Feb. 13 - 19, 2015
bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996
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‘Love the Bus,’ thank a bus driver
Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO
(L to R) Marcus Thompson, Genean Summers and Kurtis Taylor enjoy the schedule, challenges and rewards that come with being school bus drivers.
In conjunction with the annual ‘Love the Bus’ celebration sponsored by the American School Bus Council, Feb. 9-13 is also School Bus Driver Appreciation Week. In honor of these events, we asked three northwest-area school bus drivers to share their thoughts on the responsibilities and rewards of driving a school bus.
IN THIS ISSUE
by PATTI STOKES
NW GUILFORD – After the company she had been working for went out of business, Genean Summers took a dramatic career turn. “I wanted to do something totally different,” Summers said. “Some of my friends encouraged me to drive a school bus, and I took the test and passed.” Because she wanted to wait until both her children were in middle school, however, it was two years before
...continued on p. 14
News in brief ..........................3 Your Questions ......................4 Town Park Phase 2 ................5 Bus Drivers..............................8 Oak Ridge Town Council ...10 Business Notes ....................12 Celebration .........................12 Bits & Pieces ........................13 High School Sports .............18 Student Profiles ...................19 Crime/Incident Report ..... 20 Community Calendar .......21 Letters/Opinions .................24 Grins & Gripes .....................25 Classifieds ...........................27 Index of Advertisers ...........31
Navy Band Sea Chanters to perform in Oak Ridge
The community is invited to hear them sing – for free – on March 11 by ANNETTE JOYCE
The Navy Band Sea Chanters, the official chorus of the United States Navy, will perform on Wednesday, March 11, at 7:30 p.m. at Oak Ridge Military Academy’s Bonner Field House. This Washington, D.C. group of talented men and women features the cream of the crop when it comes to vocal performances. Having them perform
here in Oak Ridge is a real coup for the community, says Chief Daryl Duff, the military academy’s music director and retired Sea Chanter. According to their website, the Sea Chanters “are frequently found at the center of our most important national events.” The group performed at the 2009 presidential inauguration and has provided music for the funerals of Presidents Nixon and Reagan, the interment of first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and performed in the U.S. Capitol’s rotunda while President Ford was lying in state. The Sea Chanters also sang
at the memorials for the astronauts of the space shuttles Challenger and Columbia and United Airlines’ Flight 93 crash site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Following the events of 9/11, the group’s performance of “Amazing Grace” during the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance at Washington’s National Cathedral inspired the nation. The Sea Chanters have also performed with the National Symphony Orchestra, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and with musical stars including Lee Greenwood, Perry Como,
...continued on p. 23
Photo courtesy of U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters
The U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters will offer a free performance in Oak Ridge on March 11.
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5402 Westfield Drive
$2,900,000
Web ID 718499
This artistic home has over 11,000sf on 4 levels. Elevator, 3 stairs, 8 stone fireplaces, 2 gourmet kitchens, 7 baths, guest quarters, pool, cabana, Gazebo, waterfalls, theater, exercise/yoga room. Would make a great bed & breakfast.
Ann Hardee 336-327-8440
7059 Toscana Trace
$850,000
Web ID 690332
Elegant open floorplan flows easily through beautifully appointed rooms, fabulous 1 st floor master with breakfast bar & sauna. Gourmet kitchen, 2-story den, large bedrooms with ensuite baths, office/bonus room.
Tom Chitty 336-420-2836
6239 Stanback Court
$489,900
Web ID 713924
4 bed / 4.1 bath, 4,462sf of quality construction in sought-after Summerfield/Northern schools. Super kitchen, huge island, granite countertops, extensive hardwoods, 2 bonus/ 1+theater. Each bed with bath access. Swim, tennis neighborhood.
Nancy Hess
336-215-1820
6308 Autumn Crest Court $434,900
Web ID 697857
Stunning 4 bed / 3.1 bath home on quiet cul-de-sac in the heart of Henson Forest. Private mountain-like setting and view. Open floorplan. Beautiful millwork. Master on the main level. Screen porch. 3-car garage.
Mark Yost 336-707-6275
6807 Danbers Court
$246,900
Web ID 724546
New price in Stonehenge. 4 bed, 1.93-acre cul-de-sac lot. Open den/kitchen with crown molding, recessed lights. Master with tray ceiling, bonus room. New carpet in upper beds, hall. Vinyl-wrapped windows. Home Warranty.
Janice McCulloch
336-848-6155
8607 Cedar Hollow
$1,799,000
Web ID 672530
Enjoy panoramic lake views from most rooms of this Italian-style villa resting on a private 3.9-acre lot in northwest Greensboro. Gated entrance, 5 beds / 6.1 baths, 8,800sf on 3 levels with elevator, 3-car garage.
Sveta Krylova
336-254-3379
5805 Mashoes Court
$1,495,000
Kay Chesnutt 336-202-9687
5811 Billet Road
$759,000
Web ID 727195
5 bed / 4.2 bath. Gorgeous rolling pastures with 4-board fencing, 2 barns, arena, generously-sized storage, and great Southern porch that reminds to slow down and relax. Privately-nestled down a long tree-lined drive. A must see.
Nancy Hess
336-215-1820
Web ID 714478
Lake view home has it all. Quality construction and handicap accessible with elevator. Master suite on main, great open floorplan, lower level home theatre, outdoor recreation/entertaining center on water, and much more.
6303 Poplar Forest Drive Wonderful 4 bed / 4.1 bath home. Main level master. Gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances, gas cooktop, keeping. Greatroom, office, dining, bonus. Home theater. Screen porch, outdoor kitchen, excellent storage.
Nancy Hess
Web ID 727241
336-215-1820
7740 Chesterbrooke Drive 4 bed / 4 bath, ~ 3,300sf in northeast Stonebridge. Open floorplan, incredible eat-in kitchen. Main level master and additional bed with bath. Covered back porch, stone patio, and hot tub island.
Web ID 711671
$475,000
Joyce Norris 336-327-3650
Stan Humble
336-253-3851
6912 Polo Farms Drive
$389,900 Web ID 704821
3 bed / 3.1 bath gorgeous custom-built brick home in Polo Farms with finished basement. Magnificent double stained glass doors open to wide entry, spacious livingroom with gas log stone fireplace opens to kitchen. Amazing master.
Catherine Charguia 336-387-2012
7614 Middle Drive
$209,400
Web ID 727771
Now under contract! Well-kept home with plenty of amenities including a rocking chair front porch, spacious deck, kitchen large enough for an island, 3 good-sized bedrooms, den with remote gas-log fireplace, 2-car garage, and more.
Tom English 336-419-9026
Adams Farm 336—854—1333
Web ID 721032
Waban Carter 336-601-6363
6089 Grinsted Court
$399,500 Web ID 721959
Bill Ownbey 910-279-3080
7009 Mustang Court
$699,900
7604 Blue Sage Court
Home features 4 beds / 3.1 baths. Main level master with elegant bath. Greatroom with fireplace, built-in shelves, vaulted ceiling. Formal dining/living room with wet bar. Granite counters. Large screen porch. Huge bonus room.
Web ID 718391
Designed for easy living. 5 bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom. 2 family rooms, and main/lower level in-law suite option. 3-car garage, mudroom, study, exercise room, workshop, and more.
Lovely home,.great kitchen, breakfast/keeping room. Huge main level master with sitting area and fireplace. Exceptional outdoor living area with kitchen, fireplace. Private, wooded backyard. New paint, carpet.
$484,000
6261 Lake Brandt
$1,195,000
Great opportunity to own this beautiful Kris Spence design. Fully-operational, 18 hole, par 3 golf course. Resident converted to clubhouse, previous horse farm with 5000sf, 10-stall barn all overlooking this 35-acre parcel.
$669,900 Web ID 718974
Joyce Norris 336-327-3650
336-601-4765
5810 Beckenham Way
$575,000
Web ID 712809
Large private lot with Meredith pool and patio. Wood-Mode cabinetry and granite. Built-in appliances. Main level master. Finished basement. Exquisite woodworking and trims. Screen porch, gazebo and brick/stamped patios.
Kay Tolbert
336-202-1809
6977 Kellam Ridge Drive
Melissa Greer
336-337-5233
$445,000 Web ID 717435
Tom Heslin 336-456-0810
8711 Bromfield Road
7620 Cedar Chase Drive
Amazing find in Oak Ridge. Custom-built brick home with 3-car garage and 3 fireplaces on 0.90-acre lot at the end of a cul-de-sac. Main level master with open floorplan. Schedule an appointment to see.
Ready for new owners. 4 bed / 3 bath in desirable northwest Greensboro. Granite, hardwoods, all appliances to remain. Beautiful designer touches throughout the whole home. Motivated sellers. Come and take a look.
$375,000
Web ID 728170
Chandra Tippett 336-759-7977
832 Glencoe Church Loop
Deryle Peaslee-Wood
336-207-0515
Old world charm adorns this custom masterpiece, combining luxury, elegance, and entertainment space. Gourmet kitchen with large island, granite counter tops, and expansive cabinet space is surrounded by a formal dining room.
Web ID 724907
Wonderful investment opportunity with 13.09-acres including 2 single family homes and several structures. Enjoy rental income from 2 properties with plenty of space to build a dream home. Possible development potential.
•
Michelle Porter
611 Mashie Drive
$448,000
7544 Dubach Road
Web ID 730118
Web ID 720385
Below tax value. Incredible custom home with scenic golf course views. Gourmet kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, granite countertops, and tile backsplash. Deluxe master suite with luxurious bathroom and stone gas fireplace.
Super cute, totally remodeled, 3-4 bed (2 up, 2 down), 2.1 new bath Summerfield home on 1-acre lot. Vinyl siding/ windows, 2 new heatpumps, new granite kitchen with stainless appliances. Laminate hardwood and vinyl floor.
$190,000
6343 Poplar Forest
$949,000
Beautiful retreat in Henson Forest. This stately 4 bed / 5.1 bath home has luxurious custom features & charm throughout. Spectacular kitchen, basement with room to spare, and exterior features including screen porch and large deck.
$189,900
Web ID 653462
Mark Yost 336-707-6275
Elm Street 336—272—0151 • Friendly Center 336—370—4000
©2015 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.
$319,900
Jim Dowell
Web ID 721876
336-207-1906
4610 Pine Cove Road
$154,900
Web ID 722189
Located in northwest Greensboro, this single-level 3 bed / 2 bath home is ready for personal touches. Both master and second baths have been updated. Expansive living & formal dining rooms, large kitchen with breakfast nook
George Greenway 336-387-2151
NEWS in brief
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Stokesdale makes Nerdwallet’s top 10 list
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STOKESDALE – Stokesdale has made it to the top. In a report released by webbased Nerdwallet on Feb. 3, the community of about 5,400 residents ranked eighth on the top 10 list of “Best Cities for Young Families in North Carolina.”
paced population growth rate.
In creating the list, 147 communities with over 5,000 residents were analyzed for four key considerations: home affordability, prosperity and growth, quality of education – and new this year, family friendliness, which looked at the percentage of families with school-age children and the poverty rate for young children.
Stokesdale Mayor Randy Braswell said the survey results revealed nothing new to him.
Eight of the top 10 cities on the list are in the Raleigh-Durham or Charlotte metropolitan areas.
Other areas included on the list in order of their ranking are: Waxhaw, Marvin, Holly Springs, Stallings, Indian Trail, Mooresville, Apex, Morrisville and Etowah. While not making the top 10, Oak Ridge took 15th place.
While Stokesdale was the smallest town to make the list, the site recognized that the town “has several unique qualities unmatched by our other top-ranked cities.” This included: the location, the fact that it embraces small town qualities and its steady but slow-
The survey stated that “Young families who hope to build long-term connections may appreciate this slower population growth, which hasn’t held back the town’s economy.”
“I have said many times that Stokesdale is a paradise,” said Braswell. “When I watch the news and see all the suffering in the world, I thank God that I live here.”
For more info about the “Best Cities” rankings, visit www.nerdwallet.com/blog/ cities/economics/best-cities-for-youngfamilies-in-north-carolina-2015.
ABC store sales, profits brisk OAK RIDGE – The Town of Oak Ridge’s financial coffers are $47,851 fuller following brisk sales at the ABC store in October, November and December 2014. “The ABC store had a very strong quarter,” town Finance Officer Sam Anders told town council members at their Feb. 5 meeting. “That one quarter is more than the first year’s total receipts,” he said. The store, located in Oak Ridge Commons, opened in 2005. During the first fiscal year it was open, the town received $30,323 for its share of profits from store sales; during the store’s lifetime, the town has received $510,238.
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“The ABC store and the model of the Piedmont Triad ABC system are very, very effective, very, very cost-effective, and very profitable for the town to be in a partnership with them,” said Anders.
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Mayor Ray Combs responded with what he described as “a kind of awkward” comment. “I’m very pleased the ABC store is making a lot of money,” he said. “But on the other hand, you can’t say you’re pleased because they’re selling more of their product.” Anders noted a contributing factor to the store’s increase in profits is the town
7:15-9:15pm
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2907 Springwood Dr., Greensboro
(Lessons begin March 5) For more info, call (336) 621-0215
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...continued on p. 8
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
FEB. 13 - 19, 2015
3
your QUESTIONS
Construction crews often work on major road projects during nighttime hours. While noise and construction activity at night can be a nuisance for nearby residents, it is much less disruptive to traffic because fewer cars are on the road.
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OUR TEAM Patti Stokes, editor/publisher Laura Reneer, associate publisher Gerri Hunt, associate editor L.A. Logan, sports/community news writer Annette Joyce, marketing manager Sean Gentile, art director Yvonne Truhon, page layout Leon Stokes, IT director Lucy Smith, finance manager Linda Schatz, distribution manager Helen Ledford, Annette Joyce, Kristin Kubly, contributing writers
Is there anything that can be done about the constant 24/7 noise and shaking from the construction workers building the new connector off N.C. 68 – i.e., could they work behind homes during the day instead of at night? The noise is bad, but not nearly as big a problem as the heavy equipment shaking stuff off the walls and waking up kids at all hours of the night.
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Kris Lorenz, a senior assistant resident engineer with N.C. Department of Transportation, says the contractor for this major road project is on an accelerated schedule to complete it by December 2016, and working through the night is likely necessary to meet that deadline. Brian Smith, also a resident engineer with NCDOT, says he will see if anything can be done to lessen the nighttime noise around nearby homes. “Maybe they can hold it back at night in that particular area,” Smith says, noting he has not received any complaints from people living in the Alcorn Road area. Smith invites anyone with questions or concerns about the project to con-
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FEB. 13 - 19, 2015
tact him at bvsmith@ncdot.gov or (336) 375-1774. For updates on the U.S. 220/ N.C. 68 connector project, visit www.ncdot.gov/projects/futureI73/. The connector is part of a 9.4-mile, four-lane stretch of interstate that will
include a taxiway at Piedmont Triad International Airport, where Joseph M. Bryan Boulevard meets Airport Parkway in Greensboro. NCDOT awarded Flatiron/Blythe Development a $176,550,000 contract to complete the project.
The area you’re likely referring to is along Alcorn Road in Oak Ridge, where construction on the connector between N.C. 68 and U.S. 220 (future I-73) is well underway.
HOW TO REACH US
OFFICE: 1616 NC 68 N, Oak Ridge Hours: M-F 9am-2pm (or by appointment)
Photo courtesy of NCDOT
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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Phase 2 of town park delayed After three project bids all came in significantly over budget, it may be back to the drawing boards by GERRI HUNT OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge’s Parks and Recreation Commission hit a stumbling block in its progress on Phase 2 of the town park after it received three bids for the project last month. Bill Edwards, chairman of the commission, told the town council at its meeting on Feb. 5 that the bids “were substantially over what the budget allowed, and made it unreasonable to recommend one of the bidders to the town council.” Initially, plans for the first part of Phase 2 included a performance pavilion/amphitheater, additional restroom facility, 50 additional parking spaces near the Redmon field and a small playground suitable for younger children. The total estimated cost for the project was just under $400,000. The town had hoped a matching Parks and Recreational Trust Fund grant would offset about half of the estimated cost of the additional park features. Unfortunately, it was notified in July that it did not get the PARTF grant, and the council decided to move forward with the performance stage/amphitheater and restrooms only. After receiving three bids last month, Edwards said some issues need to be addressed before taking the next step. Those issues include determining the size of the variance, placement of the
septic field, size of the restrooms, property grading, and obtaining updated topographical surveys. “It will be delayed and will not be opening for Ridgefest, unfortunately,” he said. “As you know, I’ve been trying to push for that, but it’s just not meant to be.” Edwards stresses that the Parks and Recreation Commission wants the project to be done right the first time, within the limits of the budget. “We’re looking at how we can bring this back to a manageable amount of money so we can go forward with Phase 2,” he said. When asked if the project would go back to the drawing boards and re-bid, Edwards said, “That’s to be determined.” Explaining what contributed to the cost overruns, Edwards said one of the things had to do with the topographical map. “We thought the topographical map from Phase 1 would be accurate enough to plan out Phase 2,” he explained to the council on Feb. 5. “As it turns out, once we started looking at the details, there is more grading involved based on the numbers they were going by (from the Phase 1 topographical map), with elevations and so forth.” That resulted in a change of layout, significant grading and additional construction that was not anticipated. Edwards said Town Manager Bruce Oakley has since had a new topographical map made. “We’ll be looking at that data and trying to come up with a good solution,” said Edwards.
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FEB. 13 - 19, 2015
5
Regional superintendent responds to As, Bs and Cs by GERRI HUNT N.C. Department of Public Instruction released school report cards on Feb. 5, and for the first time assigned a school performance letter grade ranging from A to F. The grades, which cover the 20132014 school year, are not related to Common Core Standards, which the North Carolina Legislature is seeking to repeal in favor of state standards, said Angelo Kidd, GCS western regional school superintendent. Two schools in northwest Guilford County, Oak Ridge Elementary and Northwest Guilford High School, received a grade of A on the recently released report cards.
Northern and Northwest middle schools; and Northern Guilford High School. Colfax Elementary received a C. The growth status on the report cards is reportedly based on current and previous student test data to determine whether schools are maintaining or increasing student achievement from one year to the next. Five schools exceeded their expected growth: Northern Guilford and Northwest Guilford high schools; Kernodle and Northern Guilford middle schools; and Summerfield Elementary. Four schools met their expected growth: Northwest Guilford Middle School, and Northern Guilford, Oak Ridge, and Pearce elementary schools.
ineffective and potentially damaging approach to addressing otherwise legitimate needs to provide parents and taxpayers with accurate indications of school performance.” Kidd agreed. “The school board made a strong statement that we don’t support the school report cards because they are so one-sided,” he said. Prior to the grades being released, GCS issued a statement that 80 percent of a school’s letter grade is based on proficiency on state tests (in addition to graduation rates and ACT scores at the high school level), and 20 percent is based on growth … that causes concern “because any fair evaluation of the quality of a school requires looking at multiple measures of performance, not just one or two numbers.”
Eight schools received Bs: Northern Guilford, Pearce, Stokesdale and Summerfield elementary schools; Kernodle,
According to the school performance grade system, Colfax Elementary and Stokesdale Elementary did not meet their expected growth.
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Guilford County Schools was one of several districts across the state to pass a resolution last fall requesting the General Assembly repeal the legislation establishing school performance grades.
Furthermore, GCS stated, “Imagine if a child took one or two quizzes over the course of a year and received a letter grade based on one of those few numbers? That’s not a complete picture, yet that’s what our schools are facing.”
The school board’s resolution called the letter grades “an ill-conceived,
Kidd said some schools in the district exceeded growth, but came up with Fs.
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Though that wasn’t the case with the 11 traditional public schools in northwest Guilford County, it’s just one example of why the school report cards don’t carry much weight with GCS. “A school is more than that. For example, Colfax got a C, but it doesn’t take into consideration that it was named a National School of Character,” said Kidd. “A lot of great things are going on at Colfax. It’s not just an average school to me, or to everybody who goes there.” In 2013, GCS outlined a four-year strategic plan for achieving personal excellence through personalized learning. The goals include increasing the graduation rate (which is now at a record-high 88.5 percent); raising ACT scores; ensuring elementary-school students have a strong reading foundation; reducing gaps and disparities in student performance and other measures; and increasing the percentage of middle school students on track for high school graduation. Kidd said Colfax Elementary, whose school performance score was 64 (scores of 55 to 69 received a “C” letter grade) and Summerfield Elementary, which scored 70, are both meeting expectations on the district’s strategic plan. “I think if we were to include more things in that school performance grade, more schools would look better on paper,” Kidd said. He added that schools across the state are being recognized for art projects and music, but that doesn’t enter into the grade. “We develop and teach the whole child, not just one aspect,” said Kidd. “We can’t celebrate those As because it measures just one thing, and we have a lot of schools that are all As in my book, because of all the hard work the teachers do.”
Elizabeth’s Italian Restaurant Where food is a passion and a real taste of Italy is found in Oak Ridge Cooking and hospitality fall only behind family and soccer on the list of things Tony CopCop pola is most passionate about. Despite the long, demanding hours that come with owning and managing his own restaurant, he still derives immense pleasure out of bringing a “real taste of Italy” from Monte di Procida, the small coastal town in Italy where he grew up, to the Oak Ridge community he has come to love. While Coppola, owner of Elizabeth’s Italian Restaurant in Oak Ridge Commons shopping center, enjoys the feedback he gets from customers on what they love about his restaurant, he also knows they can offer valuable insights about what would make their dining experience even more enjoyable. To that end, last fall, 13 years after opening in Oak Ridge, Elizabeth’s underwent a transformation. An enclosed entranceway now shelters customers from the chilly air that used to blow in from the front door where customers come and go, and a section of the restaurant has been petitioned off to offer more intimate seating and accommodations for small, private parties of up to 28 people. Beautiful, custom-made glass adorns two attrac-
tive petitions, with benches in between for customers to relax while waiting to be seated. Despite the exterior changes,what remains the same at Elizabeth’s are the things the restaurant has become known for. An experienced kitchen staff understands every dish must meet Coppola’s high-quality standards, and the friendly, knowledge knowledgeable wait staff is proud to serve classic dishes made authen from authentic, Italian im recipes with imported oils and fresh, organic ingredients. “The meat, produce and seafood are local, and we only use high-quality ingredients in our recipes,” Coppola says, noting he purchases fresh produce from local growers two to three times a week and sauces are made fresh each morning. “Everything is from the back yard to the kitchen,” he stresses. The restaurant’s traditional menu includes seven seafood dishes, seven chicken dishes, five veal dishes, eight baked pasta classics and 11 pasta classico dishes, all of which continue to be favorites of longtime and new customers alike. But for those who want something new, the “Tour of Italy” menu, which was introduced several months ago, is “rocking,” Coppola says. Priced at between $22 and $26, the TOI menu offers 14 unique menu items with seven choices in sauces (it even includes a Thai sauce!); every
Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO
Tony Coppola, owner of Elizabeth’s Italian Restaurant, has taken both pride and pleasure in bringing a real taste of Italy to Oak Ridge for the past 13 years.
portion from the TOI menu can serve two people and comes with various combinations – or, one person can select an item for $13.99. Feedback on the TOI menu has been very positive. “Customers love the quality, the price and the combinations,” Coppola says. Additionally, Elizabeth’s has expanded its selection of Italian beers and wines. In fact, two of the featured wine selections currently rank as the No. 1 and No. 3 best-selling Italian wines in the country, and one of the Chianti selections is in the No. 1 spot for its category. And as if all of the above isn’t enticing enough, Elizabeth’s has most recently been gaining acclaim for its homemade desserts, which include a Napoli cake (strawberry, Nutella and Italian liquor), Lemoncello cheesecake, tiramisu, and one of three rotating flavors of Italian gelato. “We now even have people who come in just for wine and dessert,” Coppola says. To accommodate requests from customers wanting a “real taste of Italy” at their special private and corporate celebrations, Elizabeth’s now offers catering services for both small and large gatherings (they have catered to groups as large as 500). For those on a gluten-free diet, Elizabeth’s was among the first area
restaurants to offer gluten-free pizza and pasta, in addition to gluten-free appetizers, beer and desserts. Whether you are dining out, picking up a meal to enjoy at home, or want a caterer for a special gathering, Elizabeth’s promises to deliver fresh, authentic Italian dishes made to the highest standards. Elizabeth’s is open seven days a week. And when in historic downtown Madison, be sure to check out Blue Naples Pizza/Italian Restaurant, also owned by the Coppola family, where you’ll find a full bar and selection of spirits, as well as the same authentic Italian dishes and warm hospitality. Elizabeth’s of Oak Ridge has been the recipient of Go Triad’s “Best Pizza” award for eight years and has also been recognized for “Best Lunch” restaurant.
Oak Ridge Commons corner of N.C. 68/150 (336) 643-6801
NEWS in brief
...continued from p. 3
has more restaurants than it did when it opened almost 10 years ago, and the restaurants normally go to the closest ABC store to purchase alcohol for stocking their bars.
“We’re also in a good location, with everybody going back and forth to Belews Creek,” Anders said. “Oak Ridge has a lot of positives for the commercial aspect of that location.”
with a traffic signal at U.S. 220 and N.C. 68, it will now be an interchange with a bridge,” Lorenz explained. DOT wants the bridge and the U.S. 220 work down to the Haw River completed by December 2016 since it is part of the I-73 connector project. Travelers on N.C. 68, as well as
northbound travelers on U.S. 220, will follow the route as it is now, said Lorenz. “But if you’re driving south on 220 [from Rockingham County], you’ll swing out to the right almost 90 degrees, come across the two lanes of 68 and merge back into 220,” she said. “It will be a lot faster and safer.”
220 widening project behind, Council votes to support but not to worry says DOT refundable film tax credit NW GUILFORD – N.C. Department of Transportation’s most recent online update on the U.S. 220 widening project indicates the project is significantly behind schedule. The Jan. 15 update shows progress at 43.91 percent versus the scheduled 70.5 percent to have the roadwork completed by Dec. 27, 2016 per the contract with Tetra Tech.
ress schedule to DOT, it typically shows no work being done from December through February, Lorenz said. “[Tetra Tech Construction], however, showed they would be doing the same amount of work in the winter as they did in the summer.”
Kris Lorenz, DOT’s senior assistant resident engineer, advises those figures should be taken with a grain of salt.
The contractor should be able to make some time up, Lorenz said, especially now that a portion of the project has changed and will separately be let out for bids in May.
When contractors submit a prog-
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OAK RIDGE – The Oak Ridge Town Council recently voted 4-1 to approve a resolution in support of a refundable tax credit for North Carolina’s film industry. The resolution stated the film tax credit has been used by cities and towns of all sizes in North Carolina to generate jobs and stimulate economic activity in their communities. Councilman George McClellan, who proposed the resolution, read a letter of support he had received from Randy Floss, owner of Bistro 150 in Oak Ridge Commons, who said his restaurant had generated more than $700 in revenue over three days by feeding a film crew in Rockingham and Forsyth counties. It was the third time his restaurant has been frequented by a film crew working in the region, Floss wrote. McClellan said in the first half of 2014, $268 million was spent in the state by the film industry. “There is no doubt that this is becoming an increasingly important part of our state’s economy,” he said. Though Councilman Spencer Sullivan seconded McClellan’s motion to pass the resolution, he said he felt the matter was more of a state issue than a local issue. “But then I remind everyone there was a movie actually filmed here in Oak Ridge in its entirety. It was a made-for-TV movie filmed at Oakhurst, Miles and Jane Foy’s home, back in 1994,” said Sullivan. “Sometimes it’s hard to see the direct connection between these kinds of things and Oak Ridge, but we are part of a fam-
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ily that is North Carolina. The healthier the entire state is, the healthier we are,” said Councilman Jim Kinneman, noting the film industry brings business to the state and puts less pressure on income taxes. He said with tax credits, the money has to be spent here first. “I wish there was the ability to not have these kinds of incentives, but … other states have these things, so unfortunately to level the playing field, [incentives] are needed,” said Kinneman. “I think it’s a good thing.” Councilman Mike Stone’s research showed that in the past 18 months, 39 movies were filmed in North Carolina, three of which were in the Piedmont Triad. Only one was filmed in Guilford County, and it is still in production. “If we’re going to support something, I’d really like to know what that something is,” he said. “The reality of it is that more money comes into Oak Ridge from a softball tournament on a weekend at Oak Ridge Town Park than will ever come from the N.C. Film Office.” Stone echoed the point that tax credits for the film industry are a state issue, said he couldn’t support the resolution, and that it does not have a direct impact on Oak Ridge. McClellan said a couple of Oak Ridge residents have been involved in the film industry, and that small businesses benefit. “Let’s give the governor another tool in the toolbox to help attract more jobs,” he said.
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OAK RIDGE town council
FEB. 5 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by GERRI HUNT Mayor Ray Combs called the monthly meeting to order at 7 p.m. The meeting agenda and minutes from the Jan. 8 meeting were approved.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
porting changing North Carolina’s grant system for the film industry. Councilman Mike Stone voted against the resolution (see News Briefs for more details on this discussion).
RESOLUTION 4 1 to approve a resolution sup-
Combs invited everyone to a Presbyterian College Choir performance at Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. The U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters will perform at Oak Ridge Military Academy on March 11 at 7:30 p.m. (see article on FC of this week’s issue for more info).
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT Big Boyz Toyz. At the Jan. 8 meeting, the council tabled the town’s rezoning request for property at 2900 Oak Ridge Road (formerly the site occupied by Big Boyz Toys) after property owner Truliant Credit Union filed its own request to rezone it to CU-HB (Conditional Use – Highway Business). Town Manager Bruce Oakley said Truliant has since withdrawn that request and is submitting a new request to rezone the property to CU-LI (Conditional Use – Light Industrial).
CITIZEN COMMENTS Micah Spencer of Nesting Way off Scoggins Road updated council on a request he made during the Jan. 8 council meeting for a self-service machine at the post office that lets customers weigh packages after hours. He learned from the Oak Ridge postmaster that all post offices have a slot in the wall to accommodate the machine, but it costs about $25,000. A post office automatically receives a machine depending on how much mail comes through that site. Spencer said postal customers can get an online account at USPS.com, where
Stone said he supported delaying the rezoning hearing another month as long as it would not “put the town at risk of something less than council has clearly stated it wants to see on the property.” Oakley said the town attorney advised the town “still has the upper hand
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It’s not a good thing that we’re finding beer cans [on the side of Linville Road], because that kind of implies that people are drinking and driving, which isn’t a good thing – but also, I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t throw things out the window to begin with. So again, please don’t drink and drive, and please don’t throw it out the window if you do.” Councilman Jim Kinneman and if [Truliant] doesn’t agree with the conditions we offer, we can say no and redesign it the way we want it.” The council tabled the motion, with the intention to revisit it at a future date if necessary. Appointment. Council approved the appointment of Paul Woolf of Oak Ridge Road as an alternate on the Historic Preservation Commission.
NEW BUSINESS Council approved the first reading of the renewal of its solid waste franchise agreement with Waste Industries. The original agreement with the company was approved in 2009 and renewed in 2012. Seth Heath, general manager of Waste Industries’ Greensboro location, was in attendance, and Combs asked him to verify that no rate increase was in the agreement renewal. Heath responded that the pending contract – like the current one – includes an increase that fluctuates with the Consumer Health Index up to 3 percent, but Waste Industries has held its rate the same for the past six years. Combs also requested that Waste Industries communicate with Oak Ridge citizens about what items are accepted for recycling, to which Heath agreed. The town has received few complaints on Waste Industries, “so you must be doing something right,” Combs told Heath.
tax revenue of $86,577 was deposited in January. The town made its annual payment on the town park loan of $150,084.30, which brings the balance on the $1.23 million, 10-year loan to $986,666.71. Councilman George McClellan said he was impressed the loan balance had been brought to less than $1 million. The town collected $47,851 in ABC Store profits for the last quarter in 2014 (see News Briefs for more details). Councilman Stone asked if the town’s Duke Energy bills could be combined into one bill that might warrant a reduced rate. Oakley noted town-owned property (on Linville Road, N.C. 68 and Oak Ridge Road) is served by two Duke Energy offices, one in Kernersville and the other in Greensboro, but Anders will look into combining the bills into one.
COMMUNITY REPORTS Historic Preservation Commission. Chair Ann Schneider said the commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness submitted by Kevan Combs to construct a single-family home at 8420 Linville Road.
FINANCE REPORT
Schneider thanked council for approving Paul Woolf, who owns the Jesse Benbow House, as an alternate on the commission; Ron Simpson will be resigning from the commission, so there is room for one more alternate.
Finance Officer Sam Anders said the town’s assets total $3,015,232.50, with liabilities of $28,228.07. Property
The commission is developing its budget for next fiscal year and is identifying sites for two additional historical
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
markers to be purchased this year. The Northwest Observer will be publishing an article on the former Lake Carolina. Stone asked about the status of historical markers for Ai Church and Linville Chapel and Schneider said they are waiting for the next stage of construction to be done at Ai Church so that the interior will be open. Foundation work is in progress at Linville Chapel, and Schneider said she will contact the academy to set a date for a marker to be placed after construction is complete. Planning and Zoning. Chair Doug Nodine said the board approved a two-lot subdivision and agreed to postpone the rezoning hearing for the former Big Boyz Toyz property on Oak Ridge Road. Parks and Recreation Commission. Chair Bill Edwards said the commission did not accept any of the three bids received for Phase 2 of the town park because the bids were substantially over what had been budgeted. (See story, p. 5.) An Eagle Scout project was presented at the commission’s January meeting. Fire Department. Assistant Chief Sam Anders reported the department ran 74 calls in January: 34 of a medical nature and 40 fire-related; also, the department logged 367.5 hours of training and installed two car seats. “Chief Simmons asked me to remind everyone to make and practice a home fire escape plan,” said Anders. The plan should show how parents and children can escape and include a “rally point” where everyone can meet. Anyone needing help with an escape plan may call the station at (336) 643-3783, M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Finance Committee. Chair John Jenkins said the committee will meet Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. at Town Hall to begin work on the 2015-2016 fiscal-year budget; citizens are invited to attend the budget meetings. Committees were reminded to submit their budget proposals for consideration.
CITIZEN COMMENTS Micah Spencer said he wished to apply to serve as an alternate on the Historical Preservation Commission, an offer Councilman Jim Kinneman presented to him at the end of the Jan. 8 council meeting. “And another thing, I don’t know if anyone has ever said this before, but I wanted to thank you, especially Councilman Stone, for starting each meeting with a prayer. I know you guys might wonder if that matters or not, or if anyone pays attention to it, but it certainly matters to me,” said Spencer.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Members of Oak Ridge Lions Club pick up litter along Linville Road and find some interesting trash, Kinneman noted. “Anything you can imagine, we’ve pretty much found. But it’s interesting – from a beer-drinking standpoint, the brand is relatively consistent and to their credit they are drinking ‘light,’ so they’re trying to watch their weight,” said Kinneman. “It’s not a good thing that we’re finding beer cans because that kind of implies that people are drinking and driving, which isn’t a good thing … but also, I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t throw things out the window to begin with. So again, please don’t drink and drive, and please don’t throw it out
the window if you do.” Councilman Mike Stone said the N.C. School Report Cards were recently released. He has always been very involved in the schools, Stone said, and appreciates the work teachers do. “The nice part about the report cards – although there are some issues being raised about it – is that Northwest Guilford schools are all graded either an A or a B, which is a testament to the teachers and staff at the schools, and a lot of hard work on the part of students as well as parents,” Stone said. Following a closed session from 7:51 to 8:08 p.m., the council reconvened and then immediately adjourned.
McClellan said N.C. Rep. Larry Pittman (R-Cabarrus) has introduced legislation to strip all municipalities of their ETJs (Extraterritorial Jurisdictions, defined by Wikipedia as “the legal ability of a government to exercise authority beyond its normal boundaries”), and it is important to maintain relationships with legislators. McClellan also said he signed up to attend the N.C. League of Municipalities’ Town Hall Day in Raleigh on March 18 for an opportunity to lobby on behalf of the town. “We know there are folks out there who are looking to significantly alter Oak Ridge and impact the folks here and in the surrounding areas such as our ETJs,” he said. The governor pushed to reinstate the Historic Preservation Tax Credit during his State of the State Address on Feb. 4, McClellan added. Councilman Spencer Sullivan said the American Red Cross would hold a blood drive on Feb. 9 at ORUM Church. After a citizen told Spencer a stop sign had disappeared from Market Place Drive (running between Tractor Supply and McDonald’s), Spencer said he contacted the town manager and the sign was replaced a few days later. Councilman Jim Kinneman said blood drives are very important, and one donation can save three lives.
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BUSINESS notes Welcome to our new advertiser! Please support the businesses and organizations which make our newspaper possible, and tell them you saw them here!
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SUMMERFIELD – Do you own/manage a Summerfield-based business, or are you a Summerfield resident who owns/manages a business outside of the community? If so, you’re invited to a “Meet and Greet” on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 5 to 7 p.m. at Polo Farms Community Center, 7160 Strawberry Road. White
Happy 75th Birthday on Feb. 13 to our mother, Elizabeth Ann Shelton!! From your sons, Mark & Scott We Love You So Very Much!!
e-mail: celebrations@nwobserver.com
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FEB. 13 - 19, 2015
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Get to know your fellow Summerfield business professionals and participate in discussing the formation of a Summerfield business association. Refreshments will be provided. Questions? Call Kathy Flanigan at (336) 643-6155.
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EPES donates truck trailer to GTCC On behalf of GTCC, Ralph Soney (left), vice president of Corporate and Continuing Education, receives the title to a 53-foot truck trailer from Paul Huffman, senior vice president maintenance, EPES Transport System. Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO
EPES Transport System, located on Edgefield Road in northwest Greensboro, donated a 53-foot truck trailer to Guilford Technical Community College on Feb. 6. The trailer will be used for curriculum classes in GTCC’s Global Logistics Technology program and for continuing education classes such as forklift training at the college’s Donald W. Cameron Cam-
pus located in northwest Guilford County. The trailer will provide hands-on training for GTCC students, enabling them to understand the operation of loading and unloading trucks at a warehouse. It also will help instructors demonstrate the safety procedures used in this work environment to protect workers and equipment.
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From left, Rev. Dr. Ed McKinney of Glencoe United Methodist Church, Rev. Danny Janes of Liberty Wesleyan Church and Rev. Olaf van de Klashorst of Mount Bethel Evangelical Covenant Church, along with their congregations, joined together on Sunday, Jan. 24, to celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The churches, located within four miles of each other in the Summerfield area, raised $436 for Bethany Elementary School, to be used for children needing assistance as well as equipment.
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BUS DRIVERS
“I was fortunate that I didn’t have to work,” he said. “But within about eight months my wife could see I was stircrazy and she said, ‘Why don’t you go back to that (driving a school bus) – you always enjoyed it.’ I filled out an application and went through the training.”
...continued from p. 1 Summers began driving a bus. That was 18 years ago, and she’s been driving a school bus for Guilford County Schools ever since.
Thompson has been enjoying his second stint as a school bus driver for almost five years.
Marcus Thompson, who is now in his 50s, drove his first school bus at age 16, “back in the day” when students could get their license one day and have a school bus route soon afterward.
In February 2013, after retiring from a major corporation, Kurtis Taylor also began driving a school bus as a second career.
“I got my bus license almost immediately after my regular driver’s license,” Thompson said. “I didn’t drive much in 10th grade, but I drove full-time in 11th and 12th grade. My second year of driving was the first time our state did crosstown busing. I had a long route, and went to the poorer sections of town and brought them to the center of the city.”
“I wasn’t wealthy enough to retire altogether,” Taylor explained. “I looked at things that didn’t discriminate against people over 50. For a while I did volunteer work for hospice and I enjoyed that, but it was a little depressing. “I don’t have any children of my own, but am drawn to them. I felt confident driving a bus was where I was meant to be and a lesson I was supposed to learn,” Taylor said.
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Decades later, Thompson retired from a career as a vice president and design engineer.
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When you first started driving a school bus, were you apprehensive about the responsibility? “The first morning I got on the bus, I prayed,” said Summers. “I still pray every morning before I pull out of the parking lot, and then I thank God for getting us back safely at the end of the day.” “I felt confident that I could drive a bus – I had been driving farm equipment since I was10 and manual transmission vehicles since I was 13,” said Thompson. “Back in the day, we parked the bus at our house. I really enjoyed the job; the kids were my age – I was driving my classmates to school.” Would you tell us something about the students on your bus? “I am amazed at how smart they are and the things they think of,” Taylor replied. “For example, in the summer when it was hot, I used to put a towel around my neck. One day a student asked me why I didn’t use a bandana. I tried it, it works, and it has become a
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Thompson sees an “interesting contrast” between the kids he drove on the bus in the ‘70s versus today. “The kids I drive are a lot more to themselves as opposed to interacting. Especially the high school kids, they get on with their headphones plugged in. That’s an interesting social change. Kids are still kids, though, and at least my high school kids ‘get’ some of my sarcastic jokes once in a while. That’s enjoyable for me, that I can say things to them and they can appreciate my humor.” As a mother, Summers said she wants to get to know the kids who ride her bus and to make sure everything is okay in their world. “So to start out, the kids on my bus have to say ‘Good morning, Miss
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Genean’ when they step on. They can’t get past me until they say ‘good morning.’ It does make a difference – I guess it makes the bus driver seem human. (“That goes for bus drivers, too – we have to say good morning to Genean,” said Thompson jokingly.” What’s changed about the buses themselves since you drove as a teenager? “Physically, the buses are enormously easier to drive,” answered Thompson. “The buses I used to drive had no radios and had manual transmissions.” What’s a typical schedule for you? “On school days we get here around 6 a.m. and get back about 8:45 a.m.,” replied Thompson. “At around 1:50 p.m. we head back out and most of us are back around 5 p.m. The large breaks in the day give me an opportunity to do other things, but sometimes we have midday runs to Weaver Academy and GTCC.” All three bus drivers noted one of the things they enjoy about their schedule is having holidays and summers off. Is it nerve-racking to drive a school bus full of children when the weather is bad? “On those days, I pray even harder and focus on getting those kids home safely,” answered Summers. “I just go slower than usual and am conscious of the precious cargo that I have,” said Taylor. Thompson said he feels confident to drive a school bus in all types of weather, adding that weather forecasting has gotten much more accurate since his teenage bus driving days, and the school system is more conservative (about closing school for inclement weather) than it used to be. “Back in the day, we got caught many a time out in the snow, or weather would deteriorate rapidly,” Thompson said. “I would put my own chains on. I learned when I was very young how to handle the bus in bad weather.”
What is something you most enjoy about being a school bus driver? “My favorite thing is meeting different people … I love meeting people!” said Summers. “It is amazing to see kids who rode my bus and have graduated, then run up when they see me and say ‘Miss Genean!’ I love knowing I made a positive impact in their life.” “One thing I enjoy about my particular route is that it is actually very culturally diverse,” said Thompson. “I enjoy seeing the interaction and that we are coming more together and are accepting of one another, regardless of our different socioeconomic backgrounds.” “Sometimes they hug you and it’s not expected – I like the hugs and the warmth I get from the younger ones,” said Taylor. “And sometimes even the teenagers will bring me cookies and candy … I adore all the kids, and I miss them in the summer. It’s nice to think about having a positive effect, and that maybe something you said to them carried with them in life.”
municate with them,” said Summers. “That’s what makes my job easier – I know every parent of every child. If you don’t come out and introduce yourself, I tell the kids to tell their parents to come out and get to know me.”
kids I’m keeping an eye on while I’m driving … maybe people could look a little more kindly toward us,” added Taylor. “It would be an eye opener for a lot of parents to ride the school bus with us for just one day!” said Thompson.
“I would ask the general public to exercise some patience and caution when the school buses are on the road,” said Thompson. “We see an enormous amount of dangerous driving and maneuvers. We are transporting your kids as safely as we can and we don’t need crazy or aggressive driving. People nowadays are a lot more in a hurry. We see some daring passes and running of lights.”
Thanks to all the school bus drivers who get up at the crack of dawn and transport students to and from school safely each day – and a special thanks to those who greet them with a friendly smile and a word of encouragement along the way! To read shout-outs to our northwestarea bus drivers, visit www.facebook. com/NorthwestObserver and locate our Feb. 9 post.
“It is easy to be critical, but you may not know that I have three elementary
FR
CON EE CER T
Tell us about one of your biggest challenges as a school bus driver. “A couple years back I drove kids from an opt-out program who were emotionally, socially and economically challenged,” Thompson recalled. “Their behavior often became violent and charged. It’s very difficult to drive a bus when the tension level with the students is such a distraction. I spent an enormous amount of time with the school’s assistant principal, and writing up behavioral incidents was a daily occurrence. I haven’t written one up since.” As a school bus driver, do you have any requests of parents or other drivers? “I wish people knew the difference between when the STOP arm is out versus the hazard lights are on – when the hazard lights are on (versus the red lights), you can go around us (after determining it is safe to do so). But when that STOP arm is out, STOP,” said Taylor. “My hat is off to the parents who actually know their bus driver and com-
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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS Photo by L.A. Logan
NORTHERN GUILFORD
Northwest forward Reggie Davis throws down a twohanded dunk in a 80-40 conference win over High Point Central on Feb. 3.
Boys varsity basketball (15-8, 12-3) The Northern boys varsity basketball team scored a 63-39 win over Northeast on Feb. 3. Center Josh Gibson and forward Jack Emerick dominated the paint, combining for 35 points. “We turned up our defensive intensity level … stopping penetration and getting a hand up on shooters,” said Northern head varsity basketball coach Bill Chambers. “We played unselfishly, making the extra pass and getting good shots.” On Feb. 5, Northern outlasted Williams 84-64. “Williams was an excellent shooting
team,” said Chambers. “Our depth was a factor in wearing them down.” Once again, Gibson and Emerick led the way, totaling 34 points. In their third game in four days, forward Sam Hildreth scored a season-high 26 points on Friday, Feb. 6, in a win over McMichael, 78-58. “Senior Night (was) bittersweet,” said Chambers. “Josh Gibson, Sam Hildreth, Matt Graham, Tre Marsh, and Rick Djikipor will be sorely missed. Not only are these young men excellent players, they are high-character people.”
Girls varsity basketball (18-5, 13-2) Northeast Guilford found out that trying to control Northern Guilford’s front line was no easy task.
inside,” said Northern girls basketball coach Kim Furlough. “They had a difficult time matching up with our bigs.”
Nighthawks’ center Elisaa Cunane scored 17 points and pulled down 14 rebounds as Northern defeated Northeast 61-42 on Feb. 3.
Furlough was glad to see guards Sydney Wilson and Kassie Robakiewicz back in the lineup.
“We definitely had an advantage with Kasey Johnson and Cunane on the
“Obviously, playing without a point guard is tough,” said Furlough. “Kind of like playing football with no quarterback.”
Wilson finished with 11 points and 8 assists, and Johnson scored 17 points. The Nighthawks went on to capture a 62-33 win over Williams on Feb. 5 and a 59-13 victory over McMichael on Feb. 6, keeping their top position in the conference standings. Since Wilson’s return, she has averaged just under 20 points per game. “Her clock is ticking,” said Furlough. “She’s just trying to make the most of her career.” With the help of Cunane and Johnson’s double-doubles, the team is riding
a four-game winning streak. Furlough said Senior Night is always a difficult night, and last Friday was no exception. Johnson and Wilson are the team’s two seniors. “Our team is like a family,” said Furlough. “We are happy for their next step in life but hate to see them go. We will all miss them.” Northern was scheduled to play at Morehead on Tuesday, Feb. 10.
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Boys varsity basketball (20-3, 7-2) Northwest Guilford’s Jalen Spicer and Jaylen Gore combined for 27 points and 18 assists to help the Vikings cruise past High Point Central, 80-40, on Feb. 3. “We competed for four quarters,” said Northwest head basketball coach Lee Reavis. “Everybody went into the game with the mentality to get after it.” Before the game, Reavis honored three seniors – Sam Covington, Kevin Henry and Sam Braswell. “We have seven guys that can start,”
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said Reavis. “Braswell makes us much better and knocks down shots. In a different year, he’d be getting a lot more minutes. He’s had a great attitude about it.” Covington scored a team-high 20 points, and Henry chipped in 8 points. A freshman that plays like a senior, guard Tre Turner had 22 points, 17 rebounds, 7 assists and 6 steals in the win at Glenn on Friday, Feb. 6. “We came out with an onslaught
to open on a 17-0 run,” said Reavis. “Our intensity on defense led to 32 Glenn turnovers. We displayed unselfish basketball on the offensive end with 27 assists on 38 made field goals.”
Girls varsity basketball (23-0, 9-0) High Point Central came out of the gates hitting shots and even tied Northwest at 6-6 in the first quarter. But by the third quarter, the Vikings were up 34-9 and went on to win 66-19 on Senior Night. “Sometimes when you are recognizing seniors, you have a lot of distractions and you start a different lineup, so it messes with your chemistry just a little bit,” said Northwest head girls basketball coach Darlene Joyner of her team’s first-half performance. Forward Morgan Pointer scored 14 points on Senior Night and guards Hayley Barber and Toni Tucker each scored 11 points. The seniors on the squad – Hunter Newman, Leah Fenwick Wallace and Quayshia Griffin – were recognized during halftime of Senior Night. On Feb. 6, the Vikings defeated Glenn High School 50-36 to remain the only undefeated girls basketball team in Guilford County. Tucker scored 15 points, including two three-pointers, and Pointer just missed a double-double with 13 points and 8 rebounds. On Feb. 10, Northwest Guilford hosted Southwest; the Viking girls won, 64-21, but the boys lost, 75-68. See photos from Senior Night and the Feb. 10 game at www.Facebook.com/NorthwestObserver.
UP NEXT: Friday, Feb. 13 | Northwest at East Forsyth (Girls play at 6 p.m. and boys at 7:30 p.m.)
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. Thanks, too, to the student reporters at Northern and Northwest who helped us compile these profiles. Role on the team: 100-meter breast stroke Pre-meet ritual: Pray Coach Richard Swor on Morgan MacEldowney: “It has been great seeing Morgan mature into a leader on our swim team.”
NORTHERN
Swimming
MORGAN MACELDOWNEY, junior
Hometown: Summerfield Toughest class: AP U.S. History Extracurricular activities: Softball, Young Life, Beta Club, Habitat for Humanity and Reading Buddies Future plans: College Most admired athlete: (University of Oklahoma softball player) Lauren Chamberlain Favorite athletic team: Green Bay Packers Favorite food: Pizza Favorite musician: Taylor Swift Favorite movie: “She’s the Man” Any siblings? One sister, Abby Best vacation ever: “Colorado on my 16th birthday (Young Life trip).” Years in the Northern area: 16 Dream job: NFL/college athletic trainer Something not everyone knows about me: “I have a shoe addiction.” Nicknames: “Mo” and “Morgs Mac”
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Dream job: Filmmaker Something not everyone knows about me: “I like dipping fries into my milkshakes.” Nickname: “Lalu” Role on the team: 100-meter breast stroke Pre-meet ritual: Mentally prepare myself Coach Richard Swor on Jeremy Lalumondier: “It will be amazing to see what Jeremy will accomplish over his four years on the swimming team at Northern. His potential is only outmatched by his hard work.”
NORTHWEST
Swimming
NORTHERN
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ALLIE BLASINGAME,
JEREMY LALUMONDIER,
senior
freshman
Hometown: Summerfield Toughest class(es): Civics and Economics Extracurricular activities: Track Future plans: College Most admired athlete: Michael Phelps Favorite athletic team: U.S. Olympic swim team Favorite food: Tacos Favorite musician: Eminem Favorite movie: “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (Indiana Jones) Any siblings? No Best vacation ever: Aruba Years in the Northern area: 15
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Hometown: Temecula, California Toughest class: AP U.S. History Extracurricular activities: Year-round swimming College plans: Appalachian State University Most admired athlete: Missy Franklin Favorite athletic team: San Francisco 49ers Favorite food: Hot wings Favorite band: Coldplay Favorite movie: All Disney animated movies Any siblings? Younger sister Best vacation ever: Disney World Years in the NWHS area: Nine Dream job: F.B.I. agent Something not everyone knows about me: “My favorite show is ‘Criminal Minds’.” Nickname: “Allie B” Role on the team: 100-meter backstroke and senior captain Pre-meet ritual: Eat bagels, drink water and listen to music Coach Czamille Chrisp on Allie Blasingame: “Allie is a positive member of the team. She has a unique and effortless style of swimming. As a captain, Allie enjoys encouraging her teammates and being helpful to the coaches. She is a great asset to our team.”
FEB. 13 - 19, 2015
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CRIME / INCIDENT report
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BURGLARY
has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest Guilford County ... ASSAULT
BREAKING AND ENTERING
Feb. 4 | A Northwest Guilford Middle School student suffered cuts and contusions after being struck in the face several times with a closed fist by another student. The offending student was charged with simple assault and suspended from school.
Feb. 2 | Stokesdale Heating & Air Conditioning Inc., on U.S. 158 in Stokesdale, reported that sometime between 5 p.m. Jan. 31 and 4:30 p.m. Feb. 1, someone stole several items valued at $2,075 from an unlocked work van in the parking lot. Stolen items included a red tool bag,
Feb. 5 | A resident of Boylston Road in Colfax reported that sometime between 8 and 11:36 a.m., someone pried and forced open a kitchen door to enter the residence. Once inside, $6,400 worth of items were stolen, including a 12-gauge Remington shotgun, a .22-caliber Browning rifle, a Marlin rifle, another rifle, a pistol and holster, two TVs, a red Hewlitt-Packard laptop computer, jewelry, toys, dishes, an appliance, Ralph Lauren shoes, clothing and a radio.
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Feb. 5 | After a Northern Guilford High School student reported that she had been threatened, a 16-year-old male student was charged with communicating threats and was suspended from school.
DAMAGE TO PROPERTY Feb. 4 | A resident of Lakedale Road in Colfax reported that his car and his girlfriend’s car were “keyed” in his driveway around midnight by someone he knows. Total damage is estimated at $4,250.
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Jan. 30 | A Trinity man was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with a revoked license, and a High Point woman was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after their vehicle was stopped for suspicious activity in the Oak Ridge area. Feb. 4 | A Northern Guilford High School student was suspended and referred to Teen Court after being found with a marijuana cigarette on school grounds. Feb. 6 | Two Northwest High School students were suspended and referred to Teen Court after being found with marijuana on school grounds.
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FRAUD Feb. 6 | A resident of Tanyard Court in Oak Ridge reported someone used the victim’s information to obtain a Lowe’s Home Improvement credit card and charged more than $2,000 to it in the Fayetteville area. Feb. 6 | A resident of Pheasant Ridge Drive in Colfax reported someone used the victim’s debit card information to make unauthorized purchases totaling $355.93 at businesses in Greensboro and Raleigh. The suspects were captured on video using the fraudulent card, and an investigation is underway.
THEFT Jan. 30 | Lowes Foods on N. Church Street in northern Greensboro reported two people stole $65 worth of steaks from the store. Jan. 30 | A resident of Beeson Road in Colfax reported a known person stole $1,550 in coins and cash from her home over a period of time since Dec. 1, 2014. Feb. 1 | A resident of Spotswood Road in Summerfield reported someone stole a 21-foot flatbed trailer, valued at $1,100, from his front yard. Feb. 1 | Lowes Foods on N. Church Street in northern Greensboro reported someone walked out without paying for $135 worth of Old Spice deodorant and $92 worth of Gillette Fusion Aftershave Lotion. Feb. 3 | A High Point resident who owns a siding and window business reported someone broke the lock off an enclosed trailer at a Briardenn Drive construction site in Summerfield and stole power tools and construction materials valued at $1,918. Feb. 4 | Lowes Foods on N. Church Street in Greensboro reported suspects stole $208 worth of frozen shrimp. Arrest warrants were issued for a man and a woman who live on Yanceyville Street in Greensboro. The woman is charged with shoplifting and second-degree trespassing and the man with shoplifting.
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NOW REGISTERING Youth Baseball | Registration for Oak Ridge Youth Association’s spring baseball season will be held at the Oak Ridge Elementary gym from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, Feb. 14 and 21. More info: (336) 554-5959 or directororyabaseball@gmail.com. FRIDAY, FEB. 13 Northern Guilford High Tours | Rising ninth-grade students residing in the NGHS attendance zone and currently attending magnet, private and charter schools are invited to tour the school, located at 7101 Spencer Dixon Road in northwest Greensboro, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 13. A brief presentation will be held in the auditorium prior to student-led tours. More info: Sharon Dippel, (336) 643-8449 or dippels@gcsnc.com. TUESDAY, FEB. 17 Meet & Greet | Do you own/manage a Summerfieldbased business, or are you a Summerfield resident who owns/manages a business? If so, you’re invited to a “Meet and Greet” on Feb. 17, 5 to 7 p.m. at Polo Farms Community Center, 7160 Strawberry Road. Get to know other Summerfield business professionals and discuss the formation of a Summerfield business association. Refreshments provided. Questions? Call Kathy Flanigan at (336) 643-6155.
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WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18 Ash Wednesday Service | Bethel United Methodist Church, 8424 Haw River Road in Oak Ridge, invites the community to participate in its Ash Wednesday worship service on Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.
THURSDAY, FEB. 19 Curriculum Night and Career Fair | Join Northern Guilford High School faculty and staff at their annual curriculum night from 6 to 8 p.m. at the school, located at 7101 Spencer Dixon Road, Greensboro. All staff “Compassionate, “Compassionate, “Compassionate, members will be available to answer questions regardComprehensive Comprehensive Comprehensive State-of-the-art Care” State-of-the-art Care” State-of-the-art Care” ing the curriculum offered for the 2015-2016 school Karen Nasisse, DVM Nasisse, DVM Karen Nasisse, DVM year. Additionally, 40 Karen local businesses will be on hand modern at the career fair so you can meet with experts in the animal medicine business, marketing, medical, finance, education and “Compassionate, “Compassionate, Karen Nasisse, DVM • Elisabeth Carlson, DVM “Compassionate, engineering fields to connect the NGHS curriculum Comprehensive Comprehensive Comprehensive (336) 643-8984 State-of-the-art Care” State-of-the-art Care” State-of-the-art Care” to your future career choice. The event will be held 1692-J NC Hwy 68 N, Oak Ridge Karen Nasisse, DVM Karen Nasisse, DVM Karen Nasisse, DVM in the school’s atrium. More info: Sharon Dippel, northwestanimalhospitalnc.com (336) 643-8449 or dippels@gcsnc.com.
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BITS & PIECES
Greensboro Academy announces fifthgrader Connor Merchant (left) won the spelling bee at the elementary school level, and sixth-grader Rick Broach won at the middle school level. Both students will advance to the state spelling bee in Winston-Salem.
...continued from p. 13
‘From the Beginning to the End’ Widow deals with grief through writing by GERRI HUNT Billie Lou Morton lost her husband of 64 years, Robert, in May 2011. Three weeks later, as she pleaded with God for the comfort he promises to those who mourn, she says she got a response – He told her to write. The title for the book, “From the Beginning to the End,” came to her soon afterward, along with an outline. She began writing her memories that July.
Billie Lou Morton of Summerfield was comforted by writing “From the Beginning to the End” following the loss of her husband of 64 years.
“I’ve received notes and phone calls from nearly all of those peole,” says Morton. “I felt like it was an assignment from God, and it’s been a continuation of comfort. God has not left me.”
She finished writing in January 2012, but it took more than two years to have her self-published book in hand. In
For more info on the book, visit www.amazon.com or email Morton at billieloumorton@gmail.com.
Morton hopes her book will be used by churches with grief programs, or that it will be passed along to widows in the congregations. “I take no credit for this book. I give God the praise with thanksgiving,” says Morton.
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Terry Sharpe (left) of Summerfield, and Allen Brown started walking to King, N.C., on Thursday, Feb. 5, to protest the removal of a sculpture of a soldier kneeling in prayer before a cross.
August 2014 she hosted a book signing at her Summerfield home and drew a crowd of 100.
The manuscript that unfolded encompassed Robert’s personal history, the couple’s marriage, his illness, and how she survived the first year after his death. “When I first started writing, I never intended it to be for anyone but the children and grandchildren,” she says. But as much as the writing was helping her cope with her own grief, Morton began to feel the resulting manuscript might also help other widows.
22
Photo courtesy of National Heritage Academies
Photo by Patti Stokes
Walking for a Cause Terry Sharpe, a Summerfield resident, Marine and Vietnam veteran, and Allen Brown, also a Vietnam veteran, set off on foot to King, N.C., Thursday morning, Feb. 5. On Saturday, the two men joined several hundred people who gathered to protest the removal of a metal sculpture depicting a soldier kneeling in prayer before a cross. The sculpture, which was in a public park, was removed last month after city officials voted 3-2 to take it down to settle a lawsuit claiming the artwork promoted Christianity.
This wasn’t the first time Sharpe and Brown set off on foot to raise awareness. Last fall, the duo made two 300-mile treks on foot to Washington, D.C., to help create awareness of Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi, a veteran who served two tours in Afghanistan and was arrested in Mexico in March 2014; at the time of their two treks to D.C., Tahmooressi was still being held in a Mexican prison. He was released Oct. 31, less than a month after Sharpe and Brown returned from their second trek to D.C.
... Bits & Pieces continued on p. 26
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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
SEA CHANTERS
...continued from p. 1 Kenny Rogers and Lionel Richie. More than offering a spectacular resume’, however, this group provides a phenomenal evening of entertainment. No one knows that better than Duff, who spent 23 years performing with this elite group before he retired in 2013 and came to work at the academy. A graduate of Central Missouri State University (now University of Central Missouri), Duff began his musical journey as a trombone player. No one knew he could sing until a change in his college curriculum forced him to take a vocal class. “I didn’t want to be in the choir, but my professors strongly encouraged me to change my focus from instrumental to vocal,” he recalls. Before his college graduation, Duff auditioned for the Navy Band as a vocalist. But, there was a problem – he had an eye disease that made him ineli-
gible to serve in the military. In fact, he was denied three times, once while he was in boot camp. Refusing to give up, he credits God with the miracle that Chief Daryl Duff finally gave him access. “If I didn’t have Jesus Christ, I wouldn’t be where I am,” he says. Duff wants to share his passion for music with both his students and the entire community, which is one of the reasons he’s worked hard to bring the Sea Chanters to Oak Ridge. He admits the academy’s music program is presently a bit ... dismal. Ancient music books and instruments, and scores of vinyl records are what he’s been given to work with.
Ironically, that excites him, and backed by the full support of the school’s administration, he is pressing forward to develop a solid music program at the academy. In recent months Duff has been working with Jackson Music in Winston-Salem to refurbish many of his music department’s instruments, while at the same time he is focusing on piquing the interest of the students. The academy’s fourcadet chorus and cadet pianist might be small, but he says they have a heart for music. He’s also got a drum line, and says the academy is working on putting together a fine arts department. Bringing groups like the Sea Chanters to the community is part of Duff’s master plan to boost the school’s music program.
music and patriotic fare to gospel and contemporary music. And when they’re singing, it’s not uncommon to see them moving with the beat. Duff says the Sea Chanters won’t be coming this way again until 2020, but other ensembles from the United States Navy Band will come through the region before then and he hopes to also bring them to the community. “If we’re a good sponsor and we get a good crowd, we will be one of their targets when they come back again,” says Duff. “I’d like to see (this area) be a target for other musicians as well.”
want to go? U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters Wednesday, March 11 • 7:30 p.m. Bonner Field House Oak Ridge Military Academy
“If I can’t get the students here in the band, I’ll at least expose them and the entire community to the music,” he says.
Free admission, but tickets required
The Sea Chanters bring an unexpected vitality to their performances, Duff says. The group’s repertoire includes everything from traditional choral
For tickets, call (336) 643-4131, ext. 122, or stop by Bank of Oak Ridge and BB&T Oak Ridge branches, and the Northwest Observer office in Oak Ridge.
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Luxury standard features: Granite in kitchens, hardwoods in select areas, wrought-iron balusters, stainless steel appliances and much more!
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(336) 553-0860 • AmericasHomePlace.com
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
FEB. 13 - 19, 2015
23
LETTERS/OPINIONS Submit your opinions (maximum 350 words) online: nwobserver.com mail: Opinions,
e-mail: editor@nwobserver.com
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.
Is Christianity superior to other religions? I have noticed in the Northwest Observer, in both articles and ads, the description of being “a good Christian” to describe one’s character. Isn’t that implying that one religion is better than another? Is a good Christian better than a good Jew or a good Mormon or even one without religion? In these times, using one’s religion or faith to make judgments of someone’s individual character is a dangerous path.
When are we going to learn from history that placing one’s religion above another or subjugating other religions only leads to a lack of respect, misunderstanding, anger and many times violence. With that being said, I honestly feel the NWO does strive to be very fair, serves a great service to the community, and is enjoyable to read. Thank you and I look forward to many more issues. Scot Sanborn, SUMMERFIELD
We don’t want to be another Greensboro My compatriots in the northwest area need to be worried by Trudy Wade’s intent to remake Greensboro in her own image, and here’s why. The northwest (Guilford County) communities were incorporated for one reason only – to eliminate the possibility of
annexation by Greensboro. Summerfield and Oak Ridge residents don’t want someone from outside dictating how they govern themselves, how they tax and allocate local funds, or what their priorities should be. Alan Abrams, SUMMERFIELD
sibility (at best) or negligence (at worst). Barring mechanical failures, accidents where a cyclist or pedestrian or another vehicle is involved inherently mean that a vehicle operator is irresponsible or negligent. That the driver was not texting or impaired does not absolve him from responsibility. That Mr. Barham was “… scarcely more than a boy …” was mentioned. Seriously? There are many his age fighting wars half a world away. Mr. Barham is and was an adult who recognized his error, as do others of his age. Unfortunately, he did not address that error responsibly. To say if he had it to do over again he would stop and help is an assumption on the part of the writer. In fact, Andy Barham did get a “second chance” in another hit-and-run (last July) in which he reacted in the same irresponsible manner. That was the very day his attorney requested a continuance of Todd’s case.
According to the court system, Barham will be freed soon. He will probably drive again, although his operating skills have been proven to be deadly deficient, and his sense of responsibility is lacking. Although he has satisfied the court system and his supporters, be aware that there are hundreds of us who have forgiven Mr. Barham but will never forget his impact on family, co-workers and friends. We are accountable to Todd’s memory. We will use his case as the prime example of what pain is created when a driver lacks responsibility or is negligent. There is no vitriol from me to Mr. Barham. I save my vitriol for Judge Craig and the legal system which has demeaned Todd’s life and set a very, very bad precedent in issuing a sentence that is not a deterrent. Todd was the second paramedic in a year to be killed while riding a bicycle. When will it stop? Stephen Madison, HIGH POINT
Bolling made distorted assumptions I read with disbelief Jim Bolling’s editorial, which attempted to trivialize the effects of the needless death of Todd Martinez. Bolling wrote he felt a great sadness for Andrew Barham and his family. That is needed and proper. However, to make innuendos about the family and supporters of Todd Martinez is uncalled for.
by law – he ran. He left an injured man on a very secluded road, with his wife alone. He ran. He then proceeded to a gathering at his church, then to a Super Bowl party.
Forgiving does not mean forgetting
To quote from Bolling’s letter, “It is easy to read and assume attitudes – based partly on facts (some of which may have been distorted) but also on assumptions.”
“The behaviors he exhibited afterward, however, were not those of a callous person with disregard for human life but a terrified, impulsive reaction of a young man – he put on a facade of normalcy, but I have no doubt he was horribly conflicted,” Bolling went on to write, adding he had no doubt Barham would stop and help if he could do it over.
I read with great interest Jim Bolling’s editorial in last week’s issue, “Forgiveness would emulate firefighter’s character,” and I agree.
How dare he make a statement like that! Though he says he is familiar with the story, he then proves he has made a lot of distorted assumptions himself.
Well, sir, he had a do-over. On July 7, after he had his first court appearance for hitting and killing Todd Martinez, Barham hit a car in the parking lot of Lowes.
Forgiveness is a fine quality that Todd (Martinez) had and many of us share. But that concept in no way im-
24
FEB. 13 - 19, 2015
plies “forgetting.” There is a multitude of us who will never forget. I won’t make assumptions here like those in last week’s editorial; I’ll stick to the facts. While I’m sure Todd’s death was not deliberate, it was the result of irrespon-
Barham was not charged with hitting Todd Martinez. His crime was that he did not stop and render aid as required
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Guess what? He ran. Bolling goes on to write, “When Andy gave himself up to officers and
learned that Todd Martinez had died, he sobbed uncontrollably.” First, he did not give himself up. When he returned to his parents’ house, state troopers were there and placed him under arrest. Did he sob uncontrollably because he had killed a man? Or because he was caught and realized the mess he was in? I don’t know, because I can’t see into a man’s heart. All the above facts were presented during the hearing and are part of the court records. Todd’s family and sup-
porters are upset because the man who killed him will only serve four months. Then we found out after the trial that the assistant DA and defense attorney petitioned the court to have the court costs removed. This is obscene! This must be changed. No other family should go through this travesty. Chet Hodgin, JAMESTOWN The writer is a victim’s advocate and past president of N.C. Victim Assistance Network, High Point Crimestoppers, and High Point Community Against Violence.
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GRINS and 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... Barn owner Jack Summers of Fairy Tale Farm (and his family and staff) on Witty Road in Summerfield for excellent horse care. If I were a horse, I would want to live there! The kindly gentleman who rides his lawnmower to pick up trash along Gideon Grove and Ellisboro Road in Stokesdale. He was recently out in the freezing cold helping to clean up our roadways. Sir, you are truly appreciated! Luigi’s Pizza in Summerfield. The food is delicious, service is great, and the restaurant is inviting. The owners are always around to speak to customers and ensure everyone is pleased with their meal and service. What a great little secret!
Northwest Middle School science teacher Mr. Lynch for rocking it when it comes to science labs. Thanks for keeping the students interested and making it fun! The principal, treasurer and janitor at Stokesdale Elementary for their help in dumpster diving for a lost retainer. Murphy’s Law – it was found in the last bag! Mrs. Karen Meacham at Stokesdale Elementary for putting together a wonderful music concert for the first- and fifth-grade students! A & Y Nails in Oak Ridge for the extra time in the massage chair! I can’t wait to visit again. The Oak Ridge community and JP Looney’s for their continued support of Oak Ridge Youth Association’s fundraising events. The success of events like the pancake breakfast make so much possible for all of the kids! Northern Guilford Middle for hosting the second annual Northern Unite Night on Jan. 30. What a great community event to showcase your fabulous school. Fun was had by teachers and students alike! Jim Bolling for an excellent letter on forgiveness for the young man who hit the cyclist and then fled – a tragedy for all involved, and one he must live with. “To err is human; to forgive, divine.”
7101 US 158, Stokesdale • (336) 643-7397 • www.trane.com NEW SYSTEM INSTALLATION • SERVICE • REPAIR
Muscle glycogen – what’s your level? Dr. Zach Smith
LEBAUER SPORTS MEDICINE
Using technology the NFL and MLB teams are using, we can measure muscle glycogen levels, and help you prevent injuries, find out why certain muscles cramp, or figure out why you haven’t achieved your personal best performance.
Learn more about Dr. Smith and LeBauer Sports Medicine at www.LeBauer.com Call (336) 547-1792 for an appointment
... continued on p. 26
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
FEB. 13 - 19, 2015
25
BITS & PIECES
GRINS and GRIPES
...continued from p. 22
...continued from p. 25
Northwest Middle School faculty. These people rally through any storm tossed their way and still provide the best education for our children in Guilford County. Thank you one and all for your dedication!
GRIPES to...
Photo courtesy of Julie Jersey
How long can you hold that plank? Northern Guilford Middle School hosted Northern Unite Night on Jan. 30 for rising sixth-graders from Summerfield Elementary, Northern Elementary and McNair Elementary. Dinner, games, competitions and a tour of the school were all part of the evening’s offerings. Pictured above, Summerfield Elementary Principal Jill Walsh and Northern Middle Principal Aaron Woody compete to see who cam hold a plank position the longest (Woody conceded that Walsh “obliterated him” in the competition!).
Helping everyday people every day
The men in the tan truck who drove down our long driveway and hit our dog on their way out. They didn’t stop to disclose their reason for being there, or to check on the dog. Don’t come back! The person complaining about neighbors’ flood lights. If you don’t like the lights, buy some blinds! NC Department of Transportation. If you are responsible for safety, then you need to put a merge sign to the on ramp from U.S. 158 to U.S. 220. Driving at night is tricky. To “Typhoid Thom” – for obvious reasons. Squirrels, for not being smarter. Why do you wait until I get near you to run across the road? Stick to water skiing! To the beagle owner who allowed your two dogs to run loose. As predicted, one of your babies didn’t make it across N.C. 150 alive.
Engaged in the general practice of law, including wills, estate planning, trusts, guardianships, probate and administration of estates and trust, real estate, small business start-ups & contracts
The Northwest Observer for leaving the Grins and Gripes section out of the Feb. 6 paper. It’s one of the best parts of the paper! Editor’s Note: While it may not have been as noticeable, there were also several news briefs, reader-submitted community news items, photos and calendar events that didn’t make it into last week’s issue. To explain, we’re experiencing our seasonal downturn in advertising (which historically occurs every January, February and July) – and when advertising slumps, we can’t afford to print as many pages ... and that means we have tough choices to make about what can and can’t fit into each issue. Thanks for understanding that because all the costs of reporting, writing, editing, designing, printing, mailing and distributing the Northwest Observer are paid for by advertising, the trade-off of being a “free” paper to our readers is that, especially during seasonal advertising slumps, sometimes there just isn’t enough room for all the content we have. We saved all the Grins and Gripes we received two weeks ago and combined them with those we received last week, so hope you’ll enjoy the double dose in this issue!
l(336) 272-4400 or visit Cal www.pestmgt.com for more information.
(336) 643-4623 8004 Linville Rd, Suite E-3 Oak Ridge
· Full Service Pest Control
· Moisture Control
· Wildlife Management
· Bed Bug Treatments
· Termite Treatments · Mosquito Management
www.attorneybillbarbour.com
26
FEB. 13 - 19, 2015
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Protecting your family and your investment for over 30 years.
AUTOS FOR SALE
EMPLOYMENT
SAVE THE DATE
1997 Class C TIOGA MOTOR HOME, 97,000 miles, $10,000. (336) 855-8580.
DRIVERS: New equipment just arrived!
Gideon Grove UMC is holding a FAT TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER. Come to Palestine UMC, 51 Ellisboro Rd., Stokesdale, on Tuesday, February 17, between 5-7pm for pancakes, sausage or bacon and great fellowship. All donations will go into our rebuilding fund. Out of the ashes we are Growing in the Grove!
2001 TOYOTA CAMRY LE, bought in 2002, new timing belt, 179K, $2,300. 392-4263. 2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV, fully loaded, black on black, 75K miles, $34K. Call (336) 643-3156.
Sell that unused vehicle here! One of our 26,000 readers probably needs it! Place your ad at nwobserver.com.
Place online at
NEED HELP? Call (336) 644-7035 ext. 10 Mon - Fri • 9am -2pm
INDEX Autos for Sale ............................. 27 Employment ................................ 27 Public Notice ............................... 27 Save the Date ........................ 27-28 Home Services ....................... 28-29 Misc. Services......................... 29-30 Misc. for Sale .............................. 30 Misc. Wanted ............................. 30 Pets/Animals & Services ............... 30 Real Estate .................................. 30
EMPLOYMENT HOUSE CLEANERS NEEDED for a growing cleaning service. Mon-Fri hours. Call today! (336) 541-5164.
New year – new opportunities. Want better pay? Better home-time & compensation? CDL-A 1 yr. exp. (877) 704-3773.
HOMECARE AVAILABLE EXPERIENCED CAREGIVER available for short-term, long-term, or overnight senior care. Excellent references. (336) 247-4164.
PUBLIC NOTICE TOWN OF OAK RIDGE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Town Council and the Planning & Zoning Board of Oak Ridge will hold separate public hearings to consider requests to amend the official Town of Oak Ridge Zon-
PIANIST NEEDED -– Stokesdale Community Choir is seeking a pianist who is willing to volunteer 2 hours on Monday mornings from 9:30-11:30am. If you are blessed with this talent and willing to share it with us, please contact Sondra at (336) 453-8017.
ing Map and Development Ordinance. The
FULL-TIME SALES PERSON at House of Stars selling storage buildings, gazebos, metal structures, etc. Five-day work week, M, T, TH, F, SA (off Wed.). Must be neat & dependable; calculator skills and lots of walking required. Sales exp. helpful. Commission-based pay, potential to 50K for right person. Call (336) 548-2735 and speak with Rhonda for appointment.
Ridge Town Council.
TRIPPS, 1605 Highwoods Blvd., Greensboro, is now hiring hosts, servers and line cooks. Please come in to apply between 2-4pm Monday through Friday. TALENT SEARCH for companies and job search for professionals. Career Focus Solutions provides workshops designed to help companies recruit and retain top talent that fits their culture. Unemployed professionals find good companies where they best fit in the Triad. Contact Glenn Wise at (336) 298-1152 or visit us online at careerfocussolutions.com.
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 OAK RIDGE PLANNING/ZONING BOARD, Thursday, Feb. 26, 7pm, Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. OAK RIDGE TOWN COUNCIL, Thursday, March 5, 7pm, Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315
SQUARE DANCE LESSONS! Square dancing is great fun and the perfect exercise for the mind and body! Open House, February 19 & 26, 7:15-9:15pm, Lindley Recreation Center, 2907 Springwood Drive, Greensboro. Lessons begin March 5. For more info, call (336) 621-0215 or visit www.GreensboroSwingingStars.org. ROCK THE RUNWAY, an evening to benefit Triad Goodwill, Friday, Feb. 20, doors open at 5:30pm. For more information, visit www.goodwillrocktherunway.org, or see display ad on page 13.
Something
?
going on
Tell northwest Guilford County Place your Save the Date online at
Linville Road. NEW BUSINESS – REZONING CASE # RZ-15-01: HI (Heavy Industrial) to CU-LI (Conditional Use-Light Industrial). Located at 2900 Oak Ridge Road, in Oak Ridge Township, Guilford Co. Tax Parcel 0163026, approx. 2.25 acres. Owned by Truliant Federal Credit Union. The property is located in the Scenic Corridor Overlay Zone and the Greensboro (WS-III) Watershed Overlay Zone.
COFFEE CLUB, Sat., Feb. 21, 10-10:30am, Golden Antiques, 4537 Hwy. 220, Summerfield. Topic: Changes in health care. THE PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE CHOIR and ringers Spring Tour 2015, Thursday, February 26, 7pm, Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, 2614 Oak Ridge Road. Come enjoy this internationally-acclaimed college choir and handbell ensemble!
All citizens will be given an opportunity to be heard at these meetings. Doug Nodine, Planning & Zoning Board Chair; Ray Combs, Mayor of Oak Ridge
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
...continued on p. 28
FEB. 13 - 19, 2015
27
SavE tHE datE
HOME SErvicES
HOME SErvicES
HOME SErvicES
KIDS CONSIGNMENT SALE, Fri., Feb. 27, 9am-8pm; Sat., Feb. 28, 8am-1pm (some items 50% off on Sat.), St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Rd., Greensboro, www.stpaulskidssale.com.
ANA’S HOUSECLEANING. Good references, free est., 25 years exp. 309-0747.
GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. 362-1150.
WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Complete lawn care & landscaping. NC lic. irrigation contractor. 20 years exp. Hardscaping, fertilization & weed control. 399-7764.
FAIRY GARDEN WORKSHOP, Saturday, Feb. 28, The Garden Outlet in Summerfield. Please call to register or with any questions. (336) 643-0898. CHILI COOK-OFF, Saturday, Feb. 28, Golden Antiques, 4537 Hwy. 220N, Summerfield. Tasting at 11am, $1 per cup. Judging at 2pm. 1st, 2nd & 3rd prizes. Enter by Feb. 14 by calling (336) 404-4603. GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT at Golden Antiques, Tuesday, March 3, 6-9pm. Door prizes, guest vendors, sales from booth vendors, music & fun!
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. MARIA’S CLEANING SERVICE. Free estimates, guaranteed service. 937-5231. PROFESSIONAL HOME CLEANING Affordable prices, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or seasonal. Free est., satisfaction guaranteed. Call Elizabeth, (336) 453-8592. CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Will clean to fit your budget. Pet taxi/pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, 231-1838.
FlOOring CARPET REPAIRS & RESTRETCHING Licensed/insured. 643-6500.
Get. Be. Stay. Connected.
facebook.com/NorthwestObserver
gEnEral rEpair & SErvicES GENERAL HOME REPAIR, bathroom repair, small/odd jobs. 644-8710, 708-0522.
OLD SCHOOL
HOME REPAIR, LLC
(336) 669-7252
FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers & gas equipment. 689-4167. SANDRA’S CLEANING SERVICE, Affordable, experienced, guaranteed svc. 423-3196. SPARKLE CLEANING SERVICES Affordable, quality house cleaning! Licensed & insured. Call (336) 541-5164. CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING, gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. www.windowcleaningnc.com. 595-2873.
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Feb. 13 - 19, 2015
oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com www.oldschoolsjhr.homestead.com BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics 2014
Professional, Honest, Reliable
clEaning
Lisa & Jerry Potkay, Oak Ridge Bathroom Remodeling | Additions | Decks
guttErS / windOwS / Siding GUTTER CLEANING & LEAF GUARDS. 5 and 6” seamless gutters. Free estimates. Call Gary the Gutter Guy. (336) 345-6518. www.a1copperroofing.com.
lawn carE / landScaping TRU-GREEN TURF & LANDSCAPE Management. Turf care, landscape maintenance, plant and shrub installation, pinestraw and mulch, mosquito control. Free estimates. (336) 362-6181. MULCH, single-ground, $10 per 3-yard scoop. Tandem load delivered, $100 (about 10 yards). Oak Ridge area, 803-2195. TRACTOR FOR HIRE Bush hogging, tilling, fencing, brush/tree removal, hauling & more! (336) 207-6632. D & D LANDSCAPING & IRRIGATION Complete landscaping services. Retaining walls & patios. Member BBB. NC licensed irrigation contractor. 480-4101.
Home Improvement & Repairs
HOME SErvicES
The Northwest Observer 18 years and counting! Want to reach our readers? Call 644-7035 for advertising info.
grading / Hauling BRAD’S BOBCAT. Snow removal, grading/ hauling, gravel/dirt, driveways. 362-3647. ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt available. Zane Anthony, 362-4035.
MY GROUNDSKEEPER Landscaping and lawn care, shrubs, mulch, cut low limbs and more. Timothy, 643-5154. STUMP GRINDING – FREE ESTIMATES Big or small, we grind them all. 382-3860. 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. 643-1119. ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call 382-9875. AREA STUMP DUMP. Yard waste, concrete, etc. Fill dirt available. 602-5820.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call 382-9875. WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Complete lawn care & landscaping. NC lic. irrigation contractor. 20 years exp. Hardscaping, fertilization & weed control. 399-7764. CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, 643-9332. CarolinaStumpAndTreeService.com. 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 643-9157. LANDSCAPE SOLUTIONS 17-year anniversary special. We will beat your current written price by 15% – guaranteed! Call (336) 601-3796.
What’s going on around town? Find us on Facebook for updates! facebook.com/northwestobserver TOO MUCH YARD WORK TO HANDLE? I do leaf clean up, pruning & tree trimming, bed & yard work, odd jobs. Honest, reliable & reasonable. (336) 464-5215. ONE GUY & A MACHINE LAWN CARE and hardscaping. Maintenance, design, paver patios, block walls, hedges trimmed, beds re-edged, pine needles, mulch, pressure washing, chemical applications, aerating. Licensed & insured. Free est. Call 382-4767. www.oneguyandamachine.com. BRAD’S BOBCAT. Snow removal! Mulching, landscaping, concrete work. 362-3647. GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maintenance. 655-6490.
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
MASONRY
STILL PERFECTION PAINTING Reliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, 462-3683 or stillperfectionpainting.com.
ROBERT VINCENT CONSTRUCTION
TRIPP SMITH CONSTRUCTION, LLC. Licensed General Contractor with college degree in construction management and over 18 years of experience. We specialize in additions, remodels, garages, decks, sunrooms, new construction, residential & commercial. No job too large or too small. Free Estimates. Call or email, 399-4894, tripp@trippsmithconstruction.com.
Granite countertops and stone backsplash NEW LOCATION: 8605 Triad Dr, Colfax marshallstone.com | (336) 996-4918
concrete & repairs. Free estimates. (336) 988-1022, www.masonryconceptsgso.com. SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes. Let us help with your outdoor living and entertainment spaces! No better time for a new fire pit or patio. We do driveways & sidewalks too! Give us a call at (336) 399-6619 for all your concrete and landscape needs.
MISC. SERVICES & PRODUCTS
BEK Paint Co.
NC GC license #69997. Free estimates.
Residential & Commercial David & Judy Long, owners
(336) 931-0600
• References Available • Licensed & Insured • All Work Guaranteed
JDB PLUMBING. Repair, remodel, well pump. Lic/Ins. Accepts all major credit cards. Office 656-0019, cell 382-6905. 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.
and good-to-know about northwest Guilford County.
fireplaces, sold, serviced and repaired.
PAINTING & DRYWALL PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR, 32 years exp. Sheetrock repair. No job too small. Insured. Call Brad Rogers, 314-3186.
Services TM Construction , INC
BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS
Outdoor living | Fire pits | Screened porches
644-8615 office 508-5242 cell
POWER WASHING PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Call Crystal Clear. Fully insured. www.windowcleaningnc.com. 595-2873.
REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION RENOVATION WORKS INC. New construction, remodeling, kitchen and bath, additions, decks & patios. Call (336) 427-7391 or www.myrenovationworks.com.
NC Gen. Contractor #72797
BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens & baths, rotted wood, custom decks, garages, siding, windows, roofing specials. Sr. discounts, 35 years exp. 362-6343. KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Specializing in room additions, garages, vinyl siding and win-
ROOFING CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC Residential roofing, rubber flat roofs, roof coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience. Now accepting all major credit cards. Call 643-8191 or 580-3245. 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 662-7980, or visit redrhinoroofing.com. A.L. CORMAN ROOFING INC. Res. roofing specialist serving Guilford Cty. area since 1983. Member BBB 25+ years w/ A+ rating. cormanroofinginc.com, 621-6962.
MISC. SERVICES
dows, painting, ceramic tile, laminate, hardwood and linoleum floors, and remodeling of all kinds. No job too small. Free est. Call 644-1943 or cell 362-7469.
Keeping Fitness Personal
MOBILE WELDING SERVICE Residential, wrought-iron fence & gates, custom fabrication, stainless aluminium. Chuck, 362-8679, triadmobilewelding.com.
ON-TARGET
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC. Roof Replacements / Repairs Siding & Windows Custom Decks / Porches General Home Repairs Remodeling / Painting
Tc. GicEes, In ARerv -Tction S OCoNnstru
Call Don Hill, (336) 643-7183.
Call 681-2902 or www.jlbremodeling.com.
Licensed & insured
All things need-to-know, fun-to-know
GAS LOGS, WOOD STOVES & INSERTS,
Insured. Custom remodeling & additions.
PLUMBING
The 7th annual NW FINDER
sales. 35 years exp. (336) 215-2800.
additions, bobcat work, etc. 643-3207. JLB REMODELING, INC.
BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic/Ins. Call Mark for savings. 337-7924.
LOW-COST GARAGE DOORS. Repair &
ment needs. Small projects, kitchens, baths,
Your business should be here too!
BEKPaintCompany.com MASONRY CONCEPTS, brick, block, stone,
We can help you with all your home improve-
personal training small group classes TRX, Cycle, Insanity & more
Cathy Gold ( 336 ) 549-6460 4446 Hwy 220 N, Summerfield
www.goldstandard4fitness.com JUNK REMOVAL. Appliances, batteries, mowers, electronics, trash, etc. 662-3550. FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers & gas equipment. 689-4167.
30 yrs exp • Workmanship guarantee Insurance specialists
(336) 644-1580
FREE Estimates Insured & Dependable
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
...continued on p. 30
FEB. 13 - 19, 2015
29
MISC. SERVICES
MISC. FOR SALE
PET / ANIMAL SERVICES REAL ESTATE
NORTHWEST ART FRAMING
FIREWOOD FOR SALE, $75/pickup load, delivered & stacked. (336) 253-7615.
BOARDING / LESSONS
Fine, affordable framing. “Completely satisfied every time” – Joe in Summerfield. Steve Maloy, owner. Call for appt., (336) 644-1911.
MISC. WANTED
COMPUTER REPAIRS $99.
$$$ – WILL PAY CASH up to $200 for your junk or wrecked vehicle. 552-0328.
Used computers, website design. Info at ITBASICS.COM – (336) 643-0068. Inside Mailboxes & More, Oak Ridge Commons.
UNWANTED RIDING & PUSH MOWERS, tillers & gas equipment. Call 689-4167.
MISC. FOR SALE
Buying all WRIST & POCKET WATCHES Top $$ paid, guaranteed. From Timex to Rolex. 20+ years experience. Call Today! (336) 875-4019.
BOOK SALE, Feb. 12-15, Golden Antiques, 4537 Hwy. 220, Summerfield. Sponsored by Vintage Vagabonds. All genres. Great deals!
dREAMCATCHER STABLES of oAk RidgE, LLC. Boarding | Training Lessons 336.688.4718
www.dreamcatcherstable.biz
REAL ESTATE
TOOL SALE, Feb. 12-15, Golden Antiques,
PET / ANIMAL SERVICES
HOMES FOR RENT
4537 Hwy. 220, Summerfield. Antique, vin-
ANIMALS AVAILABLE
NW GREENSBORO CONDO FOR RENT,
tage & useful tools at great prices! ALL NEW MATTRESS SETS. Still in plastic, w/ warranty. Twin, $99; Full, $109; Queen, $129; King, $191. Can deliver, layaway available. Mattress Outlet. 992-0025. PYREX SALE, Feb. 19-22, Golden Antiques, 4537 Hwy. 220, Summerfield. Great deals!
Really nice PIT BULL MALE, just under a year old, free to good home. Please call (336) 564-8411 and ask for Marti.
like new. Call (336) 392-1454.
FREE 4-YEAR-OLD FEMALE CAT, spayed, up to date on shots. Very affectionate. Not good with other cats. Summerfield. (607) 738-4396.
Oak Ridge school district. $700/mo., plus de-
SEASONED FIREWOOD, $80/half cord, delivered and stacked. Call 686-6373.
CRS, GRI, SRES, Chairman’s Circle Award ( 336 ) 215.9856
ramilya.siegel@atcmail.com www.allentate.com/RamilyaSiegel
cludes professional landscaping each month. posit. Call (336) 314-7010. DUPLEX APARTMENT, 2BR, 2BA, new! Summerfield. $700/mo. (336) 706-1887.
OPEN HOUSE Sun, Feb 15 • 2- 4pm
Antiques, collectibles, vintage toys & tools.
Ramilya Siegel
OAK RIDGE, 2BR, 2BA, very private, in-
HOMES FOR SALE
WAREHOUSE MALL, INC
7916 Daltonshire Drive, Oak Ridge Exciting two-story home with open floor plan, chef’s kitchen, oversized deck, fenced back yard and more. $189,900
305 E. Bodenhamer Drive, Kernersville.
123 Dream Lane 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 $75!
Hours: Mon-Sat., 10am-6pm, Sun., 1-6pm. GRASS-FED BEEF & PASTURED PORK,
Place your real estate showcase today
Grassfedgreensboro@yahoo.com.
Got stuff? Sell it here in the
NWO classifieds submit your ad at
www.nwobserver.com
30
FEB. 13 - 19, 2015
(336) 644-7035, ext. 10 advertising@nwobserver.com
RILEY is a precious 3-year, 3-month-old medium male Labrador Retriever mix who is blind, but he doesn’t let that hold him back! He is active and energetic, and would be perfect for an adopter who can take him out often and give him lots of TLC. Riley is neutered and ready to go home today. For more info on Riley or other animals at the Guilford County Animal Shelter needing a forever home, visit www.adoptshelterpets. org or call 297-5020.
8308 Hunters Drive, Greensboro Located in Hilton’s Landing off Cedar Hollow Road. Five minutes from Northern Schools.
ANN POWELL
Realtor ® • (336) 327-3473
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Selling or renting? The Northwest Observer is delivered to over 11,000 mailboxes in northwest Guilford County every week, and is available at 75 local businesses! Call Laura for advertising information! (336) 644-7035, ext. 10.
display advertiser index thanks to all the advertisers who partnered with us to bring you this free community resource A/C & HEATING Stokesdale Heating & Air.....................25
ACCOUNTING Carlotta Lytton, CPA, PA .....................21 Kimberly Thacker Accounting..............21 Samuel Anders, CPA, MSA, PC ...........10
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES Piedmont Truck Tires, Inc. ..................14
COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER / PUBLISHING CO.
HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Northwest Observer.............................31
Pest Management Services..................26 ProStone, Inc. .....................................18
DANCE INSTRUCTION
LEGAL SERVICES
Nan’s School of Dance ........................22 Swinging Stars Square Dancing .............3
Attorney Bill Barbour ...........................26
MEDICAL
EVENTS
Goodwill – Rock the Runway ...............13 Sea Chanters, US Navy Band ..............15 Summerfield Founders’ Day ..................6 UNC School of the Arts .......................20
HEALTH & FITNESS
Alpha Weight Loss .................................6
HOME BUILDERS
America’s Home Place ........................23 Windsor Homes .....................................5
Angie Wilkie, Allen Tate.........................8 Ann Powell, Allen Tate .........................30 Berkshire Hathaway Home Services ......2 Bobbie Maynard Team, Allen Tate.......12 Ramilya Siegel, Allen Tate ..................30
RESTAURANT Elizabeth’s Italian Restaurant .................7
Eagle Physicians at Oak Ridge ............. 11 LeBauer Health Care ...........................25
PET SERVICES King’s Crossing Animal Hospital ......3, 21 KPS – Kelly’s Pet Services ....................21 Northwest Animal Hospital ..................21 Westergaard Kennels...........................21
RETAIL BiRite Food Center ................................9 Carpet Super Mart..........................16-17 Midtown Furniture & Mattress .............32
SCHOOLS Oak Level Baptist Academy ...................4
REAL ESTATE
YOUTH SPORTS
A New Dawn Realty ............................21
Summerfield Rec Association ..............19
Straight from our Each week 13,200 copies reach over 26,400 northwest-area readers. Come along with us and create your own advertising success story! Annette Joyce advertising manager
Laura Reneer associate publisher
Contact us for advertising info | (336) 644- 7035 ext. 10 | advertising@nwobserver.com
advertisers We love the Northwest Observer. Our ads ‘pop’ in color and position. We have found that advertising continuously, week after week helps keep our name fresh for many customers, old and new. A great majority of our business has come from consistent advertising. Nancy Brooks & Lizann Dodson, owners Spoil-Me-Rotten Animal Care
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
FEB. 13 - 19, 2015
31
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Postal Patron
4
Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22
PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 • (336) 644-7035
ECRWSS
YEARS INTEREST FREE FINANCING*
42
PAYMENTS AS LOW AS $ WITH $2000 FINANCED!
Twin, Full or Queen Bedroom Suite
TWIN
129
$
* PER MONTH
399
Queen Bedroom Suite
TWIN, FULL OR QUEEN
299
$
MATTRESS SET
MATTRESS SET
599
$
FULL OR QUEEN MATTRESS ONLY
TWIN, FULL OR QUEEN
499
$
MATTRESS SET
699
299
$
MATTRESS SET
Flipable!
QUEEN OR FULL
$
MATTRESS SET
Plush or Pillowtop
2-SIDED QUEEN OR FULL
TWIN, FULL OR QUEEN
$
KING
399
$
MATTRESS SET
FULL OR QUEEN
1499
$
MATTRESS SET
MATTRESS SET
Memory Foam
Also Available in Cherry
799
$
Compare at $2299
Also Available in King
199 1
100 Colors Available
599
$
& Mobility Inc..
Qualty Lift Chairss
WE OFFER 30 DIFFERENT STYLES TO CHOOSE FROM
Sofa or Loveseat $
499
at $499 10 Colors Available
MED- IFT
Compare at $3799
Power Rocker Recliner Compare $
Wallsaver R Recliner Compare $
LLift Recliner
2099
$
399
at $1099 Also Available in Tan
299
Available Compare at $599 in Black
549
Compare at $1099
Sofa or Loveseat $
Rocking Recliner $
899
Compare at $1099
Table & 4 Chairs $
Sofa or Loveseat $
Compare at $699
Compare at $1199
599
299
at $1299
Reclining Sofa or Reclining Loveseat Compare $
449
399
C Compare at $1499 Compare at $799
Rocking Recliner Also $
Reclining Sofa or Reclining Loveseat Compare $
at $1999
2 Piece Sectional
799
$
Compare Available at $1999 in 6 Colors
FREE EXTENDED D L LAYAWAY AYAWAY AVA AVAILABLE – TAKE IT HOME TODAY!! DELIVERY AND DISPOSAL AVAILABLE
SUPERSTORE
Call 427-5413
7 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
We want you to be happy. You have up to 7 days to decide. If you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason we will gladly exchange your furniture or refund your money, including tax and any delivery fee you may have been charged in full!
MIDTOWN DTOW WN FURNITU URNITURE
& MATTRESS CENTER
SUPERSTORE Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9:00 am-6:00 pm or by Appt. Plenty of Parking • Large Showroom
Hwy. 220 Business across from Kmart, 727 N. Highway Street, Madison, NC 27025 • www.midtownfurniture.com
*With financed amount of $2000 or more with approved credit. See store for complete financing details. Bedroom includes dresser, mirror, complete bed & night stand. Sale does not apply to previous purchases. All advertised prices are after all available discounts. We reserve the right to replace products advertised if they become unavailable.
BUS 220
Martinsville Eden
Mayodan
135
704
Midtown Furniture
Madison BYP 220
Reidsville
311
704
Winston-Salem Greensboro