Northwest Observer | December 22, 2017 - January 10, 2018

Dec. 22, 2017 - Jan. 10, 2018

bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996

www.nwobserver.com

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

By PATTI STOKES SUMMERFIELD – 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 13.2mile stretch of U.S. 220 from two lanes to four, and the project got underway soon afterward.

Throughout the project there have been numerous challenges,

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 are hardpressed to remember what the landscape was like before the barrels first appeared in 2012.

Questions about why the project has taken so long to complete and

...continued on p. 12

While some capital improvement projects will move forward, others will be on hold until a park master plan is created

By PATTI STOKES

OAK RIDGE – Members of the Oak Ridge Town Council held a special-called meeting Dec. 14 to revisit a four-year capital improvement plan that was developed by the council last January after receiving input from staff and citizens. After a two-hour discussion guided by facilitator Randy Billings, a northwest Guilford County native and former executive director of Piedmont Triad Photo courtesy of Paul Egleston

Taya Phillips (right), a Northwest High School student in Paul Egleston’s World History class, enjoys seeing the expression on a young boy’s face after he receives a tricycle for Christmas. The young boy and his mother live at Mary’s House, a faith-based ministry providing transitional and permanent housing, life skills training and a supportive community for homeless women in recovery from substance abuse.

For the past eight years, NWHS students, staff and community members have raised money to buy Christmas gifts for families living at Mary’s House and this year they raised over $25,458 and served 25 families. On Dec. 19 they hosted a gathering at the school, where they met the families, served them dinner and presented them with their gifts. See more on p. 19

Regional Council, the council agreed that sidewalks, further developing the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, a fitness trail in the town park and two crosswalks are the capital improvement projects the Town of Oak Ridge will undertake over the next 18 months.

...continued on p. 18

IN THIS ISSUE News in Brief.................................3 Your Questions.............................4 Summerfield Town Council.........6 Stokesdale Town Council...........8 The high chair that Papa built... 16 Youth/School news................... 19 Student Profiles..........................20 Community Calendar...............22 Grins & Gripes............................24 Crime/Incident Report..............26 Classifieds..................................28 Index of Advertisers.................. 31

Jolly Holidays and a Happy News Year from all of us at PS Communications!

We’ll be back in print Jan. 11

L to R: Annette Joyce (photo bombing), contributing writer; Kim Frenchak, marketing manager; Laura Reneer, associate publisher; Lucy Smith, finance manager; Leon Stokes, IT director; Patti Stokes, publisher/editor; Jorge Maturino, art director (hanging from the tree); Yvonne Truhon, page layout; Linda Schatz, distribution manager (sitting on Yvonne’s shoulder) and Steve Mann, contributing writer.

Not pictured: Marc Pruitt, Helen Ledford, Nora Murray, contributing writers

from all of us at publisher of the Northwest Observer

,

when not in use, and always make sure the fire in your fireplace is completely extinguished before leaving the house.

NEWS in brief

New clerk in town SUMMERFIELD – Lance Heater has joined the Town of Summerfield staff as full-time town clerk, effective Dec. 18.

Heater takes over the reins from Mary Gant, who served as deputy town clerk after Valarie Halvorsen left the town clerk’s position last spring shortly after her 10-year anniversary with the town.

Heater began his career working in hospital administration with the Veterans Administration while in graduate school at the University of Arkansas.

When an opportunity for an internship came up with the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas, he took it, later being promoted to staff administrator and assistant to the city manager.

Photo courtesy of Town of Summerfield

Lance Heater is Summerfield’s new town clerk, effective Dec. 18.

eventually worked his way up to president of the company, and remained there for 22 years.

After remarrying, Heater and his wife moved to North Carolina and he went to work for the United States Postal Service’s Human Resources Shared Services Center based in Greensboro, which serves 600,000 USPS employees throughout the country.

After earning his master’s in Public Administration, Heater accepted a position with the City of Martinsville, Virginia, as assistant city manager and clerk of the council.

“I worked there for 2 ½ years until this opportunity (as town clerk) came along,” Heater said. “I missed working in local government and wanted to get back into it.”

“I still reported to the council in my role as clerk and to the city manager in my role as assistant to the city manager,” he said of his dual roles.

When the city manager who hired him decided to retire a year later, Heater filled the role of interim city manager during the search for a city manager, and then returned to the dual roles he previously had after a new city manager was hired.

Between them, Heater and his wife have three sons, ages 20, 23 and 26.

In their spare time, the couple enjoys riding bicycles both on local greenways and on various other greenways, including the New River Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail.

While continuing to work part-time as clerk for the City of Martinsville, Heater later went to work for Southwestern Virginia Gas Company. He

Heater also enjoys reading. And there’s one other thing he mentioned … most mornings he and his wife, who is a middle school teacher in Forsyth County, leave their house about 4:30 a.m. and head to the YMCA, where they work out for an hour before beginning their workday.

It’s that time of year, so be especially careful – and watch out for deer With colder temperatures upon us, local firefighters are advising residents to be mindful of the dangers sometimes

associated with the use of wood stoves, electric space heaters, kerosene heaters and fireplaces. Unplug your heaters

At Summerfield Town Council’s Dec. 12 meeting, SFD Chief Chris Johnson said 905 people die in home fires each winter and he urged everyone to read instructions on their Christmas lights and to keep heat sources away from Christmas trees. Also, it’s important to keep live Christmas trees adequately watered.

And NCDOT reminds residents to be especially mindful of deer crossing the roads this time of year. The department reports that Guilford County had 549 animal-related crashes last year,

which was the third-highest number of any county in the state.

Deer are on the roadways more during the fall into early winter due to the hunting and mating seasons. Traditionally, November records the highest number of animal-related crashes, followed

by October, December and January.

The most crashes came last year in the evening between 5 p.m. and midnight, with 50 percent of the overall total. Besides being the time when deer are more likely to be moving about and crossing roads, it is when decreased driver visibility makes it more difficult to see the animals on or near the roadways.

Christmas Eve Services

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

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

3

your QUESTIONS

www.nwobserver.com /northwestobserver @mynwobserver @northwestobserver

OUR TEAM Patti Stokes, editor/publisher Laura Reneer, marketing manager Jorge Maturino, art director Yvonne Truhon, page layout Leon Stokes, IT director Lucy Smith, finance manager Linda Schatz, distribution manager Steve Mann, Marc Pruitt, Helen Ledford, Nora Murray and Annette Joyce, contributing writers

HOW TO REACH US email: info • celebrations • photos communitynews • realestatenews calendarevents • grinsandgripes opinions • editor • questions ... @ nwobserver.com phone: (336) 644-7035 fax: (336) 644-7006 office: 1616 NC 68 N, Oak Ridge mail: PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310

I’ve heard several people talk about a tanker truck belonging to Summerfield Fire District that developers paid for several years ago. Did developers really pay for the truck, and how much did it cost? Does the fire district routinely get donations from individuals and companies?

As for what you heard regarding developers paying for a tanker truck, there is some truth to that, although their contributions totaled $15,000, or about 4.7 percent of the cost of the tanker truck that SFD purchased 13 years ago.

Contact us at (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 display: advertising@nwobserver.com classified: classifieds@nwobserver.com Independently owned & published by

“There was a need in our fire district for water, especially with the increased size of homes that were being built at that time,” SFD Chief Chris

Curious about something?

Westergaard Kennels DOG BOARDING

NOW IS THE TIME to make Christmas and New Year’s reservations!

Submit your questions about topics relevant to the northwest area

Welcoming new clients to our family

online: nwobserver.com

5719 Bunch Rd, Oak Ridge • (336) 643-5169 jingletail@mac.com • 28 years serving you

e-mail: questions@ nwobserver.com

4

Johnson said. “The new tanker the department wanted to purchase at that time carried 3,500 gallons of water.

This would aid in getting more water to a fire scene and to get it there more quickly, in hopes of saving lives and reducing the amount of property loss.

According to records we obtained from SFD, between the months of June and September 2003, the local fire district, which was looking to purchase a tanker truck, received donations from six different resources to help fund a super tanker truck.

hours: M-F 9am-2pm (or by appt.)

WANT TO ADVERTISE?

Summerfield Fire District purchased this 2004 Pierce 3,500-gallon tanker in 2004. The district received $19,025 in donations from private citizens, companies and a nonprofit organization to offset the purchase price of $337,147.

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

www.westbengoldens.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

“SFD does not have hydrants,” Johnson explained. “For that reason, water has to be hauled to the scene in tankers. After water has been dumped at a scene, the tanker must either go to a hydrant out of district or to a static water point, such as a lake or pond, to fill the truck back up. At that point, the cycle starts over and continues until no more water is needed.”

Although the tanker truck was purchased before Johnson was hired as SFD’s chief, records we reviewed indicate the fire district received a $1,000 donation from Northwest Civitans, a $3,000 donation from CCB, a $25 donation from a private citizen and three separate $5,000 donations (totaling $15,000) from development/property management companies that were either based in or were doing business in Summerfield at the time.

“This $19,025 in donations was used to offset the cost of the tanker truck, and the fire district borrowed an additional $318,122 to purchase the tanker truck,” Johnson said, noting the purchase price was only for the truck and did not include equipment needed on the truck.

“The truck purchased at that time was Tanker 9,” Johnson said. “It is

still a truck in our fleet. We are able to use that truck in our district and surrounding fire districts to provide much needed water on fire scenes.

Though Tanker 9 is very helpful in fire emergencies and serves its purpose to get more water on a scene faster, it still does not fully address the need for more water points in our district. That remains a concern, especially with the increasing number of large homes in our district and the amount of water that will be needed to fight a fire in those homes should one occur.”

As for whether it is unusual for the fire district to receive donations, Johnson said no, and the fire district is always appreciative of those individuals, companies and organizations that donate to the district to offset the cost of purchasing needed equipment and enhance the emergency services within the community.

Stokesdale Fire District Chief Todd Gauldin said his department also

receives donations.

“We get citizens who will come by every once in a while and make a donation. We also have a company operating in Stokesdale whose parent company has a trust and they make a donation every year to the departments who serve them. We are thankful for every penny of it, but, we do not get enough donations to buy a truck – in fact, we do not get enough donations in 10 years to buy a truck!”

Our office will be closed

And in Oak Ridge, Fire Chief Steve Simmons said, “To the best of my knowledge, we have never received donations to purchase a truck. However, like Stokesdale, we have a company with operations in our district whose parent company has a trust, and as of the last three or four years we have received a donation from that. And, throughout the year we occasionally have citizens who will send donations to the department to say “Thanks for all that you do for our community.”

Friday, Dec. 22 Monday, Dec. 25 Tuesday, Dec. 26 Monday, Jan. 1.

The next printed version of the Northwest Observer will go into circulation Thursday, Jan. 11.

High School Grads Can Start College Now Right Here in NW Guilford!

No need to drive across town or elsewhere – students can earn their first 15 college credit hours close to home at our Donald W. Cameron campus in Colfax.

> Learn in state-of-the-art facilities > Pay low tuition > Credits transfer to any of the 16 schools in the UNC system

General Education courses available at our Cameron campus for the spring semester are enrolling now through January 4 in: Writing • Geology • American History Public Speaking • Critical Thinking An additional 15 credit hours will be available for Fall 2018.

Step one: apply online at GTCC.edu For more information, call 336-334-4822 ext. 64001

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

5

SUMMERFIELD town council

Dec. 12 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by PATTI STOKES Mayor Mark Brown called the monthly meeting to order; all council members were present except Dianne Laughlin, who was excused for her absence.

The Nov. 14 council meeting minutes were approved with one correction.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Town Manager Scott Whitaker said a special-called meeting was tentatively scheduled on Jan. 11 to hear a presentation on remodeling plans for the Gordon

Hardware building and the N.C. 150 (Oak Ridge Road) and Summerfield Road intersection master plan.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Elizabeth Burkett, president-elect of Elm­hurst Estates’ HOA, said many residents of her neighborhood have safety concerns regarding exiting from their neighborhood onto U.S. 220, especially with making a left turn out of their neighborhood. The HOA’s current president

IT’S

FLU, COLD, COUGHING,

SNIFFING, SNEEZING, STUFFY, RUNNY NOSE,

TIRED, SORE, FEVER, CAN’T-GET-OUT-OF-BED

SICK-AS-A-DOG

SEASON  Flu shots available  Fevers, flu or bronchitis  Asthma care  Pediatric care  Urgent medical care  Sports & routine physicals  Orthopedic injury care  UTI treatment  Laceration evaluation & repair

Your care is our priority  www.cpcuc.com Monday- Friday 8 am - 8 pm and Saturday- Sunday 9 am - 5 pm (336) 392-1915  8001-A Marketplace Dr., Oak Ridge

6

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

has been in touch with NCDOT’s Mike Mills, who told him DOT will conduct a feasibility study after the U.S. 220 widening project has been completed.

On behalf of the Elmhurst Estates residents, Burkett asked for the town to add its voice to their safety concerns.

Elizabeth McClellan said Parks and Recreation Manager Jeff Goard, who was to be recognized later in the meeting for five years of service, is “a treasure.” She then thanked outgoing council members for their service, congratulated incoming council members Gail Dunham, Teresa Pegram and Todd Rotruck for “putting themselves out there to serve our town” and said she looked forward to everyone working together.

Priscilla Olinick said she had enjoyed getting to know everyone since becoming attentive to Summerfield politics last February.

“What brought me into politics and what has gotten us here today was the January zoning meeting and the pending PD (proposed Planned Development zoning district). There are two sides to every story…,” she said. Adjectives like “divisive, bullies, mean-spirited, malicious, wolves, false prophets, elitists and racists” had all been used to describe those who opposed the PD, Olinick said.

“That is not who we are, and not who we should be,” she said, urging everyone to give the newly elected officials the opportunity to lead and give citizens who hadn’t felt they had a voice the opportunity to have their voices heard.

“We should all cross that bloody line of PD and try to come together,” she concluded.

Beth Kaplan thanked outgoing council members Dianne Laughlin, Mike Adams and Mayor Mark Brown for their service and willingness to tackle major projects and said they would leave big shoes to fill.

“Summerfield is a better place for your service and you will be missed,” she said.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Finance. Finance Officer Dee Hall said members had discussed proposed changes to the town’s cash management

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

policy to align it with state regulations.

Trails and Open Space. Chair Jane Doggett said the committee continues to look at potential connections to the A&Y Trail and possibilities for open space.

UDO Review. Councilman Mike Adams said the committee’s progress is “remarkable,” committee members’ debates are “wellfounded” and members listen to each other.

“It’s been a privilege to see that committee come together in such ways that the ordinances will set the course for Summerfield in the future,” Adams said.

Founders’ Day. Whitaker said Founders’ Day will be held May 18-19 at the fire station on Summerfield Road and the committee is seeking craft, business and food vendors, and parade participants. The committee needs one more citizen member.

Mayor Brown then turned the floor over to Adams, who had requested time to speak during Public Comments.

“I want to thank the town for the privilege of serving you for the last four years,” Adams said. “I consider it a life honor. As this newly elected group of individuals comes in, I want to wish them all well. As they transition from citizen to governing, my prayer is that they seek God’s wisdom in making their decisions.”

EMERGENCY SERVICES Fire District. Summerfield FD Chief Chris Johnson reported the district responded to 26 fire-related calls, 71 EMS calls and 15 other calls in November, installed 13 car seats and reached 153 adults and 100 children through public outreach efforts.

After saying 905 people die in home fires each winter, Johnson urged everyone to read instructions on their Christmas lights and keep heat sources away from Christmas trees.

At the district’s annual Christmas/ Awards dinner on Dec. 4, Dep. Chief Troy Stantliff was honored for 54 years of service.

Stantliff will be retiring from district operations in January; David Redmon has been promoted to deputy chief and Michael Page to assistant chief. Joseph Barbagallo received the district’s Rookie of the Year award, Zack Hardy received the Employee of the Year award and Michael Page re-

ceived the Volunteer of the Year award.

Sheriff’s District 1 Office. Capt. Robert Elliott said the district office responded to 623 calls for service in November; of those, 170 calls were in Summerfield and eight were Part 1 crimes. The rise in construction activity has come with a rise in construction thefts, Elliott noted.

“If you’re out in the evenings and see anything suspicious, please call us,” he said. “Also, watch out for your packages and your neighbors’ packages.”

Emergency Services. On behalf of ES, Dep. Clerk Mary Gant reported the department responded to 84 calls in Summerfield in November.

AUDIT REPORT presentation

Craig Hopkins of Gibson & Company, PA out of Winston-Salem gave a brief overview of the annual audit findings and said his firm issued a clean opinion on the town’s financial records.

Net revenue for the fiscal year ending June 30 was down $3,371 compared to the previous year, Hopkins said, but net expenses were down about $630,000.

The general fund balance had $7.66 million in its cash balance as of June 30, of which $3,564 was restricted.

The town has a 99.6% ad valorem (property tax) collection rate, which is excellent, Hopkins said.

Hopkins thanked Whitaker and Hall for their assistance and said, “This was the first time we did an audit for Sum-

merfield. We had a pre-planning meeting and it was a pleasure to work with them.”

MANAGER, COUNCIL BUSINESS  4  0 to approve Budget Amendment No. 3, as requested by Hall.

Cash Management/InvestmentPolicy.

Hall said she had discovered a few things that weren’t in line with state regulations, the main one being that the town’s current investment policy permits it to invest with banks that the state doesn’t allow it to invest with, unless the finance officer takes personal responsibility for monitoring that investment. There are no violations because the banks that Summerfield does invest with are approved, but the policies need to be aligned with the state.  4  0 to align the cash management investment policy with state regulations.

Recognition. Jeff Goard was recognized for serving five years as the town’s Parks and Recreation manager.

“Jeff has had to work night and day to keep things going, and we appreciate it,” Mayor Brown said.

“Jeff has done a fantastic job,” Councilman John O’Day added. “It’s remarkable how the (park) facilities have changed and are used,” he said, adding that Goard’s many responsibilities include field maintenance and he has helped get the field drainage issues at Summerfield Athletic Park fixed.

Adams added his thanks for Goard’s “tireless efforts” and Whitaker said that when Goard came on board the town had just built the park on U.S. 220 and “didn’t have a good feel for how to operate a park like that.”

Goard brought valuable experience with him and is very invested in the community, Whitaker added. “He loves Summerfield and cares about our facilities.” With park activities and revenues increasing, and the athletic park at capacity, Whitaker said Goard was especially appreciated.

“I love Summerfield and it’s been a pleasure working with the council and our staff,” Goard said.

Deputy Clerk. O’Day said Mary Gant, who has served as deputy clerk since April, would be leaving in mid-December and thanked her for her good work.

thanked for their service and Adams was presented with a plaque. Laughlin, who was not present, was also acknowleged.

SWEARING-IN

MANAGER’S UPDATES

Whitaker said the new parking lot at Summerfield Athletic Park is nearly complete.

Stewart, the engineering firm the town hired to design the A&Y Greenway extension through Summerfield, is working on stormwater issues. Tentatively, the firm plans a presentation on the trail in February.

Lance Heater has been hired as the new town clerk and begins Dec. 18. Whitaker echoed earlier remarks about Gant and said she had been “super to work with.”

FAREWELL RECOGNITION

Outgoing council member Mike Adams and Mayor Brown were recognized and

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Gail Dunham, 73, places her hand on a Bible held by her two grandchildren as Judge Lawrence McSwain swears her into the office of mayor at Summerfield Town Council’s meeting on Dec. 12.

Following a brief recess, the council reconvened at 7:40 p.m. and Judge Lawrence McSwain administered the oath of office to Mayor Gail Dunham

...continued on p. 14

Holiday Store brought to you by

Moravia Moravian Church Open now through Christmas Eve Mon .-Sat. 10am-6pm | Christmas Eve 1pm-4pm 8001-B Marketplace Dr., Oak Ridge

(Beside McDonald’s in the same building with Carolina Priority Care and Urgent Care Clinic.)

Moravian Cookies • Moravian Sugarcake • Ice Cream • Moravian Stars and Ornaments Gifts under $5 • Moravian Items: Aprons, Tea Towels and Candles

Gift baskets & gift boxes with a selection of Dewey’s goodies in stock

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Just aays few dft! le

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

7

STOKESDALE town council

Dec. 14 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by STEVE MANN Mayor Randy Braswell called the monthly council meeting to order at 7 p.m. Present were Mayor Pro Tem Bill Jones and council members Tim Jones, Frank Bruno and Vicki White-Lawrence; Town Administrator/Finance Officer Kim Hemric; Budget Officer Philip Pulliam; Deputy Clerk Alisa Houk; Town Attorney Brian Pearce; Mayor-elect John Flynt; council member-elect Thearon Hooks; and about 30 citizens. Pastor Jerry Walker of Oak Level Baptist Church gave the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

agenda; there were no minutes completed for approval.

Agenda/minutes. Tim Jones requested the audit report presentation be moved on the agenda to after the swearing-in of the new mayor and council member, explaining some citizens had indicated they would like to leave after the swearingin ceremonies. Braswell and WhiteLawrence supported leaving the audit presentation where it was on the agenda and Jones dropped the request.

Jones then asked that a discussion of the review and release of Closed Session minutes be added to the agenda under New Business.

Elliott said as construction activity has increased, so have construction thefts, including batteries being stolen from equipment. He said many of the thefts occur between 1 and 4 a.m., and encouraged anyone seeing anything suspicious to report it. He also said deputies are working on some drug cases.

 5  0 to approve the amended

EXISTING COUNCIL BUSINESS Sheriff’s Report. Capt. Robert Elliott of the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office said the District 1 office, which covers northwest Guilford County, received 623 calls last month. Of those, 97 were in Stokesdale and included eight Part 1 crimes (i.e., theft and breaking and entering).

The average response time was about 5 minutes, he said.

Elliott said burglaries and larcenies normally increase around the Christmas holidays and there have been problems with people stealing packages delivered to homes.

Financial Report. Pulliam said the general fund checking/savings balance through Nov. 30 was about $2,775,505. Total

A+

Granite starting at $29/sq. ft. installed

Quartz starting at $45/sq. ft. installed FREE sink with purchase (restrictions apply) Locally owned and operated

Visit our showroom for FREE estimates!

Greensboro: 312 Dougherty St • (336) 574-2755 www.prostoneusa.com

8

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

FEATURED ON

Photo by Steve Mann/NWO

Mayor-elect John Flynt (center) is sworn into office by Superior Court Judge Stuart Albright (left) on Dec. 14 as Flynt’s daughter, Ashley Hilton, holds the Bible. income for the month was about $19,075 and Pulliam said a quarterly utilities franchise tax distribution of about $80,000 was expected Dec. 15. Expenses so far this fiscal year (July 1 through Nov. 30) in the general fund total about $91,746, including payroll expenses of $28,733.19.

In the water enterprise account, income this fiscal year-to-date totals about $211,487, of which about $172,354 is from water sales. Expenses total about $139,705. Water purchase totaled $71,883.89, with salaries at $29,326.39.

Annual Audit Report. R. Rex Rouse Jr. of Rouse, Rouse, Penn & Rouse said his firm delivered a clean audit opinion for Stokesdale’s general and water enterprise funds for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017. He said the Town’s sound financial condition is especially notable because it has no property tax or long-term debt.

“That sets an outstanding example of what other small towns should follow,” Rouse said.

The Town’s assets exceeded liabilities by $9,662,462 as of June 30, he noted.

In the general fund, the fund balance increased $143,225 to $2,844,933. The unassigned fund balance was $2,681,608, with total expenditures of $246,180.

More than 10 years of expenditures have been accumulated in the fund balance, whereas Rouse said the statewide average in general funds is about 6 months of expenditures in reserves.

In the water enterprise fund, cash

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

and cash equivalents increased from $1,439,550 in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, to $1,511,573 in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017. Operating expenses decreased $2,301 while net income in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017, dropped from $173,101 to $38,555, largely due to the ending of a grant from the previous year.

Rouse said the Town’s procedures for internal controls aren’t ideal, but said it is a “very good separation of duties for three employees.”

Hemric pointed out to Rouse there had been four staff members, but the deputy clerk who resigned in October has not been replaced.

Rouse made several suggestions for improving internal controls.

Later, during the Departmental/ Administrative Report, Bruno pointed out the council adopted a separation of duties policy several years ago and he recommended the staff find the document and the council make sure it is being followed.

Flynt suggested sending a copy of the Town’s separation of duties policy to the auditing firm to see if it is sufficient. He also asked Town staff to provide a copy of the document to each council member.

Easement closure, removal. By a 5-0 vote, the council scheduled and authorized staff to advertise a public hearing Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall to determine whether to close and remove

...continued on p. 10

TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 8

from dedication a 10-foot easement running horizontally across lots 1 through 4 of the Josie Mattie Neal subdivision off Belews Creek Road.

NEW BUSINESS Recognition of Outgoing Council. After Flynt thanked White-Lawrence for her four years on the council and Braswell for his six years, which included the last four as mayor, he honored them with a proclamation acknowledging each had “been a good, loyal and faithful public servant of the Town of Stokesdale.”

White-Lawrence received a plaque with the town seal and an inscription on it and Braswell received a shadowbox containing a gavel.

Swearing-in. Judge Stuart Albright administered the oath of office to Flynt and Hooks, after which they took their seats alongside Bruno, Bill Jones and Tim Jones. Braswell then shook hands with his former council members and took a

seat in the back of the room.

and could help avoid duplication of tasks.

Mayor Pro Tem. Tim Jones nominated Hooks for mayor pro tem and Flynt motioned the council approve the nomination by acclamation. Albright then administered the oath of office to Hooks.

Hooks replaced Bill Jones, who had been mayor pro tem since Dec. 10, 2015.

After the swearing-in, the council voted 5-0 to take a 10-minute recess. The meeting was reconvened at 8:09 p.m.

Website. There have been several discussions about the Town’s website capacity, Flynt said, noting there is plenty of information that could be posted on it that would benefit the citizens and the council if the space were available. Tim Jones and Bruno were asked to evaluate the website and research the cost of improving it.

Town Hall usage. Flynt said the council “has been kicking the can down the road” regarding a policy on Town Hall usage.

The building was designed to be used by citizens and it is underused, he said, and then asked Bruno to help him research other communities’ policies for using their town halls and to prepare a draft policy.

Job Descriptions. Flynt asked Bruno and Hooks to work on staff job descriptions, noting some responsibilities are designated by state statute while others can be based on research of other communities.

Flynt said job descriptions would be helpful for new staff as well as council members,

CHILLY IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER.

IS YOUR HEATING SYSTEM READY?

www.trane.com

Ask about special financing Subject to credit approval, see store for details

7101 US 158, Stokesdale • (336) 643-7397 NEW SYSTEM INSTALLATION • SERVICE • REPAIR

10

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

Insurance. Bruno and Hooks were asked to make sure Town Hall and the townowned vehicle are adequately insured; to ensure the town park has proper blanket liability coverage; to ensure council members have liability coverage; and to ensure that staff members handling funds are properly bonded. Flynt also asked the two council members to determine whether there should be an official policy on who uses the vehicle and whether an annual check for traffic violations of those who use it should be required.

File Organization. Flynt asked WhiteLawrence to continue helping organize 28 years of files in Town Hall and Hooks to assist her in making sure Stokesdale complies with the state’s public records law and that confidential information is protected.

Water Feasibility Study. Noting that Bill Jones has an intimate knowledge of Stokesdale’s water system, Flynt asked Jones to work with him to represent the town in discussions about a proposed regional water authority. Flynt said he believes it to be “one of the most significant issues the town has faced in a number of years.”

Weekly Council Meetings. Flynt said he wanted to end the weekly Wednesday council meetings and keep the regular meeting on the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. If there is a need for additional meeting time, he proposed meeting on the fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. so citizens could participate. Any extra meetings will be announced at the regular monthly meeting, he said, adding a second meeting might be needed for a few months.

Bill Jones explained the Wednesday meetings began because many issues couldn’t wait a month for council action.

Flynt’s motion to change the schedule of additional meetings, if needed, from Wednes-

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

day afternoons to the fourth Thursday evening of the month was approved 5-0.

2018 Holiday Schedule. The council voted 5-0 to approve the 2018 holiday schedule as presented. Only full-time employees would be eligible for holiday pay, if a proposed benefits package is approved. All current staff members work less than a full-time schedule.

Feasibility Study Update. Bill Jones said the Timmons Group’s feasibility study on a proposed regional water authority should be completed by mid-February.

The report will include Timmons’ opinion on how best to move forward, and Stokesdale, Summerfield, Oak Ridge and Guilford County will then decide what is best for their citizens. Jones said a meeting was held the previous week with Rockingham County officials, and a meeting with Timmons was scheduled Dec. 18.

Jones said he and Flynt met Dec. 14 with officials of the Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority in Randleman and were told the authority would not sell water to Stokesdale.

“We are at the stage now we’re looking for possible water sources and estimates of cost,” Jones said.

Flynt said he thinks the Town needs to take a critical look at its water system and proposed inviting its part-time water technician and representatives of the Town’s licensed utility contractor, the engineering firm representing Stokesdale’s interests during the feasibility study, the fire department and others to an informal roundtable discussion Thursday, Jan. 25, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. The council voted 5-0 to approve the meeting, which would be open to the public.

“I think it would be an education for all of us, to hear everybody’s thoughts and to see if there’s anything we can do to grow our (water) system,” Flynt said.

Planning Board Application. The council voted 5-0 to approve Franklin D. Bethea as an alternate on the Planning Board after training is completed.

Closed Session Meetings, Minutes. Tim Jones said the council has not released minutes of any closed sessions, as is

required by state law. The council had voted to send three sets of minutes to former Town Attorney Katy Gregg for her review, he said, and he questioned what happened to them. Hemric said Gregg did not respond before her contract with the Town ended.

Hemric said an index of topics for the closed session meetings has been completed for all 28 years since the town incorporated; about 15 to 16 closed sessions were held during that time.

Tim Jones said he wants Flynt and Hooks to have the opportunity to review closed session minutes for the last year or so, including minutes of closed sessions on Nov. 15 and Nov. 29, when the council went into closed session “to plan, conduct, or hear reports concerning investigations of alleged criminal misconduct.”

Flynt said he understood individual council members are not allowed to look at minutes of closed meetings. Bill Jones said the state statute requires authorization from the council.

Hemric said minutes from those closed sessions are not ready but she hopes to have them completed by the January meeting. Bill Jones said he felt the minutes should be redacted before they are released because they deal with internal security.

Pearce said he would probably agree, although he hasn’t seen the minutes.

Pearce said it would be easier to put together a general account of the closed session that would allow a person not in attendance to have a reasonable understanding of what transpired.

 5  0 to approve Tim Jones’ mo-

tion to have Hemric provide all records pertaining to the Nov. 15 and Nov. 29 closed sessions to Flynt and Hooks so they will be up to speed when they’re asked to vote on closed session minutes.

COMMITTEE REPORTS Ordinance Review. Chairman Jimmy Greene said the December meeting was canceled and the committee would meet again Jan. 16.

Parade. White-Lawrence said Bob Mick,

who co-chaired the Parade Committee with his wife, Pam, said he and two other volunteers had assembled Santa’s sleigh for the Christmas Parade, but someone else would need to take it apart.

Flynt asked whether entry fees would be refunded because of the parade being cancelled. White-Lawrence said after the parade was canceled in 2013, the council voted not to refund the entry fees. Hemric said the parade application states the entry fee is not refundable.

White-Lawrence said there are many upfront expenses such as advertising, purchasing candy to distribute during the parade, and portable toilets that had been delivered before the parade was canceled. According to the financial report through Nov. 30, the town collected $2,375 in parade receipts.

White-Lawrence said more volunteers are needed and it would be nice if a local civic organization would take over the parade, like the Jaycees do in Greensboro.

was $678.54; last year for the same period it was $667.15.

The two benches ordered for the Town Park have arrived, Hemric said, and cost including tax and shipping totaled $1,010.92. A donation of $500 from WoodmenLife went toward the project. The town’s Property Committee may wait until spring to assemble and install the benches.

Hemric praised Rouse, Rouse, Penn & Rouse for conducting the annual audit and said she was delighted with the outcome.

Town staff went into “full action mode” when the Christmas Parade was cancelled, Hemric said, and the parade cancellation was posted on the Town’s Facebook page, announced on radio stations, posted in the window of Town

Hall, and the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office was notified.

CITIZEN COMMENTS

White-Lawrence said Jason Williams of Boy Scout Troop 600 in Oak Ridge has completed his Eagle Scout project and she hoped the council would recognize him for his work. Jason upgraded the disc golf course at Stokesdale Town Hall, paying for the project with commission he earned from his troop’s pine needle sales.

White-Lawrence said Jason wanted to donate the $200 he had left over to the Town.

Flynt said he would like to recognize Jason’s effort, and said the Town would accept Jason’s donation. Bill Jones suggested putting the money toward the

...continued on p. 18

Administrative. Hemric said seven water meters had been sold since the council’s regular November meeting. Also, staff processed several move-in and moveout requests, and five deposit refunds had been issued that week. Hemric said Theron Jackson of Erosion Control Consultants LLC said he is waiting on an inspection by NCDOT before repairs can be made to the waterline in Phase 2 of the Dawn Acres subdivision where a leak created depressions at the end of a culde-sac in mid-November.

Hemric said she completed a mandatory worker’s comp audit required by the North Carolina League of Municipalities. McGill Associates – the engineering firm hired by Stokesdale to represent the Town’s interests during the feasibility study of a proposed regional water authority – is expected to issue task order No. 6 at the council’s monthly meeting in January that is related to capacity use fees for the Town’s water system. Eighty North Carolina 811 locate requests were received since the November meeting, which is about the monthly average.

The average daily cost for water on the most recent bill from Winston-Salem

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

11

US 220 WIDENING ...continued from p. 1

what the final completion date is are common, as well as questions about things like why there are so many Uturns, why the sound wall in front of Elmhurst Estates is already deteriorating and what is the purpose of the wire fencing recently installed along some stretches of the highway.

In last week’s Business and Real Estate section we published the first of a series of questions compiled from our readers and posed to NCDOT construction engineer Patty Eason on Dec. 12.

Most of those questions related to the timeline for project completion (Eason said DOT hopes the 13.2-mile section of U.S. 220 will be in a four-lane pattern by the end of the year, but the widening project will not be complete until next spring). This week we share

more of our readers’ questions, and will pick back up where we left off when we come back into circulation on Jan. 11 after taking a break for the holidays.

Has Tetra Tech ever built a road before? I’ve never seen one that’s this unorganized. And, it’s rough as a corncob!

me to have motion sickness. Other parts make my tires sing loudly in any of the three cars I drive, so I know it’s not my tires. Also, the line striping is hard to see in the rain. I would say I-73 is beautiful, but U.S. 220 is awful.

and as best as possible and get rid of those barrels!

“We have made some revisions and are in the process of making additional revisions in this area, particularly at the intersections of N.C. 150,” Eason said.

Not being able to turn left from Hamburg Mill “Tetra Tech had done roadway Road is a huge inconve“Both the pavement and striping construction previously and was a in some of the areas is still temporary nience. Why couldn’t pre-qualified contractor,” Eason said. and will be replaced with the final there have been a traffic “The final pavement is not in all areas pavement and high-visibility striping,” and the temporary pavement is not as signal installed there?

Eason said. smooth as final pavement.

And why was there a I love the new highlight installed at Center My concern is the way. It has cut my travel for Creative Leadership pavement. Some parts are time down tremendously. I instead, forcing those of very uneven and cause can be on Battleground or us who want to turn left head up to Wendover in from Hamburg Mill Road just a matter of minutes! I (to head north on U.S. will be thrilled when it’s 220) to have to turn done… But, I don’t like right, travel south to the the exit from 158 to 220 light at CCL and then heading to Madison – it make a U-turn to head just seems like it’s wrong. north again?

Over 250 children in I hope it will fit better Guilford County will go “The proximity of the bridge and when everything is done.

Who will be the voice for this child?

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

12

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

“U.S. 158 is one of the areas that is not complete and turn lanes will be added in the final pattern,” Eason said.

“When finished, it will be more like a full interchange.”

It is very difficult to see at night with so many orange barrels. Especially from Food Lion to Scalesville Road. They need to just finish paving as soon

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

the Strawberry Road intersection did not make it advisable to have a full-access intersection occur at Hamburg Mill Road,” Eason said. “The traffic signal at Leadership Drive (at CCL’s entrance/exit) was warranted due to not only the traffic turning into that location, but also the U-turns that will occur there.”

Look for more questions and answers regarding the U.S. 220 widening project in our Jan. 11, 2018 issue.

Have a question about the project you haven’t seen yet? Send it to editor@ nwobserver.com.

Pottery in the Southern Tradition Thank Merry you Christmas

&

Holiday

gift

Remember to visit us in January for the new year.

cards

make

DavidColePottery • davidcolepottery.com (336) 668-0025 • Tues–Sat: 10am–6pm On Hwy 68 in Oak Ridge

great

stocking stuffers!

Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center 2205-S Oak Ridge Road (336) 644-7199 riograndemexicankitchen.com facebook.com/riooakridge

NOW SERVING BRUNCH ON SUNDAY

10% OFF*

244 N. Main Street Downtown Kernersville Mon-Fri 11am-6pm | Sat 10am-5pm

Order with this coupon.

Dine in and dinner only. *Excludes alcohol and not valid with any other offer.

Expires 12/31/17

(336) 992-9900

Visit

and

for specials including a family meal deal and a gift card special!

Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center 2205 Oak Ridge Road

(336) 643-6801 • Tues-Fri 11am-9pm | saT 12-9pm | sun brunch 10am-3pm, dinner 4-9pm

RHYTHM OF LIFE TAHITIAN PEARLS

Merry Christmas

Rhythm of Life is one of Galatea’s most beautiful and popular hand-carved Tahitian pearl styles. Each is a unique work of art.

CASS JEWELERS 5559 West Market Street Greensboro, NC 27409 Tel: (336) 292-1736

www.cassjewelers.com

Support your local community businesses this Holiday Season.

Thank you to our advertisers for your support!

TOWN COUNCIL

 3  0 for O’Day to be an autho-

...continued from p. 7

and council members Todd Rotruck and Teresa Pegram.

After the newly elected council members took their seats, Rotruck motioned for Teresa Pegram to serve as mayor pro tem and Pegram seconded the motion.

O’Day made a substitute motion for Barnes to serve as mayor pro tem, which was seconded by Walker.

 3  2 for Barnes to serve another

term as mayor pro tem, with Rotruck and Pegram opposed.

Dunham said the town had a history of the council member with the highest number of votes being appointed as mayor pro tem and she was sorry to see that tradition broken.

Check signer. Four individuals are authorized to sign town checks: the mayor, mayor pro tem, town manager and one other council member. Walker motioned for O’Day to be the other authorized check signer and Barnes seconded.

rized check signer; Rotruck and Pegram did not vote.

After Town Attorney Bill Hill clarified that the legal effect of a council member not voting is that the vote is counted in the affirmative of the motion, Dunham argued that was not correct and said she and Hill would discuss it the next day (Hill was correct, according to North Carolina’s G.S. 160A-75).

Council Liaison. With Mike Adams no longer on the council, a new council liaison to the UDO Review Committee was needed. O’Day, who had served as an alternate on the committee, offered to serve as the liaison. At this point Dunham said Planning Director Carrie Spencer had recommended Rotruck to serve as the council’s liaison to the committee, and she wished Spencer were there to verify that.

Walker quickly pointed out that Spencer was sitting in the back row and Spencer spoke up and said she had not made a recommendation, and Whitaker verified that staff had not recommended a liaison.

Walker then motioned for O’Day to

Thanks

to our community for allowing us to serve you!

Dr. David Lorczak,

Cecilia, Nathanael

& Ana

Son Nathanael &

daughter Cecilia

Since 2008 8004 Linville Rd, Suite B, Oak Ridge | (336) 644-8078 | www.orchiro.com Located in the Oak Ridge Business Center, Linville Road & N.C. 68

14

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

serve as the council’s liaison and Barnes seconded his motion.

Dunham clarified that one council member serves as a committee liaison, with a second council member serving as an alternate. Whitaker confirmed that, noting the alternate position had not been voted on, rather reached by consensus.

“The way the ordinance was written, there was one position,” he said. “If the appointed liaison could not attend, it was agreed that the other person would attend.”

Dunham said both council members had sat at the UDO Review Committee meeting table and O’Day said he had done so once, but after that if Adams was in attendance he did not also sit at the table.  3  2 to appoint O’Day to be the council’s UDO Review Committee liaison, with Rotruck and Pegram opposed.

By consensus, Rotruck was appointed to serve as an alternate in O’Day’s absence.

2018 Meeting Schedule. Before discussing the meeting schedule for 2018, Dunham said she wanted staff to do a better job of being accurate with meeting minutes and with posting them online.

She then asked when the Board of Adjustment had last met and Whitaker said the BOA has a standing monthly scheduled meeting, with the expectation meetings are often cancelled because there are no cases to hear.

Dunham confirmed the BOA has a vacancy for an alternate, and then said she had met “so many fabulous people” during her campaigning who would love to be more involved with the town.

“Maybe we could talk about this in January. I would like to see the committees active,” she said.

Spencer explained the BOA meetings remained on the town’s calendar, even though often cancelled, because of an expectation that if a citizen had a case that needed to go before the BOA, they wouldn’t have to wait for several months.

Dunham asked if the BOA couldn’t be better used versus remaining idle much of the time and Whitaker explained the Board is a quasi-judicial group, unlike the committees.

Regarding the February 2018 council

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

meeting, O’Day said he had a conflict and wondered if the meeting might be rescheduled. Dunham said it was important to be consistent and she wanted to keep the monthly council meeting on the second Tuesday of the month.

Since the Trails and Open Space Committee meets on a Wednesday, which is a popular night for churches, Dunham said, she suggested the committee consider switching its meeting night to get more participation.  5  0 to approve the 2018 meeting/holiday schedule, with one correction to a date Town Hall will be closed over Christmas.

Special-Called Meeting. Dunham said a special-called meeting had tentatively been scheduled for Jan. 11 to share plans about the Gordon Hardware building renovation and the master plan for the N.C. 150 (Oak Ridge Road) and Summerfield Road intersection.

Walker said Jan. 11 didn’t work for him, to which Dunham said that date had been discussed last month, several emails had gone back and forth and she wished he would have said earlier that date didn’t work for him. Whitaker said WithersRavenel, the engineering firm, would likely be able to work with another date.

Dunham suggested the meeting be held Jan. 11, 7 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center.

Walker said Jan. 11 is his wife’s birthday and he misses enough Christmases and birthdays because of his profession (as a firefighter), so his wife had asked if he could get the meeting date changed.

“Reece, I appreciate it is your wife’s birthday,” Dunham said. “My father was a fireman and I knew that was part of his responsibility…”

Walker then motioned to schedule the meeting on Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. After Dunham said she preferred Jan. 11 and Pegram said she couldn’t attend on Jan. 10, Whitaker suggested Tuesday, Jan. 16. Walker then amended his motion to schedule the meeting Jan. 16, O’Day seconded, and Barnes, Rotruck and Pegram said that date would work for them.

“I thought this was going to be ef-

ficient because of all the emails that had gone back and forth,” Dunham said.

After discussing a meeting location, Whitaker said he would find a location once the council settled on a date.

“My concern is to have the greatest participation possible and to notice (advertise) this meeting ASAP,” Dunham said. Whitaker again said he felt comfortable a meeting location could be secured once a date had been finalized.

 5  0 to hold the meeting Jan. 16,

7 p.m., with location to be determined.

Dunham then said she, Rotruck and Pegram needed town email addresses and Whitaker said he had emailed her earlier in the day with email account information.

Council Retreat. The council next discussed when to schedule the annual council retreat, whether it should begin late on a Friday afternoon, be followed by dinner and then “dig in” for several hours on Saturday, whether just meeting on Saturday would allow enough time, and the location.

Jan. 27 and Feb. 10 were discussed as dates that would work for everyone.

Dunham said she would not attend a retreat on a Friday evening and meeting 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday should give the council enough time. Meeting in the Oak Ridge Room in Oak Ridge Commons worked well last year, she said, noting the retreat is open to the public.

O’Day said beginning late on a Friday afternoon, having dinner, and then meeting for several hours on Saturday had worked well in previous years versus trying to cover everything in one day. Out of concern for more space, alternate locations were discussed, including GTCC’s Cameron campus on N.C. 68 just outside Oak Ridge.

To Dunham’s point about wanting more space for all the citizens who would likely come, Whitaker said the Oak Ridge Room was limited in the amount of people it could accommodate.

Walker said he could meet earlier on a Friday afternoon if Friday evening didn’t work for Dunham and she said many citizens had to work all day on Friday, so meeting in the afternoon

wouldn’t be good.

“It’s just a lot to do in one day,” O’Day said.

Dunham, Rotruck and Pegram said they preferred a one-day retreat and Dunham said she wanted it to be as close to Summerfield as possible.

The council agreed by consensus to hire a meeting facilitator for the upcoming retreat as in previous years.

Meeting Summary. Dunham requested that staff begin posting meeting summaries with just motions and votes the next day after a council meeting. Whitaker said that was council’s call, but the summary had been eliminated because it sometimes didn’t agree with the minutes which were later approved, and that caused confusion.

“If that summary doesn’t state what gets approved in the minutes, that can get perpetuated before it is processed. It was becoming part of a contentious call,” he said. “But that’s council’s call and we’ll do whatever you would like us to do.”

Dunham said the motions are “pretty simple and straightforward” and she didn’t want citizens to have to file a public records request to get meeting minutes. Whitaker said sometimes more time was needed to review the meeting notes and audio.

Pegram asked if there wasn’t a policy about providing a draft meeting summary within 15 days of a meeting and Whitaker said that pertained to committees.

“So there is no time limit for council meetings?” she asked, to which Whitaker responded there is an expectation that the meeting minutes will be approved at the next open council meeting.

When Dunham next said, “You now have members of council who are paying attention to the details,” O’Day responded he had worked with Adams, Laughlin and Brown for the last two years and always found them to be well-prepared.

“I don’t know why you would make a statement insinuating they weren’t prepared,” he said to Dunham.

When Dunham implied there were numerous misspellings in meeting minutes, Whitaker explained that in a Trails and Open Space Committee meeting minutes the engineering firm “Stewart”

had been incorrectly spelled “Stuart.”

The committee has been reminded of Stewart’s spelling, he said.

After further discussion about when it would be reasonable to expect a meeting summary, council agreed to request staff to provide draft meeting minutes 10 days after each council meeting and to post them on the town’s website. Dunham restated that she felt a meeting summary should also be provided.  5  0 to post a council meeting summary with motions and votes and draft council meeting minutes within 10 days of each council meeting.

Meeting Updates. Whitaker said the Dec. 18 Zoning Board meeting and Dec. 21 UDO Review Committee Meeting had both been cancelled.

Dunham said it would be helpful to post meetings more than 30 days ahead.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Pegram asked why committee rosters had been taken off the town’s website.

Whitaker explained that while every committee member’s contact info is public,

there had been concerns with committee members not wanting their phone numbers published.

“We want to be transparent, but especially when there is an issue that is contentious, sometimes committee members don’t want their phone numbers published,” Whitaker said.

“Some committee members welcome comments and some probably haven’t been called in years,” Dunham said.

Rotruck said that at least, committee member names and term limits and committee chair’s contact info should be on the website. It was agreed that member rosters for all committees should be posted along with the chairman’s phone number, but publicizing other contact info will not be required.

Regarding the budget amendment that had been approved earlier in the meeting before the new council members were sworn in, Dunham said she didn’t see why the miscellaneous line item increased from $15,000 to $19,000 when the town is operating with a $2 million-plus budget and almost $8 million in reserves.

...continued on p. 25

Joy to the world

Celebrate Christmas Eve with us!

Morning Service 10am | Children’s Service 4pm Communion & Candlelight 7pm

Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

All are welcome 2614 Oak Ridge Rd, Oak Ridge (336) 643-3452 | orpc.org

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

15

The little high chair that Papa built

By HELEN LEDFORD Christmastime comes every December, always bringing with it deep, heartfelt thoughts of long ago.

As the youngest of Will and Allie Farthing’s 10 children, and having all but one sibling long passed, the season is an especially nostalgic time for me.

I don’t remember much about my papa, who died when I was 4. One of my prize possessions, however, is a more than 100-year-old high chair that Papa constructed when he and Mama were expecting their firstborn son.

My mother was a lovely young dark-eyed lass with hair black as a crow’s wing when Papa wooed her away from an ardent young gentleman friend named Romeo. Somehow Mama was captivated enough by my father that she, at 22, agreed to marry him, though he was not quite truthful about his age – he was, in fact, in his 40s!

In the era in which my parents were married, many household items were too expensive for newlyweds and had to be handmade. It was a time of “making do.” Thus, when Eldridge Custer Farthing was about to make his entrance into the world, Papa cut down an oak

tree. Then, with available tools, he fashioned a sturdy baby’s chair, smoothing the rich wood and fitting it together using only a few nails. In the future, the chair would, of necessity, accommodate many more baby “bottoms!”

When outgrown, the high chair was stored and only brought to the table when a small relative came to visit. Vividly, I recall the day Mama was feeding my niece, Jackie, some potatoes when the toddler choked.

My mother grasped her by the feet, held her upside down and shook her gently until the offending morsel of food plopped to the floor. Then Mama placed the child back in the high chair with little fanfare. For someone who had birthed 10 children, the incident was a small matter.

I am told our family’s early kitchen table was also made by Papa. It was accompanied by a long bench, on which four of us could sit. We had to be careful – when a person exited from one end, the other end might tip. Over that table, for years, passed (through the air) many a hot biscuit when Mama wasn’t looking!

The table was not replaced until the ’50s, when my sister Ethel and

Never trust an elf to do an oral surgeon’s job.

336.447.7550 bestoralsurgery.com

Elves specialize in toys; we specialize in teeth.

16

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

I saved our money from working in the dime store on the square to buy a shiny red retro set which included a table and chairs. It was delivered on Christmas Eve with a huge, ornate bow on top. Amid my mama’s big smiles, I think I saw a tear or two…

When I think of Papa, I also think of Pa Ingalls, father of Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the “Little House on the Prairie” series. Ingalls moved his family from the north woods of Minnesota and onto the prairies of the west, and at each move, most of the family’s belongings had to be left behind. As each new land claim was filed, Pa Ingalls faithfully built another log cabin and made bedsteads, chairs, tables, etc., with resourcefulness and determination to provide comforts for his family.

In those early times of Mama and Papa’s marriage, with babies being born about every two years, they also persevered, working side by side, clearing the wooded 13-acre farm that would become our homeplace. It is, to this day, a place where our family roots grow deep.

Some small examples of Papa’s handiwork remain – among them, wooden corn shuckers and planting pegs (the latter used for interring tobacco seedlings). My brothers learned from our father, becoming skilled in woodworking. As a little girl, I loved watching them sit by the fire in winter as they used a large piece of thick glass to smooth hand-crafted ax handles to perfection. The little ringlets of wood fell to the floor, and my sisters and I retrieved them, pinning them to our hair and parading around with our new “curls.”

Papa died in 1940 – the year of the “Big Snow,” talked about to this day. That was when the log “summer kitchen” adjacent to our house had to be demolished and used for firewood,

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

because of the difficulty of bringing logs from the woods. These were very hard times for most people, and especially difficult for Mama, who was left without her helpmate.

And so, as I touch the high chair’s aged surface, I’m taken back to when I was small enough to sit in it, being fed buttered biscuits. I’m thinking also of the story told of my father furtively making “reindeer” tracks in the snow with a tobacco stick early on a cold Christmas morning.

This year our treasured relic is draped with small white lights, a smiling Raggedy Andy doll, a “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” book, and a “Charlie Brown” Christmas tree. I think Papa would be proud…

Merry Christmas!

Trusted Care.

Close to Home.

New location opening January 2018 at Horse Pen Creek Road

HORSE PEN CREEK

Our newest location will offer primary care for the entire family as well as sports medicine.

You and your family can count on exceptional care and the convenience of same-day appointments, on-site lab and X-ray services and access to your electronic medical records through the MyChart patient portal.

lebauer.com

Please call 336-663-4600 to make your new patient appointment

COUNCIL REVISITS CIP

accomplishing anything meaningful?

I’m struggling with whether we need to have a reset conversation.”

When the four-year CIP was first developed last year, Mayor Spencer Sullivan said the council had been taking a year-to-year look at capital projects but with so many different things that people had requested, they felt it was time to develop a more long-term plan. A long list of “wish” items presented by citizens, staff and committee and commission members was whittled down and by consensus the council agreed to move forward on a portion of those items over a fouryear period.

Council member Ann Schneider agreed, suggesting the council should first determine what it wanted to reserve in the fund balance to protect it from an unexpected loss of income, and to set aside for a future water system and things like law enforcement, should that become a need.

...continued from p. 1

At the Dec. 14 meeting, however, the council determined that some of the items included in the CIP – additional athletic/practice fields, lighted tennis courts and beach volleyball courts – should be put on hold until a park master plan is developed.

“We have the money to do Fields 5 and 6 … but, should we do those fields or shift our thought process and come up with a strategic vision?” Jim Kinneman, mayor pro tem asked his fellow council members. “If we want to be a sports destination, then we should do it right. But we would be shoving those two fields into a pretty tight space.

Even if we did that, would we be

“We need a full strategic planning session separate from this meeting.

And we need a park master plan before adding new features (to the park),” Schneider said.

Sullivan noted that park space is becoming more limited, especially if the town was looking at adding more athletic fields, tennis courts and volleyball courts.

“I would like to see a lot more info.

What is the purpose of the park and what is the purpose of what we’re building? Are we making this town a destination? Or, are we going to close up the doors and say it must be a 100 percent benefit to our citizens?” he asked.

both dollars and space at the park.

“This plan from last year was pretty ambitious,” Nodine said. “Like Jim (Kinneman) said, I don’t see why we wouldn’t hit the reset.”

The council ultimately agreed to an 18-month plan that will include further developing the MST at an estimated cost of $190,000; the installation of three sidewalks that will extend a sidewalk currently ending at Oak Ridge Swim Club on N.C. 150 (Oak Ridge Road) westward to Chalet Drive, at an

TOWN COUNCIL

estimated cost of $153,500; a fitness trail in the town park, at an estimated cost of $16,000; and the addition of two lighted crosswalks, one in front of Town Hall, crossing over Linville Road to the town park, and the other at Oak Ridge Military Academy, at a cost of $50,000 each.

Town Planning Director Bill Bruce noted that the above is a plan, and actual fund allocations won’t occur until project plans have been finalized, let out to bid and approved.

...continued from p. 11

two new park benches.

wished everyone happy holidays.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bill Jones said he can’t overstate how hard Braswell worked for the town and he believes it’s a big reason the council was as fiscally responsible as it was. The town’s budget isn’t much different than it was six years ago when he and Braswell joined the council, he said.

Town Hall will be closed Dec. 22-27 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day.

A Planning Board meeting is scheduled Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.

The Ordinance Review Committee will meet Jan. 16 at Town Hall from 4-6 p.m.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

“I doubt there’s a town or city in North Carolina where that is (the case),” Jones said, then thanked White-Lawrence for her service and her efforts organizing files in Town Hall. He also thanked the troops and the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office and said he was impressed with the 5-minute response time of deputies.

Jones, a former deputy, said the response time in 1978 was 15 to 18 minutes.

Tim Jones thanked White-Lawrence and Braswell for their service and welcomed Flynt and Hooks to the council.

Council members Doug Nodine Jones said he is thankful for past council and George McClellan agreed that members who left the Town in good fiscal stepping back from the athletic fields shape, allowing this council “to go forand the other major park projects ward without having a continual money while developing a park master plan crisis.” He thanked the Parade Committee

Hooks said he is “looking forward to would be advisable before using up for its work even though the parade was taking the torch and running with it. Hopecanceled, said he would like to pursue an fully, we will enhance what we already alternative activity for kids in the event the have, and go in with some new ideas and “Compassion “Compassionate, parade is canceled in the future, and then “Compassionate, Comprehensive Comprehensive Comprehens some new things “Compassionate, to capture for the town, “Compassionate, “Compassionate, wished everyone happy holidays.

State-of-the-art Care” State-of-the-art Care” State-of-the-art Comprehensive Comprehensive Comprehensive because that’s what it’s all about.”

State-of-the-art Care” State-of-the-art Care” State-of-the-art Care”

Bruno thanked the two new council

Flynt thanked White-Lawrence and Karen Nasisse, DVMtheir willingness Karen Nasisse, DVM Karen Nasisse members for toNasisse, serve.

Karen Nasisse, DVM Karen DVM It Karen Nasisse, DVM Braswell for their service, saying “it’s obviPhwas 336-643-8984 Ph 336-643-8984 Ph 336-643-8984 nice to hear the auditor twice say in Ph 336-643-8984 Ph 336-643-8984 Ph 336-6 Fax 336-643-8987 Fax 336-643-8987 Fax 336-643-8987 Fax 336-643-8987 336-643-8987 Fax 336-6 ousFaxthe love you have for the Town.” He 1692 NC 68N,surprise Suite J, 27310 1692 NCmore 68N, Suite J, mon27310 1692 NC 68N, Suite J, 27310 the council is putting 1692 NC 68N, Suite J, 27310 1692 NC 68N, Suite J, 27310 1692 NC 68N, Suite J ey in the bank without a property tax, he said he is honored to serve as mayor and “Compassionate, “Compassionate, looks forward to “Compassionate, working with the council. said, noting he also appreciates the way Happy holidays from all of us!

Comprehensive Comprehensive Comprehensive State-of-the-art Care” State-of-the-art Care” State-of-the-art Care” “Compassionate, “Compassionate, “Compassion “I really see a lot of potential, a lot of previous councils have looked after the Comprehensive Comprehensive Comprehens Karen Nasisse, DVM • Jessica Young, DVM promise, a lot of energy,” he said, and town’s people Care” He asked that State-of-the-art Care” State-of-the-art KarenState-of-the-art Nasisse, DVM finances.

Karen Nasisse, DVM Karen Nasisse, DVM 1692-J NC Hwy 68 N, Oak Ridge • (336) 643-8984 then wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

Phpray 336-643-8984 336-643-8984 Ph 336-643-8984 for members of the armedPhforces

compassionate

personal caring responsive

Ph 336-643-8984 Fax 336-643-8987 1692 NC 68N, Suite J, 27310

Ph 336-6 Fax 336-6 1692 NC 68N, Suite J

Has an appointment

_________________________________ Time

_________________________________ Date

_________________________________ Time

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Fax 336-643-8987

Karen Nasisse, DVM 1692was NC 68N,adjourned Suite J, 27310 The meeting at 9:21 p.m.Karen Nasisse

_________________________ Date

Ph 336-643-8984 Fax 336-643-8987 1692 NC 68N, Suite J, 27310

Fax 336-643-8987

NC 68N, Suite J, 27310 during the1692holidays and

_________________________________ Date

Has an appointment

Has an appointment

_________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ Time Date Time Date Time ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

Karen Nasisse, DVM serving overseas

_________________________________ Time

18

Fax 336-643-8987 1692 NC 68N, Suite J, 27310

_________________________________ Date

northwestanimalhospitalnc.com

Welcome to

Scout collecting coats for refugees

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

Donations accepted through Dec. 31

youth / school NEWS

For his Eagle Scout project, Isaac Hammond (standing by donation box) is working with Church World Services to collect new or gently used coats to give to refugees this winter.

Coats may be dropped off at Lowes Foods in Oak Ridge Commons now through Dec. 31 – look for the large cardboard box with a sign on it.

Speight earns Eagle award

Jonah Speight

Jonah Speight, 14, of Summerfield was recently presented with his Eagle Scout award. For his

Eagle Scout project, he designed and built a bunny swing, teeter-totter and slide for a new bunny exhibit at the Greensboro Science Center.

The son of Aaron and Sherry Speight, Jonah is a member of Scout Troop 139 of Oak Ridge.

Photo courtesy of Isaac Hammond

Students, staff raise $25,458 for Mary’s House families Do you have a child with special needs?

You need an estate plan set up to specifically accommodate that child. Call Susan for help.

On Dec. 19, students from Northwest High School enjoyed presenting the gifts they had purchased for families being served

by Mary’s House.

Photo courtesy of Paul Egleston

NW GUILFORD – For the past eight years, Northwest High School’s Leadership class has provided Christmas gifts for families through Mary’s House, a faith-based ministry providing transi-

tional and permanent housing, life skills training and a supportive community for homeless women in recovery from substance abuse.

...continued on p. 23

(336) 298-7196 Estate Planning

Estate Settlement

8004 Linville Road

Trust Beneficiary Suite A-1, Oak Ridge Representation

THE LAW OFFICE OF

SUSAN P. GREESON, P.L.L.C.

Learn more at greesonlegal.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Susan P. Greeson p.l.l.c

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

19

Student profiles brought to you this week by:

Coming soon!

LeBauer Healthcare at Horse Pen Creek 4443 Jessup Grove Road Greensboro, NC 27410

lebauer.com

course work in Honors Art 4 and is currently taking AP Art.

STUDENT PROFILES 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.

NORTHERN GUILFORD Jacob Hart, art

By MARC PRUITT Give Jacob Hart a blank canvas and a fishing pole and you have discovered his happiest place.

A senior at Northern Guilford, Hart has combined his talent for art and his passion for fishing in most of his work since

his sophomore year.

After spending his freshman year at Weaver Academy, Hart transferred to Northern to reunite with most of his friends from middle school.

His enthusiasm for creating and drawing was fostered by a family friend who is a sculptor in Chicago.

“She would always take time to draw things with me when we were with her,” Hart said. “That’s where my interest really started to grow.”

As far as fishing… well, one of his neighbors had a boat.

“I loved being at Weaver,” Hart said. “The classes were great; the staff was great. I got to take Art 1 and Art 2 and Computer Graphics. I learned a lot and I think I grew a lot, but I missed my friends.”

“I think I was 4 or 5 when they first took me out to the lake and taught me how to fish,” Hart said. “Then my dad got interested in it and bought a boat. We’ve done a lot of fishing at Emerald Isle Beach and done some deep-sea fishing, which is a lot of fun and also inspiring. The colors of the fish offshore really stand out because they are so bright.”

Once he enrolled at Northern as a sophomore, Hart enrolled in Honors Art 3. He has since completed his

Hart currently draws inspiration from an artist he discovered on Instagram named Yusniel Santos, who

The creative juices have been flowing fluidly ever since.

Student profiles brought to you this week by:

specializes in surrealism.

“I love surrealism, but I’m not very good at it,” Hart said with a laugh.

“I love all kinds of styles, but I’m not really sure how I would describe mine.

I’d love to become a freelance artist, create my work and put it up for sale.

I might try to minor in art in college.

I’ve looked at a couple of schools in Florida and also Appalachian State and UNC Asheville.”

On a side note, we asked Jacob Hart these three questions…

Q: What three people, living or dead, would you invite to dinner?

A: “Bob Marley, Michelangelo and George Washington” Q: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

A: “Read minds” Q: What’s your favorite movie?

A: “‘The Polar Express’”

Hiding your smile? We can help!

Matthew J. Olmsted, DDS MS Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center 2205 Oak Ridge Road, Suite CC (336) 441-7007

olmstedorthodontics.com 20

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Student profiles brought to you this week by:

Implants starting at $1399 Call to schedule your Free Consultation Gary S. Bhatti, DDS 201 N. Cherry Street, Kernersville (336) 996-3542

infinitydentalkernersville.com

NORTHERN GUILFORD Abbie Boone, indoor track

By MARC PRUITT Whether she’s on a crosscountry course, indoor or outdoor track, or a soccer field, junior Abbie Boone feels right at home when her legs and feet are moving.

Boone likes to be in motion so much that she even double-books herself in the fall by running cross country and playing travel soccer, and in the spring with outdoor track and field and soccer for the Nighthawks.

But running indoor track during the winter is her favorite sport to compete in.

“I love that it’s so concentrated with the events I participate in,” Boone said.

“I feel like I’m in the best physical shape during indoor season as I like to build up my speed for outdoor, which also keeps me in shape for soccer. My endurance is already built up from running cross country during the fall. I love cross country, but it gives me a lot of anxiety because I know the pain I’m about to endure when I race.”

Boone competes on the 4x400 relay team and runs the 1,000 meters during indoor track. She usually runs the second or the third leg on the relay team,

which has qualified for the NCHSAA 3-A indoor meet the last two seasons.

“Running on the 4x400 team kind of started out as a joke,” Boone said.

“Coach (Thanh Ngo) would make the distance runners do it as sort of a punishment, but it turned out we were pretty good doing it and it stuck.”

Two of her main goals this season are to drop her time in the 1,000 and be fast enough to make the 4x800 relay team.

In the spring, she said she prioritizes soccer and tries to get to track practice at least three times a week.

“Most of our soccer games are during the week and most of our big track meets are on the weekends, so there usually isn’t too much overlap,” she said. “But if there is a conflict, my priority is soccer.”

When Boone has a moment to catch her breath, she is also involved with Young Life, Northern Going Global, and Hydration Club, which raised money to help build a well with clean water for people in Haiti.

On a side note, we asked Abbie Boone these three questions…

Q: Do you have any pre-race rituals?

A: “I always have to eat a banana two hours before a cross-country race.”

Q: What three people, living or dead, would you invite to dinner?

A: “Anne Frank, Jesus and Abraham Lincoln” Q: What’s your favorite sports movie?

A: “‘The Mighty Ducks’”

NORTHWEST GUILFORD Cayla King, basketball

By MARC PRUITT Cayla King will take in the 2017-18 basketball season from an uncommon location – at least for her.

King, the starting point guard on last season’s NCHSAA 4-A state championship team, tore the anterior-cruciate ligament in her right knee last summer while attending a one-day basketball camp at UNC Chapel Hill. For now, at least, she’ll have to be content to watch the game rather than participate.

“I was doing a 3-on-2, 2-on-1 drill and planted on my knee and it went out,” she said of tearing her ACL. “I felt it tear and I heard it pop. I knew something was wrong. The trainer there told me it was going to be fine, but I knew it was a lot worse. It felt worse. It was a sharp pain at first, and then it subsided some, but I had an aching pain going down my leg and it felt weak. When I got in the car to go home, it gave out again.”

King was at the doctor the next day when the diagnosis became official. She said she hadn’t really prepared to hear the words she heard.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

“I guess I was kind of in denial because I didn’t want it to be a torn ACL,” she said. “So, when I heard the doctor say it, I was in shock. Maybe I should have known, but it’s not what I wanted to hear him say. The next couple of days after that were pretty hard for me.”

King was able to have surgery within a week of the diagnosis and two days later had started her rehab.

She continues to go to rehab three times a week but insists she isn’t trying to rush back onto the basketball court.

“It’s hard to not be out there right now,” said King, who was the MVP of Northwest’s state championship game in March and has committed to play at Virginia Tech. “I’m going to take my time. I don’t want to come back too early because I have next season and my future to think about. I think I’m ahead of the plan right now. If I can come back, I will. But there’s no rush for me to do that.”

On a side note, we asked

Cayla King these three questions…

Q: What’s on your bucket list?

A: “Visit every country I can. I love to travel.”

Q: What three people, living or dead, would you invite to dinner?

A: “Magic Johnson, Sam Smith (singersongwriter) and Ed Sheeran (singersongwriter, guitarist)” Q: What’s the best book you’ve read?

A: “‘The Catcher in the Rye’ by J.D. Salinger”

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

21

The right Realtor for you To me, honesty and integrity are always in style

mark your

calendar

December we are

COLLECTING supplies and donations for the SPCA of the Triad

DEC. 22-24

Tanya Hill Realtor/Broker • (336) 965-6053 • tanyahillrealtor.com

in northwest Greensboro with campuses on Regional Road and on Clifton Road, invites the community to join them at the Carolina Theatre, 310 S. Greene St. in downtown Greensboro, on Friday, Dec. 22, and Saturday, Dec. 23, at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. or Sunday, Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve), at 3:30 p.m. for live music, a special Christmas message and more. Childcare will be provided for infants through first-graders. Since space is limited in each service, those planning to attend are asked to RSVP. For details or to RSVP, visit www.mercyhillgso.com/christmas.

SUNDAY, DEC. 24 zz Christmas Eve Services | Oak Ridge United Method-

ist Church, 2424 Oak Ridge Road, invites the community to candlelight services with communion on Dec. 24 at 3 p.m. (families), 5 p.m. (contemporary) and 7 p.m. (traditional). For other (morning) service times on Christmas Eve and for more details about the services, see display ad on p. 3 or visit oakridgeumc.org. zz Christmas Eve Services | Oak Ridge Presbyterian

Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC 30 Years Experience

Individual, Corporate, Partnership & Payroll Tax Electronic Tax Filing  Estate Planning Bookkeeping & Compilations Oak Ridge Business Center 8004 Linville Rd, Suite G, Oak Ridge (336) 643-7577 or 1-800-467-8299 info@samanderscpa.com www.samanderscpa.com

Dr. Julie Dudak

1726 Oak Ridge Road (336) 644-8789

zz Mercy Hill Christmas | Mercy Hill Church, based

Church, 2614 Oak Ridge Road, invites the community to a candlelight service with communion on Christmas Eve at 7 p.m. See display ad on p. 15 for other service times on Christmas Eve Day.

M - F, 7:30 - 5:30 • Sat, 8 -1

vhor.vet | follow us on

Submitting your

calendar

events online is as easy as ...

THURSDAY, JAN. 4 zz Oak Ridge Town Council | Oak Ridge Town Council

will hold its first meeting of 2018 on Thursday, Jan. 4, at Oak Ridge Town Hall on Linville Road, beginning at 7 p.m. More info and agenda: www.oakridgenc.com.

TUESDAY, JAN. 9

On the left side, click community calendar

zz Summerfield Town Council | Summerfield Town

Happy Holidays!

First exam FREE for new clents with this ad.

Council will hold its first meeting of 2018 on Tuesday, Jan. 9, at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road, beginning at 6:30 p.m. More info and agenda: www.summerfieldgov.com.

THURSDAY, JAN. 11 zz We’re Back! | After taking a two-week break over

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

22

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

the Christmas and New Year’s holiday, the Northwest Observer will resume its weekly publication schedule on Thursday, Jan. 11 (and from this point forward we will be citing Thursdays, rather than Fridays, as the day our weekly publication goes into circulation). And, coming in February, look for our completely revamped website!

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

add your event Click and fill in your details

YOUTH/SCHOOL news ...continued from p. 19

This year staff, parents and students from multiple clubs, athletic teams, the Spanish, Math, Social Studies and English and EC departments, and the Student Council worked together to raise funds and purchase gifts for Mary’s House families.

“The mission is to make Christmas a little better for these families as they

are going through a time of hardship and recovery. This year we adopted 25 families and raised $25,458, with the faculty, administration and students holding a dinner on Dec. 19 to feed and meet the families and give them their gifts,” said Paul Egleston, NWHS Leadership teacher who helps organize the annual outreach.

“Hopefully, this year’s project will be considered a great success for all 25 families from Mary’s House.”

Kassie Robakiewicz awarded Bill Lee scholarship Four Greensboro high school seniors were recently awarded the Bill Lee Scholarship during a news conference to announce seeding and first-round pairings for the 24th annual HAECO Invitational. The Council has awarded these $2,000 scholarships during its annual high school basketball tournament since 2001.

captain who was named to the allconference and Greensboro News & Record all-area teams following the last two seasons. Last year, she was named co-MVP, made the HAECO Invitationaltournament team and received the NCHSAA State Championship Sportsmanship Award.

All eight participating schools are invited to nominate student athletes; winners are the most-qualified applicants regardless of which school they represent. One recipient of this year’s scholarship was Kassie Robakiewicz from Northern Guilford High School.

Robakiewicz volunteers at Camp Carefree, the Little Nighthawk Basketball Camp, Reading Buddies, Triple Lakes Trail Cleanup and Highway Cleanup. She plans to attend either UNC-Wilmington or Clemson University to pursue a career in either international business or as a sports dietician.

Robakiewicz is a two-time team

She is in the National Honors Society, the National Art Honors Society and the Beta Club. She was named Mid-State 3A Academic All-Conference in each of the last three years and won the Highest GPA award following her sophomore and junior years.

Reading challenge begins Dec. 21 Students encouraged to read 300 minutes during winter break The GCS holiday reading challenge asks students to continue reading 30 minutes per day during the winter

break, from Dec. 21 to Jan. 2. Those who complete the challenge and submit their holiday reading logs by the Jan. 12 deadline will be entered to win one of two iPad minis, a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card or a $75 Barnes & Noble gift card.

Headed to Virginia Tech

Surrounded by family and friends, Northwest High School senior Tre Turner (seated) celebrates at a signing ceremony on Dec. 20 after signing a football scholarship to attend Virginia Tech. Turner played football for three years at NWHS, all on varsity.

“Tre is one of the most dynamic players that we have ever had,” Northwest’s head football coach, Kevin Wallace, said. “He is an outstanding player on both offense and defense and earned all-conference and all-area honors.” Turner will play wide receiver on Virginia Tech’s football team and has been asked to participate on the university’s basketball team as well.

In addition, elementary and middle school students who participate will receive a free ticket to the UNCG men’s basketball game on Friday, Feb. 23, against Chattanooga. Additional tickets can be purchased for $5.

The winter break is a great time for students to take advantage of thousands of books available free on the GCS eBook shelf (access it at

www.gcsnc.com).

The holiday reading challenge continues the mission of GCS Reads 30, which encourages students to read 30 minutes per day for pleasure. Studies have shown that time spent reading helps increase student achievement in all academic areas.

...Youth News continued on p. 25

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

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

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

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

23

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

Share your thoughts in online: nwobserver.com

40 words or less

e-mail: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com

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

GRINS to...

All the Guilford County Schools bus drivers who gave their very best efforts to deliver middle and high school students home in horrible conditions (on Dec. 8). Thank you for protecting our kids when administration absolutely did not!

Mrs. Garlick at Stokesdale Elementary for making sure the students got to have a Science Fair and for always being a supportive and compassionate teacher.

All the unknown men and women who risked their lives and more in de-

fense of freedom and democracy during the Cold War as intelligence agents. We escaped the evil of socialism thanks to you. We are forever in your debt.

Kelly at Garage Door Pro NC in Oak Ridge. He was quick to service and replace a new garage door and we appreciate him communicating every step of the way and offering quality service!

The teachers at Children’s Choice Daycare. Thank you for loving our children and keeping them safe during the day!

Summerfield Post Office for their thoughtful, caring service. Donna at the front desk is always ready to be helpful

and our carriers are also always helpful.

Everyone who put up Christmas lights.

We’re enjoying them all, from the tractor with moving tires on Haw River Road and the woods full of hanging balls you can see from Bryan Boulevard to the simple candles-in-the-window type decorations.

Ms. Harrell at Stokesdale Elementary School for going above and beyond the call of duty for our kids. What an amazing first-grade Christmas party!

Hammersmith Woodworking for repair work on three exterior doors. Carlton was always pleasant, on time, kept me informed of his progress and completed the job on time. I recommend him as an expert in woodworking repair!

GRIPES to...

Baby boomers who talk about “the good ole days” being so much better and complain about “kids today.” So, things were better with racism, the draft and Ronald Reagan? Be less of a “baby” and more of a “boomer.”

The driver of the black Nissan dropping off your child at Northwest Middle School the morning of Dec. 14. That barricade is meant to be driven around, not through. Your cigarette could have waited just a little longer.

Otherwise well-meaning people who send “glitter cards.” What a mess they make! Never open a glitter card above your keyboard!

HAECO for laying off over 50 employees a week before Christmas.

Republic Services for continually missing our neighborhood street in Stokesdale – or coming days later. Stokesdale needs to put pressure on them to improve or find another provider.

The person who griped last week about USPS – would you risk your life to deliver a letter today that could be delivered safely tomorrow? Also, USPS does not have a motto.

Editor’s note: “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds” is often cited as

We would like to wish our patients and the community a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

– Our DeVaney Dentistry family

1580 Hwy 68 N, Oak Ridge

Season’s Greetings 24

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

(336) 643-5515

www.drdevaney.com

the USPS’s motto, but the postal service actually does not have an official motto. According to USPS’s website, “the popular belief that it does is a tribute to America’s postal workers.”

The massive transfer of wealth from middle- and lower-income earners to the 1-percenters by GOP politicians. If you think it’s outrageous, it is. They’re coming after our benefits next – Medicare and Social Security on the chopping block.

The USPS in general and their “tracking” system specifically. I was told by a USPS employee that packages are flagged “delivered” when in fact they are still on a truck in the post office loading area.

Stokesdale Parks & Recreation Association for scheduling a basketball game for 7- and 8-year-olds to start at 8 p.m. on a school night.

TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 15

“We’re only five months into this budget. I think that $4,000 should have been found within administrative costs,” Dunham said.

Whitaker explained the town’s budget ordinance includes regulations about how funds can be moved within a department. Hall clarified that the town doesn’t plan to have another deputy clerk, so she didn’t want to create a line item for one.

“We really try hard to budget as tight as we can… I didn’t have $4,000 in any other account that I could take it from,” she said.

“So that was to pay for the deputy clerk’s time,” Whitaker clarified. “We could not take it out of the town clerk’s line item, even though we had money in there.”

Walker then asked Hill, the attorney, if three council members meeting together is considered a violation of open meeting laws.

“If three of you are going to be getting together and talking about business or sitting together and having the potential to discuss business, yes,” Hill said.

“So if three council members get together and meet with, say, the Timmons Group, that would be in violation?”

Walker asked. Hill said council members should not meet separately and try to undercut other council members, or influence decision making.

“You need to act as a body,” he told the council, to which Walker responded, “Okay, I just wanted to clarify that.”

CLOSED SESSION

Council recessed at 8:49 p.m. to go into closed session to discuss “ the price and other material items concerning real property.” After reconvening at 9:20 p.m., the meeting immediately adjourned.

YOUTH/SCHOOL news ...continued from p. 23

Girl Scouts, Goodwill partner to help those in need Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont, in partnership with Goodwill Industries, once again promoted their annual community service project, a “Good Turn for Goodwill” during October.

For the 16th year, the project encouraged local Girl Scouts to collect gently used clothing, toys, books and household items to benefit their local Goodwill stores and donation centers.

Throughout October, Girl Scouts from across western and central North Carolina collected 7,611 bags of goods, a 27 percent increase in girls participating and a 26 percent increase in bags collected from the 2016 results.

“The goal of this project is to help those who are unemployed or underemployed get back on their feet through the resources that Goodwill offers,” said Lane Cook, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont. “Every year, this project teaches our girls life lessons while they do their part to give back to the community. It is always a great collaboration for all those involved.”

Public invited to comment on traditional school calendar Three options will be considered through Jan. 11 Guilford County Schools’ parents and community members are invited to voice their opinions on the district’s proposed traditional school calendars for 2018-19.

Three options were presented to the school board at its Dec. 12 meeting. Each one includes a start date of Aug. 27, in keeping with state law that the first day of school is no sooner than the Monday closest to Aug. 26. The end dates vary but all meet the requirement to end no later than the Friday closest to June 11 (not inclusive of inclement weather days). Districts must also schedule 185 instructional days or 1,025 hours of instruction covering at least nine months.

Visit www.gcsnc.com to view the three proposed calendars. Email feedback to gcscomments@gcsnc. com or mail to Calendar Comments, Guilford County Schools, 712 N. Eugene St., Greensboro, NC 27401.

Non-traditional calendars will be developed after the traditional calendar is approved. Early release days will be added after all calendars are approved.

10th annual FINDER

Coming to your mailbox Anniver FIND

sary

ER

late January

Your dir ec fun -to -kn tory of need -to ow and -kn about no good -to ow, rthwest -know info Guilford County

A directory jam-packed with valuable information for northwest Guilford County residents

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

publishe d by

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

2018 25

CRIME / INCIDENT report

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.

Don’t let grinches ruin your Christmas Det. Seals with Guilford County Sheriff’s Office advises residents to take a few precautionary steps after unwrapping their Christmas gifts: • As you are hooking up that new TV, plugging in that Xbox 1 or charging that new drill, stop and

AFFRAY

take a minute to jot down the serial number. Put your note of that serial number in a safe place, such as your e-mail, so that should your new toy ever be stolen you can provide the number to law enforcement and drastically increase the

Serving the northwest community

BARBOUR & WILLIAMS 8004 Linville Rd, Suite E-3, Oak Ridge

(336) 643-4623

 Administration of estates and trusts  Wills, trusts and estate planning

Bill Barbour, Tracy Williams

 Guardianships

Attorneys

 Small business start-ups  Contracts

barbourwilliams.com

26

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

odds of it being returned to you.

Same goes for jewelry. While you don’t have a serial number to write down, snap a quick photograph so officers and deputies know what they are looking for and can assist your insurance adjuster should the item ever become lost or stolen.

• Don’t advertise to the entire neighborhood what you got for Christmas by putting that 50” TV box out with the trash pile in front of your house. Thieves look for homes that

Dec. 12 | An employee of Citgo/ Times Turn Around convenience store at the corner of N.C. 68 and U.S. 158 in Stokesdale reported three known people were involved in a physical altercation in the store’s parking lot on Dec. 12 at around 3:05 p.m. All three people were still present when law enforcement arrived, but no one required medical attention nor did they want to press charges.

ALCOHOL/DRUGS

Dec. 16 | A known offender on Strawberry Road in Summerfield was found to be in possession of marijuana pursuant to a suspicious vehicle check.

The offender was cited and released for Possession of Marijuana up to ½ ounce and Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia.

Dec. 15 | A resident of Lemons Road in Stokesdale was stopped for having an OFA (Order for Arrest) out of Guilford County and driving on a suspended license. The known offender was placed under arrest and during the course of the investigation was found to be in possession of heroin and several items of drug paraphernalia.

He was cited for DWLR, No Insurance, Expired Tag, and Inspection Violation; the vehicle he was operating was impounded and he was transported to the Greensboro Jail where he was served with his OFA for possession of

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

advertise what is inside in anticipation of a later break-in.

• Should you be headed out of town, don’t tell everyone you know. Keep that information off social media to reduce the chances of someone targeting your house when they know you won’t be home.

The Sheriff’s Office offers residential vacation checks. To set up a vacation check in northwest Guilford County, call the Sheriff’s District 1 office at (336) 641-2300.

cocaine and drug paraphernalia; he was additionally charged with possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia.

THEFT

Dec. 11 | An employee of AR Homes reported the theft of a security camera that had been mounted on a tree at a home construction site on Deboe Road in Summerfield. The incident occurred between Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 7 a.m.

Dec. 16 | A known offender was found to be in possession of a stolen license plate at around 8:35 a.m.; the stolen item was found in the 6400 block of U.S. 158 in Summerfield. The same offender was later cited for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Dec. 17 | A Summerfield resident reported someone had stolen a chainsaw, miter saw, band saw and two circular saws with a combined value of $1,500 from his storage trailer parked in the 5000 block of U.S. 220 North.

The theft occurred sometime between 6 p.m. on Dec. 12 and 4 p.m. on Dec. 15.

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

Every home is valuable.

Get an instant home value estimate, comparable properties, market trends, and more for free at BHHSYostandLittle.com

1329 Ellisboro Road

5805 Mashoes Court

5260 Bunch Road

Madison $8,400,000 MLS 811475 Kay Rule 336-339-3492

Henson Farms $1,495,000 MLS 798373 Kay Chesnutt 336-202-9687

Summerfield $1,194,000 MLS 854551 Nancy Hess 336-215-18230

7501 Shadow Creek Drive

BHHSYostandLittle.com/MLS

0 Friddle

6306 Poplar Forest Drive

Stokesdale $849,000 MLS 726218 Mark Yost 336-707-6275

Henson Forest $799,000 MLS 772996 Michelle Porter 336-207-0515

Birkhaven $789,000 MLS 844747 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

6904 Matzinger Court

Riverside at Oak Ridge $709,900 MLS 853490 Melissa Greer 336-337-5233 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

5900 Henson Farm Road Henson Farms $700,000 MLS 818845 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

The Vineyards at Summerfield $699,600 MLS 825545 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

6978 Toscana Trace

6800 Palomino Ridge Court

7900 Hoskins Ridge Drive

6333 Poplar Forest Drive

7004 Blacksmith Court

8107 Rogers Court

7805 Charles Place Drive

The Wall Place $699,000 MLS 845030 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

5603 Feather Court

Eagle Ridge $665,000 MLS 853026 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

7744 Chesterbrooke Drive

7203 Henson Farm Way

6861 Matzinger Court

7337 Henson Forest Drive

Henson Farms $600,000 MLS 830966 Joe Tomlinson 336-362-9336 Vincent Roccapriore 336-268-5230

Riverside at Oak Ridge $599,900 MLS 853499 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820 Melissa Greer 336-337-5233

5812 Crutchfield Farm Road

8402 Crichton Court

Stonebridge $649,000 MLS 850922 Michelle Porter 336-207-0515

Henson Forest $648,000 MLS 780630 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

Polo Farms $699,000 MLS 850452 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

Polo Farms $624,900 MLS 843958 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

Armfield $575,000 MLS 857231 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

Jessup Ridge $524,900 MLS 840884 Michelle Porter 336-207-0515

Arbor Run-Charles Place $495,000 MLS 856841 Jamie Harrelson 336-889-9192

5960 Pepper Road

Crutchfield Farms $479,000 MLS 854845 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

River Oaks $435,000 MLS 857333 Mark Yost 336-707-6275 Kathy McClelland 336-314-5637

Greensboro National Golf Club $419,900 MLS 850542 Jaree Todd 336-601-4892

466 Mashie Drive

8302 Southern Springs Court River Oaks $389,900 MLS 846075 Michelle Porter 336-207-0515

Oak Ridge $199,900 MLS 821238 Melissa Greer 336-337-5233

Lot 7 Lake Meadows Drive

Lot 6 Lake Meadows Drive

5803 Crutchfield Farm Road

Lot 5 Lake Meadows Drive

Lot 1 Lake Meadows Drive

Waters Edge $87,900 MLS 724063 Mark Yost 336-707-6275

Waters Edge $84,900 MLS 724057 Mark Yost 336-707-6275

Adams Farm 336—854—1333

Crutchfield Farms $61,500 MLS 858023 Susanne McIntire 336-601-5929

• Elm Street 336—272—0151 •

Waters Edge $57,900 MLS 724052 Mark Yost 336-707-6275

Friendly Center 336—370—4000 •

Waters Edge $23,900 MLS 723801 Mark Yost 336-707-6275

Kernersville 336—996—4256

©2017 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.

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.

Kernersville Arts & Crafts Guild’s 29th Annual CHRISTMAS STORE, now through Saturday, Dec. 23, 806 Highway 66 South (Plaza 66 Shopping Center), Kernersville.

All items handcrafted by local artisans.

Hours: Monday-Sat., 10am-6pm, Sunday 1-5pm. Call (336) 978-8307, or see display ad on page 13 for more details.

ELECTRICAL

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Place online at

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

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

OAK RIDGE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Christmas Eve services, Sunday, Dec. 24, 11:15am; 3pm family service; 5pm contemporary service; 7pm traditional service. See display ad on page 3 for more information.

OAK RIDGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Christmas Eve services, Sunday, Dec. 24, 10am; 4pm children & family service; 7pm communion & candlelight service. See display ad on page 15 for all the details.

EMPLOYMENT

INDEX Auto Sales & Service .................. 28 Christmas Services ...................... 28 Employment ............................... 28

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.

HIRING? We can help!

Reach over 25,000 readers, all in northwest Guilford County, right here!

Place your classified ad online at www.nwobserver.com

Save the Date ............................ 28 Home Services ....................... 28-30 Misc. Services.............................. 30 Misc. for Sale ............................. 30 Misc. Wanted ............................. 30 Pets & Animal Services ................ 30 Real Estate ................................. 30

28

28

The Northwest Observer will not be published on December 29 and January 4.

We will resume on January 11.

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

HOME SERVICES CLEANING MAID-2-SHINE. Excellent service, 15 years exp. Free estimates., excellent references.

(336) 338-0223.

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.

CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Will fit to your budget. Pet taxi/pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838.

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.

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

CastleWorks WINDOW CLEANING Includes gutters, pressure washing, chandeliers and other high ladder work. Fully insured and bonded, free estimates. (336) 609-0677. www.castleworkswindowcleaning.com.

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

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

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

FLOORING It’s A CARPET thing!

Repairs, restretch, replace. (336) 643-6500.

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

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

L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE LLP “We get you mowing!” Free pickup and delivery. 2103 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge.

(336) 298-4314.

GREENERTIMES SMALL ENGINE Sales & Service Center. All types sold and repaired; comm./res. 9428 NC Hwy. 65, Stokesdale.

(336) 548-9286 or (336) 312-3844.

GARY’S HANDYMAN HOME SERVICES “Providing value for the home-ownership experience.” Gary Gellert, serving NC’s Piedmont Triad area. Garygellert@gmail.com, (336) 423-8223.

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

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIRS One call fixes it all! A+ rating with BBB! Call (336) 987-0350 for a free estimate.

FAY’S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Fall lawn care, seeding & aerating. Tree work. Pine needles & mulch. Reasonable and honest. Call Taylor, (336) 458-6491.

SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes.

PLUMBING

WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Complete lawn care & landscaping. NC lic. irrigation contractor. 20 years exp. Hardscaping, fertilization & weed control. (336) 399-7764.

sidewalks, patios and more! Give us a call

APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance.

A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707.

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

PEARMAN QUARRY HAULING Fill dirt, gravel, sand rock, mulch & more.

Joel Richardson, (336) 803-2195.

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

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.

Get. Be. Stay.

Connected.

facebook.com/NorthwestObserver

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.

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

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.

help with all of your outdoor living and entertainment spaces! Fire pits, driveways & at (336) 399-6619 for all your concrete and landscape needs.

MISC. SERVICES & PRODUCTS ON EAGLE’S WINGS residential home design/drafting. Call Patti, (336) 605-0519.

WildlifEviction – NUISANCE WILDLIFE TRAPPING & REMOVAL. Hearing noises in your attic or crawl space? Give us a call for a FREE inspection. (336) 908-4709.

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

GAS LOGS, WOOD STOVES & INSERTS

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

PAINTING & DRYWALL

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.

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.

Let us introduce you to LAWN CARE / LANDSCAPING

How about a new patio or fire pit? We can

our readers (all 25,000+)!

Call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10, or email advertising@nwobserver.com for advertising info.

Fireplaces, sold, serviced and repaired.

Call Don Hill, (336) 643-7183.

WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING, Inc. (336) 992-2503. Licensed, insured, bonded.

24/7 service. Plumbing, drain cleaning, well pumps. Give us a call, we do it all! Go to www.webstersplumbing.com for more info.

BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed.

Lic. & insured. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924.

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

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

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

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

CARLOS & SON PAINTING, interior & exterior. Free est., lic./ins. (336) 669-5210.

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

(336) 931-0600

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

PAINTING – INTERIOR & EXTERIOR 32 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. No job too

MASONRY

small. Insured. Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186.

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

CINDY’S PAINTING – Interior painting,

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

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

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

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.

wallpaper removal. References & free estimates available. (336) 708-9155.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

... continued on p. 30

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

29

29

 HOME SERVICES

 MISC. FOR SALE

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.

SPLIT & SEASONED FIREWOOD. Delivery available. (336) 643-9332.

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, siding, dock work, windows, roofing, rotted wood.

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

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.

ROOFING PREMIER ROOFING CONSTRUCTION Insurance specialist, free inspections, res./ comm., BBB A rating. (336) 430-9507.

CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC Residential roofing, rubber flat roofs, roof coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience.

Now accepting all major credit cards. Call (336) 643-8191 or (336) 580-3245.

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

KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Residential shingle & metal roofing. Free est. (336) 362-7469.

 MISC. SERVICES ERIE INSURANCE – IN KERNERSVILLE Long Insurance Services, (336) 992-5664.

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

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

 MISC. FOR SALE

 MISC. WANTED $$$ – WILL PAY CASH up to $200 for your junk or wrecked vehicle. (336) 552-0328.

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 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.

 REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY HORSE FARM PROPERTY for lease – two stables, 35 stalls, three tack rooms, 30x15’ metal heated building for meetings and office, 2 bathrooms, covered arena, large riding ring, fenced pastures from 20-80 acres available, includes 10-12 miles of riding trails. Off Ellisboro Road in Stokesdale.

Pricing depends on amount of land selected. Jerry, (336) 312-5706.

HOMES FOR RENT Oak Ridge BASEMENT APARTMENT for rent, 1BR, 1BA, everything included. $750/ month. (336) 944-4371.

SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered and stacked, 1/2 cord, $80. Call (336) 686-6373.

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

30

Selling or renting?

Place your classified ad online at

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

 REAL ESTATE DREAM IT, BUILD IT, LOVE IT!

www.nwobserver.com.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

We Help Everyone!

SELLERS & BUYERS

Building Lots Available

Build Now or Later – ANY Builder Northern Schools from $54,000 Water View @ Belews Landing $215,000

 PETS & ANIMAL SVCS.

PERSIMMON PULP and more, (336) 8163441. Also sold at The Old Mill on weekends.

30

 REAL ESTATE

(336) 643-4248

www.ANewDawnRealty.com

Nancy J. Hess

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

HOMES FOR SALE BUILDER’S OWN HOME!

5812 Crutchfield Farm Rd.

3,700+ square feet; 4 BR, 3.5 BA Immaculate condition, neutral decor.

Great location, great house Oak Ridge / Northwest Schools Offered at $479,000

Nancy J. Hess

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

Jake Letterman (336) 338-0136

Want to be a part of our next NWO Business & Real Estate section?

Reserve your ad space today (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 advertising@nwobserver.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS

Please support our advertisers,

and tell them where you saw their ad!

ACCOUNTING

CHURCHES

Samuel Anders, CPA, MSA, PC ..........22

Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church .........15 Oak Ridge United Methodist Church ....3

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE EuroHaus ..........................................22 Vestal Buick ....................................... 11

CHILDREN’S SERVICES Guardian Ad Litem ............................12

CHIRORPRACTIC CARE Oak Ridge Chiropractic .....................14

DENTIST

Old School Home Repair ...................28 ProStone ..............................................8 Stokesdale Heating & Air ...................10

REAL ESTATE

LEGAL SERVICES

Jake Letterman, Berkshire Hathaway...30

news home

Berkshire Hathaway Yost & Little .......27

Barbour & Williams Law .....................26 The Law Offices of Susan Greeson ....19

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

MEDICAL CARE / PRODUCTS

RESTAURANTS

Carolina Priority Care ...........................6 Dove Medical Supply ...........................9 LeBauer Healthcare .................... 17, 20 Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery ..16 Novant – Northwest Family Medicine ...23

Bella Luna Ristorante & Bar ............... 13

Tanya Hill, Realty One .......................22

Rio Grande Mexican Kitchen ............. 13

RETAIL Bi-Rite Galaxy Supermarket........... Insert Cass Jewelers .................................... 13

ORTHODONTIC CARE

David Cole Pottery ............................. 13

Olmsted Orthodontics .......................20

DeVaney Dentistry .............................24 Infinity Dental ....................................21

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES BEK Paint Company ...........................29 Haley Hahn Home Solutions .............28

Moravian Dewey’s Holiday Store .........7

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

Midtown Furniture .............................32

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ...............22 Northwest Animal Hospital ................18 Veterinary Hospital of Oak Ridge........22 Westergaard Kennels ...........................4

The Collegiate Shop .......................... 13

the local bringing the

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

SCHOOLS GTCC ..................................................5

family of publications to northwest

since Guilford County

1996

2017 Summer

to--know, d--to need info ctory of to--know dd -to Your dire and goo nty to--know ford Cou fun--to fun hwest Guil about nort

PARADE IT’S ALMOST

8

Our flagship publication, bringing the hometown news to northwest Guilford County since 1996

by published

annual

Your directory of need-toknow, fun-to-know and good-to-know info about northwest Guilford County

cts The effe h of too muc screen time

6

ht Losing weig good ng and feeli

10

s The fact about diabetes

E coaches IN THIS ISSU ll teams and

footba Meet the schedule es 2017 game results ing bands n e performanc 2016 seaso s and march ing bands’ halftim cheerleader Meet the preview of the march Get a sneak

al

semi-annu

From maintaining & improving your home to a slice of life in the northwest

7

Beware of ticks

enjoy life Seniors tryside at Coun Village

4

2018

el Carpal tunn e syndrom

t We wan d your bloo

18

TIME!

weekly

14

healthy living fitness and unications n stories about Home-growpublished by pscomm

E

IN THIS ISSU

annual

Featuring home-grown stories about fitness and healthy living

annual

An in-depth preview of the Northern and Northwest High School football seasons

Contact us for advertising info (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 | advertising@pscommunications-inc.com The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

DEC. 22, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

31

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

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

PAID

Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22 ECRWSS