Northwest Observer | Jan. 6 - 12, 2017 by pscommunications

Jan. 6 - 12, 2017

bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996

Mail carrier retires from USPS after 43 years Jerry Huffines, who retired on Sept. 30, is missed by his co-workers at Summerfield Post Office and those in his 55-mile mail carrier route

Find a job with benefits. “My mama made me,” Huffines, 66, said. “I was working on a farm. She told me I needed some retirement and benefits. The farm didn’t provide it.”

by STEVE MANN and PATTI STOKES Jerry Huffines’ mother gave him some sound advice in the early 1970s.

nwobserver.com

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Mail carrier Jerry Hufﬁnes, known for his dedication and positive attitude, sorts the mail for one of the last times before his retirement on Sept. 30.

So, the lifelong Gibsonville resident started a career with the U.S. Postal Service, spending the first 10 years as a part-time mail carrier whose routes included the Forest Oaks and

...continued on p. 20

Towns, county expected to vote on water feasibility study A Memorandum of Understanding will be on January meeting agendas by PATTI STOKES NW GUILFORD – In late 2015, the towns of Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale were approached by Mark Richardson, chairman of the Rockingham County Board of Commissioners. The topic of discussion: water. Richardson said the board had wanted for a long time to extend water lines into southwestern Rockingham County for economic development

purposes. Hopeful that the $2 billion state bond referendum (Connect NC) – which designated $312,500,000 for water/sewer infrastructure and local parks – would pass, the commissioners’ had their sights set on obtaining a portion of that bond funding and joining water lines coming from Madison and Reidsville in the area of the U.S. 220 and U.S. 158 intersection, into northern Guilford County. The bond was overwhelmingly approved by voters in March 2016. The following month, at the April 12 town council meeting, Summerfield Mayor Mark Brown told fellow council members he had received another call from Richardson, who said Rocking-

ham County would like to “take the U.S. 220/U.S. 158 water line south down U.S. 220 to N.C. 150 (Oak Ridge Road) and then west on N.C. 150 to the Town of Oak Ridge.” Brown then presented a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in which Reidsville, Madison, Mayodan, Stokesdale, Oak Ridge and Summerfield were asked to agree to work collaboratively with Rockingham County to support a regional water initiative for the purposes of water supply planning and future economic development. The council was asked to prepare to vote on the MOU at a later date. Meanwhile, Oak Ridge held a wa-

...continued on p. 12

IN THIS ISSUE News in Brief ..................................................3 Your Questions ..............................................4 Summerfield Town Council ..........................6 Student Profiles .............................................8 Youth/School News ....................................10 High School Sports ..................................... 11 Charlie & Me ...............................................14 Pet Briefs ......................................................15 Community Calendar ................................21 Crime/Incident Report ...............................22 Letters/Opinions .........................................23 Grins & Gripes .............................................24 Classifieds ...................................................27 Index of Advertisers ...................................31

IN NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE The article on a proposed Planned Development (PD) zoning district in Summerfield, initially scheduled for this week’s issue, will instead appear in our Jan. 13-19 issue.

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NEWS in brief

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OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge Military Academy recently received a $250,000 donation from Don and Teresa Caine. The unexpected gift came just days before Christmas and was later matched by a local organization, totaling $500,000 in donations for the school. “We are honored to have such outstanding friends of the Academy and we are grateful for their generous support,” said John Haynes, the academy’s interim president. “The Caines have been faithful supporters of ORMA through the years and this gift is another example of how committed they are to the school and its mission.” An Oak Ridge native, Don Caine graduated from the Academy in 1958 when it was known as Oak Ridge Military Institute. Although he was only at ORMI for one year, he said he fondly remem-

bers the time he spent there, and credits the school for helping him be successful. In 1966, Caine founded Cameo Manufacturing with one employee and one product. Now, nearly 51 years later, the company spans the globe with more than 350 employees and over 3,000 products. “The generous gifts from Mr. and Mrs. Caine and another local foundation change the conversation about Oak Ridge Military Academy and the educational experience it can provide to our cadets,” said Dr. Woody Gibson, chairman of the academy’s Board of Trustees. “As we move forward into 2017, these donations allow us a degree of financial flexibility in our discussions and decision-making at Oak Ridge that we have not had in recent years.”

Upcoming council meetings, public hearing NW GUILFORD – Oak Ridge Town Council will meet Thursday, Jan. 5, 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. Besides routine business and committee and staff reports, the main item on the agenda is discussion of a Memorandum of Understanding to participate along with

Summerfield, Stokesdale and Guilford County in a water feasibility study. Summerfield Town Council will meet Tuesday, Jan. 10, 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404

...continued on p. 5

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JAN. 6 - 12, 2017

your QUESTIONS Both Strawberry Road and N.C. 150 East from U.S. 220 to the Summerfield town limits (about one mile past Lake Brandt Road) are in need of resurfacing. When does NCDOT plan to repave these roads?

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OUR TEAM Patti Stokes, editor/publisher Kelley Branch, editorial assistant Laura Reneer, associate publisher Annette Joyce, marketing manager Sean Gentile, art director Yvonne Truhon, page layout Leon Stokes, IT director Lucy Smith, finance manager Linda Schatz, distribution manager Marc Pruitt, Helen Ledford, Jonathan Williams and Annette Joyce, contributing writers

Bobby Norris, a district engineer with NCDOT, confirmed that these roads are scheduled for the 2018 maintenance program. “We will begin letting these out for contract this summer for construction the next year,” Norris said.

This summer there were NCDOT surveyors and other workers around the intersection of N.C. 68 and 150 in Oak Ridge. At that time you wrote something about NCDOT having plans to improve – and maybe even beautify the intersection.

HOW TO REACH US email: info • celebrations • photos communitynews • 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: M-F 9am-2pm (or by appt.)

When we wrote about this in July, Oak Ridge Town Manager Bruce Oakley told us the intersection improvement project dates back to when Oak Ridge applied for and received a beautification grant from NCDOT for the Town’s main intersection. However, the Town put the brakes on developing a beautification plan after learning NCDOT was moving forward with plans to reconfigure the intersection. “Then there were discussions about right-of-ways with Duke Energy; the state was going to have to pay for relocating the (power) poles, but didn’t have the money,” Oakley said. So the project got put on hold.

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Fast forward to May 31, when property owners in close proximity to the N.C. 150 and N.C. 68 intersection were notified by letter that engineers, surveyors, geologists and others representing NCDOT would be working on or near their property for the next several months collecting data necessary for the design of the intersection improvement project. After surveyors created a map of the intersection and surrounding area which included underground utility locations, pavement elevations and property

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“We asked them to look at this again,” Oakley said. “They evaluated it, and after rankings, they told us we were one of the top projects on the priority list.”

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Can you give us an update on those plans?

It came back to the forefront a few years ago, when the Town learned Greensboro Metropolitan Planning Organization was reviewing projects for future funding.

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boundaries, the data they compiled was forwarded to a design engineer to develop a new intersection configuration. Oakley said the Town’s goals completely align with NCDOT’s, which is fornthe intersection to be as safe and efficient in moving traffic as possible. The Town would also like it to be attractive, and to that end has discussed hiring its own design engineer to develop a beautification plan for the intersection after NCDOT has completed its functional design. After contacting Oak Ridge Planning Director Bill Bruce in mid-December to get an update on where the project stands, we were told that NCDOT is still working on design alternatives. “After they have analyzed the alternatives they will ask the Town to review them,” Bruce said. “I expect that will probably happen sometime in the spring. They are scheduled to begin construction in 2018.”

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NEWS in brief

...continued from p. 3 Centerfield Road. The agenda will include discussion of, and likely a vote on a Memorandum of Understanding for Summerfield to participate along with Oak Ridge, Stokesdale and Guilford County in a water feasibility study. Summerfield Zoning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road, to receive public input on a proposed text amendment for a Planned Development (PD) zoning district. See article in next week’s issue for more on the proposed PD district. When finalized, Summerfield council and zoning board meeting agendas are posted at www.summerfieldgov.com. As of a few months ago, Stokesdale Town Council has held weekly council meetings on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. According to town attorney Katy Gregg, the council may vote on any issues during the weekly council meetings, since the meetings are legally advertised and open to the public; the town attorney is not present at the weekly meetings, and typically zero to one citizen attends. The agenda for Stokesdale’s Jan. 4 weekly council meeting included voting on whether to pursue a “business concept” presented by Mayor Randy Braswell at the Dec. 28 weekly council meeting. The concept involves training one of the town’s two deputy clerks, Sandra Murrell, to perform electronic water meter readings and using the town’s former sheriff’s deputy’s car while doing so. The council had voted on Aug. 11 to begin advertising for a public water system director/technician; Town Administrator Kim Hemric reported at the Nov. 10 monthly council meeting that only a few applicants had expressed interest in the position since it had been posted, and they had declined to pursue the position

after learning it did not offer a full benefits package. Mayor Randy Braswell said Murrell, who was hired in February 2016 as a temporary part-time deputy clerk, was now spending 28 to 30 hours per week exclusively on the water system and Hemric confirmed that Murrell stayed “consistently busy.” Still, council members agreed to hold off on transitioning Murrell’s position from temporary to permanent, saying they wanted to see how the water technician’s position evolved. At the Dec. 28 weekly council meeting, however, Braswell said reading water meters could be an extension of the administrative duties Murrell now has and could be worked into the 28 hours she averages each week. Braswell also said he would recommend converting Murrell’s position from temporary to part-time and increasing her pay from $13.50 per hour to $15 per hour. This was to be discussed further at the Wednesday, Jan. 4 weekly council meeting.

understanding that the town had used 30 hours a week as the definition of full-time employment. He said if that indeed was the policy, “We may have to go back and pay an employee some benefits.” Hemric is the only staff member who works an average of 30 hours or more per week. Council also agreed to discuss this further at the Jan. 4 weekly council meeting, as well as to discuss an employee benefits package, a draft of a proposed policy for collecting water usage invoices incorrectly billed by the Town of Stokesdale, and to be prepared to vote on a Memorandum of Understanding to participate in a water feasibility study (the MOU was subsequently approved 4-0 on Jan. 4). In addition to meeting on Wednesday afternoons, Stokesdale Town Council continues to meet the second Thursday of each month; the next monthly meeting is Thursday, Jan. 12, 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall. Meeting agendas are posted at www.stokesdale.org.

Also at the Dec. 28 weekly afternoon council meeting, Braswell said it was his

...more News Briefs on p. 12

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JAN. 6 - 12, 2017

SUMMERFIELD town council

Dec. 13 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by PATTI STOKES  Mayor Mark Brown called the meeting to order; following a prayer led by Linda Southard, council and staff members introduced themselves.

CITIZEN COMMENTS  Don Wendelken repeatedly asked how the town planned on paying for the A&Y Greenway to be extended through Summerfield, saying he had yet to hear an answer to this question which had been asked many times before. With so many projects in the works in Summerfield and no money set aside to pay for the trail project, Wendelken said he didn’t see how the town would pay for all the projects without levying a tax at some point in the future (see related article in our Dec. 16, 2016-Jan. 5, 2017 issue entitled, “Town awarded $3.4 million for trail project”).  Dwayne Crawford said he cares about citizens’ water and septic. “If we don’t have wells and septic, then we have to go to other options like commercially piped water and commercial

septic – which brings with it taxes,” he said. Crawford then read an excerpt from an email Bill Bruce, who was the town planner in 2005 (and is now the Town of Oak Ridge’s planning director) sent to then Summerfield Mayor Bill Peterson: “The 60,000-square-foot average lot size requirement for lower density was designed to preserve Summerfield’s groundwater reserves …” Responding that he wanted to clear up some misconceptions, Peterson wrote that the council initially considered requiring as much as two-anda-half acres per house, but reached a compromise of a one-and-a-half-acre requirement based on several factors. “I’m worried about this (proposed Planned Development) ordinance. I don’t see anything that is an equal-orbetter performance measure of preserving our well and septic,” Crawford said. “I want to see a formula that gives the citizens something they can see and something that is written down… that

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$485,000 or above, he noted.

 Kathy Rooney asked that the council look into the future “at the next big thing” and to pass a resolution requiring Summerfield to look at all upgraded and new streets from a “complete street” point of view as hundreds of other towns and cities across the country have done. Complete streets, Rooney explained, are designed for all users – people walking, on bikes and in cars, and people of limited abilities.

“In 2006 a request was made for PD zoning and (former town council member) Becky Strickland said, ‘Bring me a comprehensive plan first.’ That plan was subsequently created by a very wise committee that worked on it for four years,” Couch said, and is “one of the best comp plans I’ve ever read in the 60 towns that we’ve developed in.”

 David Couch, a developer and resident of Summerfield, said he was proud of the town council for choosing to study the intent of a PD (Planned Development) zoning district. “I feel strongly that Summerfield has the opportunity to be one of the finest communities in North Carolina – if not in the Southeast,” Couch said. He expressed concerns, however, about some things in the town’s development ordinance that he said do not play well with the Fair Housing Act. “Your willingness to address that in the ordinance is one of the finest ways I see to deal with the issue of limited housing options,” Couch said. With the town’s requirement that lots must be a minimum of 60,000 square feet, the result is that new houses built on those lots are priced at

The current ordinance does not give developers tools to develop in congruence with the comp plan, Couch continued, which results in a lack of diverse housing options for young people to move into the community and older people to stay. Having two children ages 20 and 24 who are interested in coming back to Summerfield, Couch said they need an affordable option to be able to move back; also, he has two aging parents who would like to live in Summerfield in an independent living setting, with eventually an assisted care living option, but there are no such options in Summerfield. “It’s hard to retain the talent and wisdom of the older generation, and it’s hard to recruit new people here,” Couch said. People are losing money on larger, existing homes in Summerfield, Couch

...continued on p. 18

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in the first junior varsity game of the season.

Garrett Marsh, football by MARC PRUITT Garrett Marsh had never stepped on a football field before showing up for tryouts as a freshman.

“I got to play a little offense later on in the season, too,” he said. “The learning curve wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be.” As a sophomore, Marsh was also thrust into action at quarterback on the JV team for several games after the starter was injured halfway through the season.

A senior at Northern Guilford, Marsh played baseball growing up and didn’t get interested in football until one of his coaches talked him into giving the sport a try.

In the fall of 2015, his first season on the varsity team, he was a starter at outside linebacker. He was moved to the secondary this past season, a transition the 5-11, 175-pound Marsh took in stride.

“At that first practice, honestly, I didn’t know where I really was,” Marsh admitted. “It took me a lot of getting used to because there is so much going on around you. In baseball, everything is kind of slow and in front of you. It wasn’t like that for football.”

“I’m not the fastest player, but I have a little bit of size,” he said. “I feel like I have more freedom back there and I’m kind of like the quarterback of the defense. You have to keep your head on a swivel and can’t get caught looking in the backfield. The main difference is the focus on all the runs. As a linebacker, I was used to reading the blocks on the O-line, so that helped me out.”

Marsh proved to be a fast learner, however, and after the first few weeks of practice he was a starting linebacker

After football season was over in November, Marsh turned his attention to helping his father on the farm their family lives on.

Elliott moved into the Northern Guilford district after finishing middle school and has been entrenched with the Nighthawks’ wrestling team since.

“We moved here when I was in seventh grade,” he said. “My father helps manage it. I do everything from feeding cattle and baling hay, chopping wood, fixing equipment, mowing – anything I can to help out and keep the property looking clean.”

As a freshman, he finished third in the 3-A regional and qualified for the NCHSAA 3-A state tournament at 113 pounds, However, he lost his first two matches and didn’t place.

NORTHERN GUILFORD

“That didn’t go so well for me,” he said. “It was just a different style of wrestling, and by the time I figured some things out, the season was over. That year will always bother me because it will probably keep me from being a four-year state qualifier.”

Hunter Elliott, wrestling by MARC PRUITT Wrestling runs in Hunter Elliott’s family, so it was only natural for the Northern Guilford senior to take up the sport at a young age. Elliott said he can remember “monkeying around” with his father when he was 4 years old. “My dad and my uncle both used to wrestle, and my uncle wrestled at N.C. State,” Elliott said. “I wrestled in my first competitive tournament when I was in third grade.”

As a sophomore, Elliott was bumped up to the 132-pound weight class and struggled to adjust.

To hone his skills, Elliott attended a wrestling school based in High Point before his junior year called the “School of Hard Knocks.” “I had wrestled quite a few kids from that club in other events and tournaments, and it never seemed to go too well for me,” Elliott said. “I decided it might be a good idea for me to start training there, too. I’ve learned a lot about strategy and how to size up my opponent before a match starts.” As a junior, Elliott moved down to the 126-pound weight class, finishing

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second in the regional and qualifying for the NCHSAA 3-A state tournament again. He won his first match before losing to the eventual state champion in the second round. This season, he’s determined to be back at the Greensboro Coliseum in February for the state tournament wrestling in the 138-pound weight class. Heading into the holiday break, Elliott had won his first 10 matches. “The wrestling kind of slows down the more you go up in weight, and that plays more to my style,” he said. When he’s not at wrestling practice or training at the “School of Hard Knocks,” Elliott said he volunteers with the Summerfield Fire Department. He would like to attend a college with an Air Force ROTC program so he can eventually join the Air Force.

NORTHWEST GUILFORD Alex Holmes, swimming by MARC PRUITT Senior Alex Holmes has some simple goals this season for the Northwest Guilford swim team, but they involve swimming the most difficult stroke. Holmes, one of the team captains, swims the 100 butterfly and the butterfly leg of the medley relay for the Vikings and wants to win an individual race, something he hasn’t accomplished in his four-year high school career. He also wants to qualify for the regionals again, something he did as part of the 200-freestyle relay team his sophomore year. “I’ve been swimming the butterfly

since I was 7 or 8 years old,” Holmes said. “I love the challenge of it. Not as many kids were swimming it when I was younger, so I tried it and loved it and stuck with it. It became the stroke I loved the most. I think everyone tries not to swim the fly because they think it’s too hard. But after every race I finish, I feel like I’ve accomplished something.” At age 3, Holmes started swimming during the summer with the Little Lizards program at Lawndale Swim and Tennis Club. He still swims on the summer circuit with Lawndale, although he also played soccer growing up and never participated in year-round swimming. Holmes also played varsity soccer at Northwest during his freshman and sophomore years. “High school swimming has gotten a lot more competitive with all the year-round swimmers, and since I don’t swim year round, I’ve kind of dropped off a little bit. But I’m still having a lot of fun,” he said. Holmes said he had the time of his life over the summer during a mission trip to Costa Rica with his church youth group. “We helped to run a vacation bible school for about 30 kids, played all kinds of games with them and did construction on a structure that would house future mission teams,” Holmes said. “I’ve taken Spanish throughout high school, and it was so fun to implement it in a real-world situation.” Holmes is involved with the “Make a Difference Club” at Northwest, which participates in charitable endeavors throughout the school year in conjunction with Special Olympics and the Ronald McDonald House.

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He has a weighted GPA of 5.11 and takes all advanced-placement courses. He is interested in attending Notre Dame, Clemson, UNC or N.C. State and has an eye on a career in engineering or sports journalism.

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JAN. 6 - 12, 2017

youth / school NEWS

Mitey Mites win division championship Oak Ridge Youth Association’s Mitey Mite Black team, ages 8-9, competed in the Pop Warner Super Bowl at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida, on Dec. 3. The team beat the Central Ward Titans from Texas 28-6 and the Holy Cross Knights 12-0 to become champions of their division. Photo courtesy of Jade Nix

Hines receives Eagle Scout Award

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Zachary Hines of Stokesdale, the son of Curtis and Sara Hines, recently received his Eagle Scout Award. Hines, 15, is a member of Boy Scout Troop 600 sponsored by Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church. For his Eagle Scout leadership service project, he designed, constructed and installed a gaga ball pit for First Lutheran Church in Greensboro. The pit is an enclosure

where a game similar to dodge ball can be played. It is available to the church’s School for Young Children, youth groups, camp and the church congregation.

Zachary Hines

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Community/Youth News with your neighbors

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Northwest girls claim third straight HAECO championship by MARC PRUITT

The Northwest Guilford girls basketball team keeps rolling along in the HAECO Invitational. For the third straight season and the fifth time overall for coach Darlene Joyner, Northwest won the post-Christmas tournament held at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center, defeating top-seeded Northern Guilford 48-33 in the championship game with a stingy defensive effort. Sophomore Cayla King, who scored 10 points, was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Lindsay Gauldin led Northwest with 15 points, and Elizabeth Kitley (10 points) and Bria Gibbs (eight points) were also named to the all-tournament team. Northwest held Northern to 27.7 percent shooting, including 1 of 14 on

3-pointers, in sending Northern to its first loss of the season. Northwest, the No. 2 seed, coasted to the championship with a 44-26 win over seventh-seeded Greensboro Day in the first round and a 52-19 victory over No. 3 seed Page in the semifinals. King had 16 points and eight assists against Page, with Kitley adding 14 points and 18 rebounds. The Vikings’ tournament title helped avenge an earlier 58-46 loss to the Nighthawks on Nov. 29. Elissa Cunane of Northern led all scorers with 22 points in the championship game, but didn’t get much help. She scored 15 of the Nighthawks’ 18 points in the second half. Northern’s Cunane and Kassie Robakiewicz also were named to the all-tournament team.

Northwest boys come up short in HAECO championship by MARC PRUITT

The Northwest Guilford boys basketball team couldn’t solve the dilemma that is Greensboro Day in the HAECO Invitational. For the second straight year, the Vikings advanced to the championship game of the post-Christmas tournament held at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center only to be defeated by the Bengals in a 54-36 runaway. It was the sixth straight title for Greensboro Day and the 12th of coach Freddy Johnson’s career. Northwest never got on track after falling behind 14-2 in the first quarter and missed all 11 of its 3-point attempts. Northwest, seeded No. 2, nipped No. 7 Ragsdale in the first round 44-39 before beating sixth-seeded Northern Guilford 65-51 in the semifinals.

Tre’ Turner scored 12 points, grabbed nine rebounds and had two assists for Northwest in the championship game. Reggie Davis added nine points and seven rebounds, and Thomas Hennigan finished with nine points, eight rebounds and three steals. In the semifinal against Northern, Turner scored 17 points to lead four players in double figures. Jalen Spicer had 13 points and six assists, Reggie Davis had 11 points and six rebounds, and David Funderburg added 10 points and four rebounds. Hennigan had eight points, eight rebounds, six assists and four steals in a great all-around performance. Trey Johnson scored 16 points to lead Northern, and Andy Pack finished with 13. Turner and Hennigan were named to the all-tournament team for the second consecutive year.

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JAN. 6 - 12, 2017

WATER STUDY

...continued from p. 1 ter workshop on April 19 which was attended by council members and, among others, former Mayor Ray Combs, Oak Ridge developer Jerry Cooke and Mike Myers, president of Envirolink, which specializes in the management of water, wastewater, and public works services. At that meeting discussions centered on the town’s history with pursuing a water system and the possibilities of participating in a regional water authority. An unexpected twist of events came in July, when during a special called council meeting, Summerfield Mayor Mark Brown announced the Town had recently learned of a $14,548,981 appropriation in the state budget “to fund interconnection and extension of water lines to participating counties and municipalities in a regional water and sewer authority.” The appropriation was designated specifically for Rockingham and Guilford Counties. At the conclusion of the almost twohour meeting, the council voted 5-0 to support and to explore the possibilities of participating in a regional water authority along with Rockingham County, with the assurance that doing so would not bind the Town in any way. Council members stressed they were merely interested in being a “player” if Rockingham County got funding to extend its

water lines to within 7,000 linear feet of the Town of Summerfield’s limits.

NEWS in brief

“Until April, the only thing we knew was that we could band together and apply for grants and maybe we’ll get something,” Mayor Brown said after the July meeting. “Then all of a sudden this ($14,548,981 appropriation in state budget) dropped like a bomb. To me, this is a great chance to get some reliable water. We don’t have a clue what the authority will look like ... we’re just waiting.”

Walker releases statement on Congressional reversal

Oak Ridge also voted in July to adopt the MOU supporting a regional water initiative, explaining that Rockingham County was asking several local municipalities for a show of support before it applied for the Connect NC bond money. At Councilman Mike Stone’s request, before voting on the motion to approve the MOU, text was added to emphasize the Town’s agreement to enter into the MOU did not bind it in any way. Since this summer, further public discussion relating to the regional water authority has remained largely on the back burner … until last month. On Dec. 8, Guilford County Commissioner Justin Conrad, County Manager Marty Lawing, Mayors Mark Brown (Summerfield), Spencer Sullivan (Oak Ridge) and Randy Braswell (Stokesdale) and town managers, administrators and staff members met at Oak Ridge Town Hall to discuss another MOU; this one proposes that

...continued from p. 5

NORTH CAROLINA 6th DISTRICT – U.S. Rep Mark Walker, who represents North Carolina’s 6th Congressional District (which includes northwest Guilford County) released the following statement on Jan. 3 after Congress, during an emergency GOP conference meeting, reversed its decision to bring the independent, nonpartisan Office of Congressional Ethics that investigates lawmakers for potential wrongdoing under congressional control. “Removing provisions that would make changes to the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) from the rules package was the right call,” Walker stated. “We have historic opportunities in the

115th Congress and we cannot afford distractions when the American people have called on us to deliver results. Repealing Obamacare, rescinding burdenWalker some regulations, reforming our tax system, creating jobs and raising wages – these are some of the priorities I bring to this Congress on behalf of the people of North Carolina. Washington needs more accountability and increased transparency to earn back the trust of the people.”

Who will be the voice for this child?

...continued on p. 26

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January 2017 a monthly feature of the Northwest Observer Kim Lamb sent us these photos of her three pets getting ready to celebrate Christmas. Top left: Oliver, her basset hound; top right: Sully, her dachshund, and bottom: Rascal, her cat.



Ace, a 15-monthold German Shepherd, lives with his humans, the Scott family, in Summerﬁeld. “He is full of holiday cheer year-round and gives the best kisses you will ever have,” owner Mindy Scott says.



Reader Ellen Basford sent in this photo of her beagle-bulldog mix, Shiloh, enjoying a nap with a very festive pillow and blanket.

We love your photos, and so do our readers Send your pet/animal photos to photos@nwobserver.com Or, have a newsworthy animal story? editor@nwobserver.com

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Charlie and I have been involved in nose work for nearly three years and have spent countless hours as a team searching for specific odors – birch, anise and clove. In this sport, it’s the dog’s job to sniff out hidden odors in four different environments within certain time constraints. Once the owner is certain his canine partner has found the source, he must call “alert.” My happy-go-lucky dog and I started our nose work trial journey in December 2014. Although we were eliminated from that first competition because Charlie decided he needed to “mark” one of the search areas, the other five eliminations were completely my fault. In every instance, we would breeze through the first three search areas, then get to the final area which, as luck would have it, was always containers. This area consisted of about a dozen boxes with one container filled with odor. As far as the searches go, it isn’t any more difficult than any of the others, but along the way I had developed a mental block.

The next element was “interiors.” The hide was stashed under a chair in a large community bathroom with showers. Charlie breezed through that one as well.

a plan. I would take my time and make sure Charlie checked out every single container before calling it – even if I felt like he had found it. Charlie had his own plan. The boxes were laid out in three rows. Charlie raced down the first row, zeroed in on the last box and looked at me. What could I do? I called “alert.” Fortunately, this time I was right!

I was still waiting to find out where the container search would fall in the lineup. Thankfully, it was not the last one.

We had one more search – “exteriors.” I entered the parking lot thinking we had some time to settle down but they were calling our number so we had to move quickly.

As we approached the container search area, I was hyped up but I had

This was the final element – the only thing that stood between us and our title.

Photo by Emma McKinney

After seven tries, Charlie and I ﬁnally managed to get our ﬁrst nose work title.

Our success finally came the first Sunday in December in Boomer, North Carolina, a small town outside of North Wilkesboro. It was cold and rainy and we spent most of our time huddled in the car waiting our turn. I was anxious but Charlie was in his crate contentedly chewing on a toy. I was still nervous when our turn came, but Charlie knew what was coming and was quivering and bouncing back and forth with excitement as I hooked up his leash. “Vehicles” was our first element.

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The third time might be the charm for some folks, but for Charlie and me “7” was the lucky number in acquiring the elusive Nose Work 1 (NW1) title. Yes, I’m happy to say the two of us finally walked away with the ribbon that I had been coveting for so long.

Although he’s never missed a vehicle search in a trial, I was still anxious. Even more so when he completely ignored the vehicle and started concentrating on the concrete floor. Within seconds, which seems like an eternity during a trial, his nose found the hide that was concealed on the corner of the bumper.

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The area was a long, covered porch with furniture placed along the wall. Charlie dashed to the other side. He turned, came back and sniffed along the wall. Then came the look. “Alert!” The judge laughed and said “yes.” I looked down and my food-hound companion had his head stuck in my treat pouch chowing down in sheer ecstasy. I was in a daze. Had we finally gotten the title? We had passed all of the elements but was there some reason we might fail? I didn’t actually believe it until our name was called during the awards and I was handed the tri-colored ribbon.

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It felt good to finally get that NW1 title and I smile when I look at the ribbon. Charlie looks at the ribbon and tries to eat it. But hook him up to his nose work leash and he goes crazy. He’s always ready to do another search and find another hide. Maybe we’ll have better luck at the next level and it won’t take so long to obtain the next title. Either way, we’ll keep enjoying the journey.

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gency Clinic, Guilford College Animal Hospital and The Traveled Farmer. “We could not do this without our sponsors and we want to give them a huge thank you for their generosity and support of this event,” Riehle said. The two previous Whiskey for Whiskers events have raised between $2,000 to $3,000. “I would love to see us raise $4,000 to $5,000 this year to help pay for the costs associated with rescuing homeless or needy animals,” Riehle said. During the 10 years that Red Dog Farm has existed, the organization has placed over 2,500 animals. The money raised from events such as Whiskey for Whiskers ensures that those numbers will continue to grow.

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said, because they are competing with the larger, new homes – and only homes being built; at the same time, young people and senior citizens have very few options for moving into or staying within the community.

Couch concluded by thanking the council for being proactive about looking at the ordinance and the possibility of creating a new zoning district that will allow mixed uses and a diversity of housing options.

He encouraged the town council to review the four lawsuits recorded in North Carolina for violation of the Fair Housing Act (one of those was resolved in June 4, 2014, when the Village of Pinehurst agreed to settle a fair housing discrimination claim brought by developers and residents over the Village’s refusal to allow an affordable housing project to be developed for senior citizens).

COMMITTEE REPORTS

One of the primary tenets of one of the lawsuits is that a community cannot have development ordinances restrict people from moving into an area with good schools – “which ours does,” Couch said.

Historical. Chair Linda Southard said the historic marker for the former Laughlin School (which is now Laughlin Professional Development Center) has arrived and she is trying to coordinate a date and time with Guilford County Schools Board of Education for a marker dedication. Southard also said winners of the committee’s history writing contest for elementary, middle school and high school students would be announced soon. Trails. Chair Jane Doggett said the committee continued its discussion of

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EMERGENCY SERVICES Summerfield Fire Department. Jenna Daniels, captain of administration, reported the fire department responded to 30 fire-related calls, 57 EMS-related calls and 11 other calls in November. The department also installed nine car seats and five smoke alarms and reached around 300 children through fire prevention and community outreach efforts.

All three Summerfield Fire District stations were Toys for Tots drop-off locations.

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Founders’ Day. Town Manager Scott Whitaker said the annual Founders’ Day celebration will be held May 12-13 and that it has paid off to have the committee meeting earlier this year and getting a head start on planning.

On a note of safety, Daniels reminded everyone to keep live Christmas trees watered and to blow out candles before leaving a room.

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the Mountains-to-Sea Trail map and ways to reflect that the trail will pass through Summerfield. Also, the committee hopes to link trail users to the All Aboard! Summerfield Trail of History videos so that they can view the videos as they walk through the town. The committee will meet again on Jan. 25 at 6 p.m.

Sheriff’s Dept. Capt. Robert Elliott of District 1 said crime in Summerfield was down about 17 percent for the month of November. Nine cargo trailers, most with lawn equipment on them, were stolen within the district in recent weeks, and Elliott urged everyone to secure their trailers when not in use. “Also, if you see something suspicious, call us at the time – don’t wait,” Elliott urged.

NEW BUSINESS Video presentation. Town Manager Scott Whitaker presented a 20-minute series of videos entitled “All Aboard! Summerfield Trail of History” which

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were created by Summerfield resident Christa Miller and a UNCG student. The videos can be accessed directly on YouTube or via a link on the town’s website at www.summerfield.gov. The Historical Committee and Trails and Open Space Committee contributed information and photos for the videos, and a lot of effort went into them, Whitaker noted. Text Amendment: creation of Planned Development zoning district. Town Planning Director Carrie Spencer gave a presentation on a proposed text amendment which she said would be a “big change to our ordinance.” See front page article for details on the presentation of a proposed Planned Development zoning district.

BUSINESS: Town Manager Whitaker said that due to a member resignation there was one opening on the Trails and Open Space Committee and former mayor Tim Sessoms had applied to fill the vacancy.

 5  0 to appoint Sessoms to fill the vacancy on the Trails and Open Space Committee and serve through June 2019.

Continuity of Operations (COOP) Plan. Whitaker explained this plan provides a way for organizations to ensure they are able to continue providing essential functions in the event of various emergencies – whether human, environmental or technological in nature – that could interrupt the normal operating environment. The town adopted its first COOP Plan in 2012 and updates it annually.

 5  0 to approve a revised COOP Plan which includes updates to contact information and deletion of the Public Safety Committee, which was made inactive last year.

Reports, updates. Regarding bids for the amphitheater cover which the town has budgeted for in this fiscal year, Whitaker said Dec. 28 was the deadline for bid submissions and several contrac-

tors have expressed an interest in the project; he noted that council should be able to vote on a contractor in January. Regarding the A&Y Greenway project, Whitaker said the state archaeological department has asked the town to conduct an archaeological study of the watershed site and staff is looking at proposals from experienced archaeologists to perform this study. The annual Christmas Tree Lighting event went well considering the weather conditions on Nov. 19, Whitaker said; an event report was included in the council packets. MOU. Whitaker said council could expect to see a Memorandum of Understanding on the Jan. 10 meeting agenda regarding Summerfield, Guilford County, Oak Ridge and Stokesdale participating in a water feasibility study.

BUSINESS: Council 2017 meeting schedule. Due to the February council meeting falling on the 14th, which is Valentine’s Day, and to that meeting likely including a public hearing for input on the proposed Planned Development zoning district, Whitaker asked if council wanted to change the meeting date to Wednesday, Feb. 15, so that more people will attend.

 5  0 to approve the meeting

schedule for 2017 after changing the February council meeting date from Tuesday, Feb. 14, to Wednesday, Feb. 15.

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Family members James, Jake and Jessy Vestal, Lannie Smith and Joy Johnson enjoy attending Summerfield’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting event on Nov. 19. Lannie Smith has been a Summerfield resident since 1986 and served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1956 with the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). Selected to be the honorary tree lighter at this year’s event, she dedicated the tree to the future of Summerfield.

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JAN. 6 - 12, 2017

HUFFINES

...continued from p. 1 Cardinal Golf Club areas. When a fulltime opening in Summerfield came up, Huffines jumped on it. And on Sept. 30, after accruing 43 years and nine months of service, Huffines retired and returned to his farm, where he spends a lot more time with Nancy, his wife of 32 years. “If I didn’t have so much work to do outside,” Huffines said, “she’d probably go crazy. I have a couple of big tractors. I turn land and do some custom work.” Linwood Thompson, Summerfield postmaster, said Huffines had been a great employee and deserved to be recognized for his work over the past 43 years. Huffines said he witnessed a lot of change during his time in Summerfield. There were only four mail routes when he started. Now there are 10, with the possibility of an eleventh being added. “Instead of rural, it changed to a lot of developments,” he said. “When I started, I had 530 houses and the route was 40some miles. I could get all the mail in the vehicle with room to spare. I started at 6 a.m. and finished around 3:30 p.m.” He had 562 boxes along his 55-mile route when he retired, he said. “I started at 7 a.m. and was lucky to get through at 5 or 5:30,” Huffines said. “I couldn’t get it all in the car. I had to have

someone carry the big packages almost every day, sometimes making three trips. “We didn’t have 30 to 40 big packages when I first started. Now we carry a lot. Everyone is ordering online.” Huffines said he could fill a book with stories about his days as a letter carrier. “I found snakes in mailboxes,” he said. “There were dead cats in boxes, and once, a dead rat. One time there was dynamite in a mailbox. The man who owned the box yelled at me not to open it because his neighbor had put the dynamite in there. I quickly shut it.” His co-workers had plenty of stories about Huffines, some funny, others reflecting the fondness and respect they have for him. When Ricky Holland began work at the post office, he remembers seeing Huffines’ picture in a newsletter for becoming a member of the Million Mile Club after driving a million miles as a carrier without an accident. Imagine his surprise when Holland spotted Huffines in his training class several weeks later. “He was in driving school with me because he had just had a wreck while delivering the mail,” Holland laughed. “I am going to miss Huffines sooooo much,” co-worker Jessica Friddle said shortly before he retired this fall. “I’m never going to know the weather anymore. I’m never going to know about

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delivered the mail out of the tractor.” That same day a state patrolman got stuck in a ditch on Summerfield Road, and Huffines pulled him out. “He’s been a pleasure to work with,” Fincher added. “I’ve never seen him mad … he’s probably had plenty of opportunities to be, but I’ve never seen it. He’s a good man.” A couple of times when the weather was bad, Huffines’ wife rode with him and put the mail in the boxes as he drove. Huffines said he only missed two or three days of work, each time because inclement weather prevented the mail truck from getting to the post office. Working for the postal service became a family thing later on. Huffines’ mother, Terry, retired after 20 years as a mail carrier in Greensboro and Gibsonville. His sister, Judy Jones, has been a mail carrier in Greensboro for 30 years. Huffines said he misses the people on his route. A few of them sent him Christmas cards after his retirement. But it’s his former co-workers he misses the most. He said he makes the 40-mile round trip to Summerfield every couple of weeks. “Generally, I go up there when I go to Greensboro for something else,” he said. “I go up there and see them quite often. That’s where I buy my stamps. “But all retired carriers come back if they’re able to. It’s like a family.”

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farming anymore; or when to plant tobacco or strawberries.” His former co-workers described Huffines as someone who always had a good attitude, was extremely loyal and never got mad or complained. “He’s very humble,” Bryan Rios said. “He’s a very happy person.” Co-workers also said Huffines often brought in vegetables and strawberries for them from his farm. When asked if he had any interesting habits, several fellow mail carriers chuckled as they described Huffines eating a pack of Nabs every day when he was sorting the mail. “He looked like a duck,” Lisha Gibson said. Gibson started with the post office as Huffines’ sub, carrying his route mainly on Saturdays and when he took vacation. She told of the time he showed up after a big snow. “He brought his tractor and scraped in front of the mailboxes and scraped all the snow away before I delivered the mail,” she said. “And that was on his day off.” Tim Fincher worked with Huffines for 18 years before Huffines retired. “He’s kept it interesting around here,” Fincher said. “I heard some stories on him when I came here and some I didn’t believe, but he confirmed they were true… It snowed one year and he drove his tractor to the post office and

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THURSDAY, JAN. 5

 Oak Ridge Town Council | The town council meets the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. More info and agenda: www.oakridgenc.com.

Carlotta Lytton

, CPA, PC

Individual & Corporate Tax Returns Specializing in Payroll & Accounting for Small Businesses 7805 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale clyttoncpa@bellsouth.net

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Individual, Corporate, Partnership & Payroll Tax Electronic Tax Filing  Estate Planning Bookkeeping & Compilations Oak Ridge Business Center 8004 Linville Rd, Suite G, Oak Ridge (336) 643-7577 or 1-800-467-8299 info@samanderscpa.com www.samanderscpa.com

the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. More info and agenda: www.summerfieldgov.com.

Bobbie Gardner

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 11  Marine Corps League | The Marine Corps League Detachment 1314 meets the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 1250 E. Mountain St., Kernersville. More info: Commandant Les Leamons, (336) 329-9085, or www.nwt1314.com/DoNC.html.

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THURSDAY, JAN. 12  Merchants of Oak Ridge | MOR, an organization of business and non-profit professionals, meets the second Thursday of each month from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road, Oak Ridge. Visit www.merchantsofoakridge.com for more info, or contact Phillip Hanks, president, at phillip@blackoakwm.com or (336) 803-2825.  Senior Program and Lunch | Senior Resources of Guilford hosts a free program and luncheon for seniors older than 60 at 10 a.m. the second Thursday of each month at Stokesdale United Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola Drive, Stokesdale. Please RSVP by contacting Amanda Clark at (336) 373-4816, ext. 265, or ruraloutreach@senior-resources-guilford.org.

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 The Summit Men’s Conference | The Triad Area-Wide Christian Men’s Summit is an annual event that features a variety of speakers such as former professional athletes, entrepreneurs and a former Delta Force commander. The event is open to all men in the community and will be at First Christian Church Ministries, 1130 N. Main St., Kernersville, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets, which cost $15 and include lunch, are available in the FCCM church office, at www.2017triadmenssummit.eventbrite.com, and at Shady Grove Wesleyan, 119 N. Bunker Hill Road, Colfax. More info: Call FCCM at (336) 996-7388 or email greg.felts@fccministries.com.

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JAN. 6 - 12, 2017

CRIME / INCIDENT report Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, District 1 has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest Guilford County. The District 1 office, one of three district offices in Guilford County, encompasses Oak Ridge, Summerfield, Stokesdale, Colfax and northwest and northern Greensboro. It is bounded by Rockingham County on the north, runs east along U.S. 29 South, west along Forsyth County and south along the Greensboro City limits. ASSAULT

Dec. 14 | Two Greensboro residents were assaulted by a known suspect with a Taser gun Dec. 14 at Subway in

Summerfield around 10:50 p.m. Neither victim required medical treatment; the suspect was arrested and charged with two counts of simple assault.

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BURGLARY Dec. 15 | A Summerfield resident reported that one or more unknown suspects used a hidden key Dec. 15 to enter the back door of his home at Crooked Oak Drive around 3 p.m. Several electronic items valued at $2,500 were stolen. Dec. 19 | A resident of Scalesville Road in Summerfield reported that his home was burglarized sometime between Dec. 13 and Dec. 19. One or more suspects entered an unlocked window and stole household items valued at $1,220. Dec. 30 | A Summerfield resident reported that between Dec. 24 and Dec. 30 someone entered his unsecured garage on Stallion Court and stole items valued at $800. Jan. 1 | An Oak Ridge resident reported that his Bugle Run Drive residence was burglarized between 11:45 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Jan. 1. One or more unknown suspects entered an unlocked back door and stole a safe and its contents valued at $13,090.

DRUGS Dec. 14 | A Guilford County Sheriff’s officer reported that a box containing 493 grams of marijuana valued at $24,650 was seized in the vicinity of the FedEx Ship Center in the 6000 block of Old Oak Ridge Road in Greensboro. Dec. 17 | At 11:13 p.m. on Dec. 17 a known suspect was found with marijuana in the parking lot of the Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway Trail on Strawberry Road in Summerfield. The suspect was arrested for felony possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, misdemeanor possession of controlled substance schedule VI, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and misdemeanor maintaining a vehicle to distribute or dispense a controlled substance.

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JAN. 6 - 12, 2017

Dec. 18 | A resident of Bunch Road in Summerfield reported that someone used her banking information to withdraw about $1,000 from her account

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

between Dec. 14 and Dec. 15. Dec. 20 | A resident of U.S. 158 in Stokesdale reported that someone stole her credit card information to obtain $395.80 from an unknown ATM between Dec. 19 and Dec. 20. Dec. 31 | A resident of Crutchfield Farm Road in Oak Ridge reported that he was the victim of identity theft after someone used his personal information to open three credit cards. More than $4,100 worth of charges occurred in his name between Dec. 16 and Dec. 18.

THEFT Dec. 16 | Brookbank Auto Exchange in Summerfield reported that someone cut and removed a catalytic converter from a vehicle on site Dec. 16 between 2:30 and 3 a.m. The loss is valued at $600. Dec. 19 | A known suspect was cited and released for misdemeanor larceny after shoplifting $102.46 worth of merchandise Dec. 19 from CVS Pharmacy in Oak Ridge between 1:30 and 2 p.m. Dec. 22 | A known suspect shoplifted a $15 wireless speaker from Dollar General in Summerfield on Dec. 21 around 6:30 p.m. The suspect returned to the store Dec. 22 and was charged on citation. Dec. 23 | Five boxes of tile valued at $325 were stolen from a construction site on Front Nine Drive in Stokesdale. A rear door was pried open to enter the property, and door damage is estimated at $500.

VANDALISM Dec. 16 | A resident of Morefield Drive in Summerfield reported that someone broke a front window of her home during the night of Dec. 15. The only loss was window damage estimated at $200.

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elections. The alternative is a coalition government. How has that worked out in France, Italy, etc.?

LETTERS/OPINIONS Submit your editorials (maximum 350 words) online: nwobserver.com e-mail : editor@nwobserver.com mail: Opinions, PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 Include your name, a daytime phone number where you can be reached and name of community in which you live. Letters from the same writer will be published no more than every 30 days.

Elected representatives should be open minded As a concerned citizen, I have always reached out to my elected officials. I recently found that the best way to connect with my state representative – Mr. John Blust – was on Facebook. Rep. Blust has always taken the time to respond to my previous communications and this has been sincerely appreciated. I have always felt that I’ve engaged him in a respectful manner and he has shown me the same respect. Recently, Rep. Blust posted on Facebook complaining about the protesters in Raleigh on Dec. 13. While protesting respectfully is their right, it is not their right to disrupt proceedings. Rep. Blust made a comment about the protesters (I’m paraphrasing here) that they should not be in Raleigh and should be back at work and taking care of their families.

I politely noted that elected officials should want to hear both sides of issues and Rep. Blust was stereotyping the protesters as those who were shirking their jobs and family duties. His follow-up to this was to block me on Facebook. This process sounds very similar to the letter of Katie Muller in the Northwest Observer’s Nov. 25, 2016 editorial section. Rep. Blust, I don’t know you personally but I am sure that you are a fine and decent man who has chosen to serve his state. I’m simply asking you to be open to both sides of issues and not exist in an echo-chamber where all you hear is a singular viewpoint Here’s a wish for an open and respectful political dialogue. Randy Schmitz OAK RIDGE

Citizens uninformed about role of Electoral College Recent letters suggest a lack of understanding that the United States of America is a democratic republic and the role the Electoral College plays in federal elections. Fourteen times total – eight since 1900 – our presidents have been elected by plurality (receiving less than 50 percent

of the popular votes). Six of those times the president elected was of the Democrat party and twice a Republican. In a pure democracy (where a popular majority of 50 percent or more votes is required) this typically would have resulted in the need for runoff

It is the Electoral College’s role that eliminates these outcomes as well as balances the needs and desires of both large and small states. So for instance, in a runoff without a contending third candidate such as in 1992, would the results have changed? In the case of President Clinton the result would most likely have changed. The cause of this dearth of knowledge of different forms of government and about the Electoral College rests

350

upon our public education system. While our form of a republic has flaws, it is superior to all other forms, i.e., pure democracy, communism, totalitarianism, monarchy, etc. Civics as a course in our public schools has all but disappeared. Civics courses once played an important role in preparing individuals’ understanding of government and for the very important obligation to vote. Regrettably this has resulted in less informed voters. Michael Lopez SUMMERFIELD

Don’t forget, it’s the maximum word count for your editorial

Proposal raises many questions Many are just now learning about a proposed northwest-area Regional Water Authority. While we support the idea of a feasibility study to determine the needs, costs and tax implications of the citizens of Oak Ridge, there are a lot of questions to be answered before we move forward. Rockingham County has clearly said they do not intend to participate. This requires the state legislature to rewrite the current Memorandum of Understanding (see Editor’s note). We should wait until that legislation is complete (likely in February) so that we understand what may be required of our town before we support it. We deserve to know up front what “authority” a Regional Water Authority would have. By its title alone, would the Water Authority have control over all aspects of water in northwest Guilford County – including wells? How about taxing authority? Will this new government agency have final decision-making authority over where water lines go and by default control development of housing and businesses? Would a regional

authority be able to dictate terms and conditions to towns and individual property owners concerning water? How are authority members chosen? Who controls this authority? If the Water Authority has representatives from the state, county, and each town, then each town has only one-fifth (see Editor’s note) of the authority on decisions related to water, growth and taxation in our towns. How does this protect our town and citizens? While we support a feasibility study of a water system to gain answers, it’s critical we agree that whoever is ultimately selected to conduct the study not be allowed to work on the actual construction of the water system. If the party conducting the feasibility study is also allowed to participate in building the system, then the study becomes nothing more than a sales brochure. Think of it as the fox guarding the hen house. A feasibility study must be completely independent from any future construction projects to ensure there are no conflicts of interest.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

...continued on p. 24

JAN. 6 - 12, 2017

LETTERS/OPINIONS

...continued from p. 23

Please contact your elected officials at the state, county and local level. Understand the proposals. Express your concerns. This is a big issue that needs everyone’s participation. Doug Nodine, Mike Stone OAK RIDGE The writers are members of the Oak Ridge Town Council. Editor’s note: Opinions differ as to whether a revision to the original Memorandum of Understanding for participation in a water feasibility study requires legislative approval. Oak Ridge Mayor Spencer Sullivan and Summerfield Mayor Mark Brown contend that the original MOU provided to Guilford County, Rockingham County

and the towns of Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale was revised in December after Rockingham County representatives communicated they did not wish to participate in the water study; the mayors say the revised MOU does not require legislative approval before the towns vote on it. However, changes to the legislation passed several months ago, which allocates $14.5 million to Guilford and Rockingham Counties to form a regional water authority and specifies the timeframe for which this must be accomplished, will require a legislative change and the mayors say they understand that Sen. Phil Berger (R-Rockingham County) intends to propose such changes when the senate reconvenes in late January.

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40 words or less online: nwobserver.com e-mail: grinsandgripes @nwobserver.com

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

GRINS to...  Dr. Karen Nasisse at Northwest Animal Hospital for using her valuable time to locate a kitten’s owner.  The postal workers at Stokesdale Post Office for being super nice. Keep up the good work, ladies!  Destination Arts in Oak Ridge for hosting a visit from Santa for the students while providing a photographer and sweet treats! They are awesome with our daughter and go above and beyond with customer service.  L&T Small Engine Repair and whoever else was involved in a terrific cleanup job. You removed an eyesore in the center of Oak Ridge and gave us all an early

Christmas present.  Northwest Observer for explaining what the Certified Humane label means (referring to Editor’s note in Grins and Gripes, Dec. 16, 2016 – Jan. 5, 2017 issue) and to the farms who treat animals humanely.  Summerfield Fire Department and Santa for coming to the Lennox Woods’ Christmas celebration, visiting with the children, helping us light our Christmas tree and driving Santa through the neighborhood on the fire truck. Thanks for all you do!  Oak Ridge post office employees and postal carriers. Thank you for your kindness and service!  All the grocery stores that provide self-checkout lanes. I appreciate the opportunity to bag my own groceries. Also, thanks for the smaller carts!  Scott, Dean and the nice gentlemen at Main Street Express Lube on Cinema Drive in Kernersville for coming so wonderfully to my aid when a flat had stranded me. I thank you for your honesty and human kindness.  The postal carriers who were out early on Saturday and Sunday mornings (and worked late on the weekdays) in the weeks before Christmas making sure our mail and Christmas packages got delivered!  The little Italian place I visited on a quiet December Monday where I discov-

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JAN. 6 - 12, 2017

12/21/16 1:22 PM

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

ered good food, good beer and good company. Happy New Year to Elizabeth’s Italian Restaurant in Oak Ridge, and thanks for excellent service and excellent Peroni beer.

has been waiting patiently to let them in.

 The Burke Street Pizza (in WinstonSalem) employee who showed compassion to a woman who was unsure of her surroundings, escorted her out of the cold and helped reunite her with family.

 The inconsiderate driver of an older Jeep who tried passing a car down a hill, on a double yellow line into oncoming traffic on Lake Brandt Road. Slow down and take your life and other lives into consideration.

 Rice Toyota for checking and filling my tires on a busy Friday night with no charge. What great customer service!  Our community members who have and continue to demonstrate unity, peace and love after the election. What an example you have set for our children. Let’s do what’s best for our country!  The kind employees at McDonald’s in the Cardinal Shopping Center. My husband and friends frequent that restaurant daily and are treated like family by each and every one of you. Thanks for smiling faces and good McGriddles!  The new Bojangles’ in Oak Ridge for being so family-oriented. They brought out the chicken so the kids could enjoy while eating, gave away coupons for free food, and had contests.  Amanda in the floral department of Lowes Foods. Thank you so much for the surprise bouquet! We thought it was beautiful and you put big smiles on our faces!  Lou Vessa with Triad Electric, for not only taking care of our electrical needs at our business, but for fixing my flat tire in frigid temperatures when I saw him at the service station and asked for his help.  Jeff, assistant manager at Food Lion on N.C. 68 in Stokesdale, for always being willing to extend himself beyond his job description.  Everyone who brought holiday snacks to the Oak Ridge Fire Department. Your thoughtfulness was greatly appreciated!

GRIPES to...

 All the people who can’t wait their turn when coming off Bryan Boulevard onto Old Oak Ridge Road. They pass everyone in the left lane and expect someone who

 The woman in the white Toyota screaming at her husband in the McDonald’s drive-thru line about dance contests. This is a child-friendly, happy and fun place!

 Pat McCrory for signing bills limiting Gov. Cooper’s ability to do his job. McCrory leaves a shameful legacy of hate (HB2), racism (voter suppression) and partisan chicanery and his actions leave a stain on the proud history of North Carolina.  Owners whose dogs howl for hours – even dog lovers expect neighbors to be respectful. We don’t need early-morning wake-up calls and bedtime lullabies. Middle of the day, no problem.  The griper who complained about the self-checkout lanes at grocery stores. I use them regularly, especially when the manned lanes are busy or I have a few items. I consider bagging my purchases as part of my “workout.”  The Republican-controlled North Carolina legislature for staging a coup d’état against the incoming Democratic governor. Turning our state into a banana republic with such a power-grab undermines our democracy and shows contempt for the people’s will. Shame!  The people complaining about the Bojangles’ chicken standing near the N.C. 68 and Linville Road intersection but don’t complain about the Great Clips person standing in the biggest intersection in town. Makes no sense!

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 The lady at Oak Ridge Town Park on Dec. 30 who let her golden retriever loose to go after other dogs while she walked. Maybe you should get your dog neutered.  Late, loud and lengthy fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Gee, what fun – for you. For everyone else, it’s aggravating, especially those with children, pets, elderly live-ins or those who don’t want to start off their New Year with a bang.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

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WATER STUDY

...continued from p. 12 Guilford County, Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale agree to seek a qualified engineer firm to conduct a feasibility study for the development of a regional water system. Although Rockingham County may be the most viable option for selling water to northwest Guilford County, the municipality is not named as a participant in the study.

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Come with us to more than 13,200 homes each week. Contact us for advertising information (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 | advertising@nwobserver.com

JAN. 6 - 12, 2017

“The purpose of the study is to figure out the best, most cost-effective way to bring water to members of the northwest Guilford community,” said Conrad after the Dec. 8 meeting. “The northwest area is the fastest growing part of Guilford County – and I don’t see that slowing down any time soon. The question then becomes, ‘How can we service the growth?’” Conrad said he hoped the study, estimated to cost up to $100,000, could be funded out of the $14.5 million appropriated last spring by the state legislature; Sen. Phil Berger of Rockingham County has since confirmed he will propose an amendment to the legislation which will allow that to be done. “There is really nothing that ties us to anything other than wanting to do the study,” said Summerfield’s Mayor Brown. “We’re quite confident the law that put the $14.5 million on the table will be changed to push the date (for forming a regional water authority) further out in the future and also reword it to narrow it down to the four entities in Guilford County. We would go out and seek the best qualified engineering firm to do the job. “We need this and I am totally in favor it,” Brown continued. “All we are dealing with is doing the feasibility study. We don’t know what the study is going to say.” Oak Ridge’s Mayor Sullivan believes the local municipalities would be better served by having an independent regional water authority versus operating their own water system. “There are economies of scale all the way along, from purchasing water at a wholesale rate to being eligible for grants

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

… it is greatly in our favor if we do that,” he said. “The question is, ‘Is this feasible?’ This (water feasibility study) is the only way we know that we can answer that question. “Even if we decide it is feasible and form the regional water authority and get everything underway, it will be several years down the road before we see any water delivered,” Sullivan stressed. “This will be a very deliberate, well-thought out process; it’s nothing we’re going to rush into. It may end here, but we have to take the first step to see if this is even feasible. It’s a unique opportunity that the state has provided us and we need to take advantage of it …” Not everyone is in favor of participating in a water feasibility study, however – at least not without some additional assurances. Oak Ridge Town Council members Mike Stone and Doug Nodine say they have some conditions that would need to be met before they vote in favor of the MOU that will be on their town’s Jan. 5 meeting agenda. “We are for the study, but I wanted to have it in the agreement that whoever performs the study doesn’t participate in the engineering and design of a future water system – to avoid conflict,” said Nodine the week before the council was to meet. “I need to know that the study isn’t coming out of our taxpayer dollars,” said Stone. “Also, the Town of Oak Ridge could insert some clarification language into the MOU that would make it easier to support a feasibility study with a clear understanding of where we’re going… If it took 30 days to get those clarifications, nothing is going to be lost. The legislature has not convened yet (for 2017) – nothing is going to happen until March anyway, so there isn’t any reason to be voting on a feasibility study when we can get more information in the meantime.” WHAT’S NEXT? Guilford County Commissioners and Oak Ridge Town Council were expected to vote on whether to participate in a water feasibility study at their Jan. 5 meetings. Summerfield Town Council is expected to follow suit at its Jan. 10 meeting. Stokesdale Town Council approved the MOU on Jan. 4.

AUTOS FOR SALE

SAVE THE DATE

HOME SERVICES

2007 WHITE H2 HUMMER, grey leather int., exc. cond., 92K miles, woman-driven, $25,900. (336) 298-4349.

Dave Ramsey’s FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY, beginning January 25, Oak Ridge United Methodist Church. See display ad on page 22 for more information and special pricing!

DECORATING

2005 CHEVY TAHOE, V8 w/ towing package, 158,000 miles, black w/ grey cloth interior, good condition, always garaged, single owner, new Alpine stereo, $7,500. Stokesdale. (336) 601-9171.

CHILDCARE AVAILABLE

Place online at

Affordable, reliable IN-HOME CHILDCARE, Stokesdale area. $150/child per week. Please call (336) 312-3042.

Something

going on

Tell northwest Guilford County Place your Save the Date online at

EMPLOYMENT DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

NEED HELP? Call (336) 644-7035 ext. 10 Mon - Fri • 9am -2pm

RETIRED TEACHERS NEEDED for revolutionary 21st-century educational opportunity. Must have exemplary test building skills. Call (336) 937-1105. MAYS SIDING is hiring siding and Hardie installers & helpers. (336) 215-8775.

Hiring?

INDEX Autos for Sale ............................. 27 Childcare Available ..................... 27 Employment ............................... 27 Homecare Available ................... 27 Save the Date ............................ 27

Tell our 25,000+ readers about your employment opportunities! Place your ad online at www.nwobserver.com.

HOMECARE AVAILABLE EXPERIENCED CAREGIVER AVAILABLE for homebound adults & seniors. Excellent references. (336) 552-3917. CAREGIVER / CARE COORDINATOR available. A few hours or 24/7 care offered. Excellent refs. Call Susan, (336) 880-2594.

Home Services ....................... 27-29 Misc. Services.............................. 29

SAVE THE DATE

Misc. for Sale ............................. 29

BEGINNING QUILTMAKING CLASSES start Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 6:30pm, or Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 10:30am, Stitch Party Studio, 124 W. Murphy St., Madison. Call for more info – (336) 427-7144. Leave message.

Misc. Wanted ............................. 29 Pets & Animal Services .......... 29-30 Real Estate ................................. 30

HOME SERVICES CLEANING MAID 2 GLIMMER Premier House Cleaning. Superior products & equip. Amazon approved. (336) 441-8388, Maid2Glimmer.com. STEPHANIE’S CLEANING SERVICE 10 years experience. (336) 423-9786. CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING, gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com. (336) 595-2873. MAID-2-SHINE – Excellent service, 15 years experience. Free estimates, excellent references. (336) 338-0223. MARIA’S CLEANING SERVICE. Free estimates, guaranteed service. (336) 552-1990. CastleWorks WINDOW CLEANING Includes gutters, pressure washing, chandeliers and other high ladder work. Fully insured and bonded, free estimates. (336) 609-0677. www.castleworkswindowcleaning.com. CARPET CLEANING. We clean the dirt out of your carpet, not the money out of your pockets! Starting at $20 per room, $60 minimum. Call David, Cleaning Solutions, (336) 989-4318, thecleaningsolutions.org.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

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 & solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192.

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES JLB REMODELING, INC. Home repair, maintenance & handyman service. Licensed & insured. Competitive rates. (336) 681-2902 or www.jlbremodeling.com. APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance. A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707. GENERAL HOME REPAIR, bathroom repair, small/odd jobs. (336) 644-8710, 708-0522. L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE LLP “We get you mowing!” Free pickup and delivery. 2103 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge. (336) 298-4314. 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/ IMPROVEMENT

“No Job Too Small”

Jerry & Lisa Potkay, Owners • Oak Ridge, NC

(336) 669-7252

Accredited A+ Rating, oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com BBB of Central NC Home Repairs & Improvements • Painting Wood Rot Repairs • Bathroom Remodeling Decks and much more! • Insured

...continued on p. 28

JAN. 6 - 12, 2017

HOME SERVICES

GRADING / HAULING

STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. Free est. Lic/Ins. 30 yrs. exp. Bucket truck/chipper, total cleanup. Selective thinning & lot clearing. 24-hr. ER svc. OR, NC. (336) 643-1119.

MISC. SERVICES & PRODUCTS

BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic. & insured. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924.

GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150. E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, topsoil, lot clearing, bobcat work, excavating, mulch, etc. (336) 451-1282. BRAD’S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS. LLC Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647.

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

TRACTOR FOR HIRE - Bush hogging, grading, brush/tree removal. (336) 207-6632.

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

ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875.

PEARMAN QUARRY HAULING Fill dirt, gravel, sand rock, mulch & more. Joel Richardson, (336) 803-2195.

CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 6439332, carolinaStumpAndTreeServices.com.

Get. Be. Stay. Connected.

POWER WASHING

ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Bobcat work and more. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. Call Joe at (336) 643-9157.

ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981. AREA STUMP DUMP. Yard waste, concrete, etc. Fill dirt avail. (336) 602-5820.

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION GAS LOGS, WOOD STOVES, INSERTS, fireplaces, sold, serviced and repaired. Call Don Hill, (336) 643-7183.

PAINTING & DRYWALL STILL PERFECTION PAINTING Reliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com. PAINTING – INTERIOR & EXTERIOR 32 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. No job too small. Insured. Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186.

BEK Paint Co.

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MASONRY

David & Judy Long, owners

LAWN CARE / LANDSCAPING

MASONRY CONCEPTS, brick, block, stone, concrete & repairs. Free estimates. (336) 988-1022, www.masonryconceptsgso.com. SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes. 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.

• References Available • Licensed & Insured • All Work Guaranteed

FAY’S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Aerating & overseeding, lawn clean up, leaf removal. Pine needles & mulch. Reasonable and honest. Call Taylor, (336) 464-5215. BRAD’S BOBCAT. Mulch, landscaping, pine needles and straw. (336) 362-3647. WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Complete lawn care & landscaping. NC lic. irrigation contractor. 20 years exp. Hardscaping, fertilization & weed control. (336) 399-7764. GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490.

JAN. 6 - 12, 2017

Your business should be here! The Northwest Observer reaches all of northwest Guilford County! Let us introduce you to our readers. Call Laura, (336) 644-7035, ext. 10, or email info@nwobserver.com.

Residential & Commercial

(336) 931-0600

BEKPaintCompany.com

CINDY’S PAINTING – Interior painting, wallpaper removal. References & free estimates available. (336) 708-9155.

ORTIZ REMODELING – Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981. JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com. PREMIER CONSTRUCTION. Providing all of your home maintenance needs, remodeling and new construction. (336) 430-9507. BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, siding, dock work, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 35 years exp. (336) 362-6343. RENOVATION WORKS, INC. New construction, remodeling, additions, kitchen, bath and decks. We are a locally owned, full-service design and build company, A+ accredited with the BBB. Visit www.myrenovationworks.com or call (336) 427-7391 to start your next project.

ROOFING

PLUMBING

A.L. CORMAN ROOFING INC. Res. roofing specialist serving Guilford Cty. area since 1983. BBB 25+ years w/ A+ rating. cormanroofinginc.com, (336) 621-6962.

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.

RED RHINO ROOFING, based in Oak Ridge, NC. Storm damage specialist experienced with all types of roofing. BBB accredited A and listed with Angie’s List. Call (336) 9446118, or visit redrhinoroofing.com.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

HOME SERVICES

MISC. FOR SALE

PREMIER ROOFING CONSTRUCTION Insurance specialist, free inspections, res./ comm., BBB A rating. (336) 430-9507.

ALL NEW MATTRESS SETS. Still in plastic, w/ warranty. Twin, $99; Full, $109; Queen, $129; King, $191. Can deliver, layaway available. Mattress Outlet. (336) 992-0025.

CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC Residential roofing, rubber flat roofs, roof coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience. Now accepting all major credit cards. Call (336) 643-8191 or (336) 580-3245.

The Northwest Observer Keeping you connected for 20 years . . . and counting!

MISC. SERVICES ERIE INSURANCE – IN KERNERSVILLE Long Insurance Services, (336) 992-5664. SAM’S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 347-7470.

Got stuff? Sell it here in the

NWO classifieds submit your ad at

www.nwobserver.com

Over 11,200 copies direct-mailed to northwest-area homes

MISC. WANTED FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, any and all gas items, tillers, gocarts, ATVs, generators, power washers, grills, chain saws, etc. (336) 689-4167. $$$ – WILL PAY CASH up to $200 for your junk or wrecked vehicle. (336) 552-0328.

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

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Plus an additional 2,000 copies available for free pickup Online 24/7 at nwobserver.com and shared with almost 12,000 Facebook followers

Advertise with us (336) 644-7035 ext. 10 • advertising@nwobserver.com

PETS & ANIMAL SVCS. LOST & FOUND PETS

Reach new customers in

We carry moving & shipping supplies

(336) 643-9963 • 8207 B & G Court, Stokesdale COMPUTER REPAIRS – ITBASICS.COM Inside Mailboxes & More, Oak Ridge Commons. (336) 643-0068.

MISC. FOR SALE NORWEX CONSULTANT – host a $550 party with one booking and three buying guests and get a mop and free products. Call Bonnie at (336) 813-5198.

LOST CAT, Fogleman Road area, Oak Ridge. Siamese Birman, answers to Kawaii. Please call or text (336) 317-6815.

SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered and stacked, 1/2 cord, $80. Call (336) 686-6373

Lost a pet? Found a pet? Let us know. We’ll help get the word out!

SEASONED OAK FIREWOOD, $80/pickup load, delivered & stacked. (336) 253-7615.

Each week 13,200 copies reach over 26,400 northwest-area readers

2017

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...continued on p. 30

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

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PETS & ANIMAL SVCS.

REAL ESTATE

PET SITTING / BOARDING KPS – KELLY’S PET SERVICES Professional in-home pet sitting. Bonded & insured. Member Pet Sitters International. Pet sitting while you are away, daily walks or runs, play, pet taxi, and more! KPS gives a portion of profits to animal charities. Call, email, or Facebook message for a free consultation: (336) 706-6706, kpsforyourpets@ gmail.com, www.facebook.com/kpspets, or kpspets on Instagram.

Want to reach our readers (all 25,000+ of them)? Call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10, or email info@nwobserver.com for advertising information.

REAL ESTATE

Gail H. Kerber

REAL ESTATE LUXURIOUS LOCK & LEAVE

REALTOR®/BROKER

(336) 327-1165

kerbappeals@gmail.com

www.kerbappeals.com The Northwest Observer is direct-mailed to every mailbox with an Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale zip code (over 11,200 homes!), and is available for free pick-up at about 70 local business locations!

32 Midland Park Lane Multi-level townhome with the perfect harmony of luxury and function. Upscale end unit with elevator. Perfect condition. Over 4,000 SF with 3.5 baths. No need to sacrifice quality in townhome living. Offered at $424,500.

Nancy J. Hess

There’s no place like the cover. Ask us how your business can be featured and appear as the cover story in our monthly NWO Real Estate section. (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 advertising@nwobserver.com

nancy.hess@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 215-1820

HOMES FOR SALE

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

OAK RIDGE, Class A office space for lease, 8006 Linville Road, 2,990-square-feet office suite, includes 5 offices, conference room, two bathrooms, kitchen/break area and filing room. $2,990/mo., serious inquiries only. Please call (336) 643-0555. OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE in Oak Ridge. Mini suites available; 100 to 450 sq. ft. For more info, call (336) 643-7577. Selling or renting? Advertise it here for just $4/line!

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

ord Guilf hwest Nort

2204 Cedar Waxwing Court Popular neighborhood in Northern schools. 4 bedrooms plus bonus. Incredible kitchen and family room combination. Hardwood floors. 2-car garage, private back lot and screened porch. Don’t wait on this one! A must-see. $354,900

8703 Invershield Court, Oak Ridge Versatile, open floor plan that features two bedrooms on main floor. Stunning kitchen, bookcases, plantation shutters and fenced back yard. $419,000

Jake Letterman (336) 338-0136

CRS, GRI, SRES, Chairman’s Circle Award ( 336 ) 215.9856

ramilya.siegel@atcmail.com www.allentate.com/RamilyaSiegel

We Help Everyone! SELLERS & BUYERS

Ramilya Siegel

Want to be a part of our next NWO Real Estate section? Reserve your ad space today

(336) 643-4248

www.ANewDawnRealty.com

JAN. 6 - 12, 2017

(336) 644-7035, ext. 10 advertising@nwobserver.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

display advertiser index thanks to all the

advertisers who partnered with us to bring you this free community resource A/C & HEATING

HAIR CARE

Law Office of Susan Greeson ...............3 Scott Tippett Law ...............................10

Veterinary Hospital at Oak Ridge.........21

Great Clips .........................................16

HEALTH & FITNESS

MEDICAL CARE, EYE CARE, PT

REAL ESTATE

Alpha Weight Loss ..............................18 SNAP Fitness ......................................25 YMCA of Greensboro ...........................8

Stokesdale Heating & Air.......................9

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

ACCOUNTING

BEK Paint Company ............................28 Carpets By Direct ................................19 Furniture Medic ...................................28 House of Stars ....................................21 New Garden Landscape & Nursery ....15 Old School Home Repair .....................27 ProStone..............................................20 Stokesdale Storage .............................29

Carlotta Lytton, CPA, PA ....................21 Samuel Anders, CPA, MSA, PC ...........21

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES Prestige Car Wash ..............................16

CHILD SERVICES Guardian Ad Litem Program ..............16

CHURCHES First Baptist Church, Summerfield .........6 Oak Ridge United Methodist Church ..22

Bethany Medical Center .......................3 Carolina Priority Care ...........................7 Cone Health – MedCenter ..................24 LeBauer Healthcare ........................... 11 Novant - Forsyth Pediatrics .................16 Novant - Northwest Family Medicine ...12 Oak Ridge Physical Therapy ...............17 Summerfield Family Eye Care .............21

ORTHODONTICS Olmsted Orthodontics ........................17

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ................15

INSURANCE Gladwell Insurance Agency .................20

Critter Company .................................14 King’s Crossing Animal Hospital .........21

LEGAL SERVICES

Northwest Animal Hospital ..................14

Attorney Bill Barbour ..........................25

Oak Ridge Animal Hospital ................15

Keeping you connected

20 years and counting

Westergaard Kennels ..........................14

A New Dawn Realty ............................30 Angie Wilkie, Allen Tate ........................5 Bobbie Gardner, Keller Williams ..........21 Jake Letterman, Berkshire Hathaway .30 KERBAPPEALS – Gail Kerber .............30 Nancy Hess, Berkshire Hathaway .......30 Ramilya Siegel, Allen Tate ..............6, 30

RESTAURANTS Bistro 150 / The Oak Ridge Room ......16 Elizabeth’s Italian Restaurant ..............17 Rio Grande, Oak Ridge ......................17 Tessa Farm to Fork Restaurant .............4

RETAIL BiRite Food Center ...............................2 Cole Pottery ..........................................5 Priba Furniture & Interiors ...................32

Each week, 13,200 copies

reach over 26,400 readers in the northwest area Of these, over 11,200 copies are direct-mailed to northwest-area homes

And, 2,000 copies are made available for free pickup

Laura Reneer

Annette Joyce

associate publisher

advertising manager

Online 24/7 at nwobserver.com and shared with almost 12,000 Facebook followers

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JAN. 6 - 12, 2017

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Postal Patron PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 • (336) 644-7035

Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22 ECRWSS

2017

NEW YEAR’S SALE

Extravaganza New Year – New Look

We’re clearing our showroom to make ready for a fresh new look in 2017. Take advantage of this special sale, running January 2–31.

Up to

40% off previously discounted floor stock

Up to

80% off

clearance

210 Stage Coach Trail, Greensboro • (336) 855-9034 • www.pribafurniture.com