April 19 - 25, 2018
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‘Our family was in a flux,’ councilman tells board Despite Todd Rotruck’s explanation for not living in Summerfield, Board of Elections upholds Janelle Robinson’s challenge to his voter eligibility by PATTI STOKES
SUMMERFIELD – The law appears clear on this: In order to vote (and therefore to hold office) in a municipality, your primary residence must be in that municipality. But determining whether someone’s primary residence is in a municipality isn’t always as easy as it might seem to be – or should be, which is what led Summerfield Town Councilman Todd Rotruck to appear before the Guilford County Board of
Elections on Tuesday. After a hearing that lasted almost two hours, the board voted 4-0 to uphold Summerfield resident Janelle Robinson’s challenge to Rotruck’s eligibility to vote in Summerfield, based on evidence she provided the board that his primary residence is not, and has not been in Summerfield since he purchased property on
...continued on p. 6
‘Let’s just go out there and have one more day of fun’ Northwest Guilford hosting reunion for 1998 state baseball champions April 21
IN THIS ISSUE Sound walls to be replaced ........ 3 Your Questions ............................... 4 News in Brief ................................... 5 Summerfield Town Council .......... 8 Bits & Pieces ................................. 12 NWO Business/Real Estate ......... 13 Real Estate Transactions ............. 16 Parade map .................................22 After bout with cancer................23
The memories of winning the 1998 NCHSAA 4-A state baseball championship 20 years ago are just as meaningful today for Sandy Gann.
...continued on p. 30
Janelle Robinson
Business Notes ............................. 12
by MARC PRUITT
Gann, the longtime coach at Northwest Guilford, made the last win of his storied career his most memorable when the Vikings beat Raleigh Athens Drive 7-5 in the third game of the best-of-three series, giving Gann the only state baseball title
Todd Rotruck
Community Calendar ................24 Northern Guilford Art Show ........26 Youthsync ..................................... 27 Courtesy photo
Northwest Guilford Vikings’ baseball team proudly poses after winning the state title in 1998. In the background is the scoreboard showing the final game score, Vikings 7, Jaguars 5. Shown in photo (not in photo order): Andrew Angel, Brad Comer, Matt Crayton, Jeff Fisher, Eric Freeman, John Gann, Justin Hall, Jamie Hemingway, Eric League, Josh McCall, Phillip Nicolette, Justin Smith, Jason Walker, Jeremy Walker and Henry Williams, and coaches Sandy Gann, Donnie Redmon, Wayne Knox, John Hughes and Sonny Gann.
Student profiles ............................28 Grins & Gripes ..............................32 Crime/Incident Report ...............33 Letters/Opinions ..........................34 Classifieds ....................................35 Index of Advertisers ....................39
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At the April 10 meeting of the Summerfield Town Council, residents of Elmhurst Estates asked the town for assistance with the “ugly” and failing noise barrier walls installed in 2016 on either side of the neighborhood’s entrance on U.S. 220. The wall panels began bubbling soon after installation, and NCDOT says they will be replaced within the next four to five months.
Town will seek input on selection, color of noise barrier wall replacement material by PATTI STOKES SUMMERFIELD – Residents of Elmhurst Estates off U.S. 220 have asked the Town of Summerfield for help with noise barrier walls installed on either side of their neighborhood’s entrance. Representatives of the North Carolina Department of Transportation have acknowledged the material used in the existing walls panels began bubbling not long after they were installed in 2016. Besides the material failure, residents say the walls are not what they expected and are ugly and an embarrassment to the town. At the April 10 town council meeting in Summerfield, Town Manager Scott Whitaker gave a brief history of how the walls came about, the limited input the town had when the wall panels were originally selected, and
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Whitaker said Elmhurst Estates’ residents approached the town in 2012 and said they did not like the wall design that was initially proposed. “While this was a DOT project and federally funded, the town did get involved, mostly as a facilitator, and spent a year plus working with DOT, attorneys, Elmhurst residents and the council,” Whitaker told those present at the council meeting. “DOT agreed to redo that entrance on the northern end and I think everybody was satisfied with the design changes. To the wall itself, when I came in 2012 the wall material had been chosen.” A representative with the wall panel manufacturer, Paragon Noise Barriers, later came to a council meeting and at that point, with most of the decisions already made, the town was given four color choices and selected the “caramel.”
...continued on p. 7
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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
APRIL 19 - 25, 2018
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your QUESTIONS
www.nwobserver.com /northwestobserver @mynwobserver @northwestobserver
Is Crestfield Road in Summerfield ever going to be paved? It is used to go between U.S. 220 and Summerfield Road. It is in horrible shape
and isn’t maintained very well.
OUR TEAM Patti Stokes, editor/publisher Laura Reneer, marketing manager Mary Gant, admin/editorial assistant Jorge Maturino, art director Yvonne Truhon, page layout Leon Stokes, IT director Lucy Smith, finance manager Linda Schatz, distribution manager Steven Mann, staff writer
email: info • celebrations • photos communitynews • realestatenews calendarevents • grinsandgripes opinions • editor • questions ... @ nwobserver.com phone: (336) 644-7035 fax: (336) 644-7006
“It is in the initial design phase and I hope to have it scheduled for paving next construction season, in 2019,” Norris said. Norris said in the meantime, he will ask the county maintenance engineer to have the road looked at to see if some of the immediate issues can be resolved. Feel free to contact us at editor@nwobserver.com if you do not see any evidence of improvements to this dirt road within the next few weeks and we’ll follow up with NCDOT. I understand that, once completed, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail will cover 1,175 miles from the west to east coast of North Carolina, and go through the towns of Oak Ridge and Summerfield.
Marc Pruitt, Helen Ledford, Nora Murray and Annette Joyce, contributing writers
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Bobby Norris, a district engineer with NCDOT, told us DOT was recently able to acquire funding for the paving of this road.
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Since it is not finished, however, how can Friends of the MST claim that 92 people have hiked the MST from one end to the other? Betsy Brown is outreach manager for Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, a nonprofit organization which aims “to bring together communities and volunteers to build a simple footpath connecting North Carolina’s natural treasures for the enjoyment and education of people.” Brown said through-hikers use a combination of designated trail and connecting road routes to complete the MST. “In the easy season, many paddle the Neuse (River) as an alternate,” Brown said. “It’s a complete route from Clingmans Dome to Jockey’s Ridge (State Park), and every year, more of it shifts from road to trail.” According to the MST website at www.mountainstoseatrail.org, the MST consists of 680 miles of trail and about 500 miles of connecting roads. “Our goal is a continuous offroad trail across North Carolina, and each year, as new trail opens, Friends adjusts the current route to incorporate that new trail. Over the last 10 years, an average of 15 new miles of trail have opened each year,” Friends representatives wrote on the website.
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APRIL 19 - 25, 2018
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
NEWS in brief
Early Voting begins April 19 GUILFORD COUNTY – Early voting in the May 8 primary election begins April 19, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at two locations, the Old Courthouse at 301 W. Market Street in Greensboro and Washington Terrace Park at 101 Gordon Street in High Point. Six additional early voting sites will open on weekdays beginning Thursday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. All eight early voting sites will be open Saturday, April 28, 10 a.m. to
4 p.m., and Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 5 is the last day to vote early in the upcoming primary election. The closest early voting sites to northwest Guilford County residents are at Bur-Mill Club, 5834 Bur-Mil Club Road in Greensboro and Leonard Recreation Center, 6324 Ballinger Road in Greensboro. For a complete list of candidates, early voting sites and other election information, visit www.myguilford.com/ elections.
Town seeks feedback from residents on Republic Services STOKESDALE – The Town of Stokesdale wants to hear from its residents about what kind of service they are receiving from Republic Services, the town’s garbage and recycling pickup provider. Over the last several months Republic has been saddled with complaints about northwest Guilford County customers’ trash and recycling not being picked up on the scheduled pickup date, trash and recycling pickup being switched to different days of the week, and calls to the company about missed pickup not being responded to. The company has assured Stokesdale officials it has worked diligently to resolve issues that have largely stemmed from significant growth in its service area and not enough trucks on the road. Despite Republic reporting it has worked through most of its challenges, at the town council’s April 12 meeting Stokesdale Mayor John Flynt confirmed with Interim Town Clerk Alisa Houk that the town continues to receive complaints about residents’ trash and recycle service. Councilman
Frank Bruno said he has reached out to Waste Industries to seek a bid for servicing the town’s residents should Republic’s service not satisfactorily improve. Stokesdale Town Attorney John Bain advised the council that the town has a franchise agreement with Republic Services, which gives the company exclusive permission to serve the town’s residents. “You have to prove they have failed to meet the terms of the franchise agreement,” Bain said. The town is asking residents to send feedback – positive or negative – about whether the service they have received from Republic Services has improved over the last several weeks since the company said it put specific actions into place to resolve its earlier issues. Residents are asked to provide feedback by emailing deputyclerk@ stokesdale.org or calling Town Hall at (336) 643-4011.
...NEWS in brief continued on p. 7
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
APRIL 19 - 25, 2018
5
ROTRUCK
...continued from p. 1
Strawberry Road in July 2016. Since the board determined he is not an eligible voter in Summerfield, Rotruck, who was sworn into office on the Summerfield Town Council in December, is deemed ineligible to continue holding office. According to County Attorney Mark Payne, effective with the board’s decision, Rotruck’s town council seat is declared vacant. “His seat is vacant and state law says the council has to fill the vacancy,” confirmed Summerfield’s town attorney, Bill Hill. Although there is no specific timeframe for how quickly the seat must be filled, according to Summerfield’s charter, when a council seat becomes vacant, the council must appoint someone to serve the remainder of the departing member’s term. Mayor Gail Dunham did not respond
to the Northwest Observer’s email request for feedback as to what the council’s next step will be, but Mayor Pro Tem Dena Barnes said, “This is something council is going to act on as a body … we need to deliberate fully on what this means and take the proper action for our town.” The question of whether Rotruck’s Strawberry Road property in Summerfield was his primary residence came to light last October, when Robinson began hearing rumors that he had purchased the property in July 2016, but still did not live there when he registered to vote in Summerfield in July 2017, and when he subsequently filed to run for a town council seat in Summerfield. Robinson said she decided to reach out and ask him directly via a text and he quickly responded, “Bought house in late July 2016, moved sometime in August, and currently adding additions to the house. It is my primary residence.” At first, Robinson said she took Rotruck’s response at face value.
However, she frequently passed by his Strawberry Road property while carpooling her children to school and questioned how he and his family could be living in a house that was undergoing such significant renovation work. “This wasn’t just a one- or two-room addition, it was huge,” Robinson said. In January, Robinson said she finally got up the nerve to go knock on the door of Rotruck’s Strawberry Road property and find out if he really lived in the house under construction. “There wasn’t a door to knock on, however, or very many windows,” she said. “In fact, much of the house doesn›t even have a roof. After contacting the Guilford County Board of Elections to ask where Rotruck voted in November 2016, she was told “Greensboro.” But that would have been his voting precinct for a residence he still owned in Greensboro, and if Rotruck’s primary residence was in Summerfield as of August 2016, he would not have been eligible to vote in Greensboro in the fall. After researching tax records and obtaining a copy of a deed to the Rotrucks’ Lewiston Road property in Greensboro, which they sold in December and which Rotruck signed as a grantor, verifying that it was his primary residence at the time of the sale, Robinson decided to file a challenge to his eligibility to vote in Summerfield in the last election. On
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APRIL 19 - 25, 2018
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Feb. 20 the Guilford County Board of Elections found probable cause during a preliminary hearing for her challenge to Rotruck’s voter registration. A hearing was set for March 20, but was rescheduled because the Board of Elections did not have a quorum. The Board of Elections held the hearing on April 17 and Rotruck attended, acting as his own attorney. His wife, Aimee, father, John Rotruck, and Summerfield resident Elizabeth McClellan spoke as witnesses on his behalf. Summerfield resident Herman Messer, who sold the Rotrucks his Strawberry Road property in July 2016 and continued to lease the property for a period of time while his home was being built, was subpoenaed as a witness but did not attend the hearing. Robinson was represented by attorney Marshall Hurley. Rotruck released a statement on Wednesday evening saying he was honored to be elected in November to represent his constituents in Summerfield and will continue “to represent the home that I love.” He closed his statement by writing, “I disagree with the board’s decision and I am reviewing the process of appeal.”
See next week’s issue for more coverage of the April 17 hearing and an update on Rotruck’s and the Summerfield Town Council’s next step.
First budget draft includes staff, council raises by STEVE MANN
STOKESDALE – The first drafts of Stokesdale’s general fund and water enterprise budgets for fiscal year 2018-19 propose double-digit increases in spending that include raises for staff members, increases in council members’ stipends, and almost $200,000 for water tank maintenance and automatic flushers for the water system. The council does not plan to propose a property tax. The three-hour budget workshop April 16 was the council’s third, but just the first with line-item allocations. Another workshop will be held Tuesday, April 24, at 3 p.m. at Town Hall, 8325 Angel-Pardue Road. It is open to the public. The council plans to present the budgets at its regular monthly meeting May 10. The draft proposal of the general fund budget presented by Budget Officer Philip Pulliam was $428,283, an almost 11 percent increase over the $384,409 for FY 2017-18. That includes
WALLS COME DOWN ...continued from p. 3
Whitaker said he spoke with a DOT representative last year, soon after the panel material began bubbling, and was told that Tetra Tech, the contractor on the U.S. 220 widening project, would be working with Paragon on a solution. “That was reported to the council at the time – and that info was passed along to some at Elmhurst through nextdoor.com,” Whitaker said. DOT has confirmed the noise barrier walls will be completely replaced, Whitaker said, with a new composite, lightweight material that will be gray in
an increase in legal fees from $7,000 to $20,000, a proposed 3 percent raise for staff members and an increase in stipends for council members. The draft proposal called for raising the total amount of the five council members’ stipends from $7,588 in FY 2017-18 to $21,000, about 177 percent. Several council members said the stipend had not been adjusted in about 10 years. Bill Jones said it was not meant to be a salary but a reimbursement for expenses, which have increased significantly. Following a spirited debate, the council seemed to settle on something closer to 30 percent and agreed to continue the discussion at next week’s workshop.
The proposed water enterprise budget was $530,100, an almost 10 percent increase over the $480,400 for FY 2017-18. It will change because at least $180,000 will be allocated for water tank maintenance. Money from the water-sewer fund – a savings account – will be shifted to the water enterprise account to cover the expenditure. color. He said he has been told it will likely be four to five months before the existing panels are taken down and new panels installed. Although the town had very limited input into the wall material originally used, Whitaker said he will ask if DOT will allow the town input into the replacement material. He added that he and Carrie Spencer, the town’s planning director, have had discussions with DOT over the last year about the landscaping that will be placed along the noise barrier walls and have been assured the town will have input into that when the time comes. Residents at the meeting urged the town to do anything it could to make the situation better.
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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
APRIL 19 - 25, 2018
7
SUMMERFIELD town council
April 10 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by PATTI STOKES Mayor Gail Dunham called the monthly meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. with all five town council members, four staff members, and about 90 citizens present. Town Attorney Bill Hill was absent. Pastor David Lee of Summerfield Peace United Methodist Church gave the opening prayer.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Town Manager Scott Whitaker said that earlier in the day Planning & Zoning Board members had attended a training session put on by UNC School of Government. The town’s first seasonal Movie in the Park, featuring “Coco,” will be on May 4. Founders’ Day will be May 18-19. Since Summerfield Community Center is a polling place for the May 8 primary election, the May town council meeting
has been moved to Thursday, May 10.
PUBLIC COMMENTS Danny Nelson said offensive comments made by Sheriff BJ Barnes during the last election season had contributed to division in the community, which is why he is supporting Steve Parr in the upcoming election. Steve Parr, a Republican candidate for sheriff and former employee of the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, offered several things he would change if elected as sheriff, including adding 24 more patrol officers and paying for them by shutting down some of the sheriff’s special task units. Steve Chandler, also formerly with the Sheriff’s Office, spoke on behalf of Danny Rogers, one of three Democratic candidates for sheriff in the upcoming primary election. At Rogers’ request, Chandler spoke about
a domestic incident he responded to in 2001 which resulted in him being slashed in the face and hands and requiring over 500 stitches and seven surgeries (see our April 12-18 issue for more on Chandler’s comments).
member, said less than 25 percent of the town’s registered voters voted last November and the mandate (to elect a new mayor and two new council members) came from less than 14 percent of registered voters.
Sue Beeson, a lifetime Summerfield resident, thanked Town Manager Scott Whitaker for his desire to not only make historic buildings such as the Martin house and Gordon building beautiful again, but serviceable. “Let’s join in and help him rather than criticize him,” Beeson said.
“Although margins were very slim, governance is by rule of the majority in our constitutional republic and democracy. I support that, and I support you,” he told the council, and then encouraged members to not be influenced by only those who voted for them, rather to represent the entire community in all matters.”
Elizabeth Ingram said she had volunteered on many town committees and was very concerned about the division among community members.
“It is obvious to our community, and I guess to the whole world, that we have gotten off to a bit of a rocky start this year,” he acknowledged. “That is very fixable, but we need to make a concerted and united effort to make that happen.”
Ingram said that to her knowledge, no other town in the county has ever had to bring in outside help to train council members and staff in how to get along. She encouraged council members to be accurate when communicating with citizens, show respect for each other, and not to dwell on each other’s shortcomings, real or imagined.
“When I worked for the bank, we had a saying, ‘Always, when someone needs to be punished or corrected, do so in private. When they need to be praised, do so in public,’” Ingram said. Beth Kaplan said she appreciated the News and Record’s recent article highlighting the many benefits of public trails. Regarding the U.S. Geological Survey, Kaplan pointed out what she viewed as flaws in the wastewater recharge formulas and said she hoped the water study being conducted by the Timmons Group will clear up errors in the report. Regarding the town manager’s employment contract, Don Wendelken asked if it wouldn’t automatically renew (in June) unless a 60-day advance notice was given. Gary Brown, a former town council
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APRIL 19 - 25, 2018
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Brown said many issues would be more appropriately handled one-on-one with staff or council members with “positive and constructive input rather than making a public spectacle with no apparent objective other than to fulfill Andy Warhol’s assertion that ‘everyone wants to be famous for 15 minutes.’” Julie Davidson thanked council and staff members who worked on developing the community park, athletic park, trails and restoring the Town Hall, and the private citizens who have spent money on preserving historic buildings. “I am more than proud to offer my $40 a year,” Davidson said, referring to the amount of annual property taxes she pays directly to the Town of Summerfield. Davidson said the $3.7-million contract to renovate the Gordon building was not approved, “So I wish people would quit throwing that number around.” She encouraged council members to preserve the town’s historic buildings and to work together, and citizens who attend meetings to find positive things to say instead of bickering. “And, don’t say something online that you wouldn’t say to someone in person,” she added. Linda Southard, chair of the town’s Historical Committee, suggested the council work to make its historic buildings
safe and usable for office space, small group meetings and approved functions, and that they “be retained as important and irreplaceable historical landmarks.” Kelly O’Day thanked Whitaker for his efforts to bring “fun, positive activities” to the town and then encouraged citizens to volunteer. O’Day, who serves on the Founders’ Day Committee, said unlike in past years, so far this year the committee has only secured four sponsors. “We have a lot of new people moving into the area,” she said. “We need to temper some of the comments – praise in public and criticize in private… there is a constructive way to move forward and find common ground.” Bob Jones said he moved to Summerfield in 2004 because he didn’t want to live in a noisy city, and because of the lower taxes and quality schools. As a businessman, Jones said he is required to set plans, targets and budgets – and to be accountable for his actions. The same should go for the town council, he said. Jones suggested the council members elected in November, who ran on a platform of increasing transparency, include that on each meeting agenda and tell how they are accomplishing it. He also encouraged the council to: develop a budget for next fiscal year that doesn’t draw down reserves; set a deadline for deciding what to do with the Gordon building, Martin house and property along U.S. 220; and
set a deadline for approving the Unified Development Ordinance after suggested revisions have been finalized. So much money has been wasted over the past several years on revising the UDO and the process is “begging for proper management,” Jones said. He implored the council to also set a deadline for establishing a procedure to amend the comprehensive plan, but only after the revised UDO has been adopted. Diana Lane encouraged council members to find a way to work together. “I personally prefer to pray and do less talking between me and you. I highly recommend it,” she told the council.
Karen Knight spoke of the noise barrier walls installed in 2016 on either side of Elmhurst Estates’ entrance and asked for the council to help remedy a situation that had turned out quite differently from what she and her neighbors expected. Adrian Williamson said he has lived in Summerfield for 51 years and “It’s 2005 and 2006 all over again – we went through a terrible time and it’s going in the same direction right now.” Excessive spending of taxpayer dollars needs to stop, he said, adding that groundwater is a problem and he is not in favor of changing the minimum lot size to less than an acre in any areas of the town. “I didn’t come out here to live on a postage stamp,” Williamson said. Williamson said the previous coun-
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cil’s decision to shut down the Public Safety Committee was wrong and the town manager’s contract should not be renewed for several reasons. Sean Dwyer said he supported Steve Parr for sheriff. “The sheriff needs to change … not because he is inherently unfit, but because he has become too comfortable in his job,” Dwyer said. Referring to Beth Kaplan’s earlier remarks about the U.S. Geological Survey study being flawed, Dwyer said those conducting the study had no ax to grind. “They get paid no matter what the results are,” he said. “Can you say the same of the Timmons Group? There are no free lunches. There is no free water. And anybody who tells you that, it isn’t the way it is.” Citizens will vote out those council members who continue to impede the governmental process, just as they did in the last election, Dwyer said. Dana Luther spoke of what she described as the “local media’s inaccuracies” (specifically referring to the Northwest Observer’s coverage of the March 13 meeting) and said she was not “Team Anti-Whitaker,” rather “anti-violation of policies.” Luther expressed concerns about the security cameras placed at Town Hall (which have been taken down) and violations of public retention laws and said her comments at the March meeting were not part of a “concerted effort and an orchestrated campaign” as some have said. As elected officials, council members need to have a thicker skin, she continued, and she said the mayor should be able to debate the issues during meetings just as council members do. Eric Long said he came to the meeting because he wanted to “see how all the trash talking in the media played out.” “I think there is middle ground, and hopefully you guys can find it,” he said. Alicia Flowers, who served on the town council when the Martin house was purchased, said her main concern then was that the property shared a well with
...continued on p. 10
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
APRIL 19 - 25, 2018
9
Peace begins with a smile.
TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 9
an adjacent property and she wanted it to have its own well. Flowers said she still has an email from the town manager, written in October 2015, that said according to the county, a well could be put on the property. “... I’m adamantly opposed to spending millions on those buildings,” she said. Fast forward to 2018 and Flowers said what we have is committee and staff members posting (comments about town issues) on social media, security cameras being installed at Town Hall, and people trespassing on private property. “The buck stops at the council,” Flowers said. “You are the ones who put your hands on the Bible and swore an oath… ultimately you are responsible for what he (the town manager) says and what he does. You are there to set an example. I’m asking you to do your job…”
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Budget Karen Knight said her dad always used to say that “People have problems when they make a nickel and they spend a dime.” The town will go broke in five years if it continues to spend more than it takes in, she said.
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Regarding town staff, Dana Luther said not all were treated fairly, personnel policies relating to salaries were inconsistently enforced, and decisions were sometimes made without having a policy. Jason Webster, on behalf of the Trails & Open Space Committee, requested the town budget for a sidewalk to connect the pedestrian tunnel under U.S. 220 to Summerfield Road.
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APRIL 19 - 25, 2018
“Currently, you come down the trail and then to the tunnel and a security fence – that is how people come and are confronted with Summerfield,” Webster said, adding that Mountains-to-Sea Trail users’ only way to get through Summerfield right now is to go down U.S. 220, which isn’t safe. “… I understand budget discussions are tough, but think about the next six years. We have an incredible asset there that could be put in much sooner,” he said.
IN RESPONSE
During this new period set aside to clarify, correct or expand on citizen comments, Whitaker spoke to the noise barrier walls placed at the Elmhurst Estates entrance. See page 2 for discussion. Councilman John O’Day said after researching some of the statements made by citizens at the March 13 meeting, he wanted to offer some clarifications and corrections. First, he said the contractor was not, as one person stated, paid for repairs to the Martin house before work was done; Finance Officer Dee Hall has confirmed a check was written, but it was not released until all repairs were satisfactorily completed. Next, O’Day said the town did not enter into a $3.7-million contract for renovating the Gordon building, as another person stated. To date, $34,530.10 has been paid to CUBE Design for preliminary design work only, and the project is on hold. Accusations that the town has budgeted to spend half its reserves next fiscal year are unfounded, O’Day said, pointing out the town did not even have a draft budget yet for next fiscal year (the draft budget was released April 16). As to a citizen’s statement, “…To date you have spent $1.1 million on trails and open space and we don’t have anything to walk on,” O’Day said since 2011 the town has spent $308,997.33 on developing the southern end of the A&Y Greenway and $36,000 on repairing the Vineyards Trail. Regarding a citizen stating last month
that Whitaker purchased two expensive whiteboards, O’Day said he confirmed two checks were written, but each check was for half the amount of one whiteboard, with the cost being equally divided between the Administrative and Planning departments. And finally, in response to a citizen saying the trail design had not been a public process, O’Day said three public meetings focused on the trail were held in 2015 and a motion made in September 2015 to enter into a contract with Stewart to design the southern end of the A&Y Greenway had been seconded by then-Councilwoman Elizabeth McClellan. Councilman Rotruck said people have suggested praise should be done in public and criticizing should be done in private, but part of the council’s job is to hold people accountable, insist on transparency and enforce policies evenly. Rotruck then said he wanted to address the issue of the town manager’s contract, saying, “I make a motion that the town manager be advised his contract is not being renewed.” Councilwoman Pegram promptly seconded the motion and Dunham said “we have wanted to talk about the details of the contract in closed session, but that hasn’t been done.” After much discussion (see details in next week’s issue), Rotruck’s motion failed on a 2-3 vote. Coverage of this five-hour meeting to be continued next week.
Sunday school • 9am & 10:30am Sunday traditional service • 9am Contemporary service • 10:30am AWANA • 5pm Evening worship • 6pm Wednesday activities • 6:30pm
SUMMERFIELD FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
Christian Life Center 2300 Scalesville Rd, Summerfield • (336) 643-6383 • summerfieldfbc.com
/summerfieldfirstbaptist/ •
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
@summerfieldfbc
KEEP BJ BARNES SHERIFF OF GUILFORD COUNTY An Open Letter to the Northwest Triad It has been said a man who makes a statement he knows – or should know – is not correct is either a fool or a liar. I will let the reader decide which one my opponent is. Last week sheriff’s candidate Steve Parr was introduced by Danny Nelson at the Summerfield Council meeting. To be clear, Danny is not a fan of mine, and he believes as an elected official I don’t have the right to an opinion or the right to express it, especially if it doesn’t agree with his. I normally would not worry about what others say, but his candidate’s statements were just wrong, nasty and hurtful to my family, my friends and my staff. Candidate Parr dealt with opinion, I will deal with fact. I’m paying for this ad because those who know me know I don’t run from a fight, I stand up for what’s right and I will not let anyone defame our sheriff’s office. When Parr filed to run for sheriff he stated he was going to take the high road, and then immediately took the low road. In his campaign YouTube video he called the sheriff’s office a train wreck and he took the office motto “Simply the Best” and changed it to “Simply a Mess.” Sophomoric to say the least, in a campaign for an office that protects a half million people and is responsible for two jails, two courthouses, 652 square miles and 650 of the best men and women in law enforcement. When speaking at the council
65%
DECREASE IN CRIME
meeting in Summerfield, Parr stated the Sheriff’s Office was wasting taxpayer money and as an example he cited our plane, which he said had never been used to successfully find a single person or marijuana plant. Fact: Using the Sheriff’s Office plane has led to arrests in breaking and entering cases, receiving stolen goods cases, drug cases involving large quantities of marijuana and/or cocaine, home invasions and armed robberies. It has been instrumental in the recovery of over $750,000 in cash from drug dealers, as well as numerous guns. It has helped locate 5,600 marijuana plants. It has been a force multiplier and in fact, has been so successful that the federal government has asked us to assist other agencies with starting a similar program. Parr said our response times are terrible. He used the break-in at my house as an example, saying a responding officer could have gotten from downtown Greensboro faster than the District 1 officer got there. He said we are understaffed, which makes it dangerous. He said when working in the district he would tell his wife it was “me and three,” referencing how he covered our entire area with only himself and three others. Cute rhyme, but not true. Fact: The average response time across the county is less than 10 minutes, which is much faster than surrounding agencies. The response time to my residence was 8 minutes and 36 seconds. As
for staffing, more people would be great, but we already have administrative officers, detectives, civil and criminal warrant officers in the field who are ready and willing to assist. In fact, I responded to a call on N.C. 150 that was given to Parr when he worked the field, because I was closer. Everybody does that, and he knows it. Parr said he would put 24 additional officers in the field by getting rid of “special” teams, such as the DWI Task Force. Fact: Parr can’t do what he wants to do, and he should know that. Most of the “special” teams are grant positions which are required to work in the area stipulated by the grant. The DWI Task Force was formed using officers from the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, Greensboro Police Department and High Point Police Department to reduce deaths involving DWI offenders. The task force has done its job and won many awards. There were other wrong statements, but I have given him enough attention. Let me tell you, your sheriff’s office is an award-winning office, and respected across the nation. We have reduced crime in the county by 65 percent, as verified by the State Bureau of Investigation and News 2. Some of the best men and women in law enforcement work for the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office and I am proud to serve with them, for you. I want to continue as your sheriff and I ask for your vote on May 8. – BJ Barnes
AWARDS & ACCOLADES: • Best Large Sheriff’s Office in the State • National Association of County Organization Award of Excellence • Honored with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine • American Red Cross “Salute to Heroes” Award • High Point Housing Authority Pillar of Fame • 2x National Sheriff of the Year Nominee
SERVICE ON THE FOLLOWING BOARDS & COMMISSIONS: • Governor’s Crime Commission • North Carolina Sheriff’s Training & Standards • NC State Emergency Response Commission • Partners Ending Homelessness • NC Sheriff’s Legislative Committee Co-Chair • Alcohol & Drug Services
YOUR VOTE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE! keepbjbarnes.com
PAID FOR BY BARNES FOR SHERIFF
BUSINESS notes Welcome to our new advertiser! Please support the businesses and organizations which make our newspaper possible and tell them you saw them here!
Plymouth Nursery and Landscaping Owners: Chris & Kelly Avis We have been in operation since the late 1990s. What started as a hobby with an awkward PVC pipe greenhouse has grown to five commercialsize greenhouses and 20 employees. We grow vegetable plants and a variety of annual and perennial flowers. We proudly grow some of the best greenhouse tomatoes you have ever tasted! We try to provide a diverse array of flower and vegetable plants for our customers. Our business philosophy is to share the many beautiful gifts that God pro-
BITS & PIECES
vides in nature – thousands of colors and flower varieties! We want to share as many of those as we can with our customers, while also providing jobs for our local community. On a personal note – we met while attending UNCG and have been married for 31 years. We have five children. We are members of Osborne Baptist Church in Eden, and in our limited free time, we enjoy being outdoors, hiking, camping and traveling. We spend much of our time working with Hannah’s Haven Teen Challenge Center in Brown Summit. At our country store and garden center in Golden Antiques and Treasures in Stokesdale, we are able to employ many of the ladies from Hannah’s Haven as they finish their program and give them needed job experience.
e-mail: communitynews@nwobserver.com
APRIL 19 - 25, 2018
OAK RIDGE – Tractor Supply in Oak Ridge Marketplace is seeking local vendors to participate in its spring Market Day event on Saturday, May 12. Vendors of crafts, candles, soaps, honey, eggs, produce, baked goods, gardening, furniture and more are encouraged to sign up by Wednesday, May 9. Visit TSCEventPartners.com or the Oak Ridge store to register. Nonprofit organizations and food trucks are also
encouraged to register. During Market Day on May 12, vendors will be able showcase their goods free of charge in tented areas near the storefront. “Market Day is a way for us to ... spotlight the diverse talent that makes the Oak Ridge community so unique,” said Mary Lawley, vice president of store administration at Tractor Supply. “We want to celebrate locally produced goods and also the people who make them.”
Come worship with us
New Time Same Message 9:30am | Sunday School/Bible Study 10:45am | Traditional/Contemporary
See ad on p. 9.
Share your community news with your neighbors
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Local vendors invited to showcase goods at Market Day
1715 NC 68 N, Oak Ridge • (336) 643-7684 • oakridgecbc.org • See us on
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
14
Parade of Homes celebrates 60th anniversary April 28-29 and May 5-6
Courtesy photo
This Otey Construction home, one of 42 Parade homes in northern/northwest Guilford County, may be found at 5603 Feather Court in Summerfield’s Eagle Ridge neighborhood (entry #47).
16
What’s sold in your area
18 Real Estate Questions
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
APRIL 19 - 25, 2018
13
Parade of Homes celebrates 60th anniversary
Parade home #49
The two-weekend event will take place April 28-29 and May 5-6 by NORA MURRAY
3905 Eagle Downs Way, Summerfield
House for sale in Eagles Ridge. 4 BR, 4.5 BA, 3-car garage, two bonus rooms. Approximately 4,000 sq. ft. $680,000
Exceptional craftsmanship.
Timeless design.
(336) 362-2234 // www.buildersmd.com //
Luxurious lifestyles.
While doing your spring cleaning, you may also be looking for a way to freshen up the look and feel of your home – or maybe you want a new home altogether. Whatever you’re looking for, the Greensboro Builders Association’s spring Parade of Homes can provide you with just the inspiration you need. This year marks the parade’s 60th anniversary, and nearly 90 newly constructed homes in Guilford and Forsyth counties will be open to visitors. Nearly half of the parade homes (about 42) will be in the northwest and northern Guilford County area. Cheryl Collins, GBA’s executive officer, says the parade is the perfect opportunity for people in the market for a new home to talk with a variety of builders one-on-one and view their craftsmanship.
“It’s a relaxed atmosphere,” Collins said. “That’s why I think people like it. It gives them the chance to talk to the builders face-to-face and ask their ‘hot-button questions’ about construction and ideas for their homes.” Collins emphasizes that the parade isn’t just for people who are looking to build a custom home, but also for those who want decorating inspiration. “It’s a great chance to see colors, flooring, lighting and other ideas you can incorporate into your existing home,” she said. “Visitors will also have the opportunity to speak with designers and suppliers trusted by our builders.” Being able to showcase their work and the growing neighborhoods in our community is one of the reasons local builders like Don Mills of Don Mills Builders faithfully participate in the Parade of Homes each year. “You should see some of the best that every builder has to offer,” said Mills, who also serves as chairman of the Parade of Homes.
facebook.com/buildersmd
Parade home #45
6903 Matzinger Court, Oak Ridge
In Riverside neighborhood. 4 BR, 4 BA, two bonus rooms. Approximately 4,000 sq. ft. $659,000
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APRIL 19 - 25, 2018
Courtesy photo
Above is one of two houses offered by Windsor Homes in Hillsdale Farm West.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
“And talking with the builders on the parade tour one-on-one helps you get an idea if you and he/she will get along,” he said, emphasizing the importance of homeowners and their builder getting to know, trust and respect each other before a homebuilding project gets underway. As a guide for those interested in visiting homes on the parade tour, the GBA offers a full-color magazine that details the features, price range and location of every home on the tour. Look for a Parade of Homes magazine at area Harris Teeters, Lowe’s Home Improvement stores, and online at
greensborobuilders.org. You can also access Parade of Homes information on the association’s mobile website and smart phone application, “My Home Found.” The website and app include home details, driving directions and an interactive Buyer’s Guide that allows you to highlight your favorite homes and map them for directions between homes. However, to navigate to the newer neighborhoods, the association suggests using the magazine since not all GPS systems are updated with the latest information. This season, the selling price of
homes on the parade ranges from just under $216,000 to more than $1 million.
canned food items, including tuna, chicken and beans, may drop them off at any of the homes on the parade tour.
Admission to homes on the parade tour is free, but visitors are encouraged to bring canned foods to support A Simple Gesture - Greensboro, which provides food support for hungry families and children throughout our community.
•••••
want to go? Parade of Homes
April 28-29 & May 5-6, 1-5 p.m. each day Admission is free; donations of canned food will be appreciated.
“Builders always want to give back to the community,” Mills said, adding, “That’s why we do Habitat for Humanity, hold fundraisers, and support A Simple Gesture.”
See p. 22 in this issue for a map of homes on this year’s Parade tour. For more info, visit www.greensborobuilders.org.
Anyone interested in donating
A+
Visit our showroom for FREE estimates!
(336) 574-2755 Courtesy photo
This home in the Canter Cove neighborhood in Oak Ridge is one of six homes Walraven Signature Homes has on this year’s Parade of Homes tour.
Greensboro: 312 Dougherty Street prostoneusa.com
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APRIL 19 - 25, 2018
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Reserve now for Memorial Day & Fourth of July!
Westergaard Kennels
The following are recent new and existing home sales for the northwest- and northern- Guilford County area. Home sales in and near
Celebrating 29 years of caring for your dogs
STOKESDALE
DOG BOARDING
your neighborhood impact the current market value of your home.
5719 Bunch Road, Oak Ridge (336) 643-5169 • jingletail@mac.com
7926 US Hwy. 158 Tract (0.56 acres) $154,000
www.westbengoldens.com
7808 Front Nine Drive (Dawn Acres) $430,000
Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC 30 Years Experience
Individual, Corporate, Partnership & Payroll Tax Electronic Tax Filing Estate Planning Bookkeeping & Compilations
Oak Ridge Business Center
(336) 643-7577 or 1-800-467-8299
7706 Front Nine Drive (Dawn Acres) $425,000 8205 Messenger Court (Angels Glen) $375,000 8300 Trottington Road (Dorsett Downs) $380,000
OAK RIDGE
8004 Linville Rd, Suite G, Oak Ridge info@samanderscpa.com
TRANSACTIONS
www.samanderscpa.com
5973 Pepper Road $224,000 1843 NC Hwy. 150 $150,000 5814 Crutchfield Farm Road (Crutchfield Farm) $415,000 8521 Parkchester Place (Knights Landing) $535,000 5701 Oakhurst Downs Drive (Oakhurst Downs) $396,000 7500 Kristen Drive (Huntcliff) $257,500 8183 Gray Leigh Court (Stafford Farm Estates) $478,000 8518 Benbow-Merrill Road (Oak Ridge Estates) $425,000 5539/5543 Bunch Road (4.53 acres) $151,000 8102 Brittains Field Road (Staffordshire Estates) $491,000 1827 Oak Ridge Road $150,000
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APRIL 19 - 25, 2018
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
1827 Oak Ridge Road #A $150,000
6111 Four Oaks Court (Four Oaks) $294,500
7914 Daltonshire Drive (Weatherstone) $240,000
8237 William Wallace Drive (Lennox Woods) $372,000
5812 Crutchfield Farm Road (Crutchfield Farm) $465,000
2311 Bonnie Lane (Clayton Heights) $169,000
6733 Sandylea Road (10.226 acres) $215,000
8390 Cedar Ridge Farm Court (10.01 acres) $650,000
8503 Julina Drive (Pearman Estates) $445,000 7500 Hearthridge Court (Hearthridge) $590,000
4505 Joseph Hoskins Road (Elmhurst Estates) $265,000
SUMMERFIELD
3293 Minglewood Trail (Waters Edge of Summerfield) $469,000
7505 Greenlawn Drive $155,000
6403 W. Belgrave Terrace (Abington) $330,000
4026 Windspray Loop (Crosscreek Plantation) $250,000
5417 Broadleaf Road (Riley Village) $284,000
5307 Brookstead Drive (Highland Grove South) $313,000 2633 Lunsford Road (Hillsdale Farm West) $400,000 3303 Oak Ridge Road $230,500 8245 Ipswich Court (Lennox Woods) $490,000 6059 Windson Farm Road (Gwynedd) $535,000 7504 Henfree Drive (Elmhurst Estates) $335,000 3404 Squirrel Chase Drive (Squirrel Chase) $218,000
7515 Shadow Creek Drive (Birkhaven) $740,000 7546 Strawberry Road (Sunnybrook Acres) $232,000 6303 Poplar Forest Drive (Henson Forest) $561,000 7009 Mustang Court (Polo Farms) $669,000 6305 Blue Aster Trace (Henson Forest) $465,000 7415 Dickinben Drive (McCurdy Acres) $288,000 3207 Pasture View Drive (Farm at Lake Brandt) $729,000 5692 Snow Hill (Henson Farms) $580,000
Every home is valuable. Get an instant home value estimate, comparable properties, market trends, and more for free at BHHSYostandLittle.com
5805 Mashoes Court
5260 Bunch Road
Henson Farms $1,495,000 MLS 798373 Kay Chesnutt 336-202-9687
Summerfield $1,095,000 MLS 854551 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820
5900 Henson Farm Road
3905 Eagle Downs Way
BHHSYostandLittle.com/MLS
5809 Henson Farm Road
1616 NC Highway 68 North Oak Ridge $918,000 MLS 855234 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820
Riverside At Oak Ridge $709,900 MLS 853490 Melissa Greer 336-337-5233 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820
6978 Toscana Trace
7744 Chesterbrooke Drive
6333 Poplar Forest Drive
1490 Bethan Drive
7805 Charles Place
Henson Farms $1,150,000 MLS 814407 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820
Henson Farms $700,000 MLS 818845 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820
Summerfield $680,000 MLS 858099 Jacob Letterman 336-338-0136 Johnnye Letterman 336-601-6012
The Vineyards at Summerfield $672,000 MLS 879620 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820
7871 Bufflehead Court
4431 US Highway 220 North
7337 Henson Forest Drive Armfield $575,000 MLS 857231 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820
Lennox Woods $500,000 MLS 875501 Kelly O’Day 336-541-2011
5803 Scarlett Court
6094 Brush Arbor Ccourt Ridgewood $469,900 MLS 859531 Melissa Greer 336-337-5233
7878 Bufflehead Court
Triple Lakes $460,000 MLS 875758 Brenda Weldon 336-601-5048
6905 Equestrian Trail
Polo Farms $454,900 MLS 880095 Beth Brannan 336-253-4693
The Landing at Angels Glen $434,999 MLS 875496 Sandy Leib 336-339-7285
466 Mashie Drive
5400 Leytonstone Court
761 Hudson Road
6010 Chukker Court
779 Kallam Mill Road
Triple Lakes $637,000 MLS 861319 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820
Twelve Oaks $470,000 MLS 872452 Melissa Greer 336-337-5233
Greensboro National Golf Club $414,900 MLS 850542 Jaree Todd 336-601-4892
113 Cottondale Court
Collybrooke $245,000 MLS 879455 Leslie Wales-Hecht 336-517-3113
Summerfield $587,000 MLS 825613 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820
Stonebridge $649,000 MLS 850922 Michelle Porter 336-207-0515
6904 Matzinger Court
Henson Farms $648,000 MLS 780630 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820
Arbor Run $475,000 MLS 856841 Jamie Harrelson 336-889-9192
8009 Helison Court
Staffordshire Estates $410,000 MLS 878839 Mark Yost 336-707-6275
Summerfield $399,500 MLS 871811 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820
Polo Farms $387,000 MLS 880798 Ralph Thomas 336-202-3964
Madison $379,000 MLS 870867 Ashley Meredith 336-202-4964
5960 Pepper Road
4617 Eagle Rock Road
1407 Woodside Drive
5803 Crutchfield Farm
Oak Ridge $199,900 MLS 821238 Melissa Greer 336-337-5233
Adams Farm 336—854—1333
Pleasant Ridge Farms $149,900 MLS 878942 Kay Tolbert 336-202-1809
• Elm Street 336—272—0151 •
Brookwood Hills $142,500 MLS 875675 Todd Rotruck 336-402-1668
Friendly Center 336—370—4000 •
Oak Ridge $61,500 MLS 858023 Susanne McIntire 336-601-5929
Kernersville 336—996—4256
©2018 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.
REAL ESTATE Q&A How much acreage is included in the commercial tract for sale at the corner of Haw River Road and N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge, right across from Kings Crossing Shopping Center? And, what is the asking price? The property you’re asking about at 8095 Haw River Road has an Oak Ridge address, but is actually in the town limits of Stokesdale (as is Kings Crossing
Shopping Center). It is zoned CU-HB (Commercial Use-Highway Business) and is being marketed as potentially being subdivided into three 1.5-acre outparcels, with the remaining 24.5 acres accommodating a big box store, according to Tom Flanigan with NAI Piedmont Triad, the commercial real estate company that is marketing the property. The asking price is $2,750,000. Flanigan said most of the road and signalization improvements at the N.C. 68 and Haw River Road intersection have been installed, and since the property is in the town limits of Stokesdale, businesses located on it will connect to the town’s municipal water system.
IS YOUR SYSTEM READY FOR THE
Ready to sell?
UPS AND DOWNS
Get Set!
There’s a shortage & we need yours.
Go!
OF SPRING TEMPERATURES?
Give us a call today
Heather Brooks, Broker (336) 338-1415 HBsellsRE@gmail.com
Margaret Williams, Broker (336) 926-0245
Mawilliams385@gmail.com
www.trane.com
Ask about special financing Subject to credit approval, see store for details
Join us on
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7101 US 158, Stokesdale • (336) 643-7397 NEW SYSTEM INSTALLATION • SERVICE • REPAIR
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APRIL 19 - 25, 2018
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
precept (n) –
Quality construction with curb appeal
a rule or principle that guides someone’s actions, especially moral behavior
Energy efficient, timeless design Owner Scott Allred is a Greensboro native and multi-award-winning builder
(336) 215-0041 • www.lansinkcustomhomes.com
The Lansinks
(336) 215-4725 • preceptconstruction.com
S T C A F N U F Parade of Homes ’s g in r sp is th t u o ab
31
You want a beautiful future. We’ll build it for you.
Parade homes in Oak Ridge, Stokesdale and Summerfield combined
$1.05 Million
The most expensive home on the parade is built by Chris Clement Home Builders in Summerfield’s The Farm at Lake Brandt neighborhood
5,416 square feet
The largest home on the parade, built by Tanner Built Homes in Whitsett
8
walravensignaturehomes.com Like us on Facebook
(336) 442-8657 (Matt Walraven) • (336) 207-7790 (office)
Quality is a standard in our homes ...
not an upgrade
With eight homes in the parade, Granville Homes, LLC, will have the most homes in the parade offered by one designer. Walraven Signature Homes, LLC, and Windsor Homes are tied for second, with six homes each in the parade 29 years of hands-on experience
4
With four homes each, North Ridge and Old Moores Mill neighborhoods in Stokesdale are tied for most homes in one subdivision
Owners Don & Annette Mills
(336) 362-1777
www.donmillsbuilders.com
When only the best will do Custom design, Timeless strength. Brian Disney Homes has established a reputation of excellence in the craftsmanship of custom residential homes since 2006. Find out more at briandisneyhomes.com. briandisneyhomes@gmail.com
(336) 382-9085 • naylorcustom@gmail.com
www.naylorcustomhomes.com
It’s more than just a h Exceptional, high-end homes
www.johnsonandleellc.com
Greensboro Builders Association is proud to be again partnering w Gesture. Admission to the spring Parade of Homes is free, but donatio food items for the nonprofit will be appreciated and can be dropped o homes on the Parade tour.
• Residential and commercial • On-site owner supervision
ABOUT A SIMPLE GESTU
Mike (336) 362-4462 Casey (336) 706-1887
Brought to you by:
We do the homework that sells homes Jason Smith: (336) 451-4921 Tonya Gilbert: (336) 215-7138
smithmarketinginc.com
Linville Ridge, Bethel Ridge, Knights Landing – Oak Ridge Birkhaven – Summerfield Dawn Acres, NorthRidge, Charles Place – Stokesdale
A Simple Gesture - Greensboro is a food collection program that supports food banks and pantries in Greensboro and Guilford County, including Out of the Garden, BackPack Beginnings, Greensboro Urban Ministry and Jewish Family Services. People wishing to donate on a regular basis may contact A Simple Gesture to receive a reusable bag to collect food donations; the nonprofit then picks up the food directly from homes and delivers it to food banks and pantries that day. Since 2015, more than 3,000 house-
holds have given half a local food banks throu ture. Leslie Isakoff, dire Gesture - Greensboro, with GBA allows the no even more families.
“The Parade of Ho for us,” Isakoff said. “W end childhood hunger, homes and neighborh munity and makes tha
Isakoff says much o by A Simple Gesture -
Specializing in custom home construction. Visit RandKCustomHomes.net for available homes and communities
Call (336) 643-3503 or (336) 382-0728 to schedule a private consultation
RandKCustomHomes.net
You dream it ...let us build it
Designed and Built
Just For You! Like us on facebook (336) 643-4219 DisneyCustomHomes.com
house.. It’s a lifestyle. house Building dreams one home at a time Looking to build? Contact us today to schedule a consultation
with A Simple ons of canned off at any of the
URE:
(336) 575-4797
BrianThompsonHomes.com
a million meals to ugh A Simple Gesector of A Simple , said partnering onprofit to help
omes is a great fit We want to help r, and working with hoods helps build comat happen.�
of the food collected Greensboro is cur-
Not your average home builder
rently going to support Guilford County Schools students who need food to help them process the information they learn in class.
Owners Ray & Lisa Bullins are here to help you from conception to completion
For more information on how to get involved, visit asimplegesturegso.org.
Ray Bullins Construction Co., Inc. (336) 345-3263 | buildmanbrb@aol.com
raybullinsconstruction.com
PARADE HOMES in Guilford County
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APRIL 19 - 25, 2018
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
After bout with cancer, family gives back
Their priority was their sons, Austin, 15, and Colby, 12. Austin was starting high school that fall and had just joined the football team. Kristy’s sister, Lori Martin, moved into the family’s home to stay with the boys during the week, and they spent the weekends with their grandparents. On Aug. 4, Jeff was settled in at the hospital beginning the transplant process.
(Front, L-R) Colby Pruitt, his mom, Kristy, Austin (back, left) and Jeff will be participating in the Triad Be the Match Walk/Run on April 21.
The largest, most diverse donor registry in the world, it provides doctors with access to nearly 27 million potential donors and more than 680,000 cord units worldwide.
Fortunately, finding a bone marrow match was relatively easy thanks
“Compassionate, Comprehensive “Compassionate, State-of-the-art Care” Comprehensive
compassionate
DeDe Cunningham
State-of-the-art Care”
personal caring
Karen Nasisse, Karen Nasisse, DVM
responsive
DVM
Ph 336-643-8984 Ph 336-643-8984 Fax 336-643-8987
Fax 336-643-8987 1692 NC 68N, Suite J, 27310
1692 NC 68N, Suite J, 27310
Karen Nasisse, DVM • Jessica Young, DVM 1692-J NC Hwy 68 N, Oak Ridge • (336) 643-8984 northwestanimalhospitalnc.com
Surprisingly, relatives aren’t usually the best match. Jeff’s sister had been tested, but only had a 25-percent chance of being a match. Kristy said there were 140 potential matches in the registry and they reached out to three of the best possible donors.
to the Be the Match Registry, which is operated by the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating an opportunity for all patients to receive the marrow or umbilical cord blood transplant they need.
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“Jeff didn’t want to do it,” said Kristy, a graduate of Northwest Guilford High School. “They gave him a 50/50 chance of the transplant
Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO
After Jeff spent 24 days in the hospital, he moved into the apartment that Kristy had been living in and they
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Unless he underwent a bone marrow transplant, Jeff was given a two- to five-year life expectancy.
However, this choice did not come without its hardships. Jeff and Kristy would need to temporarily move to Durham and they had four weeks to prepare.
_________________________ Date
Unfortunately, that didn’t work and Jeff was referred to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, where he was diagnosed with MPN/ MDS Overlap Syndrome, a rare bone marrow cancer that normally affects people between ages 65-75.
“Jeff never worried about whether or not (the doctors) were doing the right thing,” Kristy said. “He never questioned his treatment.”
_________________________________ Date
“Initially, I was just gonna take a chemo pill and that was all I’d have to do,” Jeff said.
Jeff’s feelings changed, however, when the couple went to Duke University Medical Center in Durham for a second opinion.
_________________________________ Time
At the end of that first appointment with the specialist, Jeff, 47, and his wife, Kristy, 38, got the news that Jeff had a type of bone marrow cancer.
“We spent some nights crying, some nights just holding each other and some nights having knock-down, drag-out fights,” she admitted.
_________________________________ Date
But this time was different. Jeff’s blood wouldn’t clot, and he was referred to a specialist. That was the beginning of a series of events that would turn his and his family’s life upside down.
Kristy was adamant that Jeff have the transplant.
_________________________________ Time
Until December 2016, Jeff Pruitt’s medical checkups were relatively routine. Having dealt with Type 1 diabetes for 27 years, he was accustomed to having bloodwork done without any issues.
working and a 25-percent chance of leaving the hospital after 30 days.”
_________________________________ Date
by ANNETTE JOYCE
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SATURDAY, APRIL 21
CRI Fun Festival | Cathedral of Faith Christian
Center, 7200 Summerfield Road in Summerfield, invites the community to a fun festival on April 21, 12 noon to 3 p.m. Enjoy free hot dogs, bounce houses, games, cornhole and a children’s program. More info: phyllisgreene27@yahoo.com 5K Color Run | Northwest Guilford Middle School,
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nity Choir’s spring concert is April 21, 7 p.m. (preconcert music starts at 6:30 p.m.) at Gideon Grove UMC, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road in Stokesdale. Admission is free.
Have peace of mind boarding with a full-service veterinary hospital. We groom all breeds of dogs, catering to your needs. Cats are welcome, too!
Red Cross Blood Drive | Summerfield Peace UMC, 2334 Scalesville Road in Summerfield, will host a Red Cross blood drive April 23, 3 to 7:30 p.m. Appointments recommended – visit rcblood.org/appt and download the Blood Donor App at 3cu.be/blood or call 1-800-RED CROSS; use sponsor code: Summerfield UMC. More info: (336) 643-5126.
THURSDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 26-28 Church, 3506 Lawndale Drive in Greensboro, will have its annual book sale on April 26, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., April 27, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and April 28 (bag day, $10 per bag of books), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. With over 50,000 volumes for sale, the St. Francis Book Sale is the longest running book sale in the Southeast. All sale proceeds donated to local charities. More info: (336) 643-5629 or andreampollina@gmail.com
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and other blood diseases by supporting “Be the Match,” a 5K run/walk on April 21. Race begins at 9 a.m. at First Christian Church, 1130 N. Main St. in Kernersville. Preregister at www.bethematchfoundation.org. Community Choir Concert | Stokesdale Commu-
Creating legacies one home at a time!
Tanya Hill
5300 Northwest School Road in Greensboro, will host its third annual “Viking Nation Color Run” on April 21. Check-in begins at 9 a.m.; race starts at 10 a.m. Register at www.runsignup.com/vikingcolorrun. Questions? Email ptsonwgms@gmail.com.
events online
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School will host its 10th annual Health & Fitness Carnival, 5K and 1-mile fun run on April 27. Register for the fun run and 5K at www.jonesracingcompany.
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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
Canine Capers 6th annual
Saturday, April 28*
FREE ADMISSION
Registration begins 9 am Events begin 10 am
Oak Ridge Town Park • 6231 Lisa Drive *Rain date Sunday, April 29, at 2pm This year’s event in memory of John Smith, Bark Park Committee member and Show Judge.
$5 registration per event, per dog
A fun-filled fundraiser for
Ribbons and prizes awarded
All-breed fun match dog shows for purebreds,
Oak Ridge Bark Park and
mixed breeds and junior handlers
Contests for best trick, treat toss, ugliest dog,
participating dog rescues
largest & smallest dog, ball retrieve, best tail wagger, best kisser, best costume and more
Canine Good Citizen test Dog maze Raffle Agility and nose work demonstrations Demonstrations by North Star Bloodhounds Search & Rescue Team Bark Avenue – featuring merchants, rescue groups and more! People food – hamburgers, hot dogs, etc.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Triad Animal Hospital • Domino's • Almost Home Boarding and Grooming • Farmers Hardware Stokesdale Veterinary Hospital • Lowes Foods • Carr Veterinary Hospital • Pet Supermarket • Best 4K9
For more info call (336) 644-7009 or visit oakridgenc.com • Connect with Canine Capers on Dogs must be on lead at all times. No registration papers required to enter. Dogs may be spayed or neutered. Dogs that are lame, growl or try to bite will be excused from any class.
Northern Guilford
Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO
Northern Guilford High School’s 50-member National Art Honor Society chapter hosted its sixth annual art show on April 12. Each year the show features artwork from Northern, Summerfield and McNair elementary schools, Northern Middle and Northern High School. “The students in NAHS work really hard preparing for this event,” said Northern High School art teacher Mary Ann Vespa. “They have a big fundraiser in the winter which pays for the event and they make all the awards, certificates and posters. On the day of the art show the NAHS students hang over 1,000 works of art and then take it all down the same night, as soon as the show ends.”
See more photos from this art show on next issue’s Student Art Gallery page and at
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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
NAHS students judge all of the elementary and middle school artwork and high school art teachers from other schools judge the high school artwork. “Northern High’s jazz band always plays for the art show, and I think that really adds a lot to the evening,” Vespa said, adding, “The show is set up as a drop-in from 6-8 p.m., but most people end up staying the entire time.” Vespa admits the show is a lot of work, but says it’s all worth it when she sees the pride students have as their families, friends, teachers and people from the community admire their work. “I’m really proud of our National Art Honor Society. This was the show’s sixth year and it just keeps getting bigger and better!” Vespa said.
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Residents offer support to tornado victims
nonprofit whose mission is to feed hungry children and families so the children can perform better academically. On the day after the tornado, Naglee and others involved with Out of the Garden went door-to-door to offer lunches, water and snacks to those in the Hampton and Peeler elementary communities. “We also worked with a grandmother of two of our students (whose mother also teaches at Pearce) to clean out the house which no longer has parts of the roof on it,” Naglee said. “We moved stuff that could be salvaged into a storage facility and some of us went back on Tuesday to board up the windows
and doors. We did this in partnership with Pearce Elementary staff as well.” •••••
Let us hear from you We know there are many others of you with generous hearts who have been finding ways to help the tornado victims and we’d like to hear from you. Please send your photos (highresolution), fundraiser details and any other information about how you, your church, school or non-profit is reaching out (or has reached out) to help the tornado victims in eastern Greensboro to editor@nwobserver.com.
Every February for Children’s Dental Health Month, DeVaney Dentistry visits Oak Ridge Elementary School. The entire first- and second-grade classes learn proper care and techniques to keep their teeth healthy and strong. Here are a couple precious ‘Thank You’ notes!
Photo courtesy of Guilford County Schools
Governor Roy Cooper visits Hampton Elementary April 16, the morning after a tornado touched down in eastern Greensboro and caused serious damage to the school and surrounding neighborhoods.
Over 300 homes and businesses were damaged on Sunday, April 15, when a tornado touched down in eastern Greensboro shortly after 5 p.m. Three Guilford County elementary schools – Hampton, Peeler and Irwin – suffered so much damage that they will be closed for the remainder of the school year. Northwest and northern Guilford County residents have found numerous ways to reach out to the tornado victims already, and many more efforts to help are in the works. Below are just a few of the ways our area residents have helped – we’d love to hear from those of you who have, or are finding ways to help the tornado victims!
• At Stokesdale Elementary, teacher Sharon Dixon spearheaded efforts to fill 10 cars with donated items for the tornado victims. • At Pearce Elementary in northwest Greensboro, teacher Kelly Dyson spearheaded a book drive and with the help of her fellow teachers and other staff members, students, and parents, collected and boxed 3,000 books for the teachers and students at the three elementary schools severely damaged by the tornado. • Northwest Middle School principal Erik Naglee serves on the board of the Out of the Garden project, a local
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STUDENT PROFILES Thanks to the coaches and teachers at Northern and Northwest High Schools for their student recommendations and input, which make it possible to recognize these talented, dedicated students for their accomplishments in academics, athletics and cultural arts.
NORTHERN GUILFORD Michaela Haney, dance by MARC PRUITT Michaela Haney, a senior at Northern Guilford, has been dancing since she was 3. “I took a little break when I was about 7,” Haney said. “My mom wanted to see if I was interested in tee ball or soccer,
but that didn’t last too long. I was back dancing a year later.” She hasn’t stopped since. Haney, who is in Honors Dance 4 at Northern, is preparing for the annual spring concert. She will perform in two class dances, one senior dance, and a small group dance with one of her friends whom she is helping with the choreography. She has been in the Dance 4 classes – the highest level the school offers – since her sophomore year. “We have a winter show and a spring show, and since I’m in honors, we have an extra show we do,” Haney
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said. “My focus is modern and contemporary at school. At my dance studio, we have tap, jazz and modern. I love the physical challenge and the art of dancing. You don’t have to say anything to express yourself. And physically, it challenges me and pushes my body and my endurance to the limit.” Dance also helped Haney adjust to her new school when she arrived at Northern as a freshman. “I didn’t go to Northern Middle and I didn’t really know anyone when I got here,” Haney said. “There was only one other freshman in my dance class when I started, so the social adjustment was more challenging for me than the dance part. I had done lots of choreography projects at my studio and my middle school before I got here. But meeting all the new people through the classes here definitely helped me to blend in.”
Haney will attend UNC Charlotte in the fall and will major in dance education. “Ultimately, I’d like to be a dance teacher,” Haney said. “I’m not sure if that’s in a school or in a studio, but I want to help people grow through the art of dance.”
On a side note, we asked Michaela Haney these three questions… Q: Where would you go on your dream vacation? A: “France” Q: What’s the best book you’ve read? A: “‘The Color Purple’ by Alice Walker” Q: What’s on your bucket list? A: “I’d like to learn another language. I’d really like to learn how to do sign language.”
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ONE MORE DAY
pitted against one another Saturday on a field they both grew up at.
of his 32-year coaching career.
And for several of the other former players who have committed to attend, the memories and laughter should flow freely.
...continued from p. 1
“It’s the ultimate goal of any coach,” said Gann, who finished his career with a record of 422-248 after retiring following the state championship series. “You can’t put into words what you feel. After 32 years, you finally win a state championship and it’s the last game you’re ever going to coach. It’s something that no one can ever take away from you. We’ll always be state champions.” Several members of that 1998 state championship team will gather on Saturday morning at the field named after their legendary coach when Northwest plays Southwest Guilford at 11 a.m. Eight of the former players have committed to attend the gathering. Those players will all throw out a ceremonial first pitch before the game. A barbeque cookout will be held following the game for the teams and former players in attendance. Sandy Gann’s two sons – Sonny, who is the current coach at Northwest and was an assistant on the ’98 team, and John, who was a player on the ’98 team and is currently assistant coach at Southwest Guilford, will be
There will be talk of the team’s 6-8 record as they struggled to start that magical season. Or how the team won 12 of their final 13 games, including 11 straight late in the season. Or how they entered the Metro 4-A conference tournament in fourth place, needing to win the tournament just to make the state playoffs. There will surely be talk of Jason Walker’s unflappable pitching performances when the team needed him most. And Jamie Hemingway’s catch with the bases loaded against East Forsyth in the conference tournament that maybe saved their season. And probably John Gann’s three-run homer against East in the semifinals of the conference tournament that did save their season. And there will probably be talk about former major leaguer Josh Hamilton hitting a home run that Sandy Gann said “is still orbiting the earth” in the state championship series and having a good laugh about it. “Each kid had their moment and
contributed during the playoffs,” Gann said. “We had to face seven straight Division I pitchers in the playoffs. It really was about 15 guys finally coming together after a dismal start that I really can’t explain. We just kind of went by the theme of ‘let’s just go out there and have one more day of fun.’ I had a great coaching staff. Every coach played college baseball and was very knowledgeable. We’re not state champions without the contributions of Donnie Redmon, Wayne Knox, John Hughes and Sonny (Gann).”
Taking a break, finding a groove Northwest was 6-8 after losing a doubleheader to Glenn and had three games to go in the regular season. Instead of playing in a tournament during spring break, Gann gave his team a week off to get away from the game. “We came back fresh and played with nothing to lose,” said Hemingway, who played center field and pitched for the Vikings. “We didn’t have a lot of expectations at that point, but when we came back we played loose and free and had a lot of fun. Things just started to fall into place and we carried that on.” Walker, who was the team’s No. 1 pitcher and played outfield when he
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wasn’t on the mound, recalled the early-season frustration. “For the first half of the season, it was hard to get on a roll,” Walker said. “The prior season, we made the playoffs and we had a lot of pieces coming back. It just took a while to connect it all for the ‘98 season. There was a lot of frustration the first part of the year. Nothing was clicking.” Northwest put together three straight wins against Grimsley (111), Southeast Guilford (14-5) and Page (11-0) to close out the regular season and entered the conference tournament with a 9-8 record. The Vikings had to win the conference tournament to make the state tournament. There was no margin for error. Northwest dispatched Page 4-1 in the first round before facing East Forsyth, which had already won their first two meetings of the season. Trailing 3-2 in the seventh inning, John Gann stood in the batter’s box with two men on base and two outs. He worked a 3-2 count, meaning the Vikings were down to their final strike. “I remember that I didn’t want to make the last out of my father’s career,” John Gann said. “I’d faced the pitcher a whole bunch before and I knew he liked to curve (ball) me up.
He threw me one on the first pitch and I hooked it foul. I was going to hit the curve ball. And he hung me one and I got a good lick on it. Watching it go over the fence was a pretty good feeling. My thoughts changed immediately from ‘not wanting to make the last out of my dad’s career’ to ‘we’ve got a pretty good chance to win this game.’’’ Northwest held on to win 5-3, then easily won the championship game of the conference tournament with a 17-4 thrashing of Southeast Guilford. “After that, as a team, you feel like you’re playing with house money,” John Gann said. “We pretty much just played so relaxed after that.”
State tournament brings new life Northwest entered the 4A state tournament in a decided role as underdogs, with a 12-8 record. The Vikings, behind strong pitching performances from Walker, defeated Mount Tabor 8-1 in the first round, beat Watauga 10-3 in the second round, and shut out East Forsyth 4-0 in the third round. Northwest next traveled to Charlotte to face Providence – which was ranked No. 20 in the USA Today poll at the time – in the fourth round, getting a 7-4 win and advancing to the best-of-three state championship series in Zebulon against Raleigh Athens Drive. Athens Drive featured a junior named Josh Hamilton, who later starred in the major leagues for Texas and the Los Angeles Angels; he was 11-0 with a .76 ERA as a pitcher and led the team with a .625 batting average and nine home runs. Northwest got the best of Hamilton on the mound and delivered an 11-7 win in the first game, overcoming a 4-1 deficit. In Game 2 the following day, Athens Drive blitzed Northwest in a 14-2 win that set up the decisive
Game 3 later that afternoon. “I had stopped giving pre-game speeches during the conference tournament, so I just let them know in between games how proud of them I was,” Sandy Gann said. “Then I had to leave the locker room because I was getting choked up. But I pulled out my biggest surprise before the game when I asked Jamie Hemingway to pitch that final game.” Hemingway, who was second on the team with a .373 batting average, had thrown “two or three innings all season.” “Once we started winning, we never put pressure on ourselves and nobody was ever nervous – except for me in that final game when Coach told me I was going to pitch,” Hemingway said with a laugh. “Honestly, that was one of the most nerve-wracking moments of my life. I could never settle down, even in between innings. My nervous feeling increased every inning, even when I came back into the dugout.”
ible. What made it even more special is that most of us had known each other, or played with each other or against each other growing up. And because it was Coach Gann’s last game, that made it even more amazing.”
All in the family For John Gann, winning the state championship was something he had always dreamed of doing. “It was a complete team effort, but it was tough not getting caught up in what was going on with our family,” John Gann said. “I was about 3 years old when I started going to that field with Dad, playing around when he was mowing and being the bat boy for all the teams until I got to play. My dad had some incredible misfortunes throughout the years in the playoffs. I idolized my dad and I loved Northwest Guilford. For me to be able to be a part of that and to experience that
with my dad and with my brother, that was a bucket list thing for me. And with Sonny and me coaching now, you realize how awesome and rewarding it is to have won when you’re chasing after a state title every year. It’s not an easy thing to do.” And for Sandy Gann, the payoff after 32 years was certainly worth the wait. “I’d had some close calls before that, but this team was special,” Gann said. “I got to see John play every inning of every game. Sonny called every pitch. It meant a whole lot to win one, especially when one son helps you coach and your other son is one of your better players. I couldn’t ask for a better way to end my career than the way mine ended. I had a lot of fun.” And on Saturday, Gann, along with many of his former players, will have another chance to “go out there and have one more day of fun.”
Hemingway’s nervousness didn’t show, as he pitched six-plus innings of solid baseball before exiting in the bottom of the seventh with the bases loaded and no outs and a 7-4 lead. He trotted out to center field and was replaced by Walker, who once again came up in the clutch and secured the final three outs and a state title for the ages. Walker hit the first batter he faced as Athens Drive closed to 7-5 but retired the next two hitters on pop flies. He struck out Doug Hautop with a high fastball to end the game, triggering the celebration. “I just ran towards our catcher and the next thing I remember, there’s a wave of people diving on me,” Walker said. Hemingway sprinted towards the pile from center field with all the energy he had left. “That was the greatest feeling in the world to jump in that dogpile,” Hemingway said. “It was pretty incred-
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GRINS and GRIPES Delighted or dismayed by something in your community? Share your thoughts in online: nwobserver.com
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Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion.
GRINS to... The management and employees of Culp Home Fashions in Stokesdale for their very generous food donations to Good Samaritan’s food pantry from their food drives in March and April. Grateful for their help in feeding the less fortunate. Summerfield Charter Academy sixthgrade teachers Mrs. Shelton, Harris and Fell for the exciting field trip to Betsy Jeff Penn 4H. The students had an incredible adventure building team work and challenging their personal limits!
All the folks at Red Dog Farm, from the office staff to the foster homes and volunteers, for your hard work and dedication helping the critters in need. Richard Jessup for his opinion piece last week concerning the NWHS ninthgrade summer reading book, “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.” The book is not appropriate. I hope parents will get more informed about this assignment. Frank and Claudia Whitaker for offering to sell their property to the Town of Oak Ridge. Given what has been done with our park, I am confident the
Summerfield Town Councilman John O’Day for doing his research and providing corrections last week to numerous misstatements of fact (whether intentional or unintentional) made by citizens at the March 13 town council meeting. Dillon Lawn & Tree Service. True professionals! Reasonable prices, friendly, courteous and fast at what they do. Took down 13 trees for us in less than two hours. Ground everything up, no mess, no damage. Ivan Canada of NCCJ for agreeing to have a meeting with me to discuss white privilege learning exercises and the partnership between NCCJ and Guilford County Schools. Melissa Stallings, Andy Cook and members of the Summit Church at Oak Ridge for their help with Conner Crossan’s Celebration of Life event on Sunday. It was simply perfect. Thankful to be in this community with you all!
GRIPES to...
Guilford County shakedown artists who trespass on my property when I’m not home, “kick the tires” of my septic tank – and send me a $150 demand. What a racket! Who needs the Mafia when we have operators like this? Those pretending citizens’ opinions on zoning are anywhere close to evenly split. Nobody pays $250,000 for a house because they want the neighborhood to drastically change. It defies logic. Want to live in a city? Move to the city. Whoever is responsible for replacing the street sign at the scene of the turkey truck accident at the corner of Linville and Haw River Roads. The accident happened months ago, yet the street sign has not been replaced. Northwest Observer for listing names (of people arrested) in the Crime/Incident report. This isn’t fair to those arrested, who aren’t guilty until they go to court. This allows people/neighbors to judge. If
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you have ever been falsely accused, you would understand. Those without a membership to a gym who “sneak in,” clearly with no shame. Sometimes the gym is part of a church. This is cheating and stealing. Parents, please teach your children character and integrity from a young age. People who allow their dogs to bark in front yards at 6:30 a.m. on Saturdays. I’m tired of my family being woken up. Those who display negative behavior when asked to slow down on a dirt road. I clean up after you inside and outside of my home. Morals are more valuable and priceless. They start with yourself and your own possessions.
Scam alert
On p. 27 of last week’s Northwest Observer, under “Home Care Needed,” a classified ad that read “Seeking Caregiver for elderly woman with Alzheimers. Start immediately, $20 per hour, 3 hours per day, flexible schedule. At least 3 days a week. Please email to: dysr56@gmail.com” was bogus. We apologize to those who responded to the ad and were asked for private information, with the “daughter-inlaw’s” promise to pay one week’s salary in advance and send keys to her new home to the prospective caregiver.
The disgusting spectacle we witness on a daily basis of offensive “tweets” coming from the White House insulting people Trump doesn’t like, calling them names like “slime ball” and “liar.” How much lower will the presidency and our country sink? The thief at the Greenway who stole my personalized water bottle during cross country practice on April 16. I am 13 and was just awarded it for winning first in my division in my school’s 5K! Mistake? I think not! ADT for not being as reputable as I thought. It seems they are taking lessons from Direct TV with their gotcha contracts.
Welcoming new patients Hours
Monday- Friday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm Existing patient walk-ins welcome Accepting most insurance plans
Kip Corrington, md Patients of all ages
Ashley Michaels, pa-c Marsha White, agnp-c Patients of all ages Patients ages 13+
Northwest Family Medicine (336) 643-3378 • 7607-B Hwy 68 N, Oak Ridge
To the best of our ability, we will continue to screen classified ads placed in our paper and make every attempt to ward off would-be scammers. We also encourage our readers to be cautious when providing personal information to anyone, whether it is someone who has placed an ad in print or online, distributed a flyer, knocked on your door or called you on your home or cell phone. Also, asking for references upfront is always advisable – and never provide advance payment for work not done.
CRIME / INCIDENT report
District 1 Sheriff’s Office
has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest Guilford County ... ASSAULT April 13 | A female resident of Royster Road in Summerfield reported she was slapped and pushed by a known person. The victim was advised of her option to pursue a warrant.
BREAKING/ENTERING April 13 | A resident of Greenlawn Drive
in Summerfield reported that sometime between 5 p.m. on April 11 and 4 p.m. on April 13, an unknown suspect(s) forced open a window on the front of her home and entered it. Once inside, a piggy bank with about $300 in cash was stolen.
...continued on p. 34
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
APRIL 19 - 25, 2018
33
BE THE MATCH
...continued from p. 23
stayed another 76 days. “We came straight from Duke and made it back home to see Austin’s last football game,” said Jeff, who is now in remission. Kristy said she and Jeff met a lot of doctors, staff, patients and their families while at Duke and cemented a lot of incredible friendships. She also said the support her family has received from other family members, friends – and strangers – has been overwhelming, and she now has a passion to give back to others and spread the word about Be the Match. That’s why she’s involved with the local Triad Be the Match 5K walk/run taking place Saturday, April 21, at First Christian Church in Kernersville. Kristy’s longtime friend, Amy Nelson, owner of Last Minute Market in Oak Ridge, has volunteered to organize the event, which is not only a fundraiser but a way to raise awareness and let people know how easy it is to be a donor. Jeff will have his own team and
Submit your editorials (maximum 350 words)
Kristy is particularly excited about the event.
mail: Opinions, PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310
“Through this experience, I’ve figured out what I’m supposed to do with my life, and that’s help other people,” she said. “There’s always, always something good, you just have to find it. I’ve also found out that God is amazing, and Jeff is a fighter and a miracle.” •••••
Triad Be the Match 5K Saturday, April 21, 9 a.m. First Christian Church 1130 N. Main Street, Kernersville More info: Amy Nelson, (336) 317-9495 www.bethematchfoundation.org
CRIME/INCIDENT report COMMUNICATING THREATS April 12 | A resident of Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect stated he would shoot him.
ARRESTS April 11 | A 38-year-old female resident of Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale was found in possession of a crack cocaine pipe pursuant to a traffic stop. She was placed under arrest for a felony probation violation, failure to appear in court on a misdemeanor charge, and possession of drug paraphernalia, and transported to the Greensboro Jail where she was held on a $10,125 bond. April 12 | A female resident of Prince Edward Road in Stokesdale was arrested for failure to appear in court on a misdemeanor charge.
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APRIL 19 - 25, 2018
LETTERS/OPINIONS
there’s a team from Duke made up of doctors and nurses who will be running in the event. They hope to raise $25,000 and sign up lots of new donors.
...continued from p. 33
April 13 | An 18-year-old male Northwest High School student was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia after being found with a glass marijuana pipe on school premises. April 13 | A 22-year-old male resident of Scalesville Road in Summerfield was arrested in the 4500 block of U.S. 220 in Summerfield for simple possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance Schedule VI and possession of drug paraphernalia. April 14 | A woman was arrested for simple assault and placed on a 48hour domestic hold after her boyfriend, a resident of Pleasant Ridge Road in Greensboro, reported she hit him in the head with a Coke can and scratched his head, arms, neck and chest with her fingernails.
online: nwobserver.com
e-mail : editor@nwobserver.com
Include your name, a daytime phone number where you can be reached and name of community in which you live. Letters from the same writer will be published no more than every 30 days.
Sheriff has integrity, opponent does not It saddens me to see the smoke and attacks brought on by Steve Parr’s campaign. I patrolled with Steve, and his outlandish claims are nothing more than attempts to muddy the clear waters of a clean administration. What a shame. I won’t work for someone criminally charged for excessive force and subsequently terminated from the State Highway Patrol. Given a second chance, he repays that by muddying waters and blowing smoke. BJ Barnes has served with extreme integrity, which I have witnessed for 20+ years. That is rare in politics. We as citizens need him running our
county’s top law enforcement agency Integrity is a big deal in this profession. I will not support someone with multiple criminal charges to run our law enforcement agency. The only “morale issues” I see come from those experiencing their own poor choices play out in front of them and refusing to take responsibility. Shame on all of you for bringing your toxicity to this race. Guilford County is above Parr. Keep it that way. I implore all citizens to vote for Barnes in the primary and general election. Scott Redmon SUMMERFIELD
Thanks to council for quickly rectifying oversight I would like to take this opportunity to thank Stokesdale Mayor John Flynt and the four council members for showing consideration to the residents of our town. At the April 12 council meeting, I addressed the council regarding the placement of the citizens’ comment period near the end of the meeting agenda. It was explained to me that it had
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
been an oversight and the council agreed that at future town council meetings, the comment period will take its place back at the start of the meeting, barring rare exceptions. Thank you once again, council, for your expeditious action. Eileen Thiery STOKESDALE
AUTO SALES & SERVICE
EMPLOYMENT
PUBLIC NOTICE
EUROPEAN AUTO SERVICE & REPAIR We specialize in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. Mercedes, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Volvo, Mini, Porsche, and Lexus. 32 years experience. Knight Import Specialty Service, 4559 US Highway 220, Summerfield (across from Food Lion). (336) 337-0669.
STAFF POSITION available Monday-Friday
TOWN OF OAK RIDGE PUBLIC HEARING The Oak Ridge Town Council and the Town of Oak Ridge Planning & Zoning Board will hold separate public hearings to consider requests to amend the Official Town of Oak Ridge Zoning Map. The Planning & Zoning Board and Town Council may also consider requests for subdivisions and other matters. Any zoning decision of the Oak Ridge Planning & Zoning Board is forwarded as a recommendation to the Oak Ridge Town Council.
in local childcare center. Experience preferred but not required. (336) 643-5930. ADMIN. ASST. NEEDED. Good customer service skills, experience in Word & Excel required. Detail-oriented and ability to multi-task. 35 hrs/wk. Send resumes to: sadjusters@triad.rr.com.
EMPLOYMENT THE GARDEN OUTLET is now hiring for their landscaping crew. (336) 643-0898.
Wanted:
PIANIST/CHOIR
DIRECTOR
for $125 per week. Browns Summit UMC, 4426 Hwy. 150 East, Browns Summit, NC. Inquire: huneycuttdavid@att.net. OPERATION XCEL – Summer Science
Place online at
Teacher – implement Apex curriculum. Certified elementary teacher; experience teaching
DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue
NEED HELP? Call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 Mon - Fri • 9am -2pm
INDEX Auto Sales & Service .................. 35 Employment ............................... 35 Home Care Available ................. 35 Public Notice .............................. 35 Save the Date ............................. 36 Summer Camp ........................... 36 Yard Sale .................................... 36 Home Services ....................... 36-37 Misc. Services.............................. 37 Misc. For Sale ............................. 37 Misc. Wanted ......................... 37-38 Pets & Animal Services ................ 38 Real Estate.................................. 38
PS Communications, publisher of the Northwest Observer, is looking for a part-time ADMIN / EDITORIAL ASSISTANT who will work directly under the editor/publisher and marketing manager. The qualified candidate for this position must be friendly, pleasant, patient and enjoy working with people, both by phone and in person. Our ideal candidate will be efficient, comfortable using technology and a variety of software, eager to develop new skills and take on new responsibilities, and able to work within deadlines to complete tasks associated with our weekly newspaper and specialfocus publications, all while fielding frequent interruptions. Our admin/editorial assistant must use excellent grammar and review/proof their own work to ensure well-versed, error-free copy in all written communication. He/she must also be a team player willing to pitch in with any and all administrative, marketing and editorial needs. Hours: Monday-Thurs., 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Starting pay $17 per hour, with opportunity for pay increase after three-month review. Please send cover letter outlining how you would contribute to our positive, supportive work environment, a resume outlining previous administrative experience, and professional references to Patti Stokes at patti@nwobserver.com.
in a school/youth program. Hours: MondayThursday, 9am-1pm; June 25-August 10, 2017. Salary commensurate with experience. Email resume to: jobs@operationxcel.org. Spring and summer help needed! CarsonDellosa Publishing Company is hiring SEASONAL WAREHOUSE EMPLOYEES. Must be 18 years old, willing to work in a fast-paced warehouse environment. Competitive pay and flexible hours. Perfect job for students! Contact Human Resources, (336) 632-0084 or (336) 8083225. 657-A Brigham Road, Greensboro (near Pleasant Ridge Road).
INGWe? can help! HIRnwobserver .com HOME CARE AVAILABLE
DIGNITY
HEALTHCARE, INC. Quality In-Home Staffing Nurses/CNAs/Aides Licensed & Insured
Dignityhealthcarenc.com (336) 298-7248 Serving all your healthcare needs with pride and dignity
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Planning & Zoning Board: April 26, 2018, 7 pm, at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road Town Council: May 3, 2018, 7 pm, at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road PUBLIC HEARINGS: REZONING CASE # RZ-18-01: HB and AG to CU-TC-R. Located on the west side of NC Highway 68 N, approximately 800 feet south of the intersection with Fogleman Road, in Oak Ridge Township. Being Guilford County Tax Parcels #0162806, 0162815, and 0162821 (part), consisting of approximately 29.45 acres. Located in the Greensboro (GW-III) Watershed, and Scenic Corridor Overlay Zone. Owned by Israel Family Limited Partnership and Larry J. and Kathy R. Mills. REZONING CASE #RZ-18-02: AG to RS40. Located on the west side of Beeson Road, approximately 1,572 feet south of the intersection with Oak Ridge Road, in Oak Ridge Township. Being Guilford County Tax Parcels #0165374 and 0165391, consisting of approximately 65.32 acres. Located in the Greensboro (GW-III) Watershed. Owned by Alice Bennett, Theresa Pruitt and Lonnie Mabe and Peggy Jane Cooke. All citizens will be given an opportunity to be heard at these meetings. Ron Simpson, Planning & Zoning Board Chair Spencer Sullivan, Mayor
... continued on p. 36
APRIL 19 - 25, 2018
35
SAVE THE DATE
YARD SALE
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
SPRING CRAFT FESTIVAL, Saturday, April 21, 10am-4pm, at Spring Arbor, 5125 Michaux Drive in Greensboro. Over 80 vendors offering handmade and repurposed items. Face painting, live music, food trucks, on-site photographer doing mini sessions and door prizes. For more info, email showinfoMJ@gmail.com.
MOVING SALE, Sat., April 21, 8am-2pm, 2405 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge.
IT’S A CARPET THING! Repairs, restretch, replace. (336) 643-6500.
PEARMAN QUARRY HAULING Fill dirt, gravel, sand rock, mulch & more. Joel Richardson, (336) 803-2195.
HOME SERVICES
GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES
NC State CHILI CHAMPIONSHIP at Camp Carefree, Saturday, April 21, 10am-3pm. Live music, raffle, kids' games, cruise-in & much more! (336) 951-2705. ROCK THE LOT FUNDRAISER. Saturday, April 21, 2-5pm. BBQ, raffle, prizes, music by Hubert Lawson, Robert Tilley, and Into the Night. 411 S. Second Ave., Mayodan. Proceeds for food pantry at Lot 2540. FREE CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING, Monday, April 23, 6-7:30pm at Brown Summit Family Medicine, 4901 NC Highway 150 East, Brown Summit. See display ad on page 5 for more details.
Something going on? Tell our readers all about it! COMMUNITY LUTHERAN CHURCH has moved as of April 1! Our new location is at 6720 U.S. Hwy 158, Stokesdale. We will be sharing space and partnering in ministry with Flat Rock UMC. Service times are 9:30am worship and 11am.Sunday school. 6th annual CANINE CAPERS, Saturday, April 28, Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive. Bring your canine friend and enjoy demonstrations, the dog maze, raffle, canine contests, people food and much more! See display ad on page 25 for more info. Northwest Church of Christ LADIES' DAY, Saturday, May 5, 8:30am-1pm. Speaker: Jonee' Lewis of WXII News. For more info, visit www.nwchurchofchrist.com.
SUMMER CAMP SUNSHINE ART STUDIO in Stokesdale is hosting our first-annual summer camp, ARTSKOOL. Visit www.sunshineart.studio or call (336) 708-3227 to register.
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APRIL 2018 APRIL1919- 25, - 25, 2018
CLEANING SPRING CLEANING SPECIALS All work is performed as scheduled, in a clean and professional manner. Douthit Group, (336) 865-4882. CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING Gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com (336) 595-2873. MAIDS OF HONOR HOME CLEANING $25 off! Locally owned, bonded staff. 40 years in service. BBB A+ rating. (336) 708-2407. CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Will fit to your budget. Pet taxi/pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838. CastleWorks WINDOW CLEANING Includes gutters, pressure washing, chandeliers and other high ladder work. Fully insured and bonded, free estimates. (336) 609-0677. www.castleworkswindowcleaning.com. NIDIA’S CLEANING SERVICE. 10 years experience. Call Nidia (336) 362-4173. HOME CLEANING. Afford. rates, ref. avail., 10 years exp. Elizabeth, (336) 453-8592.
ELECTRICAL BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC. Got Power? Residential, commercial and solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192. Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? Call (336) 209-1486. Rodney A. Coble, licensed electrician.
FLOORING MONTERO'S HARDWOOD FLOORING Installation of hardwood, laminate & tile; hardwood sanding & finishing. Commercial & residential. Insured, 17 yrs. exp. Free est., exc. references. Call (336) 215-8842 or visit Monteros-hardwood-flooring.com.
OLD SCHOOL
HOME REPAIR /IMPROVEMENTS “No Job Too Small”
Wood Rot Repairs • Bathroom Remodeling Painting • Decks and much more! • Insured
Contact us for a free estimate!
(336) 669-7252
oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com
L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE “We get you mowing!” Commercial Residential, all models 2103 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge. (336) 298-4314. Affordable HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350. LAWN MOWER REPAIR and service. Rick, (336) 501-8681. GARY’S HANDYMAN HOME SERVICES “Providing value for the home-ownership experience.” Gary Gellert, serving NC’s Piedmont Triad area. Garygellert@gmail.com, (336) 423-8223. GREENERTIMES SMALL ENGINE Sales & Service Center. All types sold and repaired; comm./res. 9428 NC Hwy. 65, Stokesdale. (336) 548-9286 or (336) 312-3844.
GRADING / HAULING BRAD’S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS. LLC Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647. ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt. available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035. E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, topsoil, lot clearing, bobcat work, excavating, mulch, etc. (336) 451-1282.
The The Northwest Observer • Totally local local since since 1996 1996 Northwest Observer • Totally
GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150.
LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE. Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490. AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Quality irrigation systems. NC licensed contractor. We service all systems. Free estimates. (336) 644-1174. STUMP GRINDING up to 24 inch diameter. Call or text Morris, (336) 880-7498. FAY’S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Spring prep & tree work. Complete landscape maint. & hardscaping Reasonable and honest. Call Taylor, (336) 458-6491. WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Lawn maint, landscaping. Irrigation/ landscape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 years exp. (336) 399-7764. CUTTING EDGE LAWNCARE – Affordable. Dependable. Mowing, aeration, leaf removal, and more! Please call anytime for free estimate, (336) 706-0103. EXTERIOR GREENSCAPES, LLC. Lawn maintenance service (336) 682-1456. STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. Free est. Lic./Ins. 30 yrs. exp. Bucket truck & chipper, total cleanup. Selective thinning & lot clearing. 24-hr. ER. (336) 643-1119. CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 643-9332. www.carolinaStumpAndTreeServices.com. ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Bobcat work and more. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. Call Joe at 643-9157.
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
AFFORDABLE LANDSCAPING for all your landscape needs, including irrigation, installation and repair. Please call Joe at J. Gibson Landscaping, (336) 419-7236. American owned & operated. In God We Trust.
PAINTING & DRYWALL
REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION
CARLOS & SON PAINTING, interior & exterior. Free est., lic/ins. (336) 669-5210.
KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION
A.L. CORMAN ROOFING INC. Res. roofing specialist serving Guilford Cty. area since 1983. BBB 25+ years w/ A+ rating. cormanroofinginc.com, (336) 621-6962.
CLEAN CUT LAWNCARE, Have no mowworries. Our name says it all. Call Donnie, (336) 671-9940. Free estimates. COLFAX LAWNCARE Core aeration & seeding. Fertilizing, mowing, trimming, pine needles. Complete lawn care maintenance. Res./comm. Fully insured. Serving the Triad for 28 years. (336) 362-5860. AREA STUMP DUMP. Yard waste, concrete, etc. Fill dirt avail. (336) 602-5820. ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875. ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981.
nwobserver.com MASONRY MASONRY CONCEPTS, brick, block, stone concrete & repairs. Free est. (336) 988-1022, www.masonryconceptsgso.com. SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes. How about a new patio or fire pit? We can help with all of your outdoor living and entertainment spaces! Fire pits, driveways & sidewalks, patios and more! Give us a call at (336) 399-6619 for all your concrete and landscape needs.
MISC. SERVICES & PRODUCTS COX POOL SERVICE. Openings/closings, weekly maintenance, chemicals included, free estimates. Damion, (336) 327-5122. GAS LOGS, WOOD STOVES & INSERTS Fireplaces, sold, serviced and repaired. Call Don Hill, (336) 643-7183. ON EAGLE'S WINGS residential home design/drafting. Call Patti, (336) 605-0519.
STILL PERFECTION PAINTING Reliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com.
BEK Paint Co. Residential & Commercial David & Judy Long, owners
(336) 931-0600
BEKPaintCompany.com • References Available • Licensed & Insured • All Work Guaranteed
CINDY’S PAINTING Interior painting, wallpaper removal. References & free estimates available. (336) 708-9155. PAINTING – INTERIOR & EXTERIOR 32 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. No job too small. Insured. Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186.
The Northwest Observer Keeping you connected for 21 years . . . and counting!
PLUMBING BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic. & insured. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924. WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING, Inc. (336) 992-2503. Licensed, insured, bonded. 24/7 service. Plumbing, drain cleaning, well pumps. Give us a call, we do it all! Go to www.webstersplumbing.com for more info.
PRESSURE WASHING PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Fully insured. Crystal Clear, www. windowcleaningnc.com (336) 595-2873. CUTTING EDGE PRESSURE WASHING Affordable. Dependable. Please call anytime for free estimate, (336) 706-0103.
30 years experience. Specializing in room additions, kitchens & baths, garages, vinyl siding and windows, painting, ceramic tile, laminate, hardwood and linoleum floors, and remodeling of all kinds. No job too small. Free est. Call (336) 362-7469. HAMMERSMITH WOODWORKING LLC. Carpentry, custom cabinetry, built-ins, exterior repairs. ASP – Helping Hand. Over 30 years exp. Call Carlton, (336) 404-3002. ORTIZ REMODELING – Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981.
CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC Residential roofing, rubber flat roofs, roof coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience. Now accepting all major credit cards. Call (336) 643-8191 or (336) 580-3245. RED RHINO ROOFING, based in Oak Ridge, NC. Storm damage specialist experienced with all types of roof roofing. BBB accredited A and listed with Angie’s List. Call (336) 944-6118, or visit redrhinoroofing.com.
AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350. DOUGLAS CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING, LLC. Custom Builder, sunrooms, garages, additions, kitchens baths. Licensed & Insured, BBB A+ accredited. Free est.. Visit www.douglascr.com or call (336) 413-5050. JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com. RENOVATION WORKS, INC. New construction, remodeling, additions, kitchen, bath and decks. We are a locally owned, full-service design and build company, A+ accredited with the BBB. Visit www.myrenovationworks.com or call (336) 427-7391 to start your next project. BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, siding, dock work, windows, roof roofing, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 38 years exp. (336) 362-6343.
ROOFING KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Residential shingle & metal roofing. Free est. (336) 362-7469
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
21 years of delivering homegrown news to northwest Guilford County
MISC. SERVICES COMPUTER REPAIRS – ITBASICS.COM Inside Mailboxes & More, Oak Ridge Commons. (336) 643-0068. SAM’S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 347-7470. OAK RIDGE POWER YOGA All levels. Life Changing. Yoga. Please visit oakridgepoweryoga.com.
MISC. FOR SALE TOTAL GYM ULTRA, excellent condition. $65. Call (336) 643-7442 or (336) 549-1198.
MISC. WANTED FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, any and all gas items, tillers, gocarts & golf carts, ATVs, generators, power washers, chain saws. (336) 689-4167.
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APRIL 19 - 25, 2018
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MISC. WANTED
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
$$$ - WILL PAY CASH up to $200 for your junk or wrecked vehicle. (336) 552-0328.
LAND FOR SALE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
HOMES FOR SALE
PETS & ANIMAL SVCS. PET SITTING / BOARDING KPS – KELLY’S PET SERVICES Professional in-your-home pet sitting. Insured & bonded. Member Pet Sitters Interrnational. Openings currently available for Oak Ridge only. Call (336) 706-6706, email kpsforyourpets@gmail.com, www.facebook. com/kpspets, or @kpspets on Instagram.
Ready for a NEW family member? Visit adoptshelterpets.org to see animals at the Guilford County Animal Shelter in need of a loving home.
23+ ACRES, STONEVILLE, NC. Calling all hunters / sportsmen. Perfect 23+ acre retreat includes; hunting stands, 1,500 sq. ft. Morton bldg., cleared paths, stream, pond and privacy! A short hop from the Triad for weekends or build a custom retreat. Only $189,000. Call Realtor Dede Cunningham of Keller Williams. (336) 509-1923. 22 ACRES in Summerfield. Two 11-acre tracts, $120,000 each, or $240,000 for both. (336) 692-8615.
Selling or Renting? We can help you reach over 26,000 readers, all in northwest Guilford County!
Why is a Realtor invaluable?
Let’s talk! Gil Vaughan REALTOR ®/Broker
(336) 337-4780 Each office is independently owned and operated
JustCallGil.com
We Help Everyone! SELLERS & BUYERS
For superior marketing, call Ramilya Siegel CRS, GRI, SRES, Chairman’s Circle Award ( 336 ) 215.9856
ramilya.siegel@atcmail.com www.allentate.com/RamilyaSiegel
VACATION PROPERTY NORTH MYRTLE BEACH vacation rental, May 27-June 1, $500. Shore Crest Villas. Call (336) 549-1198.
5689 Pepper Road, Oak Ridge
Immaculate one-owner home, shows like a model, built by Otey, quiet cul-de-sac, stunning kitchen and screened porch! Must see. $479,000
(336) 643-4248
www.ANewDawnRealty.com
Place your classified line ad online at www.nwobserver.com. Deadline is Monday!
Potential office park! 6.14-acre wooded site zoned for business/office use in the commercial core area of Oak Ridge. 1/8 mile south of the N.C. 68 and 150 intersection, with turn lanes from both directions on N.C. 68. 1/4-mile commercial driveway leads to 4,400-square-foot main house/office building which is complemented by guest house, outbuildings and tennis court plus large landscaped island with gazebo/picnic area and pasture. Established tenant is willing to stay in place. Offered at $918,000. Visit www.berkshirehathawayhs. com/nancy-hess-real-estate-agent and select “My Listings” for photos and more details.
is a standard in our homes ... not an upgrade
Visit our Spring Parade homes April 28-29 & May 5-6 6620 Linville Ridge Drive, Oak Ridge Linville Ridge • $670,000 (above left photo) 7817 Front Nine Drive, Stokesdale Dawn Acres • $491,500 7708 Briardenn Drive, Summerfield Birkhaven • $849,000 (finished basement)
Nancy J. Hess
nancy.hess@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 215-1820
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APRIL 2018 APRIL1919- 25, - 25, 2018
30 years of hands-on experience (336) 362-1777 | www.donmillsbuilders.com
The The Northwest Observer • Totally local local since since 1996 1996 Northwest Observer • Totally
index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS
Please support our advertisers, and tell them where you saw their ad! ACCOUNTING By the Book Accounting ................... 40 Kimberly Thacker Accounting ........... 40 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC..... 16
AUTOMOTIVE Vestal Buick GMC, Inc. ..................... 33
BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION Brian Disney Homes ......................... 20 Brian Thompson Homes ................... 21 Builders MD ...................................... 14 Disney Custom Homes ..................... 21 Don Mills Builders ........................19, 38 Greensboro Builders Association ...... 13 Johnson & Lee Builders .................... 20 Lansink Custom Homes .................... 19 Naylor Custom Homes ..................... 20 Precept Construction ........................ 19
R&K Custom Homes ........................ 21 Ray Bullins Construction ................... 21 Walraven Signature Homes .............. 19
CANDIDATES Barnes for Sheriff ...............................11
CHURCHES Central Baptist Church ...................... 12 Summerfield First Baptist Church ...... 10
DENTISTS Borden Dentistry ............................... 10 DeVaney Dentistry ............................ 27
EVENT Canine Capers .................................. 25
FUNERAL SERVICES Forbis & Dick Stokesdale .................. 40
HEALTH / FITNESS / SAFETY
NORTHWEST HIGH
Dignity Health Care .......................... 35 SNAP Fitness ...................................... 6 YMCA of Greensboro ................. 12, 30
Northwest High Baseball Boosters .... 29
HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES
PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS
BEK Paint Company .......................... 37 Budget Blinds ................................... 24 Carpets by Direct ................................ 3 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery .. 8 New Garden Select .......................... 16 Old School Home Repair .................. 36 Pest Management Systems Inc. .......... 6 Plymouth Nursery & Landscaping ...... 9 Prostone Inc. .................................... 15 Southern States ............................Insert Stokesdale Heating & Air .................. 18
LEGAL SERVICES Barbour & Williams Law ...................... 4 Ingle Law........................................... 40
MEDICAL CARE / PRODUCTS Cone Health – MedCenter High Point ... 5 Eagle Family Medicine at Oak Ridge ... 7 LeBauer Healthcare ..................... 2, 28 Northwest Pediatrics ........................... 9 Novant Health .................................. 32 Novant NW Family Medicine ............. 33
Coming May 31
ORTHODONTIC CARE Olmsted Orthodontics ....................... 28 Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital .............. 24 Northwest Animal Hospital ............... 23 Veterinary Hospital of Oak Ridge ...... 24 Westergaard Kennels ........................ 16
REAL ESTATE A New Dawn Realty .......................... 38 Berkshire Hathaway Yost & Little ...... 17 Dede Cunningham, Keller Williams .. 23 Gil Vaughan, Keller Williams .............. 38 Highway Realty of the Triad .............. 18 Jason Smith, Smith Marketing .......... 20 Nancy Hess, BHHS .......................... 38 Ramilya Siegel, Allen Tate ................ 38 Tanya Hill, Realty One ...................... 24
RETAIL Colfax Furniture & Mattress .............. 15 Goodwill Industries of Central NC ..... 31
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY Guardian Ad Litem Program ............. 27
Summer 2018
A special insert in the Northwest Observer featuring home-grown articles about facing health-related challenges, fitness trends, the benefits of healthy lifestyles, and more.
In print every summer and online year-round at nwobserver.com Contact us at advertising@nwobserver.com or (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 to secure your spot
Reserve your ad space tod ay!
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
APRIL 19 - 25, 2018
39
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Postal Patron
Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22
PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 • (336) 644-7035
gems in
ECRWSS
downtown
Stokesdale Beat the next round of price increases. Pre-plan and pre-pay for your funeral
Forbis&Dick Funeral Homes
Stokesdale 8320 Hwy 158, (336) 643-3711
Individual & Small Business Bookkeeping & Payroll Individual & Corporate Tax Returns PO Box 469 • 8400 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale
(336) 644.2741 • kim.thacker@att.net
Greensboro 1118 N Elm St, (336) 275-8408 5926 W Friendly Ave, (336) 299-9171
Locally owned & operated • Serving Stokesdale, Greensboro, Oak Ridge & Summerfield
INGLE LAW, PLLC
We are engaged in the general practice of law, including personal injury claims, business formation, misdemeanor criminal defense, family law, estate work and residential/commercial real estate closings.
Harvey W. Barbee, Jr.
Ronald D. Ingle, Jr.
Harvey@inglelawoffice.com Ronnie@inglelawoffice.com
Stephen Coe
Steve@inglelawoffice.com
Stokesdale office located at: 8512 US Highway 158 Kernersville office: P.O. Box 2474, Kernersville, NC 27284 Danbury office: 603 Main Street, Danbury, NC 27016
(336) 497-1680
www.IngleLawOffice.com
Accounting & Tax Accounting Bookkeeping Payroll Tax Preparation Notary Public Copy Center
Anne M. Garner, EA 8304-C Hwy 158, Stokesdale (336) 441-8325 • annegarner605@gmail.com