Northwest Observer | December 15-21, 2017 by pscommunications

Dec. 15 - 21, 2017

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Storm creates havoc BY PATTI STOKES

Capt. Robert Elliott of Guilford County Sheriff’s District 1 Office said his officers were in “all hands on deck” mode on Friday, Dec. 8, after snow that had been forecast as a mere “dusting” accumulated through the course of the morning and afternoon. “Every officer was out with either stranded motorists or accidents for several hours,” Elliott said. Local fire departments were also busy with calls – Stokesdale Fire District Chief Todd Gauldin said his department responded to nine weather-related calls,

involving downed trees and power lines and two vehicle accidents. Summerfield Fire District Chief Chris Johnson said his department responded to 28 weatherrelated calls between 7:30 a.m. on Friday and 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. Fortunately, there were no major accidents – one vehicle overturned early Sunday morning after hitting a patch of black ice, but the driver was not injured.

Simmons said his department responded to six weather-related calls on Dec. 8, including assisting Photo courtesy of Katie Handyside with traffic control while school buses This photo taken by a driver on Alcorn Road in northwest were being pulled Greensboro at 4:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 8, captures some of the havoc the winter weather created for travelers. out of ditches.

“We actually staged people in different areas of our district during rush hour on Friday night so we could get to all areas of our district as fast as we could,” Johnson said.

Guilford County Schools has been criticized for not calling for early dismissal on Friday after snow continued to accumulate throughout the morning and early afternoon. Road conditions mid- to

And in Oak Ridge, Fire Chief Steve

Council members both collide and agree on issues in ﬁrst meeting Town attorney’s knowledge of municipal law questioned by new mayor; votes split on mayor pro tem and council member liaison to UDO Review Committee By PATTI STOKES SUMMERFIELD – The first order of business after newly elected council members Teresa Pegram, Todd Rotruck and Mayor Gail Dunham took the oath

of office was to elect a mayor pro tem – and with that came the newly formed town council’s first disagreement. Rotruck promptly nominated Teresa Pegram as mayor pro tem and Councilman John O’Day made a substitute motion to nominate council member Dena Barnes, with Reece Walker seconding O’Day’s motion. Dunham interjected that Pegram should have the position, since she was the highest vote getter in any election in Summerfield but O’Day argued that experience with government operations and serving on the council were important before taking on the

role of mayor pro tem. After further discussion Dunham called the vote and Walker, O’Day and Barnes voted for Barnes as mayor pro tem. Immediately after Barnes was reelected as mayor pro tem the issue of which council member would be an authorized check signer came up for discussion (check signers include the mayor, town manager, finance officer and one council member). Walker’s motion for O’Day to be an authorized check signer was seconded by Barnes, and Walker, Barnes and O’Day proceeded to vote in favor of the motion.

...continued on p. 3

late afternoon on Friday were attributed to five school bus accidents in which three students and a school bus driver received minor injuries and several school buses slid off the road.

IN THIS ISSUE Your Questions ............................4 Oak Ridge Town Council ...........6 Bits & Pieces ................................9 News in Brief .............................. 10 NWO Business & Real Estate .... 11 Real Estate Highlights ............... 13 Real Estate Transactions .......... 14 Real Estate Cover Story ............ 18 Business Briefs ........................... 19 Real Estate Q&A ....................... 19 Student Profiles ......................... 21 Fund the Viking Voyage ..........22 Community Calendar ..............23 Grins & Gripes ...........................24 Crime/Incident Report .............26 Classifieds ................................. 27 Index of Advertisers ................. 31

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Although that sealed the majority vote, neither Rotruck nor Pegram voted aye or nay. When challenged by Town Attorney Bill Hill, Dunham said the two council members were not required to vote. Referencing North Carolina law, Hill explained that council members may only abstain from voting in very limited situations, such as when there is a conflict of interest, and that not voting in this case would have to be counted as a vote in the affirmative. Dunham argued that Hill was incorrect. According to N.C. 160A-75, “No member shall be excused from voting except upon matters involving the consideration of the member’s own financial interest or official conduct or on matters on which the member is prohibited from voting under G.S. 14-234, 160A-381(d), or 160A-388(e)(2). In all other cases except votes taken under G.S. 160A-385, a failure to vote by a member who is physically present in the council chamber, or who has withdrawn without being excused by a majority vote of the remaining members present, shall be recorded as an affirmative vote. In other business, the council voted 3-2 (with Rotruck and Pegram opposed) to appoint O’Day to be the council liaison on the UDO Review Committee. By consensus, the council agreed to have Rotruck serve as an alternate in O’Day’s absence. The council voted unanimously to approve the 2018 meeting schedule, with one correction in the dates Town Hall will be closed for the Christmas holidays. Much discussion took place about a suitable date for a special-called meeting at which the architect will present remodeling plans for the Gordon Hardware building and a master plan for the N.C. 150 (Oak Ridge Road) and Summerfield Road intersection. Councilman Reece Walker said the date of Jan. 11, which had tentatively been agreed on at the Nov. 14 council meet-

ing but not confirmed, conflicted with his wife’s birthday and as a firefighter he already had to miss many birthdays and holidays with family. Various alternate dates were considered, with most presenting conflicts for other council members, before council voted 5-0 to schedule the special-called meeting Jan. 16, 7 p.m., with the location to be determined. Other council discussion centered on the annual council retreat, with O’Day and Walker saying they felt a Friday evening for preliminary discussion, dinner and “bonding” followed by meeting several hours on Saturday had worked best in previous years and trying to cover all the issues and develop strategies in one day was too much. Dunham said she would not attend the retreat on a Friday evening and felt the council should be able to accomplish everything in one day, with Rotruck and Pegram agreeing; Barnes remained neutral. Location for the retreat was also debated, with Dunham saying she wanted plenty of room for all the people who would likely want to come while also keeping the meeting as close to Summerfield as possible. It was agreed that Saturday, Jan. 27, or Saturday, Feb. 10, will be considered for the retreat, with the location to be determined. At Dunham’s request and after council discussion, staff was directed to begin having draft council meeting minutes and a meeting summary to council members and posted on the town’s website 10 days after each council meeting. After going into Closed Session at 8:49 p.m. to discuss the price and other material items concerning real property as provided under NCGS 143-318.11(a)(5), the council reconvened at 9:20 p.m. and immediately voted to adjourn.

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I’ve recently noticed large purple rectangles painted on trees on Eversfield and Ellisboro roads. What’s the purpose of these marks?

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Prior to that, landowners relied on signs or posters to convey that their property was off limits. While this practice is still effective, landowners were given the additional option of using purple paint to mark the property. The vertical marks can be painted on trees or posts around the property boundary or the areas where trespassing is prohibited.

When using the paint marks, landowners must adhere to specific require-

ments, including that the painted blocks must be at least eight inches long and the bottom of the line should be between three and five feet from the base of the tree or post. The marks need to be placed no more than 100 yards apart.

More than a month ago, the fire hydrant at the entrance of the Oak Springs Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery on U.S. 158 was knocked over. It still hasn’t been repaired. Do you know anything about that? ...see answer on p. 8

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Painted purple blocks on trees and posts such as this one on Ellisboro Road in Stokesdale show that a property is posted.

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The North Carolina General Assembly provided this new way of posting property as part of the Landowner Protection Act, which went into effect Oct. 1, 2011.

A release from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission explains why this option was added. “Landowners in North Carolina who want to post their land can have difficulty keeping posted signs erected and intact. Using paint marks, as an alternative or in addition to signage, is a convenient and effective means of marking lands as posted, and requires less frequent maintenance and cost, since paint marks are more difficult to vandalize than signs.”

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Those purple marks indicate the land is posted and that people are not allowed to hunt, fish or trap on the property without written permission from the landowner.

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OAK RIDGE town council

Dec. 7 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by PATTI STOKES Mayor Spencer Sullivan called the monthly meeting to order. An opening prayer was given by Pastor Roy Carter of Central Baptist Church and followed by the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, after which the meeting agenda and minutes from the Nov. 2 monthly council meeting were unanimously approved.

REPORTS

‘Tis the season to be smiling!

Sheriff’s Office. Sgt. Latoya Howell with the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office reported District 1, which includes Oak Ridge, Stokesdale and Summerfield, received 639 calls in November and of those, 91 were in Oak Ridge; three Part 1 crimes involved a theft from Goodwill in Oak Ridge Commons shopping center, a vehicle break-in at the Bank of Oak Ridge headquarters on Fogleman Road, and a shoplifting incident at Lowes Foods.

The Sheriff’s Office has been “on top of” vehicle break-ins at Oak Ridge Town Park, Howell said, then reminded everyone it is the time of year when thieves look for gifts and valuables in cars, so be especially vigilant about keeping cars locked and valuables out of sight. Also, if possible, arrange for someone to pick up package deliveries left at your home. Fire Department. Asst. Chief Sam Anders reported Oak Ridge Fire Department responded to 61 calls in November, of which 26 were of a medical nature and 35 were fire/ service-related. Department personnel underwent 255.5 hours of training. Anders advised residents to water their Christmas trees daily, avoid overloading electrical outlets and use graded drop cords, and then wished everyone a happy and safe holiday season.

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FINANCIAL AUDIT Chad Cook, audit manager for Dixon Hughes Goodman thanked Finance Officer Sam Anders, the town staff and council for their assistance during the annual audit process and said his firm had delivered a clean audit opinion on the FY 2016/2017 financial statements. Offering a few highlights, Cook said the cash/investment balance increased $537,000 last fiscal year and the general fund increased by $523,000. General fund revenues were up 4.2 percent over the previous fiscal year, largely due to an increase in local sales tax receipts and local ABC revenues. Ad valorem (property) tax receipts increased by $33,552 last year due to a $38 million increase in property valuations. General expenses increased about $68,000, mostly due to investment in sidewalks and a new sound system in the council chambers. The debt service line item went to $0 because of paying off the debt on the town park. The percentage of available fund balance (indicates how long the town could operate with its existing fund balance) is 261 percent. The town has a 99.61 percent tax collection rate.

 5  0 to accept the audit findings. RECOGNITON Sullivan thanked Councilman Mike Stone for his service on the council the last four years and presented him with a Proclamation of Appreciation for being a “loyal and faithful public servant.”

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DEC. 15 - 21, 2017

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Oak Ridge Town Council members Jim Kinneman and Ann Schneider sign paperwork after being sworn into ofﬁce by Judge Susan Bray (right) at the town council meeting on Dec. 7. In the Nov. 7 election Kinneman was elected to his second consecutive four-year term on the council (and in total, to his third term) and Schneider was elected to her ﬁrst four-year term.

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Judge Susan Bray swore council members Jim Kinneman and Ann Schneider into office, after which they took their seats beside Sullivan, Councilman George McClellan and Councilman Doug Nodine.

MAYOR, MAYOR PRO TEM ELECTION  Sullivan explained the mayor and mayor pro tem would be elected by the council and Sandra Smith, town clerk and interim co-town manager, conducted the election. Following Schneider’s nomination of Sullivan, he was unanimously elected to his second two-year term as mayor.  Councilman McClellan, who has served the last two years as mayor pro tem, nominated Jim Kinneman for mayor pro tem and Kinneman was unanimously elected.

CO-TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

Sandra Smith presented a revised 2018 meeting schedule for approval.

 5  0 to approve the 2018 meeting schedule with a committee date correction.  5  0 to approve the 2018 holi-

day schedule.

 5  0 to approve Oak Ridge

Youth Association’s usage agreement for Oak Ridge Town Park, with no changes to the previous year’s agreement.

 5  0 to approve rental rates for park facilities, with a change to the tournament ballfield rate from an hourly rate to an all-day rate of $150/field per day. An additional $15/hour is charged for night games because of light usage.

Bill Bruce, interim co-town manager, presented a resolution to add Bar

Court, which is only .07 miles, to the N.C. state road maintenance system.

 5  0 to approve the above resolution.

Door-to-door solicitation. Smith said staff was tasked last month with notifying residents that a committee would be formed to address door-to-door solicitation concerns. The committee was to consist of five members from five different areas of the community; however, so far only five people from three communities have applied. Sullivan recapped the council discussion from Nov. 2 meeting and asked council members for suggestions in moving forward. McClellan suggested staff continue to research what other towns have done about door-to-door solicitation and how effective their actions were, and then form a citizen committee if still needed. “First, though, we need to find out if we have a problem. I’m not entirely convinced we have a problem,” he said.

Nodine said that since citizens had expressed concerns about solicitation and some were interested in helping to come up with solutions, the committee should be formed and could help staff with the research.

to work with before they begin their work,” he said. “Again, I make an appeal to the citizens. Contact the Town Hall office and apply. We would love to have a broader base of input in looking at this issue.”

Schneider thanked the town staff for doing significant outreach to bring the issue forward and said the town should move forward in the most efficient way, with staff continuing to work on developing a comprehensive report.

Finance Committee. Smith said applications are being accepted for a vacant position on the Finance Committee.

“I do think we need to document issues reported to the sheriff and look at a comparable benchmark of towns with no police force,” she said, adding the report should address both towns that have and don’t have solicitation ordinances. Sullivan said he was still concerned that it was premature to form a committee without the necessary information and data to evaluate. “We are not rejecting the idea of a committee – but they need the info

Bill Bruce, planning director and co-town manager, presented a proposal from the Piedmont Triad Regional Council of Government to serve as the town’s consultant in preparing a streetscape plan for streetscape improvements in the town core and at major intersections. PTRC’s proposal comes in $9,000 below the $33,333 awarded by the state as a grant-in-aid for downtown revitalization and Bruce confirmed that remaining grant funding could be used on infrastructure, including sidewalks.

...continued on p. 8

Kinneman said he also wasn’t convinced the problem is significant enough that an “institutional solution” was needed. “With the relatively low number of applications, I wonder how significant a concern it is for the town as a whole,” he said, echoing McClellan’s suggestion that staff continue to research the issue.

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DEC. 15 - 21, 2017

your QUESTIONS ...continued from p. 4

The hydrant was damaged Friday, Nov. 3, around 7 a.m. when the driver of a 2005 Nissan traveling east on U.S. 158 ran off the road to the right and down an embankment just past the entrance to the cemetery. The cemetery is directly across U.S. 158 from the Oak Springs Missionary Baptist Church, between Zebedee Lane and Branson Road. Kim Hemric, Stokesdale’s town administrator/finance director, said water to the hydrant was turned off immediately upon notification. She said the water main wasn’t damaged and no water was lost. Damage to both the vehicle and the hydrant was estimated at $3,500 by Trooper H.S. Martin of the N.C. Highway Patrol; damage to the cemetery was estimated at $250. However, Brother Preston Warren of the church said there was no real damage to the cemetery, and the hydrant kept the vehicle from hitting any gravestones. Gene Robertson of Yates Construction Co., the Town’s licensed utility contractor, estimated damage to the hydrant to be at least $3,000, according to Hemric. Hemric said the Town is waiting for the adjuster from the vehicle owner’s insurance company to assess the damage to the hydrant before repairs are made. The driver of the Nissan was charged with driving while license revoked, careless and reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident.

DEC. 15 - 21, 2017

TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 7

Schneider said PTRC’s proposal was clear and well-organized and she confirmed there would be two public presentations to garner community input on the streetscape plan. McClellan credited Rep. John Blust for working hard to get the grant.

 5  0 to accept PTRC’s proposal. CITIZEN COMMENTS

COMMUNITY UPDATES Parks and Recreation Commission. Vice Chair Phyllis Anders said members attending the commission’s Nov. 16 meeting discussed plans for Music in the Park and other events in 2018. The Light Up the Night event in the park on Dec. 2 was well-attended and a great success, Anders said. Volunteers from local schools and churches participated and the ornaments on the tree in the amphitheater were made by Oak Ridge Elementary students.

 Oak Ridge resident Danny Yanusz, who is a professional lighting consultant, said lighting technology has advanced significantly since the town’s lighting ordinance was written several years ago.

Kinneman asked if it would be good to form a subcommittee of the Parks & Rec Commission to focus on developing the MST route and Sullivan said that could be considered.

“Our language does not provide enough guidance for the town to maintain safety, particularly in the town core,” Yanusz said. He then offered his services to review and update the Town’s lighting ordinance.

Finance Committee. Chair John Jenkins said the committee will begin meeting in February to work on developing the FY 2017/2018 budget.

 Rita Lewandowski of Golden Acres spoke about the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The MST route now goes through Oak Ridge, but there is no group working on developing the trail. She suggested creating a citizen committee to focus on developing the MST route off the main roads.  Martha Pittman of Fogleman Road said she regularly hikes and walks and cited some of the health, economic and intangible benefits of having a walkable community. She said she recently hiked the trails at Cascades Preserve. “I have lived in Oak Ridge 17 years and I saw it a little differently that day because I took the time to slow down and walk and look. But few people are going to walk three miles on the roadway,” Pittman said. “A trail though the countryside could become a trail that both locals and visitors would travel. I encourage you to move past the concept stage and form a committee to begin to make the Oak Ridge MST a reality.”

Historic Preservation Commission. On behalf of the HPC, Debbie Shoenfeld thanked Councilman Mike Stone for his support and his service to the town and thanked Ann Schneider for her leadership and contributions to the HPC.

and 3) to approve a resolution required by BB&T for the town to open up a new account there. All were approved unanimously. No one spoke during a second period for CITIZEN COMMENTS.

COUNCIL COMMENTS  McClellan said ORMA would host a blood drive on Dec. 9.  Kinneman thanked Mike Stone and Patti Paslaru for running for town council and serving the town. “Their love (for the town) is just as great as ours,” he said. He also thanked former council member Karen Dodd, who many years ago had encouraged him to run for town council, and said he was very humbled and honored to serve. Other upcoming blood drives were scheduled Dec. 11 at Oak Ridge United Methodist Church and on Dec. 14 at Countryside Manor.  Nodine thanked Mike Stone for his service, welcomed Schneider to the council, and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.  Schneider also thanked Mike Stone and Patti Paslaru for their service to the town.

Shoenfeld said Mustang Fitness submitted a COA for outdoor lighting but did not attend the commission’s Nov. 16 meeting; according to the commission’s rules, if an applicant fails to appear the applicant is deemed to have withdrawn their application and must then re-apply.

“Mike, you were one of the first people who said to me, ‘You should run for town council,’” she said, noting she had served on the Historic Preservation Commission for the past seven years and appreciated those who showed their faith in her by voting to elect her.

HPC members attendied a training session on Nov. 29.

Schneider then thanked Sandra Smith for organizing the Light Up the Night event and those who volunteered for it.

FINANCE REPORT

In the absence of Finance Officer Sam Anders, who is assistant chief for the fire department and had left the meeting earlier when an emergency call came in, Sullivan said there were three time-sensitive issues that needed to be addressed: 1) To approve terminating the current 457 employee-retirement plan, effective Dec. 26; 2) to establish a Simple IRA with Edward Jones office in Oak Ridge to replace the 457 plan;

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 Sullivan noted there would be two special-called meetings in mid-December, one to evaluate applicants for the town manager’s position and the other to review the Capital Improvement Plan. “There is a lot going on!” he said, and then thanked his fellow council members for electing him to continue serving as mayor. With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.

BITS & PIECES

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At 99, Edith McGee is the oldest resident in Countryside Village’s independent living community.

and walking on the beach at Oak Island, North Carolina. These days, McGee enjoys soaking up the sun while sitting outside in her backyard and visiting with her children and grandchildren. She especially loves going to church every Sunday at Union Grove Baptist in Oak Ridge. “It wouldn’t be Sunday if I didn’t go to church,” she said. McGee has three daughters, Ernestine Smith of Greensboro, Rebecca Hedgecock of Kernersville and JoAn Williard of Clemmons, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

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“I do most anything I want to do,” said Edith McGee, her trademark smile lighting up her face. That can-do, independent attitude has served her well as McGee celebrated her 99th birthday on Nov. 14 with family and friends at Countryside Village Retirement Community in Stokesdale. She is currently the oldest resident in Countryside’s independent living community. McGee was born in 1918 in Stokes County. When she was a young child, her family relocated to Kernersville, where she continued to live before moving to an apartment at Countryside two-and-a-half years ago. After graduating from high school, McGee went to work at the Adam-Millis Kernersville facility and spent time “looping” socks. She later became involved with the insurance industry, working as a receptionist for Pilot Life and eventually as an insurance claims processor for Prudential. McGee and her husband, Horace, were married 40 years. Horace passed away in 1981 and McGee never remarried. Never one to sit idle, McGee spent a lot of time traveling all over the world. She also enjoyed spending time fishing

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Reardon assumes role of ORMA president OAK RIDGE – The Oak Ridge Military Academy Board of Trustees has selected a retired U.S. Army officer to lead ORMA as its new president. Lt. Col. David Reardon attended The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, where “the rigors of the cadet culture, and the structured military environment it offered, enhanced my es-

tablished success in academics,” he said. Reardon went Lt. Col. David on to earn a B.A. Reardon in political sciPhoto courtesy ence, a master’s of ORMA degree in military art and science, and a law degree.

His 20-year military career included five years in the 82nd Airborne Division. In 2005, Reardon completed the Army’s School of Advanced Military Studies, making him one of the Army’s “Jedi Knights,” specializing in operational design, critical thinking and complex problem solving. Reardon served in Afghanistan as Chief of Future Plans for U.S. combat forces and as the lead operational planner for Army support operations in the Middle East and Central Asia. “I have no doubt that I am at the right place, at the right time, to continue the school’s growth and take it to the next level,” Reardon wrote in a letter of introduction dated Nov. 20 which was mailed to business and community members.

Reardon, who was hired last year as the academy’s senior Army instructor, succeeds John Haynes as president of the academy. Haynes was hired as the academy’s interim president in January 2016; on Jan. 19 of this year Dr. Woody Gibson, who at the time served as chairman of the academy’s Board of Trustees, announced the Board had voted unanimously to remove the “interim” from Haynes’ title as a signal the Board believed in the leadership Haynes had provided during his year as interim president. Oak Ridge resident Dr. Steve Wilson was appointed chairman of the academy’s Board of Trustees this fall; the Board has made no statement as to why Haynes left his position as president last month.

NEWS in brief

Snow forces cancellation of Stokesdale Parade STOKESDALE – For the second time in its 19-year history, the Stokesdale Christmas Parade was canceled because of inclement weather. What was forecast to be a dusting of snow with no accumulation turned into almost 5 inches in the Stokesdale area and led to the cancellation of the Saturday, Dec. 9, event. Notice of the cancellation was posted Friday, Dec. 8, at 1:10 p.m. on Stokesdale’s Facebook page: “Please help us spread the word! The Christmas Parade scheduled for 12.9.17 has been cancelled due to inclement weather. No further information is available at this time. Thank you!” Pam Mick, the Parade Committee chair, said rescheduling the event wasn’t a possibility. “We are unable to postpone because we have to get approval from the NC DOT (Department of Transpor-

DEC. 15 - 21, 2017

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

tation) to close the roads, and it takes some time,” Mick said in an email. “We have had discussion about asking for two dates. There are multiple issues with that scenario that would need to be considered.” Mick said the entry fees are nonrefundable. The first cancellation came in 2013, when current town council member Vicki White-Lawrence was the chair of the Parade Committee. There was heavy rain the day before the parade that continued into the day of the parade. “I heard from several participants on Friday that they would not be participating, including bands, Countryside Manor and Stokesdale Parks and Rec,” White-Lawrence said in an email about 2013. “After consulting with the rest of the committee and the current mayor and mayor-elect, I decided to cancel it.”

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

18 When, when, when, will the U.S. 220 widening project be complete?

NCDOT construction engineer fields questions from local residents about the project

13 Real Estate highlights Realtors compete in office door decorating contest

Business Spotlight Former tugboat captain gets help from cousin navigating small business

19 Real Estate Q&A

Once a property has been rezoned, do citizens have input on a proposed business?

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1329 Ellisboro Road

5805 Mashoes Court

5260 Bunch Road

Madison $811,475 MLS 8400000 Kay Rule 336-339-3492

Henson Farms $798,373 MLS 1495000 Kay Chesnutt 336-202-9687

Summerfield $854,551 MLS 1194000 Nancy Hess 336-215-18230

7501 Shadow Creek Drive

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Stokesdale $726,218 MLS 849000 Mark Yost 336-707-6275

Henson Forest $772,996 MLS 799000 Michelle Porter 336-207-0515

Birkhaven $844,747 MLS 789000 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

6904 Matzinger Court

Riverside at Oak Ridge $853,490 MLS 709900 Melissa Greer 336-337-5233 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

5900 Henson Farm Road Henson Farms $818,845 MLS 700000 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

The Vineyards at Summerfield $825,545 MLS 699600 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

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7900 Hoskins Ridge Drive

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The Wall Place $845,030 MLS 699000 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

5603 Feather Court

Eagle Ridge $853,026 MLS 665000 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

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7203 Henson Farm Way

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7337 Henson Forest Drive

Henson Farms $830,966 MLS 600000 Joe Tomlinson 336-362-9336 Vincent Roccapriore 336-268-5230

Riverside at Oak Ridge $853,499 MLS 599900 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820 Melissa Greer 336-337-5233

5812 Crutchfield Farm Road

8402 Crichton Court

Stonebridge $850,922 MLS 649000 Michelle Porter 336-207-0515

Henson Forest $780,630 MLS 648000 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

Polo Farms $850,452 MLS 699000 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

Polo Farms $843,958 MLS 624900 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

Armfield $857,231 MLS 575000 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

Jessup Ridge $840,884 MLS 524900 Michelle Porter 336-207-0515

Arbor Run-Charles Place $856,841 MLS 495000 Jamie Harrelson 336-889-9192

5960 Pepper Road

Crutchfield Farms $854,845 MLS 479000 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

River Oaks $857,333 MLS 435000 Mark Yost 336-707-6275 Kathy McClelland 336-314-5637

Greensboro National Golf Club $850,542 MLS 419900 Jaree Todd 336-601-4892

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8302 Southern Springs Court River Oaks $846,075 MLS 389900 Michelle Porter 336-207-0515

Oak Ridge $821,238 MLS 199900 Melissa Greer 336-337-5233

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Lot 6 Lake Meadows Drive

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Lot 5 Lake Meadows Drive

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Waters Edge $724,063 MLS 87900 Mark Yost 336-707-6275

Waters Edge $724,057 MLS 84900 Mark Yost 336-707-6275

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Crutchfield Farms $858,023 MLS 61500 Susanne McIntire 336-601-5929

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REAL ESTATE highlights Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

(L-R) Realtors Heather Hansen, Maureena Shepherd and Julie McGirr were the ﬁrst place winners in the Allen Tate Oak Ridge ofﬁce’s holiday door decorating contest, although their fellow Realtors got high marks for creativity, style and enthusiasm.

Office doors adorned for the holidays Lori Yager, branch leader of Allen Tate Realty’s Oak Ridge office, was searching for a fun holiday-related activity for her co-workers when the idea for a holiday door decorating costume was suggested. It took off, and Realtors in the office went to work looking for the perfect theme and supplies to decorate their door. Using all available resources, from their kids to Pinterest, they percolated their ideas and then set to work sprucing up their office entrances in all kinds of imaginative ways. Their creativity presented quite a challenge for the honorable judges, Oak Ridge Town Councilman George McClellan and Northwest Observer publisher/editor Patti Stokes, who visited the Allen Tate office on Dec. 8 to select the winners. Ultimately, first place went to Heather Hansen, Maureena Shepherd and Julie McGirr for their beautifully decorated “Magic of Christmas” door. The team barely edged out Linda Mitchell, who outdid herself with an adorable

snowman created out of Styrofoam cups with pieces of cotton inside, all adorned with a Carolina Tarheel hat and scarf (despite the fact that one of the judges was a Duke fan, Mitchell’s creativity couldn’t be ignored). Honorable mentions went to Jennifer Bruton and Tamatha McCollum for their “I Came In Like a Christmas Ball” door, Delia Knight for her door, which was decorated with the theme, “Don’t Eat Yellow Snow” (you can probably imagine where she went with that), and Tammy Gardner, Terri Johnson and Bonnie Hannon for their “HOme, HOme, HOme … for the Holidays” door theme. And last but certainly not least, Tim Atkins, Ryan Sharpe and Wendy Blair gave us all a smile with their “Santa got stuck in the chimney” theme, complete with the back of Santa’s legs sprawled out onto the hallway floor (we’re told the office sofa cushions mysteriously went missing and it turns out they were used for Santa’s padding).

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DEC. 15 - 21, 2017

TRANSACTIONS The following are recent new and existing home sales for the northwest- and northern- Guilford County area. Home sales in and near Estate planning and administration, including wills, trusts, and probate Corporate and business general counsel services Tax planning, advice, and preparation • Real estate • Civil litigation

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your neighborhood impact the current market value of your home.

OAK RIDGE

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5103 Millstaff Drive (Staffordshire Estates) $415,000

3615 Sainsbury Lane (Covent Gardens at Deep River) $234,000

8338 W. Harrell Road (15.096 acres) $425,000 4572 Peeples Road (Millar) $403,000 5008 Robdot Drive (Stafford Farm Estates) $430,000 8534 Benbow-Merrill Road (Oak Ridge Estates) $235,000

SUMMERFIELD 7197 Tadpole Court (Frogs Leap) $397,500 6981 Brandi Wood Circle (Wilson Farm) $330,000 7724 Twin Leaf Trail (Henson Forest) $830,000

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7498 Summerhill Drive (Summerwoods) $317,000 6991 Brandi Wood Circle (Wilson Farm) $329,000 5243 Larue Court (Trotter Ridge) $470,000 7487 Weitzel Drive (Elmhurst Estate) $285,000 1409 Lennox Woods Drive (Lennox Woods) $396,000

STOKESDALE 7903 Carra Way (Northridge) $470,000 7481 Moore’s Mill Road (Old Moore’s Mill) $389,000

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7904 Carra Way (Northridge) $468,000

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4491 Veranda Lake Court (Piedmont Trace) $153,500 5710 Greenview Drive (Friendswood) $185,000 1702 Lakemont Drive (Friendly Lakes) $183,000 3603 Brandywine Drive (British Woods) $203,500

4505 Forest Glen Road (Breckenridge) $280,000 214 Dolley Madison Road $239,000 3318 Mill Spring Court (River Hills Plantation) $191,000 5837 Cardinal Way (Cardinal Manor) $157,000

4668 Glengarry Circle (Stratford Green) $165,000

5805 Cedar Glen Road (Woodberry Park) $435,000

4005 Talmaga Lane (Raven Ridge) $156,000

5902 Muirfield Drive (The Cardinal) $272,500

4 Duck Club Court (Gates) $549,000

72 Tannenbaum Circle (McAlister Place) $150,000

4815 Hickory Woods Drive (Hickory Woods) $250,500

4513 Camden Ridge Drive (Pleasant Ridge Farms West) $245,000

3523 Cherry Hill Drive (Cardinal Manor) $212,000 2 Red Forest Court $307,500 21 Holly Crest Court (Holly Crest) $207,000 1933 Freedom Gate Drive (McAlister Place) $160,000 5803 Cardinal Way (Cardinal Manor) $200,000 714 Beckwith Drive (Streamside) $269,500 4706 Pine Hollow Lane (Meadowbriar) $165,000

7800 Front Nine Drive (Dawn Acres) $450,000

4660 Glengarry Circle (Stratford Green Townhouses) $153,000

6122 Riverdale Drive (Angels Glen) $327,000

4909 Carlson Dairy Road (Carlson Farms) $390,000

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

5802 Fleming Terrace Road (Flemington Ridge) $292,000

4104 O’Briant Place (Prestwick) $350,000 3006 Hardwell Road (Raven Ridge) $165,500 5 Wetherburn Court (Woodberry Park) $542,000 6318 Birch Pond Road (Pleasant Ridge Farms West) $212,000 1984 Cedar View Drive (Nantucket Village at Lake Brandt) $519,000 1981 Cedar View Drive (Nantucket Village at Lake Brandt) $526,000 7815 Sutter Road $262,000 1903 Millshire Court (Griffin Mill) $285,000

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29 years of hands-on experience Owners Don & Annette Mills

“My parents expected a summer job to be a full-time job, and so I framed houses with my parents’ subcontractors,” Disney said. “I did that every summer, and then the summer before my senior year in college, my dad gave me the opportunity to frame my first house on my own.” It was a great experience, and even though his involvement now includes managing every aspect of a home’s construction, Disney says framing is still one of his favorite parts of the building process.

...continued on next page

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...continued from previous page

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After graduating with his business degree from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2005, Disney started a company that focused on framing. Although the business was prospering, after about two years he realized he wanted more and brought his wife on board with him. “She graduated from UNC with a chemistry degree and worked for Duke and then at Wake Forest, but when I went to work for my parents she decided to work for them as well,” Disney explained. “She learned about everything in the background of the business and she is now a critical part of our operation, doing all of the behind-the-scenes stuff.” About a year after his wife joined him in the framing business the couple decided to recreate the company and grow from framing only to building homes from start to finish.

“It was build one, and when that sells then build another one,” Disney said.

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One of their biggest challenges in the early years of the business was simply timing – they started their homebuilding business in the midst of the housing collapse. “We did anything we could get our hands on – remodeling, framing and some new construction – and we are super proud that we survived that,” Disney said. “I think any

Brian Disney Homes is currently building hous

of the builders who survived it should be proud of that, because there wasn’t a high retention rate in the industry. Now we’re able to solely focus on new homes, which was always the goal.” Disney said one thing that often distinguishes him from other builders is that he is the client’s personal contact throughout the entire process. “I don’t have any superintendents, so it’s just me who the client deals with,” Disney said. And when clients do meet him, it’s not at an outside office – because he doesn’t have one.

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house.. It’s a lifestyle. house Once the house plan is final, Disney over oversees every step of the building process. “I’m on site, making sure everything comes together the way the client envisioned. We take pride in the details, and if there is an issue it comes straight to me and I handle it,” he said.

Merry Christmas

It’s working through each detail of the home with his clients as part of a team that Disney enjoys most.

ses in Oak Ridge, Stokesdale and Greensboro.

“We keep our overhead low,” he said with a laugh. Instead, Disney will meet clients at the building site or in his home. It all starts with the planning process and finding land. While some clients come with a lot and plans in hand, others are looking for ideas. Either way, Disney said he is happy to work with them. “We can take them in any direction,” he said, “from bringing their own plan, finding a plan online or starting from scratch and drawing whatever they have in their head.”

When only the best will do

“We try to make the decision-making process easy, guide them in the right direction and make sure the vendors they deal with are informed,” Disney said. “I think we’ve got a good process in place.”

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When he isn’t working, Disney enjoys spending time with his three kids, whether that be cheering them on in various sports, camping or traveling. “We want them to see the world,” he said. Still, he’s always happy to come home. “I’ve lived in Oak Ridge all my life. We enjoy seeing the world, but this is where we want to live,” he said. Homes built by Brian Disney Homes typically range from $450,000 to $700,000. The company is currently working on several projects in Stokesdale, Oak Ridge and Greensboro. To speak with Brian Disney personally, call him at (336) 362-6067 or email briandisneyhomes@gmail.com.

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You dream it ...let us build it

When, when, when will the U.S. 220 widening project be completed?

Homebuilding • Renovations • Additions

Your dream, your

home

Luisa Duran

Proud member of

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Learn more about us at kickinclouds.com

On March 9, 2012, the N.C. Department of Transportation signed a $96.2 million contract with Tetra Tech Construction to undertake the widening of a 13.2-mile stretch of U.S. 220 from two lanes to four, and the project got underway soon afterward.

and until resolved did not allow the contractor to proceed in the area. There were some other minor issues that have impacted the schedule, but only minimally. Additional work due to development was included in the project after award.

Throughout the project numerous challenges have presented themselves, resulting in equally numerous delays. As of this date, orange construction barrels still line the roadsides along the highway and residents and others traveling through Summerfield wonder when the project will be at last completed, and why things have been done the way they were.

“NCDOT is working with the contractor to have traffic in a four-lane pattern by the end of this year, but the entire project will not be complete until Spring of 2018,” Eason said. “The roads connecting into the project will not be in final traffic pattern until next year.

In this issue we introduce the first of a series of questions we compiled from our readers and posed to NCDOT construction engineer Patty Eason on Dec. 12.

Why has the project taken so long, and when will it be done?

DEC. 15 - 21, 2017

What is the speed limit going to be when it’s finished? (I already see people fly by me when the posted speed limit is 50). “The speed limit through Summerfield will be 45 mph,” Eason said.

”There have been some unforeseen issues that have granted the contractor additional contract time,” Eason said. “One was the culvert at the Haw River. Rock inside the culvert was found and the directions provided to the contractor on how to deal with it took time to coordinate with the Corp of Engineer, Division of Water Quality and the Contraction unit in Raleigh. The initial direction was not adequate and additional Corp and DWQ personnel provided the resolution.

Has Tetra Tech been fined at all for going a year past the projected finish date? I understand that unforeseen difficulties can put a project behind, but this is getting ridiculous.

“This culvert completion was critical in the project construction phasing

We’ll continue the Q&A on U.S. 220 in our next issue.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

”Regretfully, the issues above have granted the contractor additional contract time,” Eason said.

BUSINESS spotlight

REAL ESTATE Q&A

Once a property has been rezoned, will citizens have input on proposed businesses?

1960s-style smoke shop thrives Former tugboat captain gets help from cousin navigating small business BY STEVE MANN STOKESDALE – A former tugboat captain looking for a way to go home every night has counted on a 1960s-style smoke shop as the answer. Gary Jones of Walnut Cove opened Down 420 Lane in downtown Stokesdale in early September. The family-owned and operated business is between Atlantic Outdoors and BJ’s Grill. The shop carries such items as e-cigarettes, vapes and accessories; tiedyes, including T-shirts, hoodies, fleece and NFL tie-dyes; incense and candles; old rock ’n’ roll posters; rolling papers; glass pipes; and what he called “hippie tapestries.” He sells cigars and will soon offer finer cigarette tobacco, but not cigarettes. After spending eight to nine months a year at sea for about 12 years, Jones said he began looking for something that would allow him to stay home. He said he and his wife have a blended family of six children and eight grandchildren. “I made good money on the boats,”

Jones, 52, said. “I got to travel all around the Western Hemisphere. But there was no time to spend with anybody.” He said he visited a cousin who owns a 1960s smoke shop in Missouri, and was impressed with the business. The cousin spent eight days teaching Jones how to run a shop, provided a list of distributors and even got Jones some discounts with those distributors. “I had no experience in this,” Jones said, “but my cousin kind of held my hand and helped me.” Several people have pointed out the “420” in the shop’s name, which many associate with marijuana. Jones said when he was trying to come up with a name for the shop, a nephew suggested Down 420 Lane. When asked why, the nephew said, “Because every smoker knows what 420 means,” Jones said. Jones said he was unfamiliar with the term, so he asked another nephew, who liked the proposed name. Jones said it wasn’t until after he had filed the business name and paid his fees that he understood the link between “420” and marijuana. The shop is open seven days a week. Down 420 Lane is located at 8214 U.S. 158 in Stokesdale. For more info call (336) 837-5125.

Speculations about a Sheetz going up at the I-73 interchange on N.C. 150 in Summerfield have made me wonder about something – once a property has been zoned commercial, can the developer/owner place any business they desire on that property? Or, would a proposed business at this location go before the Summerfield Town Council? Will the citizens of Summerfield be allowed to voice their opinion during this process? Summerfield Planning Director Carrie Spencer responded to this question and explained that under the Town’s existing Development Ordinances, the only part of the development process that requires citizen

input is the initial zoning approval. “The zoning approval has to consider the Comprehensive Plan and includes conditions such as a list of allowed uses and some architectural parameters,” Spencer said. “We do not currently have a zoning district that allows for more comprehensive planning of a development at the zoning stage.” Spencer noted the section of this development along Oak Ridge Road was zoned commercial in 2004, prior to the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan (the plan was adopted in May 2010). Spencer further explained that during a property’s development process Summerfield’s Zoning Board must approve a site plan which includes details such as use, building size(s), parking, architecture, landscaping and other details required by the Town’s Development Ordinance. That approval does not require a public hearing, however. “As long as the uses are allowed in the zoning district, the zoning conditions are met, and the site meets all other requirements of the Development Ordinance (such as width of landscape buffers, stormwater control, watershed protection, stream buffering, building setbacks, etc.) it would be approved,” Spencer said.

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Welcome to

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

Anderholm receives Global Leadership award The following story is reprinted with permission of “Appalachian Today,” an online publication of Appalachian State University Paige Anderholm, a senior political science major from Summerfield, received

Appalachian State University’s 2017 Global Leadership Undergraduate Student Award during the university’s recent International Education Week. Anderholm’s journey in becoming a global leader took her abroad, first to

IF BACK TO SCHOOL MEANS… STREP THROAT, RUNNING NOSE, COUGH…

CAROLINA PRIORITY CARE CAN HELP.

Photo by Marie Freeman

Dr. Jesse Lutabingwa, associate vice chancellor for international programs and professor in ASU’s Department of Government and Justice Studies, far left, bestows Appalachian’s 2017 Global Leadership awards to recipients (L-R) Beverly Moser, faculty award, Morgan Prince, graduate student award, and Paige Anderholm, undergraduate student award. Cuba, then to Mauritius, Mexico, Peru and back to Cuba for a second time. In Cuba, she researched issues of community engagement and economic insecurity; in Mauritius, she worked on a marine conservation project for two months; and in Mexico and Peru, she represented Appalachian’s AISEC program at Pan-American conferences devoted to promoting international exchanges. Anderholm joined, and then eventually became vice president of AISEC, the international nonprofit leadership program developed and operated by students. Dur-

ing her time at AISEC, she helped to send at least 94 Appalachian students abroad, to volunteer and do internships. Appalachian’s annual Global Leadership awards recognize students, faculty and staff who have made a significant contribution – including initiation, development and/or support of opportunities – to advance global learning. The Global Leadership Awards committee specifically looks for students who have demonstrated excellence as global ambassadors or citizens.

...more Youth News on p. 22

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DEC. 15 - 21, 2017

Despite having to cancel due to the weather, we greatly appreciate the following sponsors:

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Student profiles brought to you this week by:

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STUDENT PROFILES

from 5:45 to 7 p.m. every day; I try to go to school practices after my evening workouts,” she said.

Thanks to the coaches and teachers at Northern and Northwest High Schools for their student recommendations and input, which make it possible to recognize these talented, dedicated students for their accomplishments in academics, athletics and cultural arts.

Although swimming consumes most of her extra time, Martin is also a member of National Honor Society, National Latin Honor Society and Latin Club.

NORTHWEST GUILFORD

second leg on the 400 free-relay team, she also qualified in her specialty event, the 500 free. She also swims the 200 free and 100 backstroke, and as a junior is one of the team captains this season.

On a side note, we asked

“I love the 500 because it gives me time to really plan my race out,” Martin said. “If you get off to a bad start or make a bad turn somewhere during the race, you have some time to make it up.”

Q: Do you have any pre-race rituals? A: “I always do five jumping jacks and recite Philippians 4:13 before I get on the starting block.”

Phoebe Martin, swimming By MARC PRUITT Phoebe Martin was 3 years old when she first plunged into a swimming pool. At age 6, she began swimming year-round with STAR Aquatics but has since switched to competing with Enfinity Aquatic Club. It wasn’t until ninth grade that Martin decided swimming was something she wanted to pursue past high school. “Our 400 free-relay team finished fourth in the state and that was really exciting,” she said. “I think that was the moment I realized how much I enjoyed competing in events like that.” Since her freshman season Martin has been a mainstay at the regional and NCHSAA 4-A state championships. In addition to swimming the

As a sophomore last season, she made the regional and state championship meets in the 200 and 500 but didn’t make the state finals in either – she missed out on qualifying for the 200 by one-hundredth of a second. “My goals this year are to make the finals for both events,” Martin said. “I’ve got to learn not to doubt myself so much because sometimes I get in my own head and don’t think I’m capable of performing at a high level.’” Martin said she practices twice every day for her year-round team and gets to team practices at Northwest Guilford when she can, usually once a week.

Phoebe Martin these three questions…

We’re on Facebook

and so are your neighbors facebook.com/ NorthwestObserver

Q: What’s your favorite movie? A: “It’s a Wonderful Life”

Q: What’s the best book you’ve read? A: “‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee”

Who will be the voice for this child? Over 250 children in Guilford County will go to court alone. Learn how to be an advocate for an abused or neglected child by becoming a Guardian Ad Litem.

(336) 412-7580 | volunteerforgal.org

“I practice from 5 to 7 a.m. and

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

DEC. 15 - 21, 2017

Welcoming new patients Hours

Monday- Friday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm Existing patient walk-ins welcome Accepting most insurance plans Flu shots now available

NWHS PTSO asks for donations to help purchase needed supplies and equipment Kip Corrington, md Patients of all ages

Ashley Michaels, pa-c Marsha White, agnp-c Patients of all ages Patients ages 13+

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

Christmas Eve Services

Cantata Sunday, Dec. 17

8:15 and 11:15 am services in the Sanctuary and a Children’s Play at 9 am in the Family Life Center

Sunday, Dec. 24

11:15 am service 3:00 pm Families – Family Life Center 5:00 pm Contemporary – Family Life Center 7:00 pm Traditional – Sanctuary 3, 5 & 7 pm are candlelight services with Holy Communion

2424 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge • oakridgeumc.org 8:15 am Worship in Sanctuary • 9am Worship in Family Life Center 10 am Discipleship classes for all ages • 11:15 am Worship in Sanctuary

Fund the Viking Voyage ‘No Fuss’ Campaign

DEC. 15 - 21, 2017

Northwest High School PTSO is asking parents and community members to support the high school’s students and staff through its Fund the Viking Voyage “No Fuss” Campaign. This is the only fundraiser for NWHS PTSO that is a direct donation campaign benefitting the school’s faculty and students. The PTSO hopes to raise more than $20,000 through the donation campaign, with proceeds used to purchase supplies and equipment that have been identified by the school’s educational departments and administrators as needed to enhance and improve students’ education and experience at Northwest. Donations in amounts of $25, $50 and $100 will help purchase small whiteboards, books for the media center, easel pads, USB flash drives, free-hand foam cutters, printer supplies for specialty printers (plot and 3D), educational kits for classroom projects, TI graphing calculators, privacy partitions (for use during testing), LCD projectors ($300 each), document cameras ($500 each), laptops for computer labs (expanding use of computer labs to classes of 35 students), a Canon camera, LabQuest charging station, classroom sets of novels and mobile carts for the science department (current units are not functional and more than 10 years old). Donations of $500 or more will be added to the school’s Viking Voyage Tree and be used to help purchase items including LabQuest science sets (current sets are more than 10 years

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

old), carbon dioxide and oxygen electronic sensors for labs and microscopes (many need to be repaired or replaced). “Northwest is the largest high school in the county, but this does not increase our budget to cover many of these additional expenses,” said Kelly Parsons, NWHS PTSO president. “As our enrollment surges, our technology is being pushed to its limits as there are no spare projectors available when there is a malfunction. In addition, our computer labs can accommodate 30 students and many classes now have 35 students. Some of our classrooms do not have the necessary audiovisual equipment like projectors and document cameras. Our science labs have some instruments needing to be retired and replaced with newer equipment.” •••••

want to help? Email info@nwhsptso.org for a donation form, pick one up in the school office, or complete the online form at www.nwhsptso.org. Donations may be made online at www.nwhsptso.org, or checks made out to NWHS PTSO may be dropped off at the school office or mailed, along with the donation form, to NWHS PTSO, Fund the Viking Voyage, 5240 Northwest School Road, Greensboro, NC 27409. Donations are tax deductible and will be accepted through Dec. 20. Questions? Visit www.nwhsptso.org or email info@nwhsptso.org.

Carlotta Lytton

, CPA, PC

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

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

mark your

calendar

THURSDAY, DEC. 14

 Town Council Meeting | Stokesdale Town Council

will meet Dec. 14, 7 p.m., at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. John Flynt and Thearon Hooks will be sworn in as council members at this meeting. More info: (336) 643-4011 or Stokesdale@stokesdale.org.

FRIDAY, DEC. 15  Live Drive-Thru Nativity Story | Fairview Baptist

December we are

COLLECTING supplies and donations for the SPCA of the Triad Dr. Julie Dudak

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

Church, 2531 Flat Rock Road in Reidsville, invites you to journey back in time to the town of Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’ birth by experiencing the church’s fourth annual Live Drive-thru Nativity Story: The Gift from Bethlehem, with Biblical scenes of what life might have been like in Israel over 2,000 years ago. This free event takes place Dec. 15, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. More info: (336) 791-8802 or ckem1078@msn.com

 your events

SATURDAY, DEC. 16  Wreaths Across America | The North Carolina Wing

vhor.vet | follow us on

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

www.houseofstarsinc.com

Civil Air Patrol will conduct a Wreaths Across America wreath-laying ceremony at Carolina Field of Honor in Triad Park, 9652 W. Market St., Kernersville (bordering Colfax) on Dec. 16 at 12 p.m. Wreaths Across America’s mission – Remember, Honor and Teach – is carried out annually by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington Cemetery and at over 1,200 other veterans’ cemeteries across the country and abroad. More info: Shelley Gonzales, sjgonzales@ncwgcap.org or (813) 833-4407.

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online at nwobserver.com

Your event will appear on our online community calendar and will be considered for print publishing in the Northwest Observer

Visit our homepage and click “community calendar”

SUNDAY, DEC. 17  Christmas All Over The World | Summerfield First

Baptist Church, 2300 Scalesville Road in Summerfield, invites the community to a free Christmas musical on Dec. 17, 6 to 7 p.m. The musical centers on the traditions of many nations celebrating the birth of one king. More info: (336) 643-6383 or lkirby@summerfieldfbc.com.

TUESDAY, DEC. 19  Kiwanis Club Meeting | The Kiwanis Club of North-

g Spaces into Elegant Transformin Places

west Guilford will meet at noon on Dec. 19 at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68, Oak Ridge. More info: Annette Joyce, (336) 382-8629.

Happy Holidays! First exam FREE for new clents with this ad.

NO PAPER DEC. 28 OR JAN. 4  The staff of PS Communications, publisher of the • Any budget • Any style • Holiday decor placement and removal eleganttransformationsbymarcie.com

Certified Interior Decorator

Call (336) 904-8711 for your free consultation

Northwest Observer, will take our seasonal break from weekly deadlines and print publication of our newspaper over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Our last issue of 2017 will be published on Thursday, Dec. 21, and we’ll resume our weekly schedule on Thursday, Jan. 11.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Serving the northwest Triad area since 1991

(336) 665-1286 • bel-airevet.com

M - F 8 - 5:30 • Sat 8 -12 • Drop-offs as early as 7:30 am

DEC. 15 - 21, 2017

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

40 words or less

e-mail: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com

Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion. As a follow-up to a gripe in last week’s Grins and Gripes section regarding Belk’s decision to ban Salvation Army bell-ringers from its department store, here are some excerpts from an article that appeared on www.FoxNews.com last week:

direction with a new ‘social impact program.’

“Belk, like Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas Day, has seen the error of its way and reversed its decision to ban Salvation Army bell-ringers from its department stores.

“‘We believe that a lot of Belk’s customers align with the Salvation Army’s views. We believe in saying “Merry Christmas” because we believe Jesus is absolutely the reason for the season,’” Lt. Rob Dolby of the Salvation Army told the Todd Starnes Show.

“‘When our customers speak, we listen,’ a Belk company spokesman told the Todd Starnes Radio Show. ‘And our customers have been loud and clear about their passion for the Salvation Army.’ “The change of heart came just a few hours after we (FoxNews.com) posted a story about the department store’s decision to ban the iconic red kettles and proceed in a different

“Let’s just say Belk customers made a social impact of their own – many taking to Facebook and Twitter to voice their extreme displeasure over the bell-ringer ban…

GRINS to...

 M&M tire in Summerfield for having great customer service and an honest and hardworking owner!  Jarrell Jones and Jimmy Williams for their loyalty and ongoing support in performing the maintenance of the electrical system for the Veterans Monument in Stokesdale.  The person who paid for our dinner on Sunday, Dec. 3, at Mayflower in Madison. We appreciate your thoughtfulness!  The choral group from Caldwell Academy who sang Christmas songs at ORUMC on Dec. 6 during the seniors’ monthly rural outreach luncheon. They were astoundingly beautiful, talented, friendly and inspirational young people who gave a “jaw-dropping” performance.  Stokesdale Fire Department for their Christmas decorations!

“A (Belk) company spokesman said Salvation Army was ‘always going to be a part of our community strategy in the future’ …

 The “angels” who partnered with the Northwest Observer to help Good Samaritan Ministries fulfill Christmas wish lists for kids in our area. Your giving hearts brightened my Christmas just as I know it will brighten theirs!

“So the bells are ringing, the coins are clinking in the red kettles and Belk has found the spirit of Christmas. It’s like a Hallmark Christmas movie. God bless us, everyone – indeed.”

 The young man who came to our door and apologized for wiping out our mailbox when he slid off the road during the first snow of the season and then promised to replace it.

GRIPES to...

 Whoever decided to repaint the lanes on Bryan Boulevard during rush hour on Dec. 5. You created a huge traffic jam and compromised the safety of drivers. Was it the best time to do that? C’mon, man!  The United States Postal Service. What happened to the motto, “No matter the weather, your mail will be delivered”? Ours was not delivered Friday or Saturday.  The person complaining about Mark Walker voting for the tax bill. Maybe when you have more money in your check you will change your mind.  GCS’ Scott McCully’s lame apology for traffic nightmares they caused Friday. Blaming info you were given doesn’t fly when same info wasn’t ignored by neighboring counties. Saying you would “probably” make a different decision shows you “certainly” didn’t learn anything! Editor’s note: Scott McCully joined Guilford County Schools in July as chief operating officer. Here is McCully’s full statement in response to GCS’ decision not to dismiss school early last Friday afternoon after snow had been accumulating on the roads. Five school bus accidents occurred as school bus drivers drove students home during the area’s

...continued on p. 26

Open now through Christmas Eve Mon.- Sat. 10am- 6pm | Sun. 1- 6pm

8001-B Marketplace Dr., Oak Ridge (Beside McDonald’s in the same building with Carolina Priority Care and Urgent Care Clinic.)

Holiday Store brought to you by

Moravia Moravian Church 24

DEC. 15 - 21, 2017

Moravian Cookies, Sugarcake, Stars & Ornaments Ice Cream • Gifts under $5 • Gluten-free cookies available Gift baskets & gift boxes available in several price ranges We can take special orders for Moravian Buns, Cake Squares & Eclairs

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

GRINS & GRIPES

CRIME / INCIDENT report

...continued from p. 24 first winter snow storm of the season and 10 other buses were stranded. Three students who were transported to the hospital for minor injuries they experienced during the accidents are reported to be doing fine. “We decided not to close schools early based on information we had at the time of our decision,” McCully wrote in his statement to the media. “We anticipated having students home before any significant accumulation occurred. “When the winter weather advisory changed to a warning close to dismissal time, we made the decision to cancel all afternoon and Saturday activities. “Knowing what we know now, we probably would have made a different decision. We commend our school bus drivers for making sure that all of our children arrived home safely this evening. “We will continue to review our inclement weather procedures and make adjustments as needed.” In a follow-up interview with Fox8 News on Sunday, Dec. 10, McCully said, “It was the right decision at the time, given the information that we had. If we could do a do-over we would have a different decision and most likely go to a 2-hour early release.”

District 1 Sheriff’s Office has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest Guilford County ... The District 1 office encompasses Oak Ridge, Summerfield, Stokesdale, Colfax and northwest and northern Greensboro. It is bounded by Rockingham County on the north, runs east along U.S. 29 South, west along Forsyth County and south along the Greensboro City limits.

BREAKING & ENTERING

Dec. 10 | On Sunday, Dec. 10, an employee of A&Y Nail Spa off N.C. 68 North in Oak Ridge reported that unknown suspect(s) had broken the front window of the store sometime between 5:30 p.m. the previous evening and 7:30 a.m. that morning. Once inside, the suspects stole nail supplies valued at $487.65 and cash. Dec. 10 | A resident of River Farm Drive in Oak Ridge reported that sometime between 8 p.m. on Dec. 9 and 10:40 a.m. on Dec. 10, unknown suspect(s) entered his vehicle through an unlocked door. Once inside, numerous items were stolen including firearms and ammunition, an Apple iPhone 6 and a knife.

DRUGS

Dec. 11- 12 | Several people were ar-

rested at a residence in the 8100 block of Shoeline Road in Stokesdale between 9 p.m. on Dec. 11 and 4:25 a.m. on Dec. 12 on charges including Possession of Controlled Substance I, Illegal Possession of Controlled Substance II (Substance II drugs may be dispensed with the written prescription of a licensed medical practitioner), Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Larceny, Shoplifting/ Concealment of Goods, and Maintaining a Dwelling/Vehicle for Use, Storage or Sale of a Controlled Substance.

FRAUD

Dec. 7 | A resident of Rosedale Drive in Oak Ridge reported that on Dec. 6 an unknown person fraudulently posed as president of the North Carolina Music Teachers Association via email to a reporting party and requested (and received) a wire transfer of $8,750.20.

A Christmas Musical About the Traditions of Many Nations Celebrating the Birth of One King

2300 Scalesville Road, Summerfield

DEC. 15 - 21, 2017

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

THEFT

Dec. 5 | Stolen property belonging to the Greensboro Police Department was recovered on Dec. 5 around 7:45 p.m. at a home in the 7000 block of Summerfield Road in Summerfield. A known offender and resident of Greensboro was arrested for Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Possession of Marijuana. Dec. 6 | Around 11:50 a.m. on Dec. 6 two known female offenders, one a resident of Martha’s Place in Greensboro and the other a resident of New Walkertown Road in Winston-Salem, were stopped in a black Jeep Cherokee a short distance away from the Dollar General at 4535 U.S. 220 N in Summerfield and found to be in possession of eight stolen DVDs which included “Breaking Bad,” “The Secret Life of Pets,” “The Goldbergs,” “Surf’s Up” and “The Shallow.” Both women were cited for Larceny and the DVDs, which were valued at $121.85, were returned to the Dollar General.

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

AUTO SALES & SERVICE

SAVE THE DATE

HOME SERVICES

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

CHRISTMAS ALL OVER THE WORLD, a free Christmas musical presented by Summerfield First Baptist Church, Sunday, December 17, 6-7pm. The musical centers on the traditions of the many nations celebrating the birth of one king. For more information, call (336) 643-6383, or email lkirby@summerfieldfbc.com.

MAID-2-SHINE. Excellent service, 15 years exp. Free estimates., excellent references. (336) 338-0223.

EMPLOYMENT

Place online at

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

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

F/T TEMPORARY TAX PREPARER. Work 30-40 hrs./week in Greensboro. Recent experience with individual taxes a must. Please email resume to hmgmail@hcmgi.com. P/T BARN HELP NEEDED at local horse farm. Help needed on weekends and some weekdays. Experience working with and around horses a must. If interested please call (336) 209-4050 or (336) 708-0656.

HIRING? We can help! Reach over 25,000 readers, all in northwest Guilford County, right here! Place your ad online at www.nwobserver.com

SAVE THE DATE

INDEX Auto Sales & Service .................. 27 Employment ............................... 27 Save the Date ............................ 27 Home Services ....................... 27-29 Misc. Services......................... 29-30 Misc. for Sale ............................. 30 Misc. Wanted ............................. 30 Pets & Animal Services ................ 30 Real Estate ................................. 30

JOSIE’S BOUTIQUE Remaining Inventory Sale, every Friday & Saturday thru December 23, 10am-5pm, 2204 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge. Everything 50% off!

Something

going on

THE CLEANING TECHNICIAN INC. With the holidays coming so fast, let the Cleaning Technician give you a detailed clean. Call for your free quote! Licensed, bonded & insured. Lisa, (336) 207-0770.

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

Tell northwest Guilford County

FLOORING

Place your Save the Date online at

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

HOME SERVICES CLEANING CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING, gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com. (336) 595-2873. AMERICAN MAID New to your area. Two years experience. All your basic housecleaning needs. Call for your free estimate. (336) 409-4554.

Kernersville Arts & Crafts Guild’s 29th The Northwest Observer is Annual CHRISTMAS STORE, now through celebrating 21 years of bringing Saturday, Dec. 23, 806 Highway 66 South your community news home! (Plaza 66 Shopping Center), Kernersville. Thanks to our advertisers for All items handcrafted by local artisans. making it possible each week! Hours: Monday-Sat., 10am-6pm, Sunday 1-5pm. Call (336) 978-8307, or see display MAIDS OF HONOR HOME CLEANING ad on page 5 for more details. $25 off! Locally owned, bonded staff. 40 years LIVE DRIVE-THU NATIVITY STORY, in service. BBB A+ rating. (336) 708-2407. Fairview Baptist Church, 2531 Flat Rock CastleWorks WINDOW CLEANING Road in Reidsville, Friday, December 15, Includes gutters, pressure washing, chande6:30-8:30pm. Come experience what life might have been like on the night of Jesus’ liers and other high ladder work. Fully insured and bonded, free estimates. (336) 609-0677. birth over 2,000 years ago. For more inwww.castleworkswindowcleaning.com. formation, call (336) 791-8802.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

MONTERO’S HARDWOOD FLOORING Installation of hardwood, laminate & tile; hardwood sanding & finishing. Commercial & residential. Insured, 17 years experience. Free estimates & excellent references. Visit Monteros-hardwood-flooring.com, or call (336) 215-8842.

The Northwest Observer will not be published on December 29 and January 4. We will resume on January 11. GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance. A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707. GREENERTIMES SMALL ENGINE Sales & Service Center. All types sold and repaired; comm./res. 9428 NC Hwy. 65, Stokesdale. (336) 548-9286 or (336) 312-3844.

... continued on p. 28

DEC. 15 - 21, 2017

HOME SERVICES Decks | Sun & Screened Porches Roofing | Windows | Gutters REPAIRS | RENOVATIONS (336) 643-0531 haleyhahn.com Licensed & insured

GARY’S HANDYMAN HOME SERVICES “Providing value for the home-ownership experience.” Gary Gellert, serving NC’s Pied-

HOME SERVICES

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

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

PAINTING & DRYWALL

ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035. BRAD’S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS. LLC Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647. GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150.

mont Triad area. Garygellert@gmail.com,

AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIRS One call fixes it all! A+ rating with BBB! Call

The 2018 northwest FINDER, the area’s ONLY local resource guide and business directory, is coming in January! To be included, call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10. L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE LLP “We get you mowing!” Free pickup and delivery. 2103 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge. (336) 298-4314.

OLD SCHOOL HOME REPAIR/ IMPROVEMENT

“No Job Too Small”

Jerry & Lisa Potkay, Owners • Oak Ridge, NC Accredited A+ Rating, BBB of Central NC

(336) 669-7252 oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com

RECEIVE 10% off Any Home Interior Repair or Improvement booked

in Nov/Dec 2017 for the months of Jan/Feb/Mar 2018

GRADING / HAULING PEARMAN QUARRY HAULING Fill dirt, gravel, sand rock, mulch & more. Joel Richardson, (336) 803-2195.

DEC. 15 - 21, 2017

ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Bobcat work and more. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. Call Joe at (336) 643-9157. ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875.

(336) 423-8223.

(336) 987-0350 for a free estimate.

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

Get. Be. Stay. Connected.

facebook.com/NorthwestObserver

DELIMA LAWNCARE. Licensed and insured. Free estimates. (336) 669-5210. ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981.

Let us introduce you to LAWN CARE / LANDSCAPING FAY’S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Fall lawn care, seeding & aerating. Tree work. Pine needles & mulch. Reasonable and honest. Call Taylor, (336) 458-6491. WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Complete lawn care & landscaping. NC lic. irrigation contractor. 20 years exp. Hardscaping, fertilization & weed control. (336) 399-7764. TRACTOR FOR HIRE – Bush hogging, grading, brush/tree removal. (336) 207-6632. AREA STUMP DUMP. Yard waste, concrete, etc. Fill dirt avail. (336) 602-5820.

our readers!

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

(336) 931-0600

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

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

Call (336) 644-7035 for advertising info.

PLUMBING

MASONRY

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

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

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.

The Northwest Observer Keeping you connected for 21 years . . . and counting!

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

MISC. SERVICES & PRODUCTS

PRESSURE WASHING

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

GAS LOGS, WOOD STOVES & INSERTS Fireplaces, sold, serviced and repaired. Call Don Hill, (336) 643-7183.

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

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

HOME SERVICES

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION

A.L. CORMAN ROOFING INC.

HAMMERSMITH WOODWORKING INC. Carpentry, custom cabinetry, built-ins, exterior repairs. ASP - Helping Hand. Over 30 years exp.. Call Carlton, (336) 404-3002.

Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, sid-

Res. roofing specialist serving Guilford Cty.

ing, dock work, windows, roofing, rotted wood.

area since 1983. BBB 25+ years w/ A+ rating.

Sr. disc., 38 years exp. (336) 362-6343.

cormanroofinginc.com, (336) 621-6962.

ORTIZ REMODELING – Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981. JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com. KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Specializing in room additions, kitchens & baths, garages, vinyl siding and windows, painting, ceramic tile, laminate, hardwood and linoleum floors, and remodeling of all kinds. No job too small. Free est. Call (336) 362-7469.

RENOVATION WORKS, INC. New construction, remodeling, additions, kitchen, bath and decks. We are a locally

Construction Services, INC

MISC. SERVICES The Northwest Observer 21 years and counting! Want to reach our readers? Call (336) 644-7035 or email advertising@nwobserver.com for more information.

owned, full-service design and build com-

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

WildlifEviction – NUISANCE WILDLIFE

pany, A+ accredited with the BBB. Visit

Roof replacements and repairs

TRAPPING & REMOVAL. Hearing noises

www.myrenovationworks.com or call (336) 427-7391 to start your next project. PREMIER CONSTRUCTION. Providing all of your home maintenance needs, remodeling and new construction. (336) 430-9507.

in your attic or crawl space? Give us a call

644-8615 office 508-5242 cell

for a FREE inspection. (336) 908-4709. COMPUTER REPAIRS – ITBASICS.COM

Licensed & insured

Inside Mailboxes & More, Oak Ridge Com-

NC Gen. Contractor #72797

mons. (336) 643-0068.

ROOFING

KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION

CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC

metal roofing. Free est. (336) 362-7469.

Residential roofing, rubber flat roofs, roof

30 years experience. Residential shingle &

coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience.

PREMIER ROOFING CONSTRUCTION

Now accepting all major credit cards. Call

Insurance specialist, free inspections, res./

(336) 643-8191 or (336) 580-3245.

comm., BBB A rating. (336) 430-9507.

SAM’S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 347-7470. ERIE INSURANCE – IN KERNERSVILLE Long Insurance Services, (336) 992-5664.

...continued on p. 30

LAST CHANCE to reserve your ad space in the 10th annual 2018 northwest FINDER!

Be part of the

ONLY business directory and resource guide

now, d -to -k of nee -to -know info ectory d ir o d o r g u Yo ounty and know ilford C fun -to - rthwest Gu o n t abou

rsary AnniveDER FIN

for northwest Guilford county. (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 • advertising@nwobserver.com

Get year-long exposure in the only community directory specifically for northwest Guilford County

Direct-mailed to 11,400+ homes • +4,000 copies distributed for free pick-up Online 24/7 at www.nwobserver.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

2018 DEC. 15 - 21, 2017

MISC. SERVICES

MISC. WANTED

REAL ESTATE

NWO On The Go photos!

REAL ESTATE

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Where do you take your NWO? Share your vacation pics with our readers!

Call me for professional buyer and seller services!

Email photos@nwobserver.com LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

Gated access with 24/7 available here camera surveillance

PETS & ANIMAL SVCS. READY TO GO HOME!

Gil Vaughan

We carry moving & shipping supplies

Realtor ®/Broker

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

(336) 337-4780 JustCallGil.com

MISC. FOR SALE

We Help Everyone!

SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered and stacked, 1/2 cord, $80. Call (336) 686-6373. SPLIT & SEASONED FIREWOOD. Delivery available. (336) 643-9332. PERSIMMON PULP and more, (336) 8163441. Also sold at The Old Mill on weekends.

Got stuff? Sell it here in the

classifieds submit your ad at

SELLERS & BUYERS

MOZART is beautiful boy, just over 13 years old, who was surrendered to Red Dog Farm. He is still learning to trust humans, and has not yet been saddled, but is learning to allow volunteers to groom and lead him. Mozart’s adoption fee will be $300. You can learn more about Mozart, or any of the animals ready for a forever home, at reddogfarm.com.

If you’ve found a pet and need help finding the owner, let us know! We’ll be glad to run a classified ad and share it on Facebook!

PET SITTING / BOARDING

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

DEC. 15 - 21, 2017

4N real es orthwest G uilford tate br iefs 19 Re Questi al Estate ons & Answer s 23 See which

Jake Letterman (336) 338-0136

(336) 643-4248

www.ANewDawnRealty.com

HOMES FOR RENT STOKESDALE DUPLEX, 2BR, 1BA, $675/ month. (336) 706-1887.

Selling or renting? Tell our readers about your property!

KPS – KELLY’S PET SERVICES Professional in-your-home PET SITTING. Insured & bonded. Member Pet Sitters International. Openings currently available for Oak Ridge only. Call (336) 706-6706, email kpsforyourpets@gmail.com, www.facebook. com/kpspets, or @kpspets on Instagram.

2316 Castleloch Drive, High Point Incredible custom brick home. 5BR/4BA. Bonus room, great room, luxury kitchen, screened porch and 3-car garage. $495,000

123 Dream Lane Real estate showcase ads in the NWO get noticed! Include a photo and description of your listing, Realtor photo, logo and contact info – all for only $75!

Classifieds are only $4/line per issue, and can be placed online at www.nwobserver.com, or by calling (336) 644-7035, ext. 10. Keep in mind – the deadline for each

Place your real estate showcase today (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 advertising@nwobserver.com

week’s issue is Monday at midnight!

There’s no place like the cover.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Ask us how your business can be featured and appear as the cover story in our monthly NWO Business and Real Estate section. (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 advertising@nwobserver.com

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS

Denton Farm Park .............................. 5

FUNERAL SERVICES

Please support our advertisers,

Forbis & Dick, Stokesdale ................. 32

HEALTH & FITNESS SNAP Fitness ...................................... 7

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

and tell them where you saw their ad! ACCOUNTING Carlotta Lytton, CPA, PA .................. 23 Kimberly Thacker Accounting ........... 32 Samuel Anders, CPA, MSA, PC ........... 7

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE EuroHaus ......................................... 23 Vestal Buick .......................................10

BUILDERS Brian Disney Homes ..........................17 Brian Thompson Homes ....................15 Builders MD .......................................13 Disney Custom Homes ......................15 Don Mills Builders ..............................15 Johnson & Lee ...................................15 Kickin’ Clouds ....................................18 Lansink Custom Homes .....................16

“What are the DMV’s hours of operation?”

Naylor Custom Homes ......................17 Precept Construction .........................16 R&K Custom Homes .........................17 Ray Bullins Construction ....................17 TM Construction Services ................. 29 Walraven Signature Homes ...............16

CHILDREN’S SERVICES

BEK Paint Company .......................... 28 Elegant Transformations by Marcie ... 23 Haley Hahn Home Solutions ............ 28 House of Stars .................................. 23 Max Kendall Lumber & Tin .............. 32 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery . 3 New Garden Select .......................... 26 Old School Home Repair .................. 28 ProStone ............................................19 Stokesdale Heating & Air ...................14 Stokesdale Storage ........................... 30

Novant – Northwest Family Medicine .. 22

ORTHODONTIC CARE Olmsted Orthodontics .......................21

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital .............. 23 Northwest Animal Hospital ................. 9 Stokesdale Veterinary Hospital .......... 32 Veterinary Hospital of Oak Ridge....... 23 Westergaard Kennels .......................... 9

REAL ESTATE A New Dawn Realty .......................... 30 Berkshire Hathaway Yost & Little .......12 Gil Vaughan, Keller Williams ............. 30 Jake Letterman, Berkshire Hathaway .. 30 Jason Smith – Smith Marketing .........16

Guardian Ad Litem ............................21

LEGAL SERVICES

RESTAURANTS

CHURCHES Oak Ridge United Methodist Church .. 22 Summerfield First Baptist Church ...... 26

Barbour & Williams Law ...................... 3 Scott Tippett Law ..............................14 The Law Offices of Susan Greeson ..... 9

Rio Grande Mexican Kitchen .............. 5

DENTIST

MEDICAL CARE / PRODUCTS

Borden Dentistry ................................. 6

EVENTS Stokesdale Christmas Parade ............ 20

“How do I register to vote?”

“Are there any local animal rescue groups?”

Keep it handy, use it often

“How do I contact my town’s council members?”

Carolina Priority Care ........................ 20 Dove Medical Supply ........................ 25 LeBauer Healthcare ........................... 2 Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery .. 4

“Where can I find a detailed map of the new I-73 bypass?”

Bella Luna Ristorante & Bar ................ 5

RETAIL Cass Jewelers ..................................... 5 Goodwill Industries of Central NC ......18 Moravian Dewey’s Holiday Store ...... 24 The Collegiate Shop ........................... 5

Your direc tory of need -to to--know, fun -to to--know an d good -to to--know inf about north o west Guilfo rd County

Anniversary FINDER

published by

2018

Find the answer to these questions and more in the FINDER. It’s jam-packed with valuable information for northwest Guilford County residents. In print every year • Online year-round at nwobserver.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

DEC. 15 - 21, 2017

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Postal Patron

Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22

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

gems in

ECRWSS

downtown

Stokesdale May your Christmas be filled with

Forbis&Dick Funeral Homes Stokesdale 8320 Hwy 158, (336) 643-3711 Greensboro 1118 N Elm St, (336) 275-8408 5926 W Friendly Ave, (336) 299-9171

Individual & Small Business Bookkeeping & Payroll Individual & Corporate Tax Returns PO Box 469 • 8400 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale

(336) 644.2741 • kim.thacker@att.net

$5 off exams

Locally owned & operated • Serving Stokesdale, Greensboro, Oak Ridge & Summerfield

Max Kendall Lumber & Tin

with the donation of a pet food item, leash or blanket that will be distributed to local non profits, December 2017

METAL ROOFING

HOME • FARM • COMMERCIAL • Plain & painted tin (20 colors) • Classic rib, standing seam & 5V • PBR panel 40-year warranty – American-made

LUMBER

ROUGH, DRESSED & TREATED

Dr. Mindy Wesely • Dr. Amelia Hubbard 8208 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale • (336) 643-8515

STORAGE BUILDINGS

20% OFF FOR CASH

Corner of NC 68 & US 158 in Stokesdale Open Mon- Fri 8am- 4:30pm • (336) 643-9777 • Toll-free 1-888-434-2825

stokesdalevet.net

FREE rabies vaccines for sasquatches!

WE FINANC METAL E ROOFS

Certified Vet