Northwest Observer | May 12 - 18, 2017

May 12 - 18, 2017

bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996

nwobserver.com

Longtime school employee to lead Founders’ Day parade Jewell Hammock worked in the offices at Summerfield Elementary School for 28 years

by JOE GAMM Photo by Joe Gamm/NWO

Jewell Hammock, the grand marshal for this year’s Summerfield Founders’ Day parade, stands on her front porch and discusses volunteering to return to the school where she worked for 28 years.

SUMMERFIELD – Jewell Hammock is family to generations of Summerfield residents.

She became close to the town’s children and their parents over 28

years as she worked in the office at Summerfield Elementary School.

On May 13, as its grand marshal, she’ll lead the Founders’ Day parade through town.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Hammock said after learning of the honor. “I don’t do that much for the community.”

But folks who grew up in the town know better, according to Summerfield Town Council Member Reece Walker, who nominated her for the recognition.

BUDGET

WOES

being felt

in local

schools See story on p. 12

Hammock touched the lives of all the children who attended the school while she was there, he said.

Having retired last year, Hammock

...continued on p. 26

IN THIS ISSUE Your Questions........................... 4 News in Brief............................... 5 Oak Ridge Town Council.......... 8 Youth/School News..................11 Beauty and the Beast............. 13 Student Profiles........................ 14 Happy Mother’s Day............... 18 Bits & Pieces............................. 20 Celebration.............................. 21 Obituary................................... 21 Crime/Incident Report............ 22 Community Calendar............. 23 Letters/Opinions...................... 24 Grins & Gripes.......................... 24 Classifieds................................ 27 Index of Advertisers................ 31

‘Celebrate America’ Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Stokesdale Community Choir, led by Sondra Beene (left), rehearses for its upcoming “Celebrate America” performance on May 20. The free program on Armed Services Day will be in honor of veterans. See story on p. 6

LOOK INSIDE!

SATURDAY

June 3 • 4:30 -10:30pm

2017 THURSDAY

June 1 • 6 - 9:30pm Carnival Rides, Games and Food

FRIDAY

June 2 • 5:30 - 9:30pm Carnival Rides, Games and Food

Carnival Rides, Games and Food Craft Fair at the Pond (70 crafters • 10 am - 8 pm) Hay Ride • Climbing Wall • Face Painting Dunk Tank Fundraiser KidSummit • Merchant Marketplace Bandit Flight Team (est. 7:15pm) Live Music The Privette Project • Fred Reyes Northwest High School Jazz Band • Kris Ferris

All-night ride pass $25

Classic Car Cruise-in Live Music

All-night ride pass $25

The Privette Project • Carolina 5

OAK RIDGE TOWN PARK 6231 Lisa Drive

Summit Teen Zone New (6th-12th grade)

Fireworks sponsored by Town of Oak Ridge

Presented by

Cornhole Tournament ew Run the Ridge GLOW

N

8:30 pm

Ashley Callender

www.merchantsofoakridge.com

Town digs into budget discussions

by STEVE MANN STOKESDALE – Money to hire a fifth town employee and employee benefits the town council has been debating for several months are reflected in Stokesdale’s draft budgets for the 2017-18 fiscal year.

In addition, town park projects get a boost in the draft general fund budget, while downtown improvement gets the boot.

Budget Officer Philip Pulliam is expected to present the town’s general fund and water enterprise budgets at the regular Stokesdale Town Council meeting May 11 at 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall. The council plans to approve the budgets at the regular monthly meeting June 8.

Salaries and benefits took center stage May 3 at the council’s weekly Wednesday meeting.

Salaries for the four current town employees are split between the general and water enterprise funds to paint a truer picture of staff responsibilities, and include a pay raise of $1 an hour.

Council stipends total $7,588, all in the general fund budget.

Staff salaries in the water enterprise budget rose from a projected final budget of $42,731 for FY 2016-17 to a proposed $84,053 for FY 2017-18. That includes about $20,000 for a part-time water technician to handle some of the tasks currently contracted out, and reflects a higher percentage of salaries attributed to the water enterprise budget this year than to the general fund.

Staff salaries in the draft general fund budget are $62,098, compared to $66,500 in the projected final budget for FY 2016-17.

The salaries and stipends between the two draft budgets total about $153,740.

The jump in salaries is affected by a benefits package the council is considering that could include vacation pay, holiday pay and sick leave for full- and part-time employees. Benefits for parttime employees would be half those of full-time employees.

A new expenditure could also be added for retirement contributions if participation in the North Carolina Local Government Retirement System is included.

At the center of the benefits debate is the definition of a full-time employee and whether to offer benefits to parttime staff members. In early personnel policy discussions, a full-time employee was defined as averaging at least 32 hours a week. If the policy is approved, three of the current town employees would be considered full time.

But council members said that’s not what was intended.

“Council’s goal was to hire part-time people instead of hiring one rocket scientist that could run around like a mad person and do all those things, and farm (certain responsibilities) out,” Mayor Randy Braswell said. “If we go to three full-time employees with their benefits … I would almost want to go back and look at more outsourcing.”

Council Member Frank Bruno said he doesn’t know of many businesses that offer benefits to part-time employees, and wonders if the council can define full time as 40 hours a week. That would leave just one full-time employee as currently structured.

Kim Hemric, the town administrator/ finance officer, said the benefits package would play a significant role in retaining and attracting qualified employees.

“If money is that contentious investing in staff, I would recommend forgetting the retirement and adopting the holidays and vacation,” she said. “That’s more meaningful to your employees.”

Even though the money would be budgeted, the town wouldn’t incur the financial obligation unless a benefits package is approved.

In other discussion, the council decided to remove downtown improvements under capital outlay in the general fund and double the amount for park

...continued on p. 5

CHANGE TH E WORLD SERVICE DAY Saturday, May 20

Continental breakfast 8 - 8:30 am Worship 8:30 am Volunteer service b egins 9 am

HOW CAN I SERVE?

Choose one of the following organizations we've partnered with, and volunteer a couple hours of your time: Tabitha Ministry • Greensboro Urban Ministry • Seven Homes Kairos Prison Ministry • HORSEPOWER Therapeutic Learning Center Brenner Children's Hospital • Camp Guilrock • Isaiah’s Kids

We are also accepting the following donations before May 20: • Paperback books (gently used, no romance novels) • Towels (new or gently used) • Men's and women's interview clothing • Toiletries • Laundry supplies (detergent packs, pods or dryer sheets) • Coloring books for teens/colored pencils • Diapers (newborn to size 1), onesies (newborn to 3 months), receiving blankets, new bottles with nipples, hooded towels and washcloths • Fleece (2 yards per blanket) • Breakfast items for volunteers on Service Day

For more info or volunteer sign-up, call the church office at (336) 643-4690 or email Dana Hanlon at dana.hanlon@oakridgeumc.org

2424 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge • oakridgeumc.org

SUNDAY WORSHIP

8:15am in Sanctuary | 9:00 am in Family Life Center | 11:15am in Sanctuary 10:00am Discipleship classes for all ages

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 MAY 12 - 18, 2017

3

your QUESTIONS

www.nwobserver.com /northwestobserver @mynwobserver @northwestobserver

OUR TEAM Patti Stokes, editor/publisher Laura Reneer, associate publisher Joe Gamm, associate editor Kim Frenchak, marketing manager Sean Gentile, art director Yvonne Truhon, page layout Leon Stokes, IT director Lucy Smith, finance manager Linda Schatz, distribution manager Steve Mann, Marc Pruitt, Helen Ledford, Jonathan Williams and Annette Joyce, contributing writers; Kelley Branch, editorial assistant

HOW TO REACH US email: info • celebrations • photos communitynews • realestatenews calendarevents • grinsandgripes opinions • editor • questions ... @ nwobserver.com phone: (336) 644-7035 fax: (336) 644-7006 office: 1616 NC 68 N, Oak Ridge mail: PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 hours: M-F 9am-2pm (or by appt.)

I am curious about the gray house on the corner of N.C. 150 and Strawberry Road. It has been boarded up for some time.

Trees were cut down, but then all work stopped. Lately, heavy equipment has

Does anyone own this property and is there a plan for it? been parked there.

After conducting a public records search for property owners, we learned that Abdul Qureshi, of McLeansville, bought the property at 1100 N.C. 150 West in 2014. We called Qureshi and asked him about the recent activity you noticed at the site.

“I’m trying to build a house on there,” he said. “I’m looking to build soon.”

Qureshi declined to answer further questions about the property.

Tax records show the lot is valued at about $80,300 and structures on the property are valued at $4,200.

Nearby properties with homes range in value from $347,000 to $775,000.

As for the heavy equipment, one of our reporters went to the site and found a highway mower parked there, but there was no indication of heavy equipment.

Photo by Joe Gamm/NWO

The owner of this property at N.C. 150 and Strawberry Road in Summerfield said he intends to build a home there.

owners can be found online at taxweb. co.guilford.nc.us/CamaPublicAccess.

Through this system, the public can search by owner or address. The system also allows the public to search using a map, but the map has a disclaimer saying it is for informational purposes and should not be used for a true title search.However, the information it provides is generally accurate.

Is there another alternative in this situation?

My neighbor’s cat recently got stuck up a tree and was crying for three days. Someone eventually called the fire department in Stokesdale, and then Animal Control, but neither could help. Eventually a tree service company was called and they brought a bucket truck out to rescue the cat.

Though infrequent, his department does receive the occasional call for a cat rescue.

For future reference, readers may want to know that public access to search for Guilford County property

Despite their legendary service to communities, most fire departments don’t rescue cats from trees. Stokesdale Fire Chief Todd Gauldin said the department has not done cat rescues the entire time he’s been in the department – 36 years.

“It’s probably up to the individual department how they handle that,” Gauldin said, adding that his department recommends calling someone with a bucket truck to make the rescue.

Chiropractic Adjusting & Correction Acupuncture Intersegmental Traction

WANT TO ADVERTISE? Contact us at (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 display: advertising@nwobserver.com classified: classifieds@nwobserver.com Independently owned & published by

Curious about something?

Submit your questions about topics relevant to the northwest area

online: nwobserver.com e-mail: questions@ nwobserver.com

4 MAY 12 - 18, 2017 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Laser Therapy

For 17 years, Dr. Rod Brown has integrated the most effective technology into his practice to better serve our community.

We know health!

A.R.T. Digital X-ray Quick and Affordable Care Complimentary Consultations

(336) 644-1112

www.summerfieldchiro.com 7092A Summerfield Road, Summerfield

As for Guilford County Animal Control, we confirmed they don’t rescue cats from trees either.

STOKESDALE BUDGET

“The county doesn’t allow us to climb any trees, go into attics or go in any crawl spaces,” Animal Control Manager Keith Patterson said when we contacted him.

Patterson advised contacting a pest control company that has ladders and nets.

projects. Of the $100,000 originally designated for downtown, $75,000 will be assigned to undesignated funds and the remaining $25,000 will be assigned to park projects, doubling it to $50,000.

Next we called Pest Management Systems in Greensboro, but their staff told us rescuing a cat from a tree is not a service that they or many pest management companies provide.

Bruno said the downtown improvement line item was inserted strictly as a conversation starter.

Karen Nasisse, a veterinarian at Northwest Animal Hospital in Oak Ridge, said it’s a natural defense for cats to climb trees, adding that they’ll come down eventually.

100% customer satisfaction

We offer one guarantee:

Our best advice if the cat has been up in the tree for a prolonged period of time is to do as our reader’s neighbor did and call a tree service company to rescue the cat. It will cost you, but it will put the cat out of its misery and give you peace of mind.

...continued from p. 3

“My concern is, if you leave it in there for anything that says downtown, people are going to assume we’re doing something in downtown,” he said. “The whole purpose of me bringing that up originally was for council to start thinking of a master plan for the future.”

Park projects could include a shelter near the playground, new sand and nets for the volleyball courts, continued improvement on the soccer fields, maintenance of the asphalt walking track and exercise equipment along the track.

NEWS in brief

Council to form UDO Committee SUMMERFIELD – A Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Committee made up of “representative community stakeholders” will be charged with further reviewing Summerfield’s current UDO, which has been in a state of revision for almost five years.

Summerfield Town Council voted May 9 to form the committee, which will consist of 9 citizen voting members, two non-voting alternates, one town council liaison member, one Zoning Board liaison member and a facilitator.

The committee will discuss growth issues that affect development within the town, review the UDO for those issues, and serve in an advisory role to the Zoning Board, according to the committee description posted on the town’s website.

Besides reviewing key components

of the Town’s development ordinance, a key motivation for the committee being formed is to attract a diverse group of qualified citizens willing to address a list of citizen concerns surrounding a proposed text amendment to add a PD (Planned Development) zoning district to the town’s development ordinance.

Applicants must be willing and available to attend meetings twice a month, on the first and third Thursdays at 6 p.m.

The committee is expected to meet for the next several months.

Deadline for committee applications is May 19; applicant interviews will take place May 30-June 2 and the committee will be formally appointed during the June 13 council meeting. For more details about the committee, qualifications, and an application form, visit www.summerfieldgov.com.

Piedmont Truck Tires & Automotive

Center

FULL-SERVICE SHOP

Full automotive repair & maintenance • Tune-ups Wheel & tire repair/alignment • NC inspections ASE certified technicians

Dan Rice President

Mitch Glover

VP/GM of Greensboro

Jim Rice VP of Sales

(336) 668-0091 • 312 S Regional Rd, Greensboro 10 locations open M-F 7:30-5:30 Emergency roadside 24/7/365 • Shuttle service within 8 miles

www.piedmonttrucktires.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 MAY 12 - 18, 2017

5

Carpet Vinyl Tile

Hardwood Laminate Area Rugs

(336) 288-6643

(336) 288-6643

a t n e y p 3 r a C s berdLivrinog Room om,

Any size rooms !

o & m H o all! o R g n i n Di GOOD BETTER BEST $ 899 $1099 $1299

INCLUDES installation, pad, moving furniture, take-up and disposal!

See store for details. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

‘Celebrate America’ Stokesdale Community Choir to perform on Armed Services Day

by STEVE MANN STOKESDALE – Somehow, the name Stokesdale Community Choir just doesn’t seem to cover it all.

Sure, there is music. About 25 of the 32 men and women who are members of the senior adult choir recently showed up at Stokesdale Town Hall for a two-hour practice for the choir’s spring concert.

“Celebrate America,” a free program honoring veterans, will be May 20 – Armed Forces Day – at 7 p.m. at Gideon Grove United Methodist Church in Stokesdale.

It will be the choir’s fifth community performance.

The singers on a recent Monday morning warmed up with breathing exercises and ran through the tonal scale.

They were instructed to pick a note and bring it into harmony.

And then the flag-waving fun began.

Call today and we’re on our way!

1year

interest free financing

on approved credit

Area’s largest selection of

PET-FRIENDLY FLOORING Greensboro • Wilmington • Myrtle Beach

(336) 288-6643

2837 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro Mon - Fri 8 am - 6 pm • Sat 10 am - 4 pm

carpetsbydirect.com Serving North & South Carolina since 1960

“It’s like a fellowship, family-type thing,” said Sondra Beene, a retired special education teacher who started the choir. “I think that’s why most of them stay. It’s not just music.”

On this day, the group sings “Happy Birthday” to two members and expresses its condolences to another who had lost his mother several days before.

“It’s a very caring group,” Beene said. “There’s a lot of camaraderie.”

There are three mother-daughter sets, including Beene and her mother, Jeanne Knight. Beene’s father, Bill Knight, is the oldest member at 85. The Knights are one of four husband-wife sets. Two of those are ministers and their spouses, including Wanda Lancaster, who is the pastor of Gideon Grove United Methodist Church and one of two narrators for “Celebrate America.”

6 MAY 12 - 18, 2017 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Carolyn Smith, the choir’s pianist who also plays the organ at Bethel United Methodist Church, is joined by her husband, Gary. Last fall, Smith asked her sisters Cindy Byrne and Jean Attaway to join. Byrne taught music in the Guilford County Schools for 33 years.

Beene’s husband, Pete, isn’t a choir member, but is a big supporter, she said. He is the manager of House of Stars, and the storage building business donated one the first year for the group to raffle off. The proceeds were used to buy a sound system, mics and speakers.

The choir is not organized as a nonprofit, but it does take donations.

Beene, who had been in the Community Choir of Madison-Mayodan and led a couple of church choirs, started the Stokesdale Community Choir in 2015 with a little push from a higher power.

“I retired and was looking for something to fill a void,” she said. “The Lord spoke to me and said, ‘I want you to do this.’ I said, ‘I don’t think so.’”

She said she wrestled with the idea for about five months before deciding to start the group with encouragement from her husband and others wanting to be in a community choir.

She approached Mayor Randy Braswell with the idea, and he suggested the Town Hall for practices.

“It was the perfect meeting place for it to be a Stokesdale Community Choir,” she said. “They thought it would be great.”

Sixteen people sang at the first concert.

The choir practices Mondays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and performs two community concerts a year, one in the spring and the other in early December.

The group takes summers off.

There are other events, however.

The choir also sings at two area senior living homes. It performed at a revival last year at Mt. Zion Methodist Church, did a musical the previous spring that

...continued on p. 15

This weekend—rain or shine!

FRI, May 12 (6p–10p) & SAT, May 13 (10a–4p)

Fox8’s Cindy Farmer is back as Master of Ceremonies!

✯ A L L F E S T I V I T I E S at 7300–7400 Summerfield Road near fire station #9 ✯ S A T U R D A Y P A R A D E at 10a on Summerfield Rd. (Centerfield Rd. to Oak St.) ✯ E X T R A P A R K I N G a n d S A T U R D A Y S H U T T L E S 9a–4:30p from Summerfield Square Shopping Center (4539 US-220 North / Dollar General shopping center) ✯ RIDES and GAMES: tickets and wristbands available at event: $10 for either day or $15 for both Friday and Saturday with unlimited rides ✯ FOOD TRUCKS and CRAFT/ BUSINESS VENDORS ✯ MAGICIAN, STILT-WALKER, FACE-PAINTING, BALLOON-TWISTING, PHOTO BOOTH, ROCK-CLIMBING WALL, FARM ANIMALS, MASSIVE INFLATABLES and LAWN GAMES ✯ LOCAL ACTIVITIES provided by Red Dog Farm, Wonderland Studios, and Purgason’s Western Wear ✯ HISTORY TENT and TRAILS/ GREENWAY TENT (displays and interactives)

Back Porch Orchestra — a modern band with traditional roots, BPO’s Americana genre crosses into blues, bluegrass, country, and classic rock.

Don’t miss their satisfying Saturday performance!

✯ LIVE MUSIC ✯

SCHEDULE Friday, 6 pm–10 pm: food, rides, and games along with a concert by Northern Guilford High School featuring vocal ensembles, concert band, wind and jazz ensembles in the vicinity of fire station #9 and Rhondan Road

11:15–4:00 Music/Stage Entertainment: 11:15a opening flag ceremony + national anthem 11:30a Back Porch Orchestra 4:00p festival ends

Thanks to our sponsors!

gold sponsors...

✯ event goes rain or shine ✯ bring sunscreen and chairs (for concerts) ✯ sorry, no pets or alcohol bronze sponsors... ~ Import Specialty ~ Judge Stuart Albright ~ Republic Waste Services ~ Summerfield Firefighters Charitable Corp.

s i l v e r s p o n s o r. . .

Northern Guilford High School — always a Friday crowd favorite!

FOR MORE EVENT INFO: email: foundersday@summerfieldgov.com web: www.summerfieldgov.com ph: 336-643-8655

Summerfield Merchants Association

free, family-friendly entertainment | rides | food | parade | vendors & exhibits | live music

image ©Iakov Kalinin—fotolia.com

Saturday, 10 am–4pm: parade begins at 10:00 along Summerfield Road; afterward all festivities are

OAK RIDGE town council

May 4 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by PATTI STOKES

Mayor Spencer Sullivan opened the meeting at 7 p.m. Council members Mike Stone, Doug Nodine and George McClellan were present and Jim Kinneman was absent.

Marti Hazelrigg, pastor of Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, led the opening prayer.

RESOLUTIONS

Town Manager Bruce Oakley presented a resolution to urge the North Carolina General Assembly to amend HB 310, which would limit local municipalities’ control over placement of telecommunication towers and equipment. Oakley said the bill had been introduced into state legislature with virtually no notice.

“We would have no control over where these cell phone towers could be placed – there could be a small tower every 200 yards,” Sullivan said.

“The way the bill is written, you could go every 100 feet down Oak Ridge Road through the historic district,” McClellan said.

“It’s a hastily introduced bill in my opinion,” Stone said, adding taxpayers could potentially have to pay to remove abandoned cellular equipment.

 4  0 to urge members of the

General Assembly to amend HB 310.

GC Sheriff’s Office Report. Sgt. Eric League reported there were no significant crimes in Oak Ridge last month, but noted there have been some burglaries and thefts in Stokesdale; the suspects are from Winston-Salem.

League said 67,000 gallons of water had been stolen from a privately owned water tank at the Food Lion shopping center in Summerfield over a 10-day period.

Tax season is a time for scammers to call and claim to be with IRS, League said, emphasizing, “The IRS will not call you.”

Doug Nodine asked about solicitors recently seen at the N.C. 68 and 150 intersection and League said the sheriff’s office responded and informed them of the town’s ordinance which prohibits standing, sitting or otherwise being in a highway to solicit contributions of any kind.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Asst. Fire Chief Sam Anders introduced Roland Russoli, father of Lance Corporal Andrew Russoli, who was killed in 2005 by a roadside bomb in Iraq. The annual Strength and Honor scholarship in Andrew’s honor was presented to volunteer firefighter Giovanna “Gigi” Giaimo. See photo, p. 21.

MANAGER’S REPORT  4  0 to appoint Steve Wilson to

the Planning and Zoning Board as a voting member. Wilson will fill the seat vacated by Carl Leybourne, who resigned due to being frequently out of town on business and missing meetings.

Resolutions to add Grey Fox Road and Fox Terrier Drive to NCDOT’s state maintenance system were approved.

Oakley said “Explore Oak Ridge!” is scheduled for Sept. 16 and he and Historic Preservation Commission chair Ann Schneider are working with NCDOT and someone from the sheriff’s office on the logistics of closing a portion of Oak Ridge Road to thru traffic during the event.

Parker Bryant presented a proposal to build a 12-by-14 landscaped and paved patio area with a 6-by-8 picnic table at Town Hall for staff members to enjoy.

 4  0 to approve Bryant’s pro-

posed Eagle Scout project.

PUBLIC HEARINGS Text Amendment. On behalf of applicant Chuck Truby, representing PJ Village Woods LLC, Town Planning Director Bill Bruce presented a proposed text amendment to revise the definition of townhouse and building separation requirements in the TC-R (town core residential) district.

Bruce explained that currently townhouses must be attached, but there is a trend to combine attached and freestanding units.

The proposed definition for townhouse dwellings would read, in part: “A building consisting of single-family residences attached to one another, or detached single-family residences consisting of a single unit, in which each unit is located

Spruce up your garage floor

CONCRETE R E PA I R S O L U T I O N S Russell Collier, owner/manager

(336) 707-1698

info@concreterepairsolutions.net www.concreterepairsolutions.net

Garages, patios, screened porches • Stained • Polished • Epoxy Free consultation Serving all of NW Guilford County

on an individually owned parcel, within a development consisting of multiple units containing private drives, walks, and open space on common area.”

The proposed amendment to building separation requirements would reduce them from 20 feet to 15 feet, specifically for townhouse developments with buildings two stories or less.

The Planning & Zoning Board voted 5-2 to recommend denying the building separation amendment and 7-0 to recommend approving the revised townhouse definition.

In response to a question from McClellan, Bruce said a building separation of as little as 10 feet is permitted in several of the town’s residential districts.

Ron Simpson, chair of the P&Z Board, said reducing the building separation requirement was a concern to some board members, especially after Fire Chief Steve Simmons spoke at the board’s last meeting.

“His comments to the board were persuasive for the five who voted against this because they believed there were some safety concerns. Chief indicated they could still gain access to the buildings with his equipment, but there was some additional risk with getting into that narrower space,” Simpson explained.

PUBLIC HEARING PROPONENTS

On behalf of PJ Village Woods LLC, owner Jerry Cooke explained his plan for 21 townhouses, in groups of three, on 24 acres was approved in 2006; the first building of three attached townhouses, each three stories high, was

“Compa Compre “Compassionate, State-of-th Comprehensive

compassionate

State-of-the-art Care

personal caring

Karen Nas Karen Nasisse, DVM

responsive

Ph 336-643-8984 Ph 3 Fax 336-643-8987

Fax 3 1692 NC 68N, S

1692 NC 68N, Suite J, 27310

“Compassionate, Comprehensive State-of-the-art Care “Compa

Karen Nasisse, DVM • Jessica Young, DVM

Compre

1692-J NC Hwy 68 N, Oak Ridge • (336) 643-8984 northwestanimalhospitalnc.com

KarenState-of-th Nasisse, DVM

Ph 336-643-8984 Fax 336-643-8987 1692 NC 68N, Suite J, 27310

Karen Nas

________________________________ Date

_________________________________ Time

ate Time ___________________________________________________________________ Has an appointment ___________________

_________________________________

8 MAY 12 - 18, 2017 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Ph 3 Fax 3 1692 NC 68N, S

completed in 2008. No other townhouses were constructed, however.

of the town’s Land Use Plan Steering Committee.

Cooke said he has never been able to sell or rent the middle unit in the threetownhouse building; he is ready to move forward with constructing 18 more townhouses and has presented a modified plan with each group of three townhouses consisting of two attached units and one detached unit separated by 15 feet.

“This does sound consistent with what the plan was trying to do,” she said. “Having attended the P&Z meeting in April and hearing about the 10 feet allowed with other homes, I was a bit stymied.

The building code continues to get more stringent and better housing provides a strong case for approving this.”

“After the first P&Z Board meeting (in March), I met with the fire chief and we discussed what we had proposed – ‘20 feet is better, but 15 feet is okay’ is what I took away from that conversation,” Cooke said. “Remember, these new units are two stories, not three stories high.”

COUNCIL DISCUSSION

“Whatever we build, they will have to be up to code,” Cooke assured the council.

He added that at the April P&Z Board meeting a comment had been made that developers just want to make more money.

“I take exception to that,” Cooke said.

“We’re not proposing any more homes.

How can you be ‘making all this money’ if you’ve had a project for nine years and haven’t done anything with it? “

Philip Cooke spoke next as manager of PJ Village Woods and said other developers might like to build this type of project in Oak Ridge. This would tie in with the Land Use Plan and allow for some variations in housing, he said.

McClellan called on P&Z Board member Steve Wilson, who was sitting in the audience, and asked his thoughts on the proposed plan fitting with the Land Use Plan. Before Wilson had a chance to answer, however, Simpson interjected and said it wasn’t appropriate to call on a P&Z member who was in the audience and ask his opinion on an issue that had come before the P&Z board.

Sullivan agreed, and McClellan apologized for calling on Wilson.

Nodine verified each of the six groups of townhouses being proposed would have one detached and two attached townhouses. When asked, Cooke said over 80 percent of the buildings’ exterior would be brick.

amendments to their ordinances.

PROPONENTS

Sullivan said he had spoken at length with Chief Simmons about fire safety concerns relating to the separation between attached and detached townhouses. The townhouses in this particular development would be smaller than many of the existing single-family residences in the town, and present no more difficulty for the fire department with regard to fighting a fire, Sullivan said.

Chuck Salmon spoke in favor of the budget, “solely on the basis of a tax cut.”

 4  0 to approved the amendment.

“This doesn’t significantly alter our ordinance,” Stone said after the vote.

“It meets all the safety standards and doesn’t increase density.

“One other thing,” he added. “I had a conversation with Chief Simmons and asked him what he would like to see in Oak Ridge (from a fire safety perspective).” Stone smiled widely as he gave Simmons’ answer: “He said ‘one house on 2 to 3 acres, with sprinkler systems.’”

2017-18 FY BUDGET

Finance Committee chair John Jenkins presented the proposed budget for next fiscal year, noting it reflects a reduction in the property tax from 8.63 cents to 8 cents per $100 property value.

Jerry Cooke thanked John Jenkins for his work on the Finance Committee.

OPPONENTS

Chuck Salmon said increases in salaries and cultural and recreation expenses are out of line, adding that projecting over $1 million in capital improvements was “a lot of money to spend.”

“It’s pretty easy to spend the money when it is there. It’s human nature. If it’s not there, it forces us to budget a little tighter.”

The town park is “awesome,” Salmon said, but questioned whether the $391,680 budgeted to operate and maintain it is justified.

COUNCIL DISCUSSION McClellan confirmed that copies of the 5-year capital expense plan were available to citizens and Oakley said yes.

Stone asked Jenkins about the impact of reducing the property tax and Jenkins said the reduced rate affects property tax revenue and sales tax revenue.

“To maintain revenue that would replenish the general fund back to $2 million, which was our guideline, the tax rate had to be 8 cents... We considered everything down to 5 cents,” Jenkins said.

Basketball • Basketball • Basketball • Basketball • Basketball • Basketball • Basketball • Basketball • Basketba • Basketball • Basketball • Basketball • Basketball • Bas ketball • Basketball • Basketball • Basketball • Basketba • Basketball • Basketball • Basketball • Basketball • Bas ketball • Basketball • Basketball • Basketball • Basketba • Basketball • Basketball • Basketball • Basketball • Bas Sign up now for summer basketball ketball • Basketball • Basketball • Basketball • Basketba • Basketball • Basketball •SPEARSYMCA.ORG Basketball • Basketball • Bas ketball • Basketball • Basketball • Basketball • Basketba

Ann Schneider spoke as a member

Sullivan reminded the council that any approved text amendments would apply to all future townhouses, not just those in PJ Village Woods.

It was noted that Greensboro and High Point have both adopted similar text

Net revenue for next year is projected at $512,874. Capital outlays are estimated at $1,050,273; with that, the town anticipates moving $537,399 from the fund balance to meet the capital requests.

Nodine said he has always been

...continued on p. 10

JOIN THE TEAM The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 MAY 12 - 18, 2017

9

TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 9

concerned about the town’s high fund balance, and noted a fund balance of around 30 percent of one year of revenue is recommended by the Institute of Government; a fund balance of 8 percent of one year of revenue is required by law.

“We don’t know what the county or big cities are going to do,” Sullivan said. “... We have been conservative in suggesting the lower tax rate. Could it be lower? We probably could squeeze it a little more. We can always have another reduction next year.”

Of 711 municipalities in North Carolina, Oak Ridge’s tax rate is the 35th lowest, Sullivan said.

“It’s difficult to compare us to our neighboring municipalities,” he added.

“If we had a $9 million fund balance (like Summerfield), I expect we’d be doing something totally different.”

“If you drop it (property tax rate) lower it doesn’t have that much of an

impact on the individuals but a huge impact on the town,” Jenkins noted.

“Since this is the first time the tax rate will be reduced, a conservative approach the first time and a continued march to where we need to be makes sense.,” Stone said.

McClellan said a 5-year capital plan that helps fulfill long-term visions of the town while simultaneously having a tax cut, even though modest, was wise.

CITIZEN COMMENTS

Randy Floss said he and his family have lived in Oak Ridge for the last 11 years. “I have a nice big house that has improved in value and pay half what I would pay in taxes versus being in Greensboro,” he said.

Floss, who chairs the Merchants of Oak Ridge’s RidgeFest Committee, then said there are several new things planned for this year’s three-day event June 1-3.

Founders’ Day runs Summerfield about $30,000; in contrast, the Town of Oak Ridge will spend about $8,000 on RidgeFest this year, he noted. The Merchants will spend around $8,300 for

Serving the northwest community

live music performances, someone to run the sound system, a climbing wall, face painting, advertising, signage, etc., in addition to the many volunteer hours MOR members will contribute.

“So I think it’s a pretty even split on how the town and the merchants have worked together to make this happen,” Floss said.

John Haynes, president of ORMA, said portico restoration at Alumni Hall is underway. May events include a military ball, a Mother’s Day ceremony and parade, and graduation on May 20.

(336) 643-4623

 Administration of estates and trusts  Wills, trusts and estate planning  Guardianships  Small business start-ups  Contracts

attorneybillbarbour.com

Parks and Rec. Phillip Hanks thanked the Canine Caper sponsors, volunteers and town staff for a great event on April 29. The Radials will perform at the next Music in the Park on May 13, 6:30 p.m.

P&Z Board. Chair Ron Simpson said the board unanimously approved a site plan submitted by Pugh Oil for a Quick Lube facility in Oak Ridge Marketplace.

Simpson recognized Carl Leybourne for his 10 years of service on the board and said he would be greatly missed.

The academy will offer several new courses next year; also, $2,000 scholarships will be offered to Oak Ridge families.

Merchants of Oak Ridge. Phillip Hanks, MOR president, thanked Randy Floss for all his work on RidgeFest. New this year will be a Glo Run through the park on Friday evening (June 2).

Chuck Salmon asked why the town couldn’t outsource more versus paying so much in salaries and benefits.

Countryside Village Retirement Community is MOR’s newest member.

“I still think we’re heading in the right direction, but I believe we can get there faster,” he said.

FINANCE REPORT

Finance Officer Sam Anders said franchise tax receipts will go down next year because many people no longer are subscribing to cable service and land lines.

Fire inspection fees will double next year, from $25 to $50 per hour. The ABC store’s profits continue to increase.

8004 Linville Rd, Suite E-3, Oak Ridge

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Any business leader who “lives, works or plays in the area” is welcome to join the association, Hanks said.

Historic Preservation. Chair Ann Schneider said the extensive landscaping and detail at Pugh Oil will make the site a good fit for the historic district.She thanked those who have helped organize a four-hour road closure for Explore Oak Ridge! on Sept. 16.

A historic marker will be dedicated at Oak Ridge Town Park June 1 at 6 p.m.

Council asked how the fire inspections work and Anders, who is also Oak Ridge Fire Department’s assistant chief, responded that state law requires businesses, churches, daycares, etc. to periodically have a fire inspection.

CITIZEN COMMENTS

State statute requires municipalities to contract with some entity for fire inspections, which the town currently pays for.

McClellan said HB 637, which relates to formation of a regional water authority, has unanimously passed the House.

Oakley was asked to check into how the town might recoup some of the fees.

Stone asked Oakley about the water feasibility study and Oakley said the contract with Timmons Group is being negotiated. When Oakly said the preliminary study cost is $195,000, Stone responded, “Wow! Just … wow!”

Nodine said he was most bothered by the town having to pay for follow-up inspections for someone found to be out of compliance with the fire code.

 4  0 to accept the financial report as presented and to approve the new audit contract (two separate votes).

10 MAY 12 - 18, 2017 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Jerry Cooke encouraged the council to give Randy Floss some public recognition for all he has done for RidgeFest.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

On behalf of Councilman Kinneman, Nodine noted May is Blood Drive Month.

The meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m.

Welcome to

A weekly section in the Northwest Observer focused on our local youth and the adults who positively impact them.

youth / school NEWS

Photo courtesy of Danielle Gram

(From left) Wilson Kepley, Ria Bakthisaran, Vidyuth Raman and Aryahi Tiwari represented the nearly 90-member Oak Ridge Elementary Colts Chess Club at the Greensboro Chess Club Scholastic Tournament on April 22; Aryahi Tiwari took second place.

Northern High drafting students design Camp Weaver addition Three Northern High students have used knowledge gained in the classroom to help a local nonprofit.

Photo courtesy of Karen Jureit | Northwest

Guilford Middle School’s Odyssey of the Mind team placed second at the OM state competition on April 1. The team will compete in the world finals against teams from all over the United States and other countries on May 24-28 at Michigan State University. An encore performance called “Popcorn & A Skit” will be performed May 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the NWMS cafeteria. The event is free, but beverages and snacks will be sold and donations will support the team’s trip to the world finals. For more information, contact Ann Virost at virostt@gcsnc.com.

Hannah Mangum, Sydney Inman and Mason Eades are all seniors in Michelle Wallace’s Architectural Advanced Studies class. They were commissioned

by Camp Weaver to design an addition to the camp’s current dining hall.

After visiting the site, measuring, taking pictures and discussing needs with the camp director, the students designed a space that incorporates indoor and outdoor seating, heated space and views of the camp.

“This is what is really exceptional about this project, kids designing for kids,” said Angel Guererro, Camp Weaver board chair.

The students presented their final ideas to the camp board in February, and were approved to present to the area’s YMCA board of directors this summer.

“This project was a great opportunity for these four-year drafting program students to apply their natural talents and acquired classroom skills to a real-world project,” Wallace said.

...more Youth/School News on p. 12

Better scan. Better fit. Better smile.

With our new iTero scanners, our Invisalign patients start their journey to a better smile quickly and comfortably! Because the scanner allows for greater precision, aligners fit 7 times better with digital scans. So, say goodbye to the gooey impressions of the past. Schedule a time to sit down with Dr. Reynolds and see how he can change your smile the easy way!

6161 Lake Brandt Road • Summerfield 1304 Beaman Place • Greensboro www.ReynoldsOrthodontics.com • 336-644-1664

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 MAY 12 - 18, 2017

11

Budget woes being felt in local schools

YOUTH news ...continued from p. 11

Long-standing classes at Northwest High School eliminated

by JOE GAMM

NW GUILFORD – The mandate to shrink class sizes in kindergarten through third grade is causing ripples throughout the Guilford County Schools system.

At Northwest Guilford High School, administrators have been making painful decisions which include cutting popular classes like We The People.

Photo courtesy of Cynthia Bell

Northern Guilford High School women’s soccer team celebrates after defeating Walter M. Williams High School 3-1 on May 5 to win the 3A conference championship. This is the fifth consecutive conference championship for the Nighthawks. The team was scheduled to play Smithfield-Selma on May 10 in the first round of the 3A women’s soccer state championship tournament.

House Bill 13 called for reductions in class sizes for students in grades K-3 beginning with the 2017-18 school year. In April, Gov. Roy Cooper signed an amended bill, delaying the change for a year.

With funding for next school year still uncertain, school districts have been rearranging how they distribute allotments of teachers.

Having smaller class sizes at the lower grade levels requires more teachers, NWHS principal Ralph Kitley said.

A side effect of that change is that the average class size in high schools increased by one student per teacher.

“When a mandate is made to decrease class sizes at another level – whether it be elementary or middle schools – that’s going to translate to increased class sizes at the high school level,” Kitley said. “Without extra money coming in to fund those new positions, you’ve got to take them from a different level, and that’s positions here.”

In the past, principals had the flexibility to trade positions – for example, they could take a position like a media specialist, if there were two allotted to the school, and trade one of them for a teacher, Kitley explained. Principals no longer have that flexibility.

“This year, we had to cut three classroom teachers,” Kitley said.

12 MAY 12 - 18, 2017 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Principals can’t cut any courses that are core graduation requirements – i.e., English, math and some health and physical education classes. Those class sizes may, however, increase.

That brings the focus on electives like social studies, arts, music and some physical education.

Based on his findings, Kitley has decided to eliminate Speech and Debate, Leadership and We The People classes next year.

Teachers of those classes will still teach other social studies classes, but one social studies teacher is losing their job.

In all, 12.5 high school positions were eliminated in the Guilford County Schools’ $709 million budget request, approved by the school board May 9.

Middle schools are losing 26 positions, as are early and middle colleges. The school system’s budget will be submitted to the county commissioners, who will vote on whether to approve it in June.

The Speech and Debate class at NWHS will operate as an after-school club next year. Club participants will continue to compete with students from other schools.

Leadership and We The People will cease to exist.

We The People is not a “normal” high school class, said Ray Parrish, who has taught the class since it was first introduced at NWHS about 20 years ago.

“There are not as many people this year who are interested in joining WTP,” Parrish said. “That was a shock.”

We The People is a Constitution and civics competency class. Students compete with other schools in simulated congressional hearings and “testify” before a panel of judges.

The N.C. Bar Association, which oversees the state competition, com-

...continued on p. 15

Northern High presents

want to go?

‘Beauty and the Beast’ Showtimes are May 18, 19 and 20

by JONATHAN WILLIAMS Monsieurs and mademoiselles, it is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that the Northern High School Theater presents a musical production of “Beauty and the Beast.”

but do well. I didn’t want to see facades of these characters. So we brought together a diverse cast of students who could give new meaning to these characters while still portraying the nostalgia that audiences remember.”

Incorporating the show’s memorable characters and popular songs, a cast and crew comprised of over 50 Northern students from grades 9-12 have drawn from the 1991 animated film, awardingwinning Broadway musical and the liveaction film released in March.

Along with a diverse cast, the production will also feature the talents of Emmy Award-winning makeup artist Dean Jones. A graduate of UNC Greensboro, Jones has worked on “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Star Trek,” “X-Men: First Class” and many other movies and television series. He has created both the mask and mane for the Beast to wear during Northern’s musical.

“We decided to really focus on character,” theater teacher Anna Smith said.

“This is a very hard show to not only do

“My jaw dropped to the floor when I learned about Dean Jones,” junior Evan Thomas, who plays the Beast, said.

“Hair was everywhere when I first tried the costume on, but it looked identical to the one worn on Broadway.

“There is so much talent among the cast and people working on stage to put this show on; I’m going to be so upset when this ends,” Thomas added.

Since getting underway in January, the cast and crew have rehearsed three times a week, and daily for the last three weeks leading up to opening night.

“We are a very extraverted bunch, and we want our audience to live this story,” freshman Elizabeth Hyman, who plays Maurice, said. “Many of us, both in the musical and in the audience, grew up with these characters and songs. On stage, the audience will truly be able to experience the story face-to-face.”

Northern High School’s production of “Beauty and the Beast” takes place in the school’s auditorium, located at 7101 Spencer-Dixon Road in Greensboro. Performances are at 7 p.m. on May 18 and 19, and 2 p.m. on May 20.

Advance tickets can be purchased online for $8 at nghstheatre.eventbrite.com and purchased for $10 at the door.

In addition to the performance, Northern will also host two related events that both require advance tickets. Before the performance on May 18, there will be a dinner theatre at 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include dinner as well as preferential seating for the show that evening. On May 20 at noon there will be a character luncheon for $15. Guests will be able to meet the characters, as well as take photos, get their autographs and see some sneak peek performances.

Photo by Jonathan Williams/NWO

The cast of “Beauty and the Beast” surrounds Belle, portrayed by sophomore Caroline Donato, as they sing the opening number, “Belle.” The cast is comprised of a mix of experienced theater performers and some who are new to the stage.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 MAY 12 - 18, 2017

13

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 Logan King, baseball

by MARC PRUITT Logan King is tasked with managing the powerful pitching staff of Northern Guilford’s baseball team, a challenge he has relished for the better part of his four-year career as the team’s catcher.

“I think as soon as my dad found out he was having a boy, he knew he was going to make me a catcher,” King said. “He’s had

me out working ever since I could throw a baseball. I love being the field general and being the guy who sees everything going on on the field.”

King’s father, Joe, played catcher for St. Ambrose University, a Division III school in Iowa, and passed on the love of the position to his son.

Northern headed into this week’s Mid State 3-A conference tournament with a 20-3 record behind the team’s stellar pitching staff.

Cameron Cotter and Josh Pike will both play college baseball for N.C. State. John Clark Ouzts will play for Charlotte. That’s three future Division I pitchers King has the pleasure of catching for every game.

“Working with these guys has been pretty easy,” King said. “You’ve got three

Vacation Bible School Mon., June 19 thru Fri., June 23 6:30 -9pm Register online at summerfieldfbc.com

(Click “Register Now” under the Operation Artic logo on the homepage) Need help? Email Derrick Moody at dmoody@summerfieldfbc.com

Online registration closes Friday, June 16, at 12 noon

SUMMERFIELD FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

2300 Scalesville Road Summerfield (336) 643-6383

D1 arms and another guy, Joe Milwee, who’s also got great stuff. Getting on the same page with them is never a problem.

Josh (Pike) is more of a heavy ball thrower.

He throws it hard and has good movement.

Cameron (Cotter) plays with a lot of heart and shows it sometimes, which I love. And John Clark (Ouzts) has a hammer for a curve ball and can really keep them guessing. Our slogan all year has been ‘walks lose ballgames.’ With the pitchers we have and the defense we have behind them, we shouldn’t be walking people. We need to have the batters put the ball in play and let our defense make the plays behind them, or we can just get the strikeout.”

King was on the receiving end of a perfect game tossed by Cotter recently in a 13-0 win against Western Alamance.

“That could have happened with any of our guys,” King said. “That’s how good they are. I trust them all completely and they trust me to call the right pitch in the right spot. They can throw anything at any time in the count and teams really have a hard time settling in against us.”

King, who is also the president of HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) at Northern, will continue his baseball career at Guilford College next fall. He wants to pursue a career in business or the medical field.

NORTHERN GUILFORD Reagan Reece, art

by JONATHAN WILLIAMS Artist Pablo Picasso once said that an artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from disparate places – from the sky, the earth, a scrap of paper or the web of a spider. With the flourish of a paintbrush, pencil or pen, one Northern High artist is a testimony to that statement.

Sophomore Reagan Reece uses her art to process her feelings.

14 MAY 12 - 18, 2017 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

“You can’t just put a sketchpad in front of me and tell me to make art,” Reece said.

“What I create is based off a certain feeling. For example, if I’m in a happy mood, I tend to sketch landscapes and nature.”

Dating back to her elementary school days of papier-mache and construction paper weavings, Reece said she was always the most excited for art class.

Over time she has challenged herself with different art media and methods. Her favorite medium is pen and ink and she says this year she has learned things to help her create art she didn’t think she could create.

Though willing to work with mixed media, she is most content with focusing on using one medium to best express her moods and emotions to her audience.

“Reagan is a bright and talented student,” art teacher Kathryn Sayani said.

“She is thoughtful in her intentions and quite the perfectionist. Reagan is a full participant in life.”

While creating each new piece of art, Reece enjoys listening to music to further strengthen her connection to the emotion she is channeling. Some of her favorite musicians are Queen, Kansas, Miranda Lambert and, most notably, Elvis Presley. Working through her feeling and its complementary music, Reece aspires to portray the timelessness of the human condition that she herself respects in many of the classical artists of the past.

Reece has volunteered and interned at Cone Health in Greensboro, where she has worked with patients in cardiac rehabilitation and other areas, and she hopes to one day enter the medical field as a nurse.

“I really just like being able to make people happy when they’re in unhappy situations,” she said.

Picasso would no doubt be impressed with this young artist and her penchant for transforming her emotions into something truly meaningful for those around her.

On A Side Note ...

Toughest Class: Honors Math III Influential artist: Claude Monet Favorite show: “Supernatural”

SCHOOL BUDGET ...continued from p. 12

pares WTP to what would be seen on C-SPAN at an actual congressional hearing. Students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles as well as evaluate and defend positions on various issues.

In the late 1990s and into the 2000s, the school’s WTP team won the state title 13 consecutive times. It won 15 titles overall.

“It’s something that’s been here for 20-plus years and has been very successful and does a great deal of good for our kids,” Kitley said. “But, those classes have to go because nobody needs those classes to graduate.”

Students wanting to attend college

STOKESDALE CHOIR

“A lot of kids want AP, which is key for getting them into college,” Parrish said.

“So much of this year is about the numbers game – their GPA and the class range.”

Adam Griffin, a former We The People student and a current law school student at UNC Chapel Hill, said he’d considered following his father into law, but wasn’t passionate about the career until he took Parrish’s WTP class. The General Assembly’s push to make sure students all have the required math, English, science and physical education classes turns the education system into an assembly line, he said.

“The citizenship component is lacking,” Griffin said. “The public school

...continued from p. 6

included religious music and led the sing-along for the Stokesdale Christmas tree lighting last December.

Members range in age from 39 to 85, and most are retired.

“But we don’t ask,” Gary Smith said.

The choir is open to anyone in the surrounding area. That was perfect for Mollie Williams, who is in two other choirs and performs with the Theatre Guild of Rockingham County.

“I get bored if I’ve got nothing to do,” Williams said.

There’s more than just musical talent, too. Terry Boose, the second narrator for “Celebrate America,” sounds like he should be a professional voice actor.

Boose, who is retired from the American Express call center, said people from all over the world complimented him on his speaking voice.

“I was often asked, ‘This isn’t your full-time job, is it? I think I’ve heard you on WABC (radio station in New York),’” he said. “I’d say, ‘No, you haven’t.’ I’ve been blessed with a good voice.”

Seven or eight of the members are not native North Carolinians, which

are seeking out the Advanced Placement classes, Parrish said. AP- and Honors-level classes offer more grade points than electives like WTP.

system should be focused on making good citizens as much as they are on making good mathematicians.”

he said. “We’ll have to spend $50 million to $100 million based on the various needs of those school districts.”

High school students losing electives was not the intent of legislators, according to state Sen. Jerry Tillman, of Archdale. Tillman is the father of Pat Tillman, who was recently elected to the Guilford County Board of Education.

The way the system works right now, positions are being shuffled as schools try to do the most they can with few parts, Pat Tillman said.

School districts couldn’t meet the “hard cap” the General Assembly put on classroom sizes in grades K-3, and made up the difference by tapping the teacher allotment and taking away “enhancement” positions in art music and PE, Jerry Tillman said.

“To fix that, we will be and I will push for funding those enhancement teachers separately from the teacher allotment,”

“One of the neatest things that we have is a chance for Northerners and Southerners to meet and have a ball laughing over what something might mean to each other,” she said.

Politics is checked at the door, and Duke and Carolina apparel is left in the drawers.

Parrish also hopes WTP will return, saying students in the class embrace the idea of unconditional love.

“That idea of coming together and talking about incredibly deep issues is really rare in a high school class,” he said.

For mo norther re info, visit nartsst ud • • • • io.com • Retro Camp

Summer Camps Noble Ninjas

Beene said leads to some interesting discussions.

The bill being written would give back some of those “enhancements” that have been eliminated, he noted. And, he hopes programs like WTP can return.

(For children with special needs) $125 • Ages 5+ Mondays, June 12- Aug. 21 • 4 - 4:45 pm

Karate

(Beginner/Intermediate) $125 for 1 day/week; $200 for 2 days/week Mondays/Tuesdays, June 12- Aug. 22 5 - 5:45 pm (Intermediate/Advanced) $125 for 1 day/week; $200 for 2 days/week Mondays/Tuesdays, June 12- Aug. 22 6 - 6:45 pm

$200 • Ages 6 -12 June 26 - 30 • 8 am - 4pm

Little Panda Karate Camp $125 • Ages 4- 6 Aug. 14 -18 • 2- 4pm

Fairy Tale Princess Camp $85 • Ages 4- 8 July 10 -12 • 9 am -12 pm

Dance Team Cheer Camp $75 • Ages 7-14 July 10 -12 • 1- 3 pm

Junior Assistant Camp

Art Camp

Some have lost spouses; others have room in their lives for new friends.

Mike Carr Karate students, become a junior karate assistant! • $125 Tuesdays, June 13 - Aug. 22 • 4 - 4:45 pm

$180 • Ages 6 -13 Saturday, June 10, July 22 & Aug. 14 9 am -1pm

“A lot of them know each other,” Beene said. “A lot of them get to know each other. … It seems a lot like group therapy.”

Adult Kenpo

Mad Scientist: Red Hot Robots

(Beginner/Intermediate) $125 • Ages 14- 80 Mondays, June 12- Aug. 21 • 7-7:45 pm

$185 • Ages 6 -12 July 24 -28 • 8:30 am -12 pm

MMA Fit Camp

$160 • Ages 5 -12 July 24 -28 • 12- 3:30 pm

With music.

$125 • Ages 10 - 80 Tuesdays, June 13 - Aug. 22 • 7- 8 pm

want to go?

“Celebrate America” will be performed Saturday, May 20, at 7 p.m. by Stokesdale Community Choir, with some students from the Huntsville Elementary School chorus and McMichael High School choir. The concert will take place at Gideon Grove United Methodist Church, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road, Stokesdale. Admission is free; a prize drawing will be held for a veteran.

Mad Scientist: Secret Agent Lab

1011-D Hwy 150 W, Summerfield • (336) 681-3255

Register online at northernartsstudio.com or mikecarrkarate.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 MAY 12 - 18, 2017

15

We are the only authorized Stainmaster Flooring Center in Guilford County

Some things get better with age Celebrating with

Anniversary Savings

••

••

ATING R B

•••

CEL E

throughout the store

•

Y E A RS

••

••

•

••

••

••• ••

• ••

••

Your total flooring source

Family owned since 1977 4114 Spring Garden Street, Greensboro | (336) 292-0724 www.CarpetSuperMart.com

Celebrate Mom Special pricing this Mother’s Day on Signature Nail Systems

Gift certificates available

Elite Nails & Spa UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

(336) 643-5435 7605-D Hwy 68 N, Oak Ridge

In honor of Mother’s Day on May 14, we recently visited with 19 students in Karen Brendle’s kindergarten class at Oak Ridge Elementary School to talk about their moms. Their comments reveal that we’ve got some fine chefs among this group of moms, and they not only take care of their household responsibilities but also find time to play, read and snuggle with their kids – and even throw the football sometimes. Here’s to all of our moms, those still with us and those who have long passed, for the countless small and gigantic ways they have brightened our days.

Photo and comment compilations

by Janathan Williams and Patti Stokes/NWO

Beside Pizza Hut in Kings Crossing Shopping Center Open seven days a week

Davis Franklin said his mom Karly Mann said her mom is happy in the mornings, she makes great chocolate chip cookies, reads with him and is a good tickler.

Taylor Lewis said her mom

plays with her outside, plays tricks on her – and snuggles with her.

Taylor Lewis

Ronny Albrecht

theoutwest.com

(336) 993-2222 We invite you to join us for Mother's Day. 11:30 am to 9:00 pm.

No reservations please.

Happy Mother's Day from our family to yours!!

Preston Culbertson

Lillie Ringeman

Chas Royal

Jax Bryant

Townes Franklin said his

mom is a good cook and one of her specialties is chicken casserole. She’s a tad quiet in the mornings, but not grouchy. Harrison appreciates that his mom loves him and takes care of him. And as for her favorite pastime? “She likes to watch ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ – it’s a cartoon,” Harrison said.

loves her and loves the family’s two dogs. Plus, “she cooks the best food ever” (specifically, Karly said her mom makes great chicken nuggets and cake). As for what her mom does in her down time, Karly said she enjoys watching “Real Housewives,” adding “she really does love it!”

Ronny Albrecht said his

mom’s favorite food is Pop Tarts and for fun, she likes to work. She’s also “as pretty as a leopard” and “as sweet as a hot dog.”

Chloe Root said her mom is a good pizza cook, plays with her, tickles her and reads with her.

1185 Hwy 66 South . Kernersville Located between the two I-40's on Hwy 66

For your Parties Private Dining & Patio Available

18 MAY 12 - 18, 2017 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Isabella Shepherd

Nala Gorham

Eli Lewis

Chas Royal said his mom makes

good chicken soup. She’s a “morning person,” and when not taking care of the family she might watch a “house or a cooking show” on television. She’s not really chatty, “but if you talk to her she will answer back” (Chas added that sometimes his mom gets chatty when she’s in the kitchen).

Nala Gorham said her mom

“looks pretty every day.” She likes to wear dresses, likes flowers and enjoys eating spaghetti and working out. She also likes to play hide and go seek and tag with Nala. One more thing – “She likes to spend time with her family but sometimes she can’t spend as much time as she wants because she has to go to work.”

Jackson Cates said his mom loves Bridger Smith said his mom has to play games with him and she loves the flowers that he brings her. When she’s not taking care of him she likes to eat – specifically, spaghetti. She’s also a good cook and makes great French fries.

Preston Culbertson said his

mom makes great chicken chili and spaghetti. He enjoys going to Oak Ridge Town Park with her. When she’s not taking care of the house and family, she occasionally “calls the babysitter and has a private dinner.” Her favorite thing to watch on television is a “house/realtor show.”

Dakota Carroll said her mom

likes to eat bananas and popsicles. In her spare time she “likes to play on her phone.” Dakota shared that her mom twisted her ankle and is having a hard time walking so Dakota helps her clean up. Her favorite among the things her mom cooks? Macaroni and cheese!

Davis Franklin

curly hair and she can wear glasses or contact lenses (describing them as “those things you wear on your eyes but you can’t see them”). Sometimes his mom lets him snuggle with her in her bed and she gets him to help with dinner. He loves it when she makes waffles and pancakes, and especially enjoys the syrup she puts on them. “She even cuts them up for me because she knows I can’t eat them whole,” Bridger said, adding that he has blue eyes but his mom has brown eyes.

Inez Cole said her mom is very

pretty and helps her with her homework.

She is also really good at cooking; Inez’s favorite thing her mom makes is “like soup but it’s noodles – I call it ‘oodles and noodles.’” Her mom also plays the game “Trouble” with her.

Jax Bryant said his mom is a good cook, and especially good at cooking

Inez Cole

Andy Lee

chicken. His favorite thing that his mom does with him is throw the football. She also likes to build Legos with him (Jax did a spell check on my computer to make sure I spelled Legos correctly). She’s happy in the mornings, likes to talk on the phone in her spare time, and when it’s time for him to go to bed they like to scare each other.

Lillie Ringeman said her mom is

funny, tells jokes and makes her laugh. Her mom is also a good cook, and her specialty is bacon (Lillie loves bacon). In her spare time Lillie’s mom helps Lillie’s daddy and she loves to watch cooking shows.

Eli Lewis described his mom as be-

ing “really sweet” and “really nice to me.”

She’s a good cook and makes “yummy desserts” – one of his favorites is an apple pie with “yogurt crunched-up bars” (I hope I got that right – it does sound yummy!). Eli enjoys going out to dinner with his mom at East Coast Wings. “She reads books with me, she really likes to play with me and she watches me ride my scooter,” he added.

things outside. Having a family workday is often a request of her mom’s on her birthday – on one of those workdays Isabella helped paint the mailbox, plant flowers and clean the house. Her mom’s favorite kind of cookies is chocolate chip. Isabella’s favorite thing to do with her mom is cuddle. Isabella’s mom has a lot of nicknames for her, which include “Sweet Pie,” “Izzy,” “Izzy Bizzy,” “Doll” and “Baby.” Oh – and “she really likes the presents I make for her out of paper.”

Andy Lee said his favorite thing to

do with his mom is read. He also shared that his mom cooks a really good soup, and that she is as pretty as a “rabbit” and as sweet as a “red-eyed tree frog.” Andy wouldn’t trade his mom for anything – “not even a baby brother!”

Cooper Welch enjoys it when his

mom chases him around the house (“I don’t let her catch me,” he said). She is also a good snuggler and makes delicious spaghetti and hot dogs. She likes to smell flowers, too – and she loves dark chocolate.

Isabella Shepherd had a long list

of things to share about her mom, whose favorite things to do are reading books and getting flowers. Also, her mom loves “getting her hands dirty” and enjoys planting

Chloe Root

Give her something special from...

Townes Franklin

Special Mother’s Day weekend hours: Friday, May 12 • 8:30am- 6pm Saturday, May 13 • 8:30am-5:30 pm

(336) 441-8611

Dakota Carroll

Bridger Smith

Cooper Welch

Jackson Cates

Karly Mann

7779-B NC Hwy 68, Stokesdale

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 MAY 12 - 18, 2017

19

BITS & PIECES

We’ve got you covered Crews are putting the finishing touches on a Summerfield park feature

movie will begin under the wooden creation around 7:30 p.m.

Crews have nearly finished construction of the new structure at Summerfield Community Park.

The new amphitheater cover will mean that acts can perform—rain or shine.

The first major event using the amphitheater’s new structure will be a Movies in the Park on May 26, which will feature the animated children’s movie, “Sing.” The

The event is free, said Cheryl Gore, Summerfield’s events planner, adding, “We give out free popcorn.”

Concerts in the community park are planned on select Saturdays during the summer. The first concert is to be 6 p.m.

June 17.

CR Beaver, a construction company from Kernersville won the contract for

the amphitheater cover. Summerfield had estimated the cost of the structure at about $65,000, but initial bids came in much higher. After changing some specifications on the cover and sending it out for bids again, the town accepted CR Beaver’s bid of $108,315 in January.

Photos by Joe Gamm/NWO

Left photo: Chris McElrea (left) and Rick Thomas, employers of Cardinal Millwork and Supply, work on the amphitheater cover at Summerfield Community Park.

Right photo: The new amphitheater cover stands ready for performances at Summerfield Community Park.

Photo by Joe Gamm/NWO

Peter Busa, a product training specialist with BullEx, teaches Summerfield firefighters how to operate a new Fire Prevention and Life Safety Trailer. The Summerfield Fire Department took delivery of the $120,000 trailer late last week.

The trailer, which was designed to resemble area homes, can simulate fires in a home. It also can simulate disaster scenarios, such as earthquake, flooding, hurricane and tornado conditions. It will be available for tours during Summerfield Founders’ Day celebrations on Saturday. See more photos and a video from the fire fighters’ training on May 9 at www.Facebook.com/NorthwestObserver.

Personal service with professional results • VIP, Allen Tate Company • Legends Award • Chairman's Circle Award • President's Club

Who you choose to work with matters!

Ramilya Siegel Your neighborhood real estate professional CRS, GRI, ABR, SRES, Realtor

®

ramilya.siegel@allentate.com

(336) 215-9856

Welcoming new patients New 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 /RamilyaSiegel

20 MAY 12 - 18, 2017 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

(336) 643-3378 • 7607-B Hwy 68 N, Oak Ridge

CELEBRATION

Mother’s Day Tribute There is a hole in my heart since you left us in November that no one can fill.

I know I’ll see you again one day.

Happy Mother’s Day in Heaven Mama!

I love you, Robin

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Roland Russoli (left), father of Lance Corporal Andrew Russoli, who was killed in 2005 by a roadside bomb in Iraq, and Sam Anders (right), Oak Ridge Fire District assistant chief, present the annual Strength and Honor scholarship to volunteer firefighter Giovanna “Gigi” Giaimo at the Oak Ridge Town Council meeting on May 4. The scholarship was set up by the Russoli family to be given each year in Andrew Russoli’s honor.

Nationally known dementia specialist presents workshop for caregivers KERNERSVILLE – Piedmont Triad Regional Council Area Agency on Aging is sponsoring a May 19 workshop featuring Heather McKay, an award-winning, nationally known dementia specialist and occupation therapist, to train caregivers—family members, volunteers and professionals— how to deal with a loved one’s onset of dementia.

The full-day seminar will be from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Piedmont Triad Regional Council at 1398 Carrollton Crossing Drive in Kernersville. A $20 required registration includes lunch, but there are limited scholarships available for family caregivers.

McKay will address how the brain changes, the changes needed in communication and expected behavioral changes at every stage of dementia.

Caregivers will learn specific ways to develop positive interactions during the

progression of the disease.

There are many types of dementia; Alzheimer’s disease, the most common, affects one in seven North Carolinians over the age of 65, according to the North Carolina Institute of Medicine.

In North Carolina, over 160,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and the number is projected to increase to over 210,000 by 2025.

The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that about 448,000 North Carolinians provided $6.2 billion in unpaid care for loved ones with dementia in 2014.

To register for the workshop, contact Yolanda Davenport at (336) 904-0300.

For more information about the Piedmont Triad Regional Council, contact Teresa Jackson, Family Caregiver Support Specialist, at (336) 904-0300 or tjackson@ptrc.org.

for celebration ad rates: e-mail: celebrations@nwobserver.com call: 644-7035, ext. 10

OBITUARY KEVIN RAY GOLDEN Kevin Ray Golden, 53, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 26.

Kevin was born on June 30, 1963, in Montevideo, Minnesota, to Robert Floyd and Myrtle Gibson Golden. He attended Dan Mohr School of Real Estate and Mendenhall School of Auctioneering.

He was the owner and operator of Golden Antiques & Treasures.

Kevin was a jack of all trades and could do a little of everything. He enjoyed sporting events and especially liked to attend Wake Forest games. He also loved music and outdoor activities including mowing and Frisbee. Kevin loved sun visors and he had an extensive collection to prove it.

Kevin was preceded in death by his mother.

Surviving are his children, Kyle and Kandi Golden; two grandchildren, Zora and Nicholas Tritt; two sisters, Kathy Moore and Karen Golden; two brothers, Kenny and Kacey Golden; two former spouses and special friends, Teresa Golden and Wendy Gayle Golden; and many special nieces and nephews.

A funeral service for Kevin was held on Sunday, April 30, at Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel with Pastor Tony Casas officiating. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

for obituary rates:

e-mail: info@nwobserver.com • call: 644-7035, ext. 10

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 MAY 12 - 18, 2017

21

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

The District 1 office, one of three district offices in Guilford County, encompasses Oak Ridge, Summerfield, Stokesdale, Colfax and northwest and northern Greensboro.

ASSAULT May 2 | A known suspect hit a resident of U.S. 158 in Stokesdale in the face during an argument around 5:30 p.m.

No injuries were observed by the reporting officer; warrants were advised.

BURGLARY May 3 | A resident of Coldwater Road in Stokesdale reported that unknown suspects used bodily force to break into a side door of his residence between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on May 3. Three firearms and ammunition valued at $1,159 were stolen; the estimated damage to the door is $180.

WARM

WEATHER

IS HERE

Make sure your A/C system can handle the job

May 6 | One or more unknown suspects broke the kitchen window of a residence on U.S. 158 in Stokesdale between 4 and 6 p.m. Prescription medications valued at $125 were stolen along with a Samsung smartphone valued at $200.

May 4 | An unknown suspect was seen entering a residence on Summerfield Road in Summerfield sometime between 8:30 and 9 p.m.; nothing was reported stolen.

MISCELLANEOUS April 21 | A runaway was reported by Northern Guilford High School at 4:19 p.m.; the juvenile was later located. www.trane.com

Ask about special financing Subject to credit approval, see store for details

7101 US 158, Stokesdale • (336) 643-7397 NEW SYSTEM INSTALLATION • SERVICE • REPAIR

May 2 | A known offender and Stokesdale resident was arrested and transported to Greensboro Jail Central under $1,000 bond after a traffic stop at Oak Level Church Road in Stokesdale shortly after 5 p.m. The suspect was found operating a vehicle with a suspended license and had two orders for arrest from

22 MAY 12 - 18, 2017 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

traffic charges in Rockingham County; additionally, the suspect’s vehicle was impounded, and he was cited for an expired tag and inspection violation.

THEFT May 1 | A known suspect stole an 18-pack of Miller Lite valued at $10.95 from Dollar General on Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale around 7:30 p.m.

After the suspect was located, he was arrested and charged with misdemeanor larceny.

May 3 | A resident of Kelly Lee Drive in Stokesdale reported that one or more unknown suspects stole a wallet containing a bank card, social security card and driver’s license from her unlocked vehicle sometime between 9 p.m. on May 2 and 1 p.m. on May 3.

May 7 | Known suspects stole three packages of steaks valued at $41.47 from Food Lion on U.S. 220 in Summerfield between 7 and 7:51 p.m.

May 7 | A known suspect stole two packages of toilet paper and two bags of charcoal valued at $12.45 from Dollar General on U.S. 220 in Summerfield at 7:51 p.m. The suspect was charged with larceny and possession of stolen property; she was also served a 2016 probation violation from Rockingham County.

VEHICLE PURSUIT April 30 | A known suspect failed to stop for an officer at 3:30 a.m. in the 1000 block of N.C. 150 in Summerfield. North Carolina Highway Patrol arrested the offender for felony speeding to elude near the intersection of U.S. 29 and Mayfield Road in Ruffin.

mark your

calendar Submit your events online at

Click “community calendar” on the left-hand side Deadline for inclusion in each week’s issue is

9 a.m. on Mondays EVERY MONDAY IN MAY zz Music Mondays | Morehead United Methodist Church, 3214 Horse Pen Creek Road, will host Music Mondays each Monday in May from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Enjoy music, food trucks and fun!

EVERY THIRD TUESDAY zz Oak Ridge Cruise-In | Come out to Oak Ridge Commons from 5:30 to 8 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month through October to view hot rods, classic cars and custom-built cars; meet the cars’ owners, enjoy live music and take advantage of shopping center merchants’ specials.

THURSDAY, MAY 11

TUESDAY, MAY 16

meet May 11 at 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. More info and agenda: www.stokesdale.org.

Guilford will meet at noon May 16 at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68, Oak Ridge. More info: Annette Joyce, (336) 382-8629.

FRIDAY/SATURDAY, MAY 12–13

THURSDAY, MAY 18

zz Founders’ Day | The Town of Summerfield invites

zz Lions Club | Oak Ridge Lions Club, which helps

you to the 21st annual Summerfield Founders’ Day celebration May 12 (6 tp 10 p.m.) and May 13 (10 a.m. until 4 p.m.). All festivities will take place at and beside Summerfield Fire District’s Station 9 property on Summerfield Road in downtown Summerfield (the parade on Saturday morning will start at Summerfield Elementary School and follow Summerfield Road to just beyond the fire station). Enjoy carnival rides, food, live music, the annual Founders’ Day parade and much more. (See more details in display ad on p. 7.)

people who are sight- or hearing-impaired, will meet May 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68, Oak Ridge. More info: Danny Yanusz, (336) 643-6424.

zz Stokesdale Town Council | The Town Council will

SATURDAY, MAY 13

zz NWMS Color Run | The second annual Viking Nation Color Run, an untimed 5K fun run/walk, will be held May 13; proceeds will benefit NWMS. Late registration is available at a cost of $30, which does not guarantee a T-shirt. The race begins at 10 a.m. in the bus parking lot between Northwest Middle and Northwest High on Northwest School Road in Greensboro.

After the race a DJ, food trucks and vendors will be on hand. Register for the race at www.nwgmsptso.com.

We appreciate referrals

1726 Oak Ridge Road (336) 644-8789 M - F, 7:30 - 5:30 • Sat, 8 -1

vhor.vet | follow us on

Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC 29 Years Experience

Individual, Corporate, Partnership & Payroll Tax Electronic Tax Filing  Estate Planning Bookkeeping & Compilations Oak Ridge Business Center 8004 Linville Rd, Suite G, Oak Ridge (336) 643-7577 or 1-800-467-8299 info@samanderscpa.com www.samanderscpa.com

SATURDAY, MAY 20

zz GCS Family Fun Day | The GCS Guilford Parent Academy invites all Guilford County families to the seventh annual Family Fun Day May 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at City Lake Park, 602 W. Main St., Jamestown. All park activities — paddleboats, swimming, waterslides, amusement rides and more — will be free. Families can bring or buy food and drinks. Parking will be available at Jamestown Elementary and Ragsdale High with shuttle buses running continuously from 10:30 a.m. zz Stokesdale Community Choir Concert | Stokesdale Community Choir will present the musical “Celebrate America” at 7 p.m. May 20 at Gideon Grove United Methodist Church, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road, Stokesdale, in honor of veterans and active military.

One lucky veteran will receive a door prize, and several special guests from the community will perform.

Now accepting new furry patients

Receive a $10 CREDIT for every friend you refer to our clinic Dr. Julie Dudak

zz Kiwanis Club | The Kiwanis Club of Northwest

Individual & Small Business Bookkeeping & Payroll

(336) 665-1286 www.bel-airevet.com

Serving the northwest Triad area since 1991

Individual & Corporate Tax Returns 8400 Hwy 158 • PO Box 469 Stokesdale, NC 27357 kim.thacker@att.net

(336) 644-2741 office (336) 644-2743 fax (336) 508-4671 cell

Storage Buildings • Garages • Carports • Gazebos Huge Selection, Best Quality, Best Prices • Rent-to-own • 90 days same as cash to qualified buyers (336) 548-2735 3130 US 220, Madison

www.houseofstarsinc.com

Carlotta Lytton

, CPA, PC

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

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

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 MAY 12 - 18, 2017

23

Time to tell the truth

LETTERS/OPINIONS Submit your editorials (maximum 350 words) online: nwobserver.com e-mail : editor@nwobserver.com mail: Opinions, PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310

Include your name, a daytime phone number where you can be reached and name of community in which you live.

Letters from the same writer will be published no more than every 30 days.

Education should be seen as an investment I recently visited a public school in Oulu, Finland, for 10 days. I am a veteran elementary public school teacher and current professor in teacher education and was there with my university students who are studying to be teachers.

It was exhilarating to be in a school system that values the whole child and the teaching profession. Finnish children are treated as people who have a voice and are trusted so that they will grow up to be informed citizens who will provide for the future of their country and the lives of the citizens who will follow behind them.

Students in Finland have shortened school days and have four to five 45-minute lessons each day followed by a 15- to 30-minute break for movement and socializing. All grade levels, 1-9, are taught to sew, use tools, cook and do laundry.

Students have more than two hours a week of physical education along with their daily breaks. Children also engage

in music, art and drama.

Teachers are paid well and given academic freedom to plan lessons. Students don’t take a standardized test until middle school.

Finnish students perform extremely well compared to other countries.

The USA is different than Finland in many ways, but I would like to see our lawmakers put North Carolinians’ values into our education policy as well as Finland does. Values influence school budgets, curriculum, testing and resources.

Unfortunately, under the leadership in the General Assembly, we underfund public education (43rd in nation in perpupil spending.) Those are not my values.

I put a priority on our children and their futures.

It’s an investment I believe we’ll get an excellent return on.

Jennifer Mangrum GREENSBORO

This space available for

YOUROPINIONS ( ) MAXIMUM WORD COUNT 350

Send your letters and opinions to editor@nwobserver.com Letters from the same writer will be published no more than every 30 days

It’s very rare that I agree with Guilford County Commissioner Carolyn Coleman (D), but last year during the budget process she was quoted in the press as saying, “We never seem to find enough money for education.”

How true.

The education establishment gorges itself on taxpayer dollars, never able to push away from the table, never satisfied. This country spends more money per student on K-12 education than any other country in the world except Switzerland, and the result is an education for our children that is inferior to what they would receive in India or China. The United States consistently ranks about 30th globally in international tests. It amounts to gross incompetence.

Former Obama cabinet member Janet Napolitano now heads the University of California system, and it has been revealed that her and her cohorts have been hiding money in a $175 million slush fund within their labyrinthine financial web. This came out while the same individual was demanding more money from the state, pleading poverty, and increasing tuition at their colleges. In any

other country this sort of thing is called corruption, because that’s what it is.

Let’s tell the truth about the education racket. It is a scam on the citizens and children of this country which leaves them poorer and more ignorant, in order to enrich parasitic “educators” with part-time jobs, Cadillac health plans and obscenely generous retirement schemes. Look down your own street at the retired educators.... the Lexuses and Mercedes-Benzes are new and shiny. And that’s just the people at the bottom of the pyramid.

They have cynically manipulated our love for our kids, as they repeatedly shill that it’s all “for the children.” They are utterly shameless in their emotional blackmail.

It is not for the children. It is so they can enjoy overpaid cushy jobs for life and retire in the lap of luxury. The children are just the pawns, the pretext on which the whole scheme rests. They don’t care a whit about the children or their parents, so long as the gravy train keeps flowing.

It’s time to break up the government schools’ monopoly.

Austin Morris COLFAX

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

Share your thoughts in words or less

40

online: nwobserver.com e-mail: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion.

GRINS to...

Dick Fuelner, new chair of Summerfield Zoning Board, for allowing public comments and requesting the new development ordinance be posted on the Town website.

24 MAY 12 - 18, 2017 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Northwest Guilford Youth Football Association (NWGYFA) for offering a fantastic football and cheer program that focuses not only on safety but also promotes respect, courage, teamwork and ethics.

Nick Inchaustegui for his editorial

about We The People. I was in the class a year after him and share the same outrage. I would probably not be training for ministry had it not been for Mr. Parrish’s class.

Town Council member George McClellan for his commitment to Oak Ridge and for his personal integrity.

Northwest Middle School PTSO and administration for making last week a great Teacher Appreciation Week. As teachers, we feel very fortunate to have your support.

ORYA girls lacrosse director Jamie Apple for committing to growing and maintaining the best program in the Triad.

The Abingdon neighbor who mowed my front yard while I’ve been under the weather and unable to do a lot at once, plus dealing with broken water pipes.

Thank you so much!

Oak Ridge Parks & Rec Commission and all the businesses and volunteers who made Canine Capers on May 6 such a terrific event!

GRIPES to...

Summerfield Town Manager Scott Whitaker for not making the UDO (development ordinance rewrite) from 2012 public. The taxpayers have paid for this document – let us see it!

The teenage girl driving a Mustang to Northern High School on May 3 who was distracted and veered completely into the other lane, head on with a tractor trailer. You, your friends and truck driver could have been killed.

NCDOT. I was stuck in traffic for three red light cycles while trying to

make a left from Oak Ridge Road to U.S. 220. The stoplight has timing issues. This is not the first time, and it is ridiculous.

Editor’s note: We’ve forwarded your complaint to NCDOT’s Division 7 office and will let you know if someone agrees to look into the traffic signal timing at this intersection.

Litterers. My husband and I went jet skiing and fishing on Belews Lake last weekend and were horrified at the garbage left in and out of the water. We spent half an hour picking up floating garbage before we left.

The person griping about boats/travel trailers parked in a driveway. Devalue your property? Makes me laugh. Why would anyone want to live where you pay a fee to be told what you can or can’t park on your own property?

The concerned patron of Summerfield Food Lion. The parking lot’s upkeep is not Food Lion’s responsibility, it is the landlord’s. Any concerns with the parking lot or any trash on Battleground Avenue should be taken up with Kotis Properties.

Scott Whitaker for not finalizing the Summerfield Development Ordinance after five years. How many lawyers and consultants do we have to pay again and again to review it, and how many citizen committees does it take to discuss it?

Kids riding ATVs on public roads in Twelve Oaks and Oak Ridge Plantation neighborhoods. This is against Town ordinances and state law. Since I don’t know who your parents are, I will have to call the sheriff next time!

A+

Granite starting at $29/sq. ft. installed

Quartz starting at $45/sq. ft. installed FREE sink with purchase (restrictions apply) Locally owned and operated

Visit our showroom for FREE estimates!

Greensboro: 312 Dougherty St • (336) 574-2755 www.prostoneusa.com

FEATURED ON

Exceptional care, now open in Summerfield Village LeBauer HealthCare is pleased to announce a new family practice location, now open in your neighborhood.

LeBauer HealthCare at Summerfield Village offers care for all ages and is part of Cone Health Medical Group – a provider-led network of specialty and primary care medical practices.

Working with the region’s largest and most comprehensive network, you and your family can count on exceptional care and the convenience of same-day appointments, on-site lab services and access to your electronic medical records through the MyChart patient portal.

Katherine Tabori, MD

Our congressman who (according to his office) is too busy to hold a town hall to explain his heathcare vote.

Summerfield Village 4446-A US Hwy 220 N, Summerfield (336) 560-6300 Visit us at lebauer.com for more information

Dr. Tabori is a family medicine physician and has been with LeBauer HealthCare for 10 years. She enjoys caring for every member of the family, from newborn babies to greatgrandparents. Dr. Tabori and our staff look forward to serving the families of Summerfield.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 MAY 12 - 18, 2017

25

FOUNDERS’ DAY ...continued from p. 1

volunteers at the school every Tuesday.

She said people are still surprised to see her.

“I miss the kids. I loved being there,” she said. “I loved office work.”

Her career at the school began in October 1988, when she began working as a part-time secretary. She later accepted a full-time position in the office coordinating the Student Information Management System — keeping students’ records.

Her goals, she said, were to make Summerfield a friendly place to enroll children and to show that the school was a fantastic place for them.

After about 10 years in that position, she became the school’s treasurer.

She’s curious how she became the grand marshal, an honor usually reserved for veterans, politicians and

community leaders, Hammock said.

What she did for 28 years was leading, Guilford Board of Education member Darlene Garrett said.

Garrett, whose four children attended the school, said Hammock makes the day better for anyone who meets her.

“I love to read out there,” she said.

“When there’s a spring shower, I love to watch the rain.”

1 p.m. Saturday. New this year is a dance floor, according to Summerfield Events Coordinator Cheryl Gore.

She’ll join about 5,000 people expected to attend the Summerfield Founders’ Day festival.

“(Back Porch Orchestra) really is a crowd favorite,” Gore said. “They classify themselves as bluegrass, but they do all kinds of cover songs.”

want to go?

“She’s loved everyone and she’s just so generous,” Garrett said. “She’s influenced thousands of children and parents and teachers. She’s just a really special person.”

Founders’ Day runs 6 to 10 p.m.

Friday, May 12, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, May 13, rain or shine.

Her mother named her right, Garrett said.

A performance by the Northern High School band will highlight Friday evening’s activities.

“Every time I called, I always said, ‘Good morning to the most beautiful jewel in the world,’” Garrett said.

Children would go to Hammock for a hug every morning, Principal Jill Walsh said. Staff would go to her just for a chat.

“She was always there to listen to others,” Walsh said. “She was always a wealth of knowledge.”

With retirement, Hammock intends to grow her knowledge. She’s going to spend much of the time on her porch swing out in the country.

Free activities and carnival rides are available both days. A one-day wristband for the rides is $10 and a two-day wristband is $15.

Enjoy free face painting, twisty balloons, corn hole, ladderball, a rock wall, bouncy houses and more on Saturday, and be sure to catch Captain Jim, who will perform his magic act during four shows.

Back Porch Orchestra will perform a mix of blues, bluegrass, country and classic rock tunes from 11:30 a.m. to

Inside the history tent, a local archaeologist will discuss the area’s treasures, Gore said. The tent will also include photos, veterans, a spinning wheel demonstration and results of a history essay contest.

Local vendors will offer information about their products and children’s crafts, games and activities.

Artists and crafters will offer items for sale.

Red Dog Farm will host a tent and offer animals for fostering.

Nearby businesses will have open houses.

There are activities for just about everyone, Gore said.

“It really does bring out a good crowd,” she said. “It’s a family-friendly, fun event.”

When she learned Jewell Hammock was to be the grand marshal of the Founders’ Day parade, Summerfield Elementary School Principal Jill Walsh asked her colleagues to send their thoughts about her. Here are some responses:

Westergaard Kennels DOG BOARDING

Now offering

DOGGY DAYCARE Mondays– Fridays

Welcoming new clients to our family 5719 Bunch Road, Oak Ridge • (336) 643-5169 jingletail@mac.com • Serving you since 1988

www.westbengoldens.com

“Jewell Hammock worked as our secretary and treasurer at Summerfield Elementary for 28 years, but Jewell was so much more than a secretary or treasurer at Summerfield!

She was, among the many other roles she played, our friend, our confidante, our support, our caregiver and our sounding board. She was the face of Summerfield Elementary and just like the smile she greeted everyone with, she made our school shine!”

Mary McDonald, fifth-grade teacher “Jewell impressed me from the first day that I met her as the school nurse at Summerfield Elementary. She was my

go-to person for anything and always had a listening ear when I needed to vent. I reminded her frequently that her mama named her right because she is truly a jewel and treasured friend.”

Anita Alday, school nurse “Jewell was Summerfield Elementary’s ‘gem’! She greeted everyone with her sunny disposition every morning, and there was not a question she could not answer.”

Kristie Lano, fourth-grade teacher “Jewell was the kind, caring face of Summerfield Elementary for so many years. Jewell looked for ways to be helpful to others. Always ready with a kind

26 MAY 12 - 18, 2017 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

word, she elevated others to a place of importance and went out of her way to make things better for staff, parents and students!”

Beverly Johnson, music teacher “During my first visit to Summerfield Elementary, Jewell greeted me with a warm smile and made me feel welcome, comfortable and right at home.

She is always so helpful even during her busiest times and I always appreciate her kind and positive words. She has helped to make Summerfield such a warm, caring and friendly school community.”

Melanie Kornegay, first-grade teacher

CHILDCARE AVAILABLE EMPLOYMENT

SAVE THE DATE

Affordable local IN-HOME CHILDCARE. Loving mom. Please call (336) 312-3042.

Town of Summerfield FISHING DERBY, Saturday, June 17, 8:30-11:30am, Community Park Lake. Space is limited – register your child today!! For more info & registration forms, visit www.summerfieldgov.com.

EMPLOYMENT

Place online at

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

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

INDEX Childcare Available ..................... 27 Employment ............................... 27 Home Care ................................ 27 Save the Date ............................ 27 Summer Camp ........................... 27 Yard Sales .................................. 27 Home Services ....................... 28-30 Misc. Services......................... 29-30 Misc. for Sale ............................. 30 Misc. Wanted ............................. 30 Pets & Animal Services ................ 30 Real Estate ............................ 30-31

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE Applicant must be able to perform a variety of general office duties to including, but not limited to, answer telephones, record and distribute messages, take payments, as well as file and maintain customer records, and operate a personal computer for the purpose of data entry, word processing, spreadsheets, email and internet. Applicant must possess strong people skills and be able to work with the public in a professional manner. Part-time, 16 hours/week.

Employer will perform credit check and aptitude test and is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, please email aaron.speight@ncfbins.com.

F/T MINISTRY ASSISTANT Monday-Thursday for a Greensboro church. Answer phones, greet guests, handle registration for events, and ministry assistant. Salary and benefits package.

At least moderate level computer skills a must, with design background very helpful. Must have a pleasant personality to work with people. Please send resumes to: employment@lawndalebaptist.org.

P/T LANDSCAPING HELP NEEDED Looking for local person to do small landscaping job every other week. Weed beds, trim, edging, NO mowing. Between Oak Ridge & NWHS. Call (336) 317-3404.

BILL’S PIZZA PUB is looking for outstanding employees to fill positions of hosts, wait staff, and cooks; daytime and nighttime hours available. Please apply in person.

Operation Xcel SUMMER SCIENCE TEACHER. Certified elementary teacher with experience teaching in a school/youth program needed to implement Apex curriculum. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9am1pm, June 26-August 10. Salary commensurate with experience. Email resume to jobs@operationxcel.org.

NEED CARPENTRY CREW for home renovations (decks, porches). Excellent pay.

Call (336) 643-0531.

P/T HELP NEEDED at local horse farm, every other Saturday and every Sunday, with feeding, turn-out and cleaning stalls.

Please have some knowledge of working with horses. Contact Tony, (336) 209-4050.

HOME CARE RELIABLE HOME CARE SERVICES Bringing Families Together. (336) 510-9393.

SAVE THE DATE SUMMERFIELD FOUNDERS’ DAY, Friday and Saturday, May 12 & 13. Parade, live music, food, magic, rides and games, history tent and much more!! See display ad on page 7 for all the details.

Oak Ridge Military Academy’s annual MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION is Sat., May 13, and the public is welcome to attend. Military promotions and community awards will start at 9am in Bonner Field House, located off Oak Ridge Road on Cannon Way. At 10am, or once the awards have finished, the celebration will continue outside for the parade and the Change of Command Ceremony. Stick around after the ceremony for a free picnic lunch on the lawn of Maple Glade.

MUSIC IN THE PARK, Saturday, May 13, 6:30-8pm, at the Oak Ridge Town Park amphitheater, 6231 Lisa Drive, (located just past the playground), featuring the rock/ Americana sounds of The Radials. Free admission, but donations will be taken to pay the band. Hot dogs, hamburgers and firemen’s BBQ available, or bring a picnic.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Rain date: Sunday, May 14, 2-3:30 p.m.

Join Operation Christmas Child’s CHIEF OF THE APACHE NATION on May 20, 9am, at Mt. Pisgah Methodist Church, 2600 Pisgah Church Rd., Greensboro, to celebrate and get new craft ideas!

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

FORGET ME NOT 5K WALK / RUN, Sat., June 24, 8:30am, starting at CRU Wine & Beers, 2309 Fleming Road, Greensboro.

Planting the seeds of hope to help cure Alzheimer’s Disease. For more info and to register, visit jonesracingcompany.com/ forgetmetnot5K.

SUMMER CAMP NWHS BASEBALL BOOSTERS SKILLS CAMP, July 10-13, 8:30am-12:30pm. Rising 3rd-9th graders. For more info, visit www.diamondnwvikings.com.

YARD SALES HUGE YARD SALE, Saturday, May 13, 7301 Hidden View Dr., Oak Ridge, off Haw River Rd. GATE opens at 7am! Furniture, bikes, piano, clothes, books, etc.

MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE, Sat., May 13, 6:30am-12n, in beautiful Ridgecrest neighborhood, 4026 Ridgeline Drive, Kernersville.

YARD SALE, Saturday, May 13, 8am-12n, 4906 Leadenhall Rd., Oak Ridge. Tools, household, clothes, toys, vintage.

MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE, Sat., May 13, 8am-12n, 140 Ruby Lane, Summerfield.

Children’s clothes, toys, antiques, furniture, housewares, garage items and much more!

YARD SALE, Sat., May 20, 8am-2pm, Community Lutheran Church, 4960 220N, Summerfield. Food & drink for sale. All benefits to GSMS & Backpack Ministry.

CHURCH YARD SALE, Saturday, May 20, 7am-12n, 3232 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro.

...continued on p. 28

MAY 12 - 18, 2017

27

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

CLEANING

DECORATING

LAWN CARE / LANDSCAPING

STEPHANIE’S CLEANING SERVICE 10 years experience. (336) 423-9786.

ELEGANT TRANSFORMATIONS

by Marcie, LLC. Certified Interior Decorator. Transforming spaces into elegant places. www.eleganttransformationsbymarcie. com, (336) 904-8711.

MOWER REPAIR. Any type mower, weld and repair mower decks. Free pickup and delivery. Call or text Morris, (336) 880-7498.

MAIDS OF HONOR, INC. $25 off!

Triad’s oldest! 40 years in service. Bonded staff. English speaking. (336) 708-2407.

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.

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

CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING, gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com. (336) 595-2873.

ELECTRICAL

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.

MAID-2-SHINE. Excellent service, 15 years exp. Free estimates., excellent references.

(336) 338-0223.

THE CLEANING TECHNICIAN INC. Schedule your spring cleaning now! 10% off through April 30. Licensed & insured.

Call for free quote for your detailed cleaning. Lisa, (336) 207-0770.

Need help? info@nwobserver.com HOME CLEANING. Afford. rates, ref. avail., 10 years exp. Elizabeth, (336) 453-8592.

ANA’S HOUSECLEANING. Good references, free est., 25 years exp. (336) 309-0747.

CARPET CLEANING. We clean the dirt out of your carpet, not the money out of your pockets! Member BBB. Call David, The Cleaning Solutions, (336) 989-4318, or visit thecleaningsolutions.org.

WINDOW GENIE WINDOW CLEANING 3M Window Film – save on your energy bills and enjoy the view. Fully ins., free est.

Greensboro.windowgenie.com, (336) 268-8586.

MAID 2 GLIMMER. Amazon approved.

(336) 441-8388 or visit Maid2Glimmer.com.

28

MAY 12 - 18, 2017

BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC Residential, commercial & solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192.

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.

JLB REMODELING, INC. Home repair, maintenance & handyman service. Licensed & insured. Competitive rates.

(336) 681-2902 or www.jlbremodeling.com.

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.

L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE LLP “We get you mowing!” Free pickup and delivery. 2103 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge.

(336) 298-4314.

OLD SCHOOL HOME REPAIR/ IMPROVEMENT

“No Job Too Small”

Jerry & Lisa Potkay, Owners • Oak Ridge, NC

(336) 669-7252

Accredited A+ Rating, oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com BBB of Central NC Home Repairs & Improvements • Painting Wood Rot Repairs • Bathroom Remodeling Decks and much more! • Insured

ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Bobcat work and more. Free estimates. Licensed & insured.

Call Joe at (336) 643-9157.

BRAD’S BOBCAT. Mulch, landscaping, pine needles and straw. (336) 362-3647.

REPAIRS | RENOVATIONS

CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 6439332, carolinaStumpAndTreeServices.com.

(336) 643-0531 haleyhahn.com

It’s A CARPET thing!

Repairs, restretch, replace. (336) 643-6500.

APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance.

A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707.

SEYMOUR LAWNCARE. Serving NW Guilford and Madison. Simon, (336) 314-1068.

Decks | Sun & Screened Porches Roofing | Windows | Gutters

FLOORING

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

FAY’S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Spring lawn care & general yard clean up.

Pine needles and mulch. Reasonable and honest. Call Taylor, (336) 464-5215.

Licensed & insured

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.

GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150.

Get Community News updates and see what your neighbors are saying.

Find us on Facebook! facebook.com/northwestobserver

TRACTOR FOR HIRE – Bush hogging, grading, brush/tree removal. (336) 207-6632.

TLC LAWNCARE. Mowing, fertilization, weed control. Providing quality, affordable lawn service for 7+ years. (336) 681-0097.

ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981.

PLANT PRO DESIGN & LANDSCAPE Planting, mulching, pruning, stone, patios, fire pits. Free estimates. Visit us online at ncplantpro.com, (336) 298-3809.

AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Quality irrigation systems. NC licensed contractor. We service all systems. Free estimates. (336) 644-1174.

E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, topsoil, lot clearing, bobcat work, excavating, mulch, etc. (336) 451-1282.

GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490.

PEARMAN QUARRY HAULING Fill dirt, gravel, sand rock, mulch & more.

Joel Richardson, (336) 803-2195.

STOKESDALE LAWN SERVICE. Reasonable rates, lawns cut, weed-eating. $45 minimum. (336) 338-5865.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Complete lawn care & landscaping. NC lic. irrigation contractor. 20 years exp. Hardscaping, fertilization & weed control. (336) 399-7764.

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

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.

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, siding, dock work, windows, roofing, rotted wood.

Sr. disc., 35 years exp. (336) 362-6343.

ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875.

AREA STUMP DUMP. Yard waste, concrete, etc. Fill dirt avail. (336) 602-5820.

COLFAX LAWNCARE Complete lawn care maintenance. Spring fertilizing, mowing, trimming, pine needles.

Res./comm., HOA & annual agreements.

Fully insured. Serving the Triad for 28 years. (336) 362-5860.

STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. Free est. Lic./Ins. 30 yrs. exp. Bucket truck/chipper, total cleanup. Selective thinning & lot clearing.

24-hr. ER svc. OR, NC. (336) 643-1119.

CUTTING EDGE LAWNCARE. Affordable.

Dependable. Mowing, aeration, leaf removal and more! Please call anytime for free estimate, (336) 706-0103.

SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes.

How about a new patio or fire pit? We can help with all of your outdoor living and entertainment spaces! Fire pits, driveways & sidewalks, patios and more! Give us a call at (336) 399-6619 for all your concrete and landscape needs.

MISC. SERVICES & PRODUCTS ON EAGLE’S WINGS residential home design/drafting. Call Patti, (336) 605-0519.

GRILLS, FIRE PITS, tankless water heaters. General home repairs. Call Don Hill, (336) 643-7183.

PAINTING & DRYWALL

BEK Paint Co. Residential & Commercial David & Judy Long, owners

MASONRY

Outdoor kitchens

(336) 931-0600

BEKPaintCompany.com • References Available • Licensed & Insured • All Work Guaranteed

8605 Triad Dr, Colfax (336) 996-4918 marshallstone.com

STILL PERFECTION PAINTING Reliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com.

FREE DELIVERY

PAINTING – INTERIOR & EXTERIOR 32 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. No job too small. Insured. Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186.

on full-load mulch orders within 15 miles

8605 Triad Dr, Colfax (336) 996-4918 marshallstone.com Schedule Thursday delivery for an additional discount!

CINDY’S PAINTING – Interior painting, wallpaper removal. References & free estimates available. (336) 708-9155.

PRESSURE WASHING CUTTING EDGE PRESSURE WASHING Affordable. Dependable. Please call anytime for free estimate, (336) 706-0103.

PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Fully insured. Crystal Clear, www. windowcleaningnc.com. (336) 595-2873.

WINDOW GENIE PRESSURE WASHING Soft house washing. Window film, window cleaning, gutters. Fully ins., free est., Greensboro.windowgenie.com, (336) 268-8586.

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION PREMIER CONSTRUCTION. Providing all of your home maintenance needs, remodeling and new construction. (336) 430-9507.

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.

JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured.

NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com.

TM

Construction Services, INC

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Sidewalks | Driveways | Stamped concrete

644-8615 office 508-5242 cell

PLUMBING BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed.

Lic. & insured. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924.

ORTIZ REMODELING – Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981.

ROOFING CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC Residential roofing, rubber flat roofs, roof coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience.

Now accepting all major credit cards. Call (336) 643-8191 or (336) 580-3245.

A.L. CORMAN ROOFING INC. Res. roofing specialist serving Guilford Cty. area since 1983. BBB 25+ years w/ A+ rating. cormanroofinginc.com, (336) 621-6962.

PREMIER ROOFING CONSTRUCTION Insurance specialist, free inspections, res/ comm., BBB A rating. (336) 430-9507.

RED RHINO ROOFING, based in Oak Ridge, NC. Storm damage specialist experienced with all types of roofing. BBB accredited A and listed with Angie’s List. Call (336) 9446118, or visit redrhinoroofing.com.

MISC. SERVICES PIANO LESSONS, all ages and levels, Summerfield area. Patti, (336) 298-4181.

CERTIFIED TUTOR – Retired teacher with 32 years experience. Grades K-5. (336) 339-8991.

SAM’S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 347-7470.

COMPUTER REPAIRS – ITBASICS.COM Inside Mailboxes & More, Oak Ridge Commons. (336) 643-0068.

ERIE INSURANCE – IN KERNERSVILLE Long Insurance Services, (336) 992-5664.

Licensed & insured NC Gen. Contractor #72797

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

...continued on p. 30

MAY 12 - 18, 2017

29

MISC. SERVICES

MISC. WANTED

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

TROMBONE LESSONS, 11 yrs. exp. AllDistrict, All-County. Middle/High students.

Ryan, (336) 676-2542.

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.

OAK RIDGE, 2BR, 2BA, all appliances, no yard work, private. $750/mo. (336) 669-5233.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

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

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

MISC. FOR SALE 10’ FORD HAY RAKE, 3-point hitch, $300.

(336) 993-2596.

ETHAN ALLEN FRENCH COUNTRY dining table, china cabinet, two leaves, six chairs, and custom table pad. Oak Ridge area. $2,400. Text (336) 543-6489.

2010 BAYLINER SKI BOAT 170 and trailer for sale in Oak Ridge. Excellent condition. $10,500. Call Don, (336) 324-7373.

STRAWBERRIES ARE HERE! Flowers, vegetable plants & hanging baskets.

Knight’s Produce, 14809 Hwy. 158, Summerfield. (336) 708-0485.

Got stuff?

Sell it here in the

NWO classifieds submit your ad at

www.nwobserver.com

FABRIC NEEDED for Sew to Sow Ministry to make dresses for girls in Kenya. Cotton fabrics work best, any amount. Also need buttons, ribbon, lace trimming, elastic and thread. Call Beth, (336) 644-8155.

PETS & ANIMAL SVCS. BOARDING / PROPERTY AVAIL. Oak Ridge HORSE PROPERTY FOR RENT, three 12x20’ stalls, feed room, tack closets, wash pit, round pen, two pastures. $500/mo. (336) 339-8263.

PRIVATE BARN in Summerfield area. Personal full care, riding ring and round pen, must have up-to-date Coggins, three stalls available. (336) 298-7621.

LOST & FOUND PETS LOST CAT – 6-lb. grey tabby, lost in the Lake Brandt Rd. / Scalesville Rd. area.

Contact Michele, (336) 340-3599.

PET SITTING / BOARDING KPS – KELLY’S PET SERVICES Professional in-home pet sitting. Bonded & insured. Member Pet Sitters International.

Pet sitting while you are away, daily walks or runs, play, pet taxi, and more! KPS gives a portion of profits to animal charities. Call, email, or Facebook message for a free consultation: (336) 706-6706, kpsforyourpets@ gmail.com, www.facebook.com/kpspets, or kpspets on Instagram.

COUNTRY LIVING. PERFECT FOR SINGLE! Available 6/1. $700 rent includes AC/ gas heat, water, satellite TV and Internet, washer/dryer, garbage. 1BR, 1BA, loft, utility room, carport, patio. Dog & cat friendly.

Apartment next to family home on secluded acreage with horses, dogs, cats, chickens, gardens. Credit check & deposit. No smoking or partying. Chris (336) 456-4323.

RENTAL HOME NEEDED My brother’s family is relocating to NC and NEEDS A HOME TO RENT in Northern school district. Three bedrooms min., pet friendly. Moving in July. Contact Jeannie, (336) 908-4011.

HOME FOR SALE BELEWS LAKE VILLA, sunset views with 1.5BA and new kitchen remodel. Lot 508, comes with boat lift and 2 jet ski lifts. Call (336) 420-9480 to see.

$$$ – WILL PAY CASH up to $200 for your junk or wrecked vehicle. (336) 552-0328.

30

MAY 12 - 18, 2017

(336) 643-4248

www.ANewDawnRealty.com

It’s a good time to buy or sell.

Call me for a free consultation!

Gil Vaughan Realtor ®/Broker

(336) 337-4780 JustCallGil.com Tell our 25,000+ readers how you can be of service to them!

HOMES FOR SALE

LAND FOR SALE 1.36-acre HOME SITE in Gwynedd, off Bunch Rd. $85,000. (336) 643-7071.

ONE-ACRE LOT, adjacent to 9935 E. Hwy. 65, Rockingham County. Ready to build, surveyed w/ site plan. $24,900. (336) 643-6078.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Gail H. Kerber

REAL ESTATE

(336) 327-1165

kerbappeals@gmail.com

HOMES FOR RENT

MISC. WANTED

SELLERS & BUYERS

OAK RIDGE, 3BR, 2BA, office/den, deck, large yard. (336) 644-8710, 708-0522.

REALTOR®/BROKER

SUMMERFIELD, large older home, 2BR, 1BA down; in-law suite up with 3BR, 1BA. $950/mo., $550 dep. (336) 996-4649 or (336) 688-1773.

We Help Everyone!

7505 Summersun Drive, Browns Summit Enjoy a cup of coffee from the front porch swing. Move-in ready! 3BR/2.5BA. Master suite on main, with separate shower and garden tub. Great eat-in kitchen overlooking spacious living room with gas fireplace. Gleaming hardwoods and plenty of storage space. Huge back yard with private wooded lot. New carpet and interior paint! Popular school district.

Sue Catherine

sue.catherine@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 908-4196

www.kerbappeals.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS

172 ACRES IN BROWNS SUMMIT

Strader Meadows 3 large, beautiful lots about 3 acres each.

Great location in Summerfield. We can design and build your new home for you!

Large Guilford County tract with tons of road frontage. Approximately 5-acre pond, barn in great shape, old livable house, partial woods and currently farmed. Great family compound, vineyard or camp. Can be purchased as a whole, or as 113 acres with house or 59 acres vacant land. $395,000 to $1,050,000.

Keeping you connected 20 years & counting Contact us to start your advertising program in the Northwest Observer advertising@nwobserver.com (336) 644-7035, ext. 10

Nancy J. Hess

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

BEK Paint Company ............................29 Carpets By Direct...................................6 Carpet Super Mart.......................... 16-17 Concrete Repair Solutions .....................8 Haley Hahn Home Solutions ...............28 House of Stars .....................................23 Marshall Stone ....................................29 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery .. 12 New Garden Select .............................22 Old School Home Repair .....................28 ProStone..............................................25 Stokesdale Storage ..............................30

LEGAL SERVICES

Attorney Bill Barbour ........................... 10

nancy.hess@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 215-1820

MARINA

Carolina Marina .................................. 13

homesbuiltbydesign.com • builtbydesign@triad.rr.com

MEDICAL / EYE CARE

LeBauer Healthcare ............................25 Novant – Northwest Family Medicine ...20

A/C & HEATING

ORTHODONTIC SERVICES

Reynolds Orthodontics ........................ 11

Stokesdale Heating & Air.....................22

ACCOUNTING

7876 Alcorn Road, Oak Ridge Custom brick home on 2+ acres in Oak Ridge/ Northwest school district! No HOA fees. Master on main. New paint and carpet. Entertain on spacious custom patio designed with lowmaintenance pavers. Patio opens to private back yard with mature trees. Move-in ready!

2204 Cedar Waxwing Court Popular neighborhood in Northern schools.

4 bedrooms plus bonus. Incredible kitchen and family room combination. Hardwood floors. 2-car garage, private back lot and screened porch. Don’t wait on this one!

A must-see. $354,900

Chandra Tippett

Jake Letterman

chandra@triadhomesales.com (336) 749-7977

(336) 338-0136

Carlotta Lytton, CPA, PA .....................23 Kimberly Thacker Accounting..............23 Samuel Anders, CPA, MSA, PC ...........23

ARTS / DANCE / KARATE

Northern Arts ...................................... 15

Reserve your ad space today (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 advertising@nwobserver.com

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital .................23 Northwest Animal Hospital ....................8 Veterinary Hospital at Oak Ridge.........23 Westergaard Kennels...........................26

REAL ESTATE

Summerfield Family Chiropractic ...........4

A New Dawn Realty ............................30 Chandra Tippett, BHHS Yost & Little ... 31 Gil Vaughan, Keller Williams ................30 Homes Built by Design ........................ 31 Jake Letterman, BHHS Yost & Little .... 31 KERBAPPEALS – Gail Kerber ..............30 Nancy Hess, BHHS Yost & Little .......... 31 Ramilya Siegel, Allen Tate ...................20 Sue Catherine, BHHS Yost & Little ......30

CHURCHES

RETAIL

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE

Piedmont Truck Tires, Inc. .....................3

BUILDERS

TM Construction Services ....................29

CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES

Want to be a part of our next NWO Real Estate section?

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

First Baptist Church, Summerfield........ 14 Oak Ridge United Methodist Church .....3

EVENTS

BiRite Galaxy Food Center.............. Insert Maisy Daisy Florist ............................... 19 Midtown Furniture ...............................32

RidgeFest 2017......................................2 Summerfield Founders’ Day ..................7

RESTAURANTS

HAIR CARE / NAILS / TANNING

SUMMER CAMPS

Elite Nails & Spa .................................. 18

Outwest Steakhouse............................ 18 YMCA of Greensboro ............................9

The Northwest Totally local since 1996 18, 2017 31 The Northwest ObserverObserver • Totally •local since 1996 MAYMAY 12 - 12 18,- 2017

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Postal Patron

Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22

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

ECRWSS

Special purchaSeS

limited QuantitieS

SAVE

1100

$

599

Reclining Sofa or Reclining Console Loveseat

$

$

499

Lift Recliner

349

350

$

199

$ Table & 4 Chairs

Now Offering America’s Highest Rated Mattresses

199 Firm

Twin, Full or Queen Mattress Only

$

59 Twin

Mattress Only

$

299

Rocking Recliner

Rocking Recliner

Available in Black & Brown

$

329

$

Microfiber

299

SAVE

650

$

50% or More OFF

SAVE

$

SAVE

370

$

500

Rocking Recliner

$

All 2016 Sealy Closeouts $

Twin, Full, or Queen

Available in Cherry, Black, White & Grey

Includes: Dresser, Mirror, Chest, Complete Bed & Night Stand

SAVE

$

SAVE

1600

$

Rocking Recliner

299

$

499

We Offer Adjustable Bases Too! 5 Styles to Choose From

Memory Foam

SAVE

Full or Queen Mattress Only

$

SAVE

500

$

600

No Money Down! Interest Free Financing Available! No Credit Check Financing Available!

0 Years Celebrating 4 You ! of Serving

SUPERSTORE Call 336-427-5413

Since 1977

DELIVER DISPOSAL AY AND VAILABLE

MIDTOWN FURNITURE

& MATTRESS CENTER

BUS 220

Eden Mayodan

SUPERSTORE Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9:00 am-6:00 pm or by appt.

Plenty of Parking • Large Showroom

Hwy. 220 Business, 727 N. Highway Street, Madison, NC 27025 www.midtownfurniture.com

Martinsville

135

704

Midtown Furniture

Madison BYP 220

Reidsville

311

704

Winston-Salem Greensboro

Sale does not apply to previous purchases. All prices are after all available discounts. See store for complete financing details. We reserve the right to replace products advertised if they become unavailable.