Northwest Observer | Aug. 4 - 10, 2017 by pscommunications

Aug. 4 - 10, 2017

bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996

Family seeks community’s help with unsolved murder

It’s been 21 years since Skipper Parker, 19, was fatally shot at a stoplight on N.C. 68

There was quite an age gap between them, as they had the same father but different mothers. He was only four years older than me, so for the most part he felt more like my brother than my uncle.

by GILLIAN GREEN PAULEY, guest writer Aug. 2, 1996, changed our lives in so many ways. That was the day my uncle, Joe Norman “Skipper” Parker Jr., was taken from this world. Even all these years later, it still feels like a nightmare I can’t wake up from.

...continued on p. 10

Skipper Parker

Neighbors question why existing ordinance isn’t enforced by STEVE MANN

The nuisance ordinance shouldn’t be about that property (in Dorsett Downs). It should be about a policy that works for everybody without costing the town a bunch of money, without harassing any particular property owner.” Tim Jones, Stokesdale Town Council member

STOKESDALE – News an ordinance covering public nuisances on private property is on the books has left some in Stokesdale’s Dorsett Downs subdivision wondering why the ordinance isn’t enforced. Neighbors had sought help from the Town and several Guilford County departments regarding the property at 8011 Dorsett Downs, which they say has been vacant the better part of four years. The home’s yard is overgrown; railings no longer are attached to the front

When the public wants to know Volume, complexity of public records requests varies among municipalities, but one local town manager says the requests his town receives often come in like ‘rapid fire machine guns’ by PATTI STOKES

Being the eldest of four children, and the only girl, having an uncle only slightly older than me was a dream come true. Skipper was someone I could talk openly to, ask for advice, and share things with that no one else knew. As we got older, Skipper and I bonded like siblings and friends. To know him was to love him.

Skipper was my mama’s only sibling.

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steps; and an in-ground swimming pool in the backyard is filled with brown water and remnants of what used to be a pool cover. The Guilford County Sheriff’s Department has responded at least twice in the last few years to reports of suspicious activity at the property. The homeowner’s last known address is in Kentucky, but efforts by neighbors and the Northwest Observer to contact him have been unsuccessful. “People were kind of hoping

...continued on p. 15

NW GUILFORD – According to the “County and Municipal Government in North Carolina” textbook, local government’s financial records, leases and contracts, insurance policies, reports, meeting minutes, emails, etc. are all examples of records that generally must be made available to the public upon request. Most municipalities, including two in northwest Guilford County, report their public records

...continued on p. 8

IN THIS ISSUE News in Brief ...................................................3 Your Questions ...............................................4 Business owner inquires about annexation....6 Pets & Critters ............................................... 11 Service dogs change lives .........................12 Pets for adoption .........................................14 Youth Sync ...................................................18 Crime/Incident Report ................................22 Community Calendar .................................23 Business Notes .............................................24 Grins & Gripes ..............................................25 Letters/Opinions ..........................................26 Classifieds ....................................................27 Index of Advertisers ....................................31

NEWS in brief

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Orange barrels at Horse Pen Creek Road and U.S. 220 may be gone soon as the contractor has agreed to concentrate on ﬁnishing highway widening in the area.

Crews hope to complete 3-mile stretch of widened highway by Aug. 28 NW GUILFORD – N.C. Department of Transportation engineers recently met with officials from Tetra Tech Construction, the firm that has the contract to widen U.S. 220 through Summerfield. At that meeting, Tetra Tech agreed to concentrate on completing nearly three miles of the widening project, from the intersection of Battleground Avenue and Horse Pen Creek Road in northern Greensboro to the southern end of Summerfield Road, by Aug. 28 so schools in the area would be less affected by road construction. “They are working on (installing) the final pavement and getting the final pavement marking down,” said NCDOT engineer Mike Mills. “They want to have all that done … and have no orange barrels in the way.” Early on the morning of July 31, surveyors marked the locations at the highway’s intersection with Horse Pen Creek Road where an inductive loop was to be placed in the final pavement. The loop detects when a car is present and signals the turn signal to change.

To install the loop, workers will cut a groove in the pavement and place loops of wire in the groove. Additionally, crews should be working on concrete islands and curbing around islands, Mills said. Crews also may be resurfacing. As the contractor gets even nearer to completing the section of highway, commuters should see more pavement being installed. The entire project, which originally had a projected completion date of Dec. 27, 2016, is expected to be completed in November. NCDOT signed a $96.2 million contract with Tetra Tech Construction in March 2012 to undertake the project to widen the 13.2-mile stretch of U.S. 220 from two lanes to four. From Horse Pen Creek Road to the Haw River, the newly configured U.S. 220 will be full access for residences and businesses that border it, although vehicles will be restricted to right turns at most locations.

...NEWS BRIEFS continued on p. 5

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your QUESTIONS  CORRECTION:

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The answer to a question in our July 28-Aug. 3 issue incorrectly identified the family that donated land for Winfree Park in Summerfield. The land was donated as a tribute to the Earl Clifton Winfree Sr. family.

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What is being added on the western side of Oak Ridge Town Park (diagonally across from the fire station on Linville Road)? A 57-space parking lot is being built on the western side of the park. In June the council approved spending $228,794 for the parking lot, plus an additional 10 percent contingency fee for unforeseen subsurface issues. A 35-space parking lot in this location had been planned for some time, but it grew to 57 spaces after the council developed a five-year capital improvement plan several months ago that included building three lighted tennis courts on the western side of the park.

AUG. 4 - 10, 2017

A new playground and a 57-space parking lot are being installed on the western side of Oak Ridge Town Park.

been awarded the parking lot project. The parking lot and an additional playground geared for kids ages 5-12, which is also in process, will complete Phase 2 of the park. The parking lot is due to be com-

pleted Sept. 6, but Parks and Recreation Director Terry Lannon noted a part of the project’s contract calls for the establishment of trees and grass; that part of the project won’t be completed until later this fall, when the planting season is underway.

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NEWS in brief

...continued from p. 3

North of Summerfield, the contractor installing lanes extending I-73 into Rockingham County continues excavating for the new highway. The portion of the interstate that stretches from Joseph M. Bryan Boulevard to Summerfield is complete, but some signage remains to be placed. Those signs have been shipped from Mississippi, Mills said, and should be installed soon.

As part of that $176.5 million project to extend the interstate 9.7 miles from Greensboro to Summerfield, part of Pleasant Ridge Road had to be shifted. Crews are currently putting the finishing touches on the Pleasant Ridge intersection with N.C. 68. They are also building a service road extending into undeveloped property across N.C. 68 from the southbound I-73 off-ramp at Oak Ridge.

Residents discover cars broken into, ransacked during early morning hours STOKESDALE – Guilford County sheriff’s deputies responded on the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 2, to numerous reports of cars having been broken into overnight in the Huntcliff and Arbor Run neighborhoods off Haw River Road in Stokesdale. When leaving for work on Wednesday, Aug. 2, several residents found their vehicles had been “ransacked,” according to reports on nextdoor.com, a social media site. Up to 10 vehicles were reported broken into, Sgt. Tim Popek said. One person posted on nextdoor.com that two of their vehicles were broken into and contents of the glove boxes and consoles were taken, although there were no valuables in the car. “We had several (vehicles) that people went into and rifled through unlocked cars,” Capt. Robert Elliott of the sheriff’s District 1 office confirmed. “We had one

J. Brady Contracting Inc. will save the state money, as it is expected to result in more than $56 million in reduced electrical and maintenance costs over 15 years. That savings will primarily come from switching from existing high intensity roadway lights to longer-lasting and lower-maintenance LED lights. Improvements are planned for lights along such interstates as I-95, I-40, I-77 and I-85, as well as I-440, I-540 and the Triangle Expressway in the RaleighDurham area, I-485 and I-277 in Charlotte, I-73/74 in the Triad, and I-240 and I-26 around Asheville. Several non-interstate highways around the state will also see lighting improvements.

The project includes the installation of a lighting and control system that will not only support the maintenance of the lights, but will also save and measure energy usage and lower costs. Construction work is scheduled to start in September of 2017, with the initial locations still being determined. The light and equipment installation should wrap up in November 2018.

that had a window broken out.” Elliott said he plans to have his department beef up patrols in the area over the next several days and nights. Break-ins happen randomly throughout the year, Popek said. During any month, there is likely to be a night of multiple car break-ins somewhere in the county. The incidents usually happen when a “crew” of people is going about searching for easy opportunities. Most such incidents happen between 2 and 6 a.m., Elliott said. Elliott reminds residents to lock the doors to their vehicles and their homes when they are away. He also asks for the public’s help with the recent rash of car break-ins and any future incidents that may arouse suspicion.

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The contract also calls for upgrading more than 12,000 building lights, including those at rest stops and visitor centers around the state, in addition to weigh stations and NCDOT county maintenance facilities.

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Council responds to request for annexation information The owner of a business near the U.S. 158/220 intersection requests information about voluntary annexation into Town of Stokesdale

among some that Summerfield has its eye on it.

by STEVE MANN

Scott Whitaker, Summerfield’s town manager, confirmed by email “the town discussed some potential future annexation in select areas” at its winter retreat in February, and the U.S. 158 and U.S. 220 intersection was part of the discussion.

STOKESDALE – A request by a business owner near the intersection of U.S. 158 and U.S. 220 for information about the process of voluntary annexation led to a brief public discussion about the area during the Stokesdale Town Council’s regular monthly meeting July 13.

The request for annexation information came from Hassel Moran, general manager of Pump, Pipe, Sales & Service, located just off U.S. 158 outside the Stokesdale town limits and west of U.S. 220. Moran said he heard Summerfield had discussed the intersection as a potential future annexation area.

It has been viewed as a valuable intersection for commercial and industrial properties for years as plans for I-73 were rolled out. And there is concern

Moran contacted Stokesdale Mayor Randy Braswell for information about the voluntary annexation procedure and Braswell said he directed the

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I can only imagine everyone and their brother would like to have the tax revenue that would come from that.” – Stokesdale resident John Flynt, who suggested the town council do what it could to encourage voluntary annexations near the U.S. 158/220 intersection request to town staff and Katy Gregg, Stokesdale’s town attorney. Gregg determined the situation fell under N.C. General Statute 160A-31, which governs contiguous voluntary annexation, meaning the property touches the border of the municipality or follows definitions of contiguous as described in the statute. The council voted 4-0 – with Vicki White-Lawrence absent – for town staff to send a letter from Gregg to Moran outlining the steps to pursuing annexation. Gregg also said she would craft a generic letter about voluntary annexation that can be given to any property owner, not just those at the U.S. 158 and U.S. 220 intersection. Council member Tim Jones – who had asked for the item to be placed on the agenda – said he thinks “it’s important to have a public discussion about whether the (Stokesdale) town limits should go all the way across the intersection, to the west side of (U.S.) 220 or whether to take any steps at all.” “Now is the time to have the discussion instead of letting those events overtake the town,” he said. John Flynt, a former Stokesdale Town Council member and mayor, told

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the council that anything it could do to encourage voluntary annexations in that area for Stokesdale “would be great.” “That’s going to be an extremely valuable corner there,” said Flynt. “I can only imagine everybody and their brother would like to have the tax revenue that would come from that.” In an interview, former council member Mickie Holbrook said seven or eight years ago she contacted several owners of large tracts in the area, hoping to get the acreage for Stokesdale. “Talk of I-73 was in the beginning stage,” Holbrook said. “That’s the reason for wanting to get it done at that time. But I never could get much out of them.” Flynt also noted in his public comments that 2 acres near the intersection of U.S. 158 and Murphy Road had been purchased as a site for a Summerfield Fire Department. Summerfield Fire Chief Chris Johnson said the land was purchased two years ago by the Summerfield Fire District for a fourth fire station. “It has to do with response time and coverage,” he said. “We had identified that area as our longest response time.”

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PUBLIC RECORDS ...continued from p. 1

requests usually trickle in at a reasonable rate and are relatively easy to fulfill. “I do not get an inordinate amount of public records requests,” said Sandra Smith, Oak Ridge town clerk. “In fact, not that many at all. They definitely come in spurts, and usually when someone is trying to find information on a specific issue. “Sometimes I get requests that I can fill in 15 minutes… On the other hand, sometimes we get really extensive requests that might take weeks or even months to fill,” Smith continued. “This would be in the case of a really extensive request where someone might ask for ‘all correspondence and information including applications, agendas, meeting minutes of all related boards/commissions, internal memos, etc. since the beginning of time through the present regarding Mr. X, Mr. Y, ABC Company, ZZZ subdivision, adjoining property owners and any other interested parties from or to Mr. X, Mr. Y, town staff, boards/commissions, town council members, finance officer and town attorney regarding ZZZ subdivision.’” A request such as the one above would require a staff member to go back through files (sometimes for months or years) and pull meeting packets and minutes as well as search through all emails and other written correspondence, Smith said.

“I would also have to request all staff members, board/commission members, town council members, etc. send me copies of all communications and information they have on it,” she continued. “That in itself is sometimes a slow process … if it is a legal matter involving the town attorney, some of the communication might be considered private under attorney-client privilege, and also some information is considered private. If I suspect something falls into those categories, once everything has been collected, I send it all to Michael (Thompson, town attorney) so he can redact any privileged information.” According to Summerfield’s town manager, Scott Whitaker, his staff is flooded with public records requests. At the June 13 town council meeting Whitaker told the council, “The public requests that come from one citizen alone costs this town thousands of dollars. We have requests that come in like rapid fire machine guns and it takes time.” Some Summerfield citizens who have submitted public records requests argue that all requests for public records should be fulfilled in a timely manner, regardless of what it takes to fulfill them. Whitaker says it’s not that simple – besides the volume of requests the Town gets, sometimes a single request requires countless hours of staff time; if the request is for information dating back

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several years it must be retrieved from an offsite storage facility. And per the Town's public records request policy, all requests must be sent to the town attorney for review. As the hours spent in fulfilling the requests add up, so do the dollars. Elizabeth McClellan, a Summerfield resident and former town council member who frequently attends and speaks at council meetings, says requesting public records is a right citizens have and it doesn’t matter if it costs money, or takes staff time. “I had never filed a public records request until the Planned Development Ordinance was proposed,” McClellan said. “Essentially, I don’t trust our town council or staff, based on their behavior at meetings, during one-on-one conversations, and the complete lack of professionalism displayed during the process this spring. Based on emails I have received from public records requests, there is evidence that my intuition was correct… If a Town wants fewer requests, my answer is to be more transparent, listen to the people, and stop pushing an agenda the majority doesn’t want.” Teresa Pegram, a lifetime Summerfield resident, active community volunteer and candidate for town council, says government documents are the property of the people “and should be easily accessible to those people, the taxpayers who pay for the work that the documents discuss… “It does not matter how much time, money, and effort goes into it. These documents belong to the people and must be made available,” Pegram said. At the June 13 town council meeting in Summerfield, town staff was directed “to provide an accurate accounting of all costs, staff time, legal counsel, mailing, or any associated costs that would be a burden on the taxpayer,” dating back to Jan. 1, 2017. Since then, some citizens have claimed the Town is no longer fulfilling public records requests. Whitaker says that’s far from true and the Town neither wants to deny

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citizens their right to public documents, nor would it be legal to do so. Mike Adams, a Summerfield Town Council member, concurs. “We’re happy to do it (fulfill public records requests), but it’s important the Town understand how the tax dollars are being consumed,” Adams said. “Staffwise and legal-wise, it is an enormous expense. “If it’s taking (finance officer) Dee (Hall) 70 percent of her time to pull records, why would we have a finance officer?” Adams asked. “Maybe it’s prudent for us to hire someone just to pull public records. But we won’t know to do that until we have an accounting of how much time, money and effort is being consumed… this is in no way intended to curtail the requests citizens have for public records. That was never even thought about. This is simply about transparency.” Hall works part-time for the Town of Summerfield and said time she has recently spent on a “mountain of public records requests” has taken away from her finance officer responsibilities; this was especially challenging in June, she said, when she was closing out the financial records for the fiscal year. Hall said between May and mid-July she received 14 public records requests from Gail Dunham, a Summerfield resident and outspoken critic of the Town and staff; in May the Town paid $2,316.56 in attorney and staff time to fulfill those public records requests. In June the Town paid $2,920.32 to fulfill public records requests. “I’ve spent 9 hours on this today alone,” Hall said on July 17. “I didn’t do one thing having to do with my job other than public records requests. I don’t want to come in and work extra hours to get my real work done, but I have no choice. If the concerned citizens of this town truly care about wasteful government spending, they will surely see this is not a good use of taxpayer money.” We’ll continue this article in next week’s issue. Want to weigh in on the topic? Email editor@nwobserver.com.

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UNSOLVED MURDER ...continued from p. 1

Skipper was such a charismatic human and had a smile that was literally contagious. He was always so full of life and had a way of just making you feel good when he was around. He was compassionate and went out of his way to make others feel special and loved. One of my fondest memories of Skipper is how enthralled he was by magic. He was always learning new tricks and testing them out on us. In his spare time, he would dress up in either elaborate costumes or traditional magician’s wear to entertain sick children at local hospitals. This was always so touching to me, as most boys Skipper’s age were focused on anything but putting a smile on a child’s face. In my eyes, Skipper’s immense love for the happiness of others was the real magic. Then came Aug. 2, 1996. I remember so much about that day, including exactly where I was when my daddy told

me that Skipper was gone. I remember the feeling of horror that fell upon me. I remember going to North Carolina with my family and how unreal this tragedy was. Skipper had been working at UPS on the loading docks for several weeks. Given his position, he worked unusual hours. On his way to work, in the early morning hours, he was stopped at a red light and shot several times. According to the medical examiner, the final shot was fatal, entering Skipper’s chest and hitting his heart. Skipper’s truck went off into brush on the side of the highway, and he lay there for several hours before anyone discovered him. An investigation was opened, and now, 21 years later, remains that way. Unsolved. Cold case. Those terms make me shudder. I remember wondering how this was possible. How are there no suspects? How are there no clues that can bring Skipper’s murderer to justice? How can

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We lost not only our vivacious Skipper, but also our faith in humanity. We lost the sense of security that our justice system was designed to provide.

I remember being at the funeral home and seeing Skipper’s lifeless body on that cold table; it felt like a horror movie instead of our reality.

We lost a sense of safety, as Skipper’s killer or killers remain free.

I remember putting an “I love you” note on the inside of his suit coat, and I remember my granddaddy putting money in Skipper’s pocket and a Mountain Dew by his hand. The loss of Skipper affected an entire community, but it affected no one the way it affected my Daddy Joe. Skipper was his only son, and to lose him that way, I cannot even fathom. Being a mother myself and having only one son, I understand so much more now than I did then. Skipper’s murder changed my grandfather forever. Just a month after Skipper’s death, Daddy Joe suffered a massive stroke. When he regained his speech, the first question he asked was, “Where’s Skipper?” This meant that he would relive this unimaginable event over and over again.

Even though she wasn’t our biological grandmother, she was our “Nanny Page.” Only now she was just gone. I haven’t seen or spoken to her since.

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to this day. Just as finding his killer consumed my grandfather, I am witnessing it consume my mother as well. We lost so much more than our uncle, son, brother and friend that day. We lost a piece of ourselves.

At 19, Skipper had so much more to experience and accomplish.

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I remember the headline of the newspaper article that ran after Skipper’s death: “Oak Ridge man found murdered.”

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this person or persons remain free while we suffer this way?

Daddy Joe’s health suffered tremendously following Skipper’s death, which was terrible. But nothing suffered nearly as much as his heart. His only goal in life was to solve Skipper’s murder and bring justice to those responsible. To find closure with this loss so that he could rest in peace. He talked about this constantly, right up until he died. Daddy Joe never reached his goal. Skipper’s murder remains unsolved

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This road has been long. It has been heartbreaking and it has been life-changing. My family has lost enough. I’ve even tried to take different perspectives in the 20-plus years that have gone by. If someone out there knows what happened to Skipper that night, if they know who murdered him, 21 years is a long time to carry that around. If there’s even an ounce of decency in them, and they know who did this, then I know they too have suffered. I am certain that Skipper’s murder has drastically affected their life as well. My hope is that one day someone will come forward and finally end all of this suffering. That they will finally allow us, as well as themselves, the peace that is so long overdue.

can you help? Joe Norman “Skipper” Parker Jr. was a graduate of Oak Ridge Military Academy. At the time of his death he was living with his parents and had left home about 2:30 a.m. on Aug. 2 for a 4 a.m. shift at UPS. At about 7:15 a.m. a passerby saw his truck, which had run off the road into the brush alongside N.C. 68, near Airport Parkway, and called 911. Parker was found dead, with four bullet holes through the side of his vehicle; a medical examiner determined he died of a single gunshot that went through both his lungs and heart. If you know anything about the murder of Skipper Parker, please call Crime Stoppers at (336) 373-1000, visit www.ggcrimestop.org/submit-tip, or text your tip by dialing 274637 – begin your message with the keyword “badboyz.”

Photo courtesy of Greensboro Science Center

August 2017 a monthly feature of the Northwest Observer

This juvenile African penguin enjoys swimming in Greensboro Science Center’s Penguin Point. African penguins are an endangered species highlighted in the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) program. As a participant in this initiative, Greensboro Science Center raises money for conservation efforts.

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Bobby Yates shared this photo of a peacock that belongs to his grandfather, who lives in Belews Creek. The peacock was running loose for a few days in late May and was spotted by several of our readers in various areas, ranging from Alcorn Road in Oak Ridge, the Cardinal neighborhood in northwest Greensboro and Trotter Ridge neighborhood in Summerﬁeld. Fortunately, he was caught on I-73 and returned safely to his owner, seemingly no worse for the wear.

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We love your photos, and so do our readers Send your pet/animal photos to photos@nwobserver.com

Hanna, a canine resident of Summerﬁeld, enjoys a sunny afternoon with her human, Ralph Lichtenstein.

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The Northwest Observer’s page layout artist, Yvonne Truhon, spotted this cicada resting on a wall of the Single Brothers’ House in Old Salem Historic District.

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AUG. 4 - 10, 2017

Nonproﬁt provides life-changing support through service dogs by ANNETTE JOYCE

free himself from his pain.

Sometimes all it takes is a fourlegged furry companion to change, or even save a life. That’s what veterans Ben Miller and Keith Harrison discovered after connecting with their beloved service dogs, Felipe and Elliott.

Life took a turn for the better when the two soldiers met their designated service dogs, Felipe and Elliott – two golden retrievers whose comfort and support allow their owners to lead normal lives.

A resident of Kernersville, Miller, 67, came home from the Vietnam War a different person. “He didn’t go out and wouldn’t have anything to do with other people,” Miller’s wife, Susan, said. “He was very protective of (his family).” Dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) as a result of his service in the Iraq War, Harrison, 51, not only avoided venturing outside his Thomasville home but had attempted suicide to Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

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 Ben Miller (seated, left) and Keith Harrison with their service dogs, Felipe and Elliott, and (standing, L-R) Susan Miller, Viki Matthews and Brandi Quinn play a major role in the success of maCares and faith Cares Service Dog Support program.

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With Felipe by his side, Miller is no longer afraid to go out. He speaks to graduating nurses about PTSD and spends time teaching school children about service dogs and the etiquette to follow when approaching these dogs and their owners. Miller said the first time he realized how far he had come was when he attended an event at the Charlotte Speedway and found himself in a crowd of over 40,000 people. “Felipe took over and pulled me through the group, sort of knocking people aside,” Miller said. “He’s released me to be human again. He reaches up to me and mitigates my disabilities.” Elliott has played an equally important role in Harrison’s life. “I’m here today because of him,” Harrison said, with his faithful dog lying patiently at his feet. “(Because of my injuries) I had to retire about 30 years early. It was hard for

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me to go out in public. Elliott gives me a push and makes me want to help others.” Like Miller, Harrison spends time reading to children. Having Elliott along gives him the perfect opportunity to talk about service dogs and the impact they have on the lives of people who need the assistance the dogs provide. Both Miller and Harrison have found additional support in working with maCares and faith Cares Service Dog Support program, a local nonprofit organization that helps people with service dogs take care of their animals. According to Brandi Quinn, the nonprofit’s president, “the program relieves the financial burden of caring for a service dog so that veterans, children and adults can focus on living full and productive lives with the aid of their service dogs.” maCares and faith Cares currently work with 13 people – 10 veterans and three civilians – and their service dogs. The civilians include a young girl with juvenile diabetes, a first responder who suffers from PTSD and a young woman

who has mobility issues. Quinn said the nonprofit covers a complete range of expenses related to the service dogs, such as veterinary care, grooming, food, training and recertification. “Taking care of a service dog is expensive,” she said. “We do what we do so that our folks can focus on taking care of themselves.” In addition to their corporate and community sponsors, maCares relies on smaller, more traditional methods of fundraising. For instance, they’ve taken the bake sale to a new level. “We can have a bake sale and make $700,” chuckled Viki Matthews, a maCares board member. Many of the fundraisers are food related. For instance, there are hot dog sales and donations from restaurants and food trucks. In addition, the group sells T-shirts and notecards and is currently working on its first ever run/ walk which will take place on Saturday, Sept. 9, at Country Park in Greensboro. Along with ensuring financial support

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North Carolina allows Trusts for pets. You have thought about who will look after your kids, but who will look after your dog?

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

NUISANCE ORDINANCE ...continued from p. 1

someone would do something,” said Roslyn Harris, who lives across the street. It’s unclear who knew specifically about Ordinance 67, adopted in 2007 before current members of the council and staff were in place. Mayor Randy Braswell and council member Vicki White-Lawrence did not respond to the Northwest Observer’s questions about it. Bill Jones, the mayor pro tem who lives down the street from the property, said in an email he was aware the Town has ordinances other than those pertaining to development. He said he had made copies of them for Town Attorney Katy Gregg, but “put little thought into the ordinances” because of other issues the council faced at the time. Jones confirmed he received complaints about the Dorsett Downs property from three or four families and advised them to contact Guilford County if they thought it was a health hazard. “I also advised them I could not get into the details of it from the Town’s side because I might be involved in eventual legal action,” he said. Last summer, Patrick Sullivan – then chairman of the Planning Board and a Dorsett Downs resident – had assumed a leadership role in the subdivision since there is no homeowners’ association. Questions about 8011 Dorsett Downs followed. Sullivan said he talked with Gregg late in 2016 about any existing enforcement options and she offered to follow up on it. He also said he contacted Robert Wurz, then chairman of the Stokesdale Ordinance Review Committee and also a Dorsett Downs resident. On Dec. 20, 2016, the ORC discussed writing a possible nuisance ordinance for Stokesdale and reviewed ordinances from municipalities of comparable size. In an email written nine days later, Bill Jones told Wurz he would have copies of Stokesdale’s ordinances made for

There’s an ordinance on the book that says it’s a violation, and our expectation is the council should do its job and enforce it.” Patrick Sullivan, Dorsett Downs resident him, which Wurz said he received at the Jan. 17 ORC meeting. At that meeting, committee members began reviewing several ordinances dealing with what could be considered nuisance issues, including Ordinance 67. The committee found problems with Ordinance 67, however, including no clear procedure to initiate a complaint and no appeals process. The rewriting began. In the meantime, Sullivan said he met with Braswell, who suggested a conference call with Gregg. In late March or early April, Sullivan said, the three communicated using instant messaging. Sullivan said when it became apparent to Braswell that Sullivan was speaking from the viewpoint of a plaintiff instead of a Planning Board member, Braswell suggested the conversation end and that Sullivan file a formal complaint. Sullivan did so on April 24, sending an email to the deputy clerk, Braswell and Bill Jones listing what he considered to be three violations of Ordinance 67 at 8011 Dorsett Downs and attaching photos. Sullivan said the solution is simple. “There’s an ordinance on the book that says it’s a violation, and our expectation is the council should do its job and enforce it,” he said. Bill Jones said Stokesdale doesn’t have an enforcement officer; even the former deputy sheriff contracted by the town enforced just Guilford County ordinances, and not those specific to Stokesdale. It’s not clear how many complaints have been received, and no one knows if a nuisance-complaint file exists. Kim Hemric, town administrator/ finance officer, said when “formalized” complaints are received, she would “forward it to Guilford County as appropriate.”

Council member Frank Bruno said Stokesdale has had complaints about signs, which were referred to Guilford County. During the May 31 council meeting, Braswell made the motion to authorize Gregg to update Ordinance 67 with input from the ORC. “If we move forward the way it’s written now,” he said, “the Town could open itself up to litigation.” On July 18, Gregg told the ORC the ordinance is unenforceable as written. “Something needs to happen very soon because the Town is being left to this (Ordinance 67) as its device, and it’s not good,” she said. That push concerns council member Tim Jones, who also is an ORC member.

In 2007, as a private citizen, he had spoken against Ordinance 67. “It was a puzzle to us at the time because it seemed like it came out of the blue,” he said. “There were no citizens complaining about that sort of thing; there didn’t seem to be a problem to solve. It’s just like all of a sudden it popped up on the agenda, they voted on it and it was done.” Tim Jones said he’s afraid it’s happening again. “The nuisance ordinance shouldn’t be about that property (in Dorsett Downs),” he said. “It should be about a policy that works for everybody without costing the town a bunch of money, without harassing any particular property owner.” Sullivan said it runs deeper than that. “You either want to be a town and run it properly, or you don’t,” he said. Coming up in a future issue: Where does Ordinance 67 stand, and what options does it offer to the Town and the neighbors in Dorsett Downs?

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Welcome to

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

youth / school NEWS

‘1-2-3, Fam-i-ly’ 8U Summerﬁeld Stars take fourth place at national tournament while creating lifetime memories by MARC PRUITT The summer of 2017 will hold plenty of special memories for a team of young baseball players with the Summerfield Recreation Association. The 8U Summerfield Stars finished fourth in the 8U Pony Pinto National Tournament in Mount Vernon, Illinois, last month to round out a successful five-month season that showcased plenty of wins as well as good deeds toward others. The Stars, coached by Vaughn “Gooch” Gladwell, won their first seven games during the national tournament

Photo courtesy of Ana Lorczak

The 8U Summerﬁeld Stars ﬁnished fourth in the 8U Pony Pinto National Tournament last month. The players and coaches are: Carter Sheridan, Donald Enter, Ethan Benoy, Hunter Tilley, Levi Ponder, Caleb Hinnant, Nathanael Lorczak, Riley Gladwell, Christian Piccioli and Matthew Alberts; Vaughn “Gooch” Gladwell, coach; John Sheridan, Eric Benoy, and Dewey Joyner, Assistant coaches. Not pictured is Quinton Joyner.

before falling 14-4 in the semifinals to a team from Chesterfield, Virginia – the team that wound up winning the National Championship.

The Stars then lost 11-1 to Suffolk, Virginia, in the consolation finals in what was their fifth game of the day.

“I think we just ran out of gas,” Gladwell said. “The temperature on the field was 108 degrees, and I told them before the game that win or lose, this was the last time we’d be playing together for a while and to go out there and have fun. Before the game they were all out there dancing and goofing like 8-year-olds should be doing and it was awesome. We had a great group of kids and families, that’s for sure.” The Stars began tryouts in March and selected 11 players. Practices started in April, and the team played in various tournaments around the state, winning five of the seven they entered, including the 8U USSSA State Championship. They were the only team from North Carolina entered in the national tournament, which featured 20 teams from across the United States as well as Aruba and the Dominican Republic. “Watching this team come together

AUG. 4 - 10, 2017

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

from when we started to the final out at the national tournament was the biggest thrill for me,” Gladwell said. “We had a chant we did before every game where we all got together, put our hands in the middle, and said ‘1-2-3 Family’ before we started playing. Well, after the last out of our last game, we had all the kids, their parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters – everyone was on the field fighting through the tears after losing the ballgame, and we all put our hands in and said ‘1-2-3 Family’ and it was really special. Even though we lost the game, we knew we had all won because of the time we shared with each other during our season.” It wasn’t all about winning and losing on the field for the Stars, either. Gladwell said he hoped two major fundraising drives the team had to help offset the cost of traveling to various tournaments had made a lasting impact on his young team. “We did a 50-50 raffle for a $1,500 travel gift card, and we donated half

of the proceeds to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation,” Gladwell said. “We also had a toy drive where we collected about 100 toys, and we donated them to kids at Cone Health. Every kid on the team got to take the toys personally to the rooms of the kids there. I wanted them to learn a little more about life and loving for others in addition to baseball.” Team members are: Carter Sheridan, Donald Enter, Ethan Benoy, Hunter Tilley, Levi Ponder, Caleb Hinnant,

Nathanael Lorczak, Riley Gladwell, Christian Piccioli, Matthew Alberts and Quinton Joyner (Joyner was not able to make the trip to the national tournament). Assistant coaches are John Sheridan, Eric Benoy and Dewey Joyner.

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Nathanael Lorczak led the team with an .842 batting average at the national tournament, and Ethan Benoy collected 17 hits. Caleb Hinnant, Matthew Alberts and Riley Gladwell had 10 RBIs each, with Gladwell being named to the All-Tournament team.

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Triad McDonald’s partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina in June for the third annual Buy One Share One Happy Meal Campaign. The campaign culminates with McDonald’s and Second Harvest distributing some of the donated Happy Meals to various summer meal sites across the Triad. On July 21, McDonald’s personally delivered 30 of the donated Happy Meals to children at Operation XCEL summer camp in Stokesdale.

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both regionally and abroad in Thailand, Japan and Kenya. He earned a bachelor’s degree in science education from N.C. State University, a master’s in school administration from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a doctorate of education from UNC Chapel Hill. Wall and his wife, Carri, are in the process of relocating back to North Carolina and he will begin his new role at ORMA on Aug. 7, two weeks prior to the start of the academy’s new school year.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

AUG. 4 - 10, 2017

Administrators, staff use summer months to prepare for upcoming school year This is the second in a series of articles about what goes on behind the scenes at our local schools during the summer months.

to work harder or our children to work harder. We’re maybe asking what we can do differently to take us to the next level.”

by JOE GAMM Early in the summer, principals think about the goals they set the previous year for their schools and consider how to make improvements. Academic growth will help them decide what goals need to be modified. “I need to see where we stand,” Northern Middle School Principal Karen Ellis said. “What needs to be finished? What needs to change?” Preliminary numbers indicate there was academic growth at Northwest Middle School last year, Principal Erik Naglee said. But the school’s staff can’t stand pat. Naglee is holding meetings with parents and staff and many of the discussions center on what can be done to continue improvements. “When we’re already in a great place academically, what can we add on to help a child?” Naglee asked. “We push ourselves. We’re not asking our staff to work harder, our parents

Naglee picked his way through the halls of the school in early July, working around furniture removed from classrooms. Custodians had moved everything into the halls so they could strip, wax and polish the floors. It’s a five- to seven-day process that happens annually at all the district’s schools and takes up most of the custodial staff’s time during the summer. Custodians have the hardest job to do during the summer, Oak Ridge Elementary School Principal Denise Francisco said. A chunk of high school principals’ time during the summer is taken up preparing schedules, according to Janiese McKenzie at Northern High School. Before they left for summer break, students who will be enrolled in the forthcoming year registered for six classes and three alternates, McKenzie said. The administration gathers information about which classes each teacher will teach. The staff enters the data into a “PowerSchool” system, which manages student information. Once all the data is entered, the staff runs the numbers.

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need to be addressed.” Meetings pile on top of meetings, according to Doug Hower, the principal of Greensboro Academy.

Erik Naglee

Janiese McKenzie

“Ultimately, the big things we handle in the summer are staff hiring and changes,” he said. “We’re making sure we’re getting the right people in place.” And principals have to schedule training and professional development, according to Rudy Swofford, the principal of Summerfield Charter Academy. Swofford, a Greensboro native, said principals remain busy all summer, but “(the workload) starts to get heavy on Aug. 1.”

Doug Hower

Rudy Swofford

“It doesn’t always work perfectly,” McKenzie said, “so we spend the bulk of the week after the Fourth filling holes.” Eventually, when the school can’t fill a spot for a student because the course they need or want isn’t available, administrators will look at offering the course online. “We’ll call and talk to the student,” McKenzie said. As the scheduling is being worked out, things change, said Ralph Kitley, the principal of Northwest High School. This summer, he discovered he had to add two sections of low math. “I can’t just add two sections,” Kitley said. “I have to take it from somewhere else.” That means he has to take a teacher from another class, displacing about 30 students and starting another round of efforts to get the students the classes they need or want. “During the school year, we’re problem-solving,” Kitley said. “Every day it’s something different. This time of year, you look at the areas that

Coming Sept 8

Principals also continue community outreach during the summer months. Stokesdale Elementary School partners with Good Samaritan Ministries and serves as an additional community food pantry during the school year and in the summer, the school's principal, Meredith Chandler, said. Principal Michelle Thigpen of Colfax Elementary School works with Shady Grove Wesleyan Church to assure that families of the 21 students receiving food through the Guilford County Schools’ backpack program continue to be fed. Since the children aren’t going to school every day and can’t take food home each weekend, the school and the church team up to deliver food to the students’ families about four times over the summer. Elementary schools also have library or open-reading days during the summer, said Rich Thomae, Pearce Elementary School principal. During Pearce's July Library Day, more than 200 books were checked out. “Anybody can come in and check out books,” Thomae said. “Yes, students at the school come, but little brothers and sisters who are 4 and 5 years old, even if they’re not in school yet, come in for story time.”

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AUG. 4 - 10, 2017

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

We often see in the crime reports that the suspect is a “known person.” What does that mean, and if it’s a known person, why not print the name? Guilford County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Fred Antonelli said the designation can mean a couple of things. The first is that the person reporting the crime probably told investigators, “I think ‘So and So’ did this.” Victims will often give investigators a pretty good indication of who they

ASSAULT July 24 | A woman reported being assaulted at 8:15 a.m. in the 5500 block of Garden Village Way in northwest Greensboro by a known person who she said grabbed her arm and pushed her. The woman was advised of her right to obtain warrants against the suspect. July 30 | A man in the 2700 block of Pleasant Ridge Road in Summerfield reported a known person slapped him on the side of his head at 7:34 p.m. The suspect left before the deputy arrived.

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July 30 | The resident of a home in the 8400 block of Stafford Mill Road in Oak Ridge reported that between noon and 4:51 p.m., an unknown person stole his Honda riding lawn mower from an unlocked garage. The mower was valued at about $500.

DRUGS July 25 | A deputy conducted a traffic

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

think committed the crimes, he noted. Sometimes the designation means the deputy taking the report is indicating that the sheriff’s office has had contact with the suspect on previous occasions. “We rarely come out and say somebody is a suspect,” Antonelli said. “Unless we charge someone with a crime, we would not put a suspect’s name on an incident report.” Oftentimes, even though investigators have a name, they determine that person had nothing to do with the reported crime. Also, releasing the name of a suspect can hamper an investigation, Antonelli added. stop on a suspicious vehicle at 9:41 p.m. at Lake Brandt Road near the Piedmont Trail in Greensboro. During the investigation, the deputy seized small amounts of marijuana and three burnt marijuana roaches. The passenger in the vehicle was arrested for violating a protective order which prevented the passenger from having contact with the driver.

DWI July 28 | A driver was found to be driving while impaired at 11:45 p.m. in the 2400 block of Battleground Avenue in northwest Greensboro. The suspect was released on a written promise to appear in court.

MISCELLANEOUS July 27 | Deputies responded to an incident in the parking lot of J.P. Looneys in Oak Ridge Commons shopping center at 12:35 a.m., and found two men yelling profanities. The men were charged with disorderly conduct and resist, delay and obstruct an officer, and taken to the

...continued on p. 26

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 Fall Baseball | Registration for Oak Ridge Youth Association’s fall baseball season, which will get underway soon after Labor Day, is open now through Aug. 19 at noon. Visit www.orya.org to register or for more information.

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WEDNESDAY, AUG. 9  Explore Historic Oak Ridge | Explore Historic Oak Ridge Committee will meet Aug. 9, 7 p.m., at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road, to continue planning the upcoming Explore Historic Oak Ridge event on Saturday, Sept. 16 (more details about this event in future issues). Citizen volunteers are welcome throughout the event planning process as well as on the day of the event. More info: aschneider.nc@gmail.com.  Marine Corps League | The Marine Corps League Detachment 1314 will meet Aug. 9, 6 p.m., at the Moose Lodge, 1250 E. Mountain St., Kernersville. More info: Commandant Les Leamons, (336) 329-9085 or www.nwt1314.com/DoNC.html.

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THURSDAY, AUG. 10  Merchants of Oak Ridge | MOR, a non-profit organization with members from over 60 local businesses in and near Oak Ridge, will meet Aug. 10, 7:45 to 9 a.m., at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road, Oak Ridge. More info: www.merchantsofoakridge.com, (336) 803-2825 or phillip@blackoakwm.com.  Senior Program & Lunch | Guilford County residents over age 60 are invited to Stokesdale United Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola Drive, on Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a monthly program and free catered lunch. RSVP to Amanda Clark at (336) 373-4816 or ruraloutreach@senior-resources-guilford.org.  Town Council Meeting | Stokesdale Town Council will hold its monthly meeting Aug. 10, 7 p.m., at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road in Stokesdale. For a meeting agenda, visit www.stokesdale.org.

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AUG. 4 - 10, 2017

BUSINESS notes

JP Looneys gives last ‘last call’

years of continuous operation in the Triad area and almost 10 years in Oak Ridge we have decided to cease our brick-andmortar operations,” JP Looneys co-owner Kevin McCallister wrote in this letter he requested we publish. “From the entire JP Looneys family, we wanted to take this opportunity to reach out to all our faithful customers for their long-lasting support of the JP Looneys brand and say ‘Thank You!’ “Without each of you, our growth and prosperity would not have been possible. We also want to say a special thanks to the

Cooke family (owners of Oak Ridge Commons). Without their vision for the business landscape of Oak Ridge our opportunity in the area would not have been possible. “We are confident that the next business to occupy our space at 2213 Oak Ridge Road will be just as fruitful in the years to come. “Thanks again to all of our loyal ‘Looney-Tics,' and the next time you are craving some Looney chips and wings, just check out the Looneys Wing Wagon food truck calendar (on Facebook and Twitter) and stop by and say ‘Hi.’”

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

JP Looneys Sports Bar & Grill in Oak Ridge closed its doors for good July 30. OAK RIDGE – What has been a fixture in Oak Ridge for nearly 10 years is no more. A letter posted on the front door of JP Looneys in Oak Ridge Commons shopping center thanks its loyal patrons

for their support and invites them to visit the Looneys Wing Wagon Food Truck for “famous wings and Looney chips.” “Sunday, July 30, was JP Looneys’ final day of business in Oak Ridge. After 30

Serving the northwest community

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

The staff of Food Lion on U.S. 220 in Summerﬁeld celebrates on the morning of Aug. 2 after a ribbon cutting for the newly remodeled store was held.

Food Lion relaunches 93 area stores 8004 Linville Rd, Suite E-3, Oak Ridge

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NW GUILFORD – The Food Lion stores on U.S. 220 in Summerfield and N.C. 68 in Stokesdale were among the 93 Food Lions in the greater Greensboro area to celebrate their grand reopening Aug. 1. All 93 stores held their ribbon-cutting at 7:45 a.m., signaling the completion of a $178 million project that Food Lion representatives say includes fully remodeling the stores, lowering prices on thousands of items, expanding the variety of items the store carries, hiring more than 1,000 more associates and investing in “customercentric” training, and giving back to local communities. The first 100 customers at each store were given $10 gift cards and thermal tote

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

bags. From 4 to 7 p.m., all customers at the Stokesdale store had their groceries placed in reusable bags. “It’s been a lot of hard work, but it’s all worth it,” said Kent Parks, who has been the manager of the Stokesdale store since January 2010, about a year after the store opened. “We’re trying to make things better for the customers.” “We’ve been hiring for several months,” Parks added. “It’s hard to get enough people.” Parks said customers on the run will find grab-and-go selections and pre-sliced deli meats and cheeses, sliced fresh daily. There will also be more organic produce, fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, and hot

meals with sides available seven days a week. At a news conference Monday in Winston-Salem, the Salisbury-based company donated a mobile food pantry, valued at $100,000, to Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina. The mobile unit will provide food to communities in need throughout the 18-county region served by the food bank, from schools, to communities, to disaster locations, to communities without access to fresh, healthy food. The mobile pantry donation is part of the grocer’s commitment to provide 500 million meals to individuals and families in need by the end of 2020 through its Food Lion Feeds program.

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

and all the dedicated professionals at Oak Ridge Physical Therapy. Thanks to your time and skills, I can now use my right leg (even with all its damaged nerves).

Share your thoughts in

 All the independent homeowners of Oak Ridge who enjoy natural, clean, free well water. We moved out here to avoid the chemical-ridden, contaminated and costly municipal water systems. Let’s keep it that way!

40 words or less online: nwobserver.com e-mail: grinsandgripes @nwobserver.com

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

Food Lion has more than 1,000 stores in 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states and employs 63,000 associates. The company was founded in 1957 as Food Town. Though it is now owned by Delhaize America, a U.S. division of Zaandambased Royal Ahold Delhaize Group, it still calls Salisbury, North Carolina, its hometown.

They are what, 6 years old and now unsafe to play on? Again, the best school gets the least attention.  Oak Ridge Town Council. You should go to Stokesdale to learn how to provide services without a tax.  Men who work outside businesses in Oak Ridge and don’t wear a shirt. No one wants to see you half naked. Be like the rest of us and suffer the heat.  The person who stripped all the peaches off my tree again – this is the third year in a row! What makes you think that this is OK? I called the sheriff. Next year there will be a camera out there.

GRINS to...

 Oak Ridge Historic Commission for helping the Old Mill explore options for grants and other programs to help preserve our history.

GRIPES to...

 Andy Michels, Jennifer, Brittany, Karen

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 JP Looneys for almost 10 years of serving the community of Oak Ridge and 30 years of operating brick-andmortar restaurants in the Greensboro area. Best wishes with your food truck!

 Guilford County Schools for not quickly resolving the horrendous state of the tennis courts at Northwest High School.

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AUG. 4 - 10, 2017

LETTERS/OPINIONS Submit your editorials (maximum 350 words) online: nwobserver.com e-mail : editor@nwobserver.com mail: Opinions, PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 Include your name, a daytime phone number where you can be reached and name of community in which you live. Letters from the same writer will be published no more than every 30 days.

Public documents should be easily and quickly accessible The government is supposed to be “by the people, for the people.” Government documents are the property of the people and should be easily accessible. Any documents that do not “frustrate with the process of government (i.e., closed session minutes or some personnel information)” should be publicly available, perhaps on the town website. I understand the need to fill out a form for documents not on the website so requests don’t get “lost in the shuffle,” but it is ridiculous to have to fill out a form to get a meeting packet, which contains documents that are the business of the citizens. Before (Summerfield town clerk) Valarie’s leave, the meeting documents

CRIME/INCIDENTS ...continued from p. 22

Guilford County jail, where magistrates set their bonds at $500 each. Both men posted bonds and were released; each has a Sept. 7 court date.

THEFT July 28 | The resident of a home in the 4400 block of Liguria Court in Summer-

AUG. 4 - 10, 2017

and packets were available on the town’s website, usually the Wednesday before the (upcoming Tuesday) meeting; this gave citizens ample time to view them so they could come to town meetings prepared. Since April, I have had to request packets and other documents, as they were not available in a timely manner. I requested minutes of meetings that have not been posted to the website soon after the meeting, as they were in the past.

people and must be made available. Providing access to documents is the hallmark of transparency in government – a mandate which must be honored. March 12-18 was national Sunshine Week. Unfortunately, citizens on the town’s Sunshine list have not been receiving information at all, or in a timely manner in the last several months. In a 2016 blog post, David Chavern wrote: “Transparency in government is essential to upholding American

350

Teresa Pegram SUMMERFIELD

Don’t forget, it’s the maximum word count for your editorial

Police officers should protect, not kill unarmed citizens I wonder how people who have called 911 have been shot by police officers. In Minneapolis, an Australian woman (Justine Damond) called 911. One of the responding police officers shot and killed her. She was unarmed, hadn’t broken any laws, and was in her pajamas. Why was she killed?

Our council has requested that there be an accounting of how much staff time (staff payroll) goes into fulfilling these requests. It doesn’t matter how much time, money and effort goes into it! These documents belong to the

We will have to wait till the police officers get their story straight. Both officers were wearing body cameras, but for some reason they weren’t turned on. Neither officer has been fired. They are on administrative

field reported that a known person had taken various rings from her home over the past month and a half. The victim reported the thefts of three diamond rings with a total value estimated at $16,300.

computer and a key to the home. The estimated value of the stolen items was $53,175.

July 30 | An intruder entered a home in the 2100 block of Beeson Road in Oak Ridge by forcing open a side door, according to a police incident report. The burglar took six gold bracelets, six gold rings, a silver pendant, a Citizen watch, a laptop

democracy. When citizens have access to behind-the-scenes information about local and federal administrations, politicians are held accountable. Access to information keeps Americans educated and ensures that our political leaders are transparent. It is worth reflecting the role information plays in strengthening our democracy. America can only be a strong nation when its citizens are engaged and informed.”

TRAFFIC July 30 | A Guilford County deputy tried to conduct a traffic stop involving a motorcycle driver at 11:48 a.m., but the driver fled. The deputy chased the driver into Rockingham County. The motorcycle was later recovered in the 500 block of Albert Road north of Stokesdale.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

leave, which is the same as a paid vacation. I have written it before, and I will write it again. We need a national law, or Constitutional amendment, stating that any police officer who takes a life should not be allowed to work in law enforcement any more. Police officers are supposed to serve and protect all citizens, not kill unarmed women who are in their pajamas. No police officer should have a “license to kill.” Chuck Mann GREENSBORO

District 1 Sheriff’s Office 7506 Summerfield Road Main number: (336) 641-2300 Report non-emergency crime-related incidents by calling: (336) 373-2222 • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F

www.guilfordcountysheriff.com

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DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

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

EMPLOYMENT

HOME CARE AVAILABLE

YARD/GARAGE SALES

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE: Well-established marketing service company is looking for Call Center Customer Service Representative to join our staff. Both part-time and full-time positions available. Experience preferred. Interested candidates please submit resume to info@ rsvpcomm.com.

RELIABLE HOME CARE SERVICES Discount rates at $15/hr. (336) 510-9393.

MOVING SALE, Sat., Aug. 5, from 7-11am, 6813 Polo Farms Drive, Summerfield. Riding & push mowers, yard tools.

OPERATION XCEL, a local after-school tutoring program, is hiring 2 part-time tutors, 1 part-time tutor assistant, and 1 part-time math specialist (elementary). For complete job descriptions, visit guilfordnonprofits.org/ jobs and search Operation Xcel or email jobs@operationxcel.org. F/T ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT position for insurance adjusting firm. Proficiency in Word & Excel required. Seeking fastpaced and professional individual who fits our existing team. Please send resume to: sadjusters@triad.rr.com.

Hiring? We can help! The Northwest Observer reaches over 13,300 mailboxes every week, all in northwest Guilford County!

INDEX Employment ............................... 27 Home Care Available .................. 27 VBS Programs ............................ 27 Yard/Garage Sales ...................... 27 Home Services ....................... 27-29 Misc. Services.............................. 29 Misc. for Sale ............................. 29 Misc. Wanted ............................. 30 Pets & Animal Services ................ 30 Real Estate ................................. 30

DO YOU LOVE STAYING BUSY? Are you outgoing, friendly, and want to make a dif difference in people’s lives? If so, we are looking for you! Our growing audiology practice is seeking a motivated individual to join our team as a full-time front office staff member. Our ideal candidate has experience with insurance verification, is organized with great time management skills, detail-oriented, a wiz on the computer, versatile, able to multitask in our busy work environment, and is looking to be part of our team long term. If this is you give us a call! (336) 541-4659. BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION seeks a skilled carpenter with experience in remodeling. Transportation/DL a must. Pay commensurate w/skill set. (336) 362-6343. Bill’s Pizza Pub is looking to hire a DAYDAY TIME COOK. Come and join our crew!

CNA AVAILABLE FOR HOME CARE, 17 years exp. References. (336) 456-9377.

VBS PROGRAMS OVER THE MOAT VBS at Faith Baptist Tabernacle, Saturday, August 5, 10am4pm, 7923 Lester Road in Stokesdale. Fun for everyone! Water rides, burgers and hot dogs! See display ad on page 3 for more information. HERO CENTRAL VBS at Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, Sunday, August 6 through Wednesday, August 9, 5-8pm. Pre-K through rising 5th-graders are welcome! Dinner provided each night. To register, visit http://www.myvbs.org/orpc, or email emilymorrell.orpc@gmail.com, or just come join us on Sunday evening!

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going on

Tell northwest Guilford County Place your Save the Date online at

YARD/GARAGE SALES YARD SALE, Saturday, August 5, 8am-12n, 7008 Mustang Ct., Summerfield. Clothes, bedding, décor. BLUE MOON ESTATE SALE, Sat., Aug. 5, 9am-3pm; and Sunday, August 6, 12n-2pm, 4026 Windspray Loop, Summerfield. Furniture, décor, china, Mustang convertible. MOVING SALE, Sat., August 5, 8am1pm, 6206 Clarkwood Circle, GSO, 27410. Tools, housewares, furniture.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

GARAGE SALE, Sat., August 12, 8am, 2201 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge. All remaining stuff, motorcycle, auto-related products and smalls, Rubbermaid shelf units, cooking equipment, pen lathe with all chisels, knives, stock and other parts for fully-functioning crafting of pens and other small woodworking objects. COMMUNITY YARD SALE, Saturday, August 12, 7am, Golden Antiques & Treasures. Vendor space available for $10; bring your own table. Register by Fri., August 11 by stopping by the store, 341 Ram Loop, Stokesdale, or call (336) 949-4958.

It’s YARD SALE season! To place your Yard Sale ad, visit www.nwobserver.com and click on Place a Classified. The deadline is Monday!

HOME SERVICES CLEANING $25 OFF CLEANING SPECIAL Maids of Honor. Bonded staff. 40 years in service. Call (336) 708-2407. MAID-2-SHINE. Excellent service, 15 years exp. Free estimates., excellent references. (336) 338-0223. CARPET CLEANING. We clean the dirt out of your carpet, not the money out of your pockets! Member BBB. Call David, The Cleaning Solutions, (336) 989-4318, or visit thecleaningsolutions.org. HOME CLEANING. Afford. rates, ref. avail., 10 years exp. Elizabeth, (336) 453-8592. THE CLEANING TECHNICIAN INC. Schedule your detailed cleaning now! Licensed & insured. Call for your free quote! Lisa, (336) 207-0770.

...continued on p. 28

AUG. 4 - 10, 2017

HOME SERVICES

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

SMALL ENGINE & MOWER REPAIR. Any type mower, weld and repair mower decks. Free pickup and delivery. Call or text Morris, (336) 880-7498 or Rick, (336) 501-8681.

ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035.

FAY’S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Spring lawn care & general yard clean up. Pine needles and mulch. Reasonable and honest. Call Taylor, (336) 458-6491.

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

Shouldn’t your business be HERE? (336) 644-7035, ext. 10.

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

GARY’S HANDYMAN HOME SERVICES “Providing value for the home-ownership experience.” Gary Gellert, serving NC’s Piedmont Triad area. Garygellert@gmail.com, (336) 423-8223. L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE LLP “We get you mowing!” Free pickup and delivery. 2103 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge. (336) 298-4314. GREENERTIMES SMALL ENGINE Sales & Service Center. All types sold and repaired; comm/res. 9428 NC Hwy. 65, Stokesdale. (336) 548-9286 or (336) 312-3844.

Decks | Sun & Screened Porches Roofing | Windows | Gutters REPAIRS | RENOVATIONS

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

(336) 643-0531 haleyhahn.com Licensed & insured

FLOORING It’s A CARPET thing! Repairs, restretch, replace. (336) 643-6500.

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance. A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707.

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GRADING / HAULING E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, topsoil, lot clearing, bobcat work, excavating, mulch, etc. (336) 451-1282 PEARMAN QUARRY HAULING Fill dirt, gravel, sand rock, mulch & more. Joel Richardson, (336) 803-2195.

The Northwest Observer 20 years and counting! Want to reach our readers? Call (336) 644-7035 or email advertising@nwobserver.com. BRAD’S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS. LLC Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647.

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

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

LAWN CARE / LANDSCAPING AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Quality irrigation systems. NC licensed contractor. We service all systems. Free estimates. (336) 644-1174. DELIMA LAWNCARE. Licensed and insured. Free estimates. (336) 669-5210. WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Complete lawn care & landscaping. NC lic. irrigation contractor. 20 years exp. Hardscaping, fertilization & weed control. (336) 399-7764. SITE LINES LANDSCAPE DESIGN, LLC Professional planting, hardscape, and outdoor living design. 20+ years exp. Check us out on Facebook. (336) 601-5981. BRAD’S BOBCAT. Mulch, landscaping, pine needles and straw. (336) 362-3647. CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 6439332, carolinaStumpAndTreeServices.com. ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875. AREA STUMP DUMP. Yard waste, concrete, etc. Fill dirt avail. (336) 602-5820. COLFAX LAWNCARE Complete lawn care maintenance. Fertilizing, mowing, trimming, pine needles. Res./ comm., HOA & annual agreements. Fully insured. Serving the Triad for 28 years. (336) 362-5860. STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. Free est. Lic./Ins. 30 yrs. exp. Bucket truck/chipper, total cleanup. Selective thinning & lot clearing. 24-hr. ER svc. OR, NC. (336) 643-1119.

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

Get. Be. Stay. Connected.

facebook.com/NorthwestObserver ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Bobcat work and more. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. Call Joe at (336) 643-9157. ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981. GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490. CUTTING EDGE LAWNCARE. Affordable. Dependable. Mowing, aeration, leaf removal and more! Please call anytime for free estimate, (336) 706-0103.

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

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

Hundreds of inspiring displays

HOME SERVICES

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

(336) 931-0600

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

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

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

PAINTING & DRYWALL PAINTING – INTERIOR & EXTERIOR 32 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. No job too small. Insured. Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186 CARLOS & SON PAINTING, interior & exterior. Free est., lic/ins. (336) 669-5210. CINDY’S PAINTING – Interior painting, wallpaper removal. References & free estimates available. (336) 708-9155. STILL PERFECTION PAINTING Reliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com.

JLB REMODELING, INC.

MELDA CRUM, formerly of Melda’s Hair Designs in Summerfield, is now serving new and existing clients at Unique Kutz150 in Summerfield. Call (336) 202-3131 to schedule your appointment.

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

Construction Services, INC

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Outdoor living spaces | Fire pits

PLUMBING 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. BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic. & insured. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924.

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

www.fmtriad.com

MISC. SERVICES

644-8615 office 508-5242 cell

PRESSURE WASHING

336/404-1471

HOME SERVICES

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

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION RENOVATION WORKS, INC. New construction, remodeling, additions, kitchen, bath and decks. We are a locally owned, full-service design and build company, A+ accredited with the BBB. Visit www.myrenovationworks.com or call (336) 427-7391 to start your next project.

ERIE INSURANCE – IN KERNERSVILLE Long Insurance Services, (336) 992-5664. SAM’S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 347-7470. COMPUTER REPAIRS – ITBASICS.COM Inside Mailboxes & More, Oak Ridge Commons. (336) 643-0068.

Licensed & insured NC Gen. Contractor #72797

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, siding, dock work, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 38 years exp. (336) 362-6343.

Want to reach our readers? (all 25,000+ of them?) Email advertising@nwobserver.com or call (336) 644-7035 for info.

ROOFING A.L. CORMAN ROOFING INC. Res. roofing specialist serving Guilford Cty. area since 1983. BBB 25+ years w/ A+ rating. cormanroofinginc.com, (336) 621-6962. CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC Residential roofing, rubber flat roofs, roof coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience. Now accepting all major credit cards. Call (336) 643-8191 or (336) 580-3245. PREMIER ROOFING CONSTRUCTION

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

Insurance specialist, free inspections, res./

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

with all types of roofing. BBB accredited A

comm., BBB A rating. (336) 430-9507. RED RHINO ROOFING, based in Oak Ridge, NC. Storm damage specialist experienced and listed with Angie’s List. Call (336) 9446118, or visit redrhinoroofing.com.

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

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

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

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

MISC. FOR SALE Gary Blackburn’s Beadyeye .925 STERLING AND NATURAL STONE JEWELRY, formerly sold at Fat Cat, Ltd. In Oak Ridge, now on sale at Cooper’s Vintage Village, 305 E. Bodenhamer St., Kernersville – 60% off! GUILFORD MEMORIAL PARK section 17, four plots, monument rights, $6,900/all four. (336) 668-7335. PEACHES, FRESH PRODUCE, FLOWERS. Knight’s Produce, 14809 Highway 158, Summerfield. (336) 708-0485.

Something to sell?

We’ll help you reach over 25,000 readers right here! Place your ad online at www.nwobserver.com.

...continued on p. 30

AUG. AUG. 44 -- 10, 10,2017 2017

MISC. WANTED

REAL ESTATE

CLASSIC CARS WANTED! Sport Auto in Summerfield will buy your classic car. Contact Steve, (336) 643-9595.

HOMES FOR RENT

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

HOMES FOR SALE

FABRIC NEEDED for Sew to Sow Ministry to make dresses for girls in Kenya. Cotton fabrics work best, any amount. Also need gently used, usable sewing machines, buttons, ribbon, lace trimming, elastic and thread. Call Beth, (336) 644-8155. $$$ – WILL PAY CASH up to $200 for your junk or wrecked vehicle. (336) 552-0328. FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, any and all gas items, tillers, gocarts & golf carts, ATVs, generators, power washers, chain saws. (336) 689-4167.

PETS & ANIMAL SVCS. ANIMALS AVAILABLE

OAK RIDGE, 3BR, 3 full baths, finished bonus room. $2,200/mo. (336) 362-6269. PINE HALL COUNTRY COTTAGE, 2BR, new bath, laundry, office, A/C, closets and room galore. Peaceful. $575 mo. incl. water, garbage and lawn care. Security dep. & ref references a must. (336) 554-1184. STOKESDALE DUPLEX, 2BR, 1BA, near Food Lion. $725/mo., $725 dep. No pets. (336) 706-1887.

HOMES FOR SALE SUMMERFIELD, brick home, 3BR, 1.5BA, fireplace, full w/o basement, 2-car carport, 1.77 acres, $194,700. (336) 643-6188. BELEWS LAKE VILLA – Pristine! Furnished, double loft, W/D, Trex deck, boat slip, Lot 511, $99,000. Please call (317) 450-8996.

LAND FOR SALE 1.17-ACRE LOT, Chandler Glen SD, Stokesdale, priced at tax value, $30,000. Owner/broker, (336) 687-6019. PUPPIES: 100% pure American mongrels, part Lab., 10 wks. old. 4 girls, 2 boys. Wormed, 1st shots, raised w/love. $35 ea. (336) 554-1184. Have a service to share with our readers? Reach over 25,000 readers every week right here! (336) 644-7035, ext. 10.

PET SITTING / BOARDING KPS – KELLY’S PET SERVICES Professional in-home pet sitting. Bonded & insured. Member Pet Sitters International. Pet sitting while you are away, daily walks or runs, play, pet taxi, and more! KPS gives a portion of profits to animal charities. Call, email, or Facebook message for a free consultation: (336) 706-6706, kpsforyourpets@ gmail.com, www.facebook.com/kpspets, or kpspets on Instagram.

AUG. AUG.44- -10, 10,2017 2017

BUSINESS BUILDING FOR RENT in Summerfield. 1,150 square feet, good visibility. $1,500/mo. (336) 617-5720.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES It’s a good time to buy or sell. Call me for a free consultation!

Gil Vaughan Realtor ®/Broker

(336) 337-4780 JustCallGil.com

We Help Everyone!

WANT TO BUY – HOUSE/LAND LOOKING TO BUY a house or land in Stokesdale/Guilford County with Seller willing to finance. Fixer-upper a plus! Please call or text Molina at (336) 337-5268.

Former parade home built by Home Team Builders. Over 5,000 SF with 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. Oversized everything! 4-car garage, double tankless hot water, 2 bedrooms on first level. Cul-de-sac location, hardwoods, and top-notch moldings. Northern schools; off Witty Road. Offered at $699,000.

Nancy J. Hess

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

SELLERS & BUYERS

(336) 643-4248

www.ANewDawnRealty.com HOMES FOR SALE

2.37 ACRES w/3 BR septic/well. Haw River Road. $98,500. (702) 401-4267. 23+ ACRES, STONEVILLE, NC, Grogan Road, within minutes of Lowes and Walmart. Up-and-coming growing area, hunting stand, feeders, well, pond, stream running along property, large 30’x50’ storage building. Hunting retreat with A/C, mini kitchen, sleeping area, open fields, wooded areas, last perked in 2014. Showings by appointment only. Cash or pre-qualified buyers only. $199K. Call (561) 704-6179.

ON SUMMERFIELD ACREAGE

8102 Brittains Field Road, Oak Ridge Meticulously maintained custom home on over 2 acres with 20’x36’ in-ground saltwater pool. Sought-after Oak Ridge/Northwest schools. No HOA. Call for a private showing. $509,000

DeDe Cunningham 8574 Belews Creek Road, Stokesdale 21 flowing acres with creek in Guilford County school system, minutes from Belews Lake. Bring your boat, children and animals and create your own farm. Several choices for your home site. Many cleared acres available for pasture. Farm house could be rented or utilized while building your own home. $239,000

Dawn Stone (336) 312-4226 dstone27357@yahoo.com www.ANewDawnRealty.com

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

REALTOR®/Broker NC Licensed Contractor

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

Realtors, get your listings noticed with

Real Estate Showcase ads

in the Northwest Observer. Just $80 per issue! Call or email for more information. (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 or advertising@nwobserver.com.

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS

thanks to all the advertisers

who partnered with us to bring you this free community resource ACCOUNTING Samuel Anders, CPA, MSA, PC ...........23

ARTS / DANCE / KARATE Destination Arts ..................................17 Northern Arts Studio ..........................19

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE Foreign Cars Italia ................................2 Piedmont Truck Tires, Inc. ..................25 Prestige Car Wash ..............................17

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

CHILDREN’S SERVICES Guardian Ad Litem .............................20

CHURCHES Faith Baptist Tabernacle .......................3 Summerfield First Baptist Church ........15

HAIR CARE Great Clips .........................................16

HEALTH & FITNESS Alpha Weight Loss ..............................10

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES BEK Paint Company ............................29 Carpets by Direct ................................22 Concrete Repair Solutions ..................14 Furniture Medic ..................................29 Haley Hahn Home Solutions ..............28 House of Stars ....................................23 Marshall Stone ...................................29 New Garden Select ............................18 Old School Home Repair ....................28 Pest Management Systems ...................8 ProStone................................................4

Stokesdale Heating & Air.....................14 Stokesdale Storage .............................29

INSURANCE Gladwell Insurance Agency ...................6

LEGAL SERVICES Attorney Bill Barbour ..........................24 Law Office of Susan Greeson .............13

MEDICAL / P.T. / EYE CARE

...to the following new advertisers who joined us last month:

Bella Luna Ristorante & Bar Dove Medical Supply Tanya Hill, Realty One Triad Baptist Church

Carolina Priority Care ............................5 Dove Medical Supply .............................9 LeBauer Healthcare .............................7 Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 3 Novant – Forsyth Pediatrics Oak Ridge 17 Novant – Northwest Family Medicine .20 Oak Ridge Physical Therapy ...............16 Summerfield Family Eye Care .............23 Vision Source Eye Center ....................17

...and to the following returning advertisers who have chosen to continue delivering their message to our readers:

ORTHODONTIC CARE

Carolina Priority Care | since 2016

Olmsted Orthodontics ........................16

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ................12 Critter Company .................................13 King’s Crossing Animal Hospital .........23 Northwest Animal Hospital .................14 Veterinary Hospital of Oak Ridge.........23 Westergaard Kennels ..........................12

Northern Arts | since 2015 LeBauer Healthcare | since 2011 Mike Carr Karate | since 2005

REAL ESTATE A New Dawn Realty ............................30 Dawn Stone, A New Dawn Realty ......30 Dede Cunningham, Keller Williams ....30 Gil Vaughan, Keller Williams ...............30 Nancy Hess, BHHS Yost & Little .........30 Ramilya Siegel, Allen Tate ..................19 Tonya Hill, Realty One ........................23

RESTAURANTS

Come with us to more than 13,300 homes each week.

Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant .........16

RETAIL Bella Brazil Brazilian Market ...............23 Bi-Rite Galaxy Supermarket ...........Insert Priba Furniture & Interiors ...................32

(336) 644-7035, ext. 10 | advertising@nwobserver.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

AUG. 4 - 10, 2017

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

Postal Patron

PAID

Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22

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

ECRWSS

AMAZING AUGUST SALE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EARLY FALL MANUFACTURERS’ DISCOUNT EVENT

MOST MAJOR BRANDS FEATURED DURING THIS SALE

ENTER TO WIN A 3-NIGHT STAY

in a Luxurious 6-Bedroom Holden Beach Oceanfront Home See your Priba Sales Associate for Details

FINAL DAYS OF SUMMER CLEARANCE www.pribafurniture.com | 210 Stage Coach Trail, Greensboro | (336) 855-9034 | M - F 9 am - 6 pm, Sat 9 am - 5 pm