Northwest Observer | February 21 - 27, 2014 by pscommunications

Feb. 21 - 27, 2014

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Dan River coal ash spill Could a similar disaster occur closer to home? by SHARON NEELY

Photos by Eric Chance and Matt Wasson, Appalachian Voices

The coal ash spill in Eden, N.C., dumped about 82,000 tons of coal ash and 22 million gallons of water into the Dan River. Members of the Appalachian Voices team (above) traveled to the site after the spill and immediately began taking samples from the shore.

EDEN/NW GUILFORD – Jenny Edwards of northwest Greensboro has spent many hours floating in her canoe over the last few weeks, but unfortunately, it hasn’t been for recreational purposes. As program manager for the Dan River Basin Association (DARBA), she and a colleague were some of the first to hear about the massive Duke Energy coal ash spill in Eden that emptied 82,000

Treasured mementoes lost in fire, but memories remain forever by MICHELLE HOLT Michelle Holt vividly remembers getting the phone call from her husband, who told her he had bad news – an outbuilding on their family’s property off Ellison Road in Stokesdale had caught on fire. The following is her account of the fire, the loss, and memories of a small building that stored 20 years of laughs, celebrations and time with friends and family.

...continued on p. 5

tons of coal ash into the Dan River on Feb. 2 – what is now recognized as the third largest coal ash spill in the country. Immediately after the spill, DARBA and other environmental groups began collecting samples of micro invertebrates from the Dan River in order to assess the current and long-term impact of the spill. “Our hours have been long and it doesn’t seem to stop,” says Edwards. “I’m getting pretty weary.”

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IN THIS ISSUE News in brief.......................... 2 Your Questions...................... 4 Summerfield Town Council.. 6 Business Notes...................... 8

Photo courtesy of Michelle Holt

Steve Holt surveys the ruins of his family’s treasured gathering place. Firemen tried to save the outbuilding, but much of it was destroyed in a blaze on Jan. 23.

Bits & Pieces.......................... 8 Love stories...........................10 Community Calendar.........14 Crime/Incident Report........15 Letters/Opinions .................16 Grins & Gripes......................16 Classifieds............................18 Index of Advertisers............23 NWO On The Go!................ 24

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Founders Day festival, held each May to celebrate the town’s incorporation and honor its founders, will need to find a new home – once again. For the first 14 years, the two-day festival was held on the grounds of Summerfield Elemen3/8/12 11:53 AM tary School. Due to a major renovation/ expansion project at the school in 2011, the town was forced to find an alternate location for the annual event. And so it was that the festivities were moved to the property owned by the Summerfield Fire Department and an adjacent lot owned by the town. Once again,

though, renovations will force the town to find a new location, as the fire department is undergoing a major expansion and renovation project which will not be completed until this summer. Though logistics are still being worked out, the town is planning on moving the Founders’ Day festivities to the athletic park property on US 220. The parade route, however, will still be along Summerfield Road, just as it has always been. Founders’ Day 2014 is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 16 and 17.

Workshops, budget meetings STOKESDALE/SUMMERFIELD – The Stokesdale Town Council will hold a workshop on Friday, Feb. 21, at 3 p.m. to continue discussion of the town’s water system. The workshop will be held at the town hall at 8325 Angel Pardue Road.

the Stokesdale Town Hall at 8325 Angel Pardue Road.

A second workshop will held on Friday, Feb. 21, at 5:30 p.m. at Stokesdale United Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola Street, to train anyone who wishes to learn how to operate the town’s portable generator.

The Summerfield Town Council will hold a budget workshop and planning session on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Summerfield Town Hall at 4117 Oak Ridge Rd. Citizens are invited to attend, and there will be a period for public comments.

On Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 4 p.m. the council will hold a budget workshop at

Citizens are invited to attend all workshops and budget meetings. For more information, call the Stokesdale Town Hall at (336) 643-4011.

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Summerfield’s operating budget for FY 2013/2014 is $2.17 million. The town has been criticized by some citizens for taxing at a rate of 3.5 cents per $100 property value over the last several years, while accumulating a fund balance that now exceeds $8 million. At a special meeting on Jan. 30, the council discussed several key projects to consider when planning next fiscal year’s

budget. Those items include replacing the entrance sign to the Summerfield Athletic Park on US 220, which will be displaced by the widening of the highway from two lanes to four lanes; aesthetic improvements (i.e., landscaping) to the future median on US 220; trail system design; and improvements to the Gordon property (pending purchase) at the intersection of NC 150 and Summerfield Road.

And the race is on GUILFORD COUNTY – Though there will be no town council elections this year in Stokesdale, Oak Ridge or Summerfield, citizens will have several choices to make in the primary election on May 6 and the general election on Nov. 4. The filing period for elections in Guilford County opened Feb. 10 and will close Feb. 28. The District 3 county commissioner’s seat, which serves northwest Guilford County, will be vacated this fall when Republican Linda Shaw, 73, voluntarily steps down. Shaw has served on the board of

commissioners for 16 years, and been active in national, state and local politics for 50 years. Most recently, she has come under fire by some conservatives for supporting economic business incentives and for her support of Project Haystack. So far, Republican Justin Conrad has the District 3 race all to himself. Former Greensboro city councilman Danny Thompson, also a Republican and owner of Greensboro in-home care company Comfort Keepers, announced his candidacy in late January, but withdrew his

name one week later. Conrad, 39, is the president of locallyowned Libby Hill Seafood. He is a lifelong Guilford County resident, and married with three daughters ages 12, 10 and 7. He served as executive director of the Guilford County Republican Party and currently is serving his second term as chairman of the Guilford County Board of Health. “I believe that our founders envisioned a citizen-led government, where true representatives of the community came forward to serve those citizens,” Conrad said in a press release announcing his candidacy. “Our family has owned and operated a small business for over 60 years in this community. We understand the daily trials and challenges each of you face. As a private citizen, I have fought against frivolous tax increases like the Prepared Food Tax. “I am running for commissioner because it is time to stop politicians from playing political games. It is time for the citizens to serve, and time for the people to make a difference. It is time for small business solutions for big government

problems. I am someone who has been running a family business my grandparents started and who has been pitching in with local projects that make our community a better place. I am someone that understands that to make a payroll you spend within your means.” Conrad says he opposes economic business incentives and is on record as being “very skeptical” of Project Haystack. To date, nine candidates have filed to run for the 6th District congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep Howard Coble, who announced in November that he would be retiring after this year; County Commissioner Jeff Phillips has also announced his candidacy, though he has not yet filed. The 6th District is comprised of five entire counties, Caswell, Person, Rockingham, Stokes, and Surry, along with portions of five other counties, Alamance, Durham, Granville, Guilford, and Orange. Two Democratic candidates, Danny Rogers of Jamestown and Phil Wadsworth of Pleasant Garden, have filed to run against Republican BJ Barnes for county sheriff.

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online: nwobserver.com e-mail: questions@nwobserver.com I heard that a Northwest High School student applied for the vacant town council seat in Stokesdale, but was ineligible because he wasn’t old enough to vote. Is that true? Matthew Howard, a 15-yearold freshman at Northwest High School, was one of eight people who submitted a written application for the vacant town council seat. Because he’s under the age of 21, Howard was not eligible to be considered for the vacant seat, however. N.C. General Statute Article VI-Section 6 states, “Every qualified voter in North Carolina who is 21 years of age, except as in this Constitution disqualified, shall be eligible for election by the people to office.” In a letter to Brenda Wallace of the Guilford County Board of Elections, the Stokesdale Town Council outlined the qualifications for a council candidate. The letter, dated May 22, 2013, states that candidates must legally reside in Stokesdale, be a registered voter in their precinct and be at least 21 years of age. Although Howard knew he didn’t meet the criteria, he still wanted to let people know he would like to have a voice in local government. “I feel like the youth of the community should be involved in decisions regarding the town,” he wrote on his application. “It is easy to sit back and complain about things you don’t necessarily agree with. However, it is much more difficult to take action and get involved.”

I was recently surprised to see horses in the Oak Ridge Town Park. Are they really allowed there? I’m also wondering if horses are allowed in the other town parks. Though horses are not allowed in the Oak Ridge Town Park, on rare occasions they show up. “We haven’t had a really big problem, but we did catch one group and have seen evidence that others have been in the park,” says Terry Lannon, Oak Ridge’s director of Parks and Recreation. The park is not big enough for setting up horse trails and there are no designated areas for riding horses, says Lannon. And unfortunately, those big creatures can damage the park grounds. “Horses are big, heavy animals,” says Lannon. “The ground doesn’t even have to be that wet for them to tear up the (fields and trails).” Horses are also not allowed in the Stokesdale Town Park, or in the Summerfield Athletic Park on US 220 (along with

There are no designated trails for horses in the Oak Ridge Town Park.

horses, dogs are also banned from the athletic park). Jeff Goard, Summerfield’s Parks and Recreation manager, says that horses are allowed in the town’s community park on Centerfield Road as long as they remain in harnesses and are not allowed to run loose. Although the community park lacks any substantial trails, Goard says there is an access road that leads to paths possibly used by equestrians.

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FIRE ...continued from p. 1 STOKESDALE – 1-2-3. That is how I will remember it. The date, 1-23 – Jan. 23, 2014. In just moments, 20 years of our life was gone in a fire. From the outside looking in, it was just an outbuilding. But it was so much more – it was a part of the grand tour you got if you came to our house. Built in 1994 as a storage building and man cave for my husband, Steve Holt, it quickly turned into the center of any event at our home. We got married in 1998 in our back yard. The building had a shelter, and our wedding reception was held there. Inside were all the collectibles we found at yard sales, flea markets, etc., as well as tools, mementoes, my son’s first bike and tricycle that my dad bought him – and a little red Coca Cola wagon. The walls were covered with license plates, photos, posters, autographed NASCAR plates, die-cast cars, Hot Wheels and bottles – Pepsi, Mountain Dew, old and new. It had somewhat of a country store appeal. At the same time, it was the workshop. If a car, mower, bike, etc., needed attention, it got it there at the building.

ce n e l l e Exc asm usi h t n E nce e i r e p Ex

After the building burned on Jan. 23, my son Michael, who is 24, said, "Twenty years of my life was in that building, and I am only 24." He cried. The building held so many memories for Michael and my husband of quality time spent there. If you were friends with my son and came over, that's where the dart games were played, and the horseshoe tournaments. Many of my son’s friends have their own special memories of time spent there. My husband was in the building at the time the fire started. He had chucked another piece of wood into the stove; within seconds, he realized smoke had filled the building. He turned around to see a flame the size of a match on the wall behind the stove. A spark had gotten out of the pipe and ignited the wall. He threw what was left of his glass of tea on it. The fire actually got bigger. He ran out of the building and grabbed a jug of water nearby, but it was frozen solid. The temperatures were in the teens that day. He ran up to the house, to the spigot. It was wrapped with insulation, and the water hose had been put away for the winter. He got a pitcher of water from inside the house and made three trips before realizing that he alone could not put the fire out. Then he called 911.

Three fire departments responded; the first one to arrive got stuck in the ditch at our driveway, blocking the other two fire trucks from getting up our drive. They had to use our neighbor’s driveway. Time seemed to stand still, although in a matter of minutes it was gone. If there was anything that was my husband’s and his alone, it was that building. "I want my building back," my husband said. The last several years have been hard for my husband. In 2008 he dealt with the loss of his father. He has been diagnosed with skin cancer and had surgeries many times since 2010. He was laid off of work. He drove up behind someone and witnessed them committing suicide. It just breaks my heart for him to lose his building. After the fire department came, they said, “It could have been worse – it could have been your house.” But in

many ways, it was our house. We are deeply grateful no one was hurt in the fire. It has been healing to hear the thoughts of friends and family who spent any amount of time in the building. We will rebuild, as close to the same as it was, and we’ll make new memories that no one can take. People have already begun to give my husband items to put in the building. Steve is a NASCAR fan, and one of my co-workers brought me a bag of NASCAR collectibles. My sister picked up an owl at a flea market. It’s nice to know so many people care.

want to help? Insurance will cover the cost of replacing the outbuilding, but cannot replace the mementoes within it. If you would like to donate any license plates, collectibles, mementoes, etc., to fill the walls of the new building, call Michelle Holt at (336) 423-8512 or email holtsforever@aol.com.

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SUMMERFIELD town council

Feb. 11 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by PATTI STOKES Mayor Tim Sessoms began the meeting by stating citizens would have five opportunities for input during the meeting, including a Public Comment period, discussion of the FY 2014/2015 budget, and three public hearings.

PUBLIC COMMENTS Ronald Stoll asked how/why the council decided to hire NFocus to write revisions to the town’s public nuisance ordinance.

“Why can’t we just enforce what we have rather than bringing in an outside person?” Stoll asked “It’s been a great community … let’s keep it that way. Let’s respect our farmers. Let’s don’t give tickets to shut up the cows. We should respect one another and work together.” County Commissioner Jeff Phillips, who was elected in 2012, said when he took office 15 months earlier, there were a lot of adjectives people used to describe

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the board of commissioners, including “dysfunctional” and “out of touch.”

what it would do with the property before making a purchase offer in December.

“We’ve done a lot to change that tenor,” Phillips said. He cited several accomplishments, including a reduction in county-level spending, eradication of a $41 million deficit, and an increase in spending on education. Phillips concluded by confirming his congressional run for District 6; the seat will be vacated by Congressman Howard Coble, who is retiring at the end of this year.

Frances Bean, who lives in a trailer on property that the town plans to purchase, berated the town council for “putting people out on the street.”

Paul Voight, who spoke at the Nov. 12 council meeting, said he was back again to speak about the injustice he had personally experienced after thieves had stolen numerous items from his property, been caught on videotape, and later had their case dismissed in court.

Gail Dunham chastised the council for giving consideration to spending what she claimed was “millions of dollars” on enhancing the future median on US 220 when the highway transitions from two lanes to four lanes. Dunham also said the council had not adequately publicized its budget meeting calendar.

“There are no rules or laws in this town – and you’re trying to pass more laws … this town has become dysfunctional,” said Voight. Don Wendelken read a letter written almost 18 years ago by the people who worked to incorporate the town. In it, the authors said they were committed to no taxes. “Remember where we all came from,” said Wendelken.

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Dwayne Crawford quoted from a letter written in 1999, which was sent out by Mayor Bill Peterson to property owners interested in being annexed into Summerfield. Peterson wrote in the letter that the Town of Summerfield was committed to a zero tax rate. “So many bought into the simple idea that we would be different … we are quickly becoming what we didn’t want to be,” Crawford said, adding “We want the freedom to live our lives the way we want – to have our houses a little less kept or a little more kept (referencing the proposed public nuisance ordinance).” Rich Lipinski said he had never been contacted about numerous nuisance complaints he had filed. Gail Dunham questioned why the town was planning to purchase 16 acres, and claimed the council had not thought out

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“You took our property, you moved us around ... It’s wrong not to pay people for their mobile homes they’ve lived in.” Bean said.

PUBLIC COMMENTS 2014/15 Budget

PUBLIC HEARINGS 1) Revisions/animal control ordinance Jane Doggett and Gail Dunham both expressed concerns about how the revisions, which have to do with tethering of unattended animals, would be enforced. “It concerns me that we have a lot of laws that we have a hard time enforcing,” said Doggett. Councilwoman Alicia Flowers confirmed with Scott Whitaker, the town manager, that Summerfield would be adopting the same revisions that Guilford County recently adopted, which would provide consistency for enforcement purposes; as for who would enforce the ordinance, it would be the county’s animal control officer.

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to adopt revisions to the town’s animal control ordinance, which regard tethering of unattended animals.

2) Revisions/public nuisance ordinance Whitaker gave an overview of the proposed revisions, and said there had been a lot of misinformation circulating about them. “I would encourage you to come to the town, go to the website, look for the draft ordinance, call us and ask us what the draft ordinance contains,”

Whitaker said to those in attendance.

his neighbor’s property.

“This ordinance wasn’t born of a desire to grow government,” Whitaker emphasized. “We had public nuisance complaints that we struggle to deal with, and our hands are somewhat tied … this is not a new ordinance, it is a revision of an ordinance from 1999 and it provides further clarifications of what constitutes a public nuisance.”

“It all demonstrates a lack of concern for the health and welfare of our neighborhood,” said Theisen.

Whitaker referenced the town’s comprehensive plan which was drafted by citizen volunteers and adopted in 2010. One of the things citizens stated they wanted, Whitaker said, was to “preserve community appearance through implementation of ordinances.” The town contracts with NFocus, an outside contractor, for two days a month to deal with complaints from citizens. “They are not complaints that we dream up,” Whitaker said, pointing out that the town was not concerned about people barbecuing in their back yard or having a bonfire, but with being able to respond to citizen complaints about nuisances. Charles Theisen of Shoreline Drive said the proposed revisions would hopefully help resolve a long-term issue in his neighborhood. Theisen presented council with several display boards showing pictures of piles of junk, food waste, scrap metal and construction debris on

Though efforts have been made by neighbors and by the town to resolve the issue, they have not been successful, said Theisen. Glenn Person, Jane Doggett, Stuart Smith, Mark Doggett, Renee Long, Ronnie Stafford, Fred Brown, Danny Nelson, Rich Lipinski, Steven Brown, Karen Knight, Ginny Luckhardt, Gail Dunham, William Brown, Tim Jones and Dwayne Crawford all spoke against the ordinance revisions, and most said if the ordinance were strictly interpreted, they would be in violation on several counts. Mark Doggett, who operates Doggett Construction and Doggett Farms off Scalesville Road, said he admired the council for tackling the ordinance revisions, but felt the restrictive wording was more appropriate for people living in a subdivision than in a rural setting. Most of the speakers were in agreement that the wording of the ordinance revisions was “vague” and “ambiguous.” “If these things are voted on and adopted, you may keep the man (enforcement officer) busy with complaints,” said Danny Nelson. “I rode through a lot of Summerfield today, and I would say 75 to 85 percent might be in violation.”

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“If you’re going to pass this, I hope each of you has the wisdom of Solomon to think about how you are going to enforce it,” said Tim Jones.

lan, and Councilman Mike Adams all admitted they would likely be in violation of the public nuisance ordinance if the proposed revisions were approved.

Theisen agreed that much of the wording was vague. “It’s very effective in dense communities when it can affect all of the surrounding neighbors,” he said, then suggested that perhaps agricultural districts should be excluded.

to approve Councilwoman Dena Barnes’ motion to table the proposed revisions and draft an alternative ordinance that would be less vague and more in keeping with its intent.

Mayor Sessoms thanked everyone for attending the meeting and sharing their opinions. “I think it is very obvious we have issues that need to be addressed,” Sessoms said. “This is an attempt to have something to address those issues. I don’t think we have the right vehicle here to do that at this time. But I do want to let everyone know – and you as Summerfield citizens – the Planning and Zoning Board spent over 2 ½ hours in revising this … and they did it because they care. I don’t know of anyone here that is interested in big government or being able to look over someone’s shoulders. We (council members) are citizens of Summerfield and we care just like you do.” Council discussed Theisen’s issues with his neighbor, which had been ongoing for 11 years, and agreed to try a different approach to resolving them. Councilwomen Dianne Laughlin, Alicia Flowers and Elizabeth McClel-

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3) Abandoned, nuisance and junked vehicle ordinance Although many people had left the meeting at this point, the proposed ordinance elicited similar responses from citizens as the responses to the proposed nuisance ordinance revisions.

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to table the proposed ordinance, with no time line for when it would came back before the council (Flowers voted against tabling it). In other business, council voted to reappoint Jeff Davis as a voting member on the Zoning Board, to reappoint Scott Henson and to appoint Dwayne Crawford as alternates on the board; to acknowledge receipt of the municipal agreement with NCDOT for the design and construction of I-73, which will be a four-lane divided interstate from NC 68 to US 220; and to proceed with the design process of a trail to begin at the future pedestrian tunnel under US 220 and run west-northwest to the former railbed near Summerfield Elementary.

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BUSINESS notes

Veterinary clinic welcomes new owner OAK RIDGE – Dr. Art Taylor, former owner of Oak Ridge Village Veterinary Clinic, welcomes the new owner, Dr. Julie Dudak, to the clinic and our community. Dr. Dudak, who has practiced in the Greensboro area for the last several years, says she is very excited to be joining such a great community and is honored that Dr. Taylor has entrusted her with his former patients and clients.

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Michigan University while continuing to work as a veterinary assistant, and earned her veterinary degree from Colorado State University. After graduation, she pursued advanced training by completing a medical and surgical internship at Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Greensboro. Since then, she has been in private practice as a small-animal clinician. In her free time, Dr. Dudak enjoys running, cycling, hiking and spending time outdoors. She shares her life with her boyfriend (who is a veterinarian in Greensboro), her two goofy Great Danes (Frank and Cairo), four wonderful cats (Myra Jean, Kylie, Koko and Winston) and one very sweet guinea pig (Leon). For more information, visit www. oakridgevillagevet.com.

Vaughn joins Allen Tate office OAK RIDGE – Abbie Vaughn recently joined the Allen Tate Realtors’ Oak Ridge office. Vaughn is a graduate of Guilford College with a BS in psychology and a minor in criminal justice. An avid horse lover who started showing horses at the age of 5, she is very passionate about the equine world. Vaughn is from Madison, N.C., and specializes in Rockingham, Guilford and Forsyth counties. She can be reached at (336) 508-4903 or Abbie.Vaughn@allentate.com.

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Camp Carefree Gala set for March 1 GREENSBORO – A “prom king and queen” gala will be held on Saturday, March 1, to raise money for Camp Carefree in Stokesdale. The event will be held at the Greensboro Elks Lodge, 2201 W. Cornwallis Drive in Greensboro; doors open at 7 p.m. and music starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15/person

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or $25/couple. There will be light refreshments and a silent auction, along with music played by DJ Darby Lykins. Must be 21 or older to attend. Come dressed as a prom king and queen! For more information, contact: Jerry Peters, event chairperson, at (336) 362-7879 or peters-jw@att.net.

Good Samaritan Ministries to hold annual BBQ fundraiser STOKESDALE – Good Samaritan Ministries of Stokesdale, which offers a monthly food pantry and clothes closet as well as other assistance to those in need throughout the year, will hold their annual barbecue fundraiser

on Saturday, March 1 at Flat Rock United Methodist Church, 6720 US 158 in Stokesdale from 4 to 7 p.m. $10/adults, $5/kids ages 6-12, and kids ages 5 and under will eat free. Eat in or take out. All profits will go to GSM.

Snow daze

Colfax Elementary designated as a ‘school of character’ COLFAX – Colfax Elementary was one of just 44 schools across the country to recently earn the “school of character” title through the National Character Education Partnership.

Photo courtesy of Ted Shelton

In Guilford County, both Southwest Middle and Colfax Elementary are Positive Behavior Interventions Support schools. These schools focus on using best evidence-based behavioral and academic practices to improve academic and behavior outcomes for all students.

Each school will hold their State School of Character designation for three years, serving as models of excellence in character, and sharing best practices. The schools are also eligible for the national recognition.

Southwest and Colfax incorporate character education in their classrooms, integrating the district’s character traits into writing, reading and other service-learning projects.

Padonda Campbell, DNP, FNP-BC Padonda is a family nurse practitioner whose experience includes family practice, urgent care, emergency medicine, pain management and critical care. She actively serves the community as a volunteer precepting college students to become nurse practitioners, and also enjoys teaching as an adjunct professor. Born and raised in Winston-Salem, Padonda is the proud mother of a 7-year-old daughter, Kamryn Gabrielle, and a Shih-Tzu dog named Aggie.

Bunch Road in Oak Ridge was one of many roads with cars that had slid off into the ditches on Wednesday, Feb. 12, when an afternoon snowstorm rapidly made roads treacherous.

Greg and Shyvonne Potter of Stokesdale created this large snowman while they were out of school because of the snowstorm last week. Photo courtesy of Kathleen Potter

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

FEB. 21 - 27, 2014

They had a nice time that Saturday night, and visited Hanging Rock State Park the next day. But, he didn’t call back – Donna was already dating another friend of David’s, and he refused to interfere.

H e ar t erican m A is se e t he ry s a n u a r b ic r e F A me ve, d since symbol for lo n a , h t ve t he M on ear t as ur series of lo h n a m o In g hu month. ontinuin we’re c roughout the d Donna th id an stories e t Dav e m , e h as e n u “I didn’t hear from David, this iss , whose love n a r h t le il e and I was already madly in love r M or mo d u r e d f y e a r s. with him,” says Donna, who thought 50

Enduring love binds couple David & Donna Miller by ANNETTE JOYCE

“When he left town, I made my move,” David says with a twinkle in his eyes.

Donna, who is now 68 and retired from Wachovia, is talking about her husband David, 71, who is the associate pastor at Central Baptist Church in Oak Ridge; she is the church’s organist. She was 15 when they started dating and he was 18. They married about three years later, and celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in December. David relishes telling how their romance began. His best friend, who was dating Donna’s best friend, set the couple up on a double date.

FEB. 21 - 27, 2014

Meanwhile, David was also “madly in love,” but remained loyal to his friend. Six months went by without any contact. Then, David found out the boyfriend had joined the Marines and left for basic training in California.

“We first spotted each other at the Glenwood Community Center on a Friday night at a sock hop,” remembers Donna Miller. “He was playing the guitar in a rock ‘n’ roll band. I looked at him, he looked at me, and the sparks did fly,” she says, sounding just like the teenage girl who fell in love over 50 years ago.

he looked just like her teenage idol, Ricky Nelson, a popular 1950s actor and singer.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

When they were first starting out, David worked as a tool and die maker in a machine shop in Greensboro and Donna worked at Guilford Mills. Soon after they married, Donna became pregnant with their first child, Melanie. “She didn’t work long after we got married because her pregnancy made her so sick,” says David. Five years later, Donna gave birth to their second daughter, Angie. It was about this time that David says God started nudging him to enter the ministry. In February 1971, he was called to a church in Mississippi to take over the position of music and youth director for the largest rural church in the state. David admits he knew very little about music.

never took a job that didn’t allow Donna to share her musical talents with a congregation. Photo (left) courtesy of David and Donna Miller and (right) by Annette Joyce/NWO

(Left) Donna and David Miller on their wedding day, Dec. 14, 1963. (Right) the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December.

“Donna was an educated musician. I just played the guitar,” he says.

He also shares something he heard a long time ago.

Their faith in God enabled them to make the move, the couple says. But as the family headed to Mississippi, David realized there was a lot he needed to learn. At 28, he applied to college to study music.

“You don’t marry the person you can live with, you marry the person you can’t live without,” he says. “Donna’s the person I can’t live without.”

“I wasn’t able to read a note of music, but God got me through,” laughs David. The couple says God has also been at the foundation of their loving marriage. “Our relationship with Jesus Christ has been the dominant factor in our life,” confirms David. “That’s what has made our marriage successful.”

During their required premarital counseling, the couple also learned something else that has stuck.

and enjoys showering her with gifts. In turn, Donna has invested time in doing things that David likes to do, even when they’re not always her favorite activity – such as fishing and hunting. Over the years, the Miller family moved to numerous churches. David

At Central Baptist, they both sing in the church choir and play in the church’s wind ensemble. They also give music lessons and share their love of music with their grandchildren and others. David finds ways to share his love of cooking, whether it’s a family holiday meal, hot dogs for the kids at church, or a New Orleans feast for his Sunday school class. Donna is at his side at every event, and she and David also enjoy discovering new and unique restaurants. For the Millers, faith, love, spending time together and following the wise advice they were given over 50 years ago remain at the core of their marriage.

Look for more ...

... love stories in next week’s paper, when we’ll feature Will and Leanne Pizio and DeAnn Marcus and Jimmy Vaughn.

“The pastor told us not to ever let the romance die,” says Donna. They took that advice to heart. “I’ve spoiled Donna, but I did that because I wanted to,” says David, who brings her coffee in bed every morning

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www.attorneybillbarbour.com The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

FEB. 21 - 27, 2014

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Click “community calendar” on the left-hand side SATURDAY, FEB. 22 zz Mobile Pet Clinic | The Pug Rescue of NC will have a mobile pet clinic on Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Golden Antiques in Summerfield, 4537 Hwy. 220; vaccines and microchips will be offered at a reduced rate; all proceeds will benefit the Pug Rescue of NC. More info: call 294-9391.

zz Soup Supper | The Stokesdale Christian Church, 8607 daily playtimes included large indoor/outdoor runs 7630 Royster Road • Greensboro

(336) 644-1095 www.CountryKennelBoarding.com

Stokesdale St., will host an all-you-can-eat soup dinner on Feb. 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. Cost is $5 and includes soup, grilled cheese and a beverage. More info: call 643-3111.

Carlotta Lytton

, CPA, PC

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

phone: (336) 644-7033 fax: (336) 644-7038

Get. Be. Stay. Connected

facebook.com / NorthwestObserver

zz Food Pantry and Clothes Closet | Good Samaritan Ministries will offer its monthly food and gently used clothing closet to those in need on Feb. 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Stokesdale Business Center, 8500 Ellisboro Rd. More info or to donate food or clothing items, call Terri at 643-5887 or email Terrij1957@yahoo.com.

zz Tree Sale | The Guilford Soil & Water Conservation

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FEB. 21 - 27, 2014

District will hold their annual tree sale on Feb. 22 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Agriculture Center, 3309 Burlington Rd. in Greensboro. Pre-order online: http://countyweb. co.guilford.nc.us/soil-and-water-conservation or call (336) 375-5401, ext. 3 to have an order form mailed to you. TUESDAY, FEB. 25 zz Food Pantry & Clothing Bank | The Sonshine Room, a food and clothing bank sponsored by Summerfield United Methodist Church, 2334 Scalesville Rd. in Summerfield, will be open Feb. 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. Those in need can come for food, clothing, baby items, paper products, toiletries and cleaning products. More info: call 643-5126. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 26 zz Preservation Oak Ridge Meeting | Preservation Oak Ridge will meet Feb. 26 at 5:15 p.m. at the Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Rd. This group is currently involved in the restoration of the historic Ai Church on NC 68 in Oak Ridge. More info: call Doug at 209-1999. THURSDAY, FEB. 27 zz Spaghetti Dinner | Oak Ridge Elementary PTO will host a spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Feb. 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the ORES cafeteria, 2050 Oak Ridge Rd. See ad on page 2 for more details.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Bobbie Gardner CRS/GRI/Relocation Specialist EcoBroker

(336) 382-5939 www.allentate.com/bobbiegardner

CRIME / INCIDENT report walks • play-dates • feeding • medication • even extra belly rubs!

The District 1 Sheriff’s Office

Spoil-Me-Rotten

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

(336) 643-5242

THEFT

February is Dental Health Month Take time to invest in a healthy smile

FEB. 8 | A Greensboro resident reported his utility trailer, valued at about $1,200, was stolen from the parking lot behind the Club at Ridgewood, on James Doak Parkway in northern Greensboro. The theft occurred sometime between Jan. 1 and Feb. 8; the trailer was secured with a lock prior to the theft. FEB. 10 | A resident of Shoeline Road in Stokesdale reported someone entered the home through a window sometime between December 2013 and January 2014 and stole a TV and a rifle. The loss and property damages are estimated at $400.

DAMAGE TO PROPERTY FEB. 11 | A resident of US 158 in Stokesdale reported a known person broke the driver’s side window of her vehicle. Warrants were advised, but the victim declined to prosecute. FEB. 14 | A resident of Hartstone Drive in Colfax reported a known person damaged her window blinds and floor fans, in response to a verbal domestic dispute that happened earlier that day. Damages are estimated at $100, and the complainant declined to prosecute.

FEB. 13 | In separate incidents, two truck drivers reported the tractor trailers they were driving were hit by large chunks of ice which were thrown from the I-40/Macy Grove Road Bridge; multiple people were seen on the bridge at the time of the incident. Damage to the windshields was estimated at $1,200; neither driver suffered injuries.

ASSAULT

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FEB. 10 | A Stokesdale resident reported being assaulted with a pistol after he and his partner got into a disagreement on

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CRIMESTOPPERS On Feb. 14, authorities responded to a suspected burglary at 3617 Castleton Rd. in Kernersville. Upon searching the home, deputies discovered a small fire had been set and they quickly extinguished it. Witnesses reported seeing a silver Cadillac Denali with chrome rims in the area around the time of the fire. If you have any information about this incident or the vehicle, call Crimestoppers at (336) 373-1000 or Det. Tommy Sluder at 641-5773.

District 1 Sheriff’s Office 7506 Summerfield Road (336) 641-2300

Dr. Beth Borden 1009 Hwy 150W, Summerfield

Brookbank Road in Oak Ridge. Felony warrants were obtained for aggravated assault and sent to Fayetteville, where the suspect resides.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Indoor/outdoor private runs

FEB. 21 - 27, 2014

LETTERS/OPINIONS Submit your editorials (maximum 350 words) e-mail: editor@nwobserver.com mail: Opinions, PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 Include name, phone number and community in which you live.

Money drives our government There are many reasons why our teachers are getting overlooked, but the top reason is lobbyists. A lot of money is being paid to Republicans to get them to enact reforms. Implementing these reforms are only ways of ensuring re-election, because individuals have no voice compared to big money. The only way to change this is through organizing, and it starts with a new party that can change rules and influence big money. We need to unify people to take collective action and organize a movement for greater social responsibility with average citizens – otherwise, everybody’s

350

voice is too small and drowned out by the influence of money. Money drives our government – we have the best democracy money can buy! The concerns of average citizens are not important because of how the system is set up. If you want to be elected, you must have money to support you! So this is why what teachers think is unimportant to the government. Our elected officials care more about what the guy paying for their re-election campaign thinks. Divided, teachers are way too weak. This state needs a union with teeth! That is our only hope. Darrell Knight, STOKESDALE

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

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... County Commissioner Hank Henning, Oak Ridge town officials, NCDOT, and the Northwest Observer for working to address the safety hazards produced throughout our neighborhoods by tractor trailer trucks traveling northwest Guilford’s narrow, winding rural roads. The Stokesdale recreation ladies basketball team on their win over Summerfield. The humiliating conditions you had

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www.drdevaney.com | 1580 Hwy 68 N, Oak Ridge | (336) 643-5515

FEB. 21 - 27, 2014

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

to endure from the opposing coaches, players and fans were tough, but you persevered with grace and dignity. The McCallisters and JP Looneys of Oak Ridge. Great fundraiser for ORYA and Jessica Murray! The nice lady who paid for the remaining total of my sandwich at Subway on Monday when I forgot my money. Completely made my week! The person griping about someone’s dog running loose and chasing the deer. If the dog had been tethered properly it would not have been able to chase deer. Ernie Shue for braving the bad weather to scrape our entire street so the neighborhood could get back to work – specifically, those who work in law enforcement and couldn’t sleep in! Jerry Cooke, for going to get salt and spreading it on the driveway leading to our office so our printer could deliver the Northwest Observers and Northwest FINDERS a few weeks ago. The son and father living on Hunting Cog Road in Oak Ridge who pulled

my Jeep onto the road after I slid into a tree on the ice, gave me water and offered me a spare part. Councilman George McClellan for keeping us updated during the storm. The emergency workers who braved the bad weather so they could respond to those in need. Dr. Fuller, at King’s Crossing Animal Hospital, for braving the winter roads to deliver our cat’s medication. We could not get out of our subdivision, so she made the trip to us using her fourwheel-drive vehicle. The lady at Food Lion in Summerfield on the morning of Feb. 12. Your kindness was greatly appreciated. My child has had several surgeries and there are other medical conditions within the family. Please know we will pay it forward!

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The postal carriers who drove down uncleared neighborhood roads, with drifts of crusty snow piled in front of

mailboxes, to deliver our mail last Friday. Granny’s Donuts in Oak Ridge. I should give them a gripe for what they do to my waistline, but it may be worth it. They have a wide, unique variety to choose from, but I can’t resist their apple fritters. Whoever snow-plowed my driveway when I wasn’t home (in Ashton Park). Wish I knew who you were so I could thank you personally. Dr. Julie Dudak at The Village Vet. You and your staff were fantastic when we brought a goose in that needed care. You went above and beyond! NCDOT for snow removal after last week’s storm. I know you did the best you could under the circumstances. I heard three snow plows go past my house between 9:30 and 10 p.m. on Friday night.

GRIPES to... The Summerfield teens who attended the Stokesdale vs. Summerfield

recreation 13-18 ladies basketball game bringing signs and wearing clothing depicting the town of Stokesdale as tractor-driving hillbillies and losers. The Stokesdale girls rec basketball coach for taunting the opposing team’s student fans after Stokesdale’s win. No wonder your parents cheer when an opposing player gets hurt. Why not be a positive role model? Gov. McCrory for his shameless softpedaling and obstructionism following the tragic Duke Energy ash spill. He now looks less like a trustworthy leader and more like a politician with questionable integrity. The person who stole the snow shovel we left leaning against our snowman in Summerfield on Wednesday night. We finished the snowman Thursday morning and he was fabulous. “The robb’d that smiles, steals

something from the thief.” President Obama “challenging the private sector” to hire people. Did Ronald Reagan or Margaret Thatcher ever believe they would reduce unemployment by making a speech? The gentleman who lives in the Huntcliff subdivision and drove his ATV through our yards on Feb. 13. How disrespectful! The dog walkers at Oak Ridge Park who allow others to look at or step in the poop left behind by your dog. The park provides poop bags and trash cans, so there is no excuse for your rudeness. The scallywags who demolished my kids’ snowman and shoved a bottle into its buttocks last Thursday night while we were sleeping. Twist ending: Grin – I chuckled all the way to work Friday morning. Guildford County – you need to learn how to clear snow. It’s not hard, people – get it off the concrete.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

FEB. 21 - 27, 2014

 AUTOS FOR SALE

 EMPLOYMENT

 SAVE THE DATE

2004 TOYOTA TUNDRA, SR5 off-road, towing package, exc. condition, 122K, gray, $9,900. (336) 707-3867.

PAYROLL / PERSONNEL CLERK with at least 3 or more years experience in all aspects of payroll processing. Must be upto-date on all tax information, E-Verify, etc. Please email resume and references to gkennedy@yatesconstruction.com.

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SALES / ESTIMATOR POSITION available. Local commercial rooﬁng contractor. Send resume to: President, PO Box 19054, Greensboro, NC 27419-9054.

 SAVE THE DATE ROCK THE RUNWAY, one big night of fashion, Friday, February 21, Goodwill on Elm Street, Downtown Greensboro. See display ad on page 3 for more info, or visit goodwillrocktherunway.org to purchase tickets. COUNTRY BREAKFAST, Sat., Feb. 22, 7:30-9am, Mt. Zion UMC, 3708 Ellisboro Rd., Stokesdale. Country ham, homemade apples, sausage, eggs, bacon, gravy, and more! Beneﬁt for Leeanne Hayes.

Auto for Sale ............................... 18 Employment ................................ 18 Save the Date ............................. 18 Yard Sales ................................... 18 Home Services ....................... 19-20 Misc. Services......................... 20-21 Misc. for Sale .............................. 21

PS Communications, publisher of the Northwest Observer, is seeking three part-time community journalists to cover each of the towns of Stokesdale, Oak Ridge and Summerfield. The very versatile job of a community journalist entails, but is not limited to, attending town council and other governmental meetings, communicating with fire department, sheriff’s department and school personnel and volunteers, civic leaders and “everyday” people living and working within the town; attending and photographing community events; and using social media, email, phone and in-face avenues to personally connect with our readers in northwest Guilford County.

Effective verbal, written communication and digital photography skills are essential, as is an appreciation of small town life and capturing the “large” and the “small” moments of the people who live in it. Must be willing and able to write about everything from human interest to development ordinances and literally everything in between. Part-time hours will be flexible to some extent, but partially driven by meeting and event dates and times; each of our three community journalists will work an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, including occasional evenings and Saturdays. Send cover letter, resume and writing samples to Patti Stokes at editor@nwobserver.com.

Misc. Wanted ............................. 21 Pets/Animals & Services ............... 21

The Northwest Observer is a publication of PS Communications, an independently owned and operated publisher of “all things local” for northwest Guilford County since 1996.

Real Estate .................................. 21

FEB. 21 - 27, 2014

DINNER,

PTO, Thursday, Feb. 27, 5:30-7:30pm, Oak Ridge Elementary School cafeteria. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online, www.orespto.com/The-Colts-Store-2.html. ily of ﬁve or more for $25; includes salad, bread, spaghetti, dessert and drink. The meal is being prepared by ORES dads and served by ORES staff and volunteers. All proceeds go toward the safety and security project by ORES PTO. ENCORE KIDS CONSIGNMENT Now accepting spring & summer consignments for our Sat., March 1, premiere at 305 W. Mountain Street, Kernersville, 993-3444. KIDS

CONSIGNMENT

SALE,

Friday,

March 14, 9am-8pm & Saturday, March 15, 8am-1pm (some items 50% off on Saturday), St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 2715

PT COMMUNITY JOURNALISTS

INDEX

SPAGHETTI

sponsored by Oak Ridge Elementary School

Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro NC 27410, www.saintpaulskidssale.com.

Something going on? We’ll help get the word out! Place your Save the Date classiﬁed ad online at www.nwobserver.com.

 YARD SALES Educators, homeschoolers, and parents will not want to miss this indoor GARAGE SALE, Friday, February 21 and MondayFriday, Feb. 24-28 from 8am-6pm, 210 Knightshire Drive, Stokesdale. School and home furnishings, educational toys and games, children’s clothing, etc. MOVING / GARAGE SALE, Sat., Feb. 22, 8am-12n, 6099 Moores Creek Drive, Summerﬁeld.

Furniture, appliances, clothing,

accessories and more!

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

 HOME SERVICES

CLEANING

FLOORING

VINYL SIDING REPAIRS, vinyl railings &

MULCH, single-ground, $10 per 3-yard

CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING, gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. www.windowcleaningnc.com. 399-3995.

siding, replacement windows, gutter clean-

scoop. Tandem load delivered, $100 (about

CARPET REPAIRS & RESTRETCHING

ing and repair. Please call 215-8776 for

10 yards). Oak Ridge area, 803-2195.

Licensed & insured. 643-6500.

your free estimate.

inc. , d i a M e Hom

Weekly / Biweekly / Monthly Move-Out/Move-In • Detail/Deep Seasonal • Licensed/Bonded/Insured Customized Services GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

(336) 441-2047 | homemaid1@aol.com

FREE PICK-UP of mowers, batteries, AC’s, appliances, grills, etc. 689-4167. ANA’S HOUSECLEANING. Good references, free est., 25 years exp. 309-0747.

Need some help? Email classiﬁeds@nwobserver.com MAID-2-SHINE. Serving NW area for 10 years. Homes, ofﬁces, move in/out. Detail oriented, prof, bonded, exc. ref. 338-0223. CastleWorks WINDOW CLEANING Includes gutters, pressure washing, chandeliers and other high ladder work. Fully insured and bonded, free estimates. 609-0677. www.castleworkswindowcleaning.com. MARIA’S CLEANING SERVICE. Free estimates, guaranteed service. 432-4483. ROSA’S CLEANING SERVICE. 11 yrs. exp. Excellent references. (336) 508-5714.

DECORATING EXPERIENCED INTERIOR DECORATOR & personal furniture shopper will help you with style, color, shopping & furniture placement. E-mail appeninc@gmail.com or call Ann Appenzeller, (336) 314-1411.

GREENERTIMES SMALL ENGINE Sales & service center. 9428 NC 65, Stokesdale. (336) 312-3844 mobile or (336) 548-9286 ofﬁce.

OLD SCHOOL

5 and 6” seamless gutters. Free estimates. Call Gary the Gutter Guy. (336) 345-6518. www.a1copperrooﬁng.com.

HOME REPAIR, LLC

Home Improvement & Repairs Licensed & Insured

Lisa & Jerry Potkay, Stokesdale

(336) 669-7252

oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com oldschoolsjhr.homestead.com

Bathroom Remodeler | Additions | Decks

HOUSE & YARD HOME MAINTENANCE “Anything to improve your home and property.” Jeff Ziglar, 456-9992 or 643-9609. ALL ABOUT THE HOUSE. General home repair. Will take the lead on, or assist you with your home projects. 644-8710 / 708-0522.

BRAD’S BOBCAT. Landscaping, driveways, patios, sidewalks, concrete work. 362-3647. STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. Free est. Locally owned and operated. Lic/ins. 30 yrs. exp. Bucket truck & chipper, total cleanup.

LAWN CARE / LANDSCAPING

24-hr. emergency svc. OR, NC. 643-1119.

AREA STUMP DUMP. Yard waste, con-

WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Complete

crete, etc. Fill dirt available. 602-5820.

Professional, Honest, Reliable

Professional custom cleaning for home & office

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

GUTTER CLEANING & LEAF GUARDS.

LANDSCAPE SOLUTIONS 13-year anniversary special. We will beat your current written price by 15% – guaranteed! Call (336) 601-3796.

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.

GreenScapes Snow Removal • Tree Cutting Concrete Sidewalks / Driveways Landscaping • Lot / Land Clearing Stump Grinding / Removal Bobcat & Dump Truck Services Leaf Removal • Parking Lot Cleanup

Call Tony - office (336) 215-4531

CarolinaStumpAndTreeServiceNC.com. D & D LANDSCAPING & IRRIGATION Complete landscaping services. Retaining walls & patios. Member BBB. NC licensed irrigation contractor. 312-2706. ONE GUY & A MACHINE LAWN CARE and hardscaping.

Maintenance, design,

paver patios, block walls, hedges trimmed, beds re-edged, pine needles, mulch, pres-

GRADING / HAULING

ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner

sure washing, chemical applications, aerat-

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

Alan Winfree. Free est. Call 382-9875.

ing. Licensed & insured. Free est. Call 382-

GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE

ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt available. Zane Anthony, 362-4035. BRAD’S BOBCAT SVC. Grading, hauling, gravel/dirt, debris removal. 362-3647.

GUTTERS / WINDOWS / SIDING MAYS SIDING Storm damage, facia and siding repairs. 215-8776, www.mayssiding.com.

Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maintenance. 655-6490. ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup,

4767. www.oneguyandamachine.com. STUMP GRINDING – FREE ESTIMATES Big or small, we grind them all. 382-3860.

MASONRY

shrub and tree pruning. Bobcat work and

SOUTHERN

more. Free estimates. Licensed & insured.

Landscape. It’s a perfect time to install a

Call Joe at 643-9157.

new stamped concrete patio with ﬁre pit

STYLE

CONCRETE

and

for those chilly spring nights, or to install a TLC LAWN CARE

new driveway. Call Tim for all your concrete

Lawn mowing, fertilization and weed con-

needs. (336) 399-6619.

trol. General cleanup. Affordable all-season lawn maintenance. (336) 681-0097.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

...continued on p. 20 FEB. 21 - 27, 2014

 HOME SERVICES

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

AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIR and remodeling. Providing electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting and handyman services. No job too big or too small. (336) 899-0772.

RENOVATION WORKS INC. New construction, remodeling, kitchen and bath, additions, decks & patios. Call (336) 427-7391 or www.myrenovationworks.com.

MISC. SERVICES & PRODUCTS

Furniture Kare Co.

20 years experience in repair & restoration

• Refinishing and repair • Antique restoration • In-home services Specializing in chair repairs

(336) 656-4836 furniture-kare36@triad.rr.com LOCAL PICKUP & DELIVERY • FREE ESTIMATES

Triad Garage Doors

SALES, SERVICE & INSTALLATIONS (336) 501-6025 www.triadgaragedoors.com LiftMaster, Amarr, and all other brands Free estimates • Insured • 10 years experience

www.furniturekare.com

PAINTING & DRYWALL SENIOR HANDY MAN SERVICES Licensed, bonded, insured. 30 years exp. charge by the project, not by the hour. John Harbie, Jr. (336) 899-0772. GAS LOGS, WOOD STOVES & INSERTS, ﬁreplaces, sold, serviced and repaired. Call Don Hill, (336) 643-7183.

LOW-COST GARAGE DOORS. Repair & sales. 35 years exp. (336) 215-2800. JUNK REMOVAL – appliances, batteries, mowers, cars, electronics, trash removal, etc. Call about free junk removal, 453-8644.

PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR, 32 years exp. Sheetrock repair. Call Brad Rogers for free estimate. Local 314-3186.

PLUMBING BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic/Ins. Call Mark for savings. 337-7924. JDB PLUMBING. Repair, remodel, well pump. Lic/Ins. Accepts all major credit cards. Ofﬁce 656-0019, cell 382-6905.

POWER WASHING

RESTORATION SPECIALISTS DELIVERING AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE

• Furniture Refinishing • Cabinet Refacing • Leather Repair CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

336/404-1471 www.fmbyjh.com

FEB. 21 - 27, 2014

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

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION MOBILE WELDING SERVICE Residential, wrought-iron fence & gates, custom fabrication, stainless aluminium. Chuck, triadmobilewelding.com, 362-8679.

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. (336) 399-4894, tripp@ trippsmithconstruction.com.

The Northwest Observer

TM Construction Services, INC.

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Licensed & Insured

644-8615 (office) 508-5242 (mobile)

NC General Contractor License #72797

ROOFING A.L. CORMAN ROOFING INC. Res. rooﬁng specialist serving Guilford Cty. area since 1983. Member BBB 25+ years w/

Keeping you connected for

A+ rating. cormanrooﬁnginc.com, 621-6962.

17 years . . . and counting!

CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC.

JLB REMODELING, INC. NC GC license #69997. Free estimates. Insured. Custom remodeling & additions. Call 681-2902 or www.jlbremodeling.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

Tell our readers about your business! Call Laura for more information. (336) 644-7035, ext. 10.

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

 HOME SERVICES

30 yrs exp • Workmanship guarantee • Insurance specialists

(336) 644-1580

FREE Estimates Insured & Dependable

KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 26 years experience. Specializing in room additions, garages, vinyl siding and windows, 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. BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens & baths, rotted wood, decks, siding, windows, fall rooﬁng specialist. Sr. discounts, 35 years exp. 362-6343.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

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.

 MISC. SERVICES CORPORATE & PERSONAL TAX PREP, federal and state tax mediation, IRS/DOR, full accounting and payroll services, 37 years exp. Carolina Bookkeeping, 600 Washington St., Eden NC. (336) 627-8969.

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

Regular & climate controlled units

We carry moving & shipping supplies

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

 MISC. SERVICES MELDA’S HAIR DESIGNS welcomes Laura Martinez (bilingual). Specializes in all beauty services: hair, facials, sugar waxing, manis & pedis. Call for appointment, 643-7799 or 552-0796. Come to our Open House, Sat., March 8, 10am-1pm.

 MISC. FOR SALE

 REAL ESTATE

FIREWOOD

HOMES FOR RENT

LAND FOR SALE

FIREWOOD, seasoned hardwood, no pine.

BRAND NEW DUPLEX APARTMENT,

Pick up or delivery. 253-7615, 643-5744.

2BR, 2BA located between Colfax and

SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered & stacked. 1/2 cord, $80. Call 686-6373.

FREE PICKUP of appliances, batteries, junk mowers, air conditioners, grills, electrical items, metal items, etc. 689-4167. Your business should be here! Call Laura for more info. (336) 644-7035. COMPUTER REPAIRS $99. Used computers, website design. Info at ITBASICS.COM – (336) 643-0068. Inside Mailboxes & More, Oak Ridge Commons. BELEWS BOAT & RV STORAGE. SPECIAL! Mention this ad - $35/month for any size boat or RV. 24/7 access, secured! (336) 542-6574.

 MISC. FOR SALE

 MISC. WANTED

$$$ – WILL PAY CASH up to $200 for your junk or wrecked vehicle. 552-0328.

 PET / ANIMAL SERVICES Ready for a new family member? Visit adoptshelterpets.org to see animals in need of a home at the Guilford County Animal Shelter.

PET SITTING & BOARDING

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.

Provide food, exercise, play, meds/shots,

Sell it here in the

NWO classifieds submit your ad at

www.nwobserver.com

Three acres, perked, driveway, power,

706-1887.

$82,900. (336) 382-9156.

HOMES FOR SALE

WILL PAY CASH for riding lawn mower needing repair or free removal if unwanted. Also free pick-up of appliances, batteries, air conditioners, grills, metal items, computers, gas & electrical items. 689-4167.

NEW SHOP IN MADISON Vintage, antiques & more! 114 E. Murphy Street. Stop in to see our latest ﬁnds for your home. Greensboro quality with Madison prices.

Got stuff?

Kernersville off Hwy. 421. $700/mo. (336)

BROOKBANK ROAD, SUMMERFIELD.

464 Mashie Drive, Summerfield

344 Bobcat Road, Summerfield

Golf course lot! Transitional brick home features master on main w/ sitting room. His & her vanities & closets. Also on main, an addt’l BR w/ private bath. Kitchen has custom cherry cabs & granite. Vaulted ceilings, transom windows & crown moldings throughout. Unfin bsmt vented for HVAC. Huge deck overlooks Green #2.

Calling all nature lovers! Tranquil 15 acres with creek & wildlife. Newly renovated w/updated kit cabinets, stainless appliances, hardwoods, tile & granite in bathrooms. New in 2012: master suite addition w/his & her closets, new HVAC & roof. Tankless water heater. Plenty of storage in 20x30 outbuilding & add’l utility bldg. $209,000

Angie Wilkie Realtor ® / Broker

(336) 451-9519 angie.wilkie@allentate.com allentate.com/angiewilkie

Shannon Clement Realtor ® / Broker Angie Wilkie Team

(336) 681-7630

SPOIL-ME-ROTTEN ANIMAL CARE Motto: love, compassion, respect for your pets. Professional pet sitter for 18 years. Bonded/Insured. Member, Pet Sitters Intl. much TLC. 1-3 trips/day. $15/trip (30 min). Call 643-5242. Oak Ridge/Summerﬁeld.

 REAL ESTATE

123 Dream Lane 5807 Bison Drive, Oak Ridge

HOME FOR RENT CONDO FOR RENT, end unit near Battleground Park and the trails off Old Battleground. Woods and skylight – lovely! $850/mo, $850 deposit. Call 698-4250. STOKESDALE, furnished room & bath, utilities & cable TV included. $400/mo. 643-9461.

New construction built by Gardella Custom Homes, Inc. features 2-story kitchen plus tray, coffered & tongue-and-groove ceilings, stamped concrete, jetted tub, on-demand tankless water heater/water loop, unfinished basement and green space behind house. $595,000

Real estate showcase ads in the NWO get seen! Include a photo and description for your listing, Realtor photo, logo and contact info all for only $75!

Doug Pollet Realtor ® / Broker Angie Wilkie Team

(336) 339-7727

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Place your real estate showcase today

(336) 644-7035, ext. 10

FEB. 21 - 27, 2014

DAN RIVER SPILL

Energy power plants in North Carolina have the potential for calamity.

...continued from p. 1 On Feb. 12, state health officials reported findings that revealed her worst fears, warning those living downstream from the spill to “not touch the polluted Dan River or eat the fish or shellfish.” For most residents of northwest Guilford County, coal ash – contaminated waste from coal-fired power plants – is only a distant threat. But what they may not realize is that three other coal ash “ponds” are closer than they might think. Bordering the Stokes County side of Belews Lake, which cools Duke Energy’s Belews Creek coal-fired power plant, are two active lined coal ash ponds and one closed unlined coal ash pond. The unlined closed pond is similar to the coal ash pit in Eden, but much larger. The Dan River flows along the north side of the ponds. Environmentalists and government regulators have been warning for years that the 31 ash ponds at Duke

In response to the Feb. 2 incident, Duke Energy spokeswoman Lisa Hoffman stated that residents in this area have no reason to fear a coal ash spill and pointed out that the storm pipe that broke at the Eden plant was a “unique” situation and that “none of the other coal ash ponds in North Carolina have that type of configuration.” Lined coal ash ponds help prevent the toxic byproducts of coal combustion, including arsenic, radioactive uranium, mercury, lead and cadmium from seeping into nearby soil and water. When asked if residents near the unlined pond at the Belews Creek plant should be concerned about seepage into ground water, Hoffmann said that Duke Energy monitors the ground water near the pits and results are sent to the state. Dr. Dennis Lemly, a Wake Forest University biologist, isn’t so sure that residents near the coal ash ponds should let their guard down. Lemly has studied

Is your heating system struggling? Don’t get heated. Call Velocity.

VELOCITY Air, Inc. Heating & Air Conditioning Commercial & Residential

Sales, Service & Installation • 24-Hour Emergency Service • Service Agreements Duct Testing • Free Estimates • All Work Guaranteed • Licensed, Bonded & Insured WE OFFER FINANCING

(336) 643-8100 Stokesdale, NC

FEB. 21 - 27, 2014

the effects of coal ash on fish and other wildlife in Belews Lake for decades – ever since large amounts of selenium, a byproduct of coal combustion, wiped out all but one fish species from the lake in the 1970s.

times to use the federal Clean Water Act to force Duke to clean out leaky coal ash ponds. These groups have pressured the N.C. Dept. of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) to act. Now the problem is receiving federal scrutiny.

“Belews Lake has been cleaned up a lot since the 1970s. There does not seem to be any significant effect on the fish there now,” says Lemly, noting the waste is now directed to the ash ponds and not discharged directly into the lake as it was then.

On Feb. 13, the U.S. Attorney’s Office began an official criminal investigation of both Duke Energy and the NCDENR over the Feb. 2 coal ash spill on the Dan River.

“But the risk now is surface impoundments,” Lemly cautions. “There will always be ground water problems and other issues with coal ash. It’s a nasty mess and a threat to human health.” Illnesses brought on by exposure to coal ash are difficult to prove, but a 2010 EPA review found that people living within close proximity to unlined coal ash dumps have a 1 in 50 chance of getting cancer from arsenic, one of the most common and dangerous pollutants in coal ash. The EPA also reported that toxic heavy metal exposure from coal ash can affect human development, create lung and heart problems, cause stomach ailments and contribute to premature mortality. Surprisingly, coal ash is not regulated by the federal government. Over the past year, advocacy groups like the Yadkin Riverkeeper Foundation tried three

Two state lawmakers recently announced they will push legislation to force cleanup of Duke Energy’s 31 coal ash ponds across North Carolina. State Senate Rules Chairman Tom Apocaca and House Environment Committee Vice-Chairman, Chuck McGrady, say they will co-sponsor the bill. Edwards, although still weary from her almost around-the-clock river observation and testing, is hopeful that this tragedy has a silver lining by continuing to bring more attention to these problems. She and other staff members of DARBA are willing to speak to church, community and civic groups about how they can be involved. To stay informed on the latest with the Dan River, contact Jenny Edwards at (336) 339-6169 or email jedwards@ danriver.org. To learn more about the health effects of coal ash, visit www.southeastcoalash.org.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

1715 NC 68 N, Oak Ridge (336) 643-7684 www.oakridgecbc.org

display advertiser index

thanks to all the

advertisers who partnered with us to bring you this free community resource

Stokesdale Home produCts & serviCes

Summerfield

BEK Paint Company ............................15 ProStone Inc. ........................................7

Oak Ridge

insurAnCe Gladwell Insurance Agency....................4

A/C & HeAting Stokesdale Heating & Air.......................9 Velocity Air, Inc. ...................................22

Triad Insurance......................................7

legAl serviCes Attorney Bill Barbour ........................... 11

ACCounting Carlotta Lytton, CPA, PA .....................14 Kimberly Thacker Accounting..............13 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC.........2

mediCAl LeBauer HealthCare..............................9

misCellAneous

Auto serviCes

ROADS................................................13

Piedmont Truck Tires, Inc. ..................17

pet serviCes

Tire Max Complete Car Care .................8

CHiroprACtiC Summerfield Family Chiropractic .........14

CHurCHes

Country Kennel ...................................14 Northwest Animal Hospital ..................14 Spoil-Me-Rotten Animal Care, Inc. ......15 Stokesdale Veterinary Hospital.............13 Westergaard Kennels...........................15

Central Baptist Church ........................22

publisHing Co / newspAper

Faith Baptist Tabernacle ........................5

The Northwest Observer......................23 The NWO on Facebook ......................14 The NWO on the Go ...........................24

Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church ........... 11

dentists Beth Borden, DDS ..............................15 Oak Ridge Family Dentistry .................16

Cardinal Pool & Swim Club ..................10

funerAl serviCes

retAil

Goodwill’s Rock the Runway ..................3 Oak Ridge Elem. Spaghetti Dinner ........2

fitness / sports

Forbis & Dick - Brooke Chapel .............13

that is directly mailed to 10,500 homes, with an additional 2,500 copies distributed for free pickup – every week (plus, we’re online 24/7)

reAl estAte / mortgAge A New Dawn Realty ............................13 Angie Wilkie / Allen Tate......................21 Bobbie Gardner / Allen Tate ................14 Doug Pollet / Allen Tate .......................21 Nancy Hess / Ann Powell.......................6 Ramilya Siegel / Allen Tate ....................5 Ridgewood Realty................................15 Shannon Clement / Allen Tate .............21

events

Advertise in a relevant, widely-read publication

BiRite Food Center ........................12, 13

HAir CAre

speCiAl events Center

Great Clips ............................................2

The Longhouse ...................................14

For advertising information, contact Laura Troeger, associate publisher (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 | advertising@nwobserver.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

FEB. 21 - 27, 2014

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Postal Patron

Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22

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

ECRWSS

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Left to right: Rachel Rackers, Emma and Jessica Hardiman, Hope Rackers, Kayden Friddle, Sara Rackers, Sammy Ray, Jye Huang and Nathan Rackers caught up on the local news in their Summerfield igloo, which they built with the help of their dads.

Where do you take your Northwest Observer? Email your photo to photos@nwobserver.com

Venisque lam, nosapedit, volendit auditem ut velit “Snow-yaking” in Stokesdale: Justice Reeves-Burke shares laccum haris dolorunt faccabo reiust ofﬁTc to occae while et the NWO with Mylia Holt and Burke making the et hario quaeptae nonseri busam, auditaepelit elibest of the snow days last week. quas magnihilitis quis mod molore volore doluptatem consed quatur sunt

Where do you take your Northwest Observer? Email your photo to photos@nwobserver.com

Morgan and Kate Hoyle of Greensboro and Eugenie Ducoin of Bayonne, France, an exchange student at Northern Guilford High School, took a break to read the Northwest Observer during a hike around Waterlemon Cay in Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands.