Aug. 21 - 27, 2015
Having a Ball in NYC Summerfield native returns to home stage
I felt and to believe, that I have something to say and contribute,” he said. Ball looked up to the “cool” students in the advanced drama class. It was an elite group that only accepted 10 students – and by his sophomore year, he and his two best friends were part of it.
by GERRI HUNT “We were walking along the street, and I looked up and my heart was racing. Reality set in. All the signs were in Spanish or Korean. I thought to myself, ‘what have I done?’” remembers Patrick Ball. The northwest Guilford County native and his dad had just dropped off a U-Haul truck, after unloading it at Ball’s new pad in Brooklyn. He had lucked out on Craigslist and found a gypsy woman’s couch to call home. It was an alternate universe – at that time, Ball should’ve been back in the familiar setting of UNC-G, or at his parents’ Elmhurst Es-
Photo courtesy of Allen Nop
tates home in Summerfield, working on term papers. But instead, just weeks before his college graduation, he up and moved to New York. Flash back to 2004, when Ball was a freshman at Northwest High School. “Alicia Mooney, my creative writing teacher, was the first person who made me curious about the way
“But our teacher went out on maternity leave for the entire year, so an assistant football coach was basically babysitting us. Nobody was telling us to do anything,” he said. “We were goofing off,
...continued on p. 34
Councilman proposes water system expansion by GERRI HUNT
by PATTI STOKES
STOKESDALE – For the first time, Stokesdale Town Council is discussing extending its municipal waterlines at its own expense. Until now, extensions have been laid at
During the Aug. 13 town council meeting, Councilman Joe Thacker suggested lines be run down Tree Court.
...continued on p. 5
News in brief........................ 3 Your Questions ..................... 6 Sew to Sow ............................. 8 Summerfield Town Council ...10 Golf challenge.......................13 NWO Real Estate ....................15 Real Estate Briefs....................16 Buyers vs. Sellers ....................18 Recent Transactions ..............22 Real Estate Q&A ....................23 Crime/Incident Report ..........27 Celebration ............................28 Biz Notes • Bits & Pieces .......28 Community Calendar ...........31 Letters/Opinions ....................32 Grins & Gripes ........................33 Classifieds ..............................35 Index of Advertisers ..............39 NWO on the go! .....................40
Guilford County students return to the classroom on Monday, Aug. 24, so slow down and allow extra time for bus and school traffic.
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HPC, CrossFit representatives have ‘productive’ meeting Historic Preservation Commission and CrossFit representatives say they are cautiously optimistic that longtime issues will be resolved
the expense of developers running lines to subdivisions.
IN THIS ISSUE
OAK RIDGE – The Oak Ridge Historic Preservation Commission recently took an unusual step which it hopes will help bring closure to what has been a long and often contentious game of
tug of war dating back to 2011. The ongoing debate between the town and CrossFit over the last four years stems from unresolved issues with CrossFit’s building, which was constructed on Linville Road in 2011; ironically, its location adjacent to the Oak Ridge Town Hall makes it a next door neighbor. In October 2012, the town’s HPC issued CrossFit a COA (Certificate of Appropriateness) with conditions, while stating the conditions must be met before
the facility received a permanent Certificate of Occupancy (CO). Fast forward to June, when CrossFit appeared before the HPC again, only to have the commission determine the conditions had still not been met, even after numerous formal and informal meetings, a judge’s ruling in favor of the town and the assessment of civil penalties. With matters still unresolved, the town council approved a reso-
...continued on p. 14
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who needed to get on board with this, as it passed through the House and Senate, to get it to this point. It’s just smooth sailing from here.” The Stokesdale Rural Fire District was formed in Guilford County in 1954 and expanded to include parts of Rockingham County in 1963. It took more than 60 years for the district to reach its 10cent cap, which occurred in 2013, when it was increased from 7.73 cents per $100 of assessed property value. But according to state statute, that’s as high as it could go because fire departments incorporated before 1959 can tax residents in their districts a maximum of 10 cents. In February, the town council authorized Jones to send a letter on behalf of
NEWS in brief
the town to state legislators requesting the law be changed to allow a 5-cent increase in the tax cap be put to a vote by citizens, rather than requiring a petition signed by 35 percent of Stokesdale property owners who also live in the district. The bill passed on June 25. Fire Chief Todd Gauldin emphasizes that a citizen vote of approval wouldn’t mean the fire tax would be raised anytime soon, but the potential to do so would be a resource for long-range funding. “Forecasting the future is tough,” said Gauldin, adding that as Stokesdale continues to grow, so will its tax base, and that should sustain the fire department for a while.
..continued on p. 4
Photo by Gerri Hunt/NWO
NCDOT district engineer Bobby Norris says “huge bubbles” strategically placed at median openings along U.S. 220, like this one across from the entrance to Elmhurst Estates in Summerfield, enable cars and trucks to make U-turns and accelerate back into traffic without causing damage to the curbs on the medians.
Town requests special election for fire tax cap increase STOKESDALE – The Stokesdale Rural Fire District is one step closer to a tax cap increase, after the Stokesdale Town Council signed resolutions requesting that Guilford and Rockingham county commissioners each approve holding a special election on the issue. The fire tax is currently maxed out at 10 cents per $100 of assessed property value, leaving no wiggle room if the fire department needs extra funds. In two separate actions during its Aug. 13 regular meeting, the town council unanimously voted to sign the resolutions which, if approved by county commissioners, will enable voters within the fire district to vote on increasing the maximum allowable levy from 10 cents to 15 cents per $100 property valuation. Even if voters approve the increase, the actual fire tax cannot be raised with-
out the approval of Guilford and Rockingham county commissioners during their annual budget hearings. Guilford County Commissioners had a meeting on Thursday, Aug. 20, and Rockingham County Commissioners will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Meeting agendas were unavailable for either meeting as of the Northwest Observer’s press time, so it’s not certain when the boards will discuss the special elections. Stokesdale Mayor Randy Braswell thanked Councilman Bill Jones for his efforts over the last three years toward getting the fire tax cap increased. “Bill, thank you from the citizens of Stokesdale; you have worked hard on this,” said Braswell. “That was an incredible piece of work to get all those
Meet Mark Hepler, PA-C of Summerfield, I enjoy the fact that I can “helpAsmya resident neighbors and friends stay healthy. Helping my patients find the right balance of healthcare and smart daily living is important. On a personal note, I’m married and have three children and a dog. I enjoy spending my spare time with my family, hiking and taking part in outdoor activities.
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AUG. 21 - 27, 2015
3
NEWS in brief
...continued from p. 3
County animal shelter closed during investigation Allegations of animal cruelty have arisen GUILFORD COUNTY – Four years ago, Allie Shuford visited the Guilford County Animal Shelter. “We had such a terrible experience there four years ago witnessing the abuse of several animals and I swore I’d never adopt from there again because of it,” she recently wrote on the Northwest Observer’s Facebook page. “I’ve been telling everyone who would listen for years this shelter was abusing dogs,” she continued. “I’m so glad it’s finally getting investigated. I hope that positive changes are made for the sake
of the animals that they care for.” The agency operating the Guilford County Animal Shelter, United Animal Coalition (UAC), has been under a multi-agency investigation as a result of allegations of animal cruelty. Guilford County was made aware of the investigation in early August and has been cooperating fully with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, the N.C. Department of Agriculture and the Lexington Police Department (where the Davidson County Animal Shelter is under investigation as well). The shelter director was initially suspended, then fired by UAC. The county received confirmation on Monday, Aug. 17, that a Notice of License Revocation has been issued by
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County leaders immediately took over operations of the animal shelter. County Manager Marty Lawing announced shelter operations will be closed to the public for the remainder of the week, with an anticipated reopening on Saturday, Aug. 22. He reported the reason for the closure was to allow county staff the ability to assess the operations and reorganize staff and volunteers. The county is working closely with the Department of Agriculture and local veterinarians to assess and provide care for the
immediate needs of the shelter animals. Citizens who have animals to surrender to the shelter during this time are asked to contact Animal Control at (336) 641-5990. “We are committed to ensuring that the welfare of the animals in our care is our No. 1 priority,” said Hank Henning, chairman of Guilford County’s Board of Commissioners. “The county will evaluate the policies and practices occurring at the shelter and are willing to go to whatever depths are necessary to eliminate those people who are violating animal welfare and ethical standards. At the end of the day, we will get the shelter back on track.”
Find school bus info online Classes to begin Aug. 24
GUILFORD COUNTY – Guilford County Schools (GCS) bus stop information for the upcoming school year is available online and at every school. Each year there are changes to bus routes and stop locations based on the students who have requested transportation services. Bus stop times and locations will be available during school open houses. Parents can also visit www.gcsnc.com and click “Departments” and then “Transportation” in the drop-down menu. In the blue box on the left side of that page, click “Transportation Services,” where you’ll find the bus stop locator, school bell times and more.
WARNING:
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the N.C. Department of Agriculture, thereby removing UAC’s ability to operate the Guilford County Animal Shelter.
All school bell schedules for 2015-16 are also listed on the GCS website under
Transportation Services.
Jeff Harris, director of transportation, wants bus stop safety to be the primary concern for all parents, students and citizens of Guilford County. “We encourage parents to have students at their assigned bus stop at least 10 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive and to monitor students while at the bus stop location,” says Harris. “I also want to emphasize the importance of motorists stopping for a school bus that is displaying the mechanical stop arm and red lights. Doing so could save a child’s life.” If you have questions about transportation, refer to the transportation contacts listed in the Bus Stop Locator, or call the department at (336) 370-8920. Transportation representatives will also be available at each school’s open house.
HOA looks to town for assistance with trail repair, maintenance SUMMERFIELD – Last month, the Summerfield Town Council tabled a discussion on maintenance of The Vineyard trail until more information could be gathered. The trail was established in 2004 in The Vineyards at Summerfield neighborhood. It has been advertised for
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
public use, and has received some maintenance funds from the town in the past. In July, The Vineyards Homeowners Association requested the town shoulder the cost of trail improvements, and provided quotes for repair and maintenance which Town Manager Scott Whitaker
said did not compare “apples to apples” to another quote he had received. At the town council’s Aug. 11 meeting, HOA President Bill Chase said the HOA prefers a $36,476 quote from Greensborobased GroundWorks because the provided work would be comprehensive, efficient and make the trail easier to maintain. Chase then produced an easement agreement filed with the Guilford County Register of Deeds in 2004, between The Vineyards at Summerfield, Guilford County, and the Town of Summerfield. He said the HOA board hadn’t seen the document until the night before the town council meeting. “It’s never been clear about what amount of responsibility The Vineyards was supposed to contribute,” said Chase, who then read from the document: “The county and town shall maintain this greenway easement in a clean, landscaped and repaired state.” “That is a fairly good explanation, from our perspective, of what would be a starting point in terms of what
the town committed to in 2004,” said Chase. “We’re not looking for the Town of Summerfield to pick up the ticket on this, but we have been maintaining the trail for 10 years, without any direct support from the town.” In response to Councilwoman Alicia Flowers’s question of whether the HOA would be interested in closing the trail to the public, Chase said the HOA talked about that, and is open to any options. “The bottom line is that there is, as it stands today, some fiscal responsibility of the Town of Summerfield, in terms of bringing that trail up to some standard,” said Chase. “We have invested well in excess of $25,000.” Town Attorney Bill Hill advised the town council to table the issue again until September in order to give him time to gather other trail-related documents and put everything in context. “And the county’s involved, so you get into what the agreements are between us and the county, and who would take priority,” he said.
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“We have a unique opportunity to be able to service a small group of residents and property owners by investigating putting in a waterline,” he said, adding that Tree Court is a short street with five property owners, two of whom paid $200 deposits 12 years ago to connect to the water system if it happened to run past their properties. “I feel like we need to investigate it more, and probably spend a little money, get an engineer’s drawing and bids from contractors to install it,” said Thacker. “Council can set fees for the other three houses to hook up.” Council could then determine if it’s economically feasible to run the 500foot line, which could be extended to property past those homes that may one day be developed. “This town has had this water system for 12 years and has never expanded it on its own,” noted Thacker.
“Let’s look at the whole system, and work it into the whole plan,” he said. “I know there are a lot of dead ends, so
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Mayor Pro-Tem Frank Bruno said the council began discussing expansions about a year ago, and he suggested having an engineer look at the entire infrastructure.
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Town attorney William Trevorrow also advised looking at the whole system to avoid being discriminatory. “Was there not a plan discussed in the past?” he asked. “It just died on the vine.” Town Finance Officer/Clerk Carolyn Joyner said there was supposed to have been federal money available, but a “shovel-ready” plan was required. The town never got to the point of drawing plans or analyzing costs. Thacker recommended conducting another survey to see who would be interested in hooking up to the water system, and to hold workshops to pinpoint possible expansion. A workshop set for 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20 was to include discussion of water system issues. “This is the next natural progression of what we were trying to accomplish,” said Mayor Randy Braswell. “We’ve come a long way… it’s time to start, and it would keep Mary Maness smiling.” In the audience, Maness – who lives on Tree Court and speaks at nearly every council meeting – sat up tall, grinned and said, “I would be very happy if it came down Tree Court.”
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let’s loop it around. I think we should look at where we can at some point expand.”
Dr. David Lorczak
Oak Ridge Business Center, Linville Rd & NC 68 | (336) 644-8078 | orchiro.com
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AUG. 21 - 27, 2015
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e-mail: questions@ nwobserver.com At the July 14 Summerfield Town Council meeting, one of the council members abstained from voting – but then her vote counted as a yes. How does that work? “Robert’s Rules of Order,” a book published by Brig. Gen. Henry Martyn Robert in 1876, is the recognized authority on running meetings effectively and fairly. Article VIII of the book, which addresses voting, states, “While it is the duty of every member who has an opinion on the question to express it by his vote, yet he cannot be compelled to do so. He may prefer to abstain from voting, though he knows the effect is the same as if he voted on the prevailing side.”
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AUG. 21 - 27, 2015
Photo by Gerri Hunt/NWO
Beyond two mountains of crushed gravel visible just past Ribier Drive’s cul-de-sac in Arbor Run is an area of solid granite that was blasted with dynamite to accommodate the basement of a new home that will overlook the pond on this 26-acre parcel.
I live in Arbor Run subdivision (in Stokesdale), and at the end of Ribier Drive there is a large parcel of land that is not part of our neighborhood. I have been told that someone is building a house on the property and a Don Mills (Builders) sign is posted there. For the past several weeks, someone on the site has been setting off dynamite and there is a mill there that is turning the granite into gravel. They start work in the mornings between 6 and 7 a.m. I’m told the explosions have damaged the concrete driveway of the house closest to the
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property and my own house shakes when the explosions occur. It would be nice to know what is going on there. Is a house being built there or is someone turning this into a granite quarry or some other type of commercial enterprise? We caught up with High Point builder Don Mills, who confirmed he is building a house on that property, and that it is not part of Arbor Run. In fact, according to information on file with the Guilford County Register of Deeds, the large parcel has an address of 7539 N.C. 68, although the “work location” on the permits lists 7599 Ribier Drive, Kernersville. Mills said the home’s entrance will be at the Ribier Drive cul-de-sac. The property was purchased in June 2014 by a company named “8157 Apple Grove Road LLC” – with an identical mailing address. Mills confirmed the house is being constructed for a resident who currently lives in Arbor Run. “The property is 26 acres, and he wants to build the house overlooking a big pond,” said Mills. Permits state the nearly 9,500-square-foot house will be one
...continued on p. 30
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•
Christian Children’s Foundation, an Indian reservation. “It started out as dresses for girls, but we added boys’ pants too,” says Ward. But since it’s hard to find sturdy fabric that can withstand the knees of little boys, rather than make pants, the ladies seek donations of pants and shirts in great shape or unused altogether. “We try to find people who are going on mission trips or are adopting a child, and let them take outfits with them,” says Ward.
“I came back to [First Christian Church Ministries in Kernersville], and asked the Photo courtesy of Sew to Sow Ministry ladies there about it,” says Ward. “I Sew to Sow, a ministry of First Christian And someChurch in Kernersville, provides hand-made told them that if times they go dresses for children in need overseas. we have enough themselves. Ward people interested, we can make dresses and give them to and three other ladies from the church – orphanages and day cares.” Jeanette Harmon, LaDeea Draughn and Judy Chance – just visited Ethiopia with The overwhelming response resulted in the Sew to Sow Ministry and 135 Brighton Their World, a ministry providing outfits being sent to Brazil and Kenya in powdered baby formula to needy infants. 2013. The following year, 1,300 outfits Once there, the ladies worked with made it to Haiti, Rwanda, Bangladesh, a Pennsylvania-based ministry, EmbracEthiopia, Guatemala, Uganda, Ecuador ing Hope Ethiopia, which helps single and Kenya. This summer, 1,500 outwomen and their children. fits have gone to Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Dominican Republic and the Arizona
... continued on p. 30
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AUG. 21 - 27, 2015
Photo courtesy of Sew to Sow Ministry
Ethiopians learned to sew, thanks to (from left) LaDeea Draughn, Jeanette Harmon, Judy Chance and Sandra Ward, who spent four days teaching them a skill that will bring them some income.
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Coming this September A weekly section in the Northwest Observer focused on the activities, interests and accomplishments of our local youth and the adults who positively impact them.
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SUMMERFIELD town council
Aug. 11 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by GERRI HUNT Mayor Tim Sessoms called the meeting to order. Linda Southard led the opening prayer, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and staff/council introductions.
5 0 to remove a community
recycling/e-cycling event announcement from the agenda. In response to Councilwoman Alicia Flowers’s question from last month’s meeting minutes regarding Bozeman Gas, Town Manager Scott Whitaker said an underground propane tank acts as a back-up for town hall’s heating system. Flowers also asked if there’s another leak at Summerfield Athletic Park. “It’s an ongoing problem and we’re repairing and cleaning each spot as we
go,” replied Whitaker. Flowers then noted that $123 was spent on a staff lunch, and just $5.54 on town meeting refreshments. “That tells me we’re pretty low on the totem pole,” she said, being joined in laughter by several members of the council and audience.
5 0 to accept an amended consent agenda.
ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Sessoms invited council members running for re-election to speak. Councilwoman Elizabeth McClellan confirmed she’s running for mayor, and would appreciate everyone’s vote.
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Councilwoman Dena Barnes is also running for re-election. “I’ve been on the town council since 1997. I’m willing to serve again because I love the town and think I have a lot of knowledge that would be good,” she said. Barnes said she serves on the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), which deals with highways and roadways. “... I feel that’s a good area where I can leverage the town and what it wants in addition to the other small towns,” she said. “If I go off the council, that seat would be open. Like Elizabeth (McClellan) said, I am in favor of some of the things we’ve started and would like to continue on and see that they come to fruition. I want what [the people] tell us they want, in the order that we have to do it. We don’t have to spend the money all at once, but we need to make a plan and find out what to do. I welcome your vote in November.”
TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS
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mented that she had lived in “I’ve been on the town Summerfield for 12 years council almost four years and never seen a prenow,” McClellan said. NEXT MEETING sentation like the one “I’m in favor of a lot Tuesday, Sept. 8 • 6:30pm at this meeting. of projects we’re Summerfield Community Center doing now, like the “I think it’s reA&Y Trail, and ally excellent, and CONTACT YOUR TOWN some of the bigmaybe in the fu(336) 643-8655 gest concerns that ture we could have clerk@summerfieldgov.com I have are the road this twice a year,” www.summerfieldgov.com systems.” Dunham said.
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Flowers expressed concern over heavy trucks rumbling past historic buildings, to which Norris replied DOT’s traffic engineering department could possibly work with the town to address this issue through an ordinance, which could be backed by the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office – but he’s never seen it done. McClellan asked how roads get designated for “No Thru Trucks” and Norris said as a state route, Oak Ridge Road was ineligible; however, as a secondary road, Summerfield Road could be designated by DOT as such. Flowers suggested lowering the speed limit through the town’s historic district to 30 mph, and Norris said that could be done. McClellan announced the MPO will be hosting an open house on Aug. 18 in Greensboro and presenting Greensboro Urban Area transportation plans; related documents and a survey are available at www.guampo.org. Mayor Sessoms thanked Norris and McKinney for their presentation.
Mayor Sessoms recognized that many citizens were in attendance for a Q&A session on local highway projects, and introduced two speakers, N.C. Department of Transportation district engineer Bobby Norris and MPO transportation planner Craig McKinney. For more on this discussion, see “Road projects on target for Nov. 2016 completion” on page 1 of our Aug. 14-20, 2015 issue.
Dunham said citizens want to know why taxes are levied, how money is being spent, and to have more information during the town’s budget process. She said NCDOT “is a great thing” for North Carolina, and is a responsible government agency that can prioritize projects.
Following the Q&A session, Summerfield resident Gail Dunham com-
With an approaching election, Dunham said candidates have more
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
PUBLIC COMMENTS
I appreciate the way you’ve handled meetings; you’ve done an outstanding job at that, better than we’ve had in years. And no matter how much trouble I caused, you never shunned me. I appreciate that, and I thank you for that – it’s what this town needs.” Summerfield resident Adrian Williamson, addressing Mayor Tim Sessoms freedom to place signs than small businesses do. “When small businesses have events that bring people together in the town, I think they should be able to advertise [with signs],” she said. Whitaker later said he will send a memo to candidates clarifying sign placement statutes. Clark Doggett said people’s health would improve by using the A&Y Greenway just 30 minutes, three times a week, and extending the Greenway would redirect some bikes from the highways. Doggett recalled that Adrian Williamson spoke out against the trail during the July 14 town council meeting, saying he knew just 10 or 12 people who would benefit from it. Mathematically, that would mean 100 people would know 1,000 people who would use the trail, which Doggett said was wonderful. Continuing, Doggett said he didn’t see the point in Dwayne Crawford’s suggestion at last month’s meeting to have a referendum on the A&Y Greenway, because having it has already been decided.
“I’ve paid property taxes, and I feel I’ve paid my fair share of the A&Y Trail,” said Doggett. Paul Lambert said he defines a town council by what it doesn’t do – like running the police and fire departments, garbage pickup, water/sewer, roads and schools. “By that definition, we’re more like a homeowners association or a business association, and the Summerfield branding committee; we’re here only to do positive things,” he said. “The amount I pay in taxes for parks, compared to Washington, D.C., Raleigh and Guilford County, is peanuts. We are a small town and can do things for each other. [The town council] worked out a good project list and we’re doing good things.” Cheri Pikett, secretary of the town’s Public Safety Committee, announced she is running for a seat on the town council, and said she has attended several council meetings in the last few years. Dwayne Crawford announced he was also a candidate for town council,
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and if elected plans to “keep the promise of limited services, low-tax government.” He said in 1996, a flyer circulated regarding keeping taxes low or nonexistent. He said the town grew rapidly after hundreds of people petitioned to join Summerfield. “We grew through people moving here because of what we are, not because of what they thought we would turn into,” Crawford said. He pointed out the flyer promising limited services and low-tax government and a circulated flyer concerning the rapid petition to annex are not on the town’s website; if elected, one of his first motions would be to put those two documents online. He would also motion to have a ballot referendum for the A&Y Greenway. “We’re talking about a town with nearly $8 million in the bank, and fully conscious that this trail is going to cost
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AUG. 21 - 27, 2015
11
TOWN COUNCIL
she’s the conscience and the history, and you have to see where you’ve been to know where you’re going,” he said.
...continued from p. 11
in the ballpark of $5 million just to get it to the dry bridge,” said Crawford. He also said he would propose changing the town’s Comprehensive Plan, and to make the limited-services, low-tax government the No. 1 priority, as that item garnered the most votes and shouldn’t be ranked No. 12. Council candidate Reece Walker said Crawford had some good points; however, America scrapped the Articles of Confederation just four years after their creation.
developing the Comprehensive Plan, and council members were elected according to citizens’ wishes for who they wanted to represent them. Walker encouraged everyone to visit the “Committee to Elect Reese Walker” Facebook page or to email him at electreecewalker@gmail.com, and challenged candidates to keep the campaign as positive as possible. Nine-year Summerfield resident Chip Person announced his candidacy for council.
“Sometimes we have to look to the future, we have to move. I think this is the best town that has ever been. I love this town with all my heart,” he said.
“I don’t want to see this community change greatly,” he said. “I like concise and truthful statements. That’s what I’m running on.”
Walker was an active volunteer on the town’s Parks and Recreation Committee until it was disbanded. He said he supports the trails and smart, limited growth. Citizens spent a lot of time
Regarding controlled growth, Person said you can’t change the future if you don’t pay attention to it. “And you have to keep people like Mrs. Barnes on the council because
Adrian Williamson said if he’s elected to town council, he will be the same person he’s always been. “We’re talking about all these projects. I don’t care what you’re doing, I just don’t want you to spend the money,” he said. “If the country club isn’t spending $5 million for a park path, why in the thunder are we spending that kind of money?” he asked. “I don’t care how many trails you put in, just don’t throw money down the rat hole.” Williamson said if it takes $36,000 to maintain the small Vineyard Trail, he questioned how much maintaining the A&Y Greenway would cost. Turning to Mayor Sessoms, he said, “I appreciate the way you’ve handled meetings; you’ve done an outstanding job at that, better than we’ve had in years. And no matter how much trouble I caused, you never shunned me. I appreciate that, and I thank you for that – it’s what this town needs.”
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Wishing our patients an outstanding and healthy school year!
Town Planner Julie Reid will speak at the committee’s Aug. 26 meeting, which will begin at 6 p.m. at Town Hall.
TOWN MANAGER BUSINESS
12
AUG. 21 - 27, 2015
Summerfield resident Paul Lambert nance, Bill Chase of The Vineyards’ HOA presented a document showing that a maintenance agreement with the town was struck in 2004. For more on this discussion, see News Briefs in this issue.
5 0 to move $3.5 million from a Wells Fargo money market to a Bank of North Carolina CD for three years.
A&Y Greenway. Iona Thomas of the engineering firm Stewart presented a $320,294.48 total for the planning and design of the A&Y Greenway. See “A&Y Greenway design comes with possible $320k price tag” in the Aug. 14-20, 2015 issue. Whitaker said he will soon present the Guilford County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, which is being reviewed by North Carolina and Federal Emergency Management.
Finance Committee. Town Finance Officer Katrina Whitt said on July 20, the committee elected officers and unanimously voted on an investment Full-service dental practice serving of all ages Property transactions related to the recommendation for a $1 millionfamilies CD construction of the second entrance that is maturing. The committee’s next road to Summerfield Athletic Park are meeting will be in September. progressing. Trails and Open Space Committee.
Other Committees. The Historical Committee will meet at 7 p.m. on Aug. 27 at Town Hall. The Public Safety Committee didn’t meet in July or August.
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[The town council] is more like a homeowners association or a business association, and the Summerfield branding committee; we’re here only to do positive things.”
The Vineyard Trail. Continuing a discussion from last month’s meeting on the Vineyard Trail property and mainte-
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REPORTS, UPDATES Flowers asked what it means to be an ex officio member of the Historical Committee. Whitaker said the person is a non-voting committee member who lives outside town limits, and who is not counted in a quorum. Flowers also noted that four guests at the Finance Committee meeting were not mentioned in its minutes. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Viking•Nighthawk
Golf Challenge Sept. 4
Which school will leave with bragging rights – and this year’s trophy? by L.A. LOGAN Northwest Guilford and Northern Guilford rivals are set to match up at Bryan Park on Sept. 4 for the third annual Viking-Nighthawk Golf Challenge sponsored by Ameriprise Financial. Randy Cobb, who initiated the golf challenge in 2013, got the idea from a golf tournament that alumni from Page and Grimsley high schools hold on the day of their annual rivalry football game. “Imitation is the best form of flattery,” said Cobb. “Northern and Northwest has turned into maybe the best rivalry in the county.” Cobb, the NWHS Viking Vision athletic facilities fundraising group and Northern’s booster club thought a golf event would be a great way to foster a competitive and entertaining fundraiser that benefits both schools, said John Hughes, Northwest’s athletic director. Over 70 former classmates and neighbors competed in last year’s event, and
even more players are expected this year.
“It was a close battle last year,” said Simmons, a Northwest graduate. “The only outcome I can predict is that it’s going to be close.” Viking Vision and Northern’s Athletic Booster Club split the $6,600 in tournament proceeds last year, but it was Northern who earned bragging rights by defeating Northwest by a half point. Whoever wins on Sept. 4 will gain a 2-1 series edge. The winning team will be presented a trophy at halftime of the football game between Northwest and Northern on Friday, Sept. 4. The game will be played at Northern.
“Everyone who has played in the past has expressed how much fun it is,” Hughes said. “It’s an opportunity for those guys to come together, have a good time and talk a little trash,” said Brian Thomas, Northern’s athletic director. “But it’s all in good fun.” Structured similar to the PGA’s Ryder Cup, two-man teams are matched up to play 18 holes with one point given to the winning team and a half point granted for a tie. “At the end of the day we’re hoping it’s the red, black and white of Northwest instead of the purple of Northern (with the most points),” said Tim Frazier, a Northwest alumnus, Viking Vision volunteer and golf tournament organizer. Members of the community support the charity event as a good way to not only have fun, but contribute funds to their athletic departments. Becoming involved was an easy decision for Mike Simmons, who has a son playing varsity football for Northern.
“I am obviously biased towards Northern and believe we will win it again,” said Norm Klick Jr., whose twin sons graduated from Northern in June and both played on the varsity football team. Klick, who sponsors at
least one team in the tournament every year, said “Winning is part of who we (Northern) are.” Northern better bring their “A-game” to Bryan Park, Frazier said with a good-natured challenge. “It sure did hurt my heart to give that trophy back last year in front of our (Northwest) home crowd. It would be nice to go to Northern and get it handed back.”
Want to play? Registration is $90 per person, and participants are encouraged to register by Aug. 29. To register, email Brian Thomas, Northern athletic director, at Thomasb@gcsnc.com or John Hughes, Northwest athletic director, at Hughesj2@gcsnc.com. For more info, contact Randy Cobb at (226) 317-9550 or Tim Frazier at (336) 362-0969.
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CROSSFIT
...continued from p. 1 lution at its July 9 meeting which outlined the history of the situation with CrossFit and was accompanied by an ultimatum – the fitness facility must either bring its building into compliance or the council would rescind the temporary CO that had been issued 2.5 years earlier and CrossFit would be denied the right to conduct business in its building. At the end of this same meeting, longtime mayor Ray Combs resigned his mayor’s seat (though will retain his council seat until his term expires in November), saying his extensive travels were keeping him from giving the town his full attention; council member Spencer Sullivan was subsequently elected by his fellow council members as mayor. In the weeks since, Sullivan has been dogmatic in trying to find an amenable solution to the unresolved issues with CrossFit. Earlier this month CrossFit representatives were invited to meet informally with HPC members after the HPC’s regularly scheduled meeting on Aug. 12. The meeting was the first time in months that CrossFit and town representatives had communicated directly rather than through attorneys or in formally structured settings. It was also the first time HPC members sat down at the table with CrossFit representatives to offer input on their proposed amended plan. As HPC meetings are quasi-judicial, HPC members must function as judges and consider only the evidence presented to them, HPC Chair Ann Schneider explains. “The goal (of the informal meeting) was to seek resolution to the outstanding issues regarding compliance of CrossFit’s building with the previously issued amended COA,” Schneider said. “We invited CrossFit to submit a preliminary amended COA to address these outstanding items, and to sit down to discuss it with the HPC outside of our usual quasi-judicial procedures.” Schneider emphasized the meeting was both unusual and extraordinary in its structure, and she had hoped it would
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provide the opportunity to have a candid and productive discussion about whether the preliminary proposal (to remedy the non-compliant issues) presented by CrossFit complied with the town’s historic district design guidelines, and whether there were any areas in which HPC would recommend adjustments. “None of what happens in the preapplication hearing is legally binding, but we hoped it would be helpful to CrossFit in preparing a full application that the HPC can consider at a future meeting,” Schneider said. Following the nearly three-hour meeting, CrossFit co-owner Chad Gimbert felt progress had been made. “It was extremely helpful to be in that setting where we could talk frankly,” he said. “At the end of the day, we knew where we stood and what was crucial. We could move forward from that.” CMT Commons, owner of CrossFit, was given until Aug. 19 to present an amended COA application. “We submitted the application through our attorney, and think it’s something they (HPC) will be able to accept,” said Gimbert. “Assuming they accept our amended proposal, we would be given a period of time to get it all done.” Schneider agrees it was helpful to sit at the table and “work around some of the issues (with CrossFit) together.” “I am hopeful we are much closer to a resolution,” she said with a note of cautious optimism. “Our hope is that the amended application is very thorough and something we can work with.” Mayor Sullivan, who was not present at the Aug. 12 meeting, says he is encouraged by the feedback he received from those who did attend. “But there is a good amount of work that still needs to be done,” Sullivan cautioned. “My role will continue to be as a facilitator and resource to try to help move the process forward – ultimately, this is an HPC matter … The next thing that will happen will be a formal hearing (before the HPC) to consider that application, and hopefully things will move forward from there.”
18 Buyers vs. sellers Who reigns in the local market? Cover photo by Annette Joyce
16 Northwest Guilford
real estate briefs
22 See which new and
existing homes have sold in your area, and for how much
23 Find the answers to
your real estate questions
Developer LD Equity is planning for about 69 single-family homes on the site, with home prices ranging from about $450,000 to more than $700,000. Thirty-three percent of The Farms at Lake Brandt property will remain as open or undeveloped space, which
REAL ESTATE briefs
Warner Road subdivision to be developed slowly OAK RIDGE – The Oak Ridge Town Council voted unanimously on July 9 to approve 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. 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 said they are investigating other water sources. The couple plans to develop the property slowly, at a pace of only a few houses per year, so it will take several years for the subdivision to be completed. The Gardners will still need to go back before the Oak Ridge Planning and Zoning Board and the town council for approval of their subdivision plan.
The Farms at Lake Brandt approved SUMMERFIELD – Following multiple favorable comments from citizens regarding a proposed development, the Summerfield Town Council voted unanimously on July 14 to approve a rezoning
request for 132 acres off Scalesville and Lake Brandt roads. The property has been rezoned from AG (Agricultural) to CU-RS-40 (Conditional Use – Residential – 40,000 square feet minimum lot size).
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 property lines.
Summerfield designer joins nationwide network SUMMERFIELD – Time Inc.’s Coastal Living and Southern Living brands recently announced the addition of interior designer Maria Adams, owner of Maria Adams Designs, to its nationwide designer Maria Adams network. interior designer
The Designer Network, which officially launched this year, seeks to bring together interior designers who have been given the magazines’ aesthetic and professional stamp of approval and can turn readers’ inspiration into a reality in their own homes. “I’m delighted and honored to be a member of the Southern Living and Coastal Living Designer Network,” says Adams, a Summerfield resident who was vetted by editorial representatives of each magazine before receiving cer-
... continued on p. 26
Coming soon ... more fine homes from Builders MD
Owners Casey and David Flanders with their sons, Easton and Noah
Riverside in Oak Ridge
16
AUG. 21 - 27, 2015
Herons Nest in Oak Ridge
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
(336) 362-2234 www.buildersmd.com facebook.com/buildersmd
Every home is valuable. Visit BHHSYostandLittle.com for your free Home Value Estimate. For more information on each listing, visit BHHSYostandLittle.com/MLS
5402 Westfield Drive
$1,850,000
7450 Strader Road
MLS 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
$1,599,000
MLS 755109
Picture perfect, white brick, Southern design, custom-built home with warp-around porch taking in the rolling land and spectacular views. ~ 3-acre lake with waterfall. Highend appointments throughout, no detail overlooked.
Nancy Hess
336-215-1820
7059 Toscana Trace
4000 Brass Cannon Court
Elegant open floorplan flows easily through beautifully appointed rooms, fabulous msin level master with breakfast bar, and sauna. Gourmet kitchen, 2-story den, large bedrooms with ensuite baths, office/bonus room.
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.
$850,000
Web ID 690332
Tom Chitty 336-420-2836
6303 Poplar Forest Drive $639,900
MLS 718974
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.
Joyce Norris 336-327-3650
$825,000
MLS 752774
Melissa Greer
336-337-5233
Bill Ownbey 910-279-3080
336-209-8482
7507 William Bailey Road $379,900
MLS 757652
Betty Callahan 336-403-5545
6300 Poplar Forest Drive
Nancy Hess
336-215-1820
$579,900 MLS 766922
Amanda Kondrasov
336-553-8077
George Greenway 336-387-2151
•
Joyce Norris 336-327-3650
$665,000
MLS 752561
Tom Chitty 336-420-2836
7437 Strawberry Road
3809 Old Berkshire Drive
Custom-built, secluded, raised Summerfield ranch on 15+ acres. Woods, overlooks large private stocked pond with dock. Meandering floorplan with main level living. Large rooms spill into outdoor spaces for large gatherings.
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.
$555,000 Web ID 754175
Nancy Hess
336-215-1820
$415,000
MLS 755308
Mark Yost 336-707-6275
7825 Wilson Farm Road
1008 Eastshore Circle
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.
Great unit for fulltime living or local recreation. This lake view townhome comes with 1 open boat slip and 1 covered slip with lift. Stainless, granite, new carpet, updated tile baths, neutral décor. Cove community with golf cart path.
Deryle Peaslee-Wood
336-601-4765
6903 Ridge Haven Road
Adams Farm 336—854—1333
MLS 732432
3825 Obriant Place
$349,900 MLS 763542
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.
336-346-1914
$710,000
4 beds with main level master in Cardinal. Great office/loft. Huge greatroom with soaring ceilings, 2 fireplaces, many built-ins ,extensive hardwoods, brick & wrought iron walks. Remodeled kitchen and baths. Across from golf course.
5525 Osceola Ossipee Road
Cookie Bobko
Jamie Harrelson 336-889-9192
2006 Showcase of Homes. Chef’s kitchen with wine cooler, stainless GE Profile appliances, custom cabinets, granite counters, glass tile backsplash, eat-at island, breakfast, keeping. Main level master, each bed with private bath.
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.
MLS 696265
MLS 751001
6341 Poplar Forest Drive
4910 Golden Acres Road
$285,000
336-740-5571
2420 Ellisboro Road
$1,000,000
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.
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.
MLS 754327
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.
$289,900 MLS 733367
Travis Groome
MLS 731857
5806 Harriet Court
$808,888
8134 Zinfandel Avenue
Sherri Hill
$1,125,000
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.
Designed and built by Almstead Custom Homes in Arbor Run. Romeo & Juliet balcony, private study/sitting off main level master. Coffered ceiling in dining, knotty alder cabinets, home theatre with 100” screen. Lake view from backyard.
Web ID 732815
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.
336-662-7805
MLS 718391
7002 Mustang Court
$639,000
7083 Lanier
Kim Wilson
7504 Forest Creek Ridge Top drawer features and amendities. 2-story paneled library and travertine marble floored foyer. Grand formal dining, epicurean kitchen with 6 burner, 60” wolf range. Large den with barrell-vaulted ceiling and gas log fireplace.
$1,195,000
Picturesque retreat nestled on 2-acre wooded lot. Custombuilt by Wolfe Homes. Natural light, soaring ceilings. Open floorplan is comfortable to live and entertain in. Chef ’s kitchen with new stainless appliances. Main level master.
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.
$399,900 MLS 732788
6261 Lake Brandt
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.
$258,900
Melissa Greer
Elm Street 336—272—0151 •
MLS 757451
336-337-5233
$321,000
Caitlin Rogers
MLS 750965
336-580-6306
$299,900 MLS 764541
Nancy Hess
336-215-1820
305 River Run
351 Strawberry Road
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.
This 4 bedroom / 2 bathroom, well-kept manufactured home sits on 3-acres of land less than 30 minutes from Greensboro. Great floorplan, fresh paint on doors and steps. Recently renovated. Pool. 2-car carport.
$168,500
Beth Brannan
Friendly Center 336—370—4000 •
MLS 761393
336-253-4693
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.
$104,490
MLS 757420
Donna Mahrt 336-906-8881
Buyers vs. Sellers Who reigns supreme in the local market? by ANNETTE JOYCE
western part of Guilford County.
For the past few years, buyers have been largely in the driver’s seat of the local real estate market. Sellers and their Realtors have often gone to great lengths to get buyers just to look at their homes, and coming to terms and actually closing on a deal was even more of a challenge.
When assessing the state of the market, most real estate professionals rely on the current inventory.
As the market has improved, however, so has the outlook for sellers. But, is it premature to say the tables have turned? We talked to several local Realtors to get a better understanding of what sort of market we’re facing here in the north-
Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO
Lots being cleared to make way for new construction are a common sight in the northwest and northern parts of the county.
“Inventory of available homes determines if it is a buyer’s or seller’s market,” says Bobbie Gardner, a veteran Realtor with Keller Williams Realty in Summerfield. “A six-month inventory is a balanced, stable market. A buyer’s market, which we recently experienced, is nine-plus months of inventory. “We determine a market to be a seller’s market when we have a shortage
Thinking Northern Guilford?
of homes to sell (less than a six-month inventory).”
their property and they have the pricing advantage.”
Donna Ogletree, broker-in-charge and branch leader with Allen Tate Realtors in Oak Ridge, confirms a buyer’s market occurs when there is more supply than demand.
The number of days a house sits on the market is another indication of who currently is in the driver’s seat. When houses linger on the market for more than 180 days, buyers have a distinct advantage over the seller.
“Buyers can take their time finding a home since there are many to select from. (The buyers) also have a pricing advantage,” says Ogletree. “In a seller’s market, there’s more demand than supply. Sellers often have multiple offers on
Think Hilton’s Landing We have a home site just for you
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DeDe’s
REAL ESTATE GROUP
AUG. 21 - 27, 2015
While everyone agrees the real estate market has significantly improved in the last few years, price range and location
DeDe Cunningham
Take Hwy 150 East, left on Cedar Hollow Rd, left on Hunter’s Dr.
18
How does this apply to our local market?
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8525 Rosedale Drive, Oak Ridge $519,500
www.dedestriadhomes.com
Photos by Annette Joyce/NWO
An increased number of builder presales are a sign of a healthier real estate market. As new homes come on the market, Realtors advise sellers of existing homes to be more aggressive with price, presentation and promotion.
are still driving forces. “Certain areas and price points are doing very well and others are over supplied,” says Nancy Hess, a long-time Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Yost and Little Realty. Phillip Stone, a Realtor with A New Dawn Realty, Keller Williams, concurs. “The pendulum has swung to some degree, but everything depends on your price and location,” says Stone. In the last few months, Stone has seen several of his more moderately priced listings selling much more quickly. As an example, he referenced a home that recently went on the market, had multiple offers and went under contract within seven days. Stone sees this as the norm for homes in the $125,000 to $200,000 range. “The market has definitely turned into a seller’s market in lower price ranges,” confirms Gardner. “Under $200,000 homes have more readily qualified buyers and are selling quicker if they are in show-ready condition and
The buyer that wavers is going to miss out. You need to be ready to go when you see the property you really like. In a seller’s market, if you snooze, you will lose.”
much of a boost are homes in the higher price ranges.
Philip Stone, A New Dawn Realty, Keller Williams
“There’s a lot more competition with new construction (in this price range) and sellers of existing homes will need to be aggressive,” says Stone. “I tell sellers if the three P’s – price, presentation and promotion – are done right, a property should sell within 30 days.”
have a good location.” Delia Knight, a Realtor with Allen Tate Realtors in Oak Ridge, says that though market conditions are currently very balanced for both buyers and sellers, property inventory could use a boost. “Our only challenge is a lack of For Sale signs,” says Knight. “We need more sellers back in the market as demand has really increased.” One area that might be getting too
“As developing and building is starting up again in the north and northwest areas of the county, we may possibly experience an oversupply of upper-end homes in the market,” says Hess. New construction may also weaken sales of existing homes in the same price range.
Whether you’re buying or selling in today’s market, local Realtors are happy to share advice on how to get the best deal possible. For sellers, Hess has two words: “Carpe Diem (seize the day)!” “If interest rates rise, it will be open season for remodelers,” says Hess. “(Po-
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
tential buyers) are going to think twice before leaving their 3.25 percent interest rate for a larger home. If they can add on or remodel, that’s what they’ll do rather than buying another home.” Knight notes that sellers need to be willing to set the price of their home to reflect today’s market values. “With demand increasing, appraisals have been challenging, so pricing correctly is critical,” she says. Buyers also need to prepare themselves for being in a seller’s market. “It is really important to get pre-approved before looking to purchase, and be realistic with pricing as the market has shifted,” advises Ogletree. Stone adds that buyers need to have a good buyer’s agent watching out for the properties they’re interested in and catching them when they hit the market. “The buyer that wavers is going to miss out,” says Stone. “You need to be ready to go when you see the property you really like. In a seller’s market, if you snooze, you will lose.”
AUG. 21 - 27, 2015
19
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Johnson and Lee: where craftsmanship, attention to When father-and-son teams Commie and Casey Johnson and Rick and Mike Lee joined forces in 2005, they brought together two powerhouses in commercial and residential building. More importantly, the partnership they formed was built on a foundation of knowledge, respect and a passion for client satisfaction.
ing lives in the community through their business,” says Foy, whose Angels Glen home was completed about a year ago. “We found the guys to be very honest, trustworthy and down-to-earth.”
All four men are local residents – the Johnsons live in Stokesdale and the Lees in Oak Ridge – and each is a licensed contractor. Their company is structured so that one of them oversees each project, but none of them are above grabbing a hammer and joining the construction crew.
“I enjoyed every minute of the building process,” says Idol. “I would build another house with them tomorrow.”
After meeting the Johnson and Lee team at a Parade of Homes event, Derek and Rachael Foy were instantly impressed by their craftsmanship and attention to detail; it was their attitude that sealed the deal.
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“They have a high level of social responsibility and commitment to improv-
For Pam Idol, working with Johnson and Lee to build her home in Oak Ridge was pure pleasure.
Idol and her husband, Garry, had very specific ideas about how they wanted their house built and Johnson and Lee worked with them to make sure they got the home of their dreams. “They treated my house like they were building it for themselves,” says Idol. “If I didn’t like something, they would do whatever was necessary to make it right.” Larry Lawrence, owner of Probity Products in Kernersville, hired Johnson and Lee
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o detail and attitude leads to very happy clients to renovate his office building. He chose them after they made changes in his initial drawings that resulted in a cost reduction of about 20 percent. Pleased with the first renovation, Lawrence later brought them back to build an
addition to his building and couldn’t be more satisfied with the outcome. “They had all the records from the previous upfit and they matched everything,” says Lawrence. “You can’t even tell there was an addition.”
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Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO
The two father-and-son teams that make up Johnson and Lee work in harmony to produce quality-built homes such as this one – and happy homeowners.
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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 7344 Henson Forest Drive (Armfield) $475,000
5311 Chestnut Ridge Drive (Highland Grove) $158,000
6224 McKibbin Circle (Armfield) $430,000
6900 Bronco Lane (Hillside Lake) $345,000
7716 Briardenn Drive (Birkhaven) $585,000
1468 Bethan Drive (Lennox Woods) $513,000
6006 Carlson Ridge Court (Carlson Ridge) $355,000
6814 Polo Farms Drive (Polo Farms) $447,000
4501 Joseph Hoskins Road (Elmhurst Estates) $312,000 6318 Poplar Forest Drive (Henson Forest) $929,000
6000 Trotter Ridge Road (Trotter Ridge) $378,500 6197 Windsor Farme Road (Trotter Ridge) $375,000 6190 Moores Creek Drive (Trotter Ridge) $338,000 7840 Wilson Farm Road (Wilson Farm) $305,500 6971 Brandi Wood Circle (Wilson Farm) $295,000
6220 Reata Drive (Reata Estates) $360,000
5612 Crooked Oak Drive (Woodvale) $315,000
1106 Appaloosa Court (Stable Ridge) $331,000
5250 Bunch Road $787,500
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1926 Scalesville Road $294,000
8500 Billet Place (Billet Place) $355,000
5912 Pepper Road $249,000
3100 Pleasant Ridge Road $280,000
6509 Peppermill Drive (Estates at Oak Ridge) $373,500
6711 Bastille Lane $247,500
STOKESDALE 8219 Messenger Court (Angels Glen) $264,000 8206 Barbelo Drive (Angels Glen) $291,000 8201 Kandi Drive (Marshall Woods) $353,000 7107 Holly Glen Court (Oak Creek) $224,000 7307 Lambert Lake Court (Old Moores Mill) $326,500 8315 Providence North Drive (Providence North) $290,000 8615 Self Road (Southpoint Forest) $247,500 7775 Springdale Meadow Drive (Springdale) $235,000 8114 Flatrock Road $635,000 8835 Colgate Road $270,500
7811 Perthshire Drive (Huntcliff) $212,500
6523 Zack Road $236,000 8039 Fogleman Road $156,000
8517 Merriman Farm Road (Merriman Estates) $409,000
KERNERSVILLE
714 Number Ten Way (New Chartwell) $290,000
7610 Charles Place Drive (Arbor Run) $594,500
707 Number Ten Way (New Chartwell) $299,000
7609 Charles Place (Arbor Run) $565,000
7508 Broadus Court (Pearman Estates) $428,000
7574 Haw Meadows Drive (Arbor Run) $450,000
1676 Deer Run Court (River Oaks) $372,000 1784 Ridge Oaks Drive (River Oaks) $340,000 8405 Crichton Court (River Oaks) $328,000 4405 Stafford Glen Court (Stafford Glen) $495,000 4905 Leadenhall Road (Staffordshire Estates) $525,000 2800 Norwell Court (Stonehenge) $243,500
8816 Sawtooth Court (Ridgecrest) $377,500 8809 Sawtooth Court (Ridgecrest) $370,000
COLFAX 8512 Point Oak Drive (Avahlee Meadows) $272,000 8509 Blackstone Drive (Kamden of Sandy Ridge) $325,000 4805 Marquis St. (Legacy at Sandy Ridge) $291,000
9211 US 58 $152,500
1755 Oak Ridge Road (Trenton) $362,000
8401 Pheasant Ridge Drive (Pheasant Ridge) $299,000
OAK RIDGE
5807 Willow Way Court (Twelve Oaks) $460,000
1908 Cross Pond Drive (Quail Creek) $250,000
5953 Pepper Road (13.508 acres) $312,000
8002 Bartonshire Road (Weatherstone) $209,000
9069 W. Market St. $552,000
7501 Bethel View Court (Bethel Ridge) $250,000
6103 Bar Court (Willard Oaks) $482,000
8861 Boylston Road $480,000
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REAL ESTATE Q&A
Have a question related to the local real estate market? online: nwobserver.com e-mail: questions@nwobserver.com
How are home listing prices determined? We’re getting ready to list our home and would like to know how a listing price is determined. We keep hearing about market value, but don’t really know how that is determined. “First, there are all sorts of definitions for ‘market value’ depending on who you ask,” says Gil Vaughan, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty in Summerfield. “However, simply put, the ‘market value’ of any home is the price that a buyer is willing to pay and a seller is willing to accept for that property.” To establish the list price – or as Vaughan says, the “estimated market value” of a home – Realtors use a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). The CMA compares your home to “recent sales in the last three to six months, recent pending sales and active listings from your geographic area of homes that are ‘as similar to your home in all aspects as possible,’” says Vaughan. “Some of these aspects will be location, age (year built), style, condition, type of construction, number of bedrooms/ baths/garages, size, upgrades, interior and exterior amenities and much more.” In using this approach, the Realtor takes the best comparable properties, also known as comps, and puts them up against your house, which is considered the subject property. The sales prices of the sold properties or the list prices for pending and active properties are adjusted up or down based on
Helping families in northwest Guilford County with all their real estate needs
the value of the various home features. “The average of these adjusted comparable homes gives you an estimated price at which your home should sell,” says Vaughan. “This should also be your list price. When priced correctly, your home should sell quickly and at list price.”
Johnnye Letterman Realtor® (336) 601-6012 johnnye@johnnyeletterman.com
Buyer’s agent – do I really need one? I’ve been told it is advisable to have a buyer’s agent when you purchase a home. What’s the benefit? I always thought you could save money by working directly with a listing agent.
Bobbie Gardner Realtor® / Broker
Finding Your Roots
(336) 382-5939 • bobbiegardner.com
Dede Cunningham, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty, suggests buyers have their own representation with a dedicated buyer’s agent. “Simply put, seller’s agents work in the best interest of the sellers and buyer’s agents work in the best interest of the buyers,” says Cunningham.
Attention
Too many buyers incorrectly assume that if they’re working with the listing agent, they do have someone on their side. What they don’t realize is that they’re working with what’s called a dual agent in which an agent or real estate firm works with both the buyer and seller in the same transaction.
REALTORS
For instance, dual representation would occur when the buyer purchases a home using the listing agent, rather than bringing in another agent. As a dual agent, the agent is limited in what advice he can and cannot provide about the transaction.
...
“If you don’t have an agent representing you, then you don’t have anyone responsible for making sure you get the best possible value,” says Cunningham. “As a buyer’s agent, I review all HOA documents, review NCDOT roads and future road plans, review/ provide covenants and restrictions, research comparable properties, negotiate the offer, assure deadlines are met, coordinate all inspections and negotiate repairs, schedule the closing and coordinate with the attorney and more,” Cunningham adds. “There is no savings [to the buyer] working directly with the listing agent and in many cases buyers may even pay more if not properly advised.”
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LENDERS Don’t be absent when our readers are searching for an expert! Be included in our monthly real estate section. To advertise in our Sept. 18 NWO Real Estate section, contact us by Tuesday, Sept. 8
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AUG. 21 - 27, 2015
23
We’ll get you moving!
8000 Perlette Court, Kernersville $725,000 - 4BR/4BA/1HBA - MLS# 761697
5688 Green Dale Court, Summerfield $689,000 - 4BR/3BA/1HBA - MLS# 762683
6200 Herons Nest Court, Oak Ridge $515,000 - 4BR/3BA/1HBA - MLS# 759155
Linda Mitchell 336-345-4046 Linda.Mitchell@allentate.com
Rich Goldsmith 336-314-0168 Rich.Goldsmith@allentate.com
Paige Frank 336-442-4885 Paige.Frank@allentate.com
6002 Old Orchard Road, Kernersville $482,000 - 6BR/4BA/1HBA - MLS# 757729
5414 Rambling Road, Greensboro $439,900 - 4BR/3BA/1HBA - MLS# 762470
8600 Rosedale Drive, Oak Ridge $405,000 - 4BR/3BA/1HBA - MLS# 763896
Randy Carson 336-686-1776 Randy.Carson@allentate.com
Tammy Gardner 336-509-3303 Tammy.Gardner@allentate.com
Wendy Blair 336-580-7124 Wendy.Blair@allentate.com
6515 Hollow River Drive, Oak Ridge $395,000 - 4BR/3BA - MLS# 763898
5803 Elkton Drive, Oak Ridge $389,500 - 4BR/3BA - MLS# 763502
8805 E Pepper Court, Oak Ridge $370,000 - 4BR/3BA - MLS# 762435
Jen Bruton 336-549-3962 Jen.Bruton@allentate.com
Tim Atkins 336-280-8016 Tim.Atkins@allentate.com
Ramilya Siegel 336-215-9856 Ramilya.Siegel@allentate.com
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U ND ER C O NTR A C T 7505 Bentridge Forest Drive, Kernersville $359,900 - 4BR/3BA - MLS# 706555
8210 Kelly Ford, Oak Ridge $292,700 - 3BR/2BA/1HBA - MLS# 765939
Melissa Shelar 336-339-4385 Melissa.Shelar@allentate.com
Stephanie Allred 336-403-9438 Stephanie.Allred@allentate.com
8320 Richardsonwood Road, Browns Summit $264,900 - 3BR/2BA - MLS# 760152
1764 Round Hill Circle, Kernersville $199,900 - 3BR/2BA - MLS# 767950
404 Dahl, Madison $199,900 - 3BR/2BA/1HBA - MLS# 763936
Yvonne Stockard 336-509-6139 Yvonne.Stockard@allentate.com
Robert Knight 336-334-2039 Robert.Knight@allentate.com
Delia Knight 336-643-2573 Delia.Knight@allentate.com
5911 Laurel Creek Court, Greensboro $175,900 - 3BR/2BA/1HBA - MLS# 757080
1975 Shillington Drive, Winston-Salem $152,000 - 3BR/2BA/1HBA - MLS# 763738
1120 S Woodleigh Circle, Reidsville $119,000 - 3BR/2BA - MLS# 730145
Kimberly Burgess 336-314-8828 Kimberly.Burgess@allentate.com
Rhonda Stone 336-453-9559 Rhonda.Stone@allentate.com
Eve Miller 336-662-7242 Eve.Miller@allentate.com
Greensboro-Green Valley , 717 Green Valley Road, Suite 300, 336-273-7771
Oak Ridge, 2215 Oak Ridge Road, 336-644-1238
REAL ESTATE briefs ...continued from p. 16 tification. “I look forward to connecting and working with readers of these top-shelf publications and bringing my signature of classic, modern living mixed with a bit of Southern charm to their homes.” Established in 2011, Maria Adams Designs, formerly known as Interior Design Solutions by Maria, is a full-service residential and commercial interior design firm specializing in custom design including renovation and
new home construction consulting. Maria Adams Designs recently partnered with Southern Evergreen, a local Southern Living Custom Builder, to be its in-house interior designer. Adams is the only Southern Living Designer in the Triad and the only Southern Living Designer partnered with a Southern Living Custom Builder. The two companies are currently working together on a Southern Living showcase home in Oak Ridge.
NorthRidge community transitions into Phase II STOKESDALE – Oak Ridge developer Francis Disney recently announced his NorthRidge subdivision is preparing to launch its second phase.
tion last spring with 11 lots developed. Phase II will include 15 lots, which Disney says will open up to the pond located on the property.
Located off Prince Edward Road in Stokesdale, NorthRidge began construc-
“Right now, we’ve got four houses under construction,” says Disney.
“Construction is going well and we’re on schedule. There’s also strong buyer interest. We’re looking forward to beginning the next phase.” The NorthRidge builder team includes local builders Disney Construction, Johnson and Lee, LLC, Precept Construction and Gingerich Homes. When completed, the 130acre community will include 100 homes on one- to twoacre lots, with home prices beginning in the low $400,000s. Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO
Staaf joins Keller Williams North Roseann Staaf recently joined Keller Williams North in Summerfield. Staaf, who lives just outside of Stokesdale, has won numerous awards during her 15-year career as a Realtor.
Roseann Staaf
“I’m really a stickler about customer service. I think (good customer service) is something
we’ve lost in the last decade,” says Staaf. “For me, it’s about more than making the sale. It’s about making the person happy.” As a testament to her commitment, Staaf says the majority of her clients are repeats or referrals from former clients. Staaf and her husband, Robert, have been married for 27 years and have three children and five grandchildren. When she’s not working, Staaf actively volunteers with her church and enjoys participating in mission work and traveling. Staaf can be reached at (336) 613-7925.
Making way for the new
We’ll take care of every detail. Buying and selling a home is one of the largest transactions many people will ever make. We’re committed to making it a smooth process from start to finish.
8004 Linville Rd, Suite E-3 Oak Ridge • 643-4623 Photo by Gerri Hunt/NWO
www.attorneybillbarbour.com
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AUG. 21 - 27, 2015
Cox Backhoe was called in to tear down an old building, located on the Colleen Court culde-sac off Belford Road in Summerfield, where a handful of home sites are being developed.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
stopped on Oak Ridge Road in Summerfield for speeding (125 mph in a 50 mph zone) on U.S. 220.
CRIME / INCIDENT report The District 1 Sheriff’s Office
ASSAULT Aug. 10 | A resident of Bentridge Forest Drive in Kernersville reported that he was assaulted during a domestic dispute.
has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest Guilford County. ALCOHOL/DRUGS Aug. 10 | A resident of Haw River Road in Kernersville reported that a family member was in possession of controlled substances. Investigation is underway into how the family member came into possession of several prescription medications without prescriptions. Aug. 12 | A Winston-Salem resident was charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana after an officer stopped a suspicious vehicle on Stafford Pointe Court in Oak Ridge. Remnants of a marijuana joint were found during a consent search of the vehicle. The driver was also charged with driving with a revoked license.
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Aug. 12 | Officers were called to a
residence on N.C. 150 West in northern Greensboro regarding a domestic dispute, and while inside the residence they found marijuana in plain view. A Greensboro man was arrested for possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, maintaining a dwelling for the manufacture of controlled substances, manufacturing marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Charges are pending against a Greensboro woman. Aug. 13 | An Oak Ridge man was arrested for driving while impaired after he was stopped on Haw River Road for driving at an unsafe speed in the Kings Crossing parking lot.
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Aug. 15 | A female resident of Sorrel Run Court in Summerfield reported being assaulted during a domestic dispute. A male resident was arrested.
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Aug. 17 | A Chapel Hill man was arrested for driving while impaired after he was
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Aug. 12 | A female resident of N.C. 150 West in northern Greensboro reported being assaulted during a domestic dispute; she did not require medical treatment. The suspect was arrested on drug-related charges, and was served with an assault warrant while in jail.
Aug. 10 | A resident of Wildflower Ridge Way in Summerfield reported that sometime between 5 and 9 p.m., an unknown person stole a wallet, an iPhone 5 and other items valued at $365 from an unlocked vehicle parked in the driveway.
Aug. 10 | A resident of Henson Farm Way in Summerfield reported that sometime between 10 p.m. on Aug. 9 and 6:50 a.m. on Aug. 10, an unknown person stole a $200 black and pink Coach purse, a $100 pink Michael Kors wallet, $65 in cash, and a $20 black and gray SwissGear backpack from two unlocked vehicles parked in the victim’s driveway.
BURGLARY Aug. 14 | A resident of U.S. 158 in Stokesdale reported that sometime between 7:30 and 11:15 a.m., an unknown person entered the victim’s home through a side door and stole two $50 Icon motorcycle helmets (one pink and black, the other red and black), a $400 32-inch Toshiba LED Smart TV, and a $600 55-inch Samsung flat screen TV. The screen on the storm door sustained $100 in damages. Aug. 15 | A High Point resident reported a burglary at a rental property on Anthony Road in Kernersville. Sometime between 4
... continued on p. 30
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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
AUG. 21 - 27, 2015
27
Charlotte in 1957 by Allen Tate Jr. as a one-man, one-office real estate and insurance company. Today, Allen Tate Company ranks No. 1 in the Carolinas, No. 7 among America’s 500 largest independently owned, non-franchised brokers and No. 10 among all brokers nationwide.
CELEBRATION ANNIVERSARY Sam and Pauline Middleton of Stokesdale celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Aug. 5. Family and friends honored the couple with a cook-out on Saturday, Aug. 8. The couple has two sons, Mark Middleton of Stokesdale and Tim Middleton of Stoneville, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Allen Tate offers a “one-stop shopping” approach to meeting the needs of its real estate customers. In addition to Allen Tate Realtors, the Allen Tate family of companies includes:
for celebration ad rates:
e-mail: celebrations@nwobserver.com call: 644-7035, ext. 10
BUSINESS notes Welcome to our new advertiser! ALLEN TATE COMPANY Allen Tate Company is the Carolinas’ largest residential real estate company, with 41 local offices and more than
1,400 real estate professionals in the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle and upstate South Carolina regions. The company was founded in
Look for it in next week’s issue of the Northwest Observer
28
AUG. 21 - 27, 2015
• Allen Tate Home Services, with handyman, moving and security services exclusively for Allen Tate customers; • Master Title Agency, the fastest growing title agency in the Carolinas.
• Allen Tate Mortgage, a mortgage banker affiliated with local and national lenders that provide access to a wide variety of loan programs; • Allen Tate Insurance, a full-service, independent insurance company representing top-rated national firms;
See display ads on pages 24 and 25.
BITS & PIECES
Kevin Eichlin named Eagle Scout Kevin Eichlin of Oak Ridge was recently awarded the rank of Eagle Scout by the Old North State Council. His Eagle Scout project benefitted the Wesley House at Oak Eichlin Ridge United Methodist Church, where he built a sidewalk, steps and railing. Eichlin’s spaghetti dinner
Your in-depth preview of Northern & Northwest Guilford High Schools’ fall 2015 football season
• Allen Tate Relocation Services, which assists with individual or corporate moves and provides information on a region’s schools, transportation, employment and recreational opportunities;
fundraiser successfully paid for the project as well as a donation to the church. A rising freshman at Northwest Guilford High School, Eichlin is a member of Troop 139, and a member of the NWHS JV football team and the Greensboro United soccer team. He is especially appreciative of Jeff Malesovich, Kris Scheponik, Tim Florence and Jim Riley for their leadership and mentorship during the journey of attaining his Eagle Scout ranking.
Forum to address community’s interaction with law enforcement GUILFORD COUNTY – Conservatives for Guilford County (C4GC) will host a free “Front Line Forum” on Tuesday, Aug. 25, focusing on how the community interacts with law enforcement officers.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
There will be presentations from the Guilford County Sheriff’s Department and Greensboro Police Department. The forum will include a question-andanswer session with a panel consisting
Scheduled topics will include Review of the county’s strategic plan; overview of the county’s budget and public safety services; the role of
The event is included with general admission to the Greensboro Science Center, located at 4301 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro. For more info, visit www.GreensboroScience.org.
Class space is limited. Applicants must be 18 years of age and reside in Guilford County.
Exceptional care in a new location – coming summer 2015 LeBauer Guilford/Jamestown is moving just 2.5 miles to MedCenter High Point.
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GREENSBORO – Blue or pink… what do you think? On Friday, Aug. 21, at 10 a.m., the Greensboro Science Center will host a “gender reveal party” in honor of a baby gibbon, born to parents Leon and Bella on July 11. Visitors are encouraged to wear blue or pink, based on their best guess as to the sex of the baby. The gibbon family will be given a special enrichment item that will reveal the baby’s gender and zookeepers will announce its name, which was chosen by the public.
The academy will meet every Tuesday from Sept. 8 to Oct. 27, from 6 to 9 p.m. To enroll, please contact Ariane Webb at (336) 641-7428 or awebb@co.guilford.nc.us.
ge
Greensboro Science Center to reveal baby gibbon’s gender, name
“The Academy provides a comprehensive look at local government and reviews where and how tax dollars are being used in our communities,” said at-large County Commissioner Kay Cashion, who facilitates the program.
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Current location A ve .
Kayly Schonewitz, a rising fourth-grader at Stokesdale Elementary, is known for showing kindness and compassion. Kayly held a bake sale at Stokesdale United Methodist Church in June and raised $372, which was donated to the Wesley Long Cancer Center.
The academy is an eight-week course designed to involve diverse communities including students, teachers, doctors, business professionals, homemakers, etc., who partner together in learning about the operation of their local government. The goal of the academy is to educate the public and foster strong relationships and communication between many different communities in Guilford County.
Health and Human Services, including environmental health and special challenges regarding mandated services; planning and development case studies; and many other areas regarding the roles and responsibilities of local government.
do ve r
Photo courtesy of Sally Baxter
GUILFORD COUNTY – Guilford County announces the fifth annual Citizens’ Academy, sponsored by the Board of Commissioners, in cooperation with the county clerk’s office and county administration.
Premier Center Business Park et Ske
W .W en
Helping others
Citizens’ Academy begins Sept. 8
Ri d
More information can be found on the Conservatives for Guilford County Facebook page, www.myC4GC.com, or by
C4GC is a nonpartisan alliance of local citizens particularly concerned with the level of growth, regulation, taxation and spending of and by governments at every level. It also seeks to identify and promote candidates for political office who represent conservative values and principles and monitors the performance of elected officials.
dy
The forum will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Greensboro Regional Realtors Association building, located at 23 Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro.
calling Van Clippard at (678) 544-5436.
Sa n
of several C4GC members who have completed the Officer Ride-Along program, as well as officers from each department.
d. bR
Clu
High Point
Cone Health MedCenter High Point | 2630 Willard Dairy Road | (336) 884-3800
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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
AUG. 21 - 27, 2015
29
CRIME/INCIDENT REPORT p.m. on Aug. 14 and 11 a.m. on Aug. 15, an unknown person kicked in a rear door of the residence, causing $100 in damages to the door jamb. Nothing was stolen.
...continued from p. 27
account to withdraw $800 in California.
Aug. 15 | A resident of U.S. 158 in Stokesdale reported his pickup truck was dented around 1:30 a.m. while a Walkertown man and his son, both known to the victim, were wrestling.
Aug. 12 | A resident of Betsy Bruce Lane in Summerfield reported that she attempted to purchase a dog from someone representing themselves online as a breeder. The victim sent the suspect a money order for $260 as a down payment, with the balance to be paid after she received the dog. The victim then sent another $360 for a crate rental fee, $300 of which she was told would be refunded. The victim later received a call from someone claiming to be the shipper, asking for another $1,500 for insurance to deliver the animal. She recognized the caller’s Kentucky area code, although the caller claimed to be in Charlotte and sounded like the person claiming to be the online breeder. The victim realized she was being scammed and hung up the phone.
FRAUD
IDENTITY THEFT
Aug. 12 | A resident of James Doak Parkway in northern Greensboro reported a known person used the victim’s bank
Aug. 10 | A resident of U.S. 158 in Stokesdale reported an unknown person opened a Belk charge account in the
Aug. 15 | A resident of Oak Ridge Road in Summerfield reported that sometime between 4 and 6 p.m., someone broke into the victim’s residence by forcing open the front door. Items stolen include diamond earrings, a pearl necklace, a silver pendant necklace, a gold watch, a white gold watch, a large tan suede jewelry box, and a 1971 Ruger Blackhawk .44 Magnum revolver.
DAMAGE TO PROPERTY
victim’s name. The victim learned about it after receiving a statement for $1,925.94 in charges made on the account.
THEFT Aug. 10 | Double K Sports Bar on Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale reported that sometime between 7:30 p.m. on July 30 and 5:24 p.m. on Aug. 10, an unknown person stole three gray security cameras valued at $240 that were attached to the building, and a $28 pipe wrench from a
your QUESTIONS
“We’ve got the biggest piece of granite there… it should be a quarry!” he said. “But we’re trying to build a house there.” Solid granite in the ground had to be blasted to the depth of the basement, so Mills called in a company from Mocksville. Prior to exploding the granite, the Mocksville contractor visited several nearby homes.
Summerfield
“They set up monitors to make sure we weren’t hurting anything,” said Mills, adding they visited homes well past the required distance from the blasts.
Oak Ridge & Stokesdale
“We did that to make sure none of the neighbors were mad,” he said. “I’m
not going to tell you it didn’t rattle some of the pictures on their walls, because it probably did, but it didn’t hurt anything.” The explosions should now be finished, Mills said when we spoke with him on July 24. “We’re grinding the granite up on site and using it. We’re still on solid rock, but we’ll add a cushion of gravel and then build the basement,” said Mills. “It’s pretty wild to see… there are about six mountains of stone, bigger than my house,” he said. “Now that we have the rock out, it will turn into just a normal job and end up being another big, nice house.”
“Finding work there is difficult for single moms, so we went to teach moms to make school uniforms they could sell and make income,” says Ward.
a sewing room that we’re getting set up, where women can come and sew,” says Ward, adding that donated fabric is available to make the dresses.
“We worked for days on sewing machines that no one knew how to use, in a language none of us shared,” she continues. “But by the fourth day, they had 15 totally completed and usable garments, and were close to finishing another five. It was absolutely amazing.”
Ward says she continues to seek donations of fabric, and of pants and shirts for the boys, as well as working sewing machines that anyone might have sitting in a closet not being used.
“But now the church has given us
AUG. 21 - 27, 2015
Aug. 17 | A resident of Ashton Park Drive in Oak Ridge reported that known people had taken and fraudulently cashed checks totaling $4,485. The victim declined to press charges.
...continued from p. 8
Until recently, the ladies of First Christian Church were making the dresses in their own homes.
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Aug. 14 | A resident of N.C. 150 in Summerfield reported that around 3 p.m., a known person stole a $650 Stihl chainsaw that was unsecured at a job site on Horse Pen Creek Road in northwest Greensboro.
...continued from p. 6
story with five bedrooms and a partiallyfinished basement.
SEW TO SOW
shed beside the bar.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
More info? To learn more about the Sew to Sow Ministry or to make a donation, contact Ward at (336) 674-6800 or Sandra.Ward@earthlink.net (type “Sew to Sow” in the subject line), or visit them at www.Facebook/SewToSow.
calendar Submit your events online at
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istration is open until Aug. 28. More info: www.StokesdaleParksandRec.com.
SATURDAY, AUG. 22 Car Show | Pleasant Ridge Christian Church, located at 2049 Pleasant Ridge Road in northwest Greensboro, will host a car show, “Cruisin’ to Build a Church,” and sell hot dogs to raise funds for “Gospel for Asia” and help build a church there. More info: www.prccgreensboro.org.
Open House | Destination Arts will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 22. View the facility, meet the staff, register for dance, music and acting classes, sign up for free giveaways, shop dancewear/ shoes, and enjoy refreshments. Location: 2205-X Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge. More info: (336) 740-6891 or info@destinationartscenter.com.
Open House | Stop by Northern Arts Studio dur-
Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC
fax: (336) 644-7038
ing its open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 22 for registration specials, free demo classes and giveaways. The studio offers martial arts, dance, tumbling, cheer, music, drama, art, yoga and more. It is located at 1011-D N.C. 150 West, Summerfield. More info: (336) 681-3255 or www.northernartsstudio.com.
TUESDAY, AUG. 25 Cub Scouts | Cub Scout Pack 600 will host an open house from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, 2614 Oak Ridge Road. Come out and enjoy fun activities, eat hot dogs and find out about Scouting for elementary-aged boys. More info: (336) 601-8831 or gcsdkoolaid@msn.com.
To contact us, call (336)992-9500
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REGISTRATION OPEN Summerfield Recreation Association | SRA is taking online registrations for fall baseball, softball and Heroes League through Aug. 21. Player evaluations will be on Aug. 22. More info: www.SummerfieldRec.org.
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LETTERS/OPINIONS Submit your opinions (maximum 350 words) e-mail: editor@nwobserver.com Include your name, a daytime phone number where you can be reached and name of community in which you live.
Time to leave the dance It was with some surprise that I read in last week’s “Grins” column that I was running for mayor of Summerfield [see our “Oops” in this week’s Grins and Gripes – Patti Stokes, editor]. In December, I will finish my second four-year term as a council member. My decision not to run again is based on a belief that, like the founding fathers, citizens should serve and go home. Alas, too many stay at the dance too long. To quote William Tecumseh Sherman, ”If nominated, I will not accept. If drafted, I will not run. If elected, I will not serve.” As far as running for mayor, I think
the well-wisher got me confused with council member Elizabeth McClellan, who actually is running for mayor of Summerfield. It’s easy to get us confused – Elizabeth is the young, slim, pretty one and I am the much older, much heavier, pretty one. I am delighted at the prospect of having an intelligent, articulate mayor and look forward to the opportunity to vote for Elizabeth McClellan for mayor of Summerfield. P.S. Thanks for the grins. Alicia Flowers, SUMMERFIELD Town Council
Bipartisan-supported fire tax cap increase may be ballot bound I would like to thank the N.C. General Assembly for passing North Carolina House Bill 2015-347. The Stokesdale Town Council had asked the state legislators to provide an opportunity for the qualified voters of the Stokesdale Fire District to vote to increase the maximum fire tax cap from 10 cents per $100 valuation of property to 15 cents per $100 valuation of property. We had a great deal of bipartisan support from numerous senators, representatives, county commissioners and members of their staffs, and I am truly impressed with the level of professionalism shown by all. The bill put in place the opportunity for Stokesdale Town Council to request the commissioners of Guilford and Rockingham counties put a referendum on a special election ballot for the increase in the cap. The resolutions were passed at
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AUG. 21 - 27, 2015
the Aug. 13 meeting of Stokesdale Town Council. The Guilford and Rockingham County commissioners can also put the referendum on the ballots by their own motion. It should be noted that the increase in the cap does not mean an automatic increase in the fire department’s budget. The budget is passed by both counties’ commissioners on an annual basis. The original cap was put in place in 1954 when the Stokesdale Fire District was incorporated. Departments incorporated after 1959 were set at a higher 15 cents per $100 cap. The original 10-cent cap served the district for more than 60 years, thanks to the conservative efforts of Stokesdale Fire Department Inc. The cap was reached in 2014, and the same law which incorporated the original fire district
would require that 35 percent of free land owners sign a petition to request the increase be put on a ballot by the county commissioners. With so many owners of property living in other areas of the country, that would be nearly impossible today. House Bill 347 allowed the Stokesdale Town Council to request the commissioners’ action directly. If the commissioners of both counties agree to place the matter on the ballot, I
would hope that all the citizens of Stokesdale Fire District recognize the importance of funding our fire department and come out in support of the increase in the maximum cap. The cost of protecting lives and property has increased along with everything else, and the men and women who perform these tasks deserve our support in every way. William Jones, STOKESDALE Town Council
Partnerships create possibilities by MAURICE O. “MO” GREEN In just a few days, all Guilford County Schools students will be back in class. You’ve heard about the lack of adequate resources provided by GCS’ funding bodies, and what some have dubbed “the war on public education” in North Carolina. While these issues are legitimate and troubling, I’d rather talk about how GCS and our community have worked together for student success despite those challenges. The class of 2015 left GCS more prepared than ever before. Approximately 37 percent of those graduates passed at least one Advanced Placement exam, International Baccalaureate exam, or college course. This means that more than one-third of our graduates tackled and succeeded in college-level academics while still in high school. Many also earned college credit. By way of comparison, the College Board reported that 13.7 percent of North Carolina graduates passed an AP exam in 2014. Our commitment to student success was recognized nationally. The Washington Post named 15 of our high schools as some of the most challenging in the country, including Northern and Northwest High, and named one – The Early College at Guilford – as one of the nation’s most academically elite high schools. U.S. News and World report’s 2015 Best High Schools list included three GCS schools and recognized seven others. One key to our success is the tremendous support from our parent, business
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
and community partners. In fact, last year Northern High’s PTSA was named a National PTA “School of Excellence” for building effective family-school partner“Mo” Green ships. We know that when families and schools work together, student achievement increases, schools improve and communities grow stronger. Northwest High students also earned an incredible opportunity this past year. By showing their commitment to global competence and excellence in world language instruction, Northwest High was one of two GCS schools to receive $20,000 in order to allow students to study abroad this summer. These are just two examples of what GCS can do with the support of our community. Indeed, our collective efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Our ability to work together in the interest of our young people is what has made Guilford County the leading candidate to be the next Say Yes to Education community. If we are selected, it will only open more doors for future generations to succeed. So I thank you for all you have done for our students. GCS will continue to focus on the success of every student, and with your support there is no limit to what our children can do next. Maurice O. “Mo” Green is superintendent of Guilford County Schools, which serves more than 72,000 students in 127 schools.
for regular gas when the Shell station in Oak Ridge and Last Minute Market in Stokesdale charged $2.25!
GRINS and GRIPES Delighted or dismayed by something in your community? Share your thoughts in
40 words or less online: nwobserver.com e-mail: grinsandgripes @nwobserver.com Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion.
CORRECTION
Oops! An error in a reader-submitted Grin last week got right by us. The Grin stated “Grins to both Mark Brown and Alicia Flowers for stepping up to run for mayor of Summerfield when they found out our wonderful current mayor, Tim Sessoms, would not seek reelection.” Summerfield Town Council member Alicia Flowers is not running for mayor this November (nor is she running again for town council). Former mayor Mark Brown and council member Elizabeth McClellan are the two mayoral candidates in Summerfield.
GRINS to... Kevin and Emily McCallister, owners of JP Looneys, for being great advocates of Oak Ridge. Thanks for your constant support throughout the years!
My Trane heat pump went out over the weekend and when I called them Monday morning, they came that same morning, then brought the part and installed it that afternoon. The lady working at the front desk of Stokesdale Post Office for her wonderful customer service skills. I recently left there smiling. Summerfield resident Jimmy Beeson. Thank you for selling tomatoes this week – they were the best ones I’ve had in years! We’ve missed you this summer. They don’t make many like you! Elizabeth’s Italian Restaurant in Oak Ridge for holding onto my forgotten credit card for a full day until I realized it was missing and came back. Thanks to whoever was honest and chose to do the right thing! Cameron, owner of Destination Arts, for the professional manner in which she handled the complaint regarding her customers misusing the fire lane in Oak Ridge Shopping Center. The situation has been resolved and we have not had any problems since.
Parents of high school students who are totally unaware their kids are under the influence of narcotics that may be coming from their own medicine cabinet. Be sure to lock up all controlled substances, please! High school students who wait until the last week before school to do summer reading, then boast about using CliffsNotes or SparkNotes instead. Also, gripes to parents who don’t hold their kids accountable. The Colonial Pipeline folks for dragging their huge and noisy equipment out
at 7 a.m. on Sunday morning. Weekdays I can understand – but Sunday?! The water truck traveling on U.S. 220. Trying to drive behind it can cause accidents with so much black smoke spewing from it. Parents of children in youth sports who set a bad example for not only their kids, but all the kids who participate. The “Lighten Up” griper (Aug. 14-20 issue). It was numerous people parking in the fire lane, multiple times a day, longer than five minutes, children were being left unattended and there were more than enough parking spaces available. Know your facts before you preach.
Summer is the time to have those wisdom teeth removed at DeVaney Dentistry. The kids are out of school, and it’s the perfect time to have wisdom teeth removed. Now, everything can be done in Dr. Matt DeVaney’s office right here in Oak Ridge.
CONVENIENT AFFORDABLE
GRIPES to... Drivers who are intolerant of cyclists – we have the same legal rights on the road as drivers. Share the road, and three feet clearance when passing is the law! And we do pay car taxes, too.
The kind gentleman who paid for my strawberries at Food Lion when I was short on money. You said God has been good to you and you wanted to show there are still good people in this world. You did just that!
The “turkeys” who vandalized the Eagle Scouts’ projects at Oak Ridge Town Park. Sounds like more boys need Scouting! Editor’s note: Since the vandals have not yet been caught, it is not known whether the vandalism was done by boys or girls – or for that matter, adults. Regardless of gender or age, I agree that whoever vandalized the Eagle Scout projects is severely lacking in both maturity and respect.
Stokesdale Heating & Air Conditioning for their fast, friendly service.
The three gas stations in Stokesdale that charged $2.42 and $2.41 per gallon
We accept all insurance and have financing plans available.
EXPERIENCED
Dr. DeVaney has completed a mini-residency at Georgia Regents University and has trained extensively with a renowned oral surgeon.
So, make an appointment with DeVaney Dentistry today to get your kids’ wisdom teeth out this summer. Get it over with so they can enjoy the rest of their break!
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
(336) 643-5515 1580 Hwy 68 N, Oak Ridge www.drdevaney.com
AUG. 21 - 27, 2015
33
BALL
...continued from p. 1 watching movies and playing games, and we got bored with that. We decided that we still loved drama, so we started putting on plays and variety shows with no guidance; it was totally self-propelled.” Ball’s favorite role – and also his most challenging – was his first lead, in “Man and Superman,” a four-act drama written by George Bernard Shaw. “It was a massive British comedy, and was like a baptism by fire.” That same year he landed a part in Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” at the Community Theatre of Greensboro. “I got to play the hero who killed the bad guy and kissed the girl, and I sort of fell in love with the idea of acting.” After NWHS graduation, he pursued a bachelor of fine arts in acting at UNCG. His audition class during his senior year in 2013 participated in the annual New York Showcase, which took him to the Big Apple to perform for an audience of producers, casting directors and agents. “In college, I spent all this time and energy working on my craft, but never really thought of the business side,” said Ball. “A handful of people called me back.”
have made him eligible to join an actor’s union, the Actors’ Equity Association. “That’s a real milestone in an actor’s career, and it was just gone.”
there are four Irishmen drinking already. The Texas bartender says, ‘Hey, you’re new to the neighborhood… the first one’s on me.’”
“I was sitting there trying to write my term papers, and in the back of my mind I was thinking, ‘All these people in New York are saying I’m going to be a star,’” Ball said. He packed up all his belongings and his dad helped him move to New York three weeks after he’d left.
As it turns out, Martin Scorsese filmed “The Departed” in that bar. The patrons were legitimate old Irish firefighters from the neighborhood.
That day in Brooklyn, when he and his dad dropped off the U-Haul, they ducked into a seedy-looking pub on a street corner with bars over its tiny window and a green sign hanging from above advertising The Irish Haven. “It’s 2 o’clock in the afternoon, and
Summerfield native Patrick Ball, center, has returned from New York to play “Brick” in Tennessee Williams’ “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” at Triad Stage this month. He is joined here by Christina DeCicco as “Maggie” and John O’Creagh as “Big Daddy.” Photo courtesy of VanderVeen Photographers.
“They really took me in and made sure I had a community, and every time I had auditions they would run the lines with me – like this one big ol’ gnarlyfaced drunk Irishman who I called Shrek.” The acting industry is hard to enter, leaving many aspiring actors to make ends meet while working at jobs like bartending. Ball considers himself luckier than most because his agency is one of the top three in New York and is very active. “New York is scary. I had really hard times that first year, and started out working for the East River Ferry, boarding people. I would leave for auditions, and then come back to the ferry,” he said. “But then everything was totally rock and roll. Now I live in an old tea factory in Bushwack, New York, with five roommates. My life has not been a feathered mattress, but
Image courtesy of Triad Stage
‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ will be performed at Triad Stage from Aug. 23 until Sept. 20.
Ball met with executives from Warner Bros. and then with another agent, Samantha Stoller, whose Abrams Artists Agency signed him immediately. “I literally started running right down 6th Avenue, for 10 blocks,” he said. Returning to North Carolina, a gig fell through that would
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AUG. 21 - 27, 2015
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
things have levelled off and I have a steady job by day, working at a fashion photo studio.” But for all the glamour of New York and the acting lifestyle, Ball longs for home every single day. “I miss front porches and rocking chairs, and being able to fit two carts down one aisle at the grocery store – everything there (in New York) is claustrophobic,” he said. “I miss having community and mutual friends. I have friends scattered across New York, but they don’t know each other. I miss being able to have lunch with my grandparents, parents and cousins every Sunday, and just having someone to report back to, someone who cares.” For now, Ball is getting a taste of “back home.” He is here to play “Brick Pollitt,” a character in Tennessee Williams’ “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” at Triad Stage, Aug. 23 to Sept. 20. “This show is full of talented people. Christina DeCicco, who plays my wife, is a Broadway pro. And Denise Lute, who plays my mother, studied with Al Pacino in the original Actor’s Studio,” said Ball. “There’s some really cool talent, and it’s a testament to what a presence Triad Stage has on a national level.”
want to go? For tickets to watch Ball perform in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” or for more info on the play, visit www.TriadStage.org.
AUTO FOR SALE
SAVE THE DATE
HOME SERVICES
2007 PT CRUISER, excellent condition, $4,995. (336) 643-5259 or 312-0205.
Cub Scout Pack 130, chartered by Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, invites families of 1st-5th grade boys to attend our FREE FALL KICK-OFF and meet leaders and scouts at ORUMC, Sunday, August 30, 3-5pm.
CLEANING
KIDS CONSIGNMENT SALE, Fri., Sept. 11, 9am-8pm; Sat., Sept. 12, 8am-1pm (some items 50% off Sat.). St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Rd., Greensboro, www.stpaulskidssale.com.
Walker’s POLISHED TO ITS FINEST cleaning service, specializing in high-quality cleaning. No job is too small or too big! Affordable prices! Christian family owned and operated. (336) 423-8586.
Something
?
CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING, gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. www.windowcleaningnc.com. 595-2873.
Tell northwest Guilford County
MARIA’S CLEANING SERVICE. Free estimates, guaranteed service. 937-5231.
Place your Save the Date online at
ENVIRODUCT CLEANING, 15% discount, member BBB, fully insured. Visit us online at www.enviroductclean.com, (336) 643-4593.
EMPLOYMENT LEAD SERVICE TECHNICIAN. Home improvement company looking for a professional with at least 10 years experience in high-quality home improvements and repairs. Must have a clean record and NCDL, be self-motivated, have a professional work ethic and great customer service skills. Send resume with references to homerepairs@triad.rr.com.
Place online at
NEED HELP? Call (336) 644-7035 ext. 10 Mon - Fri • 9am -2pm
Newway Building Services is currently seeking a PART-TIME CUSTODIAN in Oak Ridge. 8-10 hours/week. Call (336) 965-1625 for details. DRIVERS: SE dedicated run in NC, SC, FL, GA, TN, MS, AL areas. Home weekly/ full benefit pkg. 100% no-touch / 75% drop & hook. CDL-A with 1 yr. experience req. (888) 406-9046.
HIRING? We can help! Reach all of northwest Guilford County in a publication that people actually read!
INDEX Auto for Sale ............................... 35 Employment ................................ 35 Save the Date ............................. 35 Yard Sales ................................... 35 Home Services ....................... 35-37 Misc. Services......................... 37-38 Misc. for Sale .............................. 38 Misc. Wanted ............................. 38 Pets/Animals & Services ............... 38 Real Estate .................................. 38
Place your employment classified online at www.nwobserver.com, or call Laura, 644-7035, ext. 10. SUBWAY in Stokesdale, Kernersville, Madison and Mayodan now hiring P/T, daytime, nighttime and w/e help. Must be 17 or older, EOE. Apply at mysubwaycareer.com. THE GARDEN OUTLET. Help wanted for landscaping crew, part-time to full-time. Please call the store at (336) 643-0898. MORTGAGE PROCESSORS NEEDED! Temp to hire. $12-14/hr., DOE, 1st shift. Must have claims or mortgage processing experience. Real-estate owner exp. a plus. Apply at: www.kellycareernetwork.com. BILL’S PIZZA PUB in Oak Ridge has employment openings in all positions: manager, cook, host, cashier, and wait staff. Please apply in person from 2-5pm.
going on
YARD SALES YARD SALE, Sat., August 22, 7am-12n, 6603 Stonecroft Dr., Oak Ridge. Furniture, keyboard, board games, tools, boys’ toys, art work, bedding and housewares. ESTATE / YARD SALE, Friday and Saturday, August 21 & 22, 8am-until, 709 Brigham Road, Greensboro, 27409. Two log tobacco barns, one 2-story feed barn, antiques, loads of attic items. Rain or shine! (336) 209-6373.
Yard Sale coming up? Tell our readers all about it! Back-to-school HUGE GARAGE SALE, Sat., August 22, 7am-1pm, 7552 Barbera Drive, Kernersville (Arbor Run subdivision, behind Food Lion at Hwy. 68 & Haw River). Furniture, outdoor heater, like-new girls’, kids’ and teen clothing (Abercrombie, Ralph Lauren, Hollister, Justice), Pottery Barn curtains, decorative items. Don’t miss it! Rain or shine, held in garage.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
MAID 2 GLIMMER MAID SERVICE Premium products and Amazon Local approved. (336) 441-8388, Maid2Glimmer.com.
SANDRA’S CLEANING SERVICE, Affordable, experienced, guaranteed svc. 423-3196.
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. FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers & gas equipment, most appliances, grills, bikes, etc. (336) 689-4167. MAID-2-SHINE. Serving NW area for 10 years. Homes, offices, move in/out. Detail oriented, prof, bonded, exc. ref. 338-0223. ANA’S HOUSECLEANING. Good references, free est., 25 years exp. 309-0747.
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.
...continued on p. 36 AUG. 21 - 27, 2015
35
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
FLOORING
ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt available. Zane Anthony, 362-4035.
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.
MASONRY
CARPET REPAIRS & RESTRETCHING Licensed/insured. 643-6500.
GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES
OLD SCHOOL
LAWN CARE / LANDSCAPING
HOME REPAIR, LLC
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 Lisa & Jerry Potkay, Oak Ridge
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. JLB REMODELING, INC. Home repair, maintenance & handyman service. Licensed & insured. Competitive rates. Call 681-2902 or www.jlbremodeling.com. GREENERTIMES SMALL ENGINE Sales & service center. 9428 NC Hwy. 65, Stokesdale. Call (336) 312-3844 mobile or (336) 548-9286 office. 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.
GRADING / HAULING GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. 362-1150. BRAD’S BOBCAT. Debris removal, grading/ hauling, gravel/dirt, driveways. 362-3647.
36
PEARMAN QUARRY HAULING Fill dirt, gravel, sand rock, mulch & more. Joel Richardson, (336) 803-2195.
AUG. 21 - 27, 2015
GreenScapes Mulch & Pine Needles • Tree Cutting Concrete Sidewalks / Driveways Landscaping • Lot / Land Clearing Stump Grinding / Removal Bobcat & Dump Truck Services Leaf Removal • Parking Lot Cleanup
Call Tony - office (336) 215-4531 TLC LAWN CARE Affordable mowing, seeding, aeration, fertilization and weed control. (336) 681-0097. STUMP GRINDING – FREE ESTIMATES Big or small. George Joyce, (336) 382-3860. 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. AREA STUMP DUMP. Yard waste, concrete, etc. Fill dirt available. 602-5820. 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. ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call 382-9875. BRAD’S BOBCAT. Mulching, landscaping, driveways, gravel, concrete work. 362-3647.
AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Quality irrigation systems. NC Licensed Contractor. We service all systems. Free est. 644-1174.
The Northwest Observer reaches over 11,000 mailboxes every week! Come along with us! For marketing information, call (336) 644-7035. 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 382-4767. www.oneguyandamachine.com. HOUSE & YARD HOME MAINTENANCE. “Anything to improve your home and property.” Jeff Ziglar, 456-9992 or 643-9609. TRACTOR FOR HIRE Bush hogging, tilling, fencing, brush/tree removal, hauling and more! (336) 207-6632. MY GROUNDSKEEPER Landscaping and lawn care, shrubs, mulch, cut low limbs and more. Timothy, 643-5154.
Outdoor kitchens and firepits NEW LOCATION: 8605 Triad Dr, Colfax marshallstone.com | (336) 996-4918
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. MASONRY CONCEPTS, brick, block, stone, concrete & repairs. Free estimates. (336) 988-1022, www.masonryconceptsgso.com.
What’s going on around town? Find us on Facebook for updates! facebook.com/northwestobserver
MISC. SERVICES & PRODUCTS
CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, 643-9332. CarolinaStumpAndTreeServices.com. FAY’S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Big or small jobs, reasonable and honest. Call Taylor at (336) 464-5215. GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maintenance. 655-6490. 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.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
GRILLS, FIRE PITS, tankless water heaters. General home repairs. Call Don Hill, (336) 643-7183. LOW-COST GARAGE DOORS - Repair and sales. 35 years exp. (336) 215-2800.
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES CARLOS & SON PAINTING, interior & exterior, pressure washing. Free est., lic/ins. Call Carlos, (336) 669-5210.
PLUMBING
The Northwest Observer Want to reach our readers? Call 644-7035 for advertising info.
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED
Gated access with 24/7 camera surveillance We carry moving & shipping supplies
(336) 643-9963 • 8207 B & G Court, Stokesdale
PAINTING & DRYWALL CINDY’S PAINTING – Interior painting, wallpaper removal. References & free estimates available. (336) 708-9155. PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR, 32 years exp. Sheetrock repair. No job too small. Insured. Call Brad Rogers, 314-3186.
BEK Paint Co. Residential & Commercial David & Judy Long, owners
(336) 931-0600
BEKPaintCompany.com • References Available • Licensed & Insured • All Work Guaranteed
ON-TARGET
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC. Roof Replacements / Repairs Siding & Windows Custom Decks / Porches General Home Repairs Remodeling / Painting
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/Ins. Call Mark for savings. 337-7924.
POWER WASHING
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.
facebook.com/northwestobserver
(336) 880-3845 deepriverclosets.com
BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, siding, dock work, windows, roofing specials, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 35 years exp. 362-6343. 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.
Let us introduce you to our readers all 26,000 of them! Call Laura, (336) 644-7035 for more info.
Services TM Construction , INC
BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS
Screened porches | Sunrooms | Patios
644-8615 office 508-5242 cell Licensed & insured
REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION
JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free estimates. Call 681-2902 or www.jlbremodeling.com.
neighbors already have!
FREE Estimates Insured & Dependable
NC Gen. Contractor #72797
RENOVATION WORKS INC. New construction, remodeling, kitchen and bath, additions, decks & patios. Call (336) 427-7391 or www.myrenovationworks.com.
Over 8,100 of your friends and
We design/install organized solutions for garage, pantry closet, office and more
Your business should be here!
PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Call Crystal Clear. Fully insured. www.windowcleaningnc.com. 595-2873.
Join us on Facebook!
30 yrs exp • Workmanship guarantee Insurance specialists
(336) 644-1580
JDB PLUMBING. Repair, remodel, well pump. Lic/Ins. Accepts all major credit cards. Office 656-0019, cell 382-6905.
HOME SERVICES
Tc. GicEes, In ARerv -Tction S OCoNnstru
STILL PERFECTION PAINTING Reliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, 462-3683 or stillperfectionpainting.com.
HOME SERVICES
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.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
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. 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. 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.
MISC. SERVICES NORTHWEST ART FRAMING Fine, affordable framing. “NWAF is my choice for framing” – Adele in Brown Summit. Steve Maloy, owner. Call for appt., (336) 644-1911.
Tell our readers about your service! Classifieds are only $4/line! COMPUTER REPAIRS – ITBASICS.COM Inside Mailboxes & More, Oak Ridge Commons. (336) 643-0068.
...continued on p. 38
AUG. 21 - 27, 2015
37
MISC. SERVICES
PET / ANIMAL SERVICES
REAL ESTATE
FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, gas equip., bikes, grills, metal and electrical items. (336) 689-4167.
LOOKING FOR A HOME
3BR, 2BA, 3207 Copthorne Dr. Schools: Pearce, Kernodle, NW. 1,600 sq. feet, all electric, heat pump, central air, dishwasher, fireplace. Available 9/1/15. $1,050 per
MELDA’S HAIR DESIGNS welcomes Brooke Winfree, esthetician/skin care therapist – now offering 20% off first visit for first 20 clients. Call 775-6040. Also welcome to Pita Combs, stylist/instructor in all hair services – free brow wax with any color service thru August. Call 912-2552.
month, deposit required. (336) 558-5188.
HOMES FOR SALE BELEWS LAKE at Carolina Marina, new park model w/ loft. 20 feet from waters’ edge, two electric, covered boat lifts, golf cart, ca-
MISC. FOR SALE WOOD SPLITTER & FARM TRACTOR with equipment. (336) 643-7549. KNIGHTS PRODUCE & PLANTS Fresh produce, hanging baskets. 14809 Hwy. 158, Summerfield. 708-0485. 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. WAREHOUSE MALL, INC. NOW OPEN! Antiques, collectibles, vintage toys. New vendors welcome. 305 E. Bodenhamer Drive, Kernersville. Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm, Sunday, 1-6pm.
Got stuff? Sell it here in the
NWO classifieds submit your ad at
www.nwobserver.com MISC. WANTED CASH for riding mowers & golf carts needing repair or free removal if unwanted. Also free pick up of grills, tillers, etc. (336) 689-4167. $$$ – WILL PAY CASH up to $200 for your junk or wrecked vehicle. 552-0328.
38
AUG. 21 - 27, 2015
REAL ESTATE
noe, paddle boat. MUST SEE! $192,000. DENNY is a 4-year-old male coonhound mix who is always excited to meet new people. He is strong on a leash and would be perfect for someone who can handle him and work with him on leash training. Denny will be neutered as part of his adoption fee. To learn more about Denny, or any other animals awaiting their “fur”ever home, visit www.adoptshelterpets.org, or call the Guilford County Animal Shelter, (336) 297-5020.
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, www.petsit.com/kps.
Found a Pet?
We’ll help find the owner. Call Laura, 644-7035, ext. 10.
(336) 644-6418 or 601-5759. SUMMERFIELD, 3BR, 1BA, 1,400 sq. feet, $169,900, excellent location. 643-0783.
(336) 643-8110 • bobbrodie.com
garage townhome for rent, rent-to-own or sale. Two boat slips, sun deck, dry storage. Private, quiet community. $1,400/month. Serious inquiries only. (336) 280-5065.
OPEN HOUSE: SUN, AUG 23 • 2-4PM
7708 Tall Meadows Drive Reduced $10K! Entertainer’s dream w/kitchens in & out. Immaculate 3BR/3.5BA/3-car w/walkout basement. Renovated master BA. Basement boasts bonus, office/possible add’l BR, bath, workout/workshop room and access to lower patio area. Outside is laid-stone patio w/stone fireplace and built-in kitchen area. $319,900
GIL VAUGHAN
Realtor /Broker • (336) 337-4780 ®
Check out our Real Estate section in the center of this issue.
NEW PRICE! REDUCED $10K
8407 Oakchester Drive, Oak Ridge Fabulous 5 BR/5 full +2 half BA home in desirable Linville Oaks community. Features teenage suite/in-law quarters with kitchen, private garage and covered terrace. Gourmet kitchen w/breakfast area and stunning keeping room with access to deck. Exceptional location in Northwest schools! $839,500
Ramilya Siegel CRS, GRI, SRES, Chairman’s Circle Award ( 336 ) 215.9856
ramilya.siegel@atcmail.com www.allentate.com/RamilyaSiegel
HOMES FOR RENT
STOKESDALE, Lester Road, 2BR, 1BA. $500/mo. + sec. dep. (336) 382-1505.
Bob Brodie, ABR
BELEWS LAKE waterfront 3BR, 2.5BA 1-car
REAL ESTATE OAK RIDGE, 2BR, 1BA, $650/month. (336) 423-8169.
2341 Ellisboro Road 2,500 SF steel frame building zoned HC-CD (warehouse & boat storage). All approvals by DOT & Rockingham County in place for mini-storage & boat storage. Varco Pruden construction and insulation exceed factory specifications. 3-phase heavy-duty electrical wiring for shop operations. $79,000
Check out nwobserver.com
Place your classified, submit a Grin or a Gripe, comment on an article, view your Community Calendar, link to our Facebook page, view our media brochure, and be in-the-know about all things totally local.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
display advertiser index thanks to the advertisers who CHURCHES partnered with us to bring you Summerfield First Baptist Church.........10 this free community resource DANCE / ART / KARATE
Northern Arts ........................................5
A/C & HEATING
Stokesdale Heating & Air.....................22 Velocity Air, Inc. .....................................4
DENTISTS
Beth Borden, DDS ...............................12 DeVaney Dentistry ...............................33
Don Mills Builders ................................21 Friddle & Company..............................21 Johnson & Lee.....................................21 Naylor Custom Homes ........................20 R&K Custom Homes ...........................20 Ray Bullins Construction ......................20
HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Carlotta Lytton, CPA, PA .....................31 Kimberly Thacker Accounting................7 Samuel Anders, CPA, MSA, PC ...........31
FUNERAL SERVICES
Forbis & Dick – Brooke Chapel ..............7
Budget Blinds ......................................30 House of Stars ..................................... 11 ProStone, Inc. .......................................6
HAIR CARE / NAILS / TANNING
LEGAL SERVICES
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
POSH Hair Studio................................31 SuperCuts............................................13
ACCOUNTING
Piedmont Truck Tires, Inc. ..................27
MEDICAL
HEALTH & FITNESS
BUSINESS ORGANIZATION
Summerfield Merchants Association.... 11
Alpha Weight Loss ...............................14
HOME BUILDERS
CHIROPRACTIC
Oak Ridge Chiropractic .........................5 Summerfield Family Chiropractic .........31
Brian Thompson Homes......................21 Builders MD.........................................16 Disney Construction.............................20
Advertise with us and reach new customers Here we g
row a ga
in !
RE RE FRE S RE VIV H y NE E y our W our ho m yo ur sense e. win of do sty ws le. .
Attorney Bill Barbour ...........................26
Eagle Physicians at Oak Ridge ...............3 LeBauer Healthcare, Oak Ridge ..........29
PET SERVICES
Northwest Animal Hospital ..................31 Stokesdale Veterinary Hospital...............7
Veterinary Hospital at Oak Ridge.........31 Westergaard Kennels........................... 11
REAL ESTATE A New Dawn Realty ..............................7 Allen Tate ...................................... 24-25 Ann Powell, Allen Tate .........................18 Berkshire Hathaway Home Services ....17 Bob Brodie Real Estate ........................38 Bobbie Gardner, Keller Williams...........23 Builders’ Services – Allen Tate .............20 Dede Cunningham, Keller Williams .....18 Gil Vaughan, Keller Williams ................38 Johnnye Letterman, Berkshire Hath. ....23 Ramilya Siegel, Allen Tate ...................38
RETAIL Bi-Rite Food Center ...........................2, 7 Gigi’s Flowers & More............................7 Goodwill Industries ................................8
Each week 13,200 copies reach over 26,400 northwest-area readers Over 11,000 copies directly mailed to northwest-area homes An additional 2,200 copies distributed for free pickup in the northwest area Online 24/7 at nwobserver.com and shared with almost 8,200 Facebook fans
Annette Joyce advertising manager
Laura Reneer associate publisher
Shu
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AUG. 21 - 27, 2015
39
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Postal Patron PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 • (336) 644-7035
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Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22 ECRWSS
Chris and Jeanne Lohr of Colfa x, along with their daug hter Madison and son Noah, displaye d some hometown ne wspaper pride at the C olosseum in Rome, Italy.
The Harve y family of Summerfield took their Northwest O bserver to Erie, Pennsylv ania to visit extended fam ily. Pictured ar e (L to R) Justin Harvey, age 13 ; Gabriella Har vey, age 7, an d Andrew Harve y, age 17, at Erie National Wildlife Refug e in GuysMills, Pennsylvania.
rtin took & Doug Ma Carlene the ents to read a few mom aiting B Observer at and Northwest rm e Rescue Fa Hollow Hors ile h w Long Island Winery on ock Trinity Spurl e their friends idg R asini of Oak and Tony B g. were visitin and hile Carlene ... and w rescue e at the hors Doug were y it inery, Trin farm and w their ught up on and Tony ca g n o news at L hometown in a Distillery Island Vodk . o Y w, New rk Baiting Hollo
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