Northwest Observer | Feb. 28 - Mar. 6, 2014 by pscommunications

Feb. 28 - March 6, 2014

bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996 • nwobserver.com •

Business owners weigh in on U.S. 220 widening Some plan changes to counteract lost visibility and access, while others will wait and see by ANNETTE JOYCE SUMMERFIELD – On March 9, 2012, the N.C. Department of Transportation signed a $96.2 million contract with Tetra Tech Construction to widen a 13.2-mile stretch of US 220; it begins just outside of Summerfield in Rockingham County and extends to Horse Pen Creek Road in Greensboro. Since then, construction crews have been working to transform the two-lane highway into four lanes with a median. DOT says the road widening will enhance safety and mobility in northern and western Guilford County and into Rockingham

Two-year-old Caiden Hawtree has been through a lot in his young life, but true to his name, he faces his health challenges with the courage of a warrior.

See story on p. 22. Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

County. Some business owners and residents, however, are skeptical as to just how effective the road widening will be in meeting those goals. Admittedly, they’re most concerned with how the new road will impact their businesses and their town. To learn their predictions of that impact, we spoke to business owners along the US 220 corridor. Below are some of the responses we have received so far, with more to come in future issues.

...continued on p. 30

Trail has consent of majority – but not all – of ‘stakeholders’ in its path Search for qualiﬁed design ﬁrm gets underway by PATTI STOKES SUMMERFIELD – Not all property owners want a public trail running through or near their property. Recognizing that, the Summerfield Town Council has decided to move forward with seeking a qualified firm to design a trail section without unanimous consent from property owners directly in its path.

chairman of the town’s Trails and Open Space Committee told the council on Feb. 11 when he presented an overview of a proposed trail route that will connect the A&Y Greenway to a future tunnel under US 220, per an agreement made between the town and the Department of Transportation in 2011.

...continued on p. 6

“We’re ready to get started,” Paul Lambrecht,

IN THIS ISSUE News in brief................................................. 3 Your Questions ............................................. 4 State of Local Business ................................ 8 Remembering Johnnie Edwards.............. 10 Love stories ................................................. 12 Business Notes • Bits & Pieces .................. 14 Community Calendar............................... 18 Student Profiles .......................................... 20 Born with the heart of a warrior ................ 22 Crime/Incident Report .............................. 23 Letters/Opinions ....................................... 24 Grins & Gripes ............................................ 25 Classifieds .................................................. 26 Index of Advertisers .................................. 31 NWO On The Go! ....................................... 32

7013 Marseilles - $699,000 - Fabulous Reduction! Ultimate luxury home in Henson Farms, master with octagonal office & guest suite on main level, screen porch/flat rear yard. WEB ID #: 693261 Deryle Peaslee-Wood 336-601-4765

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NEWS in brief

US 158 Committee revived

STOKESDALE – A $105 million roadnot widen US 158 in this area without widening and bypass project for US 158 significantly impacting the town’s central will have a significant impact on the business district. town of Stokesdale. In response, 1 A.the 2 started, Color version for print “Since the US 220 project town is reviving its US 158 Committee, more and more citizens have been asking which has been inactive, and plans to what the status of the 158 project is and meet on Monday, March 3. when it will get underway,” says Frank

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The Department of Transportation Bruno, Stokesdale’s mayor pro tem. project, which will widen 18.8 miles of W H E R E G R E A T V“Our ALUE A N D Swith E R V I Cthis E M Efirst E T meeting is to goal US 158 to multiple lanes from US 421/ review the proposed map with the comB. Black/White version for print Business I-40 in Winston-Salem to US mittee and come up with an agenda 220 in Guilford County, is divided into for the group to propose to the town three sections. council regarding what we would like to

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Section B of the project is 7.2 miles see done with 158. In future meetings W H E R E G R E Awe T VA L U Eattempt A N D S E Rto V I Cget E M representatives EET long and will widen a two-lane section will C. Seen at a distance | Small print of US 158 to a four-lane divided highfrom the DOT to come in and hear our way. It begins at Belews Creek Road in concerns and see what their thoughts Forsyth County and ends at Anthony PHARMACY are,” says PHARMACY Bruno. Road in Stokesdale.

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The US 158 Committee will meet on Monday, March 3 at 6 p.m. at the Stokesdale Town Hall on Angel Pardue Road.

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Gore joins town staff SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield welcomed new events coordinator and assistant to the manager, Cheryl Gore, to the town staff on Feb. 24. Gore recently moved from Greensboro to Summerfield with her husband James and their two children, Caroline, 6, and Hannah, 3.

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The Gores, who met in college, will soon celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary.

Originally from Matthews, N.C., Gore earned a degree in education from the University of North Carolina at Wilm-

ington, and got her master’s degree in elementary education from UNCG. She has taught at several schools throughout the Triad over the last nine years, but teaching fifth graders was by far her favorite, she admits.

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In her spare time, Gore enjoys trying new recipes, taking family vacations and doing DIY projects. “I’m excited to be here, and eager to build a strong community that brings people together,” Gore said. “Even if it’s for something small like music and good weather, or something bigger like Founders Day.” With Gore’s hire, only one staff vacancy remains, that of the town planner. The town currently contracts with Carol Carter for planning services.

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FEB. 28 - MARCH 6, 2014

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

OUR TEAM Patti Stokes, editor/publisher Laura Troeger, associate publisher Annette Joyce, marketing manager Laura Pullins, editorial assistant Sean Gentile, art director Yvonne Truhon, page layout Leon Stokes, technology director Lucy Smith, finance manager Linda Schatz, distribution manager Helen Ledford, Sharon Neely, Annette Joyce, contributing writers

phone: (336) 644-7035 fax: (336) 644-7006 mail: PO Box 268 Oak Ridge, NC 27310

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Drive

This type of jug handle, which will be used at the future intersection of Summer Haven Drive and US 220, will give large vehicles extra room to perform a U-turn.

US 220

online: nwobserver.com e-mail: questions@nwobserver.com When reading about the widening of US 220, the term “jug handle” keeps coming up. What exactly is a “jug handle?” Jeff Stafford, construction technician for the Department of Transportation, explains a jug handle is “a place where the road is taken out a further distance to allow for easier U-turns.” The result resembles the handle of a jug. Typically, a jug handle requires drivers to exit right and travel into a Ushaped lane across the road to eventually turn left. Stafford says the jug handles on US 220 will be especially helpful to big trucks or people pulling boats and trailers, since they will eliminate the need to make a sharp left turn from the highway. While used in some states throughout the country, jug handles are most prevalent in the state of New Jersey – in fact, they are sometimes called a “Jersey left.” Not everyone in that state is a proponent of them, however. After being introduced in 2003, a bill to banish jug handles on New Jersey highways finally gained some momentum last year when it was approved by the State Transportation Committee and introduced in the Assembly. Critics of the jug handles said they are archaic and can create traffic congestion. Though not as common in North

Summer Haven

your QUESTIONS

FEB. 28 - MARCH 6, 2014

Image created by Sean Gentile/NWO

Carolina, there are some jug handles in our area – a few were installed on Guilford College Road when it was widened about eight years ago. The new section of US 220 will have five jug handles. I’m confused between the various school advocacy groups for children, such as PTA, PTO, PTSA and PTSO? And why did Oak Ridge Elementary School

change from a PTA to a PTO? To answer this question, it’s important to first understand the unique history of the original organization, the PTA. PTAs are local groups composed of parents, teachers and staff devoted to the scholastic success of children, and promoting parental participation in schools. When you join a local PTA, your membership also extends to the National PTA.

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

The National PTA (originally known as the National Congress of Mothers) was founded in 1897 by two mothers determined to have their voices heard … during a time when female social activism was nonexistent.

“We were the only PTA in the county to request the full transfer, and in doing so we took the risk that the NC PTA denied our organization of a transfer,” Stallings said. Fortunately for ORES, the NC PTA granted their request.

The two mothers started a nationwide campaign, and on Feb. 17, 1897, more than 2,000 mothers, fathers, teachers and legislators gathered in Washington for the first conference of the National Congress of Mothers. Twenty years later, 37 of the 48 states had chartered PTA congresses.

and we can focus those much-needed funds in house,” Stallings said.

In 1970, the National PTA merged with the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers (NCCPT) to benefit all children, regardless of their race.

ORES PTO’s mission statement and bylaws remains the same as when the organization was established as a PTA, with a few exceptions.

Today, the National PTA is the largest volunteer advocacy group for children. However, according to a 2012 article by the Huffington Post, membership has significantly dropped from roughly 12 million in the 1960s to under 5 million today.

While the National PTA’s bylaw restricts board of directors to a two-year term, the school’s PTO has lifted this restriction to allow volunteers to serve as long as they wish to.

The loss in memberships could be a result of the startup of several similar advocacy groups, such as the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). Unlike PTAs, PTOs are independent groups that can write their own bylaws and decide whether they charge membership fees or apply for non-profit status. In June 2013, the Oak Ridge Elementary School dissolved their PTA and began operating as a PTO the following month. “We considered this change heavily for over a year before proceeding with our request for members to consider dissolving the organization,” said Melissa Stallings, the school’s PTO president. “We spoke with several other local PTOs in the area and relied on their knowledge and experience to assist us with making the change.” And in Stalling’s view, the change has been a positive one for ORES. “Our school now benefits from not having to send a couple thousand dollars out the door to other organizations,

“Additionally, we’ve provided voting rights to our principal, assistant principal, and an elected teacher representative,” Stallings said. “It made sense to have the school be a part of our day-today operations, and oversee our objectives just as our board of directors does.” ORES PTO also changed the bylaw that restricted them as a PTA to raise funds for only their organization, so they are now free to raise funds for other organizations or schools if they choose. Another bonus for ORES in changing to a PTO is increased funding. “Now we can apply for grants that would otherwise have been restricted due to our affiliation with a national or state organization,” said Stallings. “And our members have been more generous as well, knowing their money stays 100 percent with the school.” Though rumors have circulated that ORES PTA was forced to distribute their assets to other PTAs chosen by the NC PTA when they dissolved, Stallings confirms the money stayed at ORES and was transferred to their newly formed PTO.

The two other groups you mentioned are the PTSA and PTSO; the “S” stands for students, and simply means students can be members of the organization as well. In our community, Northwest Middle School and High School both have PTSOs, while Northern Middle School and High School have PTSAs.

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“The age of the student population will usually determine if students can be members (and thus, participate in the organization’s decision making),” said Stallings. “Typically, elementary schools that serve K-5 are either a PTA or a PTO.” In addition to ORES, the Greensboro Academy and N.C. Leadership Academy also have PTOs.

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Stokesdale, NC

FEB. 28 - MARCH 6, 2014

TRAIL SECTION ...continued from p. 1 Since the trails committee was formed last July, its members have focused on developing a trail route that they hope will eventually connect the Greensboro Greenway system to a 12-mile segment of the abandoned Atlantic Yadkin (A&Y) Railway which runs through the towns of Summerfield and Stokesdale. After considering various alternatives for an initial 2.7-mile trail section referred to as the “A&Y Summerfield South,” the committee has proposed a route that would begin at the pedestrian tunnel to be built under US 220, weave through the Greensboro watershed and around Pleasant Ridge and Bunch Roads, and end at the town’s community park on Centerfield Road. “A huge part of this (trail route) is in the Greensboro watershed,” said Summerfield’s town manager, Scott Whitaker. “The whole westerly route is all through pristine, beautiful woods which are not on private property.” Of those property owners directly affected by the proposed 2.7-mile trail section, about 90 percent have consented to a trail easement on their land, says Lambrecht. Before the trail design gets underway, the town hopes to gain the consent of the remaining property

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owners – or “stakeholders” – in the trail’s proposed path.

increase their property value if the town makes improvements to the land,” he says.

Two of those stakeholders have land near the beginning of the proposed trail section, where the pedestrian tunnel on US 220 will be built. Whitaker is optimistic the town will reach an agreement with those stakeholders, who will likely either sell a portion of their land for the trail, or retain ownership and consent to a trail easement on their property.

On Feb. 11 the Summerfield Town Council agreed to begin the formal RFQ process for a qualified firm to provide a proposal for designing the 2.7-mile trail section.

Another stakeholder’s land is near the northern, opposite tip of the proposed trail section, where it would end at the town’s community park. That owner and some neighboring property owners have concerns about a public trail so close to their homes, Whitaker told the town council at a Feb. 25 budget meeting. If a trail easement agreement can’t be reached, the town could re-route that section of the trail, offer to purchase the land where the trail crosses the property – or, as a last resort, consider condemning the land in order to complete the trail section. “We’re not going to knock anyone’s house down (for the trail),” Lambrecht says. “There are no houses directly on the trail path and we would never run a trail under someone’s bathroom window.” He believes a trail easement is a win-win for the property owners and for the town. “The individual loses nothing – they would maintain ownership and potentially

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The town’s 2013-2014 FY budget includes a line item of $250,000 for trail design and development, although a Community Park

price for design has not been confirmed; the design fee typically represents 15 to 20 percent of the total construction cost of the trail, Whitaker reported at the Feb. 25 budget meeting. Public meetings will be held throughout the design process for input from citizens, with additional meetings just for stakeholders, Lambrecht emphasizes.

Summerfield Elementary

US 220 Pedestrian Tunnel

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Paul Lambrecht, chairman of the Summerﬁeld Trails and Open Space Committee, presents an image of a proposed 2.7-mile trail section that would connect a future pedestrian tunnel under US 220 to the town’s community park.

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A new church for a new day Awaken – a contemporary church with traditional values “Sometimes we put God in a box and we’ve got to let Him out of that box,” says Jim Scott. As the pastor of the area’s new Awaken Church, Scott is all about breaking out of that box.

show appreciation to Pearce Elementary teachers by cooking a meal on a teacher workday and hosting a corn hole tournament for students and their fathers.

A former youth pastor at Cornerstone Baptist Church, Scott felt God’s calling to reach out to the community in a different way. Stepping out on faith, he started Awaken Church, which held its first meeting at Pearce Elementary School on Sunday, Jan.12. In less than two months, the church has already attracted a number of new people.

As with many who are called into ministry, Scott didn’t take a direct path there. After playing football at Clemson University, he went on to play professionally with the New York Giants and New York Jets. After that, he worked as a police officer.

Awaken Church offers a home for three distinctive groups of people, says Scott. “We’re here for the people who’ve never been to church – those who don’t really know anything about God and the difference He makes in the lives of His people. For those folks who have given up on the institution of church but haven’t given up on God, we offer a place to reconnect with their creator. And, finally, we’re here for those people who are on fire for the Lord and excited about serving in whatever capacity He provides.” With its mission to demonstrate God’s love, Awaken Church emphasizes serving the local community in a very tangible way. “We’ve got to get back to the basics of serving people,” says Scott. “Whatever we can do to reach people for Jesus, we’re going to do it.” The church’s mission to serve was evident during the recent snowstorm, when its youth shoveled driveways for elderly people in the community, and firewood was provided to a family so they would stay warm during the cold weather. This March, the church will

“In law enforcement, I got to the point where I realized I wasn’t making a difference, especially in the lives of the young people I was seeing on a regular basis,” he says. “I just got tired of locking kids up.” Leaving the police force after 10 years, Scott got involved with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where he was able to reach teens in the schools and have an impact on their lives early on. For the last eight years he’s been a substitute teacher and is an assistant football coach at Northwest High School.

More than just a coach though, Scott also serves as the football team’s chaplain and cook. A man of many talents, he is also a caterer and each week before a game, he provides the team with a full meal. The meal is followed by a devotional, and although it is optional, Scott says all of the football team members choose to stay. Scott describes Awaken Church as a “contemporary church with traditional values.” “We want people to recognize that church is like a hospital. We’re all sick. Our church is a place where you can come and be healed and restored,” he says. “It’s a place where people don’t feel judged. We’re all at different spiritual levels and it doesn’t matter what level you’re at, we’ll meet you at that place.” Scott and his wife Kim live in northwest Greensboro. Married for 30 years, the couple has four children, Amber, 26, Adam, 22, Ashley, 20, and Austin, 15. Awaken Church holds worship

Photo courtesy of Jim Scott

Awaken Church Pastor Jim Scott and his wife Kim

services in the multi-purpose room at Pearce Elementary every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Small groups meet in individual homes on Sunday evenings at 5 p.m. Both Sunday worship service and small groups include an interactive children’s ministry. The youth meet on Wednesday nights and there’s a women’s Bible study on Thursday nights. The church is in the process of developing a men’s discipleship program which will meet on Saturday mornings. 

Join Awaken Church for its official launch on Sunday, March 9 at 10:30 a.m. Worship services are held at Pearce Elementary on Pleasant Ridge Road in northwest Greensboro. 2006 Pleasant Ridge Rd, Greensboro (336) 312-0917 jim.scott@awaken-church.org

www.awaken-church.org

We asked local business owners

Are you feeling the effects of an economy turnaround? In mid-January we conducted a survey of local business professionals in which we asked how they were affected by the recession, if they feel the recession is behind them, and what they predict 2014 will bring to their businesses. The following is the last in our series of responses. •

day to make ends meet. Income and asset inequality have long been out of balance and the powerful interests that have influence have, over time, made all the rules work in their favor. The small businesses and the man/woman on the street are not sharing in the prosperity of the top five percent.

“For us, 2013 was a year of growth and growing pains! Our caseload increased and we doubled the number of cases and employees.

“What do I see happening in 2014? After working in this field since 1981, I have come to know that you never know what tomorrow will bring – so keeping my fingers crossed is about as far as I can go with this question!

“Our plans for the coming year are to continue to try to meet the needs and requests of our clients, friends and

Bill Barbour, attorney The Law Office of Attorney Bill Barbour Oak Ridge “Last year was about the same as 2012. We had a really strong summer but for some reason business fell off in the fall and winter. The weather plays a significant role in our business. People won’t come out when it’s raining or cold and we’ve had a lot of that. On the other hand, we do get a lot of call-ins when the weather’s bad. “We’ve been in Oak Ridge for 11 years and I still cannot predict how any single day is going to be, so it’s really hard to know what to expect for 2014. Overall, we’ve got nine locations throughout the area and we’re planning to open at least one more this

By no stretch are we completely back, but we’re in a lot better place and I can see a light at the end of the tunnel.” Kevan Combs, owner Combs, Inc. year. Other than that, we plan to focus on the basics in 2014 – quality food, good pricing and excellent service.” Pepe Silva, owner Rio Grande/Oak Ridge “DeVaney Dentistry at Oak Ridge was able to do slightly better in 2013 than we did in 2012. We expanded to two dentists on Thursdays and began opening on Fridays for the first time in several years. We made this expansion of hours in June

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and continued through December. Our associate dentist, Dorrette Ibazebo, is currently out on maternity leave, but we will continue this expansion of our hours when she returns in late February. “As far as the economy in general, I have not seen any true signs of a very crisp upturn that will get the economy back on track for strong growth longterm. It seems to still be plugging along with a little expansion of local businesses, a few building or construction projects, and a steady stream of a fewper-month people moving to the area. I think when we see more of the area’s larger businesses have the confidence to go ahead and invest in large expansion, everyone will follow suit.” Brett DeVaney, general manager DeVaney Dentistry at Oak Ridge “We saw a significant increase in the local real estate market for the Greensboro, Oak Ridge and Summerfield areas. The local market increased approximately 24 percent in closed real estate transactions from 2012 to 2013. In this office we saw a 90-percent increase with our business, which was our best year ever in Oak Ridge! “We are seeing an increase in every segment of our business, with more and more sellers and buyers entering the real estate market. We believe we will continue to see a steady increase in our business due to consumer confidence, good local employment gains, great affordability opportunities due to local pricing levels and financing options, and more sellers and buyers entering the real estate market in 2014. “At Allen Tate, we will continue to look for more real estate professionals to join our local team, and to grow our marketing and branding efforts, enhance and upgrade our technology platforms via equipment, office designs, mobile devices and internet strategies.” Donna Ogletree, broker-in-charge Allen Tate Oak Ridge

“Our business in 2013 surpassed last year. In fact, we’ve been very fortunate that our business has grown every year since we opened 10 years ago. “I can’t say I’m seeing an upturn in the economy. Our business has thrived because we’ve got a lot of loyal customers and they support us. Also, I think people are keeping their vehicles longer and are maintaining them better. “2014 has started off to be a good year and hopefully it will continue that way. Based on that, our plans are to keep doing what has made us successful – providing good, honest service to people. I learned a long time ago that your service is what really sets you apart. We want to be honest with people, provide a fair price and give them the best service 100 percent of the time. “I also believe in investing in the business by adding new equipment each year and staying up-to-date on the latest technology. And, of course, we’ll have our Big Foot Customer Appreciation event again. It costs us a tremendous amount to do that, but we want to give back to the people who have supported us all year long.”

We’ve been in Oak Ridge for 11 years and I still cannot predict how any single day is going to be, so it’s really hard to know what to expect for 2014 … we plan to focus on the basics in 2014 – quality food, good pricing and excellent service.” Pepe Silva, owner Rio Grande/Oak Ridge “I spent a lot of sleepless nights but through prayer, hard work and the grace of God we got through the toughest times. By no stretch are we completely back, but we’re in a lot better place and I can see a light at the end of the tunnel.

“In 2014, I think we’ll continue to see improvement in the economy but a lot will depend on higher employment rates. It all starts with people having jobs and feeling confident about keeping the ones they have. “Our plans for the coming year are to work hard and move forward. We’ve got four decent-size subdivisions being planned and we’ll be doing about six new homes. Our shopping center, King’s Crossing, is basically full and we’re working on bringing Advance Auto into the lot between the BP station and Tire Max in Stokesdale. “I’ve been fortunate to build a lot of good relationships with people and businesses who have stood behind us when times were bad. I’m thankful for these people and I look forward to continuing to work with them as 2014 progresses.” Kevan Combs, owner Combs, Inc. Oak Ridge

Mark Middleton, owner M & M Tire and Auto Summerfield “Last year was the best year we’ve had since 2008. In fact, we did more business in 2013 than we did from mid-2008 to 2012 combined. We sold more lots in 2013 and saw the values of homes and lots appreciate some. We’re building more houses and looking at acquiring more land for subdivisions. “As for seeing an actual upturn in the overall economy, it’s hard for me to answer that. My mindset is so much more conservative now than it was in the past. I never thought the economy would be so bad for so long and I know now how fast things can go downhill.

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A life lived to the fullest Family, friends remember Johnnie Edwards by HELEN LEDFORD “When God made him, He threw away the mold.” Folks say that is true of Johnnie Brockton Edwards, 80, of Oak Ridge, who passed away last November. Born in Guilford County, he was the son of the late John and Flossie Putnam Edwards and one of four children. Johnnie met his true love, the former Joann Williams, on a blind date when she was 16. A country girl, Joann was impressed that her admirer’s Greensboro home had a furnace and an indoor bathroom! Two years after the couple eloped, Joann still didn’t have the knack for biscuit making and even the dogs turned them down – to which Johnnie remarked (tactfully), “Honey, you don’t have to make them any more if you don’t want to.” Edwards’ family and all who knew him best would heartily agree that he was indeed a very colorful character. His sense of humor was of the highest caliber, and his wit unmatched. Always ready with a story (often peppered with

questionable language), Johnnie was a longtime member of Wildwood Hunting Club in Caswell County. He and Joann also owned a beach timeshare, but everyone knew that Johnnie’s heart was in the mountains. Weekends and vacations at Raccoon Holler Campground near the town of Jefferson were a family tradition for years. There, Edwards loved serving up his “down home” cooking, prepared on an old wood stove, for family and other campers as well. He was a definite “people magnet” and made many friends along the way. An avid hunter all his life, Edwards’ sons Ricky and Michael did not take to the sport readily. However, daughter Jane Johnson recalls going on rabbit and squirrel hunts and trying her luck as a marksman (or lady). Though she usually missed, her dad took over, and their forays into the woods were fun learning experiences. When deer hunting, Johnnie usually bagged his prize, and there was always plenty of venison in the Edwards freezer.

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A former volunteer firefighter in Oak Ridge, Edwards was the best of friends, says neighbor Jeff Myers – and he would “help a fellow in a heartbeat.” Always the prankster, the “great white hunter” had the tables turned one day when Myers’s wife Sandy came home and heard a voice from across the way saying, “Patricia, come over here and help me!” Knowing her neighbor’s habit of calling her by other names than her own, she waved and went into the house thinking it was just another of Edwards’ jokes. Later when Jeff arrived home, she told him to go over and see what Johnnie wanted. He complied, and found the usually funny one scowling, stranded on his roof, his ladder fallen to the ground. A long-time member of Central Baptist Church, Johnnie once introduced himself to the new preacher with the words, “You’ll have to take me as I am, or leave me alone.” Later when Johnnie was helping unload some of the preacher’s furniture outside, a loud string of expletives was heard. A member of his flock turned to the new minister and said, “That’s what he meant!” – at which the clergyman reportedly reared back his head and enjoyed a hearty laugh. Dark hours were endured by his loved ones as Johnnie suffered a stroke which left him paralyzed on one side, and from which he would never fully recover. Though thrust into immobility, his jovial, pesky self remained. When doctors determined that a leg must be amputated, a totally deadpan Edwards asked his physician if he could have the limb to make a “leg lamp” like the one in the movie “Christmas Story.” And as usual, with a lusty and mischievous grin, he broadcast to everyone that he was

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Photo courtesy of the Edwards family

Johnnie Edwards was known as a “very colorful character.”

“going to heaven a little at a time.” Facing the grief of losing their husband, father and grandfather, the Edwards family was held together by the glue of good memories and his determined and brave seven-year fight to survive life in a wheelchair. When death came, it was decided that their beloved “macho man” would not be subjected to wearing the usual formal suit and tie on his last journey. And so Johnnie Brockton Edwards left this earthly realm dressed in old hunting jeans, a well-worn work shirt, suspenders and a favorite hunting hat. The man who so loved life also was an avid country music fan. He had requested that, when lowered into the ground, a radio tuned loudly to a local country station would be placed in his casket. With love, that wish was granted, and his close kin, through tears, said goodbye to “Paw” – as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren called him. Married to the “life of the party” for more than 60 years, Joann Edwards would probably agree that heaven may be filled with a little more laughter since Johnnie arrived….

y e b r u ar F f o ” on t h ur hear t m e bring you o “ e h t As ,w ries. a clos e o t s l ove s t o e f o s c om ie a ser last in

If it weren’t for the potato salad …

Leanne and Will Pizio by JO MAEDER

Oh, the comfort – the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person – having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain together; certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then with the breath of kindness blow the rest away. ~Dinah Craik, A Life for a Life, 1859

The 12-year union of Leanne and Will Pizio of Oak Ridge all started with food poisoning. The couple first met at Café Europa, where Leanne was a waitress. “She invited me to her birthday party at her house,” Will says, “and I stupidly ate potato salad that had been sitting out too long.” Leanne visited him for several days afterwards and nursed him back to health. “I liked her immediately, but that’s when I knew she was different,” says Will.

“The joy is in the small stuff,” says Will. “I’ll pick up a can of something, and in the next moment she’s there with a can opener.” They dated a year before they married. “I didn’t want to live together before marrying,” says Leanne. “I’d done that and it didn’t work out.” Will had been divorced. Three weeks before their wedding they bought a house, were married on the back porch, and that’s when Leanne moved in. As for having children, “Age 36 was my cutoff,” says Leanne. When she was

“I would have done it for anyone,” Leanne says, glowing at the memory. “But I wouldn’t have stayed for long. You just know when you meet someone if they’re special. You just know.” Leanne and Will now relish their 6 p.m. daily meeting, when they stop whatever they’re doing and talk for 45 minutes. “I feel like I’m counting down to it all day,” says Will, 48, a criminal justice professor at Guilford College. He’s also a photographer and all-around builder. “The yard is my palette,” he says.

Photo by Haley Blake-lee

Will and Leanne Pizio have been together for 12 years. Their relationship kicked into high gear after Will got food poisoning and Leanne took care of him.

“We always put the other person first,” explains Leanne, 43, an artist and co-founder of the twice-yearly Keep It Local Art Show. “If there’s a secret to our happy marriage, that’s it – and being present for your partner.”

FEB. 28 - MARCH 6, 2014

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

35 1/2 they talked a lot about it. Will says they were too consumed at that time by their work and travel. “Both of our siblings were prolific, so there was no pressure to produce grandchildren,” Leanne says. “We have ‘fur and feather’ children,” she adds, referring to their two dogs, three cats, two roosters (raised from eggs), and 11 hens. Will adds, “And we figured if we changed our minds we could adopt.” They both break into a big smile as Leanne says, “Who knows. Maybe we still will. You never know.”

Second time around Twenty years after their divorce, DeAnn Marcus and Jimmy Vaughn remarry by JO MAEDER “We were both shaking like leaves at our first wedding,” says DeAnn Marcus, manager of Great Clips in the Oak Ridge Commons shopping center. That was in 1989. She and her husband, Jimmy Vaughn, lasted 6 years. Twenty years after she and Jimmy parted, they remarried. “When I was single all that time,” says Jimmy, “there was no one telling me what to do – but I felt empty. Now I feel full.” The couple laughs as they recall their first date over 25 years ago. DeAnn worked with Jimmy’s cousin at the time. Unbeknownst to her, the cousin had decided to play matchmaker and encouraged Jimmy to go into

the salon where DeAnn worked and have her cut his hair. She must have done a good job – Jimmy asked her out to a night club. “Right before we went out, he was horsing around with a very large friend who fell on top of him and his lung collapsed. He could barely speak!” remembers DeAnn. Even with a collapsed lung, Jimmy was determined to make it through the evening. “I said I’d be there and I wasn’t going to back out,” he says. “But there was all that smoke in the club. And she smoked then.” “He really wasn’t feeling well,” DeAnn says. After later meeting DeAnn, Jimmy’s

mother referred to her as a “Yankee.”

admits DeAnn, now 56.

“Don’t call her that,” he told his mother. “She’s from Iowa. She’s a mid-Westerner.” That met with Mom’s approval.

They started talking again and decided to spend New Year’s Eve 2008 together. And that’s when they picked back up where they had left off so many years before.

What caused their breakup after only six years of marriage? “For me, a lot of growing up needed to be done,” says Jimmy, 54, who is now a maintenance supervisor at Syngenta. DeAnn had been married before, and had two children with her first husband; one of those children passed away at age five. Jimmy had also been married before. “There was too much tugging for me,” reflects DeAnn. “I had to make two people happy – him and my daughter.”

On a trip to the Bahamas almost five years later, DeAnn saw a white linen dress she loved, and bought it. “I wasn’t thinking ‘wedding.’ Every time he had brought up marriage, I told him I wasn’t interested. Why ruin a good thing?” DeAnn also lost a diamond earring on the trip. While looking in a jewelry store for an earring to replace it, a beautiful diamond ring caught her eye. “I never expected him to buy it,” DeAnn said.

Fifteen years after they split, the father of DeAnn’s children was killed in a tractor accident.

But he did. And then, as they were leaving the jewelry store, he said, “I guess I should ask you ‘Will you marry me?’”

“It got me thinking about Jimmy and I called him when I knew he wouldn’t be home and left a message.”

“I already had the dress and the ring, and thought, ‘Why not?’” She adds with a wink, “He caught me in a weak moment.”

“I waited two weeks to call back,” says Jimmy.

“It was cold, windy and cloudy,” Jimmy says. “But as soon as we walked to the beach, the sun came out and the wind died down. I didn’t even need my sweater or my shoes. We were married barefoot.”

“When I saw his name on the caller I.D. I literally jumped,”

Photo (inset) by Randy Payne Photo (left) by Rev. Keith Boling

DeAnn Marcus and Jimmy Vaughn married in 1989 and stayed together six years. They married again this past New Year’s Eve.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

They married on Myrtle Beach this past New Year’s Eve.

In their wedding album is a photo from their far more formal first wedding in 1989. DeAnn found Jimmy’s wallet and brought out a smaller, worn version of the photo. “He never took it out of his wallet. Never.” Shaking his head and smiling, he says, “I always knew we weren’t finished.”

FEB. 28 - MARCH 6, 2014

BUSINESS notes

Get. Be. Stay. Connected

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Please support the businesses and organizations which make our newspaper possible, and tell them you saw them here!

CROSSROADS PHARMACY Owner/Pharmacist: April Duggins

A. Color version for print

A little business background: Crossroads Pharmacy opened on Feb. 3. I have been a pharmacist for over 16 years and have seven years’ experience owning and operating an independent pharmacy. After moving to the area three years ago, I realized that Oak Ridge would benefit greatly from 2 a family-owned pharmacy specializing in fast, reliable service with a down-home personal feel.

On a personal note: I am married to Chad Duggins from Kernersville and we have three children, ages 10, 11 and 13. Our family attends First Christian Church in Kernersville. How do you spend your leisure time? I love to read, spend time at the beach with my family and watch my children play basketball, soccer and volleyball.

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B. Black/White version for print tion medication to our customers, but

I just don’t know that a walm art grocery store is viable. The ir produce selection simply stinks. I usually find better produce at Aldi or Trader Joes for a lowe r price. NOOOOO!! Simply use the back lot for a posh farmer’s market! Give the local college a place to sell goods and sho w creativity. Perhaps put in a mar ket that only sells, local propro duce and goods from our won derful farmers in this beautifu l area! Guilford College has its own farm and sells the produce at a weekly farmers market on cam pus the market is held each Wednesd . If you’re interested, ay from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in front of Founders Hall on campus. It’s a neat atmosphere, too! Hi Mike, how are you? Thanks for the info about the farmers market on the Guilford College campus – I had no idea the college had a farm and sold prod uce on campus – good to know! Patti

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OAK RIDGE – Braxton Houlden, 12, is a seventh grader. He’s also a published author and has submitted several pieces of writing to Magnum Opus Magazine, which publishes works from homeschool students from around the world. His paper, “The World May Never Know,” is featured in the digital publication’s winter edition.

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In Houlden’s paper, he tells a story about the role of the minutemen, who got their name because they “were ready to serve at a minute’s notice,” and the question that remains about who fired the first shot which started the American Revolutionary War in 1775. Houlden is homeschooled along with his two brothers.

FEB. 28 - MARCH 6, 2014

Your business philosophy? We strive to live and work by the Golden Rule – “treat others as you would want to be treated.”

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What is unique about your pharmacy? We offer fast, friendly service with a smile! At Crossroads Pharmacy, you are more than the number on your prescription bottle. We want to get to know you and your family and make your trip to our store a positive experience.

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Photo courtesy of Kathy Houlden

Academy celebrates completion of Holt Hall renovation OAK RIDGE – The historic Holt Hall on the campus of Oak Ridge Military Academy just underwent a major renovation project, the likes of which the student dormitory had not undergone in over 90 years. The original Holt Hall was destroyed by a fire in 1914 and rebuilt in 1923, keeping its name in honor of one of the original founding families of Oak Ridge Institute. Late last year, Irvin Angel, 89, a former ORMA cadet, volunteered to oversee the renovation project that would add bath and shower facilities and update the previously outdated and inadequate bathrooms. In a sense, the project was historic because it was the first major renovation project completed on the academy’s dormitories. “Each Corps of Cadets is unique, but is built on the customs, traditions and values of past Corps,” read the program given to visitors at the Feb. 20 ribbon cutting to celebrate completion

of the Holt Hall renovation project. “In that way, every generation stands on the shoulders of the giants who have gone before them. Mr. Irvin Angel is one of those giants.” Angel, whose father was a graduate of the academy, only attended the school for one year before he was drafted during World War II. He has since been credited for a long list of contributions to the academy and ORMA staff, alumni and Board of Trustees members agree on one thing – “One cannot visit the Oak Ridge Military Academy’s campus without seeing the influence of Mr. Angel.” Over the last several decades Angel has volunteered to oversee numerous projects on the academy’s campus; they include renovation of the King Gym, construction of Bonner Field House, expansion of the school’s cafeteria and several other capital improvement projects including sidewalks, paved campus roads and repairs to the president’s residence at Maple Glade.

National Merit Scholarship ﬁnalists named Photo courtesy of Caldwell Academy

Caldwell Academy students (L to R) Russell McIntosh, Leanna Burkhead and Carter Wierda have been named National Merit Scholarship ﬁnalists.

NW GREENSBORO – Caldwell Academy is pleased to announce that three members of the class of 2014 have been selected as National Merit Scholarship Finalists. Russell McIntosh, Leanna Burkhead and Carter Wierda were selected for this honor based on PSAT scores,

SAT scores, principal recommendations, and academic performance. With over 1.5 million entrants each year and only 15,000 selected finalists, these three students have placed in the top 1 percent of high school seniors in the United States.

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Join us in 2014 Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO

A ribbon cutting was held on Feb. 20 for the recently completed renovation of the Holt Hall dormitory on the Oak Ridge Military Academy campus. (Inset) Irvin Angel, a former cadet, volunteered to oversee the renovation project – just as he has done with numerous other academy renovation, expansion and construction projects.

Let’s grow together in faith and family! Titus 2:13 (KJV)

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Faith Baptist Tabernacle 7925 Lester Rd, Stokesdale convenient to Hwys 158 & 220 (336) 416-3904 Sunday school 10 am Sunday service 11am & 7 pm Wednesday service 7:30 pm

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SATURDAY, MARCH 1  PAGE Student Enrichment Workshop| Red Hot Robotics and Guilford County PAGE have partnered with Mad Science of the Piedmont to present this science enrichment workshop for academically gifted students in grades 6-8. The workshop begins at 9 a.m. on March 1 at Summerfield Elementary School, 7501 Summerfield Rd.; bring a sack lunch. Cost is $79 and includes a $20 robot that students can take home. More info: www.guilfordcountypage.org.

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 GSM Barbecue Fundraiser | Join Good Samaritan

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Ministries for a barbecue fundraiser on March 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Flat Rock United Methodist Church, 6720 Hwy. 158 in Stokesdale. Cost is $10/adult, $5/kids ages 6-12; kids age 5 and under eat free. All proceeds will benefit the GSM. Eat in or purchase take-out. More info: call 643-5887 or email terriJ1957@yahoo.com.

 FrankFest Celebration | The Greensboro Montessori School invites you to help them celebrate their 40-year history and the 17 years of leadership provided by the school’s dean, Frank Brainard. Join them at the O. Henry Hotel, 624 Green Valley Rd. in Greensboro, on March 1 from 7 to 11 p.m. More info: call 668-0119 or email rhea@thegms.org.

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FEB. 28 - MARCH 6, 2014

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calendar continued  Prom Gala | Camp Carefree of Stokesdale will hold a “prom king and queen” fundraising gala on March 1 at 8 p.m. at the Greensboro Elks Lodge, 2201 W. Cornwallis Dr. Enjoy music, light refreshments and a silent auction, and be sure to come dressed in your prom attire! Tickets are $15/person or $25/couple, and you must be 21 or older to attend. All proceeds will benefit Camp Carefree. More info: call 362-7879 or email peters-jw@att.net. MONDAY, MARCH 3  AA & Al-Anon Meetings | The Community Lutheran Church of Summerfield, 4960 Hwy. 220, holds weekly AA and Al-Anon meetings on Mondays at 8 p.m. More info: call 643-7667.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 4  GSO Airport Rotary | The Greensboro Airport Rotary Club will meet on March 4 from 7 to 8 a.m. at the Cardinal Golf & Country Club, 5400 Cardinal Way in Greensboro. More info: call Cory Newton at 253-5353.

 Kiwanis Club | The Kiwanis Club of northwest Guilford will meet at noon on March 4, at Bill’s Pizza in Oak Ridge, 1431 Hwy. 68. Lunch may be purchased and visitors are welcome. More info: call Donna Ogletree at 485-1100 or email donna.ogletree@allentate.com. Individual & Small Business Bookkeeping & Payroll 8400 Hwy 158 • PO Box 469 Stokesdale, NC 27357 kim.thacker@att.net

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5  AA Meeting | Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, 2614 Oak Ridge Rd., holds weekly AA meetings at 8 p.m. More info: call 643-3452. THURSDAY, MARCH 6  Sportsman’s Wildlife Club | The Sportsman’s Wildlife Club meets the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the clubhouse, 7999 Winfree Rd., Summerfield. More info: call Freddie Marshall at 339-3147.

 Town Council Meeting | The Oak Ridge Town Council will hold its monthly meeting on March 6 at 7 p.m. at the town hall on Linville Road. For a meeting agenda, visit www.oakridgenc.com or call the town hall at (336) 644-7009.

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View the complete, detailed Community Calendar at nwobserver.com, and check the Northwest Observer each week for a selection of upcoming events

FRIDAY, MARCH 7  Pass and Review Parade | The Oak Ridge Military Academy welcomes the community to come see the Pass and Review parade every Friday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. on the field beside Bonner Field House.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

FEB. 28 - MARCH 6, 2014

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.

NORTHWEST

Art

KATHERINE HUBBARD, senior Hometown: Greensboro Toughest class: AP Psychology Extracurricular activities: Winter Guard Favorite food: Spinach soup Favorite band: Ed Sheeran Favorite movie: Frozen Any siblings? Younger sister, Elizabeth Best vacation ever: Last summer I got to go to London, Paris, and Madrid Years in northwest area: 18 Dream job: Elementary school teacher with an interest in foreign language education Interesting fact about yourself: I can play the ukulele Nickname? “Kat” or “Kit Kat” Art teacher Amber Grey’s comments: “Katherine is a well-rounded and accomplished student; her work and

participation in the advanced honors art class is no exception. Katherine is extremely focused, talented, and very versatile within the arts; a wonderful bright future lies at her doorstep.”

“made in China,” because I was adopted. Art Teacher Mary Ann Parah’s comments: “Kelli’s art has really taken off this year. She has been creating some awesome portraits and it’s been fun to watch her style develop. Kelli is creative, hardworking and a wonderful asset to our art program.”

NORTHWEST

Orchestra

SIERRA SALEM, freshman

NORTHERN

Art

KELLI FREE, senior Hometown: Greensboro Toughest class: AP English Extracurricular activities: National Art Honor Society, Beta Club Favorite food: Steak Favorite band: Young the Giant Favorite movie: Anything but a Christmas Story Siblings: 1 older brother, James, and two younger sisters, Megan and Katie Best vacation: trip to Europe Years in Northern area: all my life Dream Job: Children’s book illustrator Fun fact: I want to get a tattoo that says Sunday School • 9 am & 10:30 am Sunday Traditional Service • 9 am Contemporary Service • 10:30 am AWANA • 5 pm Evening Worship • 6 pm Wednesday activities • 6:30 pm

2300 Scalesville Rd, Summerfield • 643-6383 • www.summerfieldfbc.com

Hometown: Chillicothe, Ohio Toughest class: Honors World History Extracurricular activities: Track Favorite food: Ice cream Favorite band: Coldplay/ Panic! at the Disco Favorite movie: The Breakfast Club Best vacation ever: Any time I can go to the beach. Years in the Northwest area: 2 1/2 Dream job: Physical therapist with the Army Medical Specialist. Interesting/fun fact about yourself: I’m almost always playing Xbox. Role in the orchestra: First chair/ first violin Superstitions/Quirks: I can’t sleep at night when the closet doors are open! Orchestra teacher Sandra Rathbone’s comments: “Sierra has a positive attitude and is an excellent leader in orchestra. She is a motivated violinist and her smile every morning makes my day.”

NORTHERN

Art

OLIVIA KOVAL, senior

Christian Life Center

FEB. 28 - MARCH 6, 2014

Hometown: Greensboro Toughest class: AP Calculus Extracurricular activities: Varsity volleyball, president of National Art Honor

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Society, Beta Club, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society Favorite food: My mom’s chicken pot pie! Favorite movie: She’s the Man Siblings: A younger brother, Kyle, and an older sister, Maddie Best vacation: Outer Banks Years in Northern area: all my life Dream Job: Industrial designer Fun fact: I love to play volleyball. Nickname: “Livi” Art Teacher Mary Ann Parrah’s comments: “It’s been great to see Olivia’s art mature. She is very conscientious about her work and puts an incredible amount of effort into each piece. Olivia’s portfolio of work is very impressive. She’s also the president of our National Art Honor Society, which involves many volunteer hours outside of school work. Olivia has been a huge contribution to our art program.”

NORTHWEST Art LUXME PATEL, senior

Hometown: Moved from Pennsylvania Toughest class: AP US History Extracurricular activities: Varsity tennis, clubs (NAHS, NTHS, Interact, FBLA, EnergyWise), volunteer (soup kitchen, Food Bank, Children’s Home) Favorite food: Pasta Favorite band: Pentatonix Favorite movie: Toy Story Any siblings? Two brothers Best vacation ever: Atlanta, Ga. Years lived in northwest area: 7 Dream job: Architect Interesting fact about yourself: I play piano Nickname? My full name is Vrajlaxmi and Luxme is my nickname Art teacher Beth Herrick’s comments: “Luxme is not only a wonderful artist, but also has a terrific work ethic. I have known her for four years and she is a delightful human being.”

Spring 2014 edition

Coming

April 11 Your home, your community  History and humor of life in northwest Guilford County  Local real estate news  Housing trends  Tackling home projects – and more

Want to advertise in this publication? Contact us at (336) 644-7035 ext. 10 or advertising@nwobserver.com

Laura Troeger

Annette Joyce

associate publisher

advertising manager

10,500 copies directly mailed to northwest-area homes

4,500 more copies distributed for free pickup in the northwest area online 24/7 at nwobserver.com

Born with the heart of a warrior Two-year-old courageously battles not one, but two serious conditions by ANNETTE JOYCE COLFAX – Banging on his toy piano while singing exuberantly into his microphone, Caiden Hawtree radiates an aura of confidence and joy. With twinkling eyes and a broad smile, he performs a version of his favorite song, “I’m Special to My Lord.” The song is a testament to Caiden’s young life and the struggles he’s endured. At two years old, he weighs just over 25 pounds and has been walking for less than three months. Caiden was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), a rare congenital heart defect in which the left ventricle of the heart is severely underdeveloped; a few days later he was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). The

doctors have told his parents, Daniel and Julie Hawtree, that Caiden is only the second person in recorded medical history to have both of these conditions. The Colfax couple learned about Caiden’s heart condition about midway into Julie’s pregnancy. They were told their unborn baby would require three risky surgeries: one almost immediately after birth, a second when he was three months old and another when his weight reached about 32 pounds. Knowing what their baby faced, the couple was initially in turmoil. “We struggled with it,” admits Julie, 36. “Every time he kicked, I wondered if he would even survive. I cried for the first month, but the Lord started giving me peace.”

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7101 US 158, Stokesdale • (336) 643-7397 • www.trane.com NEW SYSTEM INSTALLATION • SERVICE • REPAIR • FINANCING AVAILABLE *See your independent Trane dealer for complete program eligibility, dates, details and restrictions. Special financing offers valid on qualifying systems only. All sales must be to homeowners in the United States. Void where prohibited. The Home Projects® Visa® card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit at participating merchants. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. Reduced Rate APR: Monthly payments of at least 1.75% of the purchase balance are required during the special terms period. 0%/15 Months: Regular minimum monthly payments are required during the special terms period. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date at the APR for Purchases if the purchase balance is not paid in full within the promotional period. For newly opened accounts, the regular APR is 27.99%. The APR will vary with the market based on the U.S. Prime Rate. The regular APR is given as of 1/10/2013. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. The regular APR will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. If you use the card for cash advances, the cash advance fee is 5.0% of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than $10.00. Monthly payment if shown based on $7,100 purchase.

FEB. 28 - MARCH 6, 2014

It is their strong faith and network of family and friends that the Hawtrees say has made it possible to deal with Caiden’s health issues. A former evangelist, Daniel, 41, is now the lead pastor at Kerwin Baptist Church in Kernersville. Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO Caiden’s older Julie and Daniel Hawtree with their two-year-old son, Caiden. brothers, Daniel, 9, and Hudson, 6, picked out his name. It means “heart of disease that affects the lungs, liver and a warrior.” digestive systems.

Even before he was born, everyone called Caiden by name. Family, friends and church members put out signs and wrote on their cars “Pray for Baby Caiden,” and Daniel says prayers for his unborn son spread across America. Because his medical care took place at UNC Children’s Hospital at Chapel Hill, Julie didn’t expect a lot of visitors. However, there were so many people coming and going with T-shirts touting “Pray for Baby Caiden” that people all over the hospital asked who Caiden was. When Julie went into delivery, surgical teams were standing by. Caiden was immediately taken from her and given a medicine that tricked his little body into thinking it was still in the womb. That bought the surgeons enough time to perform the first heart surgery three days later. At that point, he had a 30- to 40-percent chance of survival. Caiden’s recovery from that surgery was encouraging. However, less than two weeks later the doctors gave his parents more devastating news. Caiden had tested positive for CF, a genetic

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

The doctors also told the Hawtrees they needed to have their other two sons tested for CF. “The second worst day after we found out Caiden had CF was when the doctors told us we had to get the boys tested,” says Julie. Fortunately, neither of Caiden’s brothers tested positive for the disease. Caiden had his second surgery when he was three months old and spent another month in the hospital before he was able to come home. Those first few weeks at home were overwhelming as his parents learned the procedures and established a routine for handling Caiden’s medical issues. Medicines and enzymes have to be administered on a regular basis; oxygen levels must be monitored and he spends time each day in a little jacket that shakes his body to break up the mucus that collects in the lungs due to the CF. Weight gain is a major challenge because his heart condition causes him to burn double the calories of a normal

child and the CF makes it hard to gain weight. Even so, Daniel and Julie have chosen not to let Caiden’s medical condition define his life. “We can’t put him in a bubble,” says Julie. “We probably protect him less because we don’t want him to feel like he’s isolated,” adds Daniel. For his part, Caiden doesn’t seek extra protection. Although he’s much smaller than his older brothers, Caiden is quick to join them for any of their activities. One of his favorites is shoot-

ing basketball. “From watching his brothers, he thinks he can do a lot more things than he can,” says Julie. “He doesn’t let anything stop him or stand in his way.” Shy is not a word you would use to describe this vivacious little fellow. He doesn’t hesitate to talk to anyone and often goes into the empty pulpit at his dad’s church to “preach.” As the song goes, Caiden is special to his Lord, but he’s also special to anyone who crosses his path. His sweet face and winning smile capture you immediately and steal your heart before you even know what’s happened.

CRIME / INCIDENT report The District 1 Sheriff’s Ofﬁce has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest Guilford County. THEFT

The damage is estimated at $1,400.

FEB. 19 | Food Lion on NC 68 in Stokesdale reported two known offenders stole packages of ribs from the store. Joshua Wayne Sparks and Marcus Ray Bowman of Stokesdale were charged with the theft and are due to appear in court on April 30.

FEB. 23 | A resident of Linville Road in Oak Ridge reported a known person shattered the back window of her vehicle with a blunt object, causing an estimated $500 in damages.

FEB. 21 | A resident of Inman Road in northwest Greensboro reported someone stole about 300 reinforcement bars from a construction site, with an estimated value of $4,800.

FRAUD FEB. 18 | A resident of Henson Farm Road in Summerfield discovered fraudulent activity on her credit card after transactions originated in Iowa.

FEB. 23 | Lowes Foods on N. Church Street in northern Greensboro reported someone stole eight packs of steak from the store, valued at $160.

FEB. 19 | The owner of Southern Exposure Landscaping on NC 150 in Summerfield reported an employee embezzled $5,556.51 from the business between July and December 2013.

VANDALISM

DRUGS

FEB. 21 | A resident of Lantern Lane in Browns Summit reported his vehicle had been vandalized after someone damaged two windows and slashed two tires.

FEB. 20 | A routine traffic stop on Witty Road in Summerfield resulted in misdemeanor charges for marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Poisonous snake owner in violation of animal control ordinance REIDSVILLE – The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office recently received a report of a poisonous snakebite that occurred in a home on Auburn Street in Reidsville. Kameron Burgess, 18, was bitten inside the home by a Canebrake Rattlesnake while visiting a friend at the residence. Burgess’ friend, Kaleb Williamson, has a collection of poisonous snakes at the home, including an Eyelash Viper, Gaboon Viper, Rhino Viper, Brazilian Lance Head, Mojave Desert Side Winder, Puff Adder Viper, Southern Copperhead, Neotropical Rattlesnake, Monocled Cobra, and a Costa Rican Jumping Viper. The boys were returning the snake to its enclosure when it bit Burgess on the arm. He was transported to Baptist Hospital for treatment for the bite. Though native to some parts of North

Carolina, it is illegal to keep a Canebrake Rattlesnake as a pet without a permit to do so. Also, keeping dangerous animals such as poisonous reptiles is a violation of Rockingham County’s Animal Control Ordinance. The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, Rockingham County Animal Control and North Carolina Wildlife Commission are working in collaboration on this investigation. N.C. Wildlife will likely seize the Canebrake Rattlesnake for relocation purposes. The Sheriff’s Office is working with Williamson on the safe relocation of the other venomous snakes to an area outside of Rockingham County where they will remain in captivity under appropriate care. Sheriff Sam Page reminds citizens that it is a violation of the county’s animal control ordinance to keep wild animals as pets.

Helping everyday people every day 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

(336) 643-4623 8004 Linville Rd, Suite E-3 Oak Ridge

www.attorneybillbarbour.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

FEB. 28 - MARCH 6, 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.

Be considerate of those who need the handicapped spaces Just like many of you, I am busy working, getting my kids to and from school, sports, church, running into the pharmacy and grocery store, and picking up dinner. We are running from pillar to post. I, too, have glared at those empty handicapped parking spots and thought, “I’m only running in for a minute.” But my background working in geriatric rehabilitation reminds me that I cannot park there because I am not handicapped. On Jan. 29 my 13-year-old daughter

broke her leg sledding and has been non-weight-bearing for the past three weeks. We have accommodated for everything at home, but unfortunately she has to use the wheelchair at school or when we go out because of the risk of falling if someone bumps her while on the crutches or if the distance is too far. Lifting the wheelchair out of the trunk, positioning it between the car and open door in the extra space provided and rolling her up the ramp is challenging enough. But when someone parks in the handicapped space without need-

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FEB. 28 - MARCH 6, 2014

ing it, it makes me furious and frustrated. The regular spaces are too close together to accommodate getting my child in and out of the car. Try pushing a wheelchair with a person in it over slick, bumpy, hilly terrain, or in the pouring rain, and you will realize why having a parking space up close is so important. I always thought handicapped spaces were for people who cannot walk long distances, such as the elderly. But think for a minute about those – old or young – who need help walking, or carrying oxygen, or have heart problems,

or are recovering from a major illness or surgery. Being handicapped, whether shortor long-term, is not a choice. Sadly, I have witnessed some who park in a handicapped space not out of need, but out of convenience. Being able to put our two feet on the ground and walk without limitation is such a blessing. Let’s count our blessings and leave those closer spaces for folks who really need them! Wendy Bradshaw OAK RIDGE

There is more to the story of the Dan River coal ash spill I appreciate the article about the coal ash spill by Sharon Neely in the Feb. 21-27 issue. I’m writing with some important additional information. There are about 30 such coal ash ponds in North Carolina. These are typically placed in the backyards of power plants into open-air pits or surface waste ponds. Many of these sites, all operated by Duke Energy, in North Carolina lack adequate safeguards. Nearly all of them are leaking dangerous toxins into the ground water, air and drinking water supply of North Carolina residents. Coal ash pollution contains high levels of toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, selenium and hexavalent chromium. The public health hazards and environmental threats to nearby communities from unsafe coal ash dumping have been known for many years – they include increased risk of cancer, learning disabilities, neurological disorders, birth defects, reproductive failure, asthma and other illnesses. Several environmental groups have tried to pursue legal avenues that would require Duke Energy to clean up these sites. The McCrory administration, however, has obstructed any litigation at-

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

tempts by local environmental groups. In fact, through private negotiations, only a small fine was levied against Duke Energy. More importantly, the McCrory administration did not insist on any procedures for cleaning up the sites. In South Carolina, for example, pressure from environmental groups has led to a massive cleanup of their coal ash dumps. Gov. McCrory, on the other hand, seems very unwilling to press Duke Energy to do the right thing. The fact that he worked for Duke Energy for 29 years before he became our governor explains his allegiance to this nefarious company. In fact, some federal prosecutors believe the McCrory administration has received bribes and compensation from Duke Energy to keep this problem quiet. Right now, more than 20 subpoenas have been issued from a federal prosecutor to investigate this case. We need to be vigilant and demand that our state government press Duke Energy to clean up these terrible toxic ponds. More information can be found at http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/ story?section=news/local&id=9437679. Audrey Dentith OAK RIDGE

GRINS and GRIPES Delighted or dismayed by something in your community?

Amanda at the Stokesdale post office for always being so helpful and friendly. She truly goes above and beyond every time I’m in there!

Share your thoughts in

Mrs. Powell, who was awarded Teacher of the Year at Stokesdale Elementary. You go above and beyond for our kids each and every day, and we appreciate all that you do. You are very deserving of this award!

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... Tim Potts at Lowes Foods. When my daughter was crying in pain at 2 a.m., I called Lowes and Tim graciously agreed to meet me in the Lowes parking lot with medicine. He also refused to take any extra money. Stokesdale Parks and Rec basketball directors, committee members and coaches for doing an excellent job, and a special thanks to Jody and Angie Akers for all their hard work and dedication! Big Burger Spot on Battleground Avenue. Burgers are great and the staff was really wonderful in dealing with my food allergies. We have found our new favorite place! The person who snowplowed my driveway on Cape Fox Drive (Foxbury). I always pass it along and will continue. The person who had the nerve to write in about the “scallywags” that shoved a bottle into their kids’ snowman’s posterior – you provided my laugh for the day!

All the volunteers, parents, and friends who helped host the 4A Midwest Regional tournament at Northwest High School. You guys are the best – go Vikings!

GRIPES to... To the off-roader who used the front yard of a local fire department for practice Feb. 13. Next time, test your prowess in a forest or on a mountain trail – it will be much less dangerous for locals. My dog that keeps barking and waking my husband, my children and me up at night. Why don’t you go wake our neighbors up and not us? People who support CVS (regarding the company’s decision to stop selling tobacco products) – your community was made on tobacco. North Carolina is No. 1 in tobacco production and it provides for your neighbors! Republic Waste for disguising a rate increase on my quarterly bill by labeling it as an “Unpaid balance.” It may only be $.74, but multiply that times thousands of customers and that small amount adds up. Call it what it is. People who criticize the Northwest Observer for not requiring Grinners and Gripers to sign their name, and then verbally attack or shun people who write editorials and identify themselves. That’s exactly why people prefer anonymity.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

FEB. 28 - MARCH 6, 2014

 AUTOS FOR SALE

 SAVE THE DATE

 HOME SERVICES

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

Center UMC Shrove Tuesday PANCAKE

MARIA’S CLEANING SERVICE. Free es-

 EMPLOYMENT Full-time, customer service-oriented LAWN CARE TECHNICIAN. Local well-established company. Good beneﬁts and remuneration. Clean driving record a must. Drug-free work environment. A knowledge of turf grass and/or landscaping is an asset. All other training provided. Please submit resume to tﬁks@newgardenselect.com.

Place online at

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

INDEX

PART-TIME HELP FOR SMALL OFFICE in Oak Ridge. Duties include filing and receptionist duties. Flexible hours up to 20 hours per week. Pay starts at minimum wage. Office experience w/ Microsoft Office background preferred. Due to my traveling, please send resume to tcmsystems@ earthlink.net. 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.

Hiring? We can help! Place your employment classiﬁed ad online at www.nwobserver.com.

Auto for Sale ............................... 26 Employment ................................ 26

 SAVE THE DATE

Save the Date ............................. 26

ENCORE KIDS CONSIGNMENT

Home Services ....................... 26-28 Misc. Services.............................. 28

Now accepting spring & summer consignments for our Sat., March 1, premiere at 305 W. Mountain Street, Kernersville, 993-3444. GRAND OPENING for Wellness Center &

Misc. for Sale ......................... 28-29

Salon on Green Pond, Monday, March 3,

Misc. Wanted ............................. 29

dale. Come see Catherine Arruda, formerly

10am, 8404 Route 158, downtown Stokesof All About Hair, at her new location. Offer-

Pets/Animals & Services ............... 29

ing hair services for men, women and children. Walk in and say hello or call her for an

Real Estate .................................. 29

appointment at (978) 604-2477.

FEB. 28 - MARCH 6, 2014

SUPPER, Tuesday, March 4, 5-7:30pm, 6142 Lake Brandt Road, Greensboro, NC 27455. Free to the community! Come one, come all, in the name of our Lord! KIDS CONSIGNMENT SALE, Mt. Pisgah Church, corner of Pisgah Church and Battleground, Friday, March 7, 9am-7pm & Saturday, March 8, 8am-1pm (many items 50% off Sat.) Clothes, toys & much more. Great deals! OPEN HOUSE, Sat., March 8, 9am-1pm, Melda’s Hair Design, Summerﬁeld. Meet Melda’s staff. Specials, give-aways, demonstrations and other vendors, including Jennifer Story with Stella & Dot Jewelry and Denise Cummings, commercial interior designer. Light refreshments & snacks. Melda, owner/hair stylist; Kay, nail tech; and Laura, hair stylist, nail tech & skin care specialist (sugar waxing, facials). Appointments, 643-7799. CHILI COOK-OFF and wings competition, Sunday, March 9, Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, 2640 Oak Ridge Road. Chili & wings entries ($5/each) arrive at 5pm, judging at 5:30pm, dinner at 6pm. Baked goods auction & children’s activities. The community is invited to compete or just join us for dinner – $5/person, $20/family max. All proceeds beneﬁt ORPC youth mission & summer camp trips. Call 643-3452 for more info. 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 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro, NC 27410, www.saintpaulskidssale.com.

timates, guaranteed service. 432-4483. ROSA’S CLEANING SERVICE. 11 yrs. exp. Excellent references. (336) 508-5714. 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.

The Northwest Observer Keeping you connected for 17 years Want to reach our readers? Call 644-7035 for advertising info. 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. CastleWorks WINDOW CLEANING Includes gutters, pressure washing, chandeliers and other high ladder work. Fully insured and bonded, free estimates. 609-0677. www.castleworkswindowcleaning.com. Professional custom cleaning for home & office

, in d i a M e m o H

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

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

FLOORING CARPET REPAIRS & RESTRETCHING

 HOME SERVICES

Licensed & insured. 643-6500.

CLEANING

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

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

ALL ABOUT THE HOUSE. General home repair. Will take the lead on, or assist you with your home projects. 644-8710 / 708-0522.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

 HOME SERVICES

HOUSE & YARD HOME MAINTENANCE “Anything to improve your home and property.” Jeff Ziglar, 456-9992 or 643-9609.

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

WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Complete

OLD SCHOOL Licensed & Insured

Lisa & Jerry Potkay, Stokesdale

(336) 669-7252

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

Bathroom Remodeler | Additions | Decks

Professional, Honest, Reliable

HOME REPAIR, LLC

Home Improvement & Repairs

GRADING / HAULING BRAD’S BOBCAT SVC. Grading, hauling, gravel/dirt, debris removal. 362-3647. GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, ﬁll dirt, gravel, etc. 362-1150.

contractor.

20 years exp.

Hardscaping,

fertilization & weed control. 399-7764.

AREA STUMP DUMP. Yard waste, concrete, etc. Fill dirt available. 602-5820.

D & D LANDSCAPING & IRRIGATION

LANDSCAPE SOLUTIONS 13-year anniversary special. We will beat your current written price by 15% – guaranteed! Call (336) 601-3796. ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call 382-9875.

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

GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maintenance. 655-6490.

GUTTERS / WINDOWS / SIDING

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.

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. NC lic. irrigation

AFFORDABLE LANDSCAPING Mowing, irrigation installation, spring cleanup, aeration, overseeding, pre-emergent. Flower bed restoration & design. Call J. Gibson Landscaping. American owned & operated. (336) 419-7236.

GREENERTIMES LAWN MAINTENANCE Free quotes and affordable prices. Discounts on 1-year contracts. (336) 3123844 mobile or (336) 548-9286 ofﬁce.

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

TLC LAWN CARE Lawn mowing, fertilization and weed control. General cleanup. Affordable all-season lawn maintenance. (336) 681-0097.

VINYL SIDING REPAIRS, vinyl railings & siding, replacement windows, gutter cleaning and repair. Please call 215-8776 for your free estimate.

MULCH, single-ground, $10 per 3-yard scoop. Tandem load delivered, $100 (about 10 yards). Oak Ridge area, 803-2195.

LAWN CARE / LANDSCAPING

BRAD’S BOBCAT. Landscaping, driveways, patios, sidewalks, concrete work. 362-3647.

BUZZ CUTS LAWN & LANDSCAPE INC. Buzzer-beater specials! Pine needles, weed control, fertilization & mowing. Annual service agreement discount! Buzz, 509-6464.

STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. Free est. Locally owned and operated. Lic/ins. 30 yrs. exp. Bucket truck & chipper, total cleanup. 24-hr. emergency svc. OR, NC. 643-1119.

 HOME SERVICES

CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, 643-9332.

Furniture Repair & Refinishing Instead of replacing, we can repair and restore your classic furniture to a like-new condition.

CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

336/404-1471

CarolinaStumpAndTreeServiceNC.com.

www.fmbyjh.com

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

RESTORATION SPECIALISTS DELIVERING AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE

Maintenance, design,

paver patios, block walls, hedges trimmed, beds re-edged, pine needles, mulch, pressure washing, chemical applications, aerating. Licensed & insured. Free est. Call 3824767. www.oneguyandamachine.com.

MASONRY MASONRY CONCEPTS, brick, block, stone, concrete & repairs. Free estimates. (336) 988-1022, www.masonryconceptsgso.com. SOUTHERN STYLE CONCRETE and Landscape. It’s a perfect time to install a new stamped concrete patio with ﬁre pit for those chilly spring nights, or to install a new driveway. Call Tim for all your concrete needs. (336) 399-6619.

JUNK REMOVAL – appliances, batteries, mowers, cars, electronics, trash removal, etc. Call about free junk removal, 453-8644. SENIOR HANDY MAN SERVICES Licensed, bonded, insured. 30 years exp. charge by the project, not by the hour. John Harbie, Jr. (336) 899-0772. ON EAGLE’S WINGS residential home design/drafting. Call Patti, (336) 605-0519. GAS LOGS, WOOD STOVES & INSERTS, ﬁreplaces, sold, serviced and repaired. Call Don Hill, (336) 643-7183. LOW-COST GARAGE DOORS. Repair & sales. 35 years exp. (336) 215-2800. AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIR and remodeling. Providing electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting and handyman services. No job too big or too small. (336) 899-0772.

PAINTING & DRYWALL

BEK Paint Co.

MISC. SERVICES & PRODUCTS

Residential & Commercial David & Judy Long, owners

(336) 931-0600

BEKPaintCompany.com

Triad Garage Doors

SALES, SERVICE & INSTALLATIONS (336) 501-6025 www.triadgaragedoors.com

• References Available • Licensed & Insured • All Work Guaranteed

LiftMaster, Amarr, and all other brands Free estimates • Insured • 10 years experience

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

...continued on p. 28

FEB. 28 - MARCH 6, 2014

 HOME SERVICES

 MISC. SERVICES

PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR, 32

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

ROOFING

COMPUTER REPAIRS $99.

years exp. Sheetrock repair. Call Brad Rogers for free estimate. Local 314-3186. STILL PERFECTION PAINTING Reliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pres-

RENOVATION WORKS INC.

sure washing, handyman services.

Scott

New construction, remodeling, kitchen and

Still, 462-3683 or stillperfectionpainting.com.

bath, additions, decks & patios. Call (336) 427-7391 or www.myrenovationworks.com.

RIDDLE PAINTING

Specializing in interior painting, we take pride in our quality work and personalized service Free estimates References available

Residential Interiors Pressure Washing

(336) 402-4603 Serving the Triad since 1998

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. JLB REMODELING, INC.

PLUMBING

NC GC license #69997. Free estimates.

JDB PLUMBING. Repair, remodel, well pump. Lic/Ins. Accepts all major credit cards. Ofﬁce 656-0019, cell 382-6905.

Insured. Custom remodeling & additions. Call 681-2902 or www.jlbremodeling.com. KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION

BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic/Ins. Call Mark for savings. 337-7924.

26 years experience. Specializing in room

POWER WASHING

of all kinds. No job too small. Free est.

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

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

TM Construction Services, INC.

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

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

dows, painting, ceramic tile, laminate, hardwood and linoleum ﬂoors, and remodeling Call 644-1943 or cell 362-7469.

Kitchens & baths, rotted wood, decks, siding, windows, fall rooﬁng specialist. Sr. discounts, 35 years exp. 362-6343.

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.

 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. BELEWS BOAT & RV STORAGE. SPECIAL! Mention this ad - $35/month for any size boat or RV. 24/7 access, secured! (336) 542-6574. 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.

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC. Roof Replacements / Repairs Siding & Windows Custom Decks / Porches General Home Repairs Remodeling / Painting

30 yrs exp • Workmanship guarantee • Insurance specialists NC General Contractor License #72797

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.

ON-TARGET

Tc. GicEes, In ARerv -Tction S OCoNnstru

Licensed & Insured

additions, garages, vinyl siding and win-

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.

(336) 644-1580

FEB. 28 - MARCH 6, 2014

FREE Estimates Insured & Dependable

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

Gated access with 24/7 camera surveillance We carry moving & shipping supplies

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

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Used computers, website design. Info at ITBASICS.COM – (336) 643-0068. Inside Mailboxes & More, Oak Ridge Commons. NICOL CHRISTIAN SALON & BOUTIQUE Tina Harvell, owner, hairstylist, color specialist. 3054 Pleasant Ridge Road, Summerﬁeld, NC 27358. (336) 312-3846. FREE PICKUP of appliances, batteries, junk mowers, air conditioners, grills, electrical items, metal items, etc. 689-4167.

T TNails Acrylic nails • Tip overlay • Pink & white Gel manicures • Liquid gels Nail designs • Spa pedicure • Waxing

(336) 644-8888

Located in Gunter’s Crossing (5820-C N Church St, Greensboro) Appointments or Walk-ins • GIFT CERTIFICATES

OPEN Mon - Sat, 9am - 7pm • Sun 1 - 5pm

The Northwest Observer 13,000 copies every week! Direct-mailed to every mailbox with an Oak Ridge, Summerﬁeld and Stokesdale address, and available for pick-up at 70+ area businesses.

 MISC. FOR SALE Selling local, grain-finished PASTURERAISED BEEF, processed in NCDA inspected facility, dry aged 14 days, vacuum sealed & flash frozen. Call or text (336) 451-4655 for details. 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.

 MISC. FOR SALE

 REAL ESTATE

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.

HOME FOR RENT

VACATION PROPERTY

HOMES FOR SALE

STOKESDALE, 3BR, 2BA home, enclosed back porch, 30’ x 30’ garage, 2 acres. NW schools. $800/mo, deposit req. 399-1271.

HOLDEN BEACH AREA, mobile home,

NEW DUPLEX, 2BR, 2BA, between Kernersville & Colfax. $700/mo. (336) 706-1887.

water, 5K generator.

FIREWOOD SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered & stacked. 1/2 cord, $80. Call 686-6373. FIREWOOD, seasoned hardwood, no pine. Pick up or delivery. 253-7615, 643-5744.

 MISC. WANTED 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. $$$ – 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 KPS - KELLY’S PET SERVICES Professional in-home pet sitting. Bonded & insured. Member Pet Sitters International. Pet sitting while you are away, daily walks or runs, play, pet taxi, and more! Call, email, or Facebook message for a free consultation: (336) 706-6706, kpsforyourpets@ gmail.com, www.facebook.com/kpspets, www.petsit.com/kps SPOIL-ME-ROTTEN ANIMAL CARE Motto: love, compassion, respect for your pets. Professional pet sitter for 18 years. Bonded/Insured. Member, Pet Sitters Intl. Provide food, exercise, play, meds/shots, much TLC. 1-3 trips/day. $15/trip (30 min). Call 643-5242. Oak Ridge/Summerﬁeld.

Selling or Renting? We’ll help get the word out! Place your classiﬁed online at nwobserver.com

excellent condition on 2 corner lots, fully furnished w/ all appliances including W/D, carport, central H & A/C, workshop, county 1/4 mi. from ICW,

$60,000. (336) 298-7998.

HOMES FOR SALE 8704 Bromfield Rd, Oak Ridge Attractive brick home in Historic Oak Ridge! Gorgeous Kitchen, relaxing Screened Porch, guest bedroom on the main level, sunroom, plus 3 bedrooms & oversized Bonus! $359,900

LAND FOR SALE 16.2 ACRES FOR SALE off Strawberry Road, $18,000/acre. Will not sub-divide. (336) 362-0039. BROOKBANK ROAD, SUMMERFIELD. Three acres, perked, driveway, power, $82,900. (336) 382-9156.

REAL ESTATE SERVICES VANGUARD REAL ESTATE OPTIONS, LLC. No-fee and low-fee listings. Mike Blackwelder, (336) 644-1476.

Ramilya Siegel 7203 Oak Creek Court, Stokesdale Gorgeous custom home on wooded, 1.86acre, cul-de-sac lot in Oak Creek n’hood. 4 BR & 3½ BA w/full unfinished basement. Seller offering $3,000 in closing costs w/ acceptable offer. Pre-inspected & ready to move in! Great location & easy commute to anywhere in Triad. NW Schools. $338,900

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

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

OPEN HOUSE Sun, Mar 2 • 2- 4 pm

Bobbie Gardner CRS/GRI/ EcoBroker Relocation Specialist

(336) 382-5939 allentate.com/bobbiegardner

HOMES FOR SALE JUST LISTED

OPEN HOUSE Sun, Mar 2 • 2- 4 pm

3896 Lewiston Road, Greensboro Completely updated 3BR/2BA in desirable NW schools. New appliances, freshly painted, nicely landscaped. Laminate & hardwoods throughout, tile in both bathrooms. Maintenance-free exterior w/ brick, vinyl & replacement windows. Minutes from Proehlific Park & Lake Higgins. Must see! USDA eligible / 100% financing. $149,900

Shannon Clement 344 Bobcat Road, Summerfield 3 Helmwood Court Impressive home in popular Carriage Hills. Updated kitchen, new HVAC, new wood floors, new 2-car garage, huge his/hers closets, private yard and more! One year warranty included. Immaculate one-owner home! $230,000

DeDe Cunningham Realtor ® / Broker NC Licensed Contractor Chairman’s Circle Award

(336) 509-1923 allentate.com/DedeCunningham

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

Shannon Clement Realtor ® / Broker Angie Wilkie Team

(336) 681-7630

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Realtor ® / Broker Angie Wilkie Team

(336) 681-7630

Real Estate Showcase Ads

are a great way to spotlight your new listing, open house, price reduction, etc. Your ad includes your photo, logo, contact info, home photo and information, all for $75. Call Laura for more information. 644-7035, ext. 10.

FEB. 28 - MARCH 6, 2014

220 WIDENING ...continued from p. 1

it as they’re driving by,” says Gilley. “Without that traffic, I think I’ll lose a lot of that business.”

Gilley’s Small Engine Service

Gilley believes his saving grace will be the loyalty of his customers.

For the last 10 years, James Gilley “I’m thinking that the people who has operated Gilley’s Small Engine come here now will continue to come,” Service on US 220 just north of the US he says. “We get a lot of repeat business 158 exit. When and that should the construction keep us going.” dust settles, he’ll When the I’m thinking that the lose the steady people who come here now state first contraffic that him about will continue to come ... We tacted passes by his three years ago, get a lot of repeat business and Gilley learned shop every day.

that should keep us going.” about the service Rather than a busy highroad and that he James Gilley way, a service would lose 20 owner of Gilley’s Small Engine Service road, populated feet at the front mostly by people of the property, headed to and from their homes, will which he is currently leasing with an oppass by his shop. The visibility he now tion to purchase. enjoys will diminish, which may have a Since then, he’s heard several different significant impact on his business. scenarios involving the new highway. At “I put out a lot of equipment in the parking lot for sale, and people see

one time, there was talk of a granite wall that would be erected as a sound barrier.

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.

LeBauer at Brassfield 3803 Robert Porcher Way, Greensboro LOCATION HOURS 8am- 5pm | Mon - Fri (336) 286-3442

www.lebauer.com

A Member Of

MEDICAL GROUP

FEB. 28 - MARCH 6, 2014

 Same-day appointments  On-site lab  Referrals available with other LeBauer divisions  Electronic medical records  Secure patient portal to schedule appointments and communicate with your provider

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

James Gilley, owner of Gilley’s Small Engine Service, has mixed feelings about how the widening of US 220 will affect his business.

That idea is no longer on the table. He’s also been told that until the service road is completed, his property would not be accessible from the front and would require a temporary back entrance. However, that remains to be confirmed. While there are still a lot of unknowns, Gilley says he’ll continue to work hard at providing the kind of reliable, honest service his customers have come to expect. “I’m sure (the new highway) will impact the business, but I think we’ll be okay,” he says. Petro 220 Summerfield resident Jiten Oza bought Petro 220 about five years ago; at that time, the gas station had been closed for business and sat empty on US 220 beside M & M Tire and Auto. Since then, Oza has built a thriving business and been able to provide jobs for some local residents. Being located on a major highway accessible to an almost continuing stream of traffic is a key to Oza’s business success. That will change when the existing highway becomes a service road primarily used by surrounding residents.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Chances are, he’ll lose a good portion of his business from people who stop there now out of convenience. Oza seems to be taking the change in stride. “I don’t know what the outcome is going to be,” he says. “I wish for the best. I hope that it will become such a big exit that even more business will come – but if not, it is what it is.” Oza doesn’t fault DOT for what’s being done, and believes expanding US 220 to four lanes is needed to handle the traffic. While construction is moving forward, a lot of the details have yet to be hammered out. Because of this, Oza isn’t rushing to make plans for his business, and right now, he’s keeping a “wait-and-see attitude.”

Look for more responses from business owners in future issues. Want to weigh in on how you feel the widening of US 220 will affect local businesses and the community of Summerfield? Email annettejoyce@triad.rr.com.

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Larry Ingram took the Northwest Observer along on the “Ingram Family Trip to Aruba.” Says Larry, “We love looking at the pictures to see where people have been with the NWO.”

Nathan McMillan of Oak Ridge took a few minutes off from his trip to Sudbury, Canada, over the holidays to visit the “Big Nickel” and catch up on the local news from home. Sudbury is known as the nickel capital of the world due to its major ore deposits and mining activities.

Emma-Li Showfety, NWO in tow, crosses Abbey Road in London with her parents on New Year’s Day.