in the same house as you – but I’m sure glad I did. I got the insider view of the journey of my newspaper editor/ publisher mom and then, for the last five years, I’ve gotten the insider view of my mom/boss. And, what I’ve gotten to witness is astounding:

I saw you when you were printing out, then cutting, then gluing ads onto pages and hand-delivering those pages to the printer.

I saw you when you stayed up all night to finish an issue, then still

Me (Patti Stokes) and my No. 1 girl, Kelli Jessup

edited my school paper and were cheering on the sidelines at Sam’s basketball game.

I saw you when you gave all you had to getting an issue out, only to hear none of the good and all of the mistakes, and perceived mistakes you made…

…and then I saw you humbly own any mistakes you made.

I saw you consistently give away time and money to support the community.

I saw you find the “ordinary” people in our communities, and help us all to see the extraordinary impact of a quiet life.

I saw you take out the trash, clean the bathrooms, even most recently, for the last six months, I’ve seen you meet the printer at 2 a.m. for the newspaper delivery just hours after you uploaded the last page for print.

I’ve seen you deliberate on how to write/publish news stories that are painful, but need to be shared, and doing it in the most gracious way possible.

I’ve seen you crunch numbers as you worried about paying the bills over the years and I’ve seen you take pay cuts to ensure your staff was taken care of.

I’ve seen you scolded in person, criticized on social media, yelled at through a screen… and I’ve seen you absorb it and respond, or not, with kindness.

Mom, I’m so proud of you. I’m proud of your hard work, your grace, your passion to connect the local communities where you live, your ability to admit your faults, your love for making a space to share the dreams, accomplishments, businesses and simple stories of others.

But the end of the Northwest Observer leaves me with another thing to be so proud of… what I’m the most proud of…

For years you were the Northwest Observer and it was you. This newspaper controlled you – whatever it required, you gave. And often,

it required everything you had in you. In many ways you were so connected, that the thought of life without the Northwest Observer left you with such great emptiness it seemed impossible for you to ever voluntarily end it.

As you’ve taken some small steps back in the last five years, the Northwest Observer has remained one of your passions, but not your identity. You have taken back control of your life. Your standards never declined, but your quality of life sure improved. And that’s left you with time. Time for friends, time to think, time to exercise, time to enjoy all of the beautiful creation around you, time to travel, time to love your husband well. And of course, my favorite, extra time for family.

That means my three kids and my nephew and niece get to experience, enjoy, love, and learn from the same person people of northwest Guilford County have gotten to know through the Northwest Observer for the last 28 years. They have the best Gigi in the world, whose life points to the value of hard work, of hearing and sharing people’s stories, of owning mistakes, of being generous, of responding to anger with patience and an open mind, and of seeing that a career is just one piece of this extraordinary life.

As I looked in my closet and through my dresser this past week, I took a journey down Memory Lane…

My current Northwest Observer T-shirt and sweatshirt count comes to a grand total of 18 and in so many ways, those simple articles of clothing tell a very meaningful story spanning 28 years. Soon to be a vintage wardrobe, which I think makes me pretty cool, each time I wear one of these pieces (which is quite often), I think of you. I think of the 28-year journey from newsletter to newspaper, to working 70 hours a week to finding work-life balance… and I think of how proud I am of my mom, my best friend, my all-time favorite boss, the world’s greatest Gigi, and how truly excited I am for all the adventures we still have to come.

Love you, Mom, Kelli Jessup

Editor’s note: While I was reflecting on everything I wanted to write about the last 28 years of owning a local newspaper, this letter from my daughter arrived in my Inbox. Honestly, I was so inside of my own head that I hadn’t given great thought to the impact my journey has had on my family.

My son, Sam, was in third grade and Kelli was in first grade when I started what was then the Oak Ridge Observer. Over the years my husband and I did a lot of maneuvering so I could attend events and meetings and do the hundreds of things you have to do when you own a business, while still volunteering at our kids’ school, checking their homework, going to their sports games, and the many other things you want to do when you’re trying to be the best parent you can be.

We never really know the full impact we’ve had on our children and those around us, but if we’re really, really fortunate, someday they give us a gift like this letter, which I’ll treasure and keep as evidence that I did okay, and my kids got some valuable takeaways from coming along on

this journey with me.

I’ll sign off by simply saying it’s been a long, hard, fun, challenging, and richly rewarding experience, and through this newspaper I’ve been privileged to come into the homes of thousands of readers, work with a remarkable staff, and be supported by hundreds of small business owners just like myself, who wanted to support their families while serving our community, and were willing to work hard and “stick to it.”

Please support these local businesses and don’t take them for granted. And make it a point to thank them once in a while for the many ways they contribute to our community, not just through the product or service they offer, or the jobs they provide, but also through their sponsorship of youth programs, donations for fundraisers, and the grueling hours they put in behind the scenes. They’re the backbone of our community, many of them made it possible for us to be in existence for 28 years, and I will be forever grateful.

Patti Stokes, editor/publisher Northwest Observer

PROPOSED PIPELINE

Mayor Jim Kinneman said he and Town Manager Bill Bruce received an informational briefing from Williams earlier this year.

“At the time, it didn’t raise concerns with me as I was left with the impression there wasn’t much to do if you did want to object,” Kinneman said in a recent email. “At this time, I am in listening mode from both sides.”

In late October, Transco filed its project application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which regulates the interstate transmission and sale of electricity, natural gas and oil in the U.S.

Posting revenues of $10.9 billion last year, Williams said it handles about a third of the natural gas consumed by industry, businesses and households in the U.S. It’s seeking to expand Transco, the nation’s largestvolume natural gas pipeline, due to rising demand by customers such as Duke Energy that use gas for the generation of electricity.

Since 2013, natural gas demand has grown by 43%, while infrastructure has increased by 25%, highlighting the need for more supply, Williams said in an email earlier this week.

The expansion would cross five southeastern states from Alabama to Virginia. It would include a new loop, or additional line, to the Transco corridor while modifying eight facilities along the route.

If approved by the commission, Williams said it anticipates completing the expansion by the fourth quarter of 2027. As an illustration, the additional supply would meet the needs of nearly 9.8 million homes.

Opponents are seeking to draw out the fight and, ideally, convince FERC to reject Transco’s application for a permit to

proceed with the project.

In coming months, the commission will commence its environmental assessment of the project. It will gather feedback from parties by visiting areas where the expansion is proposed and by talking to and taking feedback from stakeholders, including property owners.

Early next year, the Sierra Club plans to seek resolutions of opposition from towns such as Oak Ridge, legislators and other parties interested in the pipeline’s expansion.

The process “will be years long,” said Caroline Hansley, a campaign organizing strategist for the Sierra Club who met with Oak Ridge property owners last week. “A lot has to happen before any pipe can be put in the ground. It’s going to be many years down the road, if this ever gets built.”

Environmentalists favor a more intensive environmental review by FERC because it would require the evaluation of energy sources other than natural gas, such as solar, according to Hansley.

“We believe that more methane gas pipelines, such as this project, are not needed and should be stopped,” she said.

want to learn more?

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission takes comments and questions. To contact its Office of Public Participation, call (202) 502-6595 or email OPP@ ferc.gov.

People can contact Williams Cos. at outreach@ williams. com or (888) 275-9084.

To read about the proposed Transco project in Oak Ridge, search for “Williams Cos. Southeast Supply Enhancement.”

advertiser’s vision for an ad to life and help them showcase their businesses, which many of them have built from the bottom up. Through my communication about ads, I’ve loved getting to learn about the history and vision of the businesses right here in our community, and then enjoyed becoming a customer of so many of them.

I’ve also loved being able to tell stories visually. I get so excited to take images our team has captured and give our readers a pictorial experience of what’s happening in our communities.

I’m so thankful for my time with the Northwest Observer. As someone who came on staff with some creative talents, but little graphic design experience, I’ve learned so much. I’ve had the privilege of being mentored by Yvonne Truhon, who does our page layout, and has so patiently taught me so much about design software and kept me from pulling out my hair when I felt graphically “stuck.” And, of course, I’ve had the best time working with my mom who believed in me, patiently allowed me time to grow my skill set and afforded me the opportunity to help provide for my family while being able to fulfill my dream of staying home with my babies.

Kelli Jessup, art director

I’m winding down my 45 years as a reporter the way I started: writing community news.

I’ve written for Northwest Observer Editor Patti Stokes for more than five years. I think we survived each other because we didn’t work under the same roof. Both of us are procrastinators, making her life on deadline more miserable than mine when I dallied turning in articles.

After college, my first stop was a weekly newspaper on North Carolina’s coast. Over four decades, I worked at a few bigger places – the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Bloomberg News, among them –before I spotted an online ad from the Northwest Observer.

I wanted to return to newspaper work. As it turns out, writing for the NWO proved to be a bookend for my journalism career, reminding me of the satisfactions and frustrations of covering community news. Patti

was especially demanding, requiring that my articles quote everybody – well, most everybody – who spoke during town council meetings in Summerfield and Oak Ridge. Those towns were the focus of my coverage. Once after a woman spoke at a meeting in Oak Ridge and returned to her seat, I approached her and asked for her name. She refused to tell me, saying she lit her woodstove with the NWO she gets in the mail.

I’ve run into others who say they don’t like the newspaper, and some who don’t read it even though it arrives by mail. I believe a far larger number look forward to its arrival –some for the grins and gripes and others for the crime report. I’m told by some that they actually read it cover to cover.

In one of my first jobs, I wrote articles and took pictures for the daily newspaper in Greenville, South Carolina. I was actually based in an outlying bureau, so the delivery man tossed the paper out in my yard every morning. When I’d wake up, I’d run barefoot, even in the winter, out the door to pick up the paper.

I loved to look at my contributions to the newspaper, then and now. I appreciate the NWO as a source of news for the community. I value its role in requiring elected officials to conduct at least some of their business in public.

Some things haven’t changed in the more than 40 years that I’ve written articles, starting with a manual typewriter. People like to read about their neighbors and see photos of children, pets and big vegetables.

I once took a picture of a huge pumpkin in the bed of a truck parked at Summerfield Feed Mill. Decades earlier, I photographed a giant cabbage.

These represent the enduring values of newspapers and explain why I’ve slogged along as a reporter. That’s also why I hate that the NWO is ending as a resource for the northwest Guilford community, even though Patti plans to carry on with a quarterly publication.

On the day the NWO is published, I read it first online. Then I stop by my local Food Lion to retrieve a copy from the red box out front. I’m sad that’s going to end today.

Chris Burritt, staff writer

WHAT MADE NEWS

...continued from p. 13

Two and a half years after clearing the tract, the developer is redesigning the project with larger, more expensive units catering to working couples with children looking to spend in the mid-$400,000s instead of $600,000-plus for a singlefamily home in the northwest area, LeoTerra President Buddy Lyons said in an interview.

Boom Supersonic

Place online at

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each monthly issue

Call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 Mon-Fri • 9am-12:30pm

Gov. Roy Cooper and other state and local dignitaries returned to Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI) in June to celebrate another Boom Supersonic milestone. During a ribbon cutting that marked completion of the exterior of the $450 million factory, Boom CEO Blake Scholl said the Denver-based company plans to build a second and possibly third facility on its Greensboro campus for assembling passenger jets flying faster than the speed of sound.

While no new openings were posted on Boom’s website earlier this week, Scholl said in June the company plans to accelerate Greensboro hiring by next summer, as it ramps up testing of different steps in assembling the plane.

Nearby at PTI, the construction of Britain-based Marshall Aerospace’s first North American facility – a maintenance and repair hub for military aircraft – is progressing.

Marshall projected its $50 million facility will create 240 jobs, while Boom plans to create more than 1,760 jobs by 2030. Over the past decade, aviation-related employment at PTI has more than doubled to 8,600 people as long-standing tenants such as FedEx, Honda Aircraft Co., HAECO Americas and Cessna have expanded.

„ AUTO SALES & SERVICES

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

2013 FORD E-SERIES CARGO VAN

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. $10,850. Call (336) 340-3763

„ HOME SERVICES CLEANING

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

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

MELY'S DOMESTIC SERVICES. Cleaning, babysitting, caregiving. Basically, anything needed in a household. Trustworthy and reliable. 20+ years experience. References available. (530) 513-4828

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

„ HOMECARE AVAILABLE

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

„ HOME SERVICES

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

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

HVAC MAINTENANCE/REPAIR. Affordable. Dependable. Flat rates. (336) 706-0103

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

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

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

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

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

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

FLOORING / TILE

MONTERO'S HARDWOOD FLOORING Installation of hardwood, laminate, carpet & tile; hardwood sanding & finishing. Commercial & residential. Insured, 20 yrs. exp. Free est., excellent references. Visit our new showroom at 605 N. Main St., Kernersville, or Monteros-hardwood-flooring.com, or call (336) 215-8842 continued on p. 52

„ HOME SERVICES

GENERAL

GARY’S HANDYMAN

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

APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance

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

L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE

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

AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIR

Why move when you can improve?

construction

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

licensed general contractors

One call fixes all!

„ HOME SERVICES

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

ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt, available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035

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

GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS

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. 5 of this issue (Neighborhood Marketplace).

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. 5 of this issue (Neighborhood Marketplace).

(336) 706-0103

„ HOME SERVICES

SOUTHERN CUTZ LAWN CARE. Offering complete lawn maintenance services, landscaping, bush hogging, privacy fence installation/repair/staining, and stump grinding. Nathan Adkins, (336) 430-6086

ORTIZ LANDSCAPING. Complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch; gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981

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

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

„ HOME SERVICES

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

the Triad for over 27 years!

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. 5 of this issue (Neighborhood Marketplace).

ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE

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

DSL DRAIN SYSTEMS & LANDSCAPING (336) 362-4354

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

MASONRY

HILL LAWNCARE & OUTDOOR SERVICES

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

(336)

Free estimates. Call (336) 669-5448

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

WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC

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

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

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

NEW PHASE CONCRETE. Here for all your concrete needs including pouring driveways, patios, garage slabs, pool decks, etc. Specializing in decorative stamp, stained, epoxy and all other concrete finishes as well. Also offering refurbishment of existing stamped concrete. Make your existing stamped look like new again. (336) 399-1474 or (336) 595-4654

COLONIAL MASONRY. 40 yrs. exp. Specializing in outdoor living spaces; drystack natural stone and flagstone. Let us help you plan your patio, fire pit, fireplace, kitchen – or anything else you would like! Small jobs welcome. (828) 312-0090. www.colonialmasonry.com.

Thanks to you, our readers and advertisers for your support during the past 28 years!

„ HOME SERVICES

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS

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

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

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

PAINTING & DRYWALL

„ HOME SERVICES

„ HOME SERVICES

„ HOME SERVICES

working in NW Guilford County since 1999

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

BEK Paint Co.

&

& Judy Long,

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

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

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

&

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

Owner: Carlos Ruiz 336.669.5210 ● carlospainting14@live.com

FREE ESTIMATES

PLUMBING

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

WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING, Inc (336) 992-2503. Licensed, insured, bonded. 24/7 service. Plumbing, drain cleaning, well pumps. Give us a call, we do it all! Go to www.webstersplumbing.com for more info.

PRESSURE WASHING

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

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

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

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

CHASE CONSTRUCTION. Remodels, finish carpentry, custom closet systems and repairs. Free estimates. (336) 279-6591

ORTIZ REMODELING Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981

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

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.

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION

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

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

„ MISC. SERVICES

TAX PREPARER. Tax season is here. Don't worry: If needed, I can come to your home. Authorized IRS E-file provider. 30 years experience. Call Michele, (516) 721-6750

KIMBERLY THACKER. Accounting & Tax Services for individuals and businesses. Intuit QuickBooks ProAdvisor. See our display ad on p. 5 of this issue (Neighborhood Marketplace). &

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED Gated access with 24/7 camera surveillance

(336) 643-9963 • 8207 B & G Court, Stokesdale

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

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

Observer Keeping you connected since

ROOFING

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

OVER THE TOP ROOFING. All your roofing needs. Residential or commercial. Call (336) 430-9507

WELDING AND TRAILER REPAIR Call Tim, (336) 402-3869 6705 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale (336) 643-9963 (affiliated with Stokesdale Storage)

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

„ MISC. FOR SALE

PERSIMMON PULP & more. At the Old Mill on Saturdays in December or call (336) 816-3441

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

SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered and stacked, 1/2 cord, $100. Call (336) 686-6373

„ MISC. WANTED

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

$$$ – 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

„ 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

„ PETS/ANIMAL SVCS

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

SUMMERFIELD. Only six 1+ acre homesites! Restricted but no HOA. Call (336) 314-3773 anytime!

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

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

ACCOUNTING

Kimberly Thacker Accounting 5

Anders & Barrow CPAs, PC ..................... 15

ART/DANCE/MUSIC