It only took 40 minutes for the Jamestown Town Council to meet on Aug. 20 and nearly 10 minutes of that consisted of public comments.
Sewer repairs
The Council unanimously approved awarding a contract to Insituform Technologies, LLC, for replacement of an aerial sewer pipe across Deep River at Oakdale Cotton Mill and a cured in place pipe in the Deep River area.
Current budget funding of $1.45 million will cover the project but Public Services Director Paul Blanchard is
still negotiating with Insituform to arrive at a better price on the project than the $1,242,585 originally bid. He asked Council’s permission to proceed with the negotiation.
“We’re still working on trying to reduce the costs with the contractor but we feel we have a path forward to get that replaced,” said Town Manager Matthew Johnson.
“By using the contract we will knock three months off the project and 8-15 percent off the cost,” said Public Services Director Paul Blanchard.
“Kudos to staff,” said Councilmember Martha Wolfe regarding the negotiating process.
Cured in place piping involves inserting a flexible liner inside the existing pipe, inflating the liner, and exposing it to heat or ultraviolet light to dry and harden the liner inside the pipe. The liner essentially forms a smooth surface inside the existing pipe, restoring it to near-new condition. This process is cheaper than replacing damaged pipes the traditional way. A liner can last up to 60 years.
The project involves relining and repairing the sewer lines and manholes on the Adams Farm outfall from Oakdale Road to the end of the town’s system, which Blanchard said was the most problematic area. Access to the pipes is hard
and the aerial pipe work is dangerous.
“This is a maintenance project,” Blanchard said. “We are not adding new pipe. We’re not adding new capacity.”
Temporary repairs have been made to the line.
Blanchard also welcomed two new employees to the Public Services staff, Carson Bailey and Garrett Christy. Each one works two days a week in the Water/Sewer Department and two days in the Sanitation Department.
Manager’s report Johnson gave praise to the Parks & Recreation and Public Services staffs for
Churches going to the dogs
By norMa B. dennIs FreeLanCe writer
ndworddesign@gmail.com
The title is not click bait. After all, there is nothing to click. It is also not derogatory, as some might assume. It is a good thing, where man’swoman’s best friend is bringing meaningful interactions to area churches.
Charlie, an 11-year-old chocolate Lab mix can be found most afternoons patrolling the building and grounds at Jamestown United Methodist Church with his owner Glen Atkins. Atkins has worked as head of the security team at JUMC for two years, but although he has owned Charlie since he was a puppy, the dog only joined him at work approximately a year ago.
“A couple of the assistant pastors would occasionally bring their dogs to work and when I moved farther from the church I asked if I could bring Charlie with me since there was no way to check on him during a long period of time away,” Atkins said. “I was told to try it and see how it worked and it has been good.”
Charlie has, in fact, become a valuable partner with Atkins as he carries out his responsibilities.
All Atkins has to do is say, “Come in,” when someone approaches the door and
Charlie heads that way to greet them with a wagging tail and what appears to be a smile on his face.
“It is almost as if he has been trained to do that, but he has not,” Atkins said.
“He loves everybody and has never met a stranger.”
Atkins works afternoons and evenings, helping make sure the building is secure and the people within its walls are safe. As he patrols the building and grounds Charlie
CoMPILed By norMa B. dennIs
CHOICE BOOK SALE
The Friends of the Jamestown Public Library is hosting a Choice Book Sale Sept. 7 and Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Choice books have been published between 2021 and 2023. They are priced at $6 each. The bookcases are loaded, especially in the categories of art, classics, poetry, travel, young adult, history, medicine, cookbooks and diet/ exercise.
There is also a huge selection of CDs, cassettes and VHS tapes that are bargain priced at 5 for $1 and the second group of 5 are free.
For those who enjoy jigsaw puzzles the selection is amazing, with puzzles ranging from 200 to 3,000 pieces. There is a nice selection of premium Ravensburger puzzles as well. Puzzles have been completed by a group of experts to ensure all pieces are included. A few may have one or two missing, but if that is the case it is indicated on the bottom of the box. Prices vary. Purchases may be made with cash or check.
Jamestown hosts Lead for North Carolina local government fellow
By CaroL BrooKs
FreeLanCe writer cab1hp@gmail.com
Debra Mullis has joined the Town of Jamestown through June 2025, but do not caller a staff member or intern.
Mullis is a “fellow” with Lead for North Carolina, an organization funded in part by Americorps and hosted by the School of Government at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Jamestown is one of 38 host sites statewide.
“The program is designed to connect new graduates to local governments that can use their support and help grow their skills at the same time,” said Jamestown Town Manager Matthew Johnson. “She’s going to be focusing on citizen engagement as well as helping our finance team.”
Mullis is a 2023 graduate of N.C. State University with a degree in political science and a minor in accounting.
She said she is eager to meet one-onone with councilmembers and citizens.
“This town has so much charm and I can’t wait to get to know people,” said Mullis.
“I am designing a citizen’s academy that will take place in early spring. Over the course of several sessions, citizens will get to learn how the budget is created, how public services are managed and much more.
“I will also create a few other informational materials for the Town and perform a few interviews to listen to citizens about their experiences. In the finance department, I will help with some budget projections and comparisons.”
“The mission of Lead for North Carolina is to strengthen North Carolina’s public institutions, support its local communities, and create a new generation of transformational public service leaders,” according to its website.
LFNC recruits, trains and places promising recent graduates in paid local government fellowships.
“We train and support our fellows as they tackle community problems and cultivate their leadership skills. Each fellow receives more than 100 hours
of training from the UNC School of Government’s world-class faculty.”
Through LFNC, fellows have the opportunity to learn and gain an appreciation of how local governments work, among other things.
To apply for an LFNC fellow, local governments must identify a work scope and explain how the fellow will aid their organization. Projects may be focused on community health, economic development, education, environmental issues, finance, recovery and resilience, or many other issues.
Mullis receives a living allowance from LFNC but is not being paid directly by the Town. However, the Town’s investment in LFNC is $15,000.
“Americorp fellows like myself are paid partly through the federal government, and the host organization contributes a match to these federal dollars, which in my case is shared between the UNC School of Government, their donor organizations, and Jamestown,” Mullis said.
Days are getting shorter. Stock up now for entertainment during those upcoming longer, darker hours.
Have an event that you think needs to be included in About Town? Email Norma B. Dennis at ndworddesign@gmail.com or Carol Brooks at cab1hp@gmail.com
Basketball court and nature trail contracts approved for park
By CaroL BrooKs FreeLanCe writer cab1hp@gmail.com
The Council unanimously approved a contract in the amount of $106,066.80 to Churchich Recreation to remove the current basketball court at Jamestown Park and install a new court and goals. Funding for this is from American Rescue Program Act (ARPA) matching funds and Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant funding.
Councilmembers remarked that the court is frequently used by all ages in the community, not just Jamestown residents.
Look for demolition to begin soon. ARPA and PARTF funding will also be used for a natural play area and equip-
ment at the park. The Council unanimously approved a contract in the amount of $64,936.04 to Carolina Parks & Play. This is the same company that proves the benches seen around town.
An 800-foot nature trail will be constructed with natural play areas along the route for, as Parks & Recreation Scott Coakley called “small pockets of play.” Some natural play items include a log crawl tunnel, balance beam that looks like a log, mushroom steppers and a log bench. Educational signage will complete the trail.
“We are super excited about both of these projects and can’t wait to see them completed and paired with the universal playground that’s coming, Jamestown Park will surely be a destination,” Coakley said.
Photo by Carol Brooks
new Public services employees Garrett Christy and Carson Bailey.
Photo courtesy Lead for North Carolina debra Mullis
Photo submitted
Chloe Grace, a therapy dog in training at sedgefield Presbyterian Church, is dressed in her sunday best as she waits patiently to follow the ushers down the aisle as they take up the morning offering.
Photo by Norma B. Dennis Glen atkins enjoys having his dog Charlie accompany him around Jamestown United Methodist Church when he is working.
Photo by Norma B. Dennis
In the short time Chloe Grace has been coming to sedgefield Presbyterian Church with the reverend Kim Priddy the puppy has made herself at home throughout the facility.
From the Front
Rotary Club members have active summer
By norMa B. dennIs FreeLanCe writer ndworddesign@gmail.com
The Jamestown Rotary Club has been busy this summer. It started in June when members sponsored the Bow Stafford Memorial Golf Classic at Jamestown Park Golf Course. Twenty-four teams teed off on June 21 at 1:30 p.m. to compete in a Captain’s Choice format. Winners included: 1st place, team captained by Patrick Lanier; 2nd place, team led by Wes Atkinson; and 3rd place, team led by Dakota Andrews. Proceeds from the tournament will be donated to Feeding Lisa’s Kids, a non-profit that provides food to children in need and their families in the greater High Point area, including Jamestown.
In July, Joanne Iwan, area governor of Rotary District 7690 attended a meeting to swear in the newly-elected officers for 2024-2025.
Voted in by members of the club were Bob Callicutt, president; Geoff Swan, secretary; and Ken Swan, treasurer. Other officers included Don Dale, director; Michael Greth, public image director; and Jerry Brett, immediate past president and director.
August found members collect-
their work in cleaning up after Hurricane Debby. Johnson commented on the East Main Street Sidewalk Open House that was just before the Council meeting and was wellattended. Contrary to social media comments, the $2.3 million sidewalk will be concrete, not brick. It will
ing school supplies and monetary donations to present to Jamestown Elementary School.
“We normally collect donations for the school each year at the National Night Out event,” Callicutt said. “But due to the hurricane, we tried to play it safe and cancelled our table for that night, fearing that the rain would drown the event.
“Nonetheless, the Rotary Club still knew there was a need and we didn’t want the hurricane to be the reason why kids and teachers struggled without supplies. Members and other friends of Rotary made donations which were presented to Jamestown Elementary School on Aug. 20.”
(above) Bob Callicutt, right, president of the Jamestown rotary Club, presented school supplies to staff members at Jamestown elementary school, including, left to right, rebecca auten, school occupational therapist; Larry Quick, school lead custodian; and Lori sugarman, school counselor. (at left) newly installed officers of the Jamestown rotary Club include, left to right, Bob Callicutt, president; don dale, director; Michael Greth, public image director; Geoff swan, secretary; Jerry Brett, immediate past president and director; and Ken swan, treasurer. Joanne Iwan, area governor of district 7690, far right, was in charge of the swearing-in ceremony.
ELECTED OFFICIALS CONTACT INFORMATION
U.S. HOUSE Kathy Manning - District 6 manning.house.gov/contact DC: (202) 225-3065 NC: (336) 333-5005
U.S. SENATE Thom Tillis www.tillis.senate.gov/email-me (202) 224-6342
N.C. HOUSE Cecil Brockton - District 60 Cecil.Brockman@ncleg.gov (919) 733-5825
N.C. SENATE Michael Garrett - District 27 Michael.Garrett@ncleg.gov (919) 733-5856
GUILFORD CO. Alan Perdue - District 2 aperdue@guilfordcountync.gov (336) 451-6707
Kay Cashion - At Large kcashion@guilfordcountync.gov (336) 274-6272
JAMESTOWN
Mayor
be one mile in length, safely connecting the Yorkshire subdivision area to Millis Road School, GTCC and the Ragsdale YMCA. Residents who attended raised concerns about the need for this sidewalk as well as other issues, including using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to pay for it. (See public comments below.) Johnson introduced Debra Mullis, a Lead for North Carolina fellow, who will be working with the Town for a year. (See related story.)
public comment section of the Council meeting by thanking the staff for the good job they are doing. Stafford is a life-long resident of Jamestown.
Supreme Court ruling on public officials and social media usage. Former Councilmember John Capes … has also blocked critics.”
Public comments Ed Stafford led off the
Rick Clapp is concerned about the contract for the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office. Jamestown is the only town that contracts for services. He noted the current contract is 30 years old. At that time, Jamestown had the only ABC store in the area, which brought a lot of traffic, and Clapp intimated that may have been why there was such a contract. He believes the Town’s new budget should be reviewed and remove that fee and not increase taxes.
Part of the Council’s agenda is a consent agenda, which includes approval of minutes, the Town’s financial position, appointments and other minor issues. It is approved as one item.
She asked how Capes was reappointed so quickly to the Planning Board and if there were not more qualified applicants. Her final comment was why some public meetings are held during the daytime when many residents are working and cannot attend. Robert Frederick echoed Stafford’s comment on the appreciation of Town staff, councilmembers, volunteers and Duke Energy for the recent work, especially at the golf course, “ … but I don’t consider it a place … that has been disproportionately affected by the economic woes of the Covid-19 pandemic. That’s what the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was intended to counteract.”
Town Clerk / Assistant Town Manager Katie Weiner kweiner@jamestown-nc.gov (336) 454-1138
Town
Frederick also pointed out the ARPA funds are being used for redoing the basketball court and natural playground at Jamestown Park. He said this type of funding may be used for parks but only meant to be spent on eligible park projects.
Krisdena Reeser noted that in the consent agenda, two men were appointed as Jamestown’s representative to committees. Cory Rayborn, husband of Councilmember Rebecca Rayborn, was appointed to the Guilford County Historic Preservation Commission and Rich Glover, a Greensboro resident, was reappointed to serve on the Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority. He is a former employee of Jamestown Engineering.
“Conflicts of interest aside, the Town of Jamestown failed to advertise these seats while … Randleman and Greensboro publically advertised their PTRWA opening and the applications and conflict of interest forms were not made available in tonight’s meeting packet for public viewing,” Reeser said. “Councilmember Rebecca Rayborn voted her approval of these appointments without stating her conflict of interest.”
She added that the councilmember has limited comments on her Facebook page, “essentially blocking me and other community members, which is illegal, based on the most recent
“What makes them eligible is that they are in disproportionately impacted communities, … [which is] not most of Jamestown,” Frederick said.
“It seems like you are spending a lot of money to build some sidewalks and some things for our wonderful park that are from federal dollars that aren’t supposed to be used in that way.” He pointed to Oakdale and Scientific Street communities as what he believes are eligible areas in Jamestown. Residents must walk in the street to get to the grocery store.
(Councilmember Wolfe later commented that research had been done and these projects do qualify for ARPA funding.)
The Aug. 20 Town Council meeting may be viewed in its entirety at www.youtube.com/c/TownofJamestownNC. Click on “live.”
Photos submitted
Coffee Break
Here's A Tip
By Joa nn derson
• The best way to cook leafy, green veggies such as spinach and kale, is to stir fry them in just the water left over from rinsing. It works very well to steam them, and adds no fat!
• Keep track of capacity and dimension of your cookware by using a permanent marker to notate the specifications on the bottoms of each baking container you have. This way, when a recipe calls for a 13-by9 baking dish or a 2-quart casserole dish, you can easily tell which one you need. This is especially important if you don’t spend a lot of time cooking.
• “When you need to crush nuts or a cracker for crumbs, you can use a small can of soup to crush these in a plastic bag. This is for when you don’t have a rolling pin.” — J.R. in Virginia
To avoid a dirty-smelling hamper, place a single sheet of fabric softener in the bottom of your laundry closet or in the hamper itself.
• “To keep sauces from splattering and dirtying the inside of your microwave, cover the food with a damp paper towel or a coffee filter.”
— E.C. in Utah
“Unload the bottom rack of the dishwasher first. This way, you won’t wet the dishes on the bottom if any pooled water on the top shelf spills. I thought everyone did it this way, but then my boyfriend thought I was such a genius that I figured I would share this hint with others!” — via
Being that parcel of land conveyed to MARK DONALD PATRAW (UNMARRIED) from JOHN A. BUTTON AND WIFE, MARGARET A. BUTTON by that deed dated 10/29/2003 and recorded 10/29/2003 in deed book 4133, at page 1752 of the GUILFORD County, NC Public Registry.
Re-recorded 12/14/1993 in Book 4151, at Page 1267. Re-recorded to CORRECT LEGAL
Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.
Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).
The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.
A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.
If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.
Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property
An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.
Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental
LEGAL NOTICES
agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC.
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE
c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068
https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 21161 - 102521 Aug. 21, 28, 2024
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE
SALE OF REAL ESTATE NORTH CAROLINA - GUILFORD COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE BEFORE THE CLERK 24SP000507-400
Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Sydney Pennix (PRESENT RECORD
OWNER(S): Sydney Pennix) to Blanco Tackabery & Matamoros, P.A., Trustee(s), dated March 9, 2020, and recorded in Book No. R 8255, at Page 2047 in Guilford County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Guilford County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse, West Door U-G Level in Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on September 10, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Greensboro in the County of Guilford, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 27, Section 3, Southbrook Subdivision, as per plat thereof recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Guilford County, North Carolina, in Plat Book 110, at Page 150. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 117 Brook Pine Drive, Greensboro, North Carolina.
APN #: 55359
Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.
Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).
The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is
also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.
A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.
If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.
Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property
An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.
Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE
c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 14568 - 92523 Aug. 28, 2024 and Sept. 4, 2024 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL ESTATE NORTH
UPON 127 SOMMERWALL PLACE GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA, AKA BEING ALL OF LOT 87, PHASE 3, FINAL PLAT, CHANTILLE PLACE, PHASE 3, AS PER PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK
17, 2021, file #21 M 2142. Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in that certain Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Chantille Place Homeowners Association, Inc., and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Guilford County, North Carolina in Book 6711, Page 1011, and because of default in the payment of the indebtedness thereby secured and pursuant to the demand of the owner and holder of the indebtedness secured by said Lien, and pursuant to the Order of the Clerk of Superior Court for Guilford County, North Carolina, entered in this foreclosure proceeding, Law Firm Carolinas, the appointed Trustee, will expose for sale at public auction on September 5, 2024, at 3:00 PM at the usual place of sale of the Guilford County Courthouse, Greensboro, North Carolina, the following described real property (including the house, if any and any other improvements thereon): Being all of Lot 87, Phase 3, Final Plat, Chantille Place, Phase 3, as per plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 199 at Page 104, rerecorded in Plat Book 200 at Page 58, of the Guilford County Registry. Property address: 127 Sommerwall Place, Greensboro, NC 27405.
Present Owner(s): Keith L. Handford, Sr. The sale will be made subject to all prior sales and releases and to all deeds of trust, liens, unpaid taxes, restrictions, easements, assessments, leases, and other matters of record, if any. Pursuant to N.C.G.S §4521.10(b), any successful bidder will be required to deposit with Law Firm Carolinas, the Trustee, immediately upon conclusion of the sale a cash deposit not to exceed the greater of Five Percent (5%) of the bid amount or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00). Any successful bidder shall be required to tender the full balance of the purchase price in cash or certified check at the time Law Firm Carolinas, the Trustee, tenders to him a deed for the property or attempts to tender such deed, and should said successful bidder fail to pay the full balance of the purchase price so bid at the time, he shall remain liable on his bid as provided for in N.C.G.S §45-21.30(d) and (e).
This
is by his side keeping him company.
“He is more of a companion, but I think if I needed him, he would protect me,” Atkins said. “Likewise, it is my duty to keep him safe. I bring his bed, bowl and treats with me to work each day and keep him well groomed. On Sundays, when activity is at its highest, I usually keep Charlie in a kennel in the office. He is satisfied there and he is out of the way while I can still tend to his needs.
“I have found work more pleasurable with Charlie. People took to him right off. If members don’t see Charlie, they ask about him and the other staff treat him like their own.”
Atkins estimates that 98 percent of people who see Charlie have a positive
FROM tHE FRONt
reaction to him. Only a few might seem afraid if they have had a bad experience with dogs in the past.
But Charlie is such a happy dog he is sure to win the hearts of anyone who takes the time to get to know him. He can even say, “I love you,” on command.
The Reverend Paula Rachal, rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Sedgefield has brought her dog Riley to a Blue Christmas service and to a worship service in October 2023 when it was integrated with a Blessing of the Animals. But she usually just brings him to work on weekdays, which she has done since coming to All Saints in 2016.
“It depends on what I have to do,” she said. “He has separation anxiety and cries if I have to leave him.
Save the date! Join us for Welcoming Week. Celebrate the diversity of our community at events across the YMCA of Greensboro association. Learn more on our website or visit a branch today
LEARN MORE: ymcagreensboro.org/welcomingweek
“I think part of my job here is letting the dog in and out,” she added with a smile.
It was not Rachal’s intention to get a dog to bring to work. It was not her intention to get Riley at all. She had fostered the dog, waiting to find it a forever home. When that adoption did not work, Riley was returned to her and she decided to keep him.
A mixed breed of Boxer, pit bull and possibly Great Dane descent, the 9-yearold Riley is happiest when there are a lot of people around. He loves attention and if attending a meeting at church will greet each person there to get it.
Although laughingly considered a security dog, it says so on his bed in Rachal’s office, the pastor admits she feels more secure at work and at home when he is around.
His size and deep bark might worry people at first, but his gentle demeanor quickly puts them at ease.
“I have only had to remove him from my office for one person,” Rachal said.
Riley is not a therapy dog either. But Rachal once bought a bandana for him that says Amateur Therapy Dog. He is, however a good conversation starter.
“When someone comes in, we can talk about dogs before we get around to what their need is,” Rachal said.
But Riley’s days of roaming the church halls will soon be over. Rachal is retiring.
A new addition to Sedgefield Presbyterian Church is a lively apricot and white cavapoo — part poodle and part Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The 8-month-old puppy is currently in training with Dog Town in Burlington to become a therapy
dog and is on track to take a test soon to become a Good Canine Citizen, proving she has mastered basic command skills.
Pastor Kim Priddy and her husband Paul Durant adopted the dog with the session’s blessing, knowing Priddy planned to use it as an important part of her ministry at SPC.
Priddy was introduced to the idea of having a dog at church while attending a Christian retreat in January.
“My friend, a pastor in Pennsylvania, has a therapy dog,” Priddy explained. “When she told me about her dog I could not get the idea of having one out of my mind. I prayed about it, Paul agreed and the session unanimously approved.”
Within two months, the tiny puppy was finding its way around the church and into the hearts of the congregation. The elementary children selected five names that were placed on cups. Members put $1 a vote into the cup of their choice and the names Chloe and Grace received the most. The pup was given both names and the $127 raised went to support the homeless.
Since March, Chloe Grace has been getting used to the church environment. She helps hand out bulletins, assists the ushers when they take up the offering and occasionally sits on the stage during announcements or settles at Priddy’s feet behind the podium while she preaches.
“Church members have begun carrying treats for her in their pockets,” Priddy said. “She has only missed one Sunday since March 8. She is crate trained if the need arises and members are willing to keep her if my husband and I have to travel.”
Chloe Grace has also attended the women’s monthly dinners when they eat outside and has gone on limited home visits with Priddy.
“I do not take her everywhere,” Priddy said. “She is still a puppy and I have to be cautious.
“When I take her to see Helen, who is homebound, instead of Chloe Grace, she calls her Amazing Grace. I have learned a lot listening to people talk about their pets and how animals impact our whole life.”
When Priddy gets ready for work each morning, Chloe Grace is ready to hop in the car. She walks straight into Priddy’s office, then she might begin to explore the church.
“Chloe Grace seems to bring out the best in people,” Priddy acknowledged. “She has even been a comfort to me during seasons of challenge. When I have hard decisions to make I turn to her and realize she has provided me with contentment.
“I have had pets in the past, but she is different. The others were pets; she is more of a companion. I want Chloe Grace to be able to provide comfort to others, whether in a hospital, hospice or home. I even see her sitting beside someone in worship.”
Whether considered a therapy dog, service animal or companion, there is no doubt these dogs are providing a service to their owners and to the churches they “attend.” As for the owners, it seems obvious they could not be more pleased to have the dogs present as they carry out their individual ministries within the church.
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Photo by Norma B. Dennis The reverend Paula rachal, pastor of all saints episcopal Church, could often find riley in the library, sitting on a bench so he can look out the window.
