Northwest Observer / May 5-18, 2022 by pscommunications

May 5 - 18, 2022

bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since November1996

Farmers markets springing up Returning markets and start of two new markets signals the rising demand for fresh foods and a desire for community, organizers say by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – Albert and Wende Schneyer were eager to buy locally grown spring onions at the Oak Ridge Farmers Market on a recent Thursday evening. By the time the couple arrived, however, all of the bunches in Stokesdale farmer Charles Southard’s stand had sold. “We like fresh vegetables,” Wende said, “but we were late getting here.” Fortunately for fans of farmers

IN THIS ISSUE News in brief.........................................2 Your Questions ....................................4 Invitation to voluntary annexation ... 6 Water, schools hot topics in race.....8 Pickleball, anyone? ..........................14

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Mary Bird, a vendor at Oak Ridge Farmers Market, is selling chicken and duck eggs and plans to add vegetables in coming weeks.

markets in northwestern Guilford County, this spring is ushering in a bumper crop of fresh produce, eggs, meats, cheeses and handmade items from jewelry to clothing.

...continued on p. 26 Adoptable Pets ..................................22 Veterans Honor Green .....................30 Vets return from one last mission ... 31 OM Team off to World Finals ...........33 Crime/Incident Report .....................34 Community Calendar .....................38

Pets & Critters ..................................... 17

Grins and Gripes ...............................40

Stokesdale couple fosters dogs .....18

Classifieds ..........................................43

Canine Capers: better than ever...20

Index of Advertisers ..........................47

NWO Kids’ Korner ........................ 21, 32

NWO On The Go ................................48

www.nwobserver.com

$1.7 billion school bond vote hinges on credibility vs needs Bond referendum on the May 17 ballot pits critics of the school district’s leadership against supporters of additional funds for replacing and renovating schools by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – Middle ground is hard to come by in the debate over Guilford County’s $1.7 billion school bond referendum, which is on the May 17 primary ballot. The split is evident in “vote yes” and ”vote no” signs dotting roadsides in northwestern Guilford

County, comments in public meetings and social media posts. “Why on God’s green earth would we give them more money?” Stephanie Mitchell asked in a post on the Northwest Observer’s Facebook page earlier this week. In contrast, Neala Stevens Jones wrote, “the schools need repairs and they need more money.” The differing views illustrate the breadth of the disagreement that revolves around doubts about the credibility of GCS leaders to manage money and the widely apparent need for improvements to the county’s aging schools. “They need repair, but I don’t trust those in charge to use (the

...continued on p. 36

‘Mom’ advice compiled by ANNETTE JOYCE Mothers can always be counted on to offer advice – but sometimes it is years later when children realize how spoton their moms were. In honor of Mother’s Day this Sunday, May 8, we asked some mothers about the best advice their mothers gave

them, and what advice they passed on to their own children. Here’s what they had to share… For Stokesdale’s Karen Landreth, her mother’s advice was short and straightforward. “Always love your mother, you only get one,” she said.

...continued on p. 12

NEWS in brief

Rezoning advances for charter high school by CHRIS BURRITT

recommended by the state agency.

SUMMERFIELD – A request to rezone 37.2 acres on U.S. 220 North at Winfree Road for an 800-student charter high school has won the backing of the Summerfield Planning Board.

Babcock voted in place of board member Kathy Rooney because he had taken her seat during her absence from the February meeting when the board initially considered and held a public hearing for the rezoning request. Vice Chair Jeff Davis and board member Trudy Whitacre were absent from last week’s meeting.

The board’s 2-1 vote last week advances the rezoning request by the applicant, National Heritage Academies, to the Town Council for consideration and possible approval during its May 10 meeting.

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The board had postponed consideration of the case during its February meeting to give National Heritage Academies more time to complete its traffic impact analysis. Last week, board Chair Dick Feulner and board member Clark Doggett voted in favor of the rezoning request while alternate board member Clint Babcock, citing safety concerns for high school drivers, voted against it. The board’s recommendation set two conditions: the school must comply with any safety measures required by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Second, the school would provide an officer to manage traffic if

National Heritage Academies, a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based charter school management company, helped start Summerfield Charter Academy and Greensboro Academy. The tract for the proposed high school is across Highway 220 from Summerfield Charter Academy. Winfree Road and an unnamed road with a stoplight at Highway 220 would provide access to the school. Babcock said he was concerned about the safety of student drivers exiting on Winfree Road and then crossing two lanes of highway traffic to reach a lefthand turn lane at the stoplight. The turn lane allows drivers traveling north to do a U-turn to travel south on the highway.

Preview: May 5 Oak Ridge Town Council meeting by CHRIS BURRITT

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MAY 5 - 18, 2022

The Northwest Observer

OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge Town Council plans to get its first look at the town’s proposed budget for the fiscal year starting July 1. The Finance Committee recommended no change to the current property tax rate of 8 cents per $100 of property valuation, according to Town Manager Bill Bruce. The budget draft is undergoing a final review, with minor adjustments possible before the council’s meeting at 7 p.m. this Thursday, May 5. • Totally local since 1996 of Guilford County’s reappraisal

property values earlier this year will lead to an increase in tax receipts for Oak Ridge and other municipalities countywide. Even so, Bruce said the committee recommended leaving the tax rate unchanged. Oak Ridge “has a number of large capital projects on the horizon, and is facing rising costs for most projects and services,” he said. “Maintaining a healthy fund balance to address future uncertainties is also a factor in this recommendation.”

...continued on p. 7

Friday, May 13 (6p–10p) & Saturday, May 14 (10a–4p)

. . . it ’s h e re !

✯ A L L F E S T I V I T I E S at 7300–7400 Summerfield Road near fire station #9 ✯ S A T U R D A Y P A R A D E at 10a on Summerfield Rd. (Centerfield Rd. to Oak St.) ✯ E X T R A P A R K I N G and S A T U R D A Y S H U T T L E S from Laughlin Professional Development Center (7911 Summerfield Rd.) ✯ R I D E S and A C T I V I T I E S : tickets/wristbands available at event for $20 for either day (unlimited rides); inflatables, video games, pony rides, lawn games, rock-climbing, face-painting, caricature drawing, axe-throwing, and balloon-twisting ✯ F O O D T R U C K S and 40 CRAFT / BUSINESS VENDORS ✯ T E N T S : history and trails/greenways ✯ L I V E M U S I C : F r i d a y : Northern High School and Greensboro Performing Arts Saturday: Northwest High School, Greensboro Academy, and Greensboro Performing Arts

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email:

F O R M O R E E V E N T I N F O : ph: 336-643-8655 foundersday@summerfieldnc.gov web: www.summerfieldnc.gov

your QUESTIONS Why has NCDOT not installed a smart traffic light at N.C. 68 and Leabourne Road?

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OUR TEAM Patti Stokes, editor/publisher Laura Reneer, marketing manager Kelli Jessup, publisher’s assistant Rene Collins, administrative assistant Yvonne Truhon, graphic designer Leon Stokes, IT director Lucy Smith, finance manager Linda Schatz and Tom McCoy, distribution Chris Burritt, staff writer; Helen Ledford, Lily Pierce and Annette Joyce, contributing writers

HOW TO REACH US email: info • celebrations • photos communitynews • realestatenews calendarevents • grinsandgripes opinions • editor • questions ... @ nwobserver.com phone: (336) 644-7035 fax: (336) 644-7006 office: 1616 NC 68 N, Oak Ridge mail: PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 hours: vary, so please call before dropping by

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In light of the increased car breakins at Oak Ridge Town Park, is the Town of Oak Ridge working on adding security personnel during park operating hours? Vehicle break-ins at Oak Ridge Town Park don’t happen with any regularity, but they do happen from time to time, acknowledged Oak Ridge Town Manager Bill Bruce when we reached out to him with this reader’s question. “We encourage park visitors to always lock vehicle doors and place any valuables in the trunk or otherwise out of sight, as most break-ins occur where items are visible,” Bruce wrote in an email response. “We do not have plans for additional security personnel, but we encourage visitors to report any suspicious behavior to the sheriff’s department or to a Town employee.”

Curious about something? Submit your questions about topics relevant to the northwest area

online: nwobserver.com email: questions@ nwobserver.com

MAY 5 - 18, 2022

When we are traveling on N.C. 68 we often have to stop at the light, but no one is coming in the other direction. It is frustrating, and with gas prices these days it is also expensive.

The signal is currently under construction as a result of the new development on the east side of N.C. 68, confirmed Bobby Norris, a district engineer with NCDOT’s regional office

in Greensboro. “With this modification, it is very likely the activation loops may be disconnected while under construction and they are defaulting to the maximum allowable timing set up in the programming for each phase,” Norris wrote in an email to the Northwest Observer. “The signal is connected to all of the other loops by way of fiber optics to help the signals communicate with each other and work at the maximum efficiency.” Norris asked that those driving in this area be patient, and said the signal timing “will be functioning properly very soon.”

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996w w w . m o o n a n d b a c k f r o z e n . b i z

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Residents invited to consider voluntary annexation Seeking annexation is now an option for homeowners living southeast of the town limits by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – For homeowner Linda Hall, seeking voluntary annexation into Summerfield – and paying property taxes in the town – doesn’t make sense because she’s “happy as a lark” living in unincorporated Guilford County.

Richardson, the inventor of cold salve Vicks VapoRub, in opposing Summerfield’s request. The Richardson heirs own 1,124 acres in the area where Summerfield wants to exert zoning control. Greensboro said it has extended water and sewer services to some properties

Potential Voluntary Annexation Area

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A special called meeting of Summerfield Town Council last week opened the door for residents on the town’s southern and eastern boundaries to seek voluntary annexation into Summerfield. The meeting in Center United Methodist Church on Lake Brandt Road drew a mixed reaction among about 50 homeowners in the Ridgewood subdivision and surrounding unincorporated area between Summerfield and Greensboro.

The move would have given Summerfield zoning control over the area, enabling the town to block higher-density residential development from abutting town limits. By unanimous vote, the commissioners sided with the Greensboro City Council and the heirs of Lunsford

ROYSTER RD

On the other hand, homeowner Andy Ide said he plans to seek voluntary annexation into Summerfield because he prefers to become a taxpayer in a town where he believes leaders are more responsive than leaders in Greensboro to the south.

“It is not a have-to,” said Mayor Tim Sessoms, explaining to property owners they can seek annexation into Summerfield or remain part of the unincorporated county. In early April, Summerfield mailed letters to nearly 700 property owners inviting them to “a community conversation about voluntary annexation” into the town. In the letter, Sessoms pointed out what property owners would get from Summerfield in exchange for paying property taxes. “Voluntary annexation would afford participants a vote in Summerfield elections, an opportunity to impact decisions through service on town committees, and substantially lower property taxes compared to Greensboro,” Sessoms said. “Regarding development practices and regulations, Summerfield allows far lower density per acre compared to Greensboro.” Summerfield’s property tax rate is 2.75 cents per $100,000 of property valuation. In Greensboro, the rate is 66.25 cents. Summerfield leaders are pursuing voluntary annexation after the Guilford County Board of Commissioners last year rejected the town’s request to create an extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) on its southern and eastern borders.

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Summmerfield Fire District Current Summerfield Town Limits Parcels Eligible for Voluntary Annexation

Produced by the Town of Summerfield Planning Department using Guilford County GIS Data Map updated 4/26/2022

MAY 5 - 18, 2022

The Northwest Observer

This map, presented at a special called meeting of Summerﬁeld Town Council on April 28, shows the area in which property owners in Summerﬁeld’s southern and •eastern Totallyboundaries local since 1996 would be eligible to seek annexation into the town.

in preparation for the city’s growth. “Things are coming this way from Greensboro,” Summerfield council member Reece Walker told last week’s meeting attendees. “Summerfield is a small town, and we would like to protect that character.” Summerfield Town Manager Scott Whitaker and Brad Rentz, the town’s planner, showed a map of the area eligible for annexation. It aligns with the boundaries of the Summerfield Fire District, according to Rentz. Property owners outside of the fire district won’t be eligible for voluntary annexation until May 2027, the expiration date for an agreement between Summerfield and Greensboro blocking annexation in the area, Whitaker said. Town staff is preparing petitions for property owners to seek voluntary annexation and will review the petitions to determine which are eligible for annexation, Hornik said. Property owners can seek annexation individually, Hornik said, noting the review will determine whether there are enough petitions to avoid “doughnut holes” in the area proposed for annexation. Annexation requires a public hearing and an affirmative vote by Summerfield’s town council, he confirmed.

NEWS in brief ...continued from p. 2

staff salaries. The council also plans to consider reappointing Kyle Anders to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

In other business, the council plans to consider approval of a design guidebook for future commercial development in the town’s core. In addition, the Historic Preservation Commission will present its design standards handbook that explains requirements for new construction and renovating properties in the historic district. Separately, the council will hear a proposal by the Piedmont Triad Regional Council to update the 2017 study of town

An International Firefighter Day presentation will honor Oak Ridge’s fire and rescue personnel.

want to attend/watch? The 7 p.m. meeting at Town Hall this Thursday, May 5, is open to the public. The meeting will be livestreamed on the town’s YouTube channel. For more information, visit www.oakridgenc.com.

Early voting for May 17 primary through May 14 by PATTI STOKES

GUILFORD COUNTY – Early voting for the May 17 primary will continue through May 14 at eight locations in Guilford County. During the early voting period, citizens can vote at any of the eight voting sites regardless of their assigned voting precinct. Eligible citizens who are not registered to vote in Guilford County may register at early voting sites during the early voting period. After registering, the newly registered voter can immediately vote at that same site. This process is called “same-day registration.” There are no early voting sites in Oak Ridge, Stokesdale or Summerfield for the May 17 primary – the closest early voting sites to citizens in northwest Guilford County are at Bur-Mil Club, 5834 Bur-Mil Club Rd., Greensboro (just off

U.S. 220), and Leonard Recreation Center, 6324 Ballinger Rd., Greensboro. Early voting sites in Guilford County will be open weekdays through Friday, May 6, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 7, and Sunday, May 8, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Monday, May 9, through Friday, May 13, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, May 14, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Election Day, Tuesday, May 17, voters must vote in their assigned precincts. Visit www.guilfordcountync.gov/our-county/board-of-elections to view a sample ballot and for detailed voter information including a list of candidates running for election in the May 17 primary, early voting locations, how to find your assigned voting precinct on Election Day, how to obtain an absentee ballot and more.

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Water, schools hot topics in District 3 commissioner’s race by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – The Board of Commissioners’ candidate elected to represent northwestern Guilford County should prepare to grapple with the hot-button issues of water and education. That’s the assessment of outgoing District 3 Commissioner Justin Conrad, a Republican. His decision not to seek reelection to a third four-year term pits George McClellan of Oak Ridge, Dan Suter of Summerfield and Pat Tillman of Greensboro against one another in the Republican primary May 17. Democrat Derek Mobley is unchallenged, putting him in the Nov. 8 general election to face the GOP primary winner. “Anyone who is running for this seat better have their eyes open,” Conrad said in a recent interview. “Water and education are big issues in the northwest area.” Summerfield, Oak Ridge and Stokesdale are in line to collect a portion of $104 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds awarded to Guilford County. Spending on water infrastructure is an eligible use of the money,

raising the possibility that the three northwestern Guilford towns may receive funds for water projects. Stokesdale already operates a municipal water system, and Oak Ridge just started its own. In Summerfield, residents are divided over the extension of water lines to the town, pitting people who favor public water for fire protection and residential use against others who fear the extension of water service would spur excessive development. “Water is certainly a hot-button topic in the northwest area,” Conrad said. The commission’s relationship with the county’s Board of Education is another difficult issue, he said. It’s complicated by the mistaken belief of some taxpayers that the board of commissioners can tell school officials how to spend the money they’re given by the county. “Funding for schools in North Carolina is by its nature antagonistic,” Conrad said. The commission allocates more than half of its annual budget to Guilford County Schools and Guilford Technical Community College, according to

Conrad. But, he said, state law dictates that “commissioners have very, very, very little oversight over school boards.” “Parents ask, ‘why can’t you do this for Northwest Guilford High School or Kiser Middle School?’” Conrad said. “That’s not the way it’s set up.” Conrad said he’s not seeking reelection because of growing commitments to his supply logistics business and because he believes that politicians shouldn’t view elected office as “a full-time career.” “Eight consecutive years is enough,” said Conrad, adding that serving on the board of commissioners can be a full-time job, especially during budget deliberations. Board meetings are held the first and third Thursday of the month, with work sessions typically preceding the meetings. Conrad said serving as one of three Republicans on the board with six Democrats has proved frustrating and often puts the GOP commissioners on the losing end of votes. “The dynamics of politics come into play,” he said. “You’ve got to understand that people in

CONSERVATIVE GEORGE McCLELLAN ELECT FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER 3 ON MAY 17TH Will Not Support Property Tax Increases Will Support Audits of Our Schools Spending Will Fund & Support Our First Responders Will Stand Up To Skip and His Liberal Agenda Councilman George McClellan is The Only Local, Proven, Conservative Business Owner Who Has Fought for Our Values PAID FOR BY COMMITTEE TO ELECT GEORGE McCLELLAN

MAY 5 - 18, 2022

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

different parts of the county have different priorities. It’s not right or wrong. It’s just reality.” Looking back, Conrad said “actually being able to help people has been most rewarding to me.” As an example, he said, he recently helped Stokesdale residents who were

trying to bring an end to years of dumping on their road. “The closing off of the road stopped the illegal dumping,” Conrad said. “That’s going to make life a whole lot better for those people. Those are the kind of things I’m going to miss the most.’’

The following are responses we received from the three Republican candidates running for county commissioner in District 3; one will be elected in the May 17 primary; Derek Mobley is the only Democratic candidate for county commissioner in District 3, and will face the Republican primary winner in the midterm election on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

DAN SUTER (R) I am a Christian, conservative, patriot candidate for county commissioner in District 3. I am not a career politician. I’m a local, concerned citizen with cross-functional business perspective wanting to make a difference in local government and have a positive impact in our community. My platform is three simple elements: freedom, advocacy and integrity. Freedom: Constitutional freedom and medical freedom. Advocacy: Assure the best use of taxpayer money spent in fiscally responsible ways with delivery accountability; support and advocate on behalf of the citizens in District 3 and Guilford County. Integrity: Proactive governmental transparency, not in word, but in practice. Professionally, I have over 40 years of business experience, including 30 years of business project

management experience within multiple industries. The past 14 years I worked for a $16 billion global organization. I’ve managed a team of five project managers who successfully delivered large, complex projects. I retired on April 8 from the private sector to focus on future county commissioner responsibilities, and ultimately have a positive impact in the lives of others. Your family is as important as mine – whether a parent, grandparent, child, or grandchild – so let’s partner together to affirm our freedoms, provide fiscal accountability, secure timely project completion and governmental transparency paving the way for future generations. Vote Dan Suter, county commissioner.

GEORGE McCLELLAN (R) I’m currently serving my third term on the Oak Ridge Town Council. I am the only candidate in this race who has voted on 10 municipal budgets without raising the property

...continued on p. 10

Elect

DAN SUTER GUILFORD COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 3

Christian, Conservative, Patriot, Rule of Law Values

Summerfield resident for over 20 years Business project manager for 30 years Board of Directors, Piedmont Triad Chapter of Project Management Institute (2003-2006, 2013-2014)

FREEDOM Constitutional freedom: consistently align to U.S. & N.C. constitutions Medical freedom: personal medical decisions are made by an individual, not mandated

ADVOCACY Best use of taxpayer money: • Provide fiscal responsibility & accountability • Effectively utilize current allocated monies Citizen advocate: • Fight for & support citizens on county-related items

INTEGRITY Personal integrity, campaign integrity & governmental transparency Proponent for election integrity & Board of Education transformation

dansuter4commissioner.com dan@dansuter4commissioner.com facebook.com/dansuter4commissioner

PAID FOR BY CITIZENS FOR DAN SUTER

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

MAY 5 - 18, 2022

COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES ...continued from p. 9

The responsible budgeting by Oak Ridge Town Council has resulted in funding for sidewalks to make Oak Ridge more walkable, for Oak Ridge’s town park to improve family and community activities, and to purchase land for what will become Heritage Farm Park.

Ridge. I also served as the town council’s liaison on the water advisory committee, where I led the opposition to the county’s $110 million water plan while helping to offer a responsible alternative and investing in a local water system for our town that is now under development. As the proven conservative running for the Guilford County Board of Commissioners, my top priorities are:

I worked with County Commissioner Justin Conrad to bring the Mountains-to-Sea Trail through Oak

• Voting for budgets that do not increase the property tax rate. I will work to support budgets that reduce

tax rate. I have also voted to lower taxes for families in Oak Ridge to put more money in their pockets.

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the property tax rate. • I will support the School Board budget request that is reasonable and follows the student.

PAT TILLMAN (R) I’m a 14-year U.S. Marine and an Iraq war veteran. I’ve served on many local boards, and for the last 5+ years as the Board of Education’s District 3 representative. My adult life has been focused on serving others.

• I will support adequately funding and supporting our first responders. • I will work to make Guilford County business-friendly again.

with a robust pipeline of career-ready students. 2) Working with our state legislature, county commissioners and business community members, I helped facilitate our CTE (Career Technical Education) “Career Academies” – which will include a new high school/aerospace academy in the northwest district. Toyota and Boom Supersonic locating to our area was partially because of our county’s CTE efforts.

Guilford County is ready for a true “Renaissance,” and there are two things inextricably linked:

Today we rely on conventional school bonds to finance school construction and renovation, but we must explore alternative models like lease/ lease-back agreements and P3 schools (public, private partnership schools).

1) Job creation/retention. In the 1980s, our county was home to more corporate headquarters than Charlotte and Raleigh. We must work equally hard to both keep and attract business and industry, and to attract and retain a high-functioning workforce

I want Guilford County to be the most business-friendly, safest, cleanest and welcoming county in the Southeast. To do this, we must be fiscally responsible and get the most value for our tax dollars, grants and whatever monies are available to us.

need VOTING info? For info about absentee voting, early voting sites/times, etc., visit: www.guilfordcountync.gov/our-county/board-of-elections, then either click on the appropriate button in the center of the page, look for your topic on the left-hand side, or use the Search function at the top of the page.

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Early voting began Thursday, April 28. During early voting, you can vote at any of the early voting sites in Guilford County. On Election Day, May 17, you must vote in your assigned precinct. To find out where it is, visit www.ncsbe.gov/voting/ voter-tools-and-forms, scroll down and select Polling Place Search.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Republican Candidate

E.L.

MELVIN Guilford County SHERIFF

American Values, Integrity, Fairness www.melvinforsheriff.com

If I’m elected Sheriff, there will no more...

• Air Force Veteran

• Impromptu firings and demotions

• NC State Trooper (Retired)

• Unnecessary long delays for Concealed Carry Permits • Supervisors who are afraid to make decisions • Unstable working environment • Special privileges based on race

• Standing by while radical extremist groups destroy your property with impunity • Looking the other way when it comes to the safety of our school children • Forgetting about your Constitutional rights

• Successful business owner since 1998

• Former Chief Deputy of Guilford County Sheriff 's Office • Guilford County resident for over 30 years

It’s time that we stop electing politicians that speak in one direction, but “move” in a totally different direction once they get in office. Look at each individual candidate and ask yourself: “which candidate would you prefer to be YOUR leader?” The great men and women at the GCSO deserves a leader that they can believe in. Let’s not do them a disservice.

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“MOM” ADVICE ...continued from p. 1 The best advice Oak Ridge resident Shelby Smith received from her mom came from Jeremiah 29:11, which reads: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declared the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

When asked about her mom’s advice, Oak Ridge resident Andrea Messina said, “My mother told me to always be kind, because you never know what someone may be going through – and it’s so true.”

“While I was going through the most difficult and disheartening time in my life, my mother read this verse to me,” Smith said. “Not only did it instill scripture in me, but she was also advising me that she knew I was capable of doing more than I ever saw for myself.”

Penny Shepherd of Colfax said her mother’s best advice was “to do your best at whatever you do.”

Diane Pegram of Stokesdale not only took her mother’s advice to “take one day at a time,” but she said she has passed it on to her own children. Pegram said her mother also reminded her that nobody’s perfect.

Shepherd’s advice to her sons is to “make good choices.” “Do the best you can with what you have and know at the time... and hope your kids will forgive you for the rest!” said Danielle Gram, an Oak Ridge mother. “I think the best advice from my mom

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was to keep God in my life, and to be myself,” Betty Compton of Stokesdale said. Compton said she sought to teach her own children to follow the Golden Rule and live accordingly.

Some of the best advice Oak Ridge resident Casey Crossan got from her mother, especially when life was overwhelming, was a single word – “breathe.”

Former Oak Ridge resident and mother of three adult sons who still live in Oak Ridge, Kari Cox struggled to come up with any particular advice from her mother, rather said she learned by her mother’s example.

Crossan said her mom also told her to stop letting her son, Conner, watch TV before school so that their mornings would go smoother.

“She was and is always there for me. She listens without judgement and has always been supportive,” Cox said. “She always says, ‘I love you and just want you to be happy.’

“My mom, Loretta Priddy, leads by example rather than doling out advice. She’s such a giving and compassionate person and always wants to help however she can,” said Robin Priddy of Stokesdale.

“The best advice I think I’ve given to my boys is to work hard, be kind and do things for others without expecting anything in return. Most importantly, do what makes you happy.” “I remember my mom hearing me say when I was younger that I wished I was, say, 18, or 21, so that I could do certain things. My mom responded, ‘Don’t wish your life away because before you know it, it will go faster than you think,’” said Diana Macklin of Oak Ridge. “I wish she was here today for me to tell her how right she was.”

“It worked!” Crossan said.

“An experience that left a lasting impact on me happened when I was very young. There was a family with several children who had fallen on hard times. Mama took my siblings and me to their home and gave them groceries and clothes. “The mother was so grateful, and the kids were very excited. We weren’t rich by any means, but seeing how that family was affected by food and used clothes made me understand the importance of helping others. Mama didn’t make a big deal of it, but I

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learned a valuable lesson that day.”

given her children?

Priddy’s not one to give advice either, but she said her bargain shopping apparently set an example for her own kids, Casey Stone and Cory Bates.

“Accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, and honor Him in all the decisions that you make,” said this Oak Ridge resident. “Life will not always be happy, but it will be full of purpose and great fulfillment.”

“They went to lots of yard sales, consignment stores and flea markets with me when they were young,” Priddy said. “Even then, they’d get really excited finding treasures at a good price. Hopefully this helped them learn the value of a dollar and the fun of shopping around. As adults, they’re two of the best thrifters I know!” The best advice Claudia Whitaker has

“My mother, who was my biggest fan, passed away in 2008. She had the Serenity Prayer in her kitchen and told me to apply it every day. I’m a fixer, and she reminded me that, just like the prayer, I have to accept the things I cannot change,” said Bobbie Gardner of Stokesdale.

When it comes to advice, Barbara Engel of Oak Ridge said that like many mothers, her mother spoke more through her actions than her words. Through those actions, her mother taught her to “be kind, treat others as you would like to be treated, be honest, work hard, anything worth doing is worth doing it well and family is so important,” said Engel, adding that she’s tried to instill those values in her two sons. “My parents are divorced. My dad handled everything and when he left, my mom had to figure it all out. That

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

was devastating on her at the time. She told me to be independent, both financially and emotionally,” Oak Ridge resident Julie Suprenant said. Suprenant took heed when her mother told her to learn to pay bills, make ends meet, love and look out for herself. “She and I didn’t always see eye to eye when I was young, but today we are great friends and she is a great Nana to my son, Cole,” she said. “As for my advice for Cole, I have told him to love everyone for who they are and treat them with the same

...continued on p. 37

MAY 5 - 18, 2022

What’s that you say – ‘pickleball’? Oak Ridge Town Park allocates space for pickleball – in a parking lot, at least temporarily by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – The fast-growing game of pickleball is coming to Oak Ridge, slowly. One morning early last month, Oak Ridge resident Laura Peoples, her sister Susan Phillips and their friend Lynda Drewing christened the new pickleball court in the Town Park parking lot on Lisa Drive. “Come join us,” Peoples called out to a walker passing by, trying to add a fourth player to the paddle-and-ball game, akin to tennis, ping pong and badminton. Oak Ridge’s parks and recreation staff marked off the boundaries for

the court. They’re blocking motorists’ access to the section of the parking lot from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. That’s when the area is reserved for pickleball.

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Playing pickleball requires a paddle and perforated plastic ball that players hit back and forth over a net, like tennis.

Parks and Recreation Director Terry Lannon described the effort as “a dry run” to gauge Oak Ridge residents’ interest in playing the game. If its popularity proves strong, tennis courts proposed for Heritage Farm Park may accommodate pickleball, Lannon said. Peoples could hardly wait to play in the parking lot. In February, she pitched the idea to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, which by unanimous vote approved the parking lot arrangements on a temporary basis. Lannon scheduled playing times to avoid late afternoons, evenings and weekends when the parking lot is crowded during sporting activities.

recreation board with their idea.

Peoples started playing pickleball with her sister and family at Bur-Mil Park last summer. As they embraced the sport, she said they thought it would be great to play closer to home, so she approached the Oak Ridge parks and

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Before getting their pickleball game underway, players set up a net in the parking lot, where they contend with the wind affecting the flight of a perforated plastic ball and the inconvenience of chasing errant shots across the asphalt. Even so, Peoples said, designating the Town Park parking lot for a pickleball court is “a first step” for Oak Ridge. “We’re headed in the right direction,” she said. Peoples expressed her appreciation

...continued on p. 16

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to the parks and recreation board and to Lannon and his staff for giving the game a chance. The start of play in Oak Ridge last month coincided with National Pickleball Month, as declared by USA Pickleball, the sport’s official governing body. The Sports and Fitness Industry Association estimates that pickleball has more than 4.8 million players in the U.S., an increase of nearly 40% over the past two years. The sport is played on a surface the size of a badminton court (20 feet x 44 feet) with a tennis-like net separating the two teams. Players use paddles to serve and volley a plastic ball with holes in it, with games generally played to 11 points and a win by two, according to USA Pickleball. As the sport has grown in popularity, Bur-Mil Park, operated by Guilford County Parks, reconfigured a portion of its tennis courts into 10 permanent pickleball courts last August. Pickleball has emerged as the fastest-growing adult sport at Proehlific Park in northwest Greensboro after the COVD-19 pandemic “fast-tracked its growth because people were looking for something to do,”

From left, Laura Peoples (foreground) hits a pickleball to Lynda Drewing and Susan Phillips during the group’s inaugural pickleball game in the main parking lot at Oak Ridge Town Park early last month. said Katie Allegro, the facility’s chief operating officer and pickleball director. Playing the sport requires less skill than playing tennis, according to Allegro. The court is smaller, enabling people of various ages and levels of fitness to play the game. Like tennis, it can be played one-onone (singles), but offers more social interaction when each side has two players (doubles). “It is fun, first and foremost,” said Allegro, explaining that, on average, as many as 25 people play pickleball at Proehlific Park during weekday mornings. On

rainy days, the numbers are higher. “It is exercise without realizing it,” said Sandy McGauvran, a pickleball regular at Proehlific Park. She plays more for fitness and social interaction than trying to win. “I don’t keep up with the score.”

pickleball in Oak Ridge? If you’re interested in learning about pickleball at Oak Ridge Town Park, contact Laura Peoples by phone – text preferably – at (336) 314-3053.

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May 2022 a monthly feature of the Northwest Observer This just screams “summertime”! Maroma, a chocolate lab who belongs to Sheree and Josh Kogutkiewicz of Oak Ridge, is obsessed with swimming. As evidenced in this picture, Maroma leaps with delight into the pool. Hailey Handyside of Summerfield smiles big as she cuddles her four 1-week-old golden pullets on the day she brought them home. Hailey and her family have a total of eight chicks. Golden pullets lay eggs much sooner than most hens – as early as 16 weeks old – and are known as “excellent egg layers”!

Heather James’ two miniature schnauzers, Oli (left) 3, and Oz, 4, are very happy to be some of Stokesdale’s newest residents.

Penny is a sweet and loving 5 1/2-yearold English setter. Her owner, Eric Finer, says that, “although her days pointing at birds and squirrels are distant memories, her eyesight and hearing have waned, and her hips are not what they used to be, Penny still loves napping in sunny spots in her Oak Ridge backyard and digging for cool spots under the porch.”

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Stokesdale couple helps dogs find forever homes by ANNETTE JOYCE Rachel Baldwin has been involved with Triad Golden Retriever Rescue (TGRR) for several years in various capacities, but until a few months ago, she never felt she could take on the job of fostering a dog. After she brought up the idea to her partner, Zach Hall, he didn’t hesitate.

“The idea that we could provide a temporary home for a dog that needed love – it was an easy ‘yes,’” Hall said. With that, the Stokesdale couple

Photo courtesy of Rachel Baldwin

Happy-go-lucky Wynn (center) is the perfect foster big brother to Honey (left) and Lucy.

and their rambunctious and lovable 3-year-old golden retriever, Wynn, embarked on their fostering journey. Very few organizations can afford permanent shelters to house animals, and they rely on individuals and families who care for the animals and provide them with a temporary home until they can be adopted. “Without foster homes, the rescues can’t take dogs (and other animals) in,” Baldwin said. “There’s a real need for fosters.” Having a foster involved also gives the rescue

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organization the opportunity to learn more about the animal, its temperament and the type of environment that would work best for it. “We assess the dogs’ needs and try to determine what’s going to be a good fit,” Hall said. The couple found out just how important this process is when they

took in their first dog. Another couple wanted two dogs that would get along well together. Rather than taking a chance on picking the right dogs themselves, they asked the rescue for a compatible canine couple. Baldwin and Hall agreed to help. Five-year-old Lucy came to their home first. That’s when Baldwin and

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Hall found out that Wynn was an excellent companion for the foster dogs. “Wynn has done a really good job of meeting the dogs where they are,” Baldwin said. “He’s been the ideal foster brother.” Timid in the beginning, Lucy was soon romping around and playing with Wynn. But when Prairie joined the two canines, Hall said he and Baldwin could quickly see that Lucy and Prairie were not a good fit. Even though Prairie was about the same age as Lucy, she didn’t have her same level of energy. She was too laid back and just wasn’t well-suited for the pairing. Prairie went back to her original foster home and that’s when Honey, who was a little over a year old, came for a visit. Hall recalled how Honey and Lucy “hit it off big time” and quickly bonded. It was easy to see that these two were meant to be together and within three weeks they went to their forever home. Both Baldwin and Hall admitted that’s the hard part of fostering – giving up animals that you care for and have become attached to. Baldwin said it helps knowing that your foster is going to a good home. “Lucy and Honey really hit the jackpot,” Baldwin said. “We knew they were going to a really great home. That’s the biggest thing for me, knowing they’re in a good home and are loved.”

But the humans weren’t the only ones affected when the two “sisters” left. Wynn also had a hard time with it. “He gets really sad when they leave. It’s like he’s in mourning,” Baldwin said. “That’s the worst part of it.”

Baldwin said Wynn was cheered up when they made play dates with some of his canine friends. Plus, the couple has since taken in another rescue, Pumpkin, who is a flight risk and was extremely fearful. Since being around Wynn, Pumpkin has come out of her shell and is growing more confident each day. Being able to provide a safe home environment, care and love for an animal are the most important qualifications needed to be a foster. Baldwin said TGRR takes care of all food and vet bills and other physical items a dog might need, such as toys, blankets and crates. Most other rescues will do the same.

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Although fostering can be a bit heartbreaking, especially when you’ve had an animal for a while, Baldwin said the rewards far outweigh any of the downsides.

“I think we’re helping more dogs by being a foster and that’s the best part,” she said.

want to learn more or help? If you’re interested in becoming a foster family for an animal in need of some TLC before going to a permanent home, check out these local rescue organizationns: Triad Golden Retriever Rescue (TGRR) www.tgrr.org Red Dog Farm Animal Rescue Network www.reddogfarm.com Project No Kill Animal Shelter, Inc. www.pnknc.org Ruff Love Rescue www.ruffloverescue.com SPCA of the Triad www.triadspca.org

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If you were at Oak Ridge Town Park on Saturday, April 30, you probably noticed an abundance of happy dogs and their humans as they took over part of the park for the annual Canine Capers event.

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Terry Lannon, Oak Ridge’s parks and recreation director, was wellpleased with the return of the event after a two-year hiatus due to COVID.

Photo courtesy of Sandra Smith

Available for adoption from Ruff Love Rescue, these puppies made their debut at Canine Capers.

“I thought it was fantastic,” Lannon said. “The vendors were happy to be back, and attendees seemed happy to be able to get out, enjoy the day and spend time with their dogs. This year’s event brought in the highest amount of money so far, which will be distributed among the participating dog rescue organizations.”

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

As always, there was lots to see and do. Bark Avenue was lined with booths for pet-related businesses and services including veterinarians, pet supply retailers, pet artists, dog trainers and boarding facilities. Rescue organizations that showed up with a multitude of dogs and puppies looking

...continued on p. 42

Pygmy hippos grow to only about 3 feet tall and weigh roughly 10 times less than river hippos.

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You can meet Holly Berry and Ralph, pygmy hippos, at the Greensboro Science Center! These two are part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which aims to build a sustainable captive population of endangered species.

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In 1927, Harvey Firestone of Firestone Tires, who operated a large Liberian rubber plantation, gave U.S. President Calvin Coolidge a gift from Liberia in hopes of keeping himself in the president’s good graces. The gift was a pygmy hippo named Billy! The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

MAY 5 - 18, 2022

Adoptable Pets Red Dog Farm Animal Rescue Network PAPRIKA Meet Paprika, a 10-month-old male Abyssinian guinea pig. According to pethelpful.com, Abyssinian guinea pigs have a distinctive hair style that includes natural cowlicks of hair referred to as rosettes, and they come in a variety of colors. Their personalities are also different from other guinea pigs – “they are bolder, quirkier, louder, livelier, more playful and more intense, hence why they make great pets.” Paprika is a sweet boy who is looking for his forever home where he can be the center of attention. He will need a patient family who is willing to work with his shyness, but he enjoys human interaction and is warming up to people more every day. If interested in adopting Paprika, ﬁll out an application at www.reddogfarm.com.

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Kevin Bacon, a 9-year-old male pot-bellied pig, came to Red Dog Farm when his owners had to move off their farm. Kevin is shy, and very sweet. He gets along great with other pigs and needs a home where there is at least one other pig to be his friend, or where he can be adopted with his pig-pal, Oscar Myer. If interested in adopting Kevin Bacon, please begin the process by ﬁlling out an application at www.reddogfarm.com.

If you are interested in adding Paprika, Kevin Bacon, or any of the adoptable pets in our care to your family, visit www.reddogfarm.com to ﬁll out an application for adoption.

Guilford County Animal Resource Center WILLOW “Don’t sit under the willow tree with anyone else but me …” Willow the cat is a spayed female domestic shorthair, and sweet Willow (not weeping Willow, thank you!) will give you lots of love in return for a welcoming family home. She’s 9, but don’t be put off by that! Willow is a lovely, digniﬁed lady with a lively sense of humour (she enjoys reading Georgette Heyer’s Regency romances, hence the British spelling). Ask for her by ID# GCAS-A-76.

PICKLE RICK If you have read about pickleball on p. 14, but don’t have a partner, you might consider adopting a friend from the Animal Resource Center. Pickle Rick is 3 years old, neutered and eager to have some fun and games with his new family. An American pit bull terrier mix, Pickle Rick weighs 70 pounds. If you’re in a “pickle” about adopting a dog, here’s your answer! Ask for Pickle Rick by ID# GCAS-A-959.

Guilford County Animal Resource Center 980 Guilford College Road, Greensboro • Walk-in adoptions: W-F, 12-3:30pm To check animals’ availability or make weekend appointments, call (336) 641-3400 or visit

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Although included in various combo tamales are not a regu item. On Cinco de M however, customers door serving area wi enjoy this Mexican fav The music cranks up when outside customers tained by tunes from a D 6:30 p.m. the local band will hit the stage and turn the energy up While all of this is going on outside, can enjoy a full bar and menu througho And beginning at 5 p.m., Clave 6613, a Mexican band, will provide music for the Expect lots of fun surprises through including T-shirt giveaways and piñata Corn hole games will also be stationed some friendly competition.

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Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

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FARMERS MARKETS ...continued from p. 1 Organizers of Oak Ridge Farmers Market are starting a new market in Summerfield. It’s scheduled for Saturday mornings, starting May 14 through the end of July, in the lawn of Greensboro Performing Arts at 7200 Summerfield Road. On the same day, McLaurin Farms, which sponsors the popular Woods of Terror Halloween attraction, is also holding the grand opening of its farmers market. Owners Eddie and Peggy McLaurin are expanding activities on their property at 5601 North Church Street in northern Greensboro during the summer months by offering produce, ice cream, home décor and gifts.

All photos by Chris Burritt/NWO

On Tuesday evenings, a market on the property of Stokesdale United Methodist Church on U.S. 158 has returned for the season. Southard, owner of A&L Log Cabin Farm in Stokesdale, belongs to the church and sells at the market. On Thursdays, Oak Ridge Farmers market is set up in a parking lot on the campus of Oak Ridge Military Academy. It’s the third year for the market, which started in the spring of 2019 on a tract of vacant land on N.C. 68. In addition, Freedom House Farm at 6434 U.S. 158 in Summerfield is enjoying its third season of selling pre-picked or U-pick strawberries. The farm, which

May this month bring you even more to smile about

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After her 30-year career as a seamstress, Oak Ridge Farmers Market vendor Sue Rudrappa added colorful tote bags to her collection of handmade beaded jewelry.

will offer blueberries, tomatoes, blackberries and other produce in the coming months, is staffed by volunteers and employees. Proceeds from the sale of produce will help Freedom House, a nonprofit organization, fund its intense treatment program for mothers recovering from addiction and provide a temporary home for them and their children.

“You are basically getting food from down the road,” said Laurie Brackett, organizer of the Oak Ridge and Summerfield markets. “Farmers are bringing it straight to market. Getting foods from other parts of the world is challenging.” “Markets bring community together,” said Nicki Wagoner, who is managing the Oak Ridge and Summerfield markets. Wagoner runs Purple Wagon Piedmont Triad Farmers Market on Events, which organizes festivals for artiSandy Ridge Road is open seven days sans and crafters of homemade items. a week, and combined with the returning farmers markets in the area and “In this time of COVID, the sense of the two newest markets, the days of the community and the social aspect are week are filled with opportunities to buy wonderful,” said Mary Bird, who raises homegrown fruits and vegetables and 53 chickens and 16 ducks with her homemade items directly from those husband, James, and their children at who make and grow them. their Oak Ridge home. She signed up as a vendor at the Oak Ridge market Organizers said they believe the last month, selling eggs with the help of COVID-19 pandemic has fueled interGabriella, her 7-year-old daughter, and est in farmers markets, as traditional stores have struggled to Quick stock shelves Lube no 3-year-old son Daniel. Forneeded Sue Rudrappa, selling colorful and produce bins and people tired or oilgrew chaappointment of isolation. ...continued on p. 28 fnges & state inspections

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MAY 5 - 18, 2022

245 East Parris Avenue High Point, NC 27262

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(336)local 882-7043 The Northwest Observer • Totally since 1996 (336) 663-7351

507 Cinema Ct. Kernersville, NC 27284

(336) 515-3381

 From left, sisters Madison and Abby Anders sell a variety of fresh lettuces at Oak Ridge Farmers Market.  Daniel Bird, 3, decorates the sign of his family’s ﬂedgling Oak Ridge business, Half Dozen Homestead, which sells chicken and duck eggs at Oak Ridge Farmers Market.

A full week of farmers markets

Here’s the schedule for markets serving northwest Guilford County

 TUESDAY

4-7 p.m. Vendors set up on the lawn of Stokesdale United Methodist Church at 8305 Loyola Drive, off U.S. 158 in downtown Stokesdale.

 THURSDAY

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4-7 p.m. Look for signs for From the Earth Farmers Market, located in the parking lot behind the fieldhouse/gymnasium at Oak Ridge Military Academy, 2317 Old Oak Ridge Road/N.C. 150.

 SATURDAY

8 a.m. – noon. Starting May 14 and running through the end of July, From the Earth Farmers Market will have a second location: the lawn of Greensboro Performing Arts Center at 7200 Summerfield Road in Summerfield.

 MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY

Hours vary. The Freedom House Farm at 6434 U.S. 158 in Summerfield is open six days a week, with hours varying and dependent upon the availability of produce. For hours, check the Facebook page of Freedom House Greensboro.

READY. SET.

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 WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 1 – 6 p.m. Sunday. The grand opening of McLaurin Farms’ farmers market and general store is scheduled for May 14. Check out Facebook for information about summer events at the farm and market, located at 5601 N. Church St. in northern Greensboro.

 SUNDAY THROUGH SATURDAY

7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market at 2914 Sandy Ridge Road in Colfax (Exit 208 on I-40) is operated by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Visit its Facebook page for information.

Looking to purchase or refinance a home? NMLS # 114933 ● (C) 336-456-9374 ● 2204 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge nfmlending.com/stephanie-anderson ● sanderson@nfmlending.com Make sure you understand the features associated with the loan program you choose, and that it meets your unique financial needs. Subject to Debt-toIncome and Underwriting requirements. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend. Eligibility is subject to completion of an application and verification of home ownership, occupancy, title, income, employment, credit, home value, collateral, and underwriting requirements. Refinancing an existing loan may result in the total finance charges being higher over the life of the loan. Not all programs are available in all areas. Offers may vary and are subject to change at any time without notice. MLO licensing information: NC I-200485. NFM, Inc. d/b/a NFM Lending. NFM, Inc is licensed by: NC # L-135884. For NFM, Inc.’s full agency and state licensing information, please visit www.nfmlending.com/licensing. NFM, Inc.’s NMLS #2893 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess. org). NFM, Inc. is not affiliated with, or an agent or division of, a governmental agency or a depository institution. Copyright © 2021.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

MAY 5 - 18, 2022

FARMERS MARKETS ...continued from p. 26

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cloth tote bags and beaded jewelry is “a huge pleasure,” and she hopes her business grows along with the Oak Ridge market. Nearby, sisters Madison and Abby Anders and Madison’s boyfriend, Nathan Tuttle, have been selling fresh produce, starting last month with varieties of lettuce, from their farm in Tobaccoville in Forsyth County. “It’s an opportunity to expand our business,” Madison said. During opening night last month for Oak Ridge’s market, Southard sold all the onions, asparagus and Portabella mushrooms he put under his tent. He went home with a bag of turnip greens, two dozen eggs, two tomato plants and a few bags of pecans. “I enjoy growing things,” Southard said, “and I enjoy meeting people.”

Some of the same vendors are going to participate in the Oak Ridge and Summerfield markets, according to Brackett. That helps explain why the Summerfield market is going to only run through the end of July, instead of extending into the fall as markets typically do. The shorter market will guard against farmers running short of fruits and vegetables, hampering their ability to sell in Oak Ridge and other markets, Brackett said. It will also help gauge whether there’s enough interest to sustain the market in Summerfield. “We want to do a short, successful run,” Brackett said. “We’ll see if people bring their pocketbooks and help these farmers. If they do, we will come back even bigger next summer.”

STRAWBERRIES ... YUM!

John, 3, is the son of Freedom House – Greensboro’s executive director, Houston Core. Shown here, the little guy gives How We Can Help Expertise on all levels of How We Can Help a big thumbs up to show his hearing technology and appreciation for the trailer full Pediatric and adult assistive devices audiological services Pediatric and adult of freshly picked strawberries audiological services from Freedom House Farm loExpertise on all levels of Speciality in Cochlear cated on 110 acres on U.S. 158, hearing technology and Expertise on all levels of assistive devices Implant evaluations, about three-quarters of a mile hearing technology and device selection, and assistive devices Specialty in Cochlear east of U.S. 220. Cars have programming Implant evaluations, Speciality in Cochlearbeen lining up at the farm’s device selection, and Implant evaluations, programming device selection, and entrance since strawTinnitus assessments programming and berry season opened, Tinnitus assessments and individualized counseling and the beautiful individualized counseling Tinnitus assessments and red berries often sell individualized counseling Earwax removal Earwax removal out within the ﬁrst Earwax removal hour. Proceeds from the Hearing aid repairs The Most Trusted Hearing Care sale of produce at the aid repairs Hearing aidHearing repairs Experts in the Piedmont Triad Area farm go to Freedom The Most Trusted Hearing Care House – Greensboro’s The most trusted hearing care Experts in the Piedmont Triad Area (336) 295-1867 treatment program for 529 College Road, Suite B, Greenboro, NC 27410 experts in the Piedmont Triad area women recovering from (336) 295-1867 www.aimhearing.com addiction. 529 College Road, Suite B, Greenboro, NC 27410

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Look for an article about Freedom House – Greensboro in our May 19 – June 1 issue of the Northwest Observer.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Photo courtesy of Houston Core

Ordinary people, Extraordinary impact “Never forget that it is by choice that the ordinary person decides to live a life that is extraordinary.” – Cheryl Koevoet, author

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

Patti Dmuchowski

‘(I believe) we’re put here to help our family, neighbors and others.’ by ANNETTE JOYCE “I’ve always been involved in serving others,” Oak Ridge resident Patti Dmuchowski said. “I really think it comes from my Christian background. (I believe) we’re put here to help our family, neighbors and others. That’s what we’re supposed to do.” It’s that philosophy that had Dmuchowski searching for ways to serve her community when she and her husband, Freddy, moved from New Jersey to Oak Ridge in 2011. She first started volunteering at her church, Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kernersville, where she is a member of the choir and very active in the Columbiettes, a women’s group that does community outreach and raises money for four local nonprofit organizations: Crisis Control, Next Step Ministries, The Shepherd’s Center and Room at the Inn. The group also handles food for receptions when the church hosts funerals. Plus, Dmuchowski delivers meals to church members who need a little extra support. Along with being a past president of her local group, Dmuchowski is the financial secretary for the North Carolina state chapter and is an active member at the national level. While Dmuchowski got great satisfaction from her church involvement, she still wanted to do more. After attending a meeting in 2018 to put together plans for Oak Ridge’s 20th anniversary celebration, she was asked to chair the newly formed Special Events Committee. Under her leadership, the group produced an impressive slate of activities including kids’ games at Music in the Park, a lawn party at the historic Charles Benbow House, a town-wide scavenger hunt,

pie-baking and beard contests at Heritage Day, the Christmas community trees and light display in the town park and a volunteer recognition dinner. With the 20th anniversary celebration behind her, Dmuchowski turned her attention to a monument in Oak Ridge to honor veterans for their service. Passionate about her cause, she talked with other committee members and was very happy to find that they shared her passion. Dmuchowski can’t say enough about her fellow committee members and their willingness to do whatever it takes to make their projects successful. “The core members of the committee have been together since the beginning,” she said. “These are people rich in Oak Ridge spirit and heritage. (They’re) just spectacular.” Dmuchowski’s commitment to honor veterans and their families is partially rooted in her family’s background. Her father served in the army during WWII and her brother-in-law served in the Vietnam war, which was going on during her high school years. Back then, Dmuchowski was old enough to recognize how poorly Vietnam veterans were treated when they returned home and she carried those memories with her. “All veterans should be honored, no matter where they served,” she said. “We owe a debt to these vets who fought for our freedom.” Last month, the Special Events Committee held a groundbreaking at the site of the Veterans Honor Green, located just behind Oak Ridge Town Hall in Heritage Farm Park. To date, the committee has garnered a little over half of the $200,000 estimated funds needed to build the honor site. Dmuchowski is

Oak Ridge resident Patti Dmuchowski hoping the needed funds will be raised in time for a fall 2023 completion date. The committee honors veterans throughout the year with special observances on Memorial Day and Independence Day. There is also an observance on 9/11. In addition, the group has a presence at Heritage Day and organizes the town’s annual holiday Light Up the Night luminary and tree lighting event. Dmuchowski sees it as an honor to serve her community and says she appreciates that her husband has been so instrumental in helping with her various endeavors. “We’ve been married 49 years and I couldn’t do it without him,” she said.

want to help? Visit www.oakridgenc.com to learn more about the Veterans Honor Green and how you can contribute.

Thanks to Tire Max for sponsoring this monthly feature in which we recognize “ordinary” people in our readership area who make an extraordinary impact on others. To nominate an “ordinary” person for this feature, email editor@nwobserver.com with their name, a detailed description of how they positively impact others, and your contact info. Stokesdale

7705 Highway 68 N (336) 642-3580

Summerfield

4420 US Highway 220N (336) 810-8250

Madison

706 Burton Street (336) 642-3460

High Point

619 Greensboro Road (336) 827-9112

High Point

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Committee nears halfway point in fundraising for veterans site Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Members of Oak Ridge’s Special Events Committee and Oak Ridge Mayor Ann Schneider (second from left) stand together after a groundbreaking ceremony for the future Veterans Honor Green in Heritage Farm Park.

by PATTI STOKES OAK RIDGE – Bernard Walraven said he and his wife, Anna, knew they wanted to help support the future Veterans Honor Green in Heritage Farm Park after viewing artist renderings and walking the veterans site several months ago with his father, Ben Walraven. Ben serves on Oak Ridge’s Special Events Committee, which began working with the town’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Board in 2019 to create “a peaceful setting designed to honor veterans and encourage reflection” in the town’s newest park.

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Bernard and Anna Walraven were the ﬁrst platinum-level sponsors of the future Veterans Honor Green in Oak Ridge’s Heritage Farm Park. Bernard spoke during a groundbreaking ceremony for the veterans site April 7, and said it will not only be a very special place for the community to gather, but for him and Anna to take their children and honor several family members who have served our country in the armed forces.

“Anna and I feel like it is an excellent opportunity to be part of something that will help unite our community around the cause of honoring the people who have, and are, currently fighting for the values of this great country in our armed forces,” Bernard said at a groundbreaking ceremony the Special Events Committee held for the Veterans Honor Green on April 7. The committee kicked off its fundraising campaign last fall and the town of Oak Ridge has committed to matching donations dollarfor-dollar. With a $10,000 donation, Bernard and Anna Walraven were the Veterans Honor

Green’s first platinum-level donors. L.J. Custom Homes has since also donated $10,000, and several other businesses and individuals have made donations at various levels to help the committee raise almost half of the estimated $200,000 needed to complete the veterans site. The committee recently began taking orders for brick pavers to honor a veteran or loved one; the pavers will be placed on the Walk of Honor leading to the veterans site, which the committee hopes will be completed in the fall of 2023.

want to donate, purchase a paver? Donations in any amount are accepted by cash, credit card or check. A donation form can be downloaded at www.oakridgenc.com. Checks should be made out to the Town of Oak Ridge and mailed to: Special Events Committee, Town of Oak Ridge, P.O. Box 374, Oak Ridge, NC 27310. For more info, call Town Hall at (336) 644-7009. See ad on opposite page for more details about purchasing a paver.

Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO

Triad Honor Flight: “One Last Mission”

94 WWII, Korean War, Cold War and Vietnam veterans from across the Triad traveled to Washington, D.C., for “one last mission” on April 27 to visit veteran memorials honoring their service, courtesy of the nonprofit Triad Honor Flight. Upon their return home, hundreds of family members and supporters lined a walkway set up for them inside Piedmont Triad Airport and enthusiastically waved American flags, homemade signs, and the veterans’ photos. Triad Honor Flight’s next “mission” will be Oct. 12. To learn more about the nonprofit and how you can support a veteran’s one-day trip to D.C., visit www.triadhonorflight.org. See more photos on p. 42

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

MAY 5 - 18, 2022

Don’t stop the music this summer Moore Music Company is pleased to partner with Guilford County Schools Summer Art Institute and offer the following summer camps: Jump Ahead Band & Orchestra Camp – rising 6th grade Re-Boot Band & Orchestra Camp – rising 7th-8th grade • Drum Line – rising 7th-9th grade Honors Jazz Camp – rising 7th-11th grade • Rock Band – rising 7th-11th grade

615 West Market Street, GSO 336.274.4636

Scan the QR code for more information

full-service music retail store

Thank you to Moore Music Company for sponsoring this week’s Kids’ Korner

r Kids’ Korne How many ways can you say mother and grandmother? Match each word for “mother” and “grandmother” to its language of origin. Check your answers on page 46.

Ema (mother)

German

Avó, or Vovó (grandmother)

Russian

Aiti (mother)

Estonian

Obaasan (grandmother)

Turkish

Madre (mother)

Filipino

Nonna (grandmother)

Italian

Majka (mother)

Swahili

Oma (grandmother)

Portuguese

Ina (mother)

Finnish

Babushka (grandmother)

Japanese

Ana (mother)

Spanish

Bibi (grandmother)

Finnish

Find the

differences

Youth

welcome to ... Sync A regular section in the Northwest Observer focused on our local youth and the adults who positively impact them.

Three Years of Diamonds! Shining Bright in 2020, 2021, and 2022!

Congratulations to Reynolds Orthodontics, the Triad’s only Diamond level Invisalign practice! This certification places our doctors among the top 1% of Invisalign providers in the country. Call today to see how Reynolds Orthodontics can make your smile shine!

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Summerfield and Greensboro

Odyssey of the Mind team headed to World Finals Five local middle school students will travel to Ames, Iowa, May 24-29 to compete against teams across the U.S. and 25 other countries Info provided by JILL RUDOLPH and KATE HARDING Five middle schoolers, all residents of Oak Ridge, have qualified to participate in Odyssey of the Mind (OM) World Finals to be held May 24-29, in Ames, Iowa. Under the guidance of Coach Heidi Little, eighth graders Camden Lofters, Conrad Little and Nick Jamieson, and seventh graders Alex Rudolph and Yashwanth Kollipara have worked for nearly six months to complete a long-term problem called “Escape VroOm.” To solve the problem, the team designed and presented a dungeon set and plot-twisting script involving entertaining characters and four custom-made vehicles to help them escape that set. During competitions, the students’ long-term designs and performances were judged based upon more than 70 detailed requirements, including obstacles of specific shape and size, story progression, and a supplies budget of $145. Additionally, a portion of their final scores resulted from solution creativity to a separate impromptu, timeconstrained problem presented to them on-site at the competition.

The middle school OM team placed first in the Regional Odyssey of the Mind competition held in March and finished second in their division at State Finals (only one point behind the first-place team), earning the invitation to OM World Finals. There, they will be competing against teams from every U.S. state and 20-25 other countries. While the Northwest Guilford Kiwanis Club generously sponsored their North Carolina OM team membership, competing at World Finals is an exponentially larger financial affair, and the five boys are working very hard to raise funds while also practicing for competition. The team’s entry fee alone is $3,000, and travel expenses will run $1,500 to 2,000 for each member, coach, and chaperone. To help defray costs, they will be hosting several refreshment stands

Photo courtesy of Jill Rudolph

(L to R) Middle school students Nick Jamieson, Conrad Little, Camden Lofters, Alex Rudolph and Yashwanth Kollipara pose with their trophy after placing second in their division at the OM State Finals last month. The team will head to Ames, Iowa, later this month to compete in the OM World Finals.

Oak Ridge Military Academy

NOW ENROLLING 2022 Summer Camps

Adventure Camps

Session 1 – June 19 to July 2, 2022 Session 2 - July 3 to July 16, 2022 The Cadet Challenge Adventure Camp teaches leadership skills through physical fitness and adventure training activities.

Academic Camp June 26 to July 29, 2022 High school students can receive 1 full credit for a 5-week course. Rising eighth grade students review the four core subjects: English, Math, Science and Social Studies.

For more information or to register, call 336-515-8040 or visit oakridgemilitary.com

The Northwest Observer ...continued on p. 47 • Totally local since 1996

MAY 5 - 18, 2022

EXPERIENCE MATTERS

CRIME / INCIDENT report

District 1 Sheriff’s Office

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

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April 19 | After officers responded to an assault incident in the 2600 block of Oxmoor Road in Summerfield (near Strawberry Road), they arrested a 30-year-old female for failure to appear in court for a misdemeanor. April 25 | A 32-year-old female was arrested in the 5800 block of Old Oak Ridge Road in northwest Greensboro for simple assault and injury to personal property. April 28 | A 19-year-old male was arrested in the 1800 block of Cude Road in Colfax for simple assault and violating a domestic violence protection order. April 30 | A 20-year-old female was arrested in the 800 block of N.C. 68 N/ Pleasant Ridge Road in northwest Greensboro for simple assault. May 1 | A 19-year-old male was arrested in the 7700 block of Alcorn Road in Oak Ridge for assault on a female.

COMMUNICATING THREATS April 21 | A citizen at Stokesdale Town Park reported a known suspect communicated threats to him.

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April 23 | Officers responded to a report of a person who had overdosed on heroin in the 8300 block of Wrights Farm Lane in Summerfield (near U.S. 158).

DRIVING VIOLATIONS May 1 | A 26-year-old female was cited in the 7200 block of U.S. 158/Athens Road in Stokesdale for driving more than 25 mph over the speed limit and driving with a revoked license. May 1 | A 34-year-old male was arrested at I-73 N/U.S. 158 for driving while impaired and also cited for driving with a revoked license and driving with an open container of alcohol.

MAY 5 - 18, 2022

May 3 | A 42-year-old male was cited

The Northwest Observer •atTotally local since 1996 U.S. 220 N/Joseph Hoskins Road

in Summerfield for driving more than 15 mph over the speed limit and driving with a revoked license.

FAILURE TO APPEAR April 29 | A 50-year-old female and a 28-year-old male were both arrested in the 900 block of N.C. 150 W/Lake Brandt Road in northwest Greensboro on multiple counts of failure to appear in court for misdemeanor charges.

FRAUD April 20 | A resident of the 6800 block of Buckley Drive in Summerfield (off Strawberry Road) reported that sometime between April 7-20 an unknown suspect attempted to fraudulently use his identification information online. April 21 | A resident of the 7500 block of Adler Road in Summerfield (off Strawberry Road) reported that sometime between March 27 and April 4 an unknown suspect defrauded her of $3,574. April 24 | A resident of the 3700 block of Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge reported that sometime between April 20-24 an unknown suspect defrauded her of $12,555.23.

MISUSE OF 911 SYSTEM May 1 | A 42-year-old male was cited in the 2100 block of Pleasant Ridge Road in northwest Greensboro for misuse of the 911 system.

THEFT April 25 | The owner of a vehicle parked in the Summerfield Shops parking lot reported an unknown suspect stole the catalytic converter, worth $1,000, from his 2019 GMC Savana. April 25 | Builders on a construction site in the 8200 block of Coldwater Road in Stokesdale (off U.S. 158) reported that sometime between April 23-25 an unknown suspect stole $10,000 worth of building materials.

come nd only mething

Please join ORYA in celebrating local heroes Blake Mitchell and Bryan Beck for their years of dedication to ORYA. Blake’s leadership over the years has helped build the most impressive youth football program around. He was a positive influence on the lives of so many young boys as they developed into young men, going back to 2014 when his twin boys first started playing. THANK YOU, BLAKE!

el Messi

If your daughter plays softball for ORYA, then you owe Bryan Beck a huge thank you. His dedication to the sport for the past ten years planted the roots for local softball, creating the opportunity for hundreds of girls to play. Bryan was relentless as he pushed harder and harder to grow the sport of softball in Oak Ridge, which has their highest number of players ever this Spring. YOU’RE AWESOME, BRYAN!

Now! FEB 15 FEB 23

For more information about ORYA or to register for upcoming sports and programs, visit

RYA.ORG TO REGISTER

Oak Ridge Youth Association proudly presents these “super

ORYA.ORG

kids”

Austin Van Derveer has been representing ORYA since first playing T-Ball in 2015, and he’s been grinding on our base-

ball fields and football fields season after season ever since. His parents, Kenny and Carrie, have been supporting ORYA as coaches and volunteers since 2013, when Austin’s older sister, Kaitlyn, first joined Cheer Camp. Austin says his favorite sport to play is football, because of the great friends he has made over the years. His favorite NFL team is the Seattle Seahawks, and his favorite professional football player is Russell Wilson because “he is a great person” and used to be the quarterback for the Seahawks. Austin would like to play professional football when he grows up, but he’s also interested in studying mechanical engineering. Like many of his teammates, Austin is already working hard to prepare for the upcoming ORYA football season.

Emily Southern has been playing softball and basketball with ORYA for the last few years; Emily also plays volleyball, so

she is a true three-sport athlete! She says her favorite sport is whichever one she is playing at the moment, so this spring she is all about softball. Emily and her younger brother, Joshua, are lucky to have the support of their dad, Philip, an ORYA Super Coach and huge volunteer for our programs. Emily says her dad is the reason she is a Duke fan, and she loved being able to see Duke’s softball team play in their new stadium and see the women’s basketball team play at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Emily says she loves spending time with her teammates. She hopes one day to become a doctor so she can help people.

Nick Varga first played ORYA sports when he signed up for basketball in the winter of 2017. He has since become one of the most impressive multi-sport athletes in our programs and is an impact player on the football field, soccer field and basketball court. His parents and siblings are everywhere in ORYA as players, coaches and volunteers across multiple sports and programs. Nick’s favorite sport is football. And when he isn’t playing sports, he enjoys watching sports. When Nick was younger, the first college basketball team he watched play was Duke, and he has been a Duke fan ever since. His favorite professional basketball player is LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets); he says he likes how LaMelo does “flashy plays” and “cool moves,” which inspire him to go outside and try the same moves. Nick’s plan for the future is to play in the NFL, so remember his name.

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SCHOOL BOND VOTE money) in the right way,” Meggie Whitson wrote in her post. She described hers as a “hard decision.” Criticism of GCS has been especially sharp in northwestern Guilford County, where none of the $300 million raised in a 2020 bond sale has been earmarked for improvements to the area’s schools. While nearly $10.7 million is slated for the acquisition of land, including for a new school in the northwestern section of the county, actual construction and renovation spending is going to schools elsewhere that are deemed by GCS leaders to be in more dire need of repair or replacement. As a result, the mix of new construction, renovations and demolition of schools in Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale await the outcome of the bond referendum later this month. The recommendations are aimed at relieving overcrowding and improving security and technology in schools. All of the elementary, middle and high schools in northwest Guilford County are operating “at or over capacity,” according to the 2019 report by Cooperative Strategies, the school district’s consultant. Two dozen mobile classrooms

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...continued from p. 1 at Northwest Guilford High School that have been on campus for nearly 30 years are being refurbished in a “Mobile Makeover” program organized this winter by the school’s Parent, Teacher, Student Organization and funded by local businesses and individuals.

“The inept GCS management has proven to be worthy of distrust and empty promises regarding equitable financial support of our schools,” Bill Edwards wrote on NWO’s Facebook page. “Until this disparity is reversed, GCS and any tax proposals will fall on deaf ears.” Kathy Sims countered, saying “Contreras was never one of my favorite people, either. I am not going to have children and teachers and staff suffer and hold them hostage in dilapidated facilities just to prove a point long after she is gone from the district. So many other schools – NWHS being one of them – need HVAC

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replacement, renovations, updated buildings and trailers.” After serving as the district’s superintendent since 2016, Contreras announced in January she will be stepping down from her post to take a position as chief executive officer of the Raleigh-based Innovation Project. The nonprofit organization collaborates with school district superintendents and their staffs to improve public education. Opponents who plan to cast “no” votes also question the timing of the May 17 referendum, since Contreras is leaving for a new job at the end of the school year, while five of nine school board seats are up for election Nov. 8. At the same time, the same number of seats is up for grabs on the county’s Board of Commissioners, which allocates about half of its annual budget to GCS and Guilford Technical Community College. “It would be prudent to wait until the new boards are elected and a new superintendent hired to revisit immediate construction needs vs. long-term needs,” Take Back Our Schools, a community organization, wrote on its website. “Although we…are in full support of construction and renovations needs for Guilford County Schools, we are not in support of a dubious bond that binds Guilford County taxpayers without accountability or transparency by those responsible for allocating funds,” the group said. On the other hand, supporters of the bond referendum point to GCS’ 2019 facilities master plan that identified the need for $2 billion in new construction, renovations and demolitions of facilities countywide. In 2020, voters passed a $300 million bond referendum to enable GCS to start making improvements.

If approved by voters later this month, the sale of the additional $1.7 billion in bonds could cover needs left The Northwest Observer •unaddressed. Totally local since 1996

“It is important to note that the 2020 school bond addresses only 15% of the needs identified by the 2019 facilities study,” GCS Chief Operating Officer Michelle Reed said in an email earlier this week. “The 2022 school bond will touch all district schools through safety and technology upgrades. Additionally, the 2022 school bond will build, rebuild and fully renovate 34 schools.” GCS representatives disagree with critics, saying the school system has been forthcoming in its discussions about plans for using the bonds it wants to sell this year, as well as $300 million in bonds sold in 2020. It reiterated earlier comments by staff and school board members that some of the projects to be funded by the bonds sold two years ago are going to take several years to complete. “Work on the 2020 bond projects is on schedule,” Reed said. The district’s design teams began work in October 2021, starting the clock on the roughly 2.6 years required to design and build a school, she said. Rising prices for materials, equipment and labor have complicated project costs. “We will not know the budgetary impacts until the design development process has been completed in about a month,” Reed said. Some critics have argued that GCS has used proceeds from the state’s education lottery for debt service instead of construction.

“NC Education Lottery!! Use it for what we were told it would be used for!” Tammy Shearer posted on NWO’s Facebook page. Added Debbie Pickler, “I’m voting no!! They have had the money in the past through bonds and the lottery, so spend it wisely.”

In the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2021, the state’s education lottery awarded Guilford County $4.75 million for capital projects, part of the total $107 million it distributed to the 115 school districts in the state, according to Angie Henry, GCS’ chief financial officer. She added the county expects to get a similar amount in the current fiscal year. Spending of lottery funds for debt service is widespread in North Carolina, Henry said. Citing the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, nearly 84% of the capital funds the state allocated for school construction went to debt service.

“For more than a decade, these funds have been allocated to debt service in Guilford County,” Henry said in an email. School board member Deborah Napper represents District 5, which includes Summerfield Elementary School and Northern Guilford middle and high schools. Napper teamed up with county commissioner Mary Beth Murphy in a Facebook video that explains the process for spending school bonds. After voters approved the sale of $300 million in bonds in 2020, GCS began lining up designers and other contractors as a first step in construction. After reviewing contractors’ invoices, GCS pays for the work, according to the video. Then county staff reviews GCS’ payments and requests for reimbursement. “What the board of commissioners does not do is cut us one huge check,” Napper said. “They do not give us $300 million and say ‘have a good day.’ They reimburse us only as we spend.” In an interview earlier this week, Napper said, “at the end of the day, my goal is to support our students and our teachers and give them the best environment that we possibly can for them to learn and work. That is the

point and the purpose of the request for all this money. What they have now isn’t even close to what they need.” This month’s ballot will contain a second referendum – a vote on whether to increase the county’s sales and use tax by 1/4 cent, which reportedly would be used to fund school construction and related debt repayment. If the referendum passes, the Board of Commissioners said in a resolution last month it would lower the county’s property tax rate by an amount equivalent to the increase in sales and use tax revenues. The reduction would start in the fiscal year beginning July 1.

“This commitment is projected to reduce the property tax by a minimum of 3 cents, should the 1/4-cent sales and use tax pass,” the board said in a statement.

“MOM” ADVICE ...continued from p. 13 respect he wishes to receive. To be loyal, kind and emotionally there. To love deeply and have fun.” “The best advice Mom gave me was through her actions,” said Kathy Gray, a resident of Stokesdale. “She showed me to always be kind to others. When someone needed help, to be there for them. And to always laugh! For my boys, the same applies. Always be mindful of others in need and help when you can. Love with all of your heart, body and soul!” “My mother, Aldine Snyder Lineback, gave me lots of wise advice, but the ‘best’ is likely this recipe of words and actions: ‘Don’t dwell on what you can’t control’ – and be proactive in what you can do,” wrote Emily-Sarah Lineback of Oak Ridge.

“She voiced the first part throughout the bulk of her years after being diagnosed with dementia; as always, she was proactive in figuring out what was wrong with her, and went to the doctor before any of us noticed anything was wrong. She continued to live her life to the fullest for as long as she could and kept giving to others (and baking her signature yeast rolls to perfection). Even when what she could do was severely limited, she showed appreciation for such simple things, like when I’d give her breakfast and she’d smile and say, ‘Thank you. This is delightful!’ “She has left me with a rich legacy I now strive to live up to in love, belief and determination. I pray I’m instilling similar convictions in my son, Daken; a mix of living with total faith in God while lacing up your boots and doing what you can – for others and for yourself.”

Last month, former county commissioner Alan Branson requested a formal investigation of the county government, claiming that it is using public funds to “disseminate biased information regarding the bond and its costs to the public.” In a letter to the county’s Board of Elections, Branson alleged the county is spending taxpayer money to win passage of the two referendums for the school bond and the increase in sales and use tax. In response, interim County Manager Matt Mason said it “is fully appropriate and legal for the county to educate and inform Guilford County residents on any and all public initiatives such as a bond referendum.”

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!

Earlier this week, the Board of Elections said it forwarded Branson’s complaint to the state Board of Elections. To read more comments / opinions NWO readers expressed about the school bond, visit Facebook.com/Northwest Observer and scroll The to theNorthwest May 3 post.Observer • Totally local since 1996

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EVERY WEDNESDAY MORNING

mark your

 Outdoor storytime | Greensboro Public Library is

calendar

sponsoring an outdoor storytime every Wednesday from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at Country Park, 3905 Nathanael Greene Drive in northwest Greensboro. Preschoolers and toddlers, along with parents and caregivers, are invited to enjoy stories, songs and rhymes at Shelter 9, weather permitting. Parking is available near the carousel at Greensboro Science Center. More info: Kelly.Proudfit@greensboro-nc.gov.  A Thousand Cranes | Oak Ridge Elementary School’s The Colt Players (grades 3-5) will perform a live stage production of “A Thousand Cranes” by Kathryn Schultz Miller on Friday, May 13, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 14, at 1 p.m. in the school gym, 2050 Oak Ridge Road. Tickets, which cost $5, may be purchased at the door or at www.ores.ptboard.com. This play, which reflects themes of friendship and peace, is based on the true story of Sadako Sasaki, who survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945 and was stricken with leukemia 10 years later. More info: (336) 643-8410.

 Golf tournament/fundraiser | Ricky and Kelly

Proehl’s P.O.W.E.R. Of Play Foundation Blue Jeans & Bourbon golf tournament fundraiser will take place Friday, June 24, starting at 9 a.m. at Grandover Park, 1000 Club Road in Greensboro. There will be a party the night before the tournament, on Thursday, June 23, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Proehlific Park, 4517 Jessup Grove Road in northwest Greensboro; the party will include food for sale, live music, live and silent auctions and axe throwing. All proceeds from the party and golf tournament will go towards helping at-risk children in our community. More info: Natasha Hilburn, (336) 707-0307 or foundation@proehlificpark.com.

EVERY TUES., THURS. & SAT.

 Farmers markets | “Fruits of the Spirit” Farmers

Market, held at Stokesdale United Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola Drive, is open Tuesdays, 4 to 7 p.m. Oak Ridge Farmers Market, held at Oak Ridge Military Academy, 2317 Oak Ridge Road, is open Thursdays from 4 p.m. to dusk. “From the Earth” Farmers Market will open May 14 and be open Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at Greensboro Performing Arts, 7200 Summerfield Road. See article on FC of this issue for more details on these and other area farmers markets.

EVERY MONDAY IN MAY

 Music block party | Morehead United Method-

ist Church, 3214 Horse Pen Creek Road in northwest Greensboro, will host a family- and pet-friendly music block party with live bands and food trucks every Monday in May from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Visit www.facebook.com/moreheadumcgso for each week’s band and food truck lineup. More info: (336) 288-9399.

THURSDAY, MAY 5

 Town Council meeting | Oak Ridge Town Council will meet May 5, starting at 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. More info: www.oakridgenc.com, (336) 644-7009, and see News Briefs in this issue.

FRIDAY, MAY 6

 Fun run & bike parade | Stokesdale Elementary

School PTO invites people of all ages to participate in a fun run and bike parade to raise funds for Stokesdale Elementary School on May 6, 6 to 8 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Park, 8329 Angel Pardue Road. Bikes, scooters, skates and wagons are welcome (or you can just walk). Registration is $15 and includes a T-shirt. Big Cheese Truck and Sweet Oasis will be selling food. There will also be yard games, music and a bike decorating contest with prizes. Contact StokesdalePTO@gmail.com to register.

 Movie in the Park | Town of Summerfield will host

a free Movie in the Park event featuring Disney’s “Encanto” on May 6 at Summerfield Community Park Amphitheater, 5404 Centerfield Road. Music begins at 7:30 p.m., and dancers from Bella Ballerina Greensboro will perform. The movie begins at 8:30 p.m. (dusk). First Baptist Church in Summerfield will provide free popcorn, and Kona Ice will be selling shaved ice. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on.

SATURDAY, MAY 7

 Consignment sale | Northwest High School PTSO

will host a consignment sale to raise funds to update 24 mobile classroom units on campus May 7, 8 a.m. to 12 noon inside the old gym at 5240 NW School Road in northwest Greensboro. Sale items will include home decor, bedding, household and kitchen items, luggage, clothing, books, toys and more. There will also be concessions for sale. Cash and credit cards accepted. More info: news@nwhsptso.org.  Outdoor spring market | Palestine United Methodist Church at 2954 Ellisboro Road in Stokesdale will host an outdoor spring market May 7, 8 a.m. to 12 noon (rain date May 14). There will be breakfast biscuits, baked goods, local produce, handmade items and more. Vendor and yard sale spaces available for $10. Call (336) 427-3675 to reserve a spot.  Fundraiser auction | Oak Level Baptist Academy at 1569 Oak Level Church Road in Stokesdale will host its second annual fundraiser auction on May 7, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the gym. There will be food for sale from The Milk Bar. More info: www.facebook.com/oaklevelbaptistacademy. To donate auction items, call Mark Smith, (336) 306-6476. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to send 50+ kids to church camp this summer.  Spring concert | Stokesdale Community Choir invites the community to a free spring concert May 7, 11 a.m. to noon at Gideon Grove United Methodist Church, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road in Stokesdale. Preconcert music will begin at 10:30 a.m. There will also be a free hot dog lunch afterwards. More info: Sondra Beene, (336) 453-8017 or skbeene@gmail.com.

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MONDAY, MAY 9

 Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club |

NGWC will meet May 9, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot of CVS Pharmacy in Oak Ridge to pick up litter along a segment of N.C. 150 as part of the group’s participation in NCDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program, and afterward, to socialize at Bistro 150 in Oak Ridge Commons. More info: Tiffany Hansen, president, at (336) 404-8038 or tiffanykhansen96@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, MAY 10

 Town Council meeting | l Summerfield

Town Council will meet May 10, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. More info: www.summerfieldnc.gov or call (336) 643-8655.

MAY 10, 12 & 19

 Senior programs | Senior Resources

of Guilford County will sponsor a senior program including activities and a take-home lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Tuesday, May 10, at Center United Methodist Church (6142 Lake Brandt Road in northwest Greensboro) and at Shady Grove Wesleyan Church (119 N. Bunker Hill Road in Colfax); on Thursday, May 12, at Stokesdale UMC (8305 Loyola Drive); and on Thursday, May 19, at Summerfield First Baptist Church (2300 Scalesville Road). To learn more and/or RSVP at Center UMC, contact the church at (336) 643-7765; for the others, contact Marsha McDaniel, (336) 373-4816, ext 265.

THURSDAY, MAY 12

 Town Council meeting | Stokes-

dale Town Council will meet May 12, starting at 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. Visit www.stokesdale.org for a meeting agenda and/or a link to join the meeting via Zoom (citizens may also view the meeting live on the town’s YouTube channel). More info: (336) 643-4011.

FRIDAY, MAY 13 & SATURDAY, MAY 14

 Founders’ Day | The Town of Summerfield will host its annual Founders’ Day festival Friday, May 13, 6 to

10 p.m. and Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7300-7400 Summerfield Road, next to Summerfield Fire Station #9. Friday’s festivities will include music from Northern High School band, orchestra and vocal ensembles, carnival rides, inflatables, food trucks and more. Saturday’s festivities will include a parade at 10 a.m. along Summerfield Road, music from Northwest Guilford High School band and vocal ensemble, carnival rides and games, 40 local craft and business vendors, face painting and balloon twisting, food trucks and more. Shuttle service will be provided continuously from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. More info: www.summerfieldnc.gov/foundersday, call Town Hall at (336) 643-8655, or email foundersday@summerfieldnc.gov – or see ad on p. 3 of this issue.

SATURDAY, MAY 14

 Music in the Park | The Town of Oak

Ridge invites the community to its monthly Music in the Park event on May 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Park Amphitheater, 6231 Lisa Drive. Nathan Ward Band (rock music) will be performing. Bring a lawn chair or blanket; food will be available for purchase. No alcohol allowed. The event is free, but donations for the band are appreciated.

REGISTRATION BEGINS MAY 16  Children’s fishing derby | Registra-

tion opens May 16 for the Town of Summerfield’s annual children’s fishing derby. Open to children ages 6 to 12 (accompanied by parent or guardian), the derby will take place on Saturday, June 18, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the park lake within Summerfield Community Park (5404 Centerfield Road). Bring your rod and reel or borrow one from the NC Wildlife Commission (bait will be provided). Participants will receive a T-shirt and welcome gift. Space is limited to 50 children, so don’t delay in registering. Registration form will be available at www.summerfieldnc.gov; select “About” at the top of the homepage, then select “Calendar” and scroll to June 18.

~ SPACE IS LIMITED to 50 kids ages 6–12. ~ Registration begins May 16 and form available at www.summerfieldnc.gov. ~ Bring your rod & reel or use ours — bait provided. ~ Free t-shirt!

contact Cheryl Gore with questions: 336-643-8655 or cgore@summerfieldnc.gov

FREE event: sat., june 18 8:30AM–11:30AM community park lake

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Sale items will include home decor, bedding, household and kitchen items, luggage, clothing, books, toys and more. There will also be concessions for sale. Cash and credit cards accepted. For more information, email news@nwhsptso.org

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

MAY 5 - 18, 2022

GRINS and GRIPES

Delighted or dismayed by something in your community? Share your thoughts in online: nwobserver.com

words or less

email: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion.

 High schools that promote the alternative prom! Some kids may not feel safe at their school prom, so it is nice that the district supports one where

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unanimous votes on everything! Does that not give you pause?  Whoever ruined the wooded area at the corner of Haw River Road and Pumpkin Ridge Road. They’ve left it quite ugly and destroyed the wildlife habitat. Oak Ridge is becoming less and less rural already.

 The gentleman fueling two jet skis at the Citgo in Stokesdale who told me to go inside for his $24 in change because he did not have time to grab it. I will pay it forward!  Our Stokesdale Elementary teachers. You go above and beyond for our students every single day, and we appreciate all that you do. Thank you for the love and care that you show our children!

 The jolly, liberal camaraderie of the Oak Ridge Town Council, now that they’ve replaced the lone conservative with another of their ilk. You, dear reader, can now look forward to

 The Providence North neighbor who had three firearms (handgun, Glock pistol, AR-7) and an abundance of ammunition stolen from his unlocked truck on April 17. There are so many questions and concerns. What are the consequences for irresponsible gun owners?  Northwest-area families with “Yes” for school bond signs in their yards. Do some research, please. This money isn’t being used fairly and won’t contribute to improving local schools. Flip the school board first; don’t give this one more money.  Summerfield residents who are against David Couch’s proposed

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development and who are scared of change and making Summerfield better.  Sheriff’s deputies for not patrolling Lake Brandt and Witty Road between N.C. 150 and Scalesville Road. There are extremely loud vehicles speeding dangerously through these roads because they know running into law enforcement is highly improbable. Let’s stop this madness.  The person who griped about LGBT prom. There is still fear of discrimination, especially in judgmental places like high schools. The LGBT prom provides a safe place for LGBT students to enjoy prom and isn’t forcing anyone to be LGBT.

still cannot follow directions for entering the drop-off/pick-up car rider line. And those who cut through Bojangles in the morning to get a few cars ahead on N.C. 68. You are adding to the problems.  Drivers of the 4-wheelers running through Elmhurst Estates! These are not licensed vehicles and they are tearing down the roads at breakneck speeds. Even saw one the other day with a 4-year-old on the back.  ORYA for scheduling soccer games on Mother’s Day Sunday. Most “normal humans” have plans for this day and like to celebrate the mothers in their lives. Let’s use our heads next year and not make the same mistake.

 The person complaining about people who carry their small dogs into Lowes Foods. They may not be service dogs, but have you not heard of emotional support dogs? Please mind your own business.

 The griper about service dogs. You have no idea what is or is not a service dog. Small or large, all are able to be certified. Same with people who park in handicap spaces and walk in. You don’t know.

 Whoever is responsible for the sound barrier wall on U.S. 220 in Summerfield. It’s hideous and can’t be disguised with a few shrubs. I’ve seen so many tasteful walls, yet this one looks like a prison wall. Embarrassing.

 The parent who drives their golf cart to pick up their kids at Revolution Academy on N.C. 150. That is not only insanely dangerous, but also against the law since the speed limit goes over 45 mph.

 Whoever stole the mail box from the Wright Stuff Flight Simulator Center in Oak Ridge. I hope you remember to change the box number before you use it!

 The timer on the traffic signal at Alcorn/N.C. 68. In the mornings, N.C. 68 South gets dangerously backed up for over a mile, while there are just a few cars waiting a short time on Alcorn Road.

 Oak Ridge Elementary parents who

for every stage of life,

we’re here for you Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist proudly offers care for all ages. From newborns, children and teens to young adults, mature adults and seniors, we provide outstanding care to help you live your best life.

Stay connected to your neighbors

/NorthwestObserver

WakeHealth.edu Family Medicine—Summerfield 4431 US Highway 220 North Summerfield, NC 27358 336-643-7711

Pediatrics—Greensboro 802 Green Valley Road Suite 210 Greensboro, NC 27408 336-510-5510

Adult Urgent Care—Pisgah Church Brenner Children’s Urgent Care—Pisgah Church 2005 Pisgah Church Road Greensboro, NC 27455 336-716-9150

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

MAY 5 - 18, 2022

Triad Honor Flight: “One Last Mission”

...continued from p. 31

Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO

Elect

DAN SUTER

CANINE CAPERS: BETTER THAN EVER ...continued from p. 20

GUILFORD COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 3

Christian, Conservative, Patriot, Rule of Law Values

Summerfield resident for over 20 years Business project manager for 30 years

Board of Directors, Piedmont Triad Chapter of Project Management Institute (2003-2006, 2013-2014)

FREEDOM ADVOCACY INTEGRITY

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

King’s Crossing Animal Hospital in Stokesdale was one of several businesses found along Bark Avenue at Canine Capers. Shown here, Dr. Angel Fuller (center) and her staff enjoy talking with attendees who stopped by her veterinary practice’s tent.

for good homes garnered an ample amount of attention. As in past years, attendees and dan@dansuter4commissioner.com their dogs were able to participate in a facebook.com/dansuter4commissioner standard dog show as well as the popular fun show contests which included such categories as best “Paw-Shaker,” PAID FOR BY CITIZENS FOR DAN SUTER “Kisser,” “Vocal Performance” and “Senior Dog.” 42 MAY 5 - 18, 2022 The Northwest Observer • Totally sincethe 1996 Alwayslocal a favorite, Oak Ridge

dansuter4commissioner.com

Lions Club’s dog maze attracted both participants and spectators as owners attempted to be the fastest to help navigate their dogs through the webbed maze. The event ring included demonstrations on agility, nosework and tracking. Dog Gone Fun also gave attendees the opportunity to become Canine Good Citizen certified.

 AUTO SALES & SERVICE

Place online at

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

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

INDEX Auto Sales & Service ........ 43 Employment .................... 43 Save the Date.................. 43 VBS ................................ 43 Yard Sales ....................... 43 Home Services ...........43-46 Misc. Services .................. 46 Misc. For Sale .................. 46 Misc. Wanted .................. 46 Real Estate ...................... 46

CHOICE TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE. Oil changes, inspections, alignments and general automotive repairs. 1080 US Hwy 66 S, Kernersville, NC. (336) 992-9002. KNIGHT IMPORT SPECIALTY SERVICE. European Auto Service & Repair. Specializing in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. BMW, Audi, Volvo, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Mini, and Porsche. 32 years experience. 4559 US Hwy. 220, Summerﬁeld (across from Food Lion). (336) 337-0669. SAM'S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 965-7955.

 EMPLOYMENT HIRING TWO PEOPLE for landscaping. Good work ethic and common sense essential; must have transportation. (336) 430-9507. CARSON DELLOSA EDUCATION is hiring full-time and/or part-time seasonal associates to assist with the picking/packing of our product. Candidates must be 16 years of age and be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Interested applicants should contact Angela Goas at (336) 808-3225 between 7:30am and 4:00pm, Monday-Friday. JOB OPENING. $15/hour; Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 9am to 5pm. Paid training. Must be at least 18 yrs. old, with a valid driver's license and reliable transportation. Caring, motivated person needed to provide one-on-one direct care services to an independent individual in the community who has a disability. Interested individuals, leave message, (336) 453-8017.

 EMPLOYMENT

 SAVE THE DATE

The TOWN OF OAK RIDGE is accepting applications for a part-time Parks & Recreation groundskeeper. Up to 25 hrs./wk. Pay DOQ. Very ﬂexible schedule required, including weekends. Applicants must have clean NCDL and ability to pass background check. Candidates should submit an application (can be found at oakridgenc.com under the "Employment" tab) to tlannon@oakridgenc.com or at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road (M-F, 8:30am-4:30pm).

Stokesdale Community Choir SPRING CONCERT. May 7 at 11am; pre-concert music at 10:30am. Gideon Grove United Methodist Church, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Rd., Stokesdale. Hot dog lunch will be provided.

KING'S CROSSING ANIMAL HOSPITAL. Seeking experienced full-time veterinary assistant and experienced full-time receptionist. Competitive pay with beneﬁts. Call (336) 644-7606 for more info.

 SAVE THE DATE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT Farmers Market. Stokesdale UMC, 8305 Loyola Dr., Stokesdale, opened for the season on Tuesday, April 19, and will be open every Tuesday, 4-7pm, until Oct. 25. You are invited to the KICKOFF EVENT for Lifeway Health Medical Spa Services on Sat., May 7, 10am-3pm. The Oak Ridge Room, 2205 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge. Services include InMode body contouring (fat reduction, skin tightening); anti-aging treatments (Xeomin & dermal ﬁllers); integrative health coaching; IV vitamin infusions and functional medicine. Also featuring Jennifer Mun with Zen Natural Herbs; decorations by Pineapple Porch; Natural Smoothies with Susan Laws. Free Xeomin (botulinum toxin) giveaway! www.LifeWayToday.org/OakRidge. Call with questions or to schedule your appt., (423) 383-5825. OUTDOOR SPRING MARKET. Saturday, May 7, 8am-noon. Palestine United Methodist Church, 2954 Ellisboro Rd., Stokesdale. Breakfast biscuits and beverages, baked and canned goods, local produce, handmade items and crafts, cards, Rada knives, Happy Home ﬂavorings, gently used yard sale items. Vendor and yard sale spaces, $10. Must bring own table. Call (336) 427-3675. Sponsored by UMW for Missions. Rain date will be May 14.

 VBS FAMILY VBS. Tuesday, June 14, through Friday, June 17, 6-8pm. Living Water Baptist Church, 9516 W. Market St., Colfax. Ages 3 thru adult. Lite dinner provided each night. Please register @ lwbctriad.org/events.

 YARD SALES GARAGE SALE. Saturday, May 7, 7-11am. 179 Fox Trail, off Witty Rd. Lawn & garden tools, flower pots and more. HUGE YARD SALE each Saturday in May, 7am-noon. 7911 Hwy. 68, Stokesdale, in the Old Family Diner across from Stokesdale Elementary School. COMMUNITY YARD SALE. Sat., May 14, 7am-1pm. Elmhurst Estates, right off 220 in Summerfield. Multiple families, lots of everything.

Planning a Yard Sale? Place your classiﬁed ad online at

www.nwobserver.com

 HOME SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING A-ACTION AIR. Air-conditioning check-up, $59.95. (336) 268-6768 or (336) 382-3750.

CLEANING LAUNDRY LASS HOME DELIVERY. Wash, sanitize, dr y, fold and deliver to you the next day. Please call (336) 645 - 5827. CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Will ﬁt to your budget. Pet taxi/pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838.

Northwest Observer Totally1996 local since 1996 The NorthwestThe Observer • Totally local• since

continued on p. 44

MAY 5 -518, 2022 MAY - 18, 2022

43 43

HOME SERVICES

NEED HELP WITH CLEANING? Kimberly South Cleaning Ser vice. House cleaning, vacation homes, offices. Linen ser vice. Licensed, insured & bonded. (828) 855- 4651.

FLOORING

DTW GRADING & HAULING, INC. Offering a sum of aggregates, including but not limited to: fill dirt, stone, asphalt millings, and crushed concrete. We also offer full bobcat services. Driveways, minor clearing, drainage solutions and snow removal. Daniel Wilson, (336) 339-0212.

ANNASARAH'S CLEANING. Excellent references. Trustworthy. Family owned business. Free estimates. (336) 543-3941. DO YOU NEED HELP with CLEANING? Carolina Cleanin has openings. Call while still available, (336) 399-0421. THE CLEANING TECHNICIAN LLC. Back in business. Spring cleaning is just around the corner. I would like to offer my cleaning services. I do detailed cleaning. Licensed, bonded, insured and vaccinated. Call Lisa, (336) 207-0770. MAID-2- SHINE. Excellent ser vice, 15 years experience. Free estimates, excellent references. (336) 338-0223 PAOLA CLEANING SERVICE. Residential & commercial. Insured. (336) 669-5210 CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING Gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com.(336) 595-2873.

DECORATING BLISSFUL ART & FRAMING. SHOP LOCAL! Framing, gifts, graphic design. 4533 Hwy. 220 N., Summerfield. (336) 298-4502. 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 and solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192.

The Northwest Observer

44 MAY MAY - 18, 2022 5 -518, 2022

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES CLOCK SERVICE. Free house calls for sick clocks. 8103 Windspray Dr., Summerfield. (336) 643-9931. L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE "We get you mowing!" Comm./res., all models. 2103 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge. Call (336) 298-4314, LandTsmallengineservice.com. APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707. LOW-COST GARAGE DOORS. Repair and sales. 35 years exp. (336) 207-1003. GARY’S HANDYMAN HOME SERVICES “Providing value for the home-ownership experience.” Gary Gellert, serving NC’s Piedmont Triad area. Garygellert@gmail.com, (336) 423-8223. OLD SCHOOL HOME REPAIR See display ad on page 36. GREENERTIMES SMALL ENGINE Sales & Service Center. All types sold and repaired; comm./res. 9428 NC Hwy. 65, Stokesdale. (336) 548-9286 or (336) 312-3844. AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350.

CKH ELECTRIC, LLC. Give us a call for your next residential, commercial, or industrial project. Free estimates. Licensed, insured, and BBB accredited. (336) 414-4899.

Keeping you connected since 1996!

MONTERO'S HARDWOOD FLOORING Installation of hardwood, laminate & tile; hardwood sanding & finishing. Commercial & residential. Insured, 17 yrs. exp. Free est., exc. references. Call (336) 215-8842 or visit Monteros-hardwood-flooring.com.

with all the northwest-area news!

GRADING / HAULING 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.

BRAD'S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS. LLC. Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647. GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150. H&L GRADING, LLC. No job too tough or too small. Call us first! We are a full service grading company that specializes in residential projects. Owner/Operator Timmy Hart has more than 30 years of grading and equipment experience. Fully licensed and insured. Land clearing, debris removal, driveways, French drains and much more. Call Bobby Lipstreu, (336) 543-7867.

GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS

WILSON

Seamless Gutters

Installation, repair, replacement, Leaf Guard

Stokesdale

336-420-0200 S&M SEAMLESS GUTTERS. Install new gutters. Repair and clean old gutters. Free estimates. Fully insured. (336) 587-8223 or (336) 709-5944.

HOME SERVICES

DeLima

Lawn Care commercial & residential

Available 7 days/week mowing ● pruning ● mulch/pine needles & much more

Owner: JC Ruiz ● 336.669.5210 licensed & ensured ● working in the area since 2005

FREE ESTIMATES COLFAX LAWNCARE. Core aeration & seeding. Fertilizing, mowing, trimming, pine needles. Complete lawn care maintenance. Res./comm. Fully insured. Serving the Triad for 33 years. (336) 362-5860. GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490. HILL LAWNCARE & OUTDOOR SERVICES. Free est. Call (336) 669-5448. WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Lawn maint., landscaping. Irrigation/ landscape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 years exp. (336) 399-7764. ATCHISON LAWNCARE. Honest, dependable, local. Mike Atchison, owner. (336) 486-9837. AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Quality irrigation systems. NC licensed contractor. We service all systems. Free est. (336) 644-1174. 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.

STRAIGHT EDGE LAWN CARE. Free estimates. Please call (336) 306-0274.

STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. FREE est. 40+ years experience. Lots & natural area thinning & cleanup, large shrubbery jobs. Oak Ridge. (336) 643-1119.

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.

INTEGRITY TREE SERVICE, LLC. Tree removal, risk assessment, tree pruning, dead wood removal. Competitive pricing. Fully insured. Owner-operated. Call for free estimate, (336) 210-8310.

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

The Northwest • Totally local• since 1996 TheObserver Northwest Observer Totally local since 1996

 HOME SERVICES

CM STUMP GRINDING, LLC. Family owned and operated. Commercial/residential. Free quotes! (336) 317-4600. EXTERIOR GREENSCAPES. Lawn maintenance service. Call for a free estimate (336) 682-1456. ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981.

“Every day’s a”

Holliday Tree Service

Providing professional and quality tree care since 1983 Call us and let us help you with your next tree project

336-362-7966 Summerﬁeld

MASONRY COLONIAL MASONRY. 40 yrs. exp. Specializing in outdoor living spaces; dry-stack natural stone and flagstone. Let us help you plan your patio, fire pit, fireplace, kitchen – or anything else you would like! Call (336) 949-9019. www.colonialmasonry.com. NEW PHASE CONCRETE. Here for all your decorative concrete needs. Specializing in decorative stamp, stained, epoxy and all other concrete poured finishes as well. Also offering refurbishment of existing stamped concrete. Make your existing stamped look like new again! (336) 399-1474 or (336) 595-4654. SOUTHERN STYLE Concrete & Landscape. How about a new patio or fire pit? We can help with all of your outdoor living and entertainment spaces! Fire pits, driveways & sidewalks, patios and more! Give us a call at (336) 399-6619 for all your concrete and landscape needs.

Your company should be here! Place your classiﬁed ad online at

www.nwobserver.com

CONCRETE COATINGS

 HOME SERVICES

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

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, rooﬁng, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 41 yrs. exp. (336) 362-6343.

Flake Epoxy Systems Garage Floor and Concrete Resurfacing Decorative Concrete Overlays Eric Sauls, Owner ● (336) 970-3543 Call for your free estimate

working in NW Guilford County since 1999

Residential • Commercial • Licensed & Insured

Available 7 days/week

emergencies, parties, preparing for guests, etc.

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.

Owner: Carlos Ruiz

336.669.5210 ● carlospainting14@live.com

FREE ESTIMATES

COX POOL SERVICE. Openings, closings, routine maintenance, weekly service. No contracts, free estimates! (336) 327-5122. JUNK & DEBRIS REMOVAL, construction, remodeling, and general cleanup, outbuildings, garages, basements, yard waste, etc. Also can haul mulch. Call (336) 706-8470.

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

PAINTING & DRYWALL

SIGNATURE PLUMBING. Local, experienced, clean, and work is guaranteed. Please call (336) 279-6196.

BEK Paint Co. Residential & Commercial David & Judy Long, owners

(336) 931-0600

BEKPaintCompany.com • References Available • Licensed & Insured • All Work Guaranteed

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

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

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

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

JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com.

PRESSURE WASHING PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Fully insured. Crystal Clear, www. windowcleaningnc.com or (336) 595-2873. HOUSE and ROOF SOFT WASHING. Martin's Pressure Washing. (919) 931-0856.

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION PAINTING, DECKS AND MORE. Call Premier Construction for free estimates. (336) 430-9507. AMERICAN BUILDER CONSTRUCTION. Repairs & remodeling, kitchens/baths, additions, decks, attics, basements. Licensed & insured. Short wait list. NC general contractors. (336) 225-7478.

Construction Services, INC

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Outdoor living spaces | Fire pits

(336) 644-8615 office (336) 508-5242 cell Licensed & insured

NC Gen. Contractor #72797

tmcsi.net

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

ROOFING PREMIER ROOFING. Commercial/residential. Providing service for all of your rooﬁng needs. Locally owned. Please call (336) 430-9507 for free assessments.

Northwest Observer Totally1996 local since 1996 The NorthwestThe Observer • Totally local• since

continued on p. 46

MAY 5 -5 18, 2022 MAY - 18, 2022

 HOME SERVICES

 REAL ESTATE

DUSTIN CLINARD ROOFING. Shingles, metal, and leak repairs. Call (336) 268-1908

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

HOMES FOR SALE

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Lifetime shingle and metal rooﬁng. We ﬁ nance. Free Estimates. Since 1979. Please call (336) 362-6343.

We Help Everyone!

LAND IN OAK RIDGE

SELLERS & BUYERS

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

 MISC. SERVICES

(336) 643-4248

www.ANewDawnRealty.com HOMES FOR SALE OAK RIDGE HOME FOR SALE

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

7350 Hidden View Drive, Oak Ridge Serene setting in the gated Mountain View Neighborhood. 6.78 Acre homesite for Your Dream Home. $189,900.

For results, call Ramilya Siegel CRS, GRI, SRES, Chairman’s Circle Award

Gated access with 24/7 camera surveillance

(336) 215.9856

rsiegel@kw.com

We carry moving & shipping supplies

(336) 643-9963 • 8207 B & G Court, Stokesdale PORTABLE WELDING SERVICE. Welding & fabrication services. Call (336) 908-6906.

 MISC. FOR SALE LOCALLY SOURCED premium frozen hamburgers. Raised by NWHS grad & female farmer – go Vikings! You will taste the diﬀerence! We deliver. Order online, www.shopbravolocal.com.

5238 Williard Road

Beautiful & well maintained 3 BR/2.1 BA/2 car on 2.83 +/- acres. Freshly painted/all new car carpet. Huge den/sunroom offers an abundance of natural light. Large bonus room. Great Storage. Deck w/extended tiers surrounded by beautiful mature landscaping! Call for more details! MLS#: 1067078 $550,000

LAND FOR SALE BRAND NEW. First time oﬀered. Summerﬁeld address, Rockingham County taxes. One (+/-) acre lots. Excellent building sites! No HOA. Bring your own builder! Call (336) 430-9507 anytime.

Gail Kerber

LAND WANTED

(336) 327-1165 kerbappeals@gmail.com

WANTED: LAND. We buy land! Any shape, size, location considered. Cash money! Please call (336) 430-9507 anytime.

CDPE, ABR, SPS, SLS Realtor®/Broker/Owner

WE’LL BE BACK IN PRINT MAY 19

FABRIC NEEDED for Samaritan’s Purse Shoebox Ministry to make dresses and skirts for girls. Cotton fabrics work best, any amount. Also need buttons, ribbon, lace trimming, elastic and thread. Call Beth, (336) 644-8155

To place a DISPLAY AD in our next issue, contact Laura:

FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, generators, power washers, 4-wheelers, ATVs, golf carts, tools, electrical and metal items, etc. (336) 689-4167.

To place a CLASSIFIED AD in our next issue, contact Rene:

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

MAY 5 - 18, 2022

Answers to Kids’ Korner on page 32.

Ema (mother) Estonian

Avó, or Vovó (grandmother) Portuguese

Aiti (mother) Finnish

Obaasan (grandmother) Japanese

Madre (mother) Spanish

Nonna (grandmother) Italian

Majka (mother) Croatian

Oma (grandmother)

 MISC. WANTED YARN NEEDED to make children's hats for Samaritan's Purse Shoebox Ministry. Call Beth, (336) 644-8155.

How many ways can you say mother and grandmother?

(336) 644-7035, ext. 11 advertising@nwobserver.com (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 or place your ad online at www.nwobserver.com The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

German

Ina (mother) Filipino

Babushka (grandmother) Russian

Ana (mother) Turkish

Bibi (grandmother) Swahili

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS

Please support our advertisers,

and tell them where you saw their ad! ACCOUNTING

Kimberly Thacker Accounting..............38 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC.......40

AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE

Beamer Tire & Auto ............................ 26 EuroHaus ........................................6, 43 Piedmont Truck Tires........................... 20 Prestige Car Wash ............................... 25 Tire Max.............................................. 29

BANK / LENDING / INVESTMENTS

First Citizens Bank ................................. 2 NFM Lending ...................................... 27

BUILDING / REMODELING

Old School Home Repair.....................38 TM Construction Services .................... 45

CANDIDATES

Billy Queen for Sheriff............................ 5 Dan Suter – County Commissioner .. 9, 42 Edward Melvin for Sheriff..................... 11 George McClellan – Cty. Commissioner ..8 Phil Byrd for Sheriff ..............................34

DENTAL SERVICES

DeVaney Dentistry ............................... 35 Magnolia Shores Family Dental ........... 37 Summerfield Family Dentistry .............. 26

ENTERTAINMENT

The Wright Stuff ..................................40

EVENTS

NWHS Mobile Makeover Yard Sale ..... 39 Summerfield Founders’ Day .................. 3 Summerfield Kids’ Fishing Derby ........ 39

EVENT VENUE

The Gardens at Gray Gables ............... 13

FAMILY / SCIENCE MUSEUM / ZOOLOGICAL PARK

Greensboro Science Center ................. 21

FLORIST

Carpets by Direct ................................. 19 CharCo Concrete Coatings .................. 45 CSM Flooring ...................................... 14 DeLima Lawn Care .............................44 Dillon Tree Service ............................... 10 Eanes Heating & Air ............................ 23 Holliday Tree Service ........................... 45 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery ...12 Stokesdale Heating & Air.....................34 Stokesdale Storage .............................. 46 Wilson Seamless Gutters .....................44

Aim Hearing & Audiology.................... 28 Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist ..... 41 Atrium Health WFB, Summerfield ....... 27 Health Team Advantage ..................... 15 LeBauer HealthCare............................ 16 NorthStar Medical Group .................... 22 Northwest Pediatrics............................ 28 Novant – Forsyth Pediatrics ................. 25 Oak Ridge Physical Therapy ................ 24

MUSIC INSTRUMENTS / LESSONS

Moore Music Company ....................... 32

ORTHODONTIC CARE

Olmsted Orthodontics ......................... 25 Reynolds Orthodontics ........................33

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ................. 18 Northwest Animal Hospital .................. 18

REAL ESTATE

A New Dawn Realty ............................ 46 Gail Kerber / KERBAppeals..................46 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX ....................36 Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams ............46

RESTAURANTS / ICE CREAM

VETERANS HONOR GREEN

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

YOUTH SPORTS / CAMPS

BEK Paint Company ............................ 45 Carlos & Son Painting.......................... 45

The OM participants would like to offer a special thanks to Northwest Guilford Kiwanis Club, which sponsored three OM teams this year; the teams were comprised of 18 students who attend Oak Ridge Elementary School, Northwest Middle School, Jesse Wharton, Brown Summit, Lincoln, Summerfield Elementary

Town of Oak Ridge / pavers available .. 31 Oak Ridge Military Academy ...............33 Observer Oak RidgeThe YouthNorthwest Association .............. 35 •

and Revolution Academy. All three teams moved on to State Finals; two teams of first- through eighth-graders placed fourth and were alternates for World Finals.

want to help? Email omofnwguilford@gmail.com with questions or to find out how you can contribute. Also, students who will be in kindergarten through 12th grade next year (whether attending traditional public school, charter or private school, or homeschooled) are encouraged to inquire about participating in Odyssey of the Mind.

WINNERS

MEDICAL / HEARING / PT

HAIR CARE

Great Clips .......................................... 24

Being invited to participate in World Finals is an enormous honor, and they would appreciate all the community support and encouragement they can get!

Barbour & Williams Law ......................40

Southern Foods ..................................... 7

GROCERIES / SUPPLIES

in the community, are planning an OM exhibition, and are gathering items for a silent auction.

LEGAL SERVICES

Bistro 150 ............................................ 25 Ridge Shrimp & Oyster ........................ 24 Rio Grande Kitchen & Cantina ............ 24 To the Moon and Back Frozen Treats .... 4

Bouquet Boutique................................ 12

ODYSSEY OF THE MIND ...continued from p. 33

Thanks to everyone who participated in the scavenger hunts featured in PS Communications’ spring At Home issue. We got some great feedback, and are glad you enjoyed your close-up views of Oak Ridge Town Park, Summerfield Community Park and Stokesdale Town Park! Based on a random drawing of names, our scavenger hunt winners, by age group and town park entry, are:

Mackenzie Bouldin, age 5 Callie Patterson, age 7 Hailey Handyside, age 8 Savannah Stone, age 10 Cristina Young, age 12 Gracie Cantlin, age 14 Christy Leimone, age 49

Congratulations to all our winners! All winners will be contacted via email with information about obtaining their prize.

Totally local since 1996

MAY 5 - 18, 2022

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Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge,NC NC Permit PermitNo. No.2222

POPO BoxBox 268, Oak Ridge, NCNC 27310 • (336) 644-7035 268, Oak Ridge, 27310 • (336) 644-7035

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(L) Members of “The Generations Tour” hosted by First Baptist Church Summerfield smile big during their visit to The Ark Encounter and The Creation Museum in Florence, Kentucky. After taking a walk back in time on the life-sized Noah’s ark, the group caught up on much more current events in the Northwest Observer. In photo below left, Pastor Kelly Bullard and Pastor Larry Kirby of First Baptist Church Summerfield point out just how big the ark is!

The Osl family, residents of Summerfield, enjoyed reading the NWO together on their spring break at Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina!

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

Northwest Observer / May 5-18, 2022

Articles inside

Classifi eds

Community Calendar

Invitation to voluntary annexation

Your Questions

OM Team o to World Finals

Vets return from one last mission

Veterans Honor Green

News in brief

Pickleball, anyone?