Jan. 13 - 19, 2017
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Proposed PD zoning district would allow mixed uses, varied housing options Communities seldom stand still. They are continually growing, changing and evolving as places of human interchange and investment. Summerfield is no exception.” Carrie Spencer, Summerfield planning director
The first of two public hearings on proposed Planned Development zoning district will be held Jan. 23
lation was estimated at 11,243.
by PATTI STOKES SUMMERFIELD – The Town of Summerfield encompasses about 27 square miles, or over 17,000 acres. In 1980 the town’s population was estimated at 1,680; in 1990 that number grew to 2,051 and 20 years later it had reached about 10,000 (some of this due to annexation). In 2015, the popu-
Today, if you want to purchase a new house within the community, on an average lot size of one-and-a-half acres – and have about $475,000 or more to do so – you shouldn’t have any problem finding one to your liking. Once you’re settled into your new surroundings, hop in your car and drive just a few miles and you’ll find gas stations, a grocery and drug store and several other service-related businesses. If, however, you’re looking for a new home at a more modest price, on a smaller lot, and within walking distance of businesses, a grocer and
Dam explosions alarming to neighbors near and far by PATTI STOKES OAK RIDGE – When a sudden and deafening series of explosions went off on Dec. 18 in the middle of a quiet Sunday afternoon, many people in the surrounding area were caught offguard. And as firefighters and deputies with the sheriff’s office headed to the area where the explosions originated, people did what many do today – they took to social media.
At Nextdoor.com, a free nationwide online community for neighbors to share information, a dialogue started when an Oak Ridge resident asked if anyone else had just heard the explosions in the vicinity of Stafford Mill Road (off Alcorn Road in Oak Ridge). Several others confirmed they had, some from as far as four to five miles away. Kurtis Taylor, who lives in a subdivision off Old Oak Ridge in northwest Greensboro, wrote that he not only
maybe a restaurant or two, you’re probably going to be out of luck. Creating walkable and bikeable neighborhoods and destinations, allowing commercial and residential development to be designed together – and providing more varied housing options are some of the goals the Town hopes to achieve with a proposed text amendment to its development ordinance. Summerfield’s Planning and Zoning Board has been discussing the amendment, which would add a Planned Development zoning district, since October and will hold a public hearing for citizen
...continued on p. 5
IN THIS ISSUE News in Brief ................................3 Your Questions ............................4
heard – but felt – the explosion.
Oak Ridge Town Council ...........6
“I thought a big plane hit the ground,” Taylor later told the Observer. “There was a loud BOOM and I felt the ground shake!”
Business Notes ............................8
Dynamite was used to blow up a beaver dam, one person wrote. The Old Mill was destroying two beaver dams, someone else wrote. In the weeks since the explosions,
...continued on p. 18
Bits & Pieces ................................8 Student Profiles ......................... 10 Crime/Incident Report ............. 14 Community Calendar .............. 15 Grins & Gripes ........................... 17 Classifieds ................................. 19 Index of Advertisers .................23 NWO on the Go! .......................24
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NEWS in brief CORRECTION/CLARIFICATION
In an editor’s note in our Jan. 6-12, 2017 issue, which was in response to a statement in an editorial co-written by Oak Ridge Town Councilmen Doug Nodine and Mike Stone, I wrote, “Opinions differ as to whether a revision to the original Memorandum of Understanding for participation in a water feasibility study requires legislative approval.” While Nodine and Stone maintained that text changes to the MOU required legislative approval before participating municipalities could pass it, Oak Ridge Mayor Spencer Sullivan said that may be their opinion, but it is not a fact. Sullivan explained the Memorandum of Understanding – which has since been
unanimously approved by Guilford County, Summerfield and Stokesdale, and by Oak Ridge on a 3-2 vote – did not require legislative approval before text was changed to reflect that Rockingham County would not be a participant in the study. The MOU was written by Guilford County Manager Marty Lawing, with input from representatives of all four participating municipalities. Sullivan further clarified that text changes to state legislation passed last July, which provides $14.5 million to Guilford and Rockingham County to form a regional water authority, will require legislative approval, and Sen. Phil Berger has confirmed he will seek that approval.
Dumpster screening, nuisance issues on Ordinance Review Committee’s agenda STOKESDALE – Dumpster screening regulations added to a Stokesdale development ordinance against the wishes of the Ordinance Review Committee may be rewritten by the committee. Several of the eight committee members at its Dec. 20 meeting said “people were confused” about Section 6-7 of the development ordinance that was approved Oct. 13 by the Stokesdale Town Council. The committee had recommended that the section – written by the Planning Board and adopted from ordinances in Greensboro – not be included in the development ordinance. But it was added back to the proposed revision by the Planning Board in a unanimous vote. The section included standards for materials, construction and placement of the required screening. It specifically prohibited the use of chain-link fencing with woven slats. Committee members said residents’ questions have centered on whether existing properties were exempt from the requirements. During the discussion, several of the committee members said
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a general statement that new requirements are not retroactive is needed. The committee also discussed removing the prohibition of the chain-link fencing with slats and an exemption in the heavy industrial district, and whether the regulations could be regressive for small businesses. “It sounds as if there is an appetite by the committee to rework the language,” Robert Wurz, committee chairman, said. Wurz asked the committee to be ready at the Jan. 17 meeting to propose any changes. Also at that meeting – scheduled for 4 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road – the committee will review three Stokesdale ordinances covering nuisance issues. At the December meeting, the committee reviewed ordinances from Stoneville and Selma to compile a list of possible issues to be discussed. The committee is also scheduled to review ordinances from Winston-Salem and Summerfield covering waterline incentives and lot size for wells.
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firearm within 150 yards of a dwelling or other building or structure, which is designed to be occupied by human beings, if such person knows or reasonably should know that injury to persons or damage to property may result.”
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Is continually shooting a firearm numerous times in Oak Ridge a violation of our noise ordinance? If not, why not? The most recent occurrence lasted for two hours the day after Christmas when most people were trying to relax. With regard to the noise from gunfire, the Town of Oak Ridge’s Code of Ordinances states “…It shall be unlawful for any person, persons, or business entity to make, permit, continue, or cause to be made, any unreasonably loud, disturbing, annoying or unnecessary noise in the incorporated area of Oak Ridge, with the exception of construction work pursuant to a federal, state, county or town contract which requires work to be performed during certain hours. The ordinance further defines “unreasonably loud or annoying” noise as that “which is substantially incompatible with the time and location where created to the extent that such noise creates an actual or imminent interference with peace or good order.” Oak Ridge Town Manager Bruce Oak-
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Lt. Fred Antonelli of the sheriff’s District 1 office, which covers northwest Guilford County, also notes gunfire cannot persist for more than 60 minutes consecutively (noting exceptions below).
ley said that because a judgment must be made as to what is “unreasonably loud or annoying” and potentially a violation of the ordinance, the town directs citizens with noise and safety concerns related to gunfire to call the sheriff’s office. Regarding gunfire specifically, Oak Ridge’s ordinance is consistent with other municipalities’ ordinances within Guilford County, which state, “No person shall, without the consent of the owner or lawful occupier, discharge a
JAN. 13 - 19, 2017
To read the local/county ordinance covering gunfire, visit www.myguilford.com and search for “Code of Ordinances,” then “gunfire.” For more information or further clarification, call the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at (336) 373-2222.
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Exceptions to the rules about gunfire include when it is: (1) In defense of life or property; (2) By law enforcement officers in the performance of their duty; (3) By persons lawfully engaged in pest control; or (4) At public or private shooting ranges or galleries.
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ZONING
...continued from p. 1 input at its Jan. 23 meeting; assuming the board is ready to make a recommendation to the Summerfield Town Council, the council will hold a public hearing on the amendment at its Feb. 15 meeting. Town Planning Director Carrie Spencer has played an integral role in researching PD districts across the country and customizing the concept to one she feels is both needed in Summerfield and will serve it well now and in the future; Spencer says the PD district would allow developers to create mixed-use developments that are in line with the goals of the town’s comprehensive plan, which is currently difficult to do. The comprehensive plan was created by a group of about 30 diverse community volunteers and town staff members who met over a period of over three years; two open houses which drew several hundred citizens were held to receive community input on how the town should develop in the future before the town council approved the 100-page plan in May 2010. “Our Town, Our Plan,” includes 12 citizen-driven policies on such issues as the desired level and location of commercial development, sidewalks and trails, parks and recreation, historic preservation, “appropriate housing,” transportation improvements and water and sewage options. In the six-plus years since the plan was adopted, it has been cited many times when consideration is being given to a commercial or residential development plan within the Town of Summerfield. But in spite of the plan’s high marks – one local developer has even said it is one of the best he’s seen in the 60 towns and cities in multiple states that he has developed – the town’s zoning options sometimes prevent development that is congruent with the plan’s stated goals, Spencer told the town council when
presenting the proposed PD district at the Dec. 13 council meeting. “Communities seldom stand still,” Spencer said. “They are continually growing, changing and evolving as places of human interchange and investment. Summerfield is no exception.” “The PD zoning district is designed to accomplish much of what our ordinance doesn’t accomplish,” she explained. “It is flexible, rather than the one-size-fits-all ordinance that we have now. So just what is a planned development, and how would allowing it bring changes to the Town of Summerfield? A PD is defined as “an area of land that is planned, developed, maintained and operated as a single entity, in which the zoning is tailored to a particular property.” Because its design is often more complex than the standard residential and commercial zoning districts, it requires more creativity; Spencer notes it typically appeals to master developers with a higher level of skill. A PD zoning district would encourage more green space by allowing houses to be closer together – whether homes are detached but on smaller lots, or attached – in exchange for allocating space for features like greenways and parks to achieve the goal of being more interconnected. “We’ve been ranked high for our standard of living when it comes to economic and education qualities, but not well in quality of life because of walkability and (lack of) housing choices,” Spencer said. “Our current land use patterns have resulted in rural sprawl. We still need subdivisions (with single-family homes on larger lots), but we also need additional options (such as single-family attached houses and townhomes).” As proposed, Summerfield’s PD zoning district would be an option when developing tracts of 75 acres or more, and when the intent is to offer a pedestrian-friendly, interconnected neighborhood combining commercial development with a variety
...continued on p. 9
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OAK RIDGE town council
Councilman Jim Kinneman noted that many other councils and commissions forbid citizen comments on agenda items during the public comments period.
Stone asked if the town had a policy that citizens couldn’t speak on agenda items during the public comment period and was told no. “I didn’t think so,” he responded. “I don’t think there is anything wrong – and everything right – with hearing from citizens before we conduct the town’s new business.”
“We get around that by letting our citizens comment after discussion of agenda items,” he said.
Sullivan said the council would simply be deciding on the words in the MOU document – nothing else.
Councilman Mike Stone then made a substitute motion to move Citizen Comments after the town manager’s report – which still would have had it falling right before New Business.
“I can’t see any comments coming from citizens that would be relevant to that discussion, and this (moving Citizen Comments) could set a precedent we would regret. We should adhere to this form of agenda that has been the same since this town has incorporated.”
Jan. 5 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by PATTI STOKES
5 0 to approve the agenda as
presented after Nodine withdrew his original motion, saying enough time had been spent discussing it. Minutes from the Dec. 1, 2016 council meeting were also approved.
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John Haynes, interim president of Oak Ridge Military Academy, introduced John (aka Jack) Davenport and George Feng and said the two cadets were service learning coordinators for the Marine Toys for Tots program on Dec. 10.
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Addressing the council, Davenport said 84 cadets raised $3,963 and collected eight large bins of toys for distribution to needy kids in time for Christmas. He
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Since the academy had not planned for the donation when budgeting, Haynes said it would “stay the course” for this year. “This (donation) will allow us to have a lot of flexibility and consider some strategies and steps that were not available to us before,” he said.
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“I just thought we would want to hear what everyone has to say,” Nodine responded.
“From a standpoint of procedure, I am concerned that in the future any agenda item would be open for public discussion,” Kinneman said. “During Citizen Comments people can speak about anything they want. I definitely want to hear from them, and what they have
On another note, Haynes said that three days before Christmas the academy received a $250,000 donation from Don Caine, a private businessman who grew up in the Oak Ridge area and attended the academy – and an anonymous organization had matched the donation.
_________________________________ Time
Mayor Spencer Sullivan explained that a public hearing to receive citizen comments on the MOU was not on the agenda, and receiving citizen comments on the issue before voting on it could set a precedent.
Sullivan and Councilman George McClellan commended the cadets for raising so much money in such a short period of time.
________________________________ Date
A meeting that began with an opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance quickly transitioned into a debate among council members after Councilman Doug Nodine asked to move Citizen Comments in front of, rather than behind, New Business on the meeting agenda so that citizens wishing to speak on the Memorandum of Understanding to participate in a water feasibility study could do so before the council voted on it.
thanked the council, citizens and businesses who had supported their efforts as well as the private property owners who allowed them to stand on their property while they were soliciting donations.
___________________
to say isn’t going to be lost.” The MOU wouldn’t be “super binding” and could be adjusted later, he added.
on the Planning Board (council approved the recommendation). Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Oakley said staff recently met with the state trail planner, who is excited about the MST coming through Oak Ridge; if the town moves quickly, there is a good chance it can receive some funding for the trail from the $2 billion Connect NC bond approved by voters last March. The trail route is being mapped out, Oakley said; the main part of the trail will run along the Haw River (although it has not been decided which side of the creek/river). “We’re trying to identify where the town may need to get easements; once we have submitted our preferred route we need to reach out to landowners,” Oakley said. At Oakley’s suggestion, the council agreed to form an ad hoc MST advocacy group that will perform public outreach; former Mayor Ray Combs will head up those efforts. Budget meetings. A budget meeting schedule for FY 2017-208 was approved; the town council will hold a capital planning workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at noon and the Finance Committee will begin budget discussions at its meeting on Monday, Feb. 6, at 6 p.m. The committee will also meet Feb. 20 and March 13 before presenting a preliminary budget to the council April 6. Holiday schedule. Although at last month’s council meeting McClellan had questioned whether 12 paid holidays for staff was too many, he was the first to
motion that staff get 12 paid holidays this calendar year, which mirrors the holiday schedule for the county and state. Kinneman said closing Town Hall for 12 days would not be a big inconvenience to citizens, and he favored approving them as paid holidays until or unless a benefit study that is underway indicated that was too generous or not generous enough. 5 0 to approve a holiday schedule that gives staff 12 paid holidays as it has in past years. At this point Nodine asked Oakley about something he had been quoted as saying in an article appearing in the Rhino Times. “Were you accurately depicted in that article?” Nodine asked Oakley, specifically referencing Oakley being quoted as saying in his 12 years of working for the town, water/well contamination has been an ongoing issue. Oakley said contamination has always been a concern, but he didn’t think he had expressed that concern exactly as it was written in the article. Nodine also asked about how many wells had gone dry in Oak Ridge in recent years, and Oakley responded wells had gone dry, but not many had done so recently. Nodine then asked about the USGS monitoring well on the Town Hall property, and if it indicated that groundwater had dropped during periods of low/no rain such as was experienced last spring and Oakley responded yes, it had dropped.
County, Summerfield, Oak Ridge and Stokesdale, but besides two newspaper articles (one in the Rhino Times in midDecember and the other in the issue of the Northwest Observer that had just come out), citizens hadn’t received much background on the topic. The mayor then shared some history about Oak Ridge’s efforts to ensure its citizens have a reliable source of water and referenced an agreement reached with Aqua America in 2005 for the private company to build a municipal water system for the town at the company’s expense. Although a contract was signed, the company reneged a few years later, with its new president saying an estimated build-out cost of $33 mil-
lion prevented the company from moving forward. “Another quote showed $20 million, but that was still far too expensive (for the town to move forward on its own),” the mayor said. “For several years we have discussed Rockingham County being a source of municipal water. Council passed an MOU last year to indicate our interest in them being a water supplier,” Sullivan continued, saying nothing ultimately came out of that MOU. “This past year we were given an unexpected surprise – $14.5 million for the formation of a regional water authority.
...continued on p. 16
NEW BUSINESS Memorandum of Understanding. Sullivan said he had provided council with the background of the MOU among Guilford
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labs on campus,” she said.
BUSINESS notes
Orthodontic practice gains new partner NW GREENSBORO/KERNERSVILLE – Dr. Carrie Bell has joined Dr. Kelly Mitchell and Dr. Brian Bartlett as a partner in their orthodontic practice, which has been renamed Mitchell, Bartlett & Bell Orthodontics.
road to becoming an orthodontist. As a child, she spent hours playing the piano, painting and assembling jigsaw puzzles.
Born and raised in Mississippi, Bell said her family background weighed heavily into her chosen profession.
Although she knew she wanted to pursue dental school, Bell didn’t want to give up her focus on music. Her academic advisors at Saint Louis University suggested she major in something related to her pre-dental status, but Bell chose to obtain a degree in the arts with a major in piano performance.
“I grew up with a love for the intricacy and challenges of working with my hands to create something beautiful,” she said.
“Dentistry was the perfect fit for me,” she said. “My family is deeply rooted in the dental profession – my grandfather practiced general dentistry for 40 years, two of my uncles are general dentists, and two of my aunts are dental hygienists.” Still, Bell took a rather unconventional
“When I wasn’t in the piano practice rooms, I could be found studying biology and chemistry in one of the many science
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Bell admits she had to take a lot more hours of coursework and attend summer school, but she completed Dr. Carrie Bell her degree in four years and entered dental school at the University of Mississippi. At that point, she became interested in orthodontics. “(It) is the perfect mixture of intricate artistry and scientific precision,” she said.
she feels “very blessed to have met Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Bartlett and now to become a part of their amazing orthodontic practice. I am excited and overjoyed for the opportunity to continue my family’s dental legacy while treating patients in the Greensboro and Kernersville communities.” Bell and her husband, Steven, who is a Greensboro native, have been married three years. They recently purchased a home in Greensboro. When she’s not creating beautiful smiles, Bell enjoys spending time with her family, playing music, reading and practicing hot yoga. Photo courtesy of Mitchell, Bartlett & Bell Orthodontics
Of her new partnership, Bell said
BITS & PIECES
Clothing, hygiene items being collected for homeless NW GUILFORD –Guilford Courthouse National Military Park is asking for help in providing winter clothing and hygiene items for the homeless at the Interactive Resource Center and veterans at the Servant Center. Items are being collected now through Monday, Jan. 16, as a service to the community for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Day of Service. “As a national park, we believe in serving the community, and encourage giving back,” park representatives said in a press release. The following items are needed for men and women: toiletries in small bottles/containers; new socks and new underwear (must be in original store
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packaging); clean shoes (can be used, but no holes, please); thermals, winter coats, sweaters and pants, hats, scarves, gloves and blankets (please wash before delivering). Nonperishable food items are also needed.
Community is invited to multicultural worship service Baptist Church in Stokesdale.
STOKESDALE – Over the past several months, Pastor David Bailey of Crossroads Community Church, Pastor Eric Gladney of Oak Springs Baptist Church and Pastor Luis Vega of Iglesia Luz de Jesuscristo have been working to bring their congregations together across language and cultural barriers.
Music will be provided by musicians from all three churches, and the message will be brought by Pastor Isaias Adon, with translation by Pastor Tony Lopez.
The three congregations gathered Nov. 20 for a prayer meeting hosted by Crossroads and they plan to worship together Friday, Jan. 13, when they invite churches from all around the Stokesdale community to join them for the first Stokesdale multicultural worship service at 7 p.m. at Oak Springs Missionary
After a time of worship, everyone is invited to gather in the fellowship hall for continued fellowship and refreshments.
want to go? Multicultural Worship Service Friday, Jan. 13, 7 p.m. Oak Springs Missionary Baptist Church 9070 U.S. 158, Stokesdale
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ZONING
...continued from p. 5
of housing options, as well as to preserve environmental and historic assets and to provide green space, neighborhood parks and assets for the community at large. Spencer told the council on Dec. 13 that Summerfield developers and residents David Couch, Ken Miller and Paul Milam are among those who have approached the town over the years about the need for more development and housing options to help meet the needs of an ever-changing community. Speaking at that meeting, Miller said, “If we keep having the same kind of development – $500,000-plus houses – that isn’t sustainable. We need to address housing needs for younger and older people.” Since moving to Summerfield in 2002, Miller said he has accumulated about 400 acres and as he considers developing some of his property, doing so in a thoughtful and organized way is proving difficult. On a personal note, he said with the present limited housing options, when it’s time for him to downsize he will have to consider leaving Summerfield – just as others have done. Summerfield resident Don Wendelken argued that many people like himself moved to Summerfield because they wanted larger lots and open space around
them, and very careful thought must be given before adding more housing options. David Couch, who owns about 800 acres in Summerfield, including Summerfield Farms on Pleasant Ridge Road, said growth and change are inevitable, while he recognizes they also are emotional issues. “One of the rural vistas I treasure is the one from Pleasant Ridge Road,” Couch told the council. “Under the current ordinance, however, (if or when developed) there is no chance that would be preserved. A PD would give me as a developer more tools – in the absence of those, anyone can develop here in Summerfield and I personally don’t feel that raises the bar.”
Want to learn more? We’ll continue coverage on this topic in the coming weeks, and invite you to email editor@nwobserver.com with your questions, concerns and opinions about the proposed PD district. Also, a copy of the proposed text amendment to add a PD zoning district and a Q&A related to the district can be found at www.summerfieldgov.com. Spencer invites citizen input and can be reached at cspencer@summerfieldgov.com or (336) 643-8681.
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STUDENT PROFILES Thanks to the coaches and teachers at Northern and Northwest High Schools for their student recommendations and input, which make it possible to recognize these talented, dedicated students for their accomplishments in academics, athletics and cultural arts.
NORTHWEST GUILFORD Shane Wheeler, jazz ensemble
Welcome to Youth Sync A weekly section in the Northwest Observer focused on our local youth and the adults who positively impact them.
by JONATHAN WILLIAMS Northwest senior Shane Wheeler developed a love of music as a child, and says some kind of music was always playing in his home. As he’s grown, it has become even more integral to his life. With a special love for jazz, Wheeler gravitated toward the saxophone when it came time to choose an instrument.
He says he loves his baritone sax for its deeper resonance, but he has found that audiences especially love the smooth sounds of his alto sax. Wheeler credits Northwest Guilford’s music program for having a very fine reputation and says he always wanted to be a part of it. “When it is a good music program, you’re able to challenge yourself to be better,” he said. “You are also able to be with a group of people who love music as much as you do.” “Shane is not only a very strong musician, but a strong leader as a musician,” band director Brian McMath said. “He is a solid baritone sax player and a very strong lead alto sax player in the jazz en-
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semble. I definitely want to recognize him due to his love for and ability in music.” Though seemingly disconnected to his musical talent, Wheeler also has a passion for auto mechanics. Just as the notes are the tools in a larger work, he loves to take cars apart and put them back together, creating order from chaos. Wheeler will attend UNCG’s School of Music in the fall. He dreams of one day becoming a music producer. “I really want to learn how music works,” he said. “As my music theory teacher told me, you have to know the rules before you can break them. I can create music in my head all day long, but I want to learn how to transfer those creations from my head to paper.” Though he is still learning how to create order from the chaos of notes and sounds in his head, it likely won’t take long before he’s able to put them all together for the musical enjoyment of an enthusiastic audience.
On a side note: Toughest Class: AP Environmental Science Recent musical influences: J. Cole (hip hop recording artist/record producer), Disclosure (English electronic music duo) Binge-worthy TV show: “Stranger Things” Extracurricular activities: Jazz band, marching band
NORTHERN GUILFORD Sarah Wrenn, chorus by JONATHAN WILLIAMS As a soprano in the Northern Guilford High School chorus, junior Sarah Wrenn knows how to hit the high notes. More important than her impressive voice, she has the ability to see the best in everyone and everything.
Born and raised in Greensboro, Wrenn’s introduction to music started in elementary school. Over the years she gained a deep appreciation for the beauty in life, and when asked if she could sing only one song for the rest of her life, it came as no surprise that “You’re Beautiful” was it. “I really enjoy being able to sit for a whole class period and just sing,” Wrenn said. “I also really like learning about the different cultures and meanings of the songs we sing in class.” Outside of chorus and her classes, Wrenn keeps busy helping others in her community. She is currently working on a blanket drive with her youth group at Lebanon Baptist Church. She has coached the girls youth recreational basketball team and she served as the manager of Northern’s varsity and junior varsity football teams. “Sarah takes the initiative to do what needs to be done without being told to do it,” choral director Beverly Alt said. “She has great leadership skills and sets a good example to younger students. I appreciate her attentiveness in class.” Although she said she is not sure about the next step after high school, Wrenn wants to attend a university with high academic standards, listing East Carolina University, Liberty University and Gardner-Webb University among her top choices. Since she is an animal lover, she said she could see herself becoming a veterinarian. The possibilities are unlimited for Wrenn to see the people and things in her life as perfect in their own way. “It may be a little rough at times, but I can definitely hit those high notes,” she said.
On a side note: Toughest Class: AP English II Favorite musician: Alessia Cara (Canadian singer-songwriter) Favorite TV show: Hallmark Channel Christmas specials
NORTHERN GUILFORD Darius Richardson, chorus by JONATHAN WILLIAMS As with life, music takes twists and turns, has its ups and downs, and all manner of styles and instrumentation. Northern sophomore Darius Richardson, a baritone in Northern Guilford’s chorus, knows some of the high notes and low notes of life and music all too well. “Music was always an interest of mine, something that sparked in me at an early age,” Richardson said. “I love singing with my friends. It is something I truly love doing and deeply treasure. Though I am no music expert, I really like experimenting with different languages and cultures in song.” Richardson has found a home at Northern, but it wasn’t the easiest path to get there. With his father in the Navy, Richardson has nearly perfected being the new kid in school. He has attended eight different schools and lived in South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Hawaii before finally settling in North Carolina. He said it
was difficult to move so much, sometimes multiple times between states, and he was glad to finally settle into the Northern area as a middle school student. “I actually got used to moving so much,” Richardson said. “Unfortunately with moving around and going back and forth between states and schools, it was really difficult to have time to settle down anywhere.” Understanding that adapting to a new environment comes with challenges, it is no surprise that Richardson has gone out of his way to make new chorus director Beverly Alt (former choral director at Northwest Guilford) feel at home at Northern this year. “Darius has made me feel welcome in my new school,” Alt said. “He has a kind spirit and is helpful to his fellow chorus members as well as to me. He is building great musical skills.” Things are moving in the right direction for this talented young singer, who will soon be auditioning for the school’s spring musical production of “Beauty and the Beast.”
On a side note: Toughest Class: Honors Math III Favorite musicians: Michael Jackson, John Legend Favorite TV show: “The Simpsons” Extracurricular activities: Manager of the Northern varsity girls basketball team
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Trailers recovered, police following lead in case A series of utility trailer thefts has plagued area residents and businesses since October. Of the nine utility trailer thefts in Guilford County over the last three months, some were stolen from construction sites and others from residential neighborhoods.
suspicious activity call on the south side of Greensboro.
Since then, the sheriff’s office has been urging owners of utility trailers to lock them into place or chain them to a permanent fixture.
“Multiple stolen trailers were located and recovered. Information was obtained that the suspect in the thefts was using a U-Haul truck(s) to steal the utility trailers from multiple locations in the city and the county,” Popek said. “Please be on the lookout for U-Haul type vehicles in suspicious locations or at suspicious hours of the day/ night. If you do see one, please call 911.”
Earlier this week Sgt. Tim Popek with the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office said the sheriff’s office and the Greensboro Police Department recently responded to a
An investigation is still underway, and the sheriff’s office and police department say they anticipate making an arrest in the case soon.
Citizen Academy begins Feb. 2 Why do sworn officers of the law carry firearms and when are they legally used? How does a jail function? Exactly what kind of force may be used to restrain an arrestee on the street and why? Do officers carry firearms inside jails? What is immediately happening behind the scenes when one dials 911? What responsibilities does a sheriff’s office have that a police department may not? How does our criminal justice system function? Sign up now for the Guilford County
Sheriff’s Office’s Citizen Academy and learn how your sheriff’s office operates. The Academy will consist of two months of weekly sessions, held on Thursdays from 6:30 to 9:45 p.m., and four Saturday labs. Classes will be held at the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, 400 W. Washington St., Greensboro, in the training classroom. Labs will be held at various locations. For complete details about the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office’s Citizen Academy, visit www.gcsonc.com/citizens-academy.
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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. ALCOHOL/DWI Jan. 2 | A woman was cited and released at 7:23 p.m. after being stopped in a vehicle on Horseshoe Bend Court in Summerfield. She received multiple traffic charges and was also charged with possession of an open container of alcohol while driving. Jan. 4 | A known offender was stopped on Holly Glen Court in Stokesdale and charged at 8:19 p.m. with DWI and possession of an open container while driving.
ASSAULT Jan. 5 | A Stokesdale resident of Belews Creek Road was assaulted on Thursday morning when a known offender struck her eye with a closed fist, resulting in severe bruising and a laceration. A warrant for arrest has been issued for the suspect, who left the scene before the officer’s arrival. Jan. 5 | A resident of Sorrel Run Court in Summerfield reported she was the victim of domestic assault after a known suspect pushed her into a door frame. The victim did not require medical treatment and was advised of the option to pursue a warrant.
FRAUD Jan. 3 | A resident of Winfree Road in Summerfield reported that an unknown suspect used her debit card at 7:35 a.m. on Jan. 1 to purchase items online from Costco.
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Jan. 5 | A resident of Soldiers Retreat Court in the Ridgewood subdivision of northern Greensboro reported that a known suspect used her Social Security number to open an AT&T account and incur $273.95 in charges sometime between Jan. 2-5.
THEFT Jan. 4 | A resident of Pawnee Road in Greensboro reported a known suspect took his 2007 Chevrolet truck without his permission and $380 from his wallet around 8 p.m. Similar incidents have occurred previously between the two parties, and the victim was advised of the warrant process.
VANDALISM Jan. 4 | A resident of Henson Forest Drive in Summerfield reported that a family member inflicted $350 worth of damage to her home during an argument that occurred around 8 a.m. The suspect was arrested, transported to Greensboro Jail Central, and confined until his pending court date.
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Main number: (336) 641-2300 Report non-emergency crime-related incidents by calling: (336) 373-2222 • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F
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THURSDAY, JAN. 12 Merchants of Oak Ridge | MOR, an organization of business and nonprofit 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. Stokesdale Town Council | In addition to its weekly scheduled meetings on Wednesdays at 4 p.m., the council meets the second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. More info and agenda: www.stokesdale.org.
SATURDAY, JAN. 14 The Summit Men’s Conference | The annual Triad Area-Wide Christian Men’s Summit features a variety
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of speakers including former professional athletes, entrepreneurs and a former Delta Force commander. The event, which is open to all men in the community, will be Jan. 14 at First Christian Church Ministries, 1130 N. Main St., Kernersville, from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Tickets, which are $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.
TUESDAY, JAN. 17 Kiwanis Club | The Kiwanis Club of Northwest Guilford meets at noon the first and third Tuesday of each month at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68, Oak Ridge. More info: Annette Joyce, (336) 382-8629.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 18 Financial Peace University | Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University series begins at Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, 2424 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Order the course materials in advance from www.daveramsey.com/fpu/ classes/1030381. More info: contact Dana Hanlon at (336) 643-4690 or dana.hanlon@oakridgeumc.org.
THURSDAY, JAN. 19 Senior Program and Lunch | Senior Resources of Guilford hosts a free program and luncheon for seniors older than 60 at 10 a.m. the third Thursday of each month at Summerfield United Methodist Church, 2334 Scalesville Road, Summerfield. Please RSVP by contacting Amanda Clark at (336) 373-4816, ext. 265, or ruraloutreach@senior-resources-guilford.org.
Lions Club | The Oak Ridge Lions Club, which helps people who are sight- or hearing-impaired, meets the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68, Oak Ridge. More info: Danny Yanusz, (336) 643-6424.
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TOWN COUNCIL
...continued from p. 7
The legislation gave options for Rockingham County to do their own thing,” Sullivan said, adding that after further discussions, it became apparent there were too many unanswered questions.
participating entities to develop a Request for Qualifications (RFQs) for engineering/ professional services to conduct a preliminary feasibility study for the development of a regional water system.
Sullivan said Rockingham County and its municipalities have now formally stated they aren’t interested in participating in a regional water authority, as they all have their own treatment plants and distribution systems.
“We would advertise for RFQs and then go through the evaluation and negotiation process to arrive at a price for the study … there would be no further obligation on our part to do anything beyond that,” Sullivan said, noting this topic had been discussed many times in staff/council member meetings.
Guilford County Manager Marty Lawing, who has experience with water systems, has subsequently drafted an MOU for Guilford County, Summerfield, Stokesdale and Oak Ridge to seek a qualified engineer firm to conduct a water feasibility study. Stokesdale Town Council approved the MOU at its Jan. 4 weekly council meeting and Guilford County Commissioners approved it earlier in the evening. “This MOU is very limited in scope,” Sullivan stressed, explaining it calls for the
At this point McClellan motioned to adopt the MOU and Kinneman seconded. What followed was an hour-plus discussion/debate, in which Nodine and Stone expressed strong opposition to approving the MOU as it was written.
3 2 to approve the MOU as writ-
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CITIZEN COMMENTS Patty Paslaru, a member of the town’s Planning and Zoning Board, said she wanted to see the town consider all options for addressing concerns about water quality and quantity. “By appointing a water authority we may be giving up our options,” she said, noting the powers a water authority could have by legislation scared her. “I do think we need water options, but am not sure this authority is the way we want to go.” Paslaru also said the town had previously discussed at length how high a cell phone tower could be, and wondered about the height and size of elevated water storage tanks/stations. Concluding, Paslaru said she hoped when the town moved forward on obtaining trail easements it would consider only voluntary easements and not eminent domain. Jerry Cooke, an Oak Ridge resident and developer, said he was against the town participating in a regional water authority and although people who opposed rezoning requests often expressed concerns about the water supply, he didn’t know anyone without water. When Cooke suggested the town was moving forward with a water authority, Sullivan corrected him and said the MOU was only for a water feasibility study. “We don’t have a (water) problem – so why are we beating on it?” Cooke then asked. “How many citizens have said they don’t have adequate water?” To that, Sullivan responded, “Quite a few – it’s a constant conversation,” citing homes on Gumwood Road (off Bunch Road) and Merriman Road, among others. “You should have brought this up much earlier – obviously you’ve worked on it for a long time, but I haven’t seen anything about it. Why the hurry?” Cooke asked. Sullivan said the enabling legislation that provided $14.5 million to form a regional water authority had just passed in July. “And by the way, you do know someone who has a well problem – me. And there are lots of others,” Sullivan added. Roger Howerton, a former and long-
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time council member, corrected an earlier comment by Nodine, saying there had been seven, not four, gas-contaminated wells from a former service station near the corner of Linville Road and N.C. 150. “Also, it doesn’t make you happy when you get in the middle of a shower and the water cuts off. I’ve experienced that for several years,” he continued. “We finally have that corrected and have water coming in (after Aqua North Carolina extended waterlines to Howerton’s neighborhood). But there’s another thing that concerns me. I’ve been affiliated with this council going back to 1998 and we are still supplying the same water to our fire department – and when you don’t have available water to fight a fire and you have to go to a lake and use tankers to shuttle water, it’s hard to do and it’s expensive. “But there’s another thing even worse. You’ve got an enormous landfill setting northwest of us – and I don’t know how long those liners in those landfills last, but if they start leaking and that water gets into the underground water it’s going to come toward Oak Ridge.” Twenty years ago much of the land in Oak Ridge was farmland and there was very little residential and commercial development, Howerton said. “We’re still growing. Are we satisfied tonight that we’re going to meet the demand with what we presently have or are we going to keep step with what’s happening?” Before closing, Howerton said his neighborhood’s water was contaminated in 1990 with high-test (leaded) gasoline, which “went out” in 1975. “It took it that long (15 years) to get into the groundwater,” he said. Ray Combs, former council member and mayor, apologized for the time he was about to take, but he said he needed to clarify some things. Referring to the USGS study which Councilman Nodine had earlier referenced, he said he had met with Nodine and Stone and discussed the 696-gallonper-day water recharge rate and “that amount refers to the regolith, which is the first 25 to 90 feet beneath us.”
Our drinking water comes from much deeper than that, where the percentage of porosity is 1 to 3 percent, Combs said. “So of 696 gallons, very little gets to the bedrock where we get our water,” he stressed, noting that things like evaporation, stream flow and the amount of impervious surfaces affect the water in the regolith. “To simply state we have enough water and we don’t need a water system is wrong,” Combs said. “Mike (Councilman Stone), you asked, ‘Who knows how much water we have?’ That’s a question that scares me to death. We don’t know! “Developing a water system is a longterm event,” Combs continued. “I personally don’t need a water system. And I will be long dead and gone before a waterline runs down my street. But how much has the population of Oak Ridge increased since the study was done (in 1998)? How many more straws have we put in the ground to suck the water up? How much impervious surface?” Combs then thanked the three council members who voted to participate in the water feasibility study, and in a quote that has been attributed to President John F. Kennedy, he asked, “If not now, when? And if not us, who?” To Nodine and Stone, Combs said, “It would be fair for you to state now for the record you are against a water system. Go ahead and vote against it. And let’s just let the chips fall where they may.”
The first of two periods for Citizen Comments closed at about 9:10 p.m. and was followed by a financial report given by Finance Officer Sam Anders and community updates. A second period for Citizen Comments was offered afterward, during which Old Mill of Guilford owner Amy Klug expressed concerns about the impact of explosives set off near the mill on Dec. 18 (see article in this issue), Linville Oaks resident Steve Holmes expressed concerns about ongoing water and mud runoff coming from the connector road between his neighborhood and the adjoining Knights Landing development under construction, and Sam Anders, manager of Linville Road Associates, asked for the council’s help with an issue involving signage for Oak Ridge Business Center (corner of Linville Road and N.C. 68) that he had agreed to move when Bojangles’ built on property in front of the center. Anders stressed that the problem did not involve the property owner and his partners, but was with representatives of Bojangles’. “Our concern is that there are so many discrepancies that giving them (Bojangles’) a CO (Certificate of Occupancy) to fully operate would put us right down the same CrossFit road,” Anders said.
COUNCIL COMMENTS Following council comments, the meeting adjourned at 9:54 p.m.
GRINS & GRIPES Delighted or dismayed by something in your community? Share your thoughts in
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. Reynolds and staff. I never knew going to the orthodontist as an adult could be so easy and so much fun! Thanks for making me laugh. Maria Adams and Stacy Hall of Maria Adams Design, Amanzi Marble & Granite, Marsh Kitchens, Sherwin Williams in Oak Ridge, Northwest Middle School custodial staff, PTSO and administrative team and Muirhead family for making Northwest Middle School’s teachers’ lounge so beautiful. Summerfield Veterinary Hospital. The doctors and staff are very friendly,
courteous and care deeply about the well-being of our fur babies. Special shout-out to Dr. Tribbett, who is very knowledgeable and thorough! Kris Cayton and A New Dawn Realty for the professional teamwork in selling our home. Helping friends. A middle-aged man left a local tavern carrying on about “space monkeys” when a good Samaritan driving a red Mazda who seemed to know him happened by and offered him a ride home. The young man who worked on the register at the Dollar General in Summerfield last Friday afternoon. You are polite, respectful and patient. There is hope for our youth! The Greensboro News & Record paper carrier for bringing the paper in such terrible weather conditions. You made my day! Oak Ridge Elementary School second graders for collecting 147 pairs of gloves, 96 hats and other winter accessories for the local kids in our community that the ORUMC Backpack Ministry supports. We couldn’t have done it without your help! Organizers of the Women’s March (in DC, globally) on Jan 21. I’ll be there with my sisters, cousin, niece, friends and others to show solidarity not only for women’s rights, but also human rights against sexism, bigotry, racism,
...continued on p. 18
NO JOINING FEE IN JANUARY – SAVE UP TO $75 My Y is Now Every Y in NC & VA* 8 Area YMCA Locations • SpearsYMCA.org The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
You can now use your Y Membership at other YMCAs across NC & VA at no extra charge. *Some restrictions apply.
JAN. 13 - 19, 2017
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GRINS & GRIPES
...continued from p. 17 xenophobia and Islamophobia. The man in the burgundy pickup who stopped and helped me get my car unstuck on Haw River Road when the ice got the better of me. I will pay your kindness forward. The awesome neighbor who plowed Windswept Drive and Vernon Woods, which allowed us to get around so much sooner and get to work on time Monday morning! Town council members Sullivan, McClellan and Kinneman for supporting
a no-cost study to figure out whether a regional water authority makes sense for Oak Ridge. You are looking out for our future! Oak Ridge councilmen Doug Nodine and Mike Stone for focusing on the needs and considerations of Oak Ridge’s current citizens.
GRIPES to... Those responsible for two huge explosions in Oak Ridge on Sunday, Dec. 18. They were so severe they shook our house, scaring our little dog and causing her to jump and break her leg so badly she required emergency surgery.
LeBauer HealthCare is pleased to announce a new family practice location coming to your neighborhood this winter. The newest of 8 primary care locations, LeBauer HealthCare at Summerfield Village will offer care for all ages and is part of Cone Health Medical Group—a provider-led network of specialty and primary care medical practices. Working with the region’s largest and most comprehensive network, you and your family can count on exceptional care and the convenience of same-day appointments, on-site lab services and access to your electronic medical records through the MyChart patient portal.
LeBauer HealthCare Partnering for exceptional care.
Summerfield Village 4446-A US Hwy 220 N, Summerfield, NC (336) 560-6300 Visit us at lebauer.com for more information.
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JAN. 13 - 19, 2017
Katherine Tabori, MD Dr. Tabori is a family medicine physician and has been with LeBauer HealthCare for 10 years. She enjoys caring for every member of the family, from newborn babies up through and including greatgrandparents. Dr. Tabori and our staff look forward to serving the families of Summerfield this winter.
DAM EXPLOSIONS ...continued from p. 1
questions have persisted. Who set them off, and why? If explosives were used to breach a beaver dam, is it legal to do so – and if so, do you need a permit? Was anyone notified in advance? On Dec. 19, Capt. Robert Elliott with the sheriff’s District 1 office confirmed deputies responded to a call about explosions off Stafford Mill Road the previous afternoon, but found no evidence of criminal activity and a report was not filed. Oak Ridge Fire Chief Steve Simmons confirmed the fire department was not notified in advance of the explosions. Town of Oak Ridge staff said they were not notified. After contacting Mike Stone, president of the Homeowners Association for Old Mill Homesteads’ off N.C. 68 (across from the Old Mill), he confirmed the explosives were set off on private property in his neighborhood and explained: “Our HOA owns 44 acres of common property for the mutual and exclusive use of the property owners. In the past several years we have had to hike and inspect our property to remove trespassers (typically illegal deer stands) from our property. This year, hiking the property was prevented due to the construction of a large beaver dam that had caused significant flooding, damaged trees and undergrowth, destroyed wildlife habitats, and preventing owners from accessing and enjoying the property. “Flooding had begun to encroach upon individual properties as well,” he continued. “A decision was made to address the issue by using legal methods to breach the beaver dam. Neighborhood residents were made aware of the detrimental situation as well as the planned remedy prior to the activity.” The exploding target used to breach the beaver dam was Tannerite, which combines ammonium nitrate and aluminum powder, sold separately in a kit– and purchased legally. After the two powders are mixed, the explosive is detonated when shot by a high-powered firearm. Beavers, the largest rodents in North America, are often viewed as a nuisance, particularly when they establish their territories near humans. Their dams often
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
block drainage ditches and culverts, and cause flooding in agricultural fields, roads and residential areas. They also flood some forest areas, and can destroy timber by chewing on or felling trees. North Carolina’s Beaver Management Assistance Program (BMAP) was created by state legislative action in 1992 to help manage ever-increasing problems caused by beavers on private and public lands. While it is not legal to destroy a beaver’s habitat, it is legal to breach and remove a beaver dam, according to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission – and no permit is required to do so. Oak Ridge’s Historic Preservation Commission Chairman Ann Schneider said she has concerns about the damage the explosions on Dec. 18 may have done to the Old Mill, which is especially vulnerable because of its age and laid stone foundation. “I wish this had been considered more before the blasting took place,” Schneider said. “Going forward, I would like to see our town adopt an ordinance that would restrict the use of explosives in Oak Ridge to protect our community and irreplaceable historic sites as many small towns in North Carolina have done.” “These explosions caught us all by surprise, and they definitely present a cause for concern for public safety,” Oak Ridge Mayor Spencer Sullivan said. “The Town is currently researching what other municipalities do to regulate and restrict such activity, to see what actions we might want to take in that regard.” Stone said, in retrospect, “It would certainly have been appropriate to find ways to communicate what had taken place when concerns and questions were raised by our friends and neighbors in order to dispel rumors and answer legitimate questions. While there’s no way to contact ‘everybody,’ there’s no doubt that better communications within our town and neighborhoods greatly benefit everyone. “I trust that everyone understands there is a balance between conducting perfectly legal activities on private properties and the public’s right to know (as opposed to perceived right to ‘approve’ such activities). However, I think there’s still an opportunity to create better information sharing.
AUTOS FOR SALE
LOST & FOUND
PUBLIC NOTICE CONT.
2007 WHITE H2 HUMMER, grey leather int., exc. cond., 92K miles, woman-driven, $25,900. (336) 298-4349.
BROKEN RING in a ziplock bag, lost in the Oak Ridge area. Holds sentimental value. Reward! Call (336) 708-9948.
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.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Article II - Administration and Enforcement; Article IV - Boards and Commissions; Article VI - Permits and Procedures; Article VII- Zoning; Article VIII - Subdivisions; Article IX - Development Standards; Article X- Environmental Regulations; and Appendices. Full text of the proposed revisions is available at Town Hall.
CHILDCARE AVAILABLE Place online at
DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue
NEED HELP? Call (336) 644-7035 ext. 10 Mon - Fri • 9am -2pm
INDEX Autos for Sale ............................. 19 Childcare Available ..................... 19 Employment ............................... 19 Lost & Found .............................. 19 Public Notice .............................. 19 Save the Date ............................ 19 Youth Sports ............................... 19 Home Services ....................... 20-21 Misc. Services.............................. 21 Misc. for Sale ............................. 21 Misc. Wanted ............................. 21 Pets & Animal Services ............... 21 Real Estate ............................ 21-22
Affordable, reliable IN-HOME CHILDCARE, Stokesdale area. $150/child per week. Please call (336) 312-3042.
EMPLOYMENT Oak Ridge Physical Therapy – PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT (PTA). Full-time NC-licensed PTA. Seeking exceptional person to treat outpatient orthopaedic, sports, industrial and balance patients. Great facility and environment. Background criminal, drug & financial check will be done. Mail resume to: PO Box 875, Oak Ridge, NC 27310. Oak Ridge Physical Therapy -– PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDE. Part-time (Mon.-Fri., from 4-6:30pm). Seeking exceptional person to perform a variety of tasks including: clinical tasks delegated by PT, scheduling/ calling patients, laundry, cleaning, misc. Background criminal, drug & financial check will be done. Mail resume to: PO Box 875, Oak Ridge, NC 27310. MAISY DAISY FLORIST in Stokesdale needs a floral designer and a P/T delivery driver. For more info, apply in person at 7779B US Hwy. 68N, Stokesdale, or call (336) 441-8611. 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.
TOWN OF OAK RIDGE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Oak Ridge Town Council and the Town of Oak Ridge Planning & Zoning Board will hold separate public hearings to consider requests to amend the Official Town of Oak Ridge Zoning Map. The Planning & Zoning Board and Town Council may also consider requests for subdivisions and other matters. Any zoning decision of the Oak Ridge Planning & Zoning Board is forwarded as a recommendation to the Oak Ridge Town Council. Planning & Zoning Board: Thurs., Jan. 26, 7pm, Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. Town Council: Thursday, Feb. 2, 7pm, at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. PUBLIC HEARINGS: REZONING CASE # RZ-17-01: AG-SP and RS-40 to CU-RPD. Located at 2910 Oak Ridge Road, on the south side of Oak Ridge Road approximately 250 feet east of Misty Hollow Lane, on the east side of Misty Hollow Lane at its terminus, and at the terminus of Grey Fox Road, in Oak Ridge Township. Being Guilford County Tax Parcels #0163027, 0163014, 0167495, 0163300, and 0163038, approximately 73.45 acres. Located in the Greensboro (GW-III) Watershed, and Scenic Corridor Overlay Zone (part). Owned by James and Florence Burnette. TEXT AMENDMENT. Amendments proposed to Chapter 30 and Chapter 35 of the Oak Ridge Code of Ordinances to ensure compliance with state statutes, to amend portions of the public street standards in the subdivision ordinance, to amend approval authority for minor subdivisions and site plans, and to update the Town’s addressing ordinance. Proposed amendments include but are not exclusive of Article I - In General;
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
All citizens will be given an opportunity to be heard at these meetings. Ron Simpson, Planning & Zoning Board Chair Spencer Sullivan, Mayor
SAVE THE DATE 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. Dave Ramsey’s FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY, beginning Jan. 25, 6:30-9pm, Oak Ridge United Methodist Church. For more information, call the church office at (336) 643-4690, or visit oakridgeumc.org.
YOUTH SPORTS ORYA GIRLS LACROSSE registration closes on Sunday, Jan. 15 – don’t forget to register! Go to www.orya.org and click on the Register Now link. Then select Girls Spring Lacrosse 2017. Two divisions available: elementary (grades 3-5) and middle school (grades 6-8). All skill levels welcome! There will also be a FREE girls lacrosse clinic this Saturday, Jan. 14, 1-3pm, at Oak Ridge Elementary. This is a great opportunity for new players and returning players. We will have NW High School girls lacrosse players helping at the clinic. Please RSVP to Jaime@orya.org if you would like to attend. Please bring a girls lacrosse stick, protective goggles and a mouthguard if possible. We will be outside, so please dress accordingly.
...continued on p. 20
JAN. 13 - 19, 2017
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HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
CLEANING
GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES
ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035.
MASONRY
CARPET CLEANING. We clean the dirt out of your carpet, not the money out of your pockets! Call David, Cleaning Solutions, (336) 989-4318, thecleaning.solutions or find us on FB at Cleaning Solutions Carpet 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 exp. Free estimates., excellent references. (336) 338-0223. HOME CLEANING. Afford. rates, ref. avail., 10 years exp. Elizabeth, (336) 453-8592. CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Will fit to your budget. Pet taxi/pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838. 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.
ELECTRICAL BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC Residential, commercial & solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192.
FLOORING MONTERO’S HARDWOOD FLOORING Installation of hardwood, laminate & tile; hardwood sanding & finishing. Commercial & residential. Insured, 17 years experience. Free estimates & excellent references. Visit Monteros-hardwood-flooring.com, or call (336) 215-8842.
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JAN. 13 - 19, 2017
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
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. 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.
GRADING / HAULING PEARMAN QUARRY HAULING Fill dirt, gravel, sand rock, mulch & more. Joel Richardson, (336) 803-2195. 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.
LAWN CARE / LANDSCAPING 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. FAY’S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Snow plowing, tree pruning, general yard clean up. Pine needles & mulch. Reasonable and honest. Call Taylor, (336) 464-5215. BRAD’S BOBCAT. Mulch, landscaping, pine needles and straw. (336) 362-3647.
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.
MISC. SERVICES & PRODUCTS ON EAGLE’S WINGS residential home design/drafting. Call Patti, (336) 605-0519. GAS LOGS, WOOD STOVES, INSERTS, fireplaces, sold, serviced and repaired. Call Don Hill, (336) 643-7183.
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. 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. 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. TRACTOR FOR HIRE - Bush hogging, grading, brush/tree removal. (336) 207-6632. ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875. CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 6439332, carolinaStumpAndTreeServices.com.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
PAINTING & DRYWALL PAINTING – INTERIOR & EXTERIOR 32 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. No job too small. Insured. Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186.
BEK Paint Co. Residential & Commercial David & Judy Long, owners
(336) 931-0600
BEKPaintCompany.com • References Available • Licensed & Insured • All Work Guaranteed
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
MISC. FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE
STILL PERFECTION PAINTING Reliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com.
JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com.
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.
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
CINDY’S PAINTING – Interior painting, wallpaper removal. References & free estimates available. (336) 708-9155.
PREMIER CONSTRUCTION. Providing all of your home maintenance needs, remodeling and new construction. (336) 430-9507.
SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered and stacked, 1/2 cord, $80. Call (336) 686-6373
PLUMBING
BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, siding, dock work, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 35 years exp. (336) 362-6343.
BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic. & insured. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924. WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING, Inc. (336) 992-2503. Licensed, insured, bonded. 24/7 service. Plumbing, drain cleaning, well pumps. Give us a call, we do it all! Go to www.webstersplumbing.com for more info.
POWER WASHING PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Fully insured. Crystal Clear, www. windowcleaningnc.com. (336) 595-2873.
REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION
TM
Construction Services, INC
BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS
Sidewalks | Driveways | Stamped concrete
ROOFING 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. 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. 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) 944-6118, or visit redrhinoroofing.com.
644-8615 office 508-5242 cell
PREMIER ROOFING CONSTRUCTION Insurance specialist, free inspections, res./ comm., BBB A rating. (336) 430-9507.
Licensed & insured
The Northwest Observer
NC Gen. Contractor #72797
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. ORTIZ REMODELING – Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981.
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. COMPUTER REPAIRS – ITBASICS.COM Inside Mailboxes & More, Oak Ridge Commons. (336) 643-0068.
SEASONED OAK FIREWOOD, $80/pickup load, delivered & stacked. (336) 253-7615. 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.
Got stuff? Sell it here in the
NWO classifieds submit your ad at
www.nwobserver.com 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.
PETS & ANIMAL SVCS. 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.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
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.
Want to reach our readers (all 25,000+ of them)?
Call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10, or email info@nwobserver.com for advertising information.
HOMES FOR RENT Room for rent in STOKESDALE AREA. Furnished and utilities included. $450/mo. Call (336) 686-1137. Se Habla Español. STOKESDALE, lovely brick ranch, 3BR, 2BA, fireplace, 2-car garage, deck. $950/ month. (336) 377-9399. STUDIO APARTMENT, Oak Ridge / Summerfield border, all open, like new, full kitchen, all appliances, TWC wi-fi & digital cable TV, electric incl., $750/mo. No pets. (336) 689-4512. DUPLEX, 2BR, 1BA, only two months old, appliances furnished. $700/mo. (336) 706-1887.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Roseann Staaf Realtor®/ Broker
allentate.com/RoseannStaaf
(336) 613-7925
...continued on p. 22 JAN. 13 - 19, 2017
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REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
Gail H. Kerber
REAL ESTATE
OPEN HOUSE: Sun, Jan 15 • 2-4pm
PARADE OF HOMES BEAUTY!
2204 Cedar Waxwing Court
Energy Star new construction with n’hood pool and clubhouse. Beautifully appointed with top-of-the-line everything! Screened porch and patio with firepit overlooking level acre on cul-de-sac. Oak Ridge/Northwest Schools. Rave reviews for this builder team! Offered now at $650,000.
REALTOR®/BROKER
(336) 327-1165
kerbappeals@gmail.com
www.kerbappeals.com
We Help Everyone! SELLERS & BUYERS
7309 Lees Ridge Road, Oak Ridge Meticulously maintained, one-owner home features master bedroom and luxury bath, plus two bedrooms on first floor. Gourmet kitchen with stainless, granite and breakfast area. Plenty of space on upper level, plus unfinished attic. Huge bonus room. $388,000
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
Ramilya Siegel CRS, GRI, SRES, Chairman’s Circle Award ( 336 ) 215.9856
6861 Matzinger Court, Oak Ridge
Jake Letterman
Nancy J. Hess
(336) 338-0136
nancy.hess@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 215-1820
ramilya.siegel@atcmail.com www.allentate.com/RamilyaSiegel
(336) 643-4248
www.ANewDawnRealty.com
OPEN HOUSE: Sun, Jan 15 • 2-4pm
OPEN HOUSES Sun, Jan 15 • 2- 4pm
Tell our readers about your business! For advertising information, call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10, or email advertising@nwobserver.com.
HOMES FOR SALE
123 Dream Lane 7570 Haw Meadows Dr, Kernersville
8179 Sanfords Creek Drive, Colfax
$519,900
ENERGY STAR HOME ALMOST READY FOR YOU! Enjoy the benefits of this Healthy, Energy-Efficient, Eco-Friendly, Comfortable, 4BR/3.5BA, 3,300+ sq. ft. home. Main Level Master, Northwest Co. Schools and many great features. $439,900
105 Gideons Mill Dr, Stokesdale $289,000
155 Gideons Mill Dr, Stokesdale
Real estate showcase ads in the NWO get noticed! Include a photo and description of your listing, Realtor photo, logo and contact info – all for only $80!
$299,000
DeDe Cunningham
GIL VAUGHAN
REALTOR®/Broker NC Licensed Contractor
Realtor ® /Broker • (336) 337-4780
(336) 509-1923 www.dedestriadhomes.com dedecunningham@kw.com
Place your real estate showcase today (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 advertising@nwobserver.com
1804 Ole Hollow Court, Oak Ridge Custom all-brick home with finished basement, 5 bedroom options and 3-car garage. Third floor walkup storage area could be finished. Oak Ridge Elementary/Northwest High! $460,000
Chandra Tippett chandra@triadhomesales.com (336) 749-7977
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JAN. 13 - 19, 2017
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4N real es orthwest G uilford tate br iefs 19 Real Esta Questi ons & te Answer s 23 See which
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There’s no place like the cover.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
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
MEDICAL CARE, EYE CARE, PT
index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS
thanks to all the advertisers
who partnered with us to bring you this free community resource A/C & HEATING Stokesdale Heating & Air.......................8
ACCOUNTING Carlotta Lytton, CPA, PA ....................15 Samuel Anders, CPA, MSA, PC .............7
ART / DANCE / KARATE Northern Arts .......................................4
BANK
CHIROPRACTIC Summerfield Family Chiropractic ..........8
HEALTH & FITNESS
PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS
SNAP Fitness ........................................3 YMCA of Greensboro .........................17
Northwest Animal Hospital ....................6 Veterinary Hospital at Oak Ridge.........15
HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES
REAL ESTATE
BEK Paint Company ............................20 Carpets By Direct ..................................5 Carpet Super Mart .........................12-13 Furniture Medic ...................................20 Old School Home Repair .....................20 Pest Management Systems Inc. ...........14 ProStone..............................................10
INSURANCE Gladwell Insurance Agency ...................3
Bank of Oak Ridge ...............................7
BUILDER TM Construction Services ...................21
Bethany Medical Center .....................16 Cone Health – MedCenter ....................9 LeBauer Healthcare ...........................18 Novant - Northwest Family Medicine ... 11
A New Dawn Realty ............................22 Chandra Tippett, Berkshire Hathaway 22 Dede Cunningham, Keller Williams ....22 Gil Vaughan, Keller Williams ...............22 Jake Letterman, Berkshire Hathaway .22 KERBAPPEALS – Gail Kerber .............22 Nancy Hess, Berkshire Hathaway .......22 Ramilya Siegel, Allen Tate ..................22 Roseann Staaf, Allen Tate ...................21
9th annual ed ition
Coming to your
mailbox late January A directory jam-packed with valuable information for northwest Guilford County residents
RETAIL
LEGAL SERVICES Attorney Bill Barbour ..........................10 Law Office of Susan Greeson ...............6
BiRite Food Center ...............................2
Keeping you connected
20 years and counting Contact us for info on advertising in the Northwest Observer advertising@nwobserver.com | (336) 644-7035, ext. 10
Laura Reneer
Annette Joyce
associate publisher
advertising manager
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
JAN. 13 - 19, 2017
23
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Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22 ECRWSS
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Longtime Oak Ridge resident Gr eg Gardella and hi brush up on curre s brother-in-law, Sc nt events in the N ott Hildreth, orthwest Observe r while visiting Jeru salem, Israel.
McGuirk (left) and Tim and Heather Summerfield residents Bruce and Carmen Park in Alberta, Canada, this summer. They Sessoms traveled together to Banf f National e, and posed with it against the beautiful took their Northwest Observer along, of cours backdrop of the glacially-fed Moraine Lake.