Northwest Observer | July 17 - 23, 2015 by pscommunications

July 17 - 23, 2015

bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996

CrossFit stands to lose power

Combs vacates mayor’s seat

The town prepares to have ﬁtness facility’s power cut off over CO violation

Former mayor will continue to serve the remainder of his term as a councilman while some citizens demand opportunity to directly elect the mayor

by PATTI STOKES

by GERRI HUNT

Shortly after the Oak Ridge Town Council meeting began on July 9, Town Manager Bruce Oakley offered a brief summary of the ongoing conflict between the town and its next door neighbor, CrossFit (owned by CMT Commons).

OAK RIDGE – An hour and a half into a Town Council meeting in which issues of neighborhood flooding from an adjacent develop-

“They (CMT Commons/ CrossFit) were issued a temporary CO (Certificate of Occupancy) in October 2012 after they agreed to meet stipulations of the Certificate of Appropriateness that was issued by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). They’re on record saying they agreed with the stipulations for this temporary CO,” Oakley said. Despite 27 meetings with CrossFit and the town’s Planning and Zoning Board, Town Council, HPC and Board of Adjustment that have ensued

...continued on p. 26

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ment under construction, a rezoning hearing and threats to the historic district had been discussed, Mayor Ray Combs said he wanted to “change the tune a little bit” … then proceeded to resign as mayor. “Council, I’m really addressing this to you. I have been mayor for 12 years. Most of you know that Carol and I have done a lot of traveling and we plan on doing a lot more. It has become increasingly difficult for me to do my job from New Zealand, where one

Combs

...continued on p. 8

Sullivan

Kinneman

Ray Combs has served on the Oak Ridge Town Council since 2001, and has served as mayor since 2003; on July 9 he resigned his mayor’s seat and Councilman Spencer Sullivan was promptly elected from among the council members as mayor; Jim Kinneman was elected mayor pro tem.

Double K’s alcohol permit suspended Deputies respond to 104 calls in 5 years by GERRI HUNT

File photo

Double K Sports Bar, located at 8603 Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale, was notiﬁed on July 11 that its ABC permit has been suspended.

STOKESDALE – The North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Commission has suspended Double K Sports Bar’s ABC permit, following a stabbing at the Belews Creek Road bar a week earlier – the latest in a series of incidents at the establishment over the last several years. The suspension order,

...continued on p. 8

IN THIS ISSUE News in brief......................... 3 Business Notes ..................... 7 Bits & Pieces ......................... 7 Oak Ridge Town Council ...10 NWO Real Estate .................13 Real Estate briefs ................18 Real Estate transactions.....19 Community Calendar ........21 Letters/Opinions ................ 22 Grins & Gripes .................... 22 Crime/Incident Report ...... 25 Classifieds ...........................27 Index of Advertisers ...........31 NWO on the go! ................. 32

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NEWS in brief

NCDOT awards contract for U.S. 220/N.C. 68 interchange

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The interchange of U.S. 220 and N.C. 68 will soon change as I-73 construction continues. Southbound motorists who currently have to stop for northbound N.C. 68 trafﬁc before turning left to stay on U.S. 220 will instead have an overpass that will take them over the entire intersection without stopping.

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GREENSBORO – The N.C. Department of Transportation has awarded a contract to grade, drain, pave and restructure the intersection of U.S. 220 at N.C. 68 in Rockingham County.

Dr. Clark completed her undergraduate degree in biochemistry and molecular biology at Pennsylvania State University. She then earned her medical degree at the University of Virginia. She completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Clark is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the South Carolina Medical Association and the American Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology.

The 1.334-mile project is part of the larger 9.4-mile, four-lane future I-73 project. It will begin at the existing Joseph M. Bryan Boulevard/Airport Parkway interchange, cross over N.C. 68, and end at U.S. 220 near the Haw River. Work on this portion of the project can begin as early as July 27, and all work with the exception of planting,

reforestation and permanent vegetation planting is expected to be complete by November 2016. Roanoke, Virginia-based Branch Highways Inc. is the contractor for the $14 million project. This is one of 21 road and bridge projects recently awarded by the Department of Transportation. The contracts were awarded to the lowest qualified bidder, as required by state law. They are worth $229.3 million, which is $9.1 million below NCDOT engineers’ estimated cost.

Historic district comes under ﬁre OAK RIDGE – A July 16 visit by representatives of the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office to review the Oak Ridge Historic District has been postponed until a later date. Historic Preservation Commission Chair Ann Schneider told the town council on Thursday, July 9, that Ramona Bartos, deputy state historic preservation officer,

stated in a phone conversation the two had earlier that day that the town’s district “may no longer pass muster,” may need to be dismantled, and that legislation could be proposed to allow businesses to opt out of historic districts. On Monday, July 13, however, Schneider said town officials had contacted the

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JULY 17 - 23, 2015

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NEWS in brief

...continued from p. 3

Soon afterward, the July 16 meeting was postponed so that Kluttz, along with key members of the Oak Ridge HPC, could attend along with Bartos.

office of Bartos’ boss, Susan Kluttz, who serves as secretary of the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources and communicated what was transpiring.

Schneider said the threat of legislation stems from the issues Oak Ridge HPC is having with CrossFit, whose owners are not complying with guidelines.

Candidate ﬁling ends Friday, July 17 NW GUILFORD – This Friday, July 17, ends a two-week filing period for candidates wanting to be placed on municipal ballots for the Nov. 3 election. Applications and filing fees – which are $5 for the Northwest Guilford towns – must be submitted by 5 p.m.

Drive, Doug Nodine of N.C. 68, and Annette Walker and Carol Shina, both of Parkchester Place have filed for three council seats in Oak Ridge. Ray Combs, who stepped down as mayor on July 9, has not said whether he will run for council.

As of 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, the following candidates had filed to run for three council seats in Oak Ridge: Incumbents George McClellan and Spencer Sullivan, both of Oak Ridge Road; Ron Simpson of Fogleman Road, and Carey Benefiel of Kelly Ford Road, Eric Strimple of Harley Stafford

Incumbents Frank Bruno of Anthony Road, Joe Thacker of Lester Road, and Bill Jones of Dorsett Downs Drive, as well as Jaycee Spruill of Happy Hill Road have filed for three open council seats in Stokesdale.

JULY 17 - 23, 2015

In Summerfield, which also has three open council seats, incumbent

Dena Barnes of Pleasant Ridge Road will face newcomers Cheri Pikett of Robinson Road, Chip Person of Stanley Huff Road, Jason Alison of Steeple Ridge Court, and Reece Walker of N.C. 150. The terms of Alicia Flowers and Elizabeth McClellan will end in November, but neither has filed to run. Also in Summerfield, Mayor Tim Sessoms announced he will run again, but he has yet to file. Candidates must file at the Guilford County Board of Elections at 301 W. Market St., Greensboro, or 325 E. Russell Ave., High Point.

Development approved for up to 69 homes The Farms @ Lake Brandt will be developed off Scalesville and Lake Brandt Roads

SUMMERFIELD – It’s not every day that multiple citizens address the council in favor of a proposed development, but that’s what happened on July 14 at the Summerfield Town Council meeting. During a public hearing for a property rezoning request, Greensboro attorney Marc Isaacson spoke on behalf of developer LD Equity and the Hayes family, who will sell 132 acres off Lake Brandt and Scalesville Roads to LD Equity. The developer plans to develop the property for up to 69 single-family homes ranging in price from about $450,000 to “upwards of $700,000.” Thirty-three percent of the prop-

“My whole concern is that the State Historic Preservation Office is deciding to side with politics over preservation,” she said, noting that a Superior Court judge completely upheld town-level decisions regarding CrossFit’s non-compliance. “Our only goal is to protect the town and uphold guidelines.”

erty will remain as open space, which exceeds the town’s 25 percent requirement. The development will be served by private wells and septic tank systems, and 50-foot buffers will be placed on both sides of two perennial streams and

a pond with a dam; landscape buffers will also be placed along the property lines. The historic McMichael log house, which faces Scalesville Road, will remain on the property under the care of the subdivision’s homeowners association.

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Bob Dischinger, president of Evans Engineering, said the developer is willing to work with the fire department on providing a water access point at the pond on the property, and addressed concerns neighbors had previously brought up about traffic and safety at the Lake Brandt and Scalesville Road intersection. Dischinger said he met with NCDOT traffic engineers and obtained accident reports for this area, which showed eight accidents in and near the Lake Brandt and Scalesville Road intersection over the last five years; because that number is relatively low, and none of the accidents resulted in serious injuries or property damage, NCDOT is not likely to place a traffic signal at the intersection; however, both Dischinger and Town Planner Julie Reid, who also spoke with traffic engineers, confirmed NCDOT will look at ways to improve safety at the intersection.

of Scalesville Road, and we wanted to be confident and satisfied with who is going to do this project,” Hayes said. “We are very happy with the development plan and believe it will be a very attractive project.”

Nat Hayes, who owns the property along with his mother, brother and sister, said it has been in the family for over 50 years, and the family had vetted other developers in the process of ensuring the property would be developed by a reputable company and would be a “good project.”

“I think this is about as good as it gets when it comes to Summerfield’s ordinances,” he said.

“We still own 60 acres to the south

No one spoke in opposition to the development plan during the public comment section of the public hearing; Jane Doggett, Dwayne Crawford and Edward Tam all spoke in favor of it. Doggett said that though she would like to keep Summerfield as it was about 60 years ago when she was a child growing up in the community, she knew that wasn’t realistic and felt the developers had presented a very well thought-out plan. Crawford, an outspoken advocate for water conservation, said the development plan fit the town’s goal of preserving adequate open space, with large lots, good water filtration and private wells.

The council voted 5-0 to approve the rezoning request. The next step in the development process will be for the developer to present a sketch plan to the Planning and Zoning Board for technical review and approval.

Driver’s ed classes open for behind-the-wheel students GREENSBORO – Students who completed the classroom portion of the driver’s education course will be able to take the behind-the-wheel course, based on a resolution passed by the Guilford County Board of Education Tuesday night, July 14. Driver’s education is currently an unfunded mandate under the state’s continuing budget resolution. Funding ran out for the program on June 30, and GCS suspended classes until funding could be identified. GCS has identified funding to allow

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the approximately 937 to 1,000 students across the district who completed the classroom portion to compete behindthe-wheel course. Those students will be required to pay $65 for the course to help cover the costs. Courses for students who have not had any training up to this point will remain suspended until the district learns if the state will fund the course for the 2015-16 school year. State legislators are considering budgets that would fund driver’s education, but so far nothing has been approved.

...continued on p. 6

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NEWS in brief

...continued from p. 5 charging each student $65 to take the course, bringing GCS’ portion of the bill to approximately $850,000.

Driver’s education is expected to cost the district approximately $226 per student, or just under $1.2 million to instruct the 5,300 students expected to register in the 2015-16 school year. To make up some of the difference, the board approved a plan that would start

The district is working as quickly as possible to resume behind-the-wheel training, and students will be contacted by instructors to start scheduling driving lessons.

Do you know what’s happening ‘Nextdoor’? Online site connects neighbors NW GUILFORD – If you spot a sheriff’s deputy canvassing your neighborhood in the next few weeks, don’t be alarmed; he’s probably out knocking on doors to invite you, your neighbors and your homeowners association to join an online social network. Nextdoor.com is a free nationwide

online community where neighbors connect to find everything from babysitters to house painters, local events to lost pets… or quickly spread the word about crimes or other incidents. Several northwest Guilford neighborhoods already belong to Nextdoor, including Crosscreek, Lennox Woods, Wilson Farm, and Riley Village in Summerfield, and Beaver Creek, Foxbury Meadows,

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Hunt Cliff, Kensington, and Staffordshire Estates in Oak Ridge. There are also some neighbors who have grouped together on a street, like U.S. 158, but are not within a specific subdivision. A minimum of 10 people are required to sign up as a neighborhood. And the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office joined the site in January, as a public agency. “We want to utilize Nextdoor to help make our neighborhoods stronger and safer,” announced R.J. Melton, a crime analyst with the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office. “[We] plan to share important news and emergency notifications that are relevant to your neighborhood.” Det. Ben Williams of District 1 said GCSO already connects with citizens through Facebook. “But with Nextdoor, we can connect with specific neighborhoods and areas right around it, or we can send out a post to everyone in District 1,” he said.

“Several weeks ago, cars and outbuildings were being broken into in the Ridgewood subdivision. We sent out a message [to five neighborhoods in the N.C. 150 area of northern Greensboro] that we had some activity there, asked people to check their security cameras and reminded people to keep their doors locked.” While the sheriff’s office can send messages to neighborhoods, the site’s privacy policy dictates that it can only see replies to GCSO posts, or anything a citizen tags in a “crime and safety” category, said Williams. Since the sheriff’s Nextdoor page will not be constantly monitored, citizens with an emergency should still dial 911, said Stokesdale Dep. Scott Casey. “I think this is going to be a really good resource,” he added. For more information, visit www. nextdoor.com or call District 1 sheriff’s office at (336) 641-2300.

Council votes to organize Town Hall ﬁles STOKESDALE – The Stokesdale Town Council called a special session on Thursday, July 2, to discuss the organization of Town Hall.

“I’ve been here 20 years. I can find [files] now, but to go in there and rip the files apart, I may never find them again,” she said.

Councilman Frank Bruno said Town Clerk Carolyn Joyner does the work of 10 people, but when council members arrive at Town Hall to do research, Joyner has to stop what she’s doing to show them where requested files are located.

Bruno also suggested logging phone calls and walk-in traffic, creating task lists for duties and procedures, and sending out a weekly report. He said a calendar should show important dates so council has time to do research before making decisions, Town Hall computers should be networked, and a policy should dictate when to call the town attorney, since he bills the town for his time.

Councilman Bill Jones said he had never seen specifications for the water system, or a letter sent to water customers in 2003, even with all the time he has spent at Town Hall looking up the history of the water system. Bruno suggested the five council members help organize the files at Town Hall – a prospect that worried Joyner.

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The council voted 5-0 to adopt Bruno’s administration guide, to make changes to it as needed, to review progress in 30 days, and to immediately build a task list for anything water-related.

BUSINESS notes

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Golden Antiques relocates STOKESDALE – Golden Antiques & Treasures, which left its former location at Summerfield Square Shopping Center on U.S. 220 in April after the center came under new ownership, has found a new home. After researching possible sites in Greensboro, owners Kevin and Wendy Golden of Oak Ridge are settling in at 341 Ram Loop, Stokesdale, just across

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Golden Antiques opened for business at its new location on July 9, and plans an official grand opening at a later date. The store’s hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. MondaySaturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Eichlin named to VIP Woman of the Year Circle

GREENSBORO – The National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) has inducted Kathy Eichlin of Oak Ridge, head of internal communications for Syngenta in North Eichlin America, into its 2015-2016 VIP Woman of the Year Circle. NAPW is a networking organization exclusively for professional women, boasting

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more than 700,000 members and more than 200 operating local chapters. With Syngenta for 6½ years, Eichlin is being recognized by NAPW for leadership in corporate communications in agribusiness. Eichlin serves on the boards of the United Way of Greater Greensboro Women’s Leadership Council, Community Theatre of Greensboro and Community in Schools of Greater Greensboro. She holds a master’s in executive

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Led by music teacher Beverly Johnson, Summerﬁeld Elementary’s third-ﬁfth grade chorus sang the national anthem at a Greensboro Grasshoppers baseball game on June 6.

Registration continues for the 2015 Northwest Guilford American Youth Football (SYFA) season. Sign up for Tackle 2 (ages 10-12), Tackle 1 (ages 7-9), Flag (ages 5-6) and Cheer (ages 5-12). Practice begins in August and games begin the first week of September. Roster spots are limited to a first-come, firstserved basis. A fundraiser will reimburse $40 of the registration fee. For more info, visit www.nwgyfa.org.

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DOUBLE K

...continued from p. 1 fired it in the direction of a customer’s vehicle as he was leaving.

effective immediately, was served by agents of North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement on Saturday, July 11. Three days earlier, Guilford County Sheriff B.J. Barnes sent a letter to the ABC Commission supporting the revocation of Double K’s alcohol permits, and citing multiple calls for service. In total, the sheriff’s office has responded to 104 calls that required action since Feb. 17, 2010, when Double K was granted its permits for the sale of malt beverages, unfortified wine and mixed beverages. Law enforcement has responded to shootings, assaults, robberies, car thefts and accidents, disorderly conduct, property damage, embezzlement, underage drinking, trespassing, noise and drug violations. Owner, Robert Keith Knight has been accused of assaulting an employee, his daughter and several patrons over the years. In March 2011, he fired a gun into the air inside the bar, and then

And charges are currently pending against Knight for felony burning of personal property and felony insurance fraud, after his 1999 Chevy Corvette was set on fire near the business in June 2013, and he reported it stolen. In the latest incident, at 2 a.m. on Friday, July 3, a bar patron pulled a knife on two other patrons. One victim, who was severely cut across the chest, declined medical assistance. The other victim was cut across the hand and then stabbed in the abdomen. He was taken to Wake Forest Baptist Hospital with life-threatening injuries and underwent a three-hour surgery. In his letter to the ABC Commission, Barnes wrote, “The Guilford County Sheriff’s Office is entrusted with the responsibility and commitment to provide an orderly and safe environment for our citizens and business community, and we feel that the operation of this per-

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daughter lives, or England or Canada, or the western United States. It’s not fair for the town, and it’s not fair for the citizens of Oak Ridge to have an absentee mayor. So as of tonight, I am stepping down as mayor, to resume my seat as a councilman.” Combs asked the town clerk to conduct an election for a new mayor and mayor pro tem, both selected from among council members. After Spencer Sullivan was nominated, Oak Ridge resident Carol Shina spoke up from the audience and asked why the citizens didn’t have the opportunity to elect the mayor.

Another woman in the audience started to speak up, but Combs banged his gavel to maintain order. At that, she proceeded to exit the meeting room while exclaiming, “You can shake that gavel all you want, you’ve got more coming.” Turning back to the mayoral election, the council unanimously elected Sullivan to serve as mayor. After two more women shouted out in opposition to how the mayor was being selected,

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

with N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement, has confirmed his agency is conducting an investigation of the case and once completed, will submit a violation report to the ABC Commission. After reviewing the report, the Commission will then correspond with Knight, who will be given an opportunity to respond before the Commission decides whether to permanently revoke his ABC permit. Attempts to reach Knight for comment were unsuccessful.

...continued from p. 1

“If you want to bring a petition to the town and ask the Legislature to change our charter, that’s fine,” said Combs.

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In the order of suspension, ABC Commission Chairman James C. Gardner said, “The disregard for safety by continuing commercial sales and service of alcohol, despite the ongoing violence resulting in serious injury, creates a hazardous environment for the public.”

Combs explained the town charter dictates that the mayor is elected by and from among other council members. He noted that Stokesdale and Summerfield were originally set up the same way, although those towns have since changed their charters so the mayor is elected directly by the citizens.

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mitted establishment jeopardizes that security. We not only owe a duty to the community but also to the deputies who must respond to this location as well.”

the mayor told one, “Ma’am, I’m going to ask you to leave.” The woman said she would, but not before shouting back, “The people should (elect the mayor) – not you people (the council), the people of Oak Ridge…” but Combs stopped her and again asked her to leave. “I’d like to ask you to leave,” she replied as she and two other women stormed out of council chambers while making loud, unintelligible comments. Councilman George McClellan then nominated Councilman Jim Kinneman as mayor pro tem. Protestors weren’t through, however. A woman asked if there could be writein candidates, but Combs said based on how the town’s charter states the mayor will be elected, that wasn’t allowed. She asked about the changing the process. “You would have to petition the Legislature to change the charter of the Town of Oak Ridge,” answered Combs. “And you can’t do that right now.” At this North Carolina Rep. John Blust, who was in attendance, stood up and said, “Given that the request comes from the locals, I would be happy to sponsor such a bill, and I think Sen. Berger would too.” Some of the people present applauded. Following a unanimous vote by council to elect Kinneman mayor protem, four of the five council members switched seats and Mayor Sullivan, who had moved to the mayor’s chair, presided over the remainder of the meeting.

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OAK RIDGE town council

JULY 9 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by GERRI HUNT  Mayor Ray Combs called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. and Chief Daryl Duff from Oak Ridge Military Academy led the prayer, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

ANNOUNCEMENT On behalf of Oak Ridge Fire Department, Kyle Anders presented Firefighter Alyson Jones with a $4,200 scholarship from the Strength and Honor Fund; the fund is awarded by the family of Lance Corporal Andrew Russoli, who planned to serve with the department after completing his service in the U.S. Marine Corps but was killed in action in Iraq. Jones will use the scholarship to help pay tuition and related expenses while pursuing a degree in fire protection technology at GTCC.

RESOLUTION  5  0 to approve a resolution

adding extensions of Pepper Road, East Pepper Court and West Pepper Court to the N.C. state road maintenance system.

TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT  5  0 to reappoint DeDe Cun-

ningham to the Board of Adjustment.

Twin trailers. Town Manager Bruce Oakley said he plans to meet with a FedEx representative to hopefully put a stop to the company’s trucks hauling twin trailers through town via N.C. 68. CrossFit. Oakley said CrossFit Oak Ridge/ Mustang Fitness, owned by CMT Commons LLC, is in violation of its temporary Certificate of Occupancy, which was granted for 180 days in 2012 so the business could operate while working toward getting an approved Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission. In a prepared statement, Mayor Combs noted the property remains in non-compliance. “We had no choice but to revoke the temporary Certificate of Occupancy, and ordered them to stop occupying the building,” he said. “They are accruing $200 a day in civil penalties... ”

 5  0 to accept Mayor Combs’ statement, which will be placed in

the form of a resolution. For more on Combs’ written statement, see page 1.

PUBLIC HEARING Rezoning  Town Planner Bill Bruce presented a rezoning request for 24.6 acres on Warner Road, from AG (Agricultural) to RS-40 (Residential Single Family). The property is part of a 76-acre tract owned by Tammy and Bryan Gardner, who live on the back half and want to build houses on the front third of the tract.  Proponents. Tammy Gardner said the development will have 18 homes on 40,000-square-foot lots; the homes will be served by individual septic systems and wells, although the Gardners are investigating other water sources.  Opponents. The Gardners’ neighbor, Autumn Ryan, said she wasn’t opposed to the development, but had some questions. She said when her late father sold his farm to the Gardners, the couple promised to use it for their own home. “I have no hard feelings, but I do have concerns about traffic and the water source and everything else that comes with taking a 75-acre farm and cutting out a chunk,” said Ryan. “Is the rezoning going to affect taxes?” Mayor Combs explained this public hearing was only about whether to

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rezone the property, and the Gardners would have to come back before the Planning and Zoning Board and the council with a more detailed plan for the development. He suggested Ryan meet with the town planner with her questions, and advised her that rezoning the property next to hers would not affect her taxes. He also explained council “has no power over agreements made years ago.”

COUNCIL COMMENTS  McClellan asked if Gardner had reached out to any neighbors to discuss the project and she replied, “No, I did not, even though I was told to,” adding that she had been very busy in her work. She said her husband plans to build a couple of houses a year on the property, so it will take several years for it to be built out.

 5  0 to approve the rezoning

request.

CITIZEN COMMENTS  Steve Holmes, a resident of Linville Oaks, told council his neighborhood is being flooded as a result of activity at Knights Landing, an adjacent subdivision under development by Kevan Combs. A recent storm brought red, muddy water from the unpaved roads in Knights Landing into Linville Oaks. Holmes said the developer did respond quickly to try to fix

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the problem, and is talking with DOT, but he anticipates more problems if a longterm solution isn’t found. “We certainly don’t want water turning into a river running into your house. We need to find a solution,” said Mayor Combs, confirming the town manager has spoken with the developer. Councilman Spencer Sullivan said it appears that grading is not complete on the roadsides, and suggested waiting until the road is graded and paved before determining if something more needs to be done. Holmes expressed concern that when the developer is done, “it will become DOT’s problem, and he will throw his hands up in the air.” But Councilman Jim Kinneman said the town doesn’t have to turn the road over to DOT for state maintenance until the developer finds solutions to the problem and upholds his responsibility. Linville Oaks HOA President Dawn Treacy, who lives on Parkchester Place, said Knights Landing sits at a higher elevation than Linville Oaks. She said DOT is having the developer put an underground drain pipe from Holmes’ property to the neighboring property, but DOT and the developer “are not convinced it will work.” “If it’s in our power to keep your road

from flooding, we will act,” said Mayor Combs. “Let’s get some experts to look at it,” said Sullivan. “Let our staff take a look at this and get involved.”

FINANCIAL UPDATES  Finance officer Sam Anders said the town’s revenue for June was $129,000 and expenses were $114,000. Work is beginning on the annual audit and will continue through September. Before ending the FY 2014-2015 budget year on June 30, Anders said he made minor adjustments, increasing expenditures by $3,300; those expenses were offset, however, by decreasing another line item by the same amount.

 5  0 to accept the finance report as presented, approve a contractor engagement letter with Samuel K. Anders, CPA (to continue using his services), and to accept a budget amendment (three separate votes). COMMUNITY UPDATES Historic Preservation Commission. HPC Chair Ann Schneider said Kristin Kubly was recently sworn in as an alternate member of the HPC. The commission heard two requests for Certificates of Appropriateness last month; one was to delay landscaping requirements for a previously-approved COA at Oak Ridge

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Academy’s Holt Hall. “We also heard a case for an amended COA from CrossFit, and we turned that down. The HPC found that the proposed revisions were incongruous with the historic district and not in conformance with the guidelines,” said Schneider. For more on this, see News Briefs, page 3. The HPC approved a request from Jerry Cooke to rezone a small parcel in the historic district which is not visible from the road. The commission also approved the R.P. Larkins house and the Zach Whitaker house for future historic markers. Fire department. Oak Ridge Fire Chief Steve Simmons said the department responded to 39 medical calls and 34 fire and service calls in June; firefighters underwent 270 hours of training. Simmons said cooking fires are the leading cause of kitchen fires, and unattended cooking is the biggest culprit. “We ask that if you’re cooking something, don’t leave it alone. If you have to walk away, set a timer,” he said. “Make

sure your stove and oven are nice and clean, so you don’t have to worry about anything that could potentially burn. Never pour water on a grease fire. Put a lid on it, turn off the burner, let it cool off before you move it, and of course, always call 911 and we’ll be happy to come out and see it.” Board of Adjustment. BOA Vice Chair Nancy Stoudemire said the BOA granted a variance to a Scoggins Road property owner who, due to an error made by the town, built a shed in front of (rather than behind) the line of the house. Parks and Recreation. Commission Chair Bill Edwards said the town is in its third week of construction on Phase II of the town park, which includes development of an amphitheater, restrooms and connecting trails. He said The Martins were set to perform for Music in the Park, 6 to 8:30 p.m. on July 18. A rescheduled Movie in the Park was set

... continued on p. 12

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TOWN COUNCIL

...continued from p. 11

for July 11, with the original “Star Wars” being shown on July 25. Those wanting to “dress up in regalia” for the “Star Wars” movie were encouraged to do so. The commission is also going through an approval process for a large sign that will show where park amenities are, and small maps will be available in park kiosks. Commission member Barry Knight oversaw landscaping of the pond, which included a fountain in the middle.

ment marketplace,” he said, comparing Oak Ridge with Summerfield and Stokesdale. Salmon said he didn’t think the town should have such a large fund balance for “possible future expenses” such as a water system or police force. “I think the Oak Ridge tax rate is out of line, unfair and oppressive. I encourage the town and finance committee to work and reduce the tax rate,” he said.

Mayor Combs said the bank of the pond looks fantastic.

Salmon also requested that minutes and agendas of town committees and commissions be posted on the town’s website in a timelier manner.

CITIZEN COMMENTS

COUNCIL COMMENTS

 Chuck Salmon, who spoke against the town’s tax rate at the May council meeting, said he wanted to keep the issue in front of the council. Looking at what the town provides, the tax rate is “out of line in the govern-

 McClellan said he’s running for reelection, and that council has made progress over the last four years, including passing four successful budgets, passing a pedestrian plan and a comprehensive pedestrian plan, and doing a

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 Sullivan said he’s running again as well, that council has done worthy work, and there’s a lot more to come. “We also have some challenges, and we need to be diligent in our support for our town,” he said. He thanked Alyson Jones for her service to the town, told Edwards the park looks terrific, and thanked the HPC for its service. “Their work continues to play a critical role in maintaining the charm of our community.” Sullivan reiterated that CrossFit has not corrected nine violations. “We would love to issue them a final Certificate of Occupancy. I am still hopeful that something can be worked out,” he said.  Kinneman said a blood drive will be held from 2:30 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 10 at Oak Ridge UMC.

He thanked Holmes for speaking about Linville Oaks flooding, and said when Knight’s Landing was approved, the developer agreed he would do everything possible to minimize impact on neighbors. He encouraged “overcommunication” among neighbors, town officials and the developer. Mayor Combs thanked Blust for coming, then explained that he and his wife have been traveling quite a bit and he felt he should resign his role as the town’s mayor (though he will keep his council seat through the end of his term in November). Council members then held an election for mayor and mayor pro tem. (See story on page 1 for more on the election process.)

 5  0 to elect Sullivan mayor, and

to elect Kinneman mayor pro tem (two separate votes).

 5  0 After a brief closed session

to discuss a personnel issue, the council reconvened and voted unanimously to increase the town manager’s salary by 3 percent. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

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Regarding twin trailers on N.C. 68, Stone said the town was told by FedEx that there was a GPS problem in the trucks and it had been corrected, but citizens had since seen some on the state highway where they are prohibited. Also, he learned a UPS tandem truck was spotted in town just before the council meeting.

 Stone thanked Chief Duff for leading the prayer, and the town’s volunteers. He also thanked Rep. John Blust for his do ve r

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“We still have significant work to do. I filed because I love Oak Ridge,” he said, and thanked committee volunteers. “You’re doing a heck of a great job.”

“I have no interest in CMT Commons/CrossFit going out of business, but our obligation is to see that our laws are enforced.”

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He said council has limited flexibility when it comes to HPC, since their hearings are quasi-judicial, but council has an obligation to enforce the commission’s rulings.

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14 New construction

on the rise in northwest Guilford County 18 Northwest Guilford

real estate briefs

19 See which new and

existing homes have sold in your area, and for how much

New construction on the rise in northwest Guilford County by ANNETTE JOYCE

he says. "People are buying again."

About a decade ago, northwest Guilford County was booming with residential and commercial building activity. But after the Great Recession hit in 2008, construction came to a screeching halt.

Like Combs, another long-time developer, Bill Yearns, feels the time is right to move forward.

Foreclosures, stalled communities and decreasing property values became the new norm not only in this area, but nationwide. For those in the housing industry, the tide is fortunately turning and within the last year the area has seen numerous new communities being proposed and under construction. Kevan Combs, owner of Combs, Inc. has been developing property in the northwest part of the county for almost 20 years. Like other developers and builders, he had to weather the storm resulting from the downturn in the economy. Combs says he started feeling more optimistic around 2012. "I don't think we've completely healed, and I'm not saying the market needs to be like it was before, but we're headed in the right direction," he says. Combs, Inc. is currently involved in developing six northwest communities. One of a handful of established local developers, Combs saw a need to give builders more options. As for why he's so heavily invested at this point – "It's very simple,"

"Money is still cheap and prices are going up," says the owner of Granville Homes, LLC. "Confidence in the economy is much improved and people are seizing the moment, as many believe rates will tick up within the next three to six months." Granville Homes has several new subdivisions underway in the northwest area, including Woodvale, Oakhurst Downs and the newest phase of Old Moore's Mill. LD Equity owners Buddy Lyons and Eric Dischinger have been involved in the development industry for the past five years. Their company is moving forward with several new residential projects, including the Farms at Lake Brandt, a high-end 132-acre community proposed for Summerfield. Lyons cites the school system as a key factor in their decision to focus on the northwest and northern parts of the county. "Many families desire to live in this area because they can purchase a new home on a nice, one-acre lot, live in a neighborhood where their children can play with others in their backyards, and also send their children to the best schools," says Lyons. "The fact that these

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in a constant state of flux and its movement is unpredictable," says Yearns.

While the uptick in development is generally considered a plus, some people see a downside and fear an oversaturation of the marketplace, which can lead to lower prices and decreased home values for everyone. That's an issue developers wrestle with constantly.

He adds that he's not able to predict if there are enough consumers right now to absorb the current and pending inventory of new homes.

"The market is always swinging between too much inventory or too little. It’s

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"The market will tell that story in the months and years to come, and as always, developers are stuck with looking in the rearview mirror," says Yearns. "Price points, location and value have been and

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always will be the primary drivers." At this point, Lyons views the pace of development as less worrisome than some people do. "There was zero development occurring in the wake of the recession; nobody was buying homes, and nobody was constructing homes," he observes. "Over the past few years, families who were hurt by the recession saw their household balance sheet recover along with the economy as a whole. The result was a somewhat dramatic shift from zero developers actually developing, to a handful putting neighborhoods on the ground as the need for new homes rebounded post-recession. "We don't so much see the current market as an oversaturation, but we do see the perception being that, anytime you go from zero to plentiful activity in a mar-

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"As a development company, we're focusing on being good finishers," he says. "I don't see adding any more major subdivisions at this time. We have enough lots right now to keep us busy for several years to come." Lyons says his company is constantly tracking its own markets. "We will never blindly go into an area assuming that a market is strong," he says. "If the economics support development in a certain sub-market at a certain price point, then we will continue to help satiate that need."

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17 6/8/2015 2:54:58 PM

REAL ESTATE briefs

Subdivision approved for Eversfield Road STOKESDALE – LD Equity’s plans for a 90-lot development on Eversfield Road is on go, after the planning board and town council both narrowly approved the 88.4acre property to be rezoned from RS-40 (Residential Single-Family) to CU-PD-R (Conditional Use-Planned DevelopmentResidential). The developer sought the rezoning so the homes, ranging in price from about $300,000 to $400,000, can be clustered

on smaller lots of at least 20,000 square feet; the smaller lots will be offset by more than 30 acres of open space and buffers along Eversfield and Treeline roads. The homes will have septic systems and be served by Stokesdale’s municipal water. LD Equity will have to appear before the Planning and Zoning Board again for a technical review of its unified development plan, which will include more details on the subdivision’s plan.

Garcia renewed to build Southern Living homes Tom Garcia, owner of Southern Evergreen based in Summerfield, has been renewed into the Southern Living Custom Builder Program for a 15th year. Stacy Hall, Southern Evergreen’s marketing manager, says “the Southern Living Custom Builder Program is a very elite group of builders across the United States who are chosen from a vast pool of applicants and put through an intense vetting process.”

Photo courtesy of Southern Evergreen

and right-of-way dedication for about 29 acres.

Hall adds that Southern Evergreen is the only builder with the credentials to build, customize or design authentic Southern Living Custom Homes in the Triad.

reputation, strength of presence in their respective markets, superior quality and attention to detail and innovative style.”

The plan shows 28 lots, open space

While the sketch plan was approved, a request to rezone the property from AG (Agriculture) to RPD will be presented to the Planning and Zoning Board on Thursday, July 23.

“Builders are required to re-apply each year and are evaluated by Southern Living to assure they have met their strict standards,” says Hall. “Southern Living carefully selects members based on their

Southern Evergreen is a full-service design, building and real estate firm. The company is currently developing a Southern Living Showcase home for the Oak Ridge area.

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Builders form new partnership

28-lot subdivision proposed OAK RIDGE – An RPD (Rural Preservation District) is being proposed for the west side of Bridgehead Road off N.C. 150, following the Oak Ridge Town Council’s 4-0 vote to accept a sketch plan on June 4.

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Three well-known builders, R&K Custom Homes, Combs, Inc. and Brian Thompson Homes, recently partnered to form a new company, Eclipse Homes; the company will be a division of R&K Custom Homes. Kathy Dumas, who along with her husband, Rich, owns R&K Custom Homes based in Summerfield, explains the new company was formed to handle the growing demand for high-end, highly personalized custom built homes. Dumas references internet sites such as Houzz and Pinterest as being instrumental in shaping the desires of the current custom home buyer. “There are so many unique ideas and products coming from these sites, and having the knowledge and experience to incorporate them is essential,” says Dumas. “By developing this partnership, we believe we can make a greater impact in meeting the needs and desires of this growing market.”

Tom Garcia, owner of Southern Evergreen

Each of the three companies brings a unique skill set to the partnership. “R&K Custom Homes is well known for its award-winning, cutting-edge designed homes and continued participation in the annual Parade of Homes,” says Dumas. “With 23 years of building experience, the company has built approximately 350 homes in the area and has been a 14-time Parade of Homes gold award winner.” Finding the right location for a new home is critical, and Dumas says many of the buyers her company works with have been looking for larger acreage and more private lots. “Locating these lots – especially in this area – is often challenging, but developing them can be even more of a challenge. “This is an area where Eclipse excels, thanks to the addition of Kevan Combs, owner of Combs, Inc. Kevan is not only a well respected builder of multi-million-

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dollar homes, but highly experienced in developing multiple communities over the last 18 years.” The third business partner, Brian Thompson, owner of Brian Thompson Homes, has been building beautifully crafted homes in the area since 2007, Dumas says. “Along with his building knowledge, Brian’s excellent management skills, along with his energetic, hands-on approach, will aid in keeping the homes moving and ensuring the top quality we are all noted for.” Although the three builders will partner to build custom pre-sale homes through Eclipse Homes, they will continue to operate their respective companies independently to build spec homes throughout the area.

TRANSACTIONS Northwest-area new and existing home sales Recent home sales in and near your neighborhood impact the current market value of your home. The following is a list of new and existing home sale transactions in northwest Guilford County which have occurred over the last month. Look for more transactions in the Northwest Observer’s real estate section, now appearing in the third issue of each month.

SUMMERFIELD 7317 Braelands Drive (Birkhaven) $799,000 4202 Joseph Hoskins (Elmhurst Estates) $375,000

7501 Strader Road $216,000 7544 Dubach Road $175,500 7914 Walkover Drive $212,000

5940 Tarleton Drive (Oak Ridge Plantation) $380,000 8409 Case Ridge Drive (River Oaks) $366,000 5807 Beckenham Way (Staffordshire Estates) $363,000

7601 Adler Road (Forbes Forest) $382,500

STOKESDALE

7199 Tadpole Court (Frog’s Leap) $399,000

8208 Curraghmore Court (Angels Glen) $276,000

5810 Beckenham Way (Staffordshire Estates) $595,000

5894 Harriet Court (Henson Farms) $680,000

7606 Calmeria Court (Arbor Run) $550,000

5814 Elkton Drive (Trenton) $401,000

7100 Henson Farm Way (Henson Farms) $470,000

7202 Oak Creek Court (Oak Creek) $315,000

5906 Autumn Gate Drive (Twelve Oaks) $521,500

6320 Autumn Crest Court (Henson Forest) $365,000

8104 Moores Mill Court (Old Moores Mill) $382,000

6114 Chalet Drive (Williard Oaks) $389,000

7622 Henson Forest Drive (Henson Forest) $379,000 3201 Annry Drive (Shawchester Estates) $307,000 4104 Strader Court (Strader Woods) $547,000 3406 Regina Court (Strawberry Hills Horse Farm) $218,500 4309 Vinsanto Way (Vineyards At Summerfield) $715,000

574 Ogburn Mill Road $425,000 6853 U.S. Highway 158 $203,000 8214 Millrun Road $333,000

OAK RIDGE 7799 Polar Drive (Bear Creek) $506,000

KERNERSVILLE 8823 Phillips Farm Road (Bakersfield) $462,000 5205 Wheatsheaf Court (Harvest Ridge) $385,000 5208 Winnow Court (Harvest Ridge) $388,000 8802 Phillips Farm Road (Ridgecrest) $446,000 1628 Squire Davis Road $490,000

8503 Bethel Ridge Drive (Bethel Ridge) $335,000

517 Maverick Road $153,000

5304 Ashbey Lane $363,000

7896 Elizabeth Drive (Estates at Oak Ridge Lake) $396,000

COLFAX

5873 Stanley Huff Road $212,000

5400 Red Fox Drive (Foxbury) $412,000

4916 Legacy Drive (Legacy at Sandy Ridge) $300,000

7495 Strader Road $225,500

8307 Linville Oaks Drive (Linville Oaks) $715,000

5013 Rosemont Court (Saddle Brook) $187,500

3408 Oak Ridge Road $198,000

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Subjectto tocredit creditapproval approval under Fidelity Bank’s underwriting guidelines. is good for new Equity only. Existing Subject under Fidelity Bank’s underwriting guidelines. Offer is Offer good for new Equity Lines only.Lines Existing customersmust mustobtain obtaina $20,000 a $20,000increase increase credit increase line balance the required customers in in thethe credit lineline and and increase their their line balance by the by required amount amount coverclosing closingcosts coststotoreceive receive promotional rates associate for complete details). Rate for Equity Lines with to cover promotional rates (see(see associate for complete details). Rate is for is Equity Lines with a loan-to-value loan-to-valueofofnono more than 90%. To qualify for these customer also possess a Beacon more than 90%. To qualify for these rates,rates, customer shouldshould also possess a Beacon Score ofScore at of at least 630 and haveaadebt-to-income debt-to-income ratio of less or equal to 45%. may be higher for customers and have ratio of less thanthan or equal to 45%. RatesRates may be higher for customers with lowwith low BeaconScores. Scores.Certain Certainother other conditions restrictions Thisisoffer is limited to owner-occupied, single family Beacon conditions andand restrictions may may apply.apply. This offer limited to owner-occupied, single family dwellingsand andisisnot not valid rental properties, cooperatives, residential lots, or speciality homes (log dwellings valid forfor rental properties, cooperatives, mobilemobile homes,homes, residential lots, or speciality homes (log home,prefab prefabhome, home, underground etc.). Prime is variable based on the Prime Rate published on the home, underground solar solar home,home, etc.). Prime Rate isRate variable based on the Prime Rate published on the ofeach eachmonth month Wall Street Journal. of May 1, 2015, the Prime Rate is 3.25%. is no origination first day day of in in thethe Wall Street Journal. As ofAsMay 1, 2015, the Prime Rate is 3.25%. There There is no origination fee charged chargedtotoopen open a Fidelity Bank Home Equity feesbemay be charged at origination, or subsequent fee a Fidelity Bank Home Equity Line. Line. OtherOther fees may charged at origination, closing or closing subsequent closing,ranging ranging from $1,500 Property insurance andinsurance flood insurance where applicable, to closing, from $0$0 to to $1,500 andand maymay vary.vary. Property insurance and flood where applicable, may be may be required. required. ** Minimum line size associated with this rate is $100,000. Outstanding balances on your new line of credit during the first Minimum line size associated with this rate is $100,000. Outstanding balances on your new line of credit during the first monthsafter afterloan loanclosing closing date be calculated at introductory the introductory fixed as APR 2.75% APRiswhich 12 months date willwill be calculated at the fixed rate asrate low as as low 2.75% which 0.50%is 0.50% belowthe thecurrent current standard of Prime + 0.00% (3.25% 12 months, your APR willtorevert to the standard below standard raterate of Prime + 0.00% (3.25% APR).APR). AfterAfter 12 months, your APR will revert the standard variableAPR APRofofPrime Prime + 0.00% (currently 3.25%) for the remaining theThe line. The maximum can be charged variable + 0.00% (currently 3.25%) for the remaining life oflife theof line. maximum rate thatrate can that be charged or the themaximum maximum permitted by state whichever is less. Fidelity may up toof$750 of costs closing costs with is 18% or permitted by state law,law, whichever is less. Fidelity Bank Bank may pay uppay to $750 closing with an opening openingadvance advance of $25,000 or more. an of $25,000 or more. Limitedtime timeoffer. offer.This This program change any time. Limited program maymay change or endoratend anyattime.

2015 - HELOC Promotion - Northwest Observer.indd 1

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

5/8/2015 5:40:34 PM

JULY 17 - 23, 2015

Download our free mobile app! text “BHHSNC” to 87778 BHHSYostandLittle.com/Web ID

5402 Westfield Drive

$1,850,000

Web ID 718499

This artistic home has over 11,000sf on 4 levels. Elevator, 3 staircases, 8 stone fireplaces, 2 gourmet kitchens, 7 baths, guest quarters, pool, cabana, gazebo, waterfalls, theater, and exercise & yoga room. Landscaped gardens.

Ann Hardee 336-327-8440

6401 Gumwood

$949,900 Web ID 756869

Seller financing available. A beautiful parcel of land that is nearly 38-acres. Land is already zoned residential RS-40. Build your own private, exclusive, and secluded estate home here.

Amanda Kondrasov

336-553-8077

8607 Cedar Hollow

7304 Autumn Lake Drive

Enjoy panoramic lake views from most rooms of this Italian-style villa resting on a private 3.9-acre lot in northwest Greensboro. Gated entrance, 5 beds / 6.1 baths, 8,800sf on 3 levels with elevator, 3-car garage.

A rare gem for those who appreciate the best in design & quality. Custom-built, spacious, sophisticated, and timeless. Privately nestled in executive enclave on almost 4-acres. Prime location. Sought-after schools. A must see.

$1,699,000

Web ID 761610

Nancy Hess

336-215-1820

$1,324,999 Web ID 759293

Nancy Hess

336-215-1820

5806 Harriet Court

4000 Brass Cannon Court

4 bed / 5.1 bath lakefront home with dock. Walkout 2,700sf unfinished basement with patio. Upper level deck. 3-car garage, front/back stairs, all bedrooms with baths, wide hardwood halls. Immaculate condition. Great for entertaining.

Custom home on 2.35-acre cul-de-sac located on the 8 th hole of the GCC Farm Golf Course. Extensive landscaping with stream, waterfall, koi pond. Renovated kitchen and bathrooms with top quality features and new granite tops.

$829,000

Web ID 754327

Nancy Hess

336-215-1820

$825,000

Web ID 752774

Melissa Greer

336-337-5233

6341 Poplar Forest Drive

6300 Poplar Forest Drive

6303 Poplar Forest Drive

Open floorplan. Chef ’s kitchen with stainless appliances, walk-in pantry. Fireplaces in great room, office. Main level master, spacious rooms, excellent storage. Full unfinished basement. Sunroom, porches, patios. Bonus on 2nd level.

Elegant open floorplan flows easily through beautifully appointed rooms, fabulous main level master with breakfast bar, and sauna. Gourmet kitchen, 2-story den, large bedrooms with ensuite baths, office/bonus room.

Wonderful 4 bed / 4.1 bath home. Main level master. Gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances, gas cooktop, keeping. Greatroom, office, dining, bonus. Home theater. Screen porch, outdoor kitchen, excellent storage.

$710,000

Web ID 732432

Joyce Norris 336-327-3650

3809 Old Berkshire Drive $415,000

Web ID 755308

Moss Creek neighborhood with pool, tennis, playground, clubhouse, 3 fishing ponds. 4 bed, 3-car garage on ~2-acres with amazing views of horse pasture. Large chef ’s kitchen perfect for entertaining. Private wooded setting. A must see.

Mark Yost 336-707-6275

$665,000

Web ID 752561

Tom Chitty 336-420-2836

$659,900 Web ID 718974

Joyce Norris 336-327-3650

6261 Lake Brandt

$1,195,000

Web ID 718391

Great opportunity to own this beautiful Kris Spence design. Fully-operational, 18 hole, par 3 golf course. Resident converted to clubhouse, previous horse farm with 5000sf, 10-stall barn all overlooking this 35-acre parcel.

Bill Ownbey 910-279-3080

Web ID 755627

Joyce Norris 336-327-3650

Web ID 717066

Betty Callahan 336-403-5545

700 Ruddy Duck Drive

7507 William Bailey Road

5500 Autumn Harvest Drive

Custom-built, single level, 4 bed / 3 bath home on 1.1-acres. Welcoming front and screened porches. Spacious, bright, and open. Stone fireplace with gas logs. Extensive trim. Beautiful kitchen with granite, gas range, huge pantry.

4 bed / 2.1 bath brick home in Harvest Ridge subdivision. Northwest schools. Full granite kitchen with 7’ island, gas cooktop, eating bar, stainless steel appliances, built-in convection oven, 2 pantries, surround sound. A Must See.

Sherri Hill

336-209-8482

$387,900 Web ID 757652

Betty Callahan 336-403-5545

$384,900

Web ID 750117

Deryle Peaslee-Wood

336-601-4765

7825 Wilson Farm Road

4910 Golden Acres Road

5525 Osceola Ossipee Road

6903 Ridge Haven Road

Beautiful 4 bed / 3.1 bath family home in sought-after Wilson Farm. Granite counters, double pantry in kitchen. Large master. Private main level guest suite. Storage building on property. Stokesdale/Northwest schools.

3 bed / 3 bath fantastic log home in Oak Ridge. New main level master with awesome bath, sky lights, sitting. Updated kitchen (all appliances to remain) with breakfast. Formal dining, utility room. Full walkout basement with workshop.

12.95-acre log home with 3 bed / 3 bath. New heat pump/ AC, water heater, and brand new, emergency generatorautomatically turns on when power cut to home. Must see this unique home. Motivated Seller.

Convenient Northwest location. 2-car garage. Foyer, 2story living with stone fireplace and deck. Granite counters, tile backsplash, recent cooktop, 2 ovens, walk-in pantry in kitchen. Main level master. 4th bed/bonus. Home warranty.

$325,000

Web ID 750965

Caitlin Rogers

336-580-6306

$289,900 Web ID 733367

Cookie Bobko

336-346-1914

Adams Farm 336—854—1333

•

$285,000

Web ID 696265

George Greenway 336-387-2151

Elm Street 336—272—0151 •

5811 Billet Road

$719,000

$258,900

Web ID 757451

Melissa Greer

Friendly Center 336—370—4000 •

336-337-5233

Nancy Hess

336-215-1820

7083 Lanier

$419,900 Web ID 732788

3 bed / 3.1 bath beautiful lakeside custom home. Amazing views from almost every room. Kitchen with granite counters, double ovens, island, large breakfast. Main level master with vaulted ceiling, great spa bath. 2nd level bonus room.

Kim Wilson

336-662-7805

4045 Ridgeline Drive

$359,900 Web ID 750681

2006 Parade Of Homes Gold Winner in Ridgecrest. Custom and immaculate throughout. 4 bed / 4 bath. Luxury master with separate shower and jetted tub. Large front porch. Northwest schools, low taxes, neighborhood pool. Warranty.

Angie Ford

336-817-4068

305 River Run

$168,500

Web ID 761393

3 bed / 2 bath home with privacy fence on 0.5-acres. Vaulted greatroom, laminate floors, eat-in kitchen, double garage. Storage building, crawlspace underneath home. Super condition and in an excellent school district.

Kernersville 336—996—4256

©2015 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.

Web ID 727195

5 bed / 4.2 bath gorgeous home on 11.74-acres. Versatile estate, easily adaptable for any horse discipline or country lifestyle. Privately nestled down long, tree-lined drive with space for everyone. Finished basement, newly updated.

7909 Quiet Place

$529,900

Tranquil 3 bed / 3.1 bath townhome in Oak Ridge. 25-acres of undeveloped land. Each floor serviced by an elevator. Large bedrooms, suites, gorgeous kitchen with Dacor appliances. Screen porch, balcony, and patio.

Web ID 751001

Jamie Harrelson 336-889-9192

4305 Fresia Way

$749,000

Mountain-like retreat with vaulted ceilings and open plan. Main level master and guest. Lower level gourmet kitchen, 2 bedrooms, and bath. Home theater, game room, storage, workshop. Potential bonus over garage, lovely landscaping.

4 bed / 3.1 bath brick home in Triple Lakes. Gorgeous Brazilian cherry flooring on main. Picture-perfect kitchen with island, granite counters, tile, stainless appliances. Dual staircase, bonus, and wired for surroud sound.

$388,900 Web ID 750445

2420 Ellisboro Road

$971,000

Professionally-landscaped 26-acres with mature plantings, koi pond and gazebos. 3 bed / 3.1 bath with lots of space. Basement with hair salon/workshop/hobby room and family room. 5-car garage parking and several outbuildings.

Beth Brannan

336-253-4693

Deadline: Tuesday, Aug. 11 Contact us at (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 or advertising@nwobserver.com

Carlotta Lytton

, CPA, PC

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

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

SUNDAY, JULY 19  Afternoon of Fun | Community Lutheran Church invites the community to a free afternoon of “Fun, Faith and Food” from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 19. The CLC Praise Team will present a concert of contemporary Christian music at 2 p.m., followed by food and games. The church is located at 4960 U.S. 220, Summerfield. More info: (336) 643-7667. TUESDAY, JULY 21  Car Show | A Classic Car Cruise-In will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on July 21 at Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center. Proceeds support local non-profit organizations. Come out and enjoy nice cars, live music, and merchant specials and discounts. Sponsored by Oak Ridge Commons Merchants and JPC Monroe.  VFW | Northwest Guilford VFW Post 7999 will meet at 6:30 p.m. on July 21 at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. More info: Roy Lee, (336) 707-2451, Bob White, (336) 643-3943 or vfw7999@gmail.com.  Kiwanis Club | The Kiwanis Club of Northwest Guilford will meet at noon on July 21 at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68, Oak Ridge. More info: Todd Harmon, (336) 707-1615. WEDNESDAY, JULY 22  MS Meeting | The Multiple Sclerosis “Be Strong” selfhelp group meeting will be held at 6:15 p.m. on July 22 in the parlor of Main Street UMC, 306 S. Main St., Kernersville. Special guest is Nicole Taylor, an assistant professor of anesthesiology at Wake Forest Baptist Medical School. The mother of two was diagnosed with MS five years ago and will share her story. More info: mattaloi01@gmail.com.

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SATURDAY, JULY 18  Arts and Crafts | The Kernersville Arts and Crafts Guild will host the second annual Homegrown Arts Festival on the lawn at Körner’s Folly, featuring handmade crafts and art demonstrations, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 18. Food trucks and a children’s coloring corner are new this year. Körner’s Folly is located at 413 S. Main St., Kernersville. More info: (336) 996-7922.

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LETTERS/OPINIONS Submit your opinions (maximum 350 words) online: nwobserver.com mail: Opinions,

e-mail: editor@nwobserver.com

PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310

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

Town, HPC are bullying CrossFit

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

to have to get in Greensboro. Also, grins to the store manager with a friendly word who gave my daughter a toy ring!

Share your thoughts in

 Oak Ridge HPC and Town Council for standing up to CrossFit and making them follow the guidelines every other business follows.

online: nwobserver.com

 New York China restaurant in King’s Crossing Shopping Center, Stokesdale, for their delicious and flavorful Chinese food. Our family wishes you much success.

40 words or less

I am very disappointed in the treatand employ people and we are going e-mail: grinsandgripes ment of the owners of CrossFit Oak Ridge to shutter the business – not for safety  Oak Ridge Town Council for handling @nwobserver.com by the Town of Oak Ridge and the Hisreasons, but purely for a few aesthetic the contentious CrossFit issue with class toric Preservation Commission. We have changes? Grins & Gripes are published based on and dignity. In the end, the rule of law some investors who have taken a risk in available space and editor’s discretion. will win, much to the benefit of the town’s The Town of Oak Ridge and HPC are bringing a business to the community – bullies with no individual liabilities, as they citizens. which has definitely added to the value of are hiding behind the taxpayers of Oak  The wonderful folks at Gas Town/ this community (close to 200 members Ridge, not their own money. CrossFit Oak Wilson’s Grocery in Summerfield for letting would agree with me on this, I’m sure). Ridge doesn’t have the means to fight an  Gilley’s Small Engine me visit with them while I waited for a tow Repair in Summerfield The HPC and Town of Oak Ridge out-of-control town council and HPC as truck. You were a bright spot in my day! for rebuilding my paswant to close the business for a few well.  To Spencer Sullivan and Jim Kinneman tor’s riding mower engine aesthetic changes. Are you kidding me? I for one am taking note of this and of Oak Ridge for your new roles on the and selling me a riding lawnThis is one of the nicest looking barnwill be sure to vote my conscience in Notown council as mayor and mayor pro mower at a reasonable price. Thanks type structures in all of Oak Ridge and it vember. We need some common sense tem! so much, Gilley – I’m a very satisfied provides a great place for citizens of Oak in local government, not what we have customer!  The owners and trainers of CrossFit Ridge and the surrounding area to exerhere. I suspect there is more to this than cise. This building is more in touch with  Amazon.com for creating the Amazon- Oak Ridge who have continuously kept a meets the eye. I sincerely hope the Town hard-working, fun and inviting atmosphere how this rural area looked to begin with, Student service! What a fantastic way to of Oak Ridge and the HPC can work to in their Weaver facility despite recent issues and motivateystudents! reidsville y much more so than City Hall. y Bryan Hayes-taylor y ragsdale y spears Camp be a little more flexible in their demands. negative opinions of others. You have my 501 in W.tough Market 2630 S. Florida 900 Bonner 3216 Horse Foods Pen Crk 504 S. Main 4924 Tapawingo Trail We are currently living  Lowes in Oak Ridge for their Neil Sarkisian support to the fullest extent! Greensboro Jamestown Greensboro economic times and you have individualsGreensboro expanding selection ofReidsville organic and gluten- Greensboro ragsdaleymca.org campweaver.org OAK RIDGE spearsymca.org who have taken a riskbryanymca.org to bring a businesshayestaylorymca.org free items. I’m findingreidsvilleymca.org everything I used  ABC Commission for suspending

GRINS to...

fall sports

soCCer flag footBall volleyBall BaseBall

spearsymca.org spears y, 3216 Horse pen CrK, greensBoro

JULY 17 - 23, 2015

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

7/2/15 4:15 PM

Double K Sports Bar’s ABC permit. Enough waste of taxpayers’ money and time of police needed to respond to calls at this bar, not to mention all the patrons hurt in fights, etc.  All the ladies who contributed fabric to the Sew to Sow Ministry. It is greatly appreciated and will make beautiful dresses for some girls in Kenya!  Former mayor of Oak Ridge, Ray Combs, for decades of unselfish service on behalf of Oak Ridge citizens.  All law-abiding gun owners. Remember the group called The Minute Men? They were gun owners. The signers of the Constitution were gun owners and supported gun ownership.  The owner of Oak Ridge Repair Shop for checking a problem with a vehicle on a Sunday at 4 p.m. My out-of-own guest was about to travel back to Pennsylvania and you put his mind at ease.  Oak Ridge Town Council for upholding the Code of Ordinances and supporting the Historic Preservation Commission by following through with legal processes regarding CrossFit. The other businesses here follow the rules. Why can’t they?

GRIPES to...  Gun nuts.  The vandal who damaged the Little Free Library Eagle Project at Oak Ridge Town Park. So disappointing you have nothing better to do than destroy someone’s hard work. Parents, please teach your kids to show some respect toward our community!  Those who believe the Supreme Court redefined marriage. No one can change a definition that God has defined. They only removed the warning sign from something that has disaster as an end. The Bible is clear on all sexual sin.  The Town of Oak Ridge for the way they have handled the grievances with CrossFit. This case has become the most incredibly stupid waste of time and money. Compromise makes the world an easier place to live.

 The person complaining about Lowes Foods doing alcohol tastings in the store. What an overly developed sense of morality you have.  The HPC of Oak Ridge. Leave the CrossFit people alone! This is a business that employs people and helps people with their health.  The Town of Oak Ridge for not appreciating the effort and work that goes into a small business like CrossFit and for trying to drive them out of business. The building looks fine, get over it!  The reader griping about the Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage. If you aren’t gay it doesn’t affect you, nor does it re-define your marriage.  The three women attending the Oak Ridge Town Council meeting on July 9 for their rude, emotional and embarrassing display of ignorance regarding the town charter procedure for selecting the mayor. Council did not deserve your outbursts of protest.  Food Lion for making customers unload their own carts, and load them back up again after paying. Other stores, including Lowes Foods, do that for you!  Those willing to put CrossFit Oak Ridge out of business – for trivialities. Hell hath no fury like a bureaucrat scorned. Witness your “public servants” at work.  People complaining about the Supreme Court’s same-sex marriage ruling. Their job is to interpret constitutionality, not morality. There has been no valid argument thus far for same-sex marriage being unconstitutional, and it doesn’t affect you as much as you think.  CrossFit for not complying with their own building plan that the Historic Preservation Commission approved years ago, costing Oak Ridge taxpayers approximately $80,000 thus far. Additionally, they are truly defiant by operating without a Certificate of Occupancy.  Folks who include millions of responsible gun owners with a few hundred criminals. Criminals rob, kill and bring violence; responsible gun owners do not. Don’t like guns? We respect that right. Respect our right, too.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JULY 17 - 23, 2015

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32-Oz.

27-Oz.

Swaggerty’s Pork Sausage Patties

7-Oz. Regular or Breakfast

5/$5

7-Oz. Tubs

48-Oz., Assorted

5/$5

32-Oz., Selected

Morning Fresh Farms Cheese

Morning Fresh Farms String Cheese

Yoplait Greek Yogurt

Oreo Cookies

8-Oz., Selected Sliced

12-Oz.

4 To 5.3-Oz., Assorted

10.1 To 15.5-Oz., Selected

5 To 6-Oz.

Jamestown

Boneless Spiral Ham

2/$1 5/$5 4.97 5/$5 2/$5 2/$4

Genuine Georgia

“No Waste”

Crisp Broccoli Crowns

Sweet & Tasty California

California Strawberries

Totino’s Pizza

1.28

Bone-In

Center Cut Pork Chops

1.98

5 5 /$

9.8 To 10.9-Oz.

2/$5

Premium Hothouse Grown

Fresh Jumbo Seedless Cucumbers

12-Oz.

Armour Treetf Luncheon Loa

Del Monte Sloppy Joe Sauce

Chex Mix Snacks

2/$4

Fresh Express Hearts Of Romaine Salad

Lb.

7.5 To 9-Oz. Popped, 14.5-Oz. Bugles, 4.2-Oz. Chips, 10.5-Oz. Buddies Or 15-Oz.

2/$5

Lb.

w Fat 12-Oz. Reg. Or Lo

15-Oz., Original

2 4 24-Oz. Roger Wood

3/$10

Boneless Top Sirloin Steaks

1.28

Lumberjack Sausage

Butcher’s Best®

Assorted Pork Chops

9-Oz. Pkg., Leafy Green, Romaine Or

Sweet Baby Peeled Carrots

Kellogg’s Cereals

Grape Tomatoes

Lb.

1-Lb. Pkg., Grimmway Farms

8.7 To 12-Oz., Selected

Lb.

Butcher’s Best®

2/$4

Pint Pkg., “Great For Salads”

.78

3.98

Hawaiian Punch Fruit Drinks 32-Oz. Great Fish

Premium

Red Delicious Apples

All Purpose White Potatoes

128-Oz., Selected

4.6-Oz.

Hy•Top Chunk Chicken Breast

2/$4

2/$1 7.99

24-Oz.

Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup

2/$4

5.18 To 5.4-Oz., Steakhouse

2/$4 2/$6

12-Double Roll

13.5 To 16-Lb., Selected

5.99

11.97

Scott Extra Soft Bath Tissue

35-Oz.

Meow Mix Cat Food

2/$4 4/$5

32-Pack 16.9-Oz. Bottles

2-Lb. Bag

Nunn Better Wild Bird Seed

.99

Armour Vienna Sausage ..............

Idahoan Potatoes ...........................

Hunt’s Natural Ketchup...........................

Niagra Drinking Water .........

17.6-Lb. Bag

6.5 To 9.1-Oz., Better Cheddars, Triscuits, Wheat Thins Or Flavor Originals

64-Oz.

50-Ct. (8 7/8-Inch)

Top Runner Dog Food .......................

Nabisco Crackers ........

Hy•Top White Vinegar ..............

3.99 2/$3

Hy•Top Foam Plates ...................

Car thieves strike again

NW GUILFORD – Thieves struck at three locations across the area over the weekend, rifling through the contents of 13 vehicles – and stealing one entire car. A resident of Wessex Drive in Stokesdale’s Dorsett Downs subdivision not only left six vehicles unlocked in his driveway, but also left the keys inside. A credit card, $46 in cash, a $50 wallet and a set of keys were stolen from the vehicles sometime between 4 and 7:31 a.m. on Sunday, July 12. Then the thief took off in the victim’s silver 1998 Ford Mustang GT, valued at $5,000. Residents of Crichton Court in Oak Ridge’s River Oaks subdivision reported that sometime between 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, and 8 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, a thief entered six un-

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When the ants come marching... locked vehicles and stole $7 in cash and two vehicle registration cards. And a resident of Falkirk Drive in northwest Greensboro’s Sterlingshire subdivision reported that sometime between 1 and 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, a $53 Coach purse was stolen from an unlocked vehicle in her driveway.

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CRIME / INCIDENT report The District 1 Sheriff’s Office has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest Guilford County. BURGLARY July 8 | A resident of Church Street in northern Greensboro reported that sometime between 9:30 and 11:45 a.m., an unknown person broke into the victim’s home through a side window and stole $270 worth of jewelry and $67 worth of medication.

unknown man. July 10 | A resident of Great Oaks Drive in Summerfield reported that sometime between 8 p.m. on June 27 and 8:22 a.m. on June 28, an unknown person pulled his mailbox out of the ground and threw it in his front yard. A few street signs were pulled out of the ground as well.

COMMUNICATING THREATS

IDENTITY THEFT

DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

July 8 | A resident of Witty Road in northern Greensboro reported that an unknown person used the victim’s credit card account to make unauthorized purchases totaling $3,782.46, including $3,746.90 in Nigeria for an airline ticket.

July 8 | An employee of BJ’s Grill in Stokesdale reported that at 12:14 p.m., a man she knows showed up in the parking lot, broke her windshield with a baseball bat, and then left with an

July 9 | A resident of Horseman Trail in Summerfield reported being notified by the Internal Revenue Service that someone had filed a 2014 tax return using the victim’s information.

July 8 | A resident of Spencer-Dixon Road in northern Greensboro reported that a known person threatened a juvenile with physical harm.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JULY 17 - 23, 2015

the company proposed to build.

CROSSFIT

...continued from p. 1 since CrossFit first applied for a COA, the town and CrossFit are unfortunately still at odds. The town insists it simply wants CrossFit to complete a facility that meets the company’s needs while adhering to the town’s ordinances and the conditions the HPC placed on the COA it issued CrossFit in 2012. CrossFit contends its building conforms to the building permit it received from Guilford County, but after the building was constructed the HPC cited several differences between what was constructed versus what appeared on an artist rendering CrossFit submitted with its original COA application. The purpose of that visual was only to provide a concept of what the building would look like, CrossFit owners have maintained, not to present an exact replica of what

Oakley says that’s not the case, and that CrossFit submitted front and side elevation drawings to the HPC with their COA application; those drawings were only later referred to by CrossFit as an artist rendering. The HPC issued a COA based on the elevation drawings – before construction proceeded – and CrossFit was obligated to construct the building according to the drawings HPC reviewed and approved. When HPC granted the conditional COA in 2012, it listed nine bullet items that must be corrected before a final CO would be issued for the fitness facility. CrossFit promptly appealed those conditions to the town’s Board of Adjustment, however; the BOA upheld the HPC’s decision. CrossFit then took its appeal to Guilford County Superior Court, where in April 2014 Superior Court Judge Lindsay Davis advised the town and the fitness facility to make

Keep them smiling all summer long

another attempt at working out their differences. Both parties cite reasons for those attempts ultimately failing, however, and the case went back through the court system. In January of this year, Judge Davis ruled the town’s Board of Adjustment had not erred in affirming the HPC’s decision to issue a COA with conditions in October 2012, that the BOA had not violated any of CMT Commons’ constitutional rights, had not exceeded the Town’s authority, and its decision had not been unsupported by substantial evidence as CMT claimed. CMT’s remaining claims were remanded to the HPC for findings of fact; Davis said those findings should support the three conditions that CMT had not yet satisfied (resize overhead front entry doors, place windows in the top of all front entry doors, and install front faux hayloft doors), and be accompanied by specific references to the town’s ordinances and Historic District guidelines.

JULY 17 - 23, 2015

“The HPC (and the Town) have never once indicated a willingness to mediate or negotiate a settlement to this matter and have only continued to demand that we comply with all of their conditions – which is directly contrary to the Historic Commission’s own guidelines,” Gimbert continued. “It is very apparent when one reviews the 1,200 emails and other material in ‘the record’ from 2011-2012 that personal biases are present and that our ability to obtain a fair hearing has been impacted.”

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In response, Chad Gimbert, coowner of CrossFit, commented, “We continue to be amazed by the Town’s commitment to pull our CO and close our business over these cosmetic issues. We are absolutely entitled to appeal the COA conditions imposed upon us by HPC after the building was constructed and we are currently working within that process to resolve the remaining issues (CrossFit has another appeal scheduled to be heard by the BOA on Aug. 12).

“They appealed to a Superior Court judge, who upheld the BOA’s decision,” Oakley said at the July 9 meeting. “Once the order came down from the Superior Court, we had no choice but to revoke the temporary CO because the 180 days had long expired. So we ordered them to stop occupying the “Unfortunately, there are consebuilding (via a letter dated June 24). But quences for being in violation of the they continue to occupy the building in Full-service dental practice serving families of all ages law,” says Spencer Sullivan, who is the violation. We’ve issued civil penalties, town’s mayor as of July 9. “We are still but it still has not stopped them from hopeful a solution can be worked out.” occupying the building.

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“Staff is left with taking the next enforcement step, which will be to notify the building inspector that they’re operating without a CO; the building inspector will notify Duke Energy, which from what I understand, will cut off power to the site. Unfortunately, that will be our next step,” Oakley said.

3130 US Highway 220, Madison (336) 548-2735 • houseofstarsinc.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Place online at

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

INDEX Public Notice ............................... 27 Save the Date ............................. 27 Summer Camps .......................... 27 Yard Sales ................................... 27 Home Services ....................... 27-29 Misc. Services.............................. 29 Misc. for Sale .............................. 29 Misc. Wanted ............................. 30

 PUBLIC NOTICE

 SAVE THE DATE

 SUMMER CAMPS

TOWN OF OAK RIDGE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Town Council of the Town of Oak Ridge and the Town of Oak Ridge Planning & Zoning Board will hold separate public hearings to consider requests to amend the Ofﬁcial Town of Oak Ridge Zoning Map and Development Ordinance. The Planning & Zoning Board and Town Council may also consider requests for subdivisions and other matters. Any zoning decision of the Oak Ridge Planning & Zoning Board is forwarded as a recommendation to the Oak Ridge Town Council. PLANNING/ZONING BOARD: July 23, 2015, 7 PM, at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. TOWN COUNCIL: Aug. 6, 2015, 7 PM, at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. PUBLIC HEARINGS: Rezoning Case #RZ-15-03: RS-40 to CU-HB. Located at the rear of 2202 Oak Ridge Road, in Oak Ridge Township. Being a portion of Guilford County Tax Parcel 0165780, approximately 0.348 acres. Owned by Jerry M. Cooke. The property is located in the Scenic Corridor Overlay Zone, the Greensboro (WS-III) Watershed Overlay Zone, and the Historic District. Rezoning Case #RZ-15-04: AG to CURPD. Located on the west side of Bridgehead Road, approximately 1,900 feet south of Oak Ridge Road, in Oak Ridge Township. Being Guilford County Tax Parcels 0167806 and 0167835, approximately 29.3 acres. Owned by Gregory H. and Mary B. Campbell and Richard Parker Barrow. The property is located in the Greensboro (GWIII) Watershed. All citizens will be given an opportunity to be heard at these meetings. Doug Nodine, Planning & Zoning Board Chair Spencer Sullivan, Mayor

MUSIC IN THE PARK, Sat., July 18, 6-8:30pm, Oak Ridge Town Park Shelter 2, across from Scoggins Road (park in Redmon Field on Linville Road). Hear the gospel sounds of Chords of Faith. Food and drinks available. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. No cost, but donations collected to pay the band. Rain date: Sun., July 19, 5-7:30pm. For info, call (336) 644-7009.

DANCE CAMP for girls ages 8 through 15, July 22-23, Nspired Athletics, 7610 Canoe Road, Greensboro. Come dance with Ashleigh Pinnix, a 15-year dance veteran. Learn hip-hop, con-tempo jazz and more! $15/girl. Call (336) 370-6610 or visit www. nspiredco.com for more info.

Something going on?

Pets/Animals & Services ............... 30

We’ll help get the word out!

Real Estate .................................. 30

online at www.nwobserver.com.

Place your classiﬁed ad

Please join us Sunday, July 19, 10:30am, at Liberty Wesleyan Church, 15303 US Hwy. 158 in Summerﬁeld, for a concert by THE HYMNSMAN QUARTET. A love offering will be taken. Please contact Joanne James at (336) 643-6968 for more info.

What’s going on around town? See what your neighbors are commenting on today! facebook.com/northwestobserver Community Lutheran Church invites the community to a free afternoon of “FUN, FAITH AND FOOD” on Sunday, July 19. The CLC Praise Team will present a concert of contemporary Christian music at 2pm. Following the concert, there will be games for all ages (Bible trivia, charades, skits, relays, and water play) and food. Community Lutheran Church, 4960 U.S. Hwy. 220N, Summerfield. (336) 643-7667. STOKESDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT will hold its annual meeting on Tues., July 28, 2015, at 7:30pm at the fire station. The annual report (financial and operational) will be given and the election of six board members will be held.

 SUMMER CAMPS DRAMA KIDS OF THE TRIAD summer camp is for ages 5-17. Campers participate in plays, improv, creative movement, verbal exercises, hilarious theater games and more! We offer camps in two locations, Kernersville and at Destination Arts in Oak Ridge. For more info, visit www.dramakids. com/nc1/camps/ or call Katie Lindsay at (336) 508-1187.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

 YARD SALES YARD SALE, Sat., July 18, Fogleman Rd., off Hwy. 68, Oak Ridge. Toys, tools, antiques, quilts, furniture, clothing – most items just $1-5. THREE-FAMILY YARD SALE, Sat., July 18, 8am, Oak Ridge, 4795 Bethel View Court. Furniture, household goods, tools, small appliances, and more!

 HOME SERVICES CLEANING ANA’S HOUSECLEANING. Good references, free est., 25 years exp. 309-0747. CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING, gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. www.windowcleaningnc.com. 595-2873. FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers & gas equipment, most appliances, grills, bikes, etc. (336) 689-4167. SANDRA’S CLEANING SERVICE, Affordable, experienced, guaranteed svc. 423-3196. MARIA’S CLEANING SERVICE. Free estimates, guaranteed service. 937-5231. ENVIRODUCT CLEANING, 15% discount, member BBB, fully insured. Visit us online at www.enviroductclean.com, (336) 643-4593. 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.

...continued on p. 28

JULY 17 - 23, 2015

 HOME SERVICES

FLOORING

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

FAY’S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Big or small jobs, reasonable and honest. Call Taylor at (336) 464-5215.

AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Quality irrigation systems. NC Licensed Contractor. We service all systems. Free est. 644-1174.

CARPET REPAIRS & RESTRETCHING Licensed/insured. 643-6500.

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES LAWN EQUIPMENT SERVICE Located in Oak Ridge. Free pick up and delivery. Tune up, preventive or rebuild on all lawn service/yard equipment. Commercial or residential. Call or text Rick, (336) 501-8681. GENERAL HOME REPAIR, bathroom repair, small/odd jobs. 644-8710, 708-0522. JLB REMODELING, INC. Home repair, maintenance & handyman service. Licensed & insured. Competitive rates. Call 681-2902 or www.jlbremodeling.com.

OLD SCHOOL

HOME REPAIR, LLC Lisa & Jerry Potkay, Oak Ridge Bathroom Remodeling | Additions | Decks

(336) 669-7252

oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com www.oldschoolsjhr.homestead.com BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics 2014

Professional, Honest, Reliable

Home Improvement & Repairs

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.

GUTTERS / WINDOWS / SIDING GUTTER CLEANING & LEAF GUARDS. 5 and 6” seamless gutters. Copper rooﬁng. Replacement windows. Free estimates. Get a price from the other guys, then call Gary the Gutter Guy. (336) 345-6518. www.a1copperrooﬁng.com.

LAWN CARE / LANDSCAPING ONE GUY & A MACHINE LAWN CARE and hardscaping. Maintenance, design, paver patios, block walls, hedges trimmed, beds re-edged, pine needles, mulch, pressure washing, chemical applications, aerating. Licensed & insured. Free est. Call 3824767. www.oneguyandamachine.com. HOUSE & YARD HOME MAINTENANCE. “Anything to improve your home and property.” Jeff Ziglar, 456-9992 or 643-9609. ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call 382-9875. CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, 643-9332. CarolinaStumpAndTreeServices.com. AREA STUMP DUMP. Yard waste, concrete, etc. Fill dirt available. 602-5820. TRACTOR FOR HIRE Bush hogging, tilling, fencing, brush/tree removal, hauling and more! (336) 207-6632.

GRADING / HAULING BRAD’S BOBCAT. Debris removal, grading/ hauling, gravel/dirt, driveways. 362-3647. ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt available. Zane Anthony, 362-4035. PEARMAN QUARRY HAULING Fill dirt, gravel, sand rock, mulch & more. Joel Richardson, (336) 803-2195.

JULY 17 - 23, 2015

Get. Be. Stay. Connected.

facebook.com/NorthwestObserver

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

MASONRY

TLC LAWN CARE Affordable mowing, seeding, aeration, fertilization and weed control. (336) 681-0097. MY GROUNDSKEEPER Landscaping and lawn care, shrubs, mulch, cut low limbs and more. Timothy, 643-5154. STUMP GRINDING – FREE ESTIMATES Big or small. George Joyce, (336) 382-3860. STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. Free est. Lic/Ins. 30 yrs. exp. Bucket truck & chipper, total cleanup. Selective thinning & lot clearing. 24-hr. ER svc. OR, NC. 643-1119. WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Complete lawn care & landscaping. NC lic. irrigation contractor. 20 years exp. Hardscaping, fertilization & weed control. (336) 399-7764. D & D LANDSCAPING & IRRIGATION Complete landscaping services. Retaining walls & patios. Member BBB. NC licensed irrigation contractor. 480-4101.

Outdoor living spaces and patios NEW LOCATION: 8605 Triad Dr, Colfax marshallstone.com | (336) 996-4918

MASONRY CONCEPTS, brick, block, stone, concrete & repairs. Free estimates. (336) 988-1022, www.masonryconceptsgso.com. SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes. Summer is the perfect time for a new patio! We can help with all of your outdoor living and entertainment spaces! Fire pits, driveways, sidewalks, patios. Give us a call at (336) 399-6619 for all your concrete and landscape needs.

MISC. SERVICES & PRODUCTS

BRAD’S BOBCAT. Mulching, landscaping, driveways, gravel, concrete work. 362-3647. LANDSCAPE SOLUTIONS 17-year anniversary special. We will beat your current written price by 15% – guaranteed! Call (336) 601-3796. 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. COLFAX LAWNCARE Complete lawn care maintenance. Mowing, trimming, fertilizing, weed control, pine needles. Res/Comm. Fully insured. Serving the Triad for 26 years. (336) 362-5860.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

GUTTER CLEANING, aluminum and copper seamless gutters, replacement windows. Call Gary the Gutter Guy, (336) 345-6518. GRILLS, FIRE PITS, tankless water heaters. General home repairs. Call Don Hill, (336) 643-7183.

 HOME SERVICES

 MISC. SERVICES

PAINTING & DRYWALL

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

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

COMPUTER REPAIRS $99. Used computers, website design. Info at ITBASICS.COM – (336) 643-0068. Inside Mailboxes & More, Oak Ridge Commons.

KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Specializing in room additions, garages, vinyl siding and windows, painting, ceramic tile, laminate, hardwood and linoleum ﬂoors, and remodeling of all kinds. No job too small. Free est. Call 644-1943 or cell 362-7469.

NORTHWEST ART FRAMING Fine, affordable framing. “Completely satisﬁed every time” – Joe in Summerﬁeld. Steve Maloy, owner. Call for appt., (336) 644-1911.

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

(336) 931-0600

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

STILL PERFECTION PAINTING Reliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, 462-3683 or stillperfectionpainting.com. CARLOS & SON PAINTING, interior & exterior, pressure washing. Free est., lic/ins. Call Carlos, (336) 669-5210. PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR, 32 years exp. Sheetrock repair. No job too small. Insured. Call Brad Rogers, 314-3186.

The Northwest Observer 13,200 copies every week! Direct-mailed to every mailbox with an Oak Ridge, Summerﬁeld and Stokesdale mailing address, and available for pick-up at 70+ local businesses.

PLUMBING BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic/Ins. Call Mark for savings. 337-7924. WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING, Inc. (336) 992-2503. Licensed, insured, bonded. 24/7 service. Plumbing, drain cleaning, well pumps. Give us a call, we do it all! Go to www.webstersplumbing.com for more info.

ALL-PRO POWER WASHING Windows, vinyl, concrete, pool decks, drain jetting. 15% off any cleaning. Fully insured. www.all-prowash.com, (336) 402-7726. SUPERIOR WASH. Exterior cleaning: houses, decks, driveways. Mobile unit w/ hot water & 425 gallon storage tank. Lic. & ins. Free est. Call Mike Dixon, 601-7444. PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Call Crystal Clear. Fully insured. www.windowcleaningnc.com. 595-2873.

Want to reach our readers? Call (336) 644-7035

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

TRIPP SMITH CONSTRUCTION, LLC. Licensed General Contractor with college degree in construction management and over 18 years of experience. We specialize in additions, remodels, garages, decks, sunrooms, new construction, residential & commercial. No job too large or too small. Free Estimates. Call or email, 399-4894, tripp@trippsmithconstruction.com.

ON-TARGET

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC.

Construction Services, INC

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Outdoor living | Fire pits | Roof replacements

644-8615 office 508-5242 cell Licensed & insured NC Gen. Contractor #72797

RENOVATION WORKS INC. New construction, remodeling, kitchen and bath, additions, decks & patios. Call (336) 427-7391 or www.myrenovationworks.com. BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens & baths, custom decks, garages, siding, windows, rooﬁng specials, rotted wood. Sr. discounts, 35 years exp. 362-6343. JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free estimates. Call 681-2902 or www.jlbremodeling.com.

Roof Replacements / Repairs Siding & Windows Custom Decks / Porches General Home Repairs Remodeling / Painting

Tc. GicEes, In ARerv -Tction S OCoNnstru

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

POWER WASHING

30 yrs exp • Workmanship guarantee Insurance specialists

(336) 644-1580

FREE Estimates Insured & Dependable

ROOFING A.L. CORMAN ROOFING INC. Res. roofing specialist serving Guilford Cty. area since 1983. Member BBB 25+ years w/ A+ rating. cormanroofinginc.com, 621-6962. RED RHINO ROOFING, based in Oak Ridge, NC. Storm damage specialist experienced with all types of roofing. BBB accredited A and listed with Angie’s List. Call 662-7980, or visit redrhinoroofing.com. CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC Residential roofing, rubber flat roofs, roof coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience. Now accepting all major credit cards. Call 643-8191 or 580-3245.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

MELDA’S HAIR DESIGNS welcomes Pita Combs. Stylist / instructor in all hair services. 10% off new clients’ ﬁrst visit through July 31. (336) 643-7799 or 912-2552. FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, gas equip., bikes, grills, metal and electrical items. (336) 689-4167.

 MISC. FOR SALE 42” TORO ZERO-TURN RIDING MOWER with twin bagger. $1,200. (336) 643-5576. Polar Craft 2003 16.5’ FISHING BOAT, 50-hp Johnson motor, Hawkeye trailer, tiedowns w/cover. Less than 60 hours run time. Must see, like new! $8,000. (336) 643-7121. KNIGHTS PRODUCE & PLANTS Fresh produce, hanging baskets. 14809 Hwy. 158, Summerﬁeld. 708-0485. WAREHOUSE MALL, INC. NOW OPEN! Antiques, collectibles, vintage toys. New vendors welcome. 305 E. Bodenhamer Drive, Kernersville. Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm, Sunday, 1-6pm. ALL NEW MATTRESS SETS. Still in plastic, w/ warranty. Twin, $99; Full, $109; Queen, $129; King, $191. Can deliver, layaway available. Mattress Outlet. 992-0025.

Something to sell? Place your classiﬁed ad online at www.nwobserver.com, or call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10.

...continued on p. 30

JULY 17 - 23, 2015

 MISC. WANTED

 REAL ESTATE

CASH for riding & push mowers needing

 REAL ESTATE

MAGNOLIA ESTATES

repair or free removal if unwanted. Also free pickup of grills, tillers, etc. (336) 689-4167. $$$ – WILL PAY CASH up to $200 for your junk or wrecked vehicle. 552-0328.

 PET / ANIMAL SERVICES ANIMALS AVAILABLE BRITISH CREAM GOLDEN RETRIEVER pups. Avail. July 25. $1,500. 317-7148. FREE KITTENS, males and females, Stokesdale. Please call (336) 430-9455.

Ready for a new family member? Visit adoptshelterpets.org to see lots of adorable pets ready for their furever home.

BOARDING / PET-SITTING

WEEK E N O IN SOLD 5803 Beckenham Way Lovely setting for this beautiful 4 BR/3.5 BA transitional home. Fenced yard, granite counter tops, hardwoods, moldings, vaulted and tray ceilings! Relocating sellers. Oak Ridge/ Northwest schools. Offered at $379,900.

477 Wigeon Point, Greensboro Beautiful home featuring newly constructed covered front porch. Incredible privacy and tranquility. Enjoy sitting on the patio overlooking pond, mature trees and garden. Extensively renovated chef’s kitchen and beautiful living spaces on main level. Stunning views! Northern schools. 4BR/2.5BA; $499,900

Nancy J. Hess

Patsy Arriaga

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

(336) 369-0465 office (336) 501-1886 cell newhomesofgreensbororealty.com newhomesofgreensboro.com

MAGNOLIA ESTATES

OPEN HOUSE Sun, July 19 • 2- 4 pm

7601 Blue Sage Court, Summerfield Don’t miss this gorgeous custom home nestled on a cul-de-sac. Spacious master on main and two-story living room with stone fireplace. Additional living room with fireplace in basement and screened porch that opens to gorgeous back yard. Neighborhood clubhouse, swimming and tennis. 4BR/3.5BA. $609,000

Angie Wilkie Realtor ® / Broker

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

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, July 19 • 2-4pm

HORSE RIDING LESSONS, petcare, farm sitting. Contact Sarah, (336) 662-2705, or sarahshorseandpetservices.weebly.com. PET SITTING. Caring and responsible. $12 per 30-minute visit. (336) 601-2087. HORSE BOARDING, Green Acres Horse Farm, Stokesdale area. Full board & pasture board, riding trails, lots of green pastures. (336) 707-7118.

 REAL ESTATE HOME FOR RENT STOKESDALE, 2BR, 1BA, appliances, central H & A/C, $600/mo + $600 dep. Near P&M Truckstop on Hwy. 220. (904) 737-5592.

HOMES FOR SALE GREENSBORO CONDO for sale, 2BR,

7899 W. Gander, Greensboro Magnificent new brick home with gourmet kitchen that opens to keeping room. Master suite on main has a spa-like bathroom. Gorgeous ceilings on the main level. Back covered porch with outdoor fireplace and stamped concrete, also pre-wired for speakers from family room. Northern schools. 4BR/3.5BA; $569,900

Patsy Arriaga (336) 369-0465 office (336) 501-1886 cell newhomesofgreensbororealty.com newhomesofgreensboro.com

8525 Rosedale Drive, Oak Ridge European elegance in sought-after Oak Ridge/ Northwest schools. 4 beds, 3.5 baths, cook’s kitchen, main-level master, private yard and immaculate interior. Convenient to schools, pool and shopping. New price – $529,500!

7600 Tall Meadows Drive Entertain inside or out! Northwest-area home boasting an inviting covered patio w/stone FP and built-in grill. Inside, an updated kitchen awaits w/granite and African Iroko wood c-tops, SS appls, wet bar, extra mini-fridge, island and bar area. Updated master bath w/ tile floor. 4BR/2.5BA + extra rooms. $349,900

DeDe Cunningham REALTOR®/Broker NC Licensed Contractor

(336) 509-1923 dedestriadhomes.com dedecunningham@kw.com

Realtors, get your listings in front of over 26,000 readers in northwest Guilford County by placing Real Estate Showcases here The Northwest Observer is delivered to over 11,000 mailboxes every week and is available at 75 local businesses

2.5BA, across from pool on Fellowship Drive, off Fleming Rd. All appliances furnished. One-car garage. $125,000. (336) 580-5895.

JULY 17 - 23, 2015

GIL VAUGHAN

Realtor ® /Broker • (336) 337-4780

Contact us at (336) 644-7035 ext. 10 or advertising@nwobserver.com before noon Monday to schedule your ad The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

display advertiser index thanks to the advertisers who DANCE partnered with us to bring you Nan’s School of Dance ..........................3 this free community resource DENTIST

Beth Borden, DDS ...............................26

A/C & HEATING

Stokesdale Heating & Air.......................7

FUNERAL SERVICES

Forbis & Dick – Brooke Chapel ..............2

ACCOUNTING

Carlotta Lytton, CPA, PA ..................... 21 Kimberly Thacker Accounting................2 Samuel Anders, CPA, MSA, PC ........... 12

HAIR CARE / NAILS / TANNING

BANK

HEALTH & FITNESS

Fidelity Bank, Stokesdale ..................... 19

CHIROPRACTIC

Oak Ridge Chiropractic ....................... 11 Salama Chiropractic ............................25

CHURCHES

Oak Ridge United Methodist Church ... 11 23 Stokesdale Christian Church ................23

POSH Hair Studio................................ 21

Brian Thompson Homes...................... 16 Builders MD......................................... 15 Disney Construction Co. ...................... 17 Don Mills Builders ................................ 16 Friddle & Company.............................. 17

Every week the NWO fills mailboxes and hits the streets – and is posted online at nwobserver.com and shared with almost 7,800 Facebook followers

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

House of Stars .....................................26 Paradise Decking...................................9 Pest Management Systems..................25 ProStone, Inc. .....................................23

LEGAL SERVICES

Attorney Bill Barbour ........................... 15

Alpha Weight Loss .................................5 SNAP Fitness.........................................8

HOME BUILDERS

Johnson & Lee..................................... 16 Naylor Custom Homes ........................ 17 R & K Custom Homes ......................... 16 Ray Bullins Construction ...................... 17

MEDICAL

Green Valley OB-GYN ...........................3 LeBauer Healthcare, Oak Ridge .......... 12

PET SERVICES

Carr Veterinary Hospital ........................4 KPS – Kelly’s Pet Services .................... 21 Northwest Animal Hospital .................. 21

11,000+ copies directly mailed to every home with an Oak Ridge, Stokesdale or Summerfield zip code

Stokesdale Veterinary Hospital...............2 Veterinary Hospital at Oak Ridge......... 21 Westergaard Kennels.............................7

REAL ESTATE

A New Dawn Realty ..............................2 Angie Wilkie, Allen Tate.......................30 Berkshire Hathaway / Yost & Little .......20 Bobbie Gardner, Keller Williams........... 14 Builders’ Services, Allen Tate ............... 16 Dede Cunningham, Keller Williams ..... 18 Gil Vaughan, Keller Williams ................30 Johnnye Letterman, BHHS .................. 14 Nancy Hess, Berkshire Hathaway ........30 Patsy Arriaga, New Homes of GSO .....30

RETAIL

Arkansas Pondstockers ........................ 21 Bi-Rite Food Center .........................2, 24 Gigi’s Flowers & More............................2

YOUTH & ADULT PROGRAMS

YMCA of Greensboro ....................10, 22

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Want to come along with us? For advertising information, contact Laura Reneer or Annette Joyce | (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 | advertising@nwobserver.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

JULY 17 - 23, 2015

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

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

PAID

Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22 ECRWSS

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 Lifelong Summerﬁe ld citizens and high school sweetheart s Re Sierra Walk ece and er ce their honeym lebrated oon at Walt Disney Wo rld after ma rrying this past M ay – and of course they took their Northwest Observer!

 Greensboro United Soccer Association's U14 Royal team and their coach, Kyle Price (far left), took the Northwest Observer with them to the Wilmington Seaside Classic Soccer Tournament.

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