Northwest Observer l June 28 - July 4 by pscommunications

June 28 - July 4, 2018

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‘I look forward to what’s ahead,’ says AT hiker Summerﬁeld resident Randy Fuqua ﬁnds himself at home while hiking the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail

included plenty of rain, snow, sleet and fog as well as a few bears, snakes and even a porcupine along the way. He arrived at mile 1,295 last Friday in Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania, on track for his targeted finish date at Mount Katahdin, Maine.

by MARC PRUITT

“I’m not in a hurry to finish, but at the same time, I have to finish,” Fuqua said. “I look forward to seeing my wife (Allison) again.”

One step at a time, Randy Fuqua is living the dream. The 57-year old Summerfield resident set out to hike the Appalachian Trail on March 19 and hopes to complete the 2,200-mile trek in late August or early September. Fuqua started in Springer Mountain, Georgia, and so far his hike has

Fuqua’s wife will fly to Maine to greet him at the base of Mount Katahdin when he arrives. “I’m not sure if she will hike up the mountain with me, because it’s not the

...continued on p. 19

IN THIS ISSUE

Courtesy photo

Summerﬁeld resident Randy Fuqua stops for a break in Pine Grove Furnace, Pennsylvania, while hiking the Appalachian Trail.

News Briefs ..................................2 Your Questions ............................4 Stokesdale Town Council ..........8 Youth Sync ................................ 13 Beloved Co-workers Retire ...... 14 When Lightning Strikes ............. 18 Business Notes ..........................20 Bits & Pieces .............................. 21 Crime/Incident Report .............22 Community Calendar ..............23 Grins & Gripes ...........................24 Letters/Opinions .......................26 Classifieds ................................. 27 Index of Advertisers ................. 31

Citizens tour historic properties Some suggest tearing down or selling the Martin House and Gordon Hardware building, but most urge the town to preserve and restore them by PATTI STOKES SUMMERFIELD – The Town of Summerfield hosted an open house on June 2 for the Martin House and Gordon Hardware building, both located at the intersection of N.C. 150 and Summerfield Road. Besides staff, Historic Committee and town council members, 43 people took the

...continued on p. 11

File photos

Summerﬁeld citizens were given an opportunity on June 2 to tour the historic Martin House (above left), purchased by the Town of Summerﬁeld in December 2015, and the Gordon Hardware building (above right), which the town purchased along with about 14 acres bordering U.S. 220 in June 2014.

NEWS in brief

Town to build second park shelter, create Events Committee Volunteers wanted to plan community events

approved budget of $2,500 for fiscal year 2018-19, so the additional money will have to be reallocated.

by STEVE MANN

Both votes were 3-1, with Tim Jones voting nay and Bill Jones absent.

STOKESDALE – Oak Ridge has RidgeFest. Summerfield has Founders’ Day. Stokesdale has a vision. And the town council started down that path during its monthly meeting June 14. The council voted to build an additional shelter at Town Park, then voted to change the name of the Parade Committee to the Events Committee and provide a $5,000 annual budget. The Parade Committee already has an

The existing park shelter is 24 feet by 24 feet, council member Frank Bruno said. The new wood-frame shelter – to be built in the grassy area near the swing set – will be 24 feet by 36 feet, with a shingle roof and a concrete pad. Conduit will be run under the concrete so electricity can be added. Half of the $29,734 cost of the new shelter will come from the almost $46,300 remaining in the capital outlay budget for Town Park for fiscal year 2017-18. The other half will come from

the remainder of a $33,333 downtown revitalization grant from the state. The majority of the grant will be used for an electronic message board that will be donated to Stokesdale Elementary School.

“Let’s keep it here and have people from other areas putting money in our pockets,” he said. “I think it’s well worth the effort for us to go out and plan some events.”

The park shelter project will take four to six weeks to complete, Bruno said.

Flynt suggested Stokesdale could host a bluegrass festival, and even a farmers market on Saturdays.

Discussion of an additional shelter began June 21, 2017. Tim Jones and former council member Vicki WhiteLawrence discussed research on structures, and Jones suggested building a shelter to provide shade for mothers watching children on the playground. Before the June 14 vote, Jones wondered whether it would be better to split up the money and build three shelters scattered throughout the park. Mayor John Flynt said he is looking at the shelter as something more than just mothers getting out of the sun. “We’ll have a really nice shelter with power,” Flynt said. “We have a nice park. Let’s bring some people in.” Mayor Pro Tem Thearon Hooks said he saw a TV interview with a spokesman for Oak Ridge during RidgeFest. Hooks said the spokesman mentioned that Summerfield has Founders’ Day and Oak Ridge has RidgeFest, but both events draw people from Stokesdale because it doesn’t have anything. Hooks said he doesn’t want money that could be spent in Stokesdale going to other places.

That’s where the Events Committee comes in. It would be responsible for the annual Christmas tree lighting at Town Hall and Stokesdale’s Christmas Holiday Parade, but that’s just the start, Bruno said. “I want to get together a committee of people who want to plan events,” Bruno said. “Once we get the new shelter, we talked about having some vendors and food trucks. We could have little community events and see where it goes from there.” Bruno said he would like to plan an October event. Applications for volunteers are available in the Town Hall lobby and on the town’s website. Flynt said he always envisioned the park serving Stokesdale, with corporate sponsors getting involved. “I think we’re just underutilizing the park,” he said. “We want this to succeed, and we’re willing to put money in there to help.”

Council votes to spend $6,540 for school computers by STEVE MANN

ware, council member Frank Bruno said.

STOKESDALE – The Stokesdale Town Council voted to purchase computers for 12 third- through fifth-grade teachers at Stokesdale Elementary School during its monthly council meeting June 14.

The vote was 3-1, with council member Tim Jones voting nay and Bill Jones absent.

The money for the Lenovo computers, which cost $545 each, will come from $75,000 in undesignated funds for fiscal year 2017-18 that ends June 30. The school will install the approved soft-

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“What we’re trying to do is get up into the digital age,” Bruno said. “If we’re not going to put the money back into our schools and help the community, what do we have it all sitting there for?” Laura Gibson, a member of the

school’s PTA and Leadership Team, noted that students are using more online educational software versus printed textbooks. She said when Dr. Sharon Contreras, Guilford County Schools superintendent, visited Stokesdale Elementary it was found to be the third-worst school with regard to having up-to-date technology. Despite the low ranking, Stokesdale Elementary seems to be overlooked because it is lumped in with schools in northwest Guilford County that aren’t as economically challenged, Gibson said. The school received a grant for automatic whiteboards, which are used in the classroom, but Gibson said the grant did not cover all the classrooms in the upper grades and the PTA raised money for the additional whiteboards. The computers will allow teachers to electronically access more lesson plans and information for use with the whiteboards. Gibson said Stokesdale Elementary has more low-income students than Summerfield and Oak Ridge combined, but

does not receive federal Title I funding. Title I grants go to schools with high numbers or high percentages of children from low-income families, according to the U.S. Department of Education website. Tim Jones said he supports the school, but was hesitant about providing funding to it because the town lost a major revenue source when the Guilford County commissioners voted (in 2004) to change the sales and use tax distribution. “They can only seem to find northwest Guilford County when they send out the tax bills, it seems to me,” he said. He expressed concern that school spending will become an annual expectation. “I wonder if somebody won’t come back (asking) for more equipment,” he said. “I just wonder where this will stop.” Bruno said the town doesn’t purchase something for the schools every year, noting it spent about $12,000 on iPads for Stokesdale Elementary students about four years ago.

Council votes 3-1 to approve budget for FY2018-19 SUMMERFIELD – Despite opposition from a few citizens and one council member, the Summerfield Town Council voted 3-1 at its June 12 meeting to approve a $1,898,934 budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1. The budget is $611,271.98 less than the current fiscal year’s amended budget. The town’s property tax rate will remain at 2.75 cents per $100 of property valuation; based on estimated property valuations of $1,557,551,687, the town is projecting $426,000 in property receipts next fiscal year. In other revenue, the town projects $133,000 in sales tax receipts, $90,000 in investment earnings, $83,334 in matching grant funding and $64,175 from fees and miscellaneous sources.

The budget earmarks $613,334 for capital projects, which include: paving and improving the lake parking lot at Summerfield Community Park ($200,000); constructing a picnic shelter at Summerfield Athletic Park ($100,000); completing the design and engineering of the A&Y Greenway (South) ($100,000); completing downtown revitalization matching grant projects ($83,334); constructing a sidewalk from the pedestrian tunnel under U.S. 220 to Summerfield Road ($70,000); constructing town signs at three key scenic corridor locations ($40,000); and top-dressing the athletic fields at Summerfield Athletic Park ($20,000). To balance the upcoming fiscal

...continued on p. 6

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was recently repaved, NCDOT simply put rocks on both shoulders. That has caused rocks to constantly be thrown on the road from cars, not to mention that it has become dangerous for homeowners to mow nearby because of rocks flying everywhere. Also, weeds are now growing up through the rocks. Bobby Norris, a district engineer with NCDOT, told us the plan for Stanley Huff Road was only to resurface it, not to widen the shoulders. “The material the reader refers to is used to safe up the edge of the pavement,” Norris said. “We have tried using straight dirt and people kept running off the road, rutting the shoulders up. We have tried straight stone and the complaint was about the rocks. “Currently, we are using a mixture of dirt and stone to provide some strength and to keep the rocks to a minimum,” Norris said. “This material is placed in locations where there is at least a 2-inch drop-off from the pavement to the shoulder.”

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contractor applied the final coat of paint marking the lanes and turning arrows? The lanes seem too narrow and not very visible, particularly during rainy nights. Bobby Norris, a district engineer with NCDOT, told us on June 26 that the contractor (Tetra Tech) is working on completing punch list items for the U.S. 220 widening project, which includes replacing three noise walls along the recently widened highway (one on either side of the Elmhurst Estates neighborhood in Summerfield and the other several miles farther north). Norris said deliveries of materials for the replacement noise walls recently began. Final traffic markings have been completed on about half of the widened highway, and repairs to asphalt damaged in the construction process as well as asphalt that needed to be removed because it didn’t meet NCDOT specifications are being made. “We haven’t done a final walkthrough,” Norris said. “What they are

JUNE 28 - JULY 4, 2018

Who do we notify about repairing our road – the City of Greensboro, the county, or the Town of Summerfield? First, we confirmed that Windswept Drive is a statemaintained road, so you should report the potholes and deteriorating areas on the shoulders of your road to North Carolina’s Department of Transportation. The easiest way to do that is by going online at www.ncdot.gov/contact/report/pothole and let the department know where the pothole is located. This report will go directly to the county maintenance office that will handle the request. Or, you can go directly to NCDOT’s Division 7 county maintenance office in Greensboro and contact Brad Wall, division maintenance engineer, at (336) 487-0000 or bwall@ncdot.gov.

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Once NCDOT does a final walkthrough and all items of concern have been addressed, the department will sign off on the project. It is hoped that will occur by the end of this summer.

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Is there a plan to pave the shoulder on the newly resurfaced Stanley Huff Road in Summerfield? When the road

completing now is what the inspectors have come up with.”

_______________________________ Date

your QUESTIONS

Regarding the U.S. 220 widening project, there are many traffic cones still present on the road. What has to happen before the project is completed? Also, has the

Oak Ridge, Summerﬁeld awarded $50,000 grants The grants are in addition to a $33,333 grant the two towns and Stokesdale each received last year

Oak Ridge had received a grant last year and planned to use it for its streetscape vision plan.

by PATTI STOKES

In an email to the Northwest Observer, Wade confirmed she knew about Oak Ridge’s and Summerfield’s plans to enhance their downtown areas, and was glad to support a $50,000 grant for both towns.

Two towns in northwest Guilford County received good news on June 22 when the state’s General Assembly approved a $23.9 billion budget for the fiscal year 2018-19. In the Economic Development section of the budget, Oak Ridge and Summerfield were each awarded a $50,000 grant for downtown revitalization. Those grants come on the tail of a $33,333 grant the two towns and Stokesdale each received last summer from the N.C. Department of Commerce; those grants were also tied to downtown revitalization. Oak Ridge Town Councilman George McClellan said he first learned of the grant his town was slated to receive in May, when he got a call from Sen. Trudy Wade. “She said she would like to get us between $30,000 and $40,000,” McClellan said. “So we were kind of thinking $30,000. Then, a few days later, she said, “No, it’s $50,000.” McClellan said Wade was aware

“I give full credit to Sen. Wade,” McClellan said. “I’m pleased Summerfield will get their share as well.”

“I am proud to help secure the funding for these efforts that will help the citizens move our communities forward,” Wade said. Oak Ridge Town Manager Bill Bruce said the $33,333 grant his town was awarded last year will cover the cost of a design consultant for a streetscape plan, with the remainder of that grant going toward the cost of additional sidewalk construction in the town core. “We have a streetscape vision plan underway and the council has a lot of priorities for the town core, so this additional grant will be put to good use,” Bruce said. Summerfield Town Manager Scott Whitaker said he didn’t have many details yet about the latest grant his

N.C. 150 and Summerfield Road.

town received, but he has discussed it with Sen. Wade. “Mayor Pro-tem Dena Barnes and I talked with her about the funds in midMay, but we were surprised to later learn that the amount was more than we first discussed,” Whitaker said. Barnes confirmed she spoke to Wade about the grant at the Founders’ Day parade on May 16. “She said the mayor had not returned her call, so I called Scott over and made sure she had his contact information,” Barnes said. “The council as a whole should discuss plans for the funding when we find out relevant information, but it sounds like a great opportunity if we can work together to come up with a plan.” Whitaker said he hopes the $33,333 grant the town was awarded last summer will be used for a project resulting from an intersection master plan that is being developed. At the June 12 town council meeting he presented the council with an artist rendering of knee-high brick walls that could be placed at the corner of the Martin House property; the historic house is located across from Summerfield Town Hall, at the intersection of

Whitaker proposed landscaping around the walls, which would have a sign inserted that would read “Summerfield.” Council members were in agreement on landscaping this corner, but asked that the town’s Historical Committee review the concept of the brick walls and offer their suggestions. “The new $50,000 grant could potentially be connected to that concept plan also, but it’s too early to say what the council will decide,” Whitaker said. “While I’ve initially heard this funding can be used within our FY2018-19, I suspect it has a similar set of deadlines as the current grant, which doesn’t correspond exactly with our town budget cycle. Although Stokesdale was not awarded a $50,000 grant in the state’s recently approved budget, it has finalized plans for how to use the $33,333 grant it was awarded last year. At the town council’s June 14 meeting, the council voted 3-1 to approve using grant funds to purchase an exterior electronic message board for Stokesdale Elementary, with any remaining funds from the grant applied to the cost of constructing a second shelter in the town park.

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NEWS in brief

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ITIO

named the fund balance. At my house, that is our bank account.”

...continued from p. 3

rtesy of photo cou eilly Sandi O’R

year’s budget and fund capital expenses, $592,425 will be appropriated from the fund balance, which as of the end of the current fiscal year is about $6,920,000. Before opening a public hearing for budget comments, council member Teresa Pegram asked if the council could have 30 more days to approve the budget, but other council members said they had had sufficient time to review it and ask questions; a draft budget was uploaded to the town’s website April 16. Finance Officer Dee Hall was questioned as to why her salary is projected to increase from $65,000 to $74,000 next year, and she responded the increase is for extra hours that exceed the three days she was initially scheduled to work. “I haven’t been working just three days a week,” Hall said. “I’m in the office those three days and either stay late or come in another day.”

An operating budget of $1.25 million is excessive, Dwyer also said, and he questioned the amount budgeted for capital projects. “I’m sure these are all wonderful projects, but how did you decide you needed to spend $600,000 on capital projects this year?” he asked. Elizabeth McClellan said she didn’t see anything budgeted for maintenance of facilities, trails, etc., “and that is a big issue.” McClellan also agreed with others who have accused the town of positioning itself to raise taxes in the future. After the period for public comments closed, Whitaker addressed comments that have frequently been made about him drawing down the town’s fund balance.

During the Public Comments period, Beth Kaplan said she supported the budget, noting she especially appreciated the $70,000 budgeted for the sidewalk leading from the pedestrian tunnel under U.S. 220 to Summerfield Road.

“I have been here six years today,” he said, “and (at the end of this fiscal year) we have $23,000 more in our fund balance than we did in 2012… And somehow, in all that, taxes were cut and we’ve purchased property for open space, made improvements to our parks, and implemented priorities and projects.”

Sean Dwyer said he was disappointed yet again that the town was going to dip into reserves – “which is conveniently

After further discussion, the council voted 3-1 to approve the budget, with Pegram opposed.

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STOKESDALE town council

June 14 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by STEVE MANN Mayor John Flynt called the monthly council meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Present were Mayor Pro Tem Thearon Hooks and council members Tim Jones and Frank Bruno (Bill Jones was absent); Interim Town Clerk Alisa Houk; Budget Officer Philip Pulliam; Town Attorney John Bain; and about 12 citizens. Layton Spencer gave the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Agenda. Bruno asked to add discussion of computers for Stokesdale Elementary; Tim Jones suggested removing the second citizens’ comment period, but Flynt said some might want to speak later in the meeting on something that occurred during the meeting, so he suggested retaining the second comment period.

 4  0 to approve the meeting agenda.

Minutes. Flynt requested amending the May 10 council meeting minutes to show the discussion of the staff holiday and paid time off policy was tabled because council members didn’t have copies of the policy in their packets.

 3  1, with Tim Jones voting

nay, to approve the minutes with the amendment.

CITIZEN COMMENTS  Vicki White-Lawrence said anyone interested in helping organize community forums focused on the opioid epidemic is asked to call Stokesdale Town Hall at (336) 643-4011. (Update: The first community forum will be held Sunday, July 15, at Oak Level Baptist Church.) White-Lawrence said she was glad to see agenda items that would provide opportunities for more volunteers. Flynt said Pam and Bob Mick will not be coordinating the Christmas Parade Committee again this year and volunteers are needed. White-Lawrence also said she favors keeping the second citizens’ comment period.

NEW BUSINESS Public Safety: Sheriff’s District 1. Master Cpl. Nick Southern said the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office responded to 669 calls in District 1 in May; of those, 19 were Part 1 crimes, with three of those occurring in Stokesdale: an embezzlement, a residential

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burglary and an aggravated assault. Southern said crime was down 34 percent in May compared to May 2017.

Fire Department. Chief Todd Gauldin reported 74 calls in May, of which 33 were fire-related and 41 were EMS calls. With hot weather here, he advised those working outside to especially be mindful about staying hydrated. The annual maintenance check of the fire hydrants has been completed and items of concern were documented and sent to Yates Construction Co. to be corrected.

 4  0 to approve a policy that provides 12 paid holidays and additional accrued paid time off to fulltime employees working 32 or more budgeted hours a week.

 4  0 to authorize Houk and

Bain to set a minimum bid for the electronic auction of the town’s vehicle “as is.” Tim Jones’ amendments to set the minimum bid at $1,000 and advertise it within two weeks on govdeals.com were accepted. The 2009 Dodge Charger, with about 112,000 miles, was formerly used by the sheriff’s deputy that the town contracted for; it was declared surplus and listed for sale at least twice on govdeals.com with a minimum bid of $8,500.

paid, or possibly eliminating the fees.

Budget amendments. The council approved by 4-0 votes budget amendments for the general and water enterprise funds for expenditures to the end of FY2017-18. The $38,000 for the general fund to cover an increase in such items as legal fees, planning and zoning legal fees and advertising, and administrative expenses, services and fees will come from $75,000 in undesignated funds. The $48,000 to cover increased expenses of marking water lines, the purchase and installation of water meters and water purchase will be paid for by revenue surpluses in late fees, infrastructure inspection fees, capacity and tap fees, and water sales.

General fund update. With one month left in the fiscal year, Pulliam said income in the general fund was about $223,615. As is customary, only two quarterly payments of the utilities franchise tax distribution have been collected as of May 31, he noted. Expenses (fiscal) year-to-date were $219,502, about 57 percent of what was budgeted.

FY2018-19 budgets

Water enterprise update. Income for the water enterprise account through May 31 was about $448,836, led by almost $368,219 in water sales. Total expenses were about $385,066, with water purchase accounting for about $198,584.

During a budget comment period, Eileen Thiery of Meadow Springs Place asked the council if it had considered putting a cap on how long monthly tap fees of $30.50 must be

Adopt HB 436. R.J. Mozeley of engineering firm McGill Associates said a calculation for the allowable development fee for the town’s water system under House Bill 436 had been adjusted since a public hearing May 24. Because the town originally received $3 million from the state for the water system, that amount was ineligible for calculation as part of the water system’s overall worth. As a result, the new cost per gallon per day dropped from $6.42 to $2.32 and the allowable development fee dropped from $2,568

 4  0 to approve a $480 annual

contract with Kallam Exterminators for monthly pest control.

 3  1, with Tim Jones voting nay, to approve the proposed 2018-19 general fund and water enterprise budgets which were presented last month. The general fund budget of $428,283 is an 11.5-percent increase over FY2017-18; the water enterprise budget of $682,768 is an almost 42-percent increase.

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Give us another year or so and I hope we really make some progress in the Town ... We don’t always agree but at least we agree to disagree.” Mayor John Flynt to $928. Stokesdale will continue to charge $750, the same fee which has been charged since May 5, 2016.

 4  0 to approve McGill’s study. Property Committee. The council voted 4-0 to wait until the July 12 meeting to finalize plans to use a $33,333 downtown revitalization grant from the state to purchase an electronic sign for Stokesdale Elementary School. Bruno said he didn’t have final costs for the sign and running electricity to it, but said it would be no more than $22,000. The school will be responsible for sign maintenance. The council also voted 3-1, with Tim Jones voting nay, to use the rest of the grant funding to help pay for a second shelter in the town park. See story, Page 2.

Water tank maintenance. The council discussed bids for preparing the town’s water tank for painting; Flynt said while the tank is being painted, it could be down for about 30 days. Flynt said discussions continue with Winston-Salem and engineering firm Hazen and Sawyer about what can be done to ensure adequate water and a water source during the painting. The council voted 4-0 to continue discussion to the July 12 meeting.

 4  0 for Bain and Oliver Bass,

the town’s planner, to determine the process for considering the Ordinance Review Committee’s recommended changes to Section 5-13.6 of the Stokesdale Development Ordinance. The section covers major subdivision criteria for required hookup to the

town’s water system.

 4  0 for Bain and Bass to

determine the procedure for considering the ORC’s recommendation to eliminate the RS-30 (residential single-family, minimum lot size 30,000 square feet) zoning district and require a minimum lot size of 1 acre.

 4  0 to add the town park and

town hall to the town core in Stokesdale’s Future Land Use Plan. Flynt said the action, unanimously supported by the town’s Planning Board, would provide more options for future grants. The property at Stokesdale Elementary School is already connected to the town core, he noted, and the town-owned property is contiguous with the back of the school property.

expired May 26. The bond, paid to the town in 2016, was for installing a landscape buffer between the subdivision and Treeline Road. Flynt said neighbors have complained that two years is plenty of time.

CONTACT YOUR TOWN (336) 643-4011 stokesdale@stokesdale.org www.stokesdale.org

stone a certified letter requiring substantial completion of the project within 60 days of receipt of the letter or forfeit the bond.

Nuisance ordinance. The council agreed to postpone voting on the ORC’s recommendation to repeal the town’s nuisance ordinance until the July 12 meeting when council member Bill Jones would return.

 4  0 to authorize Flynt to sign

a letter informing the state about action taken in response to a notice of violation issued Jan. 23 for exceeding “acceptable” total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) levels in the water system. The town has been in compliance since February.

COMMITTEE/ADMIN REPORTS 180-day progress report. Hooks highlighted 10 items accomplished or addressed by the council since January, which include obtaining monthly reports from the Stokesdale Fire Department and Guilford County Sheriff’s Office; hiring a new town attorney; updating computer equip-

...continued on p. 10

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 3  1, with Tim Jones vot-

ing nay, to purchase computers for 12 upper-grade teachers at Stokesdale Elementary School. See story, Page 2.

Make sure your A/C system can handle the job

OLD BUSINESS

Request from Keystone. The council declined a request from Keystone Group Inc., the developer of Northwest Meadows subdivision, to extend a $9,240 performance bond that

Thursday, July 12 • 7pm Stokesdale Town Hall

 4  0 to have Bain send Key-

 4  0 (in two separate votes) to

Resurfacing bids. Bruno said he should have three estimates on the cost of repaving all paved surfaces at the town hall and park, and re-applying parking lines, before the July 12 meeting. The bids will likely be about $20,000, he said.

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TOWN COUNCIL

...continued from p. 9

ment; finalizing plans for how to use a $33,333 grant; converting six CDs totaling $758,064.38 to CDARS (the interest rate went from 0.01 percent to almost 2 percent, and Hooks said within a year the interest will cover the town’s entire payroll); establishing a water tank maintenance and painting plan; developing a paid staff holiday and time-off policy; erecting No Trespassing signs in the park; installing a new security system in and around the town park and town hall; and hiring an additional deputy town clerk.

Property Committee. Bruno discussed goals and achievements, including more precise budgeting for the landscaping and grounds maintenance program; resurfacing parking lots at the town hall and park; installing two park benches June 15; developing a new town website; purchasing additional fireproof filing cabinets; adding a second shelter in the town park; and cleanup of spray painting vandalism at the concession stand in the park.

 3  1, with Tim Jones voting nay, to create an Events Committee with a budget of $5,000. See story, Page 2.

Administrative. Houk said since May 10, the staff had fielded 294 phone calls, had 192 visitors, received

47 pieces of mail, sold seven water meters, processed 170 8-1-1 locates and 13 work orders, rented out the picnic shelter 14 times, compiled backflow preventer test results on pools and irrigation systems, and completed minutes for the May 7 Planning Board and May 10 town council meetings. She said two billing cycles fell between May 10 and June 14, with 575 water bills sent out in the first cycle and 581 the second. Houk said she attended the development fee meeting May 24, a special meeting May 31 to approve waiving late fees on water bills because of problems at the post office, the June 7 Planning Board meeting and the UNC School of Government’s new town clerks’ academy and institute. She said she is working with Hazen and Sawyer on a hydraulic model of the town’s water system and to find ways to eliminate the higher TTHM levels in the summer; she assisted with getting bids for the maintenance and painting of the water tank; and, along with Flynt and Hooks, met with Republic Services officials June 13. Houk said construction will soon start on Phase 2 and Phase 3 of Dawn Acres and on Nugent Drive in Charles Place, and engineering firm McGill Associates is working

Isn’t it nice we don’t yell at each other?” Councilman Frank Bruno on the initial inspection of Treeline subdivision and Northwest Meadows Phase 2. She also thanked WhiteLawrence for continuing to help organize Town Hall. Bruno said the 60-day review for Deputy Clerk Priscilla Hunsucker and Houk’s quarterly review had been completed.

 Laura Gibson said she likes the idea of holding events in the town core and hopes it encourages retailers to look at downtown Stokesdale and revitalization. Gibson said she sees a lot of people in Kernersville’s historic area on the weekends and believes downtown Stokesdale is “just as quaint and just as inviting.”

The council has been accepting applications for town clerk and finance officer for three months, and Bruno suggested it pause, review what has been received and see if there are any qualified applicants. Tim Jones said he thought the town had not advertised the positions as extensively as it should have.

 White-Lawrence asked who would post messages on the electronic sign at Stokesdale Elementary and Bruno said the principal would be the sign administrator. White-Lawrence pointed out that studies have shown investment in education helps cut back on incarceration rates, requiring fewer prisons.

 3  1, with Tim Jones voting nay, to close the application process.

Hooks said he, Flynt and Houk recently met with two Republic Services officials for an update on changes to service; the officials thought supervisors were coming to Stokesdale weekly, but discovered they weren’t. Hooks said he recommended someone be designated to come weekly for at least six weeks. Flynt said the designated person will call everyone who left a complaint with staff at Town Hall to make sure their issues are addressed and solved.

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 Kathy Bunthoff of McCrory Road thanked the council for supporting Stokesdale Elementary and said she thought adding the town property to the town core and creating an Events Committee could be “a window of opportunity with ways to physically connect downtown with these spaces which see increasing use.” She also said she hopes the council can find funding for more sidewalks downtown.

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COUNCIL COMMENTS  Bruno thanked the four citizens who stayed to the end of the meeting, thanked the council and staff for their hard work the last six months and praised the decision to pursue CDARS. “Isn’t it nice we don’t yell at each other?” he asked, then said he told listeners on the monthly radio show on WMYM 1420 that Stokesdale is a small, tight-knit community. He said council members may not always agree, but they respect each other. “That’s what I think sets Stokesdale apart,” Bruno said.  Flynt said the staff has been working hard, and praised Hooks and Bruno in particular for helping get things done. “Give us another year or so and I hope we really make some progress in the Town,” he said, then echoed Bruno’s remarks – “We don’t always agree but at least we agree to disagree.” The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m.

HISTORIC PROPERTIES ...continued from p. 1

opportunity to tour the town-owned historic buildings, with some offering creative ways to use them if restored. Councilman Reece Walker said he was impressed with the hard work that staff put into cleaning up and organizing the two buildings in preparation for the open house. “Last time I was in the Martin House it was in sound condition but ‘very messy and unorganized’ would be an understatement; the difference (on June 2) was like night and day,” Walker said. “My understanding was that the feedback from the open house was generally positive, even with the misinformation that the mayor was sharing with the public about the buildings.” That misinformation includes Mayor Gail Dunham insisting the Martin House property does not have its own septic system, and that the building may be unstable. To the contrary, Town Manager Scott Whitaker has repeatedly stated the Martin House has a septic system, but does not have its own well (the former property owner shared a well with an adjacent property owner). Dunham has said she wants a professional structural engineer consultant to assess the structure, but Whitaker said that assessment was performed before Dunham was elected mayor and the building was found to be structurally stable. As of late March, $36,800.91 has been spent on the Martin House for items including initial property condition assessment, lien search, boundary survey, asbestos removal, demolition of room additions, roof flashing, structural/ flooring repairs, insurance and mowing. In an email Whitaker sent to council members in April, he wrote that a Guilford County inspector stated “he saw no problems with the work which had been

done to the flooring and support systems and indicated that he would sign off on it. As an aside, the inspector made many positive comments regarding the house itself, noting that it was very unusual to see a house of that age which did not have cracks in the walls and which had not had some type of fire damage.”

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

John Dye and his wife lived on the upper story of the Martin House for a short time in the ‘50s. As he stood in the house on June 2 and looked out over the intersection of Summerﬁeld Road and N.C. 150, he recalled the businesses that were once there, which included Gordon Hardware, a blacksmith shop and an Esso station.

Regarding future uses of the Martin House, town staff members say they didn’t get as much feedback as they would have liked from those who toured the buildings, but they did get some interesting suggestions. “While we were very pleased with the event and opportunity for citizens to see both buildings, I didn’t receive a lot of ‘direct-use’ feedback,” Whitaker said. “With the Martin House, more than one resident suggested smalloffice retail for home-office residents who are willing to rent a single room or two-room suite. They cited the lack of such space in Summerfield. “I think some were surprised at how stable/solid the buildings are, especially after hearing our mayor’s narrative to the contrary,” he said. Councilman John O’Day said he, too, had to correct people on the stability of the Martin House in particular. “Several people asked me about our intentions with the Martin House especially,” O’Day said. “I turned that back to a few folks to get their opinion and I heard an art gallery, tea or coffee shop, business start-up site (which I really like), and office space.

rental office space for new businesses. “One person did say ‘art gallery’ and another person told Gail (Dunham) they would like to see it torn down,” Gore said. “I didn’t really get any feedback on the Gordon Building besides its beauty, as I wasn’t over there.” A sign-in sheet inside the Gordon Hardware building invited suggestions for how both buildings might be used. One person wrote “it’s a waste of taxpayer money,” while a few indicated

they would like to see the buildings used for a soda shop (Gordon building) and museum (Martin House). Other suggestions for the Gordon building included using it for town meetings, a country store, an event venue or a senior center; one citizen suggested tearing the Martin House down and using it for parking for the Gordon building. “Please save these historic structures,” another citizen wrote. “We are very fortunate to have these buildings!”

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“People were fascinated by the Gordon building,” O’Day continued. “After getting in there I see potential for meeting space – however I would want to incorporate the features of the building and artifacts in the finished product. It would be unique to Summerfield that way.”

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

Welcome to

Fire camp focuses on fun, safety

Photos by Marc Pruitt/NWO

Summerfield Fire Department welcomes third- through fifth-graders to its second annual fire camp June 18-22.

A week-long camp offers third- through fifth-graders an opportunity to learn a variety of safety tips while getting to know local fi refighters by MARC PRUITT SUMMERFIELD – The Summerfield Fire Department held its second annual summer fire camp June 18-22 at Station 9. Twenty-four campers in grades three through five attended a week full of fun activities while being educated about safety procedures in many walks of life.

The program is the brainchild of Jenna Daniels, the fire department’s captain of administration, who came up with the concept after the Greensboro Fire Department stopped having the camp two years ago. “I contacted them when I heard they weren’t going to continue and they gave us most of their paperwork and we just kind of built on that,” Daniels said. “We loved the idea and wanted to bring it to the Summerfield community. Chief Chris (Johnson) said, ‘Let’s do it. What do you need?’ and has been supportive from the beginning.”

Summer Fire Camp students enjoy visi�ng with “Scooby” (center) while ge�ng a lesson in animal safety from Oﬃcer Melvin with Guilford County Animal Control.

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...continued on p. 15

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JUNE 28 - JULY 4, 2018

‘Miss Joy,’ ‘Mr. Kirkland’ leave void at Stokesdale Elementary ‘It was so much more than just a job for me. Stokesdale was my heart,’ Joy Bailey said of her 18 years at the school. Co-workers held a retirement party for Bailey and Lawrence Kirkland, who worked as a custodian at the school for 38 years, on June 13. by MARC PRUITT Photos by Marilyn Grubbs, NWO

“Miss Joy” Bailey (above left) stands with Bryson Grubbs, who was a pre-kindergarten student at the time this picture was taken. Bailey recently retired from Stokesdale Elementary after 18 years. Lawrence Kirkland (above right) is retiring after 38 years of working as a custodian at Stokesdale Elementary.

For the last 18 years she was known to many at Stokesdale Elementary simply as “Miss Joy.” It was an appropriate name for someone who brought smiles to not only the faces but the hearts of thousands of students, parents and coworkers during her time at the school. Joy Bailey retired this month, and co-workers say she leaves a very deep hole to fill. The same can be said for Lawrence Kirkland, a custodian at the school for 38 years, who also retired this month. Kirkland, who will be missed for his very apparent love and support of the students, was almost always sporting apparel that supported his favorite

team, the UNC Tar Heels. “I loved hearing Lawrence shout across the room, ‘Hello, Miss Morgan,’ as he waved,” kindergarten teacher Carla Morgan said. “We had an ongoing Carolina-Duke rivalry, but I forgive him for his error in team choices. I love Lawrence and will miss him so much, as will the kids at Stokesdale.” Co-workers say Kirkland had a knack for establishing relationships with students with his daily high fives, hugs and the “happy tickets” he would hand out at lunch time. “Lawrence is dedicated to his work, but it is his relationships with the students that make him stand out,”

teacher John Meares said. “Those words of encouragement meant a lot to the students.” “‘Mr. Lawrence’ has a heart big as Texas,” fifth-grade teacher Mark Drews said. “His job description did not require that he befriend students, interact with them, was both kind and helpful with them and handed out ‘happy tickets’ during lunch. But he did all these things and more. Oh, and he has always worked hard to help keep our classrooms and school clean and inviting. He will be missed by staff and students as well.” First-grade teacher Lindsay Harrell agreed you could tell how much

Kirkland loved the children by the way he interacted with them. “He would give them high fives and hugs each morning,” Harrell said. “He was so helpful to me when I first came to Stokesdale, and always willing to lend a hand in any way needed.” Bailey, who worked for Guilford County Schools for 20 years, served the last 18 of those as data manager at Stokesdale Elementary. There, she was often the first face parents would see every morning in the office and would always offer a warm welcome and inviting greeting. After breaking her foot on June 3, Bailey’s retirement came a little earlier

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than she expected. “My last day was going to be June 29, but I fell at my house near the end of school,” she explained. “I went to work for two more days without knowing I had broken my foot. Then it started to swell and I couldn’t feel my toes, so my doctor sent me to the orthopedic surgeon. I wasn’t able to go back to work because I couldn’t drive.” Bailey’s daily trek to work the last 18 years was a 30-minute commute each way. “I never wanted to go anywhere else,” she said. “Stokesdale (Elementary) was my family.”

YOUTH news

For her, the worst part of not being able to finish out the school year was not having the chance to say goodbye to the students. “I didn’t get to say goodbye to the kids; they have always been my heart,” said Bailey as her voice began to fill with emotion. “There were kids I gave medicine to every day, kids whose ‘boo-boos’ I patched up, kids who came to me with broken arms, broken legs and a broken wrist. I was there for them until their parents could get there. I call them ‘my kids’ instead of saying ‘students’ because I treated them like they were my own kids. I think I was able to build up a good rapport with the parents all these years

...continued from p. 13

ous guest speakers come out to present information to the campers. “It’s not just about fire safety,” Daniels said. “We’ve had people from Poison Control and Animal Services come out, had talks about storm preparedness, done CPR and first aid, and bike safety, where there is a bike rodeo that includes a helmet fitting and then having to learn all the signs and hand signals. We want to get as much information out to the kids as we can and do it in a fun environment.” The campers also participate in the obstacle course and bucket brigade daily – a nod to how firefighters used to supply water to put out fires – as well as jumping around in the fire safety bounce house, which also provides fire safety messages. “This year, we even sent the campers out ‘on a call,’ where they got to ride with lights and sirens in a vehicle in our back parking lot,” Daniels said. On the final day, the campers were timed in their agility tests and bucket brigades and had an online test about what they had learned dur-

ing the week. Awards were presented to individuals and groups at a cookout held last Friday night. “I loved doing the obstacle courses and learning about animal safety, like which animals to be careful around because they might have rabies,” said Anna Hart, who is 8.

because of the relationships I built with them inside and outside of school.” Bailey’s daughter, Ashley Woelk, and a friend, Kurtis Elledge, took her to the school on June 13 for a cookout with the faculty and staff that also served as a retirement party for her and Kirkland. “That meant so much to me that they did that,” Bailey said. “I don’t have a lot of family. Stokesdale became my family. Those are relationships I will always cherish. It was so much more than ‘just a job’ for me. Stokesdale was my heart.” The feeling those at the school had for Bailey was mutual.

“’Miss Joy’ has always done a great job in her administrative position, but maybe more importantly she is the friendly, helpful lady at the front desk who handles dozens and dozens of problems, questions, concerns – and fixes more ‘boo-boos’ than Clara Barton ever did,” Drews said. “Her patience is greater than that of Job! Miss Joy will be truly missed by students, parents and all our staff.” “Joy’s love and dedication to the students and families of Stokesdale will be missed,” confirmed principal Dr. Meredith Chandler. “I wish her only the best as she transitions to the next chapter of her life.”

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“I really liked it when we got to spray the hose,” Lauryn Lewis, also 8, said. “We learned that firefighters are our friends and are here to help us.” Daniels is eager to see where the program goes. “We would love to have enough kids next year to offer a second week,” she said. “We just want to see it keep growing. We love having the kids out here and we have a good time with them. We want them to feel comfortable with us. The first day, they are usually timid and shy. By the second day, they are challenging the firefighters in the push-up and sit-up competitions at snack time. We think it’s just a great way to connect with the community and our firemen have just as much fun with it as the kids do.”

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When death strikes as suddenly as lightning The heartache of losing a loved one lingers, but comfort can be found in knowing the angels delivered them to heaven

half months, our baby son would come prematurely into the world; he lived for only three hours. Vaguely, I heard the doctor say quietly to me through a veil of medicated half-sleep: “I am so sorry, but his lungs were not fully developed.” A dark-haired nurse brought a cup of red liquid to dull both my physical pain and heart pangs. It didn’t work, nor did any other potion.

by HELEN LEDFORD On a cold April night long ago, an undertaker wheeled the body of my Papa out on a sheet-covered gurney. Family members were gathered in the room, where my brother sat, holding me in his lap. Being only 4, I was somewhat oblivious to the scene around me and sat distracted, watching my two pet goldfish swim around in their round, glass bowl. Clear is the memory of a flowerbedecked open grave in the Baptist church graveyard. The lightning bolt of death was a devastating blow to our family. Though times were hard and money was scarce, with older brothers and sisters going out to work at public jobs, we survived. Mama never shielded us children from death. From my youth, I was taught that it was part of living. During World War II, many homes in our town displayed small flags with gold stars, representing sons or daughters who had given their lives to preserve the freedom of our country. In that era, deceased loved ones

When back at home, for a time I walked at night from window to window, thinking I heard my baby cry and fearing that he was cold. Learning then that sorrow is an unrelenting struggle, I decided I could not let it swallow or defeat me. It took strong faith and determination to move beyond it, and I did so one day at a time.

were brought home for a one-night wake. When a neighbor or friend passed away, we were taken to the abode of the one lying in repose. The son of a family whose farm adjoined ours lost his life in an automobile accident. It was the first time I had been exposed to the passing of someone who was not elderly. Out of respect for our beloved friends, we paid a visit and the boy’s mother invited us into the house, leading us to where he lay. I was fascinated by the swatch of pink tulle that

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covered the open casket – its intention to shield some of death’s harshness. In my childish way, I asked my mother, “Doesn’t John Ernest look pretty?” But I was too young then to know that death is not pretty. And it hurts – all the more so when a child is taken. Later in my life I was to face that truth head on, when my husband and I were awaiting the birth of our second child. It was a troubled pregnancy, and forced me into much bed rest. We never dreamed that, at seven-and-one-

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Once, standing with siblings in the kitchen of our family home place, our largest black walnut tree was hit suddenly by a lightning strike. A deafening pop! shook the house, immobilizing our senses. And so it is with the death of a child. I once sat with a young mother who had just lost her small infant. It was heartbreaking to see her rocking silently by the baby’s crib, holding the little one’s favorite soft blanket and a stuffed animal. That was her way of coping, for the moment. Another time, a small boy tragically lost his life in a horrific go-cart accident.

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The family chose to bring him home, and the casket was placed against a wall, surrounded by flowers. While I was there, the young father’s eyes never left the little boy’s face. I understood… Over the years, I lost my mother, my husband and eight brothers and sisters. And then, contrary to the old adage, “Lightning never strikes in the same place twice,” my remaining son was killed instantly in an unfortunate mishap. Looking back on the day of that calamity, I relive only briefly the scene ingrained forever in my being – bike, helmet, a ball cap and one shoe lying on the side of the street. A heavy metal pole in the median stood grotesquely bent by my Mark’s body as he was thrown into the air. Then came the nightmare of identifying his remains, though as I recall that was not so terrifying, for he lay peacefully, with no hint of tragedy on his face. It was as if he was transformed, bringing to mind

the account of Corrie Ten Boom in her book, “The Hiding Place,” in which she described the years she and her sister Betsie spent in concentration camps. It was at the notorious extermination camp, Ravensbruck, that Betsie became extremely ill and died, but Corrie saw her in death as a young girl again. God had performed a miracle… Soon after Mark’s passing, a wellmeaning lady approached me and glibly asked, “Doesn’t it bother you to go through that intersection where he was killed?” I was moved to reply, “Yes, it bothers me somewhat. But that is where the angels came and took him straight to heaven!” It comforts me to remember the lyrics in this Hank Williams song, “The Funeral”: “…But his sho ‘nough father wanted him in the big house up above. The Lord didn’t give you that baby, by no hundred thousand miles. He just think you need some sunshine and he lent it for a while.”

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easiest of hikes, but once I get done we will fly home together,” Fuqua said. “I’m not one of those who gets to the end and then turns around and heads south.” Fuqua said he is averaging about 25 miles per day and the farther north he has gotten, the flatter the terrain has been. “That’s good news for my feet, which are pretty sore – and they should be,” he said. “Here in Pennsylvania, the rocks are pretty bad. Overall, I feel great!

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Fuqua plans his daily mileage around weather factors, terrain and where shelters and water are located. He has a guide book that he references to help him along the way. He tries to maintain a backpack filled with his necessary supplies – sleeping bag, food and water – of about 30 to 35 pounds. He re-stocks his food every three or four days, and said his food usually consists of freeze-dried meals, cinnamon buns, Pop-Tarts, and tuna and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. “They call it the junk food diet, because you can pretty much eat whatever you want and still lose a lot of weight,” Fuqua said “And every once and while, you can go into a

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Fuqua turned 57 while on the trail in Virginia, visiting the Devil’s Backbone Brewery and enjoying “a few beers.” “Every two weeks, I’ll take a day off or plan a shorter hike day to get to a shelter and rest a little bit,” Fuqua said. “You kind of travel around in bubbles, moving from place to place with a lot of the same people. I started out by myself, but I’ve been walking with a lot of the same people for a while now. We see each other at the same shelters, using the same water.” Fuqua said his love for the outdoors began when he attended camp as a youngster at Falling Creek in the North Carolina mountains. “That was my first experience with backpacking and being in the outdoors,” Fuqua said. “I love it. A few years ago, a friend and me hiked about 80 miles on the (Appalachian Trail). It reminded me how much I loved being outdoors and it motivated me to do this. I’m not getting any younger, and I’m in a good place and Allison is in a good place. Our kids are grown. My boss at work encouraged me to do it. “I didn’t want to wake up when I was 65 and say, ‘ I could have done that’ or ‘I should have done that,” he continued. “It’s one of those things you always talk about doing, and I wanted to say that I actually did it, you know?” Fuqua said so far he has been through two pairs of hiking boots and will buy his third pair once he crosses into New York. “That should be enough to get me to the end,” he said. “I’ve come all this way and seen so many beautiful things along the way. I’m not in any hurry to finish, but at the same time I have to finish. So far, it’s been all I could have hoped for and more. I look forward to what’s ahead.”

JUNE 28 - JULY 4, 2018

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Piedmont Rental Homes LLC Owners John and Leslie Turner opened Piedmont Rental Homes LLC six years ago, during the housing downswing. “Homeowners needed an alternative to selling at a loss, and we saw the demand for leasing out higher-end homes,” the couple said. “We have been able to generate income for them so they could make their move.” The company offers residential property management for homes, townhomes and condominiums, and operates a website that advertises all over the internet to reach prospective tenants. Criminal, credit and eviction background checks are conducted to present homeowners with qualified tenants. Piedmont Rental Homes offers an investor or homeowner two options of services, from full management to a marketing assistance program, so they can manage their own rental home with the company’s aid in finding a reliable tenant. The company’s business philosophy says, “We promise to provide homeowners wanting to lease out their homes and tenants wanting to lease a home a professional experience. Piedmont Rental Homes LLC treats all people equally and fairly. Our daily goal is to take care of our tenants and landlords.” On a personal note: John Turner lived many years in Summerfield with his children, Casey Turner (Day) and Matthew Turner. John and Leslie both have family around and in nearby areas. Some of John and Leslie’s leisure-time favorites in warm weather include taking beach, golf and lake trips with the family. Leslie also takes art classes for oil on canvas while John aims to have the best-looking yard in the neighborhood.

See ad on p. 23.

CELEBRATION

BITS & PIECES

Y recognizes volunteers

Amend

Gregory

Vaughan

The YMCA of Greensboro recently recognized their Volunteers of the Year for 2017, which included three individuals from the Spears YMCA on Horse Pen Creek Road. Awards are given for each branch in three categories: Adult Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year and Campaigner of the Year. (Far left) Michael Amend was recognized as Spears YMCA’s Adult Volunteer of the Year; Lauren J. Gregory (center) was recognized as Youth Volunteer of the Year; and Gil Vaughan was recognized as Campaigner of the Year. “Volunteers are the heart of the Y. The YMCA was founded by volunteers and continues to be an organization that depends on volunteers to achieve its goals,” said Kim McKone, director of outreach for the YMCA of Greensboro. “We are grateful for the over 1,000 volunteers who helped make our community stronger in 2017.”

Volunteer adult literacy tutors needed

There are currently over 35 adults in Guilford County waiting for literacy instruction. Reading Connections, the largest community-based adult literacy agency in North Carolina, is looking for volunteers who are able to spend two to four hours a week working with adult students on reading, writing, English language, math and technology skills. Volunteers do not need a background in teaching. Reading Connections provides a free three-part training which will prepare volunteers to work with native English speakers or English speakers of other languages. Our next training will be offered in Greensboro in July, with orien-

tation on July 16 from 10 a.m. to noon; Session I on July 17, 9 a.m. to noon; and Session II on July 19, 9 a.m. to noon. All sessions will be held at the Self Help Building, 122 N. Elm St., on the eighth floor. Parking is available in the Davie Street Parking Deck, between Market Street and Friendly Avenue. The training will include an introduction to the agency, requirements for becoming a tutor or instructor, the four components of reading, working with different learning styles, lesson planning and much more. Once volunteers complete training, they will be eligible to work with students. Volunteer opportunities are available in Greensboro and High Point. To register for training or for more information, call (336) 230-2223 or e-mail

info@readingconnections.org. Around 1 in 5 adults in Guilford County – about 75,000 individuals – lack the basic skills to fill out a job application or read a children’s book. Another 25 percent cannot read at a high school level. Reading Connections provides programs focused on basic reading and writing, math, GED preparation, essential employment readiness skills, basic computer use, family literacy and English skills for speakers of other languages. Last year, more than 908 students were served by Reading Connections. Please consider sharing your strengths and becoming a volunteer literacy tutor.

HICKS/SMITH WEDDING

Marty and Sarah Hicks and Bill and Lucy Smith joyously celebrated the wedding of their children, Amber Nicole Hicks and Nathan Alexander Hicks, on May 12 at the JH Adams Inn in High Point. Amber is a recent graduate of UNCG and Nathan graduated from N.C. State. They will reside in Greenville, North Carolina, where Nathan is employed by ARC3 Gases.

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

Museum seeks owners of donated/loaned items OAK RIDGE – After 13 years, the community museum at Oak Ridge Elementary School has closed. Unfortunately, the closure was necessitated by the growth at the school and the museum space being needed as well as the lack of museum volunteers. We are unsure of the owners of a few items donated or loaned to the

museum. If you donated or loaned items to the museum, please contact Sandra Smith at Oak Ridge Town Hall at (336) 644-7009. These items must be claimed by June 30. The Oak Ridge Community Museum Committee would like to express our thanks to all those who have supported us over the years.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JUNE 28 - JULY 4, 2018

CRIME / INCIDENT report

EVOLUTION OF OUR LOGO

Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, District 1

1996

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

COMMUNICATING THREATS June 21 | A resident of the 7200 block of U.S. 158 in Stokesdale reported he was threatened by a known person who stated he was going to shoot him in the head. The resident was given information on how to obtain a warrant for arrest.

2000

ROBBERY/VANDALISM June 21 | A resident of Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale reported being robbed in the Dollar General Store parking lot, located at 8302 Belews Creek Road, at around 2:07 a.m. The resident said a known person robbed him of $50 after hitting him and throwing him to the ground. The suspect also took the resident’s car battery out, threw it and damaged the hood of his vehicle. June 25 | A resident of the 6100 block of Bedstone Drive in northern Greensboro reported someone threw a rock through a rear window in his house. The incident allegedly occurred around 5:30 p.m.

2013

? ? ?? 2018

COMING JULY Bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996 For advertising information, contact Laura Reneer (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 | advertising@nwobserver.com

JUNE 28 - JULY 4, 2018

THEFT June 26 | An employee of Bi-Rite in Stokesdale reported a known person came into the business and concealed a variety of deli products and several bottles of alcohol, then left without paying for the items.

ARRESTS June 19 | A 28-year-old woman was cited around 4:56 p.m. at I-73 and Oak Ridge Road for driving 15 mph or more over the speed limit. June 19 | A 25-year-old woman was cited around 5:36 p.m. at I-73 and Alcorn Road for speeding. June 20 | A 26-year-old man was arrested at 1:22 a.m. near the U.S. 220 and N.C. 150 intersection in Summerfield for Driving While Impaired. June 20 | A 37-year-old man was arrested around 10:47 p.m. near the U.S. 220

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

and U.S. 158 intersection in Summerfield on two misdemeanor charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance. June 20 | An 18-year-old male was arrested around 2:47 p.m. at the 5400 block of Centerfield Road in Summerfield on two misdemeanor charges of Possession of Marijuana up to ½ Ounce and Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia. June 21 | A 16-year-old male was cited around 3 p.m. at N.C. 68 and Daltonshire Drive in Oak Ridge for driving 15 mph or more over the speed limit, and on a charge of Flee/Elude Arrest. June 22 | A 40-year-old man was arrested around 8:53 p.m. in the 8400 block of Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale on four counts of Failure to Appear in Court on a Misdemeanor charge. June 23 | A 45-year-old man was arrested in the 7800 block of U.S. 158 in Stokesdale for Assault on a Female after a woman from Ridgeway, Virginia, reported she was pushed, strangled and thrown out of a door. No medical treatment was required. June 24 | A man was arrested for Assault on a Female and placed on domestic hold in the Greensboro jail after a resident of Shadyside Drive in Summerfield reported he struck her in the face twice with a closed fist. EMS responded to the incident. June 24 | A female resident of the 8600 block of Bull Road in Colfax reported she was the victim of a domestic-related breaking and entering which occurred around 11 p.m. when a known offender entered her residence by kicking open the front door. The suspect, a resident of the 9200 block of Goodwill Church Road in Kernersville, was arrested and charged with Breaking and Entering with Intent to Terrorize, Communicating Threats, Second Degree Trespassing, and Injury to Personal Property.

PIEDMONT Rental Homes LLC Ready to move? JUST RENT IT! “Your Property Management Partners”

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mark your

calendar calendar

 Vacation Bible School | Stokesdale United Methodist and Flat Rock United Methodist churches are partnering to offer “Rolling River Rampage” Vacation Bible School July 8-12, 6 to 8:30 p.m. at 8305 Loyola Drive, Stokesdale. Register online at www.stokesdaleumc.org/vbs-2018 or call (336) 643-4850.  Kernersville 5K Run | Register now for the an-

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Boarding & Grooming

Have peace of mind boarding with a full-service veterinary hospital. We groom all breeds of dogs, catering to your needs. Cats are welcome, too! (336) 665-1286 bel-airevet.com Serving the NW Triad area since 1991

nual 5K run hosted by The Rotary Club of Kernersville, Wednesday, July 4, 8 a.m. at 211 Broad St., Kernersville. $2,300 in prize money will be paid out to Top 5 male/female overall. Register in advance at www.runsignup.com/Race/NC/Kernersville/4thofjuly5k for $28.25 per runner, or on race day for $30. Packet pickup is July 3, 4-7 p.m. at Fleet Feet High Point, 2762 N.C. 68, Unit 111, High Point.  Movie Night | The Summit Church Oak Ridge

will sponsor a free community fun and movie night on June 29, 6:30 to 10 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive. Food vendors and fun begin at 6:30 p.m.; bring chairs or blankets. Free concessions prior to the featured movie, “The Greatest Showman,” which will start at dark. More info: (336) 298-4194 or amy.loflin@thesummitchurch.net.

SATURDAY, JUNE 30

 Music in the Park | Oak Ridge Town Park is host-

ing Music in the Park with pop/rock/indie musical guest Barefoot Modern on June 30, 6 to 8 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on, and purchase food or drinks at the event or bring a picnic.  Volunteers Needed | Festival organizer Down-

Ronald D. Ingle, Jr. Stephen Coe

Ronnie@inglelawoffice.com Steve@inglelawoffice.com

Stokesdale office located at: 8512 US Highway 158 Kernersville office: P.O. Box 2474, Kernersville, NC 27284 Danbury office: 603 Main Street, Danbury, NC 27016

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FRIDAY, JUNE 29

TUESDAY, JULY 3 & WEDNESDAY, JULY 4

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town Greensboro, Inc., is seeking about 200 volunteers for such roles as information ambassador, children’s activities helper, vendor assistant, general labor and more during the Fun Fourth Festival in downtown Greensboro, where more than 80,000 visitors will enjoy music, games and activities, crafts and food July 3-4. Volunteers will receive a festival T-shirt and can earn community service hours. Youth ages 16 and 17 may serve in some areas with parental permission. More info or register to volunteer at: www.funfourthfestival.org/volunteer/ or Volunteer@downtowngreensboro.org.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

On the left side, click community calendar

add your event Click and fill in your details

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

JUNE 28 - JULY 4, 2018

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JUNE 28 - JULY 4, 2018

GRINS and GRIPES Delighted or dismayed by something in your community? Share your thoughts in online: nwobserver.com

40 words or less

e-mail: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com

Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion.

GRINS to...

it is inspiring to know there are still people who take time to help others.

 Jon at CVS Pharmacy (in Oak Ridge) for showing excellent customer service and diligence in helping to resolve an issue we recently had. I wish more folks in the service industry had his concern for the customer!

 Both our state legislature and our Guilford County commissioners for their intelligent decision making, responsible budget management, good tax management and sound control of government.

 The patriotic people living in our wonderful community who fly the American flag the correct way and not upside down. Soldiers who fought for your freedom appreciate you following proper flag etiquette.  The manager and staff at Lowes Foods in Oak Ridge who were so kind and helpful when someone hit my car in the parking lot last Tuesday, June 19, and drove off.  The Summerfield Fire Department for an awesome week of fire camp! The campers had a great time and learned some very important skills. It’s an awesome program – thank you so much for spending the week with our kids.  Our present administration. The accompanied/unaccompanied children illegally arriving in this country have been housed in air conditioning, fed, clothed, protected by bilingual HHS agents, educated, counseled, given toys and received medical treatment while the adults are vetted.  The person who returned my son’s wallet. We found it on our porch. Thank you for your honesty and kindness. In this crazy, fast-paced world,

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

 The students and yearbook staff at Northwest Middle School for the amazing yearbook that you produced for the 2017-2018 school year. What a wonderful keepsake of memories you gave to the students and families.  Chief Johnson, Jenna Daniels and the firefighters who volunteered their time to the Youth Fire Camp at Summerfield Station 9. It was an awesome experience for the children.  Janiese McKenzie, principal of Northern Guilford High School. She personally helped our son complete a packet he had to turn in after school had ended. Her compassion towards our son is so appreciated!

GRIPES to...  Those who, because of ignorance or meanspiritedness, call undocumented migrants “illegals.” Look yourself in the mirror next time you exceed speed limits and violate the law. Parents who want a better life for their children deserve compassion, not demonizing.  The irresponsible driver of a white SUV who damaged my black BMW in

the Lowes Foods’ parking lot in Oak Ridge on Tuesday, June 19, between 3-4 p.m. If anyone witnessed this, please call N.C. Highway Patrol at (336) 256-2058.  Summerfield residents who refuse to buy a trash cart from Republic Services. You know the trucks are automated – quit being so cheap!  To those who don’t understand President Trump. Think of him as a chess player with a strategy – he is always three moves in front of his competition. Give him a chance and he solves problems.  To Summerfield residents advocating for a change in our form of government. Why in the world would we want to change back to the mayorcouncil form of government with the totally inept mayor we have?  The griper who tried to blame Ronald Reagan for debt that was created by the swamp. Congress controls the budget. Reagan had a Democratcontrolled Congress. Blaming Reagan for out-of-control spending by Democrats is extremely dishonest.  Oak Ridge Town Council for putting developers ahead of citizens. Most of them don’t live in our town – just like many of the recommending staff members.  Parents of youth baseball players who sign their child up to play but

Delighted or dismayed by something in your community?

Share your thoughts in words or less email: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com online: nwobserver.com

Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion.

make no effort to bring them to practice, and then get mad and question coaches when they don’t start or they sit out for an inning.  Oak Ridge Town Council for adding another employee. How many do we need to provide zero services? I sure know where my tax dollars go!  Northwest Observer. While valedictorians from NWHS and Northern were highlighted with nearly two columns each in your newspaper, the salutatorians from these schools received a skimpy one-liner each. You could have done a lot better in your reporting. Editor’s note: As we explained to this reader after receiving his gripe, it was not, as he implied, a matter of our staff not finding the salutatorians worthy of additional recognition, rather that Marc Pruitt, who wrote the Northern and Northwest graduation articles, attempted to reach the salutatorians a couple of times, but was not able to do so. We understand that it is a very busy time for graduates, and many have family and friends visiting from out of town and various graduation-related activities going on the week of graduation. This was the first year in many years that we weren’t able to reach the salutatorians at either of the high schools and we regret first, that they didn’t receive additional recognition in our articles, and second, that other readers may have assumed, as the reader above did, that we simply didn’t care enough to try to reach them. For those who would like to contact me first, before making assumptions and submitting a gripe, I can be reached directly at editor@nwobserver.com.  Trump haters who would prefer children be allowed to enter the country without vetting the accompanying adult to prove that the adult is indeed family. They could be human traffickers who sell children for forced labor or sex.

Attention: Northwest Observer readers

I’m interested in speaking to parents of school-age kids (K-high school) about technology rules in your households, such as time limits and what social media channels are allowed. Also interested in speaking to parents about their personal time with technology (phones, computers, tablets, etc.) Please email Marc Pruitt, Northwest Observer staff writer, at mpruitt71@gmail.com with contact info.

Testimonials LeBauer Primary Care has been extremely pleased with our decision to advertise with the Northwest Observer over the past 3 years. We ask our new patients how they heard about us and many of them say that they saw our ad in the NWO. The staff is great to work with and the advertising is effective…what a winning combination! Brian Hunt

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JUNE 28 - JULY 4, 2018

The following comments were posted on the Northwest Observer’s Facebook page in response to an article in last week’s issue in which we noted that Summerfield Mayor Gail Dunham was using a separate, personal email address instead of her published mayorgail@yahoo.com address to communicate with a select group of citizens about town business. COMMENTS “I’m sorry...what? This is absolutely insane. Summerfield’s mayor is the complete opposite of transparent. Gail Dunham is shady and is working to undermine the council for the sole purpose of pushing forth her own agenda.” “‘No confidence’ seems a little mild after reading that story!” “This right here is exactly why the mayor of Summerfield needs to be voted out of office, along with the others that are manipulating citizens to present false information to the citizens and use scare tactics to mislead the public. Not to mention conducting town business with non-elected town officials behind her council and staff’s back is deceiving and non-transparent! No Confidence is understatement now. Who’s railroading who? Wake up Summerfield! Time to pack the truck and move these shysters out of here!” “I would say I’m shocked, but, sadly I’m not. This is classic Dunham.” “Thank you (Northwest Observer) for bringing to light the complete hypocrisy demonstrated by the mayor regarding transparency and personal attacks. I still remember a former council member berating the then mayor for emails inviting a developer to attend a public meeting. We all need to make Public Records Requests to both the Yahoo and AOL accounts for our mayor and find the truth. This is the tip of the iceberg. This was a coordinated attack based on personal vendettas against the Town Manager and the Finance Officer. I bet there are many more emails where this group aligned their misinformation to put on a show that deceives the citizens. Where there is smoke there is fire. Once again, lack of transparency combined with misinformation campaigns pushing personal vendettas shows me that this group has no moral compass and does not care about what is best for the Town of Summerfield. I support the No Confidence vote by the majority of the Summerfield Town Council.” “I can’t stand by watching non-stop hypocrisy and threats by a group that thinks they are smarter and more powerful than the citizens they are trying to deceive. The facts are the power and the misinformation will continue to be exposed.” As seen on facebook.com/NorthwestObserver

JUNE 28 - JULY 4, 2018

LETTERS/OPINIONS Submit your editorials (maximum 350 words) online: nwobserver.com e-mail : editor@nwobserver.com

Petitions and more I recently received my second mailing of two misguided petitions from Dwayne Crawford. For those of you who are new to Summerfield or have forgotten, Dwayne is a former town council member who hacked into this paper’s online community forum many years ago to determine who was posting comments that were bothersome to him. Due to the disruption he caused, he resigned his council seat. He has since run for council two other times, but both times withdrawn from the race before Election Day. Crawford’s latest petitions are an attempt to get enough signatures to place two charter amendment petitions on the ballot in the November elections. The first seeks to change the current form of government from a council-manager structure to the mayor-council structure like the town had when it incorporated in 1996. This structure is ideal for newly incorporated towns and those that remain small. In 2007, as Summerfield grew, the town justifiably changed the form of government from the mayor-council form to the current council-manager form and hired a town manager to manage the day-to-day operations. Out of all North Carolina towns

with a population between 10,000 to 25,000 residents (Summerfield’s population is 11,000 plus), only one of 39 is still using the mayor-council structure. Crawford’s petition is simply an attempt to give the minority of council a method to eliminate the town manager’s position and give the mayor more power beyond her largely ceremonial role. The second petition seeks to limit the time an appointed council member can serve until the next scheduled election. This would accomplish a dual purpose for Crawford and his followers: first, to remove the person the majority of council will appoint to replace Rotruck’s vacated seat sooner rather than this person fulfilling the remainder of the vacated term, which would end in 2021; and secondly, to place Rotruck back on the ballot during the next election cycle. If you were misled into signing these petitions, and if enough certified signatures are obtained causing one or both of these petitions to appear on the next ballot, please vote against these changes. Keep Summerfield Strong! Steve Sumner, SUMMERFIELD

Attention: Oak Ridge residents The Town of Oak Ridge is collecting information on what people like about and would like to see along N.C. 150 in the town core. If you are an Oak Ridge resident or business owner, please consider filling out an online questionnaire at www.surveymonkey.com/r/ORstreets.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

 AUTO SALES & SERVICE

 SAVE THE DATE

 YARD SALES

HANDICAP VAN FOR SALE. 2013 Toyota Sienna luxurious BraunAbility handicap van, 31,000 mi. A jewel, real spacious. $39,750. (336) 644-1195.

MUSIC & GAMES IN THE PARK. Saturday, June 30, 6pm-8pm, at the Oak Ridge Town Park amphitheater, 6231 Lisa Drive (located just past the playground), featuring Barefoot Modern. Kids' games start at 6pm, music begins at 6:30pm. Free admission, but donations will be taken to pay the band. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Hot dogs and hamburgers available, or bring a picnic. Rain date: Sunday, 2:30pm-4pm.

YARD SALE Saturday, June 30, 8am-12n, 7411 Strader Road, Summerﬁeld. Tools, furniture, household.

FREE PATRIOTIC CONCERT. Wednesday, July 4, 3pm. Central Baptist Church. Hot dogs and apple pie – Band music, singing, readings and revolutionary period Fife and Drum Corps. Limited seating. Call for reservations (336) 643-7684.

GARAGE/YARD SALES Sat., June 30, and Sun., July 1, at North Grove & Kensington Place communities in Oak Ridge.

 SUMMER CAMPS

YARD SALE Sat., June 30, 7am-11am, 2135 Beeson Rd., OR. Hubby says this is the last one! Silverware, china, books, TV, candles, printer, men's shoes, art work, much more.

EUROPEAN AUTO SERVICE & REPAIR We specialize in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. Mercedes, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Volvo, Mini and Porsche. 32 years experience. Knight Import Specialty Service, 4559 US Highway 220, Summer-ﬁeld (across from Food Lion). (336) 337-0669.

 EMPLOYMENT Place online at

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

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

INDEX

Auto Sales & Service ................... 27 Employment ............................... 27 Homecare Available ................... 27 Save the Date ............................. 27 Summer Camps ......................... 27 Yard Sales .................................. 27 Home Services ....................... 27-29 Misc. Services.............................. 29 Misc. For Sale ............................. 29 Misc. Wanted .............................. 29 Pets & Animal Services ................ 29 Real Estate .................................. 30

KENNEL ATTENDANT needed. Please come by Summerﬁeld Veterinary Hospital, 4318 Hwy. 220N, to apply. Weekends and holidays. Must be 18 and able to pass drug test. CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE. Well-established marketing service company looking for Call Center customer service representatives to join our staﬀ. Bilingual French and/or Spanish speaking is a plus. Both part-time and full-time positions available. Experience preferred. Interested candidates please submit resume to info@ rsvpcomm.com.

BILL'S PIZZA PUB in Oak Ridge is now hiring for day and night-time positions as manager, host/hostess, and cook. Come on in and ﬁll out an application today!

Hiring?

Let our readers know about your opportunities! Place your ad online at www.nwobserver.com, or call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10.

 HOMECARE AVAILABLE CAREGIVER AVAILABLE, 40 years experience, exc. references. Call (336) 707-5245.

 SAVE THE DATE FREE MOVIE NIGHT. Friday, June 29, 6:30pm-10pm at Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Dr. Come see "The Greatest Showman" sponsored by The Summit Church.

NWHS Baseball Boosters SKILLS CAMP, July 9-12, 8:30am-12:30pm. Rising 3rd-9th graders. Visit www.diamondnwvikings.com for more information. GIRLS LACROSSE CAMP sponsored by Oak Ridge Youth Association, July 9-11 from 9am-12n at Oak Ridge Elementary School. Register now! Camp is open to girls of all experience levels in grades 3rd-9th. No experience required and all are encouraged to participate! Cost of camp is $75 and will include a T-shirt if registered by July 1! Visit www.orya.org to register. Please email Jaime with any questions at girlslacrosse@ orya.org.

 YARD SALES GIGANTIC GARAGE SALE Fri., June 29, 4pm-7pm and Saturday, June 30, 8amuntil, at 7308 Winchester Trail Loop, Summerfield (from Strawberry Road take Annry to Winchester Trail Loop). You will find incredible bargains on new items as well as vintage items, crystal glasses, fine china, lamps, kitchenware, linens, solid wood furniture, antique wardrobe, queen and fullsize bedroom sets, dining room set, and much, much more.

The Northwest Observer • Totally 1996 The Northwest Observer • Totally locallocal sincesince 1996

MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE Saturday, June 30, 7am-12n, 8161 Apple Grove Road, Arbor Run Subdivision in Kernersville, Oak Ridge, Stokesdale area. Household items, tools, toys, baby equipment, décor. Oﬀ Haw River & Hwy 68. Rain date July 7th. No early sales.

YARD SALE Sat., June 30, 8am-2pm, at 210 Thompson Rd., Madison. Furniture, NASCAR memorabilia, piano and much more.

 HOME SERVICES CLEANING FLORY'S CLEANING SERVICE. We do the work, you relax and take it easy. Get the best job in town at rates you can afford. 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Call (336) 666-4701. OLGA'S HOUSEKEEPING SERVICE. If it needs to be done, I'll do it. If it needs to be cleaned, I'll clean it. References available. (336) 289-0008. CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Will fit to your budget. Pet taxi/pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838. CastleWorks WINDOW CLEANING Includes gutters, pressure washing, chandeliers and other high ladder work. Fully insured and bonded, free estimates. (336) 609-0677. www.castleworkswindowcleaning.com. HOME CLEANING. Afford. rates, ref. avail., 10 years exp. Elizabeth, (336) 453-8592.

... continued on p. 28

JUNE2828- JULY - JULY4,4,2018 2018 JUNE

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HOME SERVICES

MAIDS OF HONOR HOME CLEANING $25 off! Locally owned, bonded staff. 40 years in service. BBB A+ rating. (336) 708-2407.

WELDING REPAIR, You already broke it, how much more damage can I do? Call Morris (336) 880-7498.

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

DUST FAIRY CLEANING SERVICE Efficient, professional, reliable. Speaks English. Upscale homes, including celebrities' homes! Call or message Tammy, (828) 279-1464.

Affordable HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate, call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350.

STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. Free est. Lic./Ins. 30 yrs. exp. Bucket truck & chipper, total cleanup. Selective thinning & lot clearing. 24-hr. ER. (336) 643-1119.

BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC. Got Power? Residential, commercial and solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192.

Your business should be here! Let us introduce you to our readers. Call Marilyn at (336) 644-7035 to find out how we can help you!

FLOORING MONTERO'S HARDWOOD FLOORING Installation of hardwood, laminate & tile; hardwood sanding & finishing. Commercial & residential. Insured, 17 yrs. exp. Free est., exc. references. Call (336) 215-8842 or visit Monteros-hardwood-flooring.com.

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE “We get you mowing!” Commercial & residential, all models. 2103 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge. (336) 298-4314. APPLIANCE REPAIR - Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707.

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“No Job Too Small”

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

(336) 669-7252

NIDIA’S CLEANING SERVICE. 10 years experience. Call Nidia (336) 362-4173.

Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? Rodney A. Coble, licensed electrician. Monday-Saturday. Call (336) 209-1486.

DELIMA LAWNCARE Free estimates. Licensed & insured. (336) 669-5210.

Wood Rot Repairs • Bathroom Remodeling Painting • Decks and much more! • Insured

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

ELECTRICAL

OLD SCHOOL

HOME REPAIR /IMPROVEMENTS

SANDRA'S CLEANING SERVICE. 10 years exp., good refs. (336) 423-3196.

oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.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. 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. FIX YOUR MOWER. Pickup and delivery. Call or text Rick, (336) 501-8681.

GRADING / HAULING BRAD’S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS. LLC Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647. ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt. available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035. E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, demolition, lot clearing, excavating, bobcat work, etc. (336) 451-1282. PEARMAN QUARRY HAULING Fill dirt, gravel, sand rock, mulch & more. Joel Richardson, (336) 803-2195. GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150.

JUNE - JULY 4, 4, 2018 JUNE2828 - JULY 2018

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

AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Quality irrigation systems. NC licensed contractor. We service all systems. Free estimates. (336) 644-1174. FAY'S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Complete landscape maintenance & hardscaping. Tree work. Reasonable & honest. Call Taylor, (336) 458-6491. FORESTRY MULCHING Cheaper and eco-friendly alternative compared to your traditional land clearing! (336) 362-6181, www.ncforestrymulching.com.

SOUTHERN CUTS LAWN CARE Affordable and dependable, complete lawn maintenance services. 13 years experience. Mowing, pruning, pine needles, mulch, aeration, seeding, leaf removal and more! Call Nathan Adkins, (336) 500-1898. STOKESDALE LAWN Mowing & weedeating. $45 minimum. (336) 840-8164. ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Bobcat work and more. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. Call Joe at 643-9157.

The Northwest Observer Keeping you connected for 21 years . . . and counting! WE DO IT ALL WITH PRIDE! For low rates on lawn service, call (336) 404-3983.

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

AFFORDABLE LANDSCAPING for all your landscape needs, including irrigation, installation and repair. Please call Joe at J. Gibson Landscaping, (336) 419-7236. American owned & operated. In God We Trust.

CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 643-9332. www.carolinaStumpAndTreeServices.com.

WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Lawn maint, landscaping. Irrigation/ landscape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 years exp. (336) 399-7764.

NC FORESTRY MULCHING SERVICE is offering services to the Triad of NC. Insured for $2 million, 13 years experience. Did you know when you mulch the forest it puts all the organic materials back into the soil? Put the dozer up and call us for a quote today. We take on large or small jobs. We do work for farmers, building contractors, government agencies, land owners, hunting clubs, realtors, and the list goes on. We can handle up to a 10-inch in diameter tree. Let us clean your land like never before. Call us today, (336) 362-6181, or email ncforestrymulching@gmail.com.

EXTERIOR GREENSCAPES, LLC Lawn maintenance service. Call for your quote today. (336) 682-1456.

The The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 1996 Northwest Observer • Totally local since

COLFAX LAWNCARE Core aeration & seeding. Fertilizing, mowing, trimming, pine needles. Complete lawn care maintenance. Res./comm. Fully insured. Serving the Triad for 28 years. (336) 362-5860. AREA STUMP DUMP. Yard waste, concrete, etc. Fill dirt avail. (336) 602-5820. ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875.

HOME SERVICES

MISC. SERVICES

MASONRY

PLUMBING

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.

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.

BOOTH VENDORS. Unique Finds & Designs Boutique at 130 W. Mountain Street, Kernersville is accepting booth vendors for antiques, vintage, furniture, handmade items and crafts. (336) 339-1902.

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

MISC. SERVICES & PRODUCTS GRILLS, FIRE PITS, tankless water heaters. General home repairs. Call Don Hill, (336) 643-7183. ON EAGLE'S WINGS residential home design/drafting. Call Patti, (336) 605-0519.

PAINTING & DRYWALL

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

(336) 931-0600

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

CARLOS & SON PAINTING, interior & exterior. Free est., lic/ins. (336) 669-5210. LAWSON'S PAINTING. Custom decks, pressure washing, boat docks, block fill, wood repair, stain work, textured ceilings, sheetrock repair. Call (336) 253-9089. CINDY’S PAINTING Interior painting, wallpaper removal. References & free estimates available. (336) 708-9155.

WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING, Inc. (336) 992-2503. Licensed, insured, bonded. 24/7 service. Plumbing, drain cleaning, well pumps. Give us a call, we do it all! Go to www.webstersplumbing.com for more info.

PRESSURE WASHING 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.

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com. RENOVATION WORKS, INC. New construction, remodeling, additions, kitchen, bath and decks. We are a locally owned, full-service design and build company, A+ accredited with the BBB. Visit www.myrenovationworks.com or call (336) 427-7391 to start your next project. BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 39 years exp. (336) 362-6343. KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION

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

30 years experience. Specializing in room additions, kitchens & baths, garages, vinyl siding and windows, painting, ceramic tile, laminate, hardwood and linoleum floors, and remodeling of all kinds. No job too small. Free est. Call (336) 362-7469.

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

HAMMERSMITH WOODWORKING LLC. Carpentry, custom cabinetry, built-ins, stairways, exterior & deck repairs. Over 30 years experience. Call Carlton, (336) 404-3002.

DOUGLAS CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING, LLC. Custom Builder, sunrooms, garages, additions, kitchens baths. Licensed & Insured, BBB A+ accredited. Free est.. Visit www.douglascr.com or call (336) 413-5050.

ROOFING ROOFING, ROOFING, ROOFING! Best prices in town! Shingle and metal roofing. Top-notch quality. Res./comm., lic. & ins. Belews Creek Construction, (336) 362-6343.

SAT PREP CLASS. July 23-26, 9am-1pm at Northern High. Experienced AP teachers. $300 non-refundable plus prep book. Email Jason Cheek at cheekj3@gmail.com. EXP. TEACHER & READING COACH. Help with strategies for required summer novels or just for enrichment. (336) 554-3276.

A.L. CORMAN ROOFING INC.

HELP YOU CLEAN OUT OR ORGANIZE using a 3-step process for rooms, closets, garage, shed, etc. (336) 554-3276.

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

SUMMER SAT AND ACT PREP CLASS, July 16-20, at Northwest HS for area rising juniors and seniors. www.NWHSPTSO.org.

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.

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

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) 944-6118, or visit redrhinoroofing.com. KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Residential shingle & metal roofing. Free est. (336) 362-7469.

MISC. SERVICES

Oak Ridge Cleaners (336) 298-4246

MISC. FOR SALE E-Z INSERT FIREPLACE WOOD STOVE, mfg. by A-B Fab. GC, $200. (336) 643-5245.

Have something to sell? Place your ad online at www.nwobserver.com.

MISC. WANTED FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, all gas items, tillers, go-carts & golf carts, ATVs, generators, power washers, chain saws and some grills. (336) 689-4167. $$$ – WILL PAY CASH up to $200 for your junk or wrecked vehicle. (336) 552-0328.

2205 Oak Ridge Rd., Suite EE • Oak Ridge (Lowes Foods Shopping Center)

PETS & ANIMAL SVCS.

Best Quality In Town! Mon.-Fri. 7:30am – 6:30pm | Sat. 9am – 5pm

New Customers 10% Off

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

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION FREE CATS. Seven feral cats need a new home. Call (336) 854-5350.

...continued on p. 30

JUNE 28 - JULY 4, 2018

REAL ESTATE

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

HOMES FOR SALE

Why do you need a Buyer’s Agent?

Let’s talk!

SINGLE WIDE MOBILE HOME FOR SALE 1999, 14 x 70. Very good condition. If interested call (336) 445-0163.

CLOSE TO EVERYTHING!

OPEN HOUSE: Sun, July 1 • 2-4pm

3 BR/2.5 BA end unit townhouse with main-level master bedroom in Rachel’s Keep. New flooring, newer appliances, freshly painted, and super clean! WHY RENT?! Offered at $125,000

Former Gated, Fenced, and Lakefront Estate Home of NASCAR’s Kevin Harvick offers the ideal place to entertain or to raise a family. 5BR/4.5BA/3car. Oak Ridge Elementary/ NW High. Lakeside living at its best. $699,000

LAND FOR SALE

Gil Vaughan REALTOR ®/Broker

(336) 337-4780 Each office is independently owned and operated

JustCallGil.com

We Help Everyone! SELLERS & BUYERS

2.64 ACRES, perked, wooded lot on Hwy. 158 E, 1/2-mile from I-73. (336) 402-0849. 23+ACRES – STONEVILLE, NC. Calling all hunters / sportsmen. Perfect 23+acre retreat includes hunting stands, 1,500-sq.-ft. Morton Bldg, cleared paths, stream, pond and privacy! A short hop from the Triad for weekends or build a custom retreat. Only $189,000. Call Realtor Dede Cunningham of Keller Williams. (336) 509-1923.

Nancy J. Hess

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

6421 Ashton Park Drive, Oak Ridge

GIL VAUGHAN

Realtor ® /Broker • (336) 337-4780

VACATION PROPERTY FOR SALE

(336) 643-4248

www.ANewDawnRealty.com Selling or renting? The Northwest Observer is direct-mailed to every mailbox with an Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale zip code!

HOMES FOR SALE

7892 Shoveler Drive, Greensboro 3,500+ sq. ft. 4 BR/3 BA. Popular Triple Lakes community. Custom built Cape Cod style home. Open floor plan, master on main with oversize closets, jetted tub, and separate shower. Ample storage with hall closets, walk out eve storage and 1,000-sq.-ft. floored attic. Beautiful well landscaped lot. Walk to fishing ponds and neighborhood pool. $425,000

CABIN WITH ACREAGE FOR SALE. Newly remodeled, fully furnished 756-sq.-ft. cabin on 26.5 heavily wooded acres in Stokes County. Only 32 min. to W-S and 50 min. to GSO. View of Moore’s Knob in Hanging Rock State Park. Relaxing and private for living, hiking, horseback riding along Town Fork Creek. $200K, for sale by owner. (336) 689-8617. CAROLINA MARINA LAKE VILLA, Lot 513. Furnished w/dbl loft, 1.5 bath, new flooring, covered deck w/new fans, stone patio, fire pit and 6,000-pound capacity covered boat lift. Quiet cove and water views. $118,000. Club car golf cart $3,500. (336) 669-9324.

Over 12,500 of your neighbors keep up with the local news on Facebook. Check it out!

Jake Letterman (336) 338-0136

In the heart of the Triad, the property, residence and workshop were designed with versatility in mind. 12,000+ sq. ft. residence; 5,000 sq. ft. outbuilding, red oak barn, covered bridge, 11.3 fully fenced acres, irrigated garden, organic blueberries, orchard and more! Offered at $1,495,000

123 Dream Lane Real estate showcase ads in the NWO get noticed! Include a photo and description of your listing, Realtor photo, logo and contact info – all for only $80!

Nancy J. Hess

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

Place your real estate showcase today (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 advertising@nwobserver.com

Realtors, get your real estate listings noticed “ by placing showcase ads in our classifieds. Contact me for more info.” Laura Reneer, marketing manager

facebook.com/northwestobserver

INDULGE YOUR IMAGINATION!

JUNE 28 - JULY 4, 2018

(336) 644-7035, ext. 11 • advertising@nwobserver.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS

Please support our advertisers, and tell them where you saw their ad! ACCOUNTING

EVENTS

Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC..... 10

Stonefield Cellars Winery ..................... 3

CHILDREN’S SERVICES

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Guardian Ad Litem Program ............. 15

DENTAL SERVICES Summerfield Family Dentistry............ 19

BEK Paint Company .......................... 29 Budget Blinds ................................... 23 Carpets by Direct .............................. 24 Carpet Super Mart........................16, 17

Midtown Furniture ............................. 32 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery ... 2 New Garden Select ........................... 21 Oak Ridge Cleaners........................... 29 Old School Home Repair .................. 28 Prostone Inc. ...................................... 6 Stokesdale Heating & Air .................... 9

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

LEGAL SERVICES

A New Dawn Realty .......................... 30

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital .............. 23 Northwest Animal Hospital ................. 4 Westergaard Kennels .......................... 8

REAL ESTATE

Barbour & Williams Law .....................11 Ingle Law........................................... 23

Gil Vaughan, Keller Williams.............. 30

MEDICAL CARE

Nancy Hess, Berkshire Hathaway...... 30

LeBauer Healthcare ......................7, 14 Novant - NW Family Medicine........... 13

Piedmont Rental Homes.................... 23

ORTHODONTIC CARE

EXERCISE ACTIVITIES/CLASSES

Mitchell, Bartlett & Bell Orthodontics. 12

YMCA of Greensboro .......................... 5

Jake Letterman, Berkshire Hathaway... 30

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JUNE 28 - JULY 4, 2018

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

Postal Patron PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 â&#x20AC;¢ (336) 644-7035

PAID

Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22 ECRWSS