Issuu

Dec. 20, 2018 - Jan. 9, 2019

Town challenged to ﬁll planner, planning director positions

This replica of the Skiles family dog, Harley, took three days for Kendall Skiles, 17, and her father, Robert, of Bronco Lane in Summerfield to create (Kendall’s boyfriend also assisted with the project). Creating artistic snow figures is an annual tradition for the Skiles family; Kendall told us she usually comes up with the ideas – as well as moving much of the snow – and her father does the shaping and carving. Interesting note: Robert, who had to climb up on a tall ladder to finish the top of Harley, is afraid of heights. See more photos of snow creations on page 10.

IN THIS ISSUE News in brief................................3 Your Questions ............................4 Summerfield Town Council ........6 Snow Creations ......................... 10 Community Calendar .............. 11 Crime/Incident Report ............. 12 NWO Business & Real Estate .... 13 Real Estate Transactions .......... 14 Real Estate News ...................... 16 Real Estate Q&A/Business News17 MG12: ‘Mercy and grace’ .......24 Student profiles .........................30 Grins & Gripes ...........................32 Classifieds .................................35 NWO on the Go! .......................38 Index of Advertisers .................39

by PATTI STOKES SUMMERFIELD – The Town of Summerfield was already feeling the pinch from the loss of town planner Sean Taylor, who resigned in March to accept the position of planning director with the Town of Oak Ridge. Although the town has since been advertising Taylor’s position, it remains open. An added challenge has come with the recent resignation of Carrie Spencer, the town’s planning director. After serving as a town planner for Summerfield several years ago, Spencer worked the next five years as a planner for Guilford County and then the Town of Jamestown. She returned to the

Town of Summerfield in August 2016 to accept the position of planning director and held that position until last month, when she resigned to accept a job with Rockingham County as planning and inspections director. “I am so grateful to have been able to serve the citizens of Summerfield yet another time,” Spencer was quoted as saying on the Town of Summerfield’s Facebook page. “I love this town and I will still be living here. I look forward to a time when we can realize our shared vision.” The town is advertising for its full-time

...continued on p. 7

Council member plans to step down Bill Jones says lack of affordable housing ﬁgures into decision to leave Stokesdale by STEVE MANN STOKESDALE – With less than 11 months left in his second term on the Stokesdale Town Council, Bill Jones recently announced he will be stepping down. Jones, 64, told the Northwest Observer he will give up his seat, not because of political disagreements with fellow council members, but because of what has become a hot-button issue in northwest Guilford County. Bill Jones

Affordable housing.

Jones and his wife, Pam, decided to downsize, but were unable to find affordable housing

...continued on p. 34

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LeBauer HealthCare welcomes ... Dr. Camille Andy to Summerfield Village

Dr. Andy specializes in family medicine and has particular interests in diabetic care, women’s health and contraception. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1991 and her M.D. from University of Michigan Medical School in 1995.

.C a m ill e A n

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“Family medicine is a wonderful specialty filled with compassionate, smart, and committed individuals,” she continued. “I am proud to be part of this group. ... I grew up outside of Detroit, Michigan, and had the opportunity to be exposed to a diverse population early on. My mother was born in Mexico; my father’s parents were from Italy. Therefore, I learned that differences in people are to be appreciated. I believe this has helped me understand many different types of people which allows me to connect to my patients on a more personal level.” Dr. Andy added, “My philosophy on how to deliver care is simple and straightforward: ‘HELP THE PATIENT.’ From the time we meet, it should be clear to my patients that I am there for them. I will listen and learn what their problems and healthcare goals are. I will educate on different options that they have to meet those goals. And I will monitor them over time to ensure we are getting where they want to be. ... My approach allows the patient to lead while I gently support with medical information and skills.” In her non-work life, Dr. Andy enjoys doing almost anything with her young daughter. “She makes me laugh,” she said. “As well, I have recently begun exercising regularly – finally practicing what I preach!”

A M a r ti n , P

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Dr. Tabori is a family medicine physician and has been with LeBauer HealthCare for 10 years. She enjoys caring for every member of the family, from newborn babies to greatgrandparents.

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Health ofﬁcials collect samples from 40 wells NW GUILFORD – Local and state health investigators plan to collect samples from about 40 wells in northwest Guilford County this week after more homeowners requested their water be tested for chemical contamination. “Thirty-one homeowners have said yes” to testing of their well water, Joe Johnson, a water quality manager with the Guilford County Public Health Department, said Tuesday. He said he expects another 10 or so homeowners to request testing when they see investigators taking samples from their neighbors’ wells. Laboratory testing of the samples will take about two weeks, Johnson said. Afterwards, the results will be made public. In early December, only 14 of 63 homeowners who had been sent let-

ters asking for permission to test their well water had given the OK for sampling. After a public meeting Dec. 4 explaining the testing, more homeowners requested that their well water be examined for potentially harmful levels of chemicals known as Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The chemicals are found in firefighting foams used by fire crews at and around Piedmont Triad International Airport. Earlier testing of water in Brush Creek and Horse Pen Creek flowing downstream from the airport detected the chemicals. The discovery led health investigators in Guilford County and the City of Greensboro to team up with state agencies to look for contamination in residential wells near the creeks.

Speed limit may be lowered on stretch of N.C. 65 STOKESDALE – The speed limit on an almost 2½-mile section of N.C. 65 from the Guilford County line east to Oak Level Church Road will drop from 55 miles an hour to 50 following a traffic study by the state. The speed limit from near Oak Level Church Road to Dollar General will remain 35 mph. The item had been casually discussed by Mayor Pro Tem Thearon Hooks during the Sept. 20 meeting of the Stokesdale Town Council and was on the agenda for the Dec. 13 meeting. But the council never voted on it. Hooks said he had contacted the N.C. Department of Transportation

and the Highway Patrol several months ago after citizens had complained about the number of wrecks and the amount of traffic along that stretch of road. There are few places along the primarily two-lane, winding road where the shoulder is wide enough for a vehicle to pull off, presenting problems for law enforcement. There also are several subdivisions that enter onto N.C. 65, including Belews Ridge, a proposed subdivision near the county line that will have about 65 homes. The DOT conducted a traffic study and told Hooks in a phone call it

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your QUESTIONS www.nwobserver.com /northwestobserver @mynwobserver @northwestobserver

OUR TEAM Patti Stokes, editor/publisher Laura Reneer, marketing manager Marilyn Grubbs, admin/editorial assistant Yvonne Truhon, page layout Leon Stokes, IT director Lucy Smith, finance manager Linda Schatz, distribution manager Steve Mann and Chris Burritt, staff writers Helen Ledford, Stewart McClintock 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 hours: M-F 9am-2pm (or by appt.)

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Is it permissible to burn leaves in Oak Ridge? Last month a home-

owner near the entrance to River Oaks was burning leaves several times per week for several weeks, filling the air with noxious smoke that, according to several sources, is harmful and even perhaps carcinogenic.

Open burn laws are regulated by North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. The section of the DEQ’s website pertaining to open burning reads as follows: “The Open Burning Rule is one of North Carolina’s oldest air quality regulations, first adopted in 1971. The rule prohibits much outdoor burning and sets conditions for allowable fires. Under the rule, it is always illegal to burn garbage, household trash and other non-vegetative materials.”

Adobe stock photo

Residents wishing to burn yard debris are required to check weather conditions, local ﬁre department restrictions (i.e., regarding days of the week open burning is allowed) and obtain an open burn permit before burning.

Leaves, branches, grass clippings and other plant growth can be burned under certain conditions and with an approved burning permit.

Wishing our patients and their families a wonderfu l holiday season!

Violators of the open burning permit laws can be fined up to $25,000 or more. You can obtain a burning permit online at www.ncforestservice.gov. If you live within the Summerfield Fire District, you can also apply for a burning permit at www.summerfieldfire.com. Summerfield Fire Chief Chris Johnson advises residents with an open burning permit, which is good for 30 days, to still give their local fire department a headsup when they plan to be burning. “That helps us just in case we get a call from a neighbor who is concerned after smelling smoke or seeing open flames,” Johnson said. Note: burning outdoors on Code Orange, Red or Purple days in areas with air quality forecasts is prohibited,

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as is burning under any at-risk conditions such as high winds, proximity to a building, etc. DEQ and local air programs issue forecasts for several metropolitan areas across the state, including the Triad. Before burning, check the forecast at www.ncair.org or call (919) 707-8400. If you have concerns about someone illegally burning, particularly if you feel it may be a health and safety issue, contact 911.

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Guilford County’s Animal Control Services enforces state laws and county ordinances pertaining to animal control, animal cruelty and abuse. The ordinance includes a provision that animals must be given adequate food, water and shelter in harsh weather conditions.

A neighbor leaves her two dogs outside all the time, in all kinds of weather, and it concerns us. Maybe there is a shelter for them, but it isn’t apparent and we mostly see them lying in the front yard. What

are the pet laws with respect to cold temperatures? ...continued on p. 7

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DEC. 20, 2018 - JAN. 9, 2019

SUMMERFIELD town council Saturday, Dec. 15 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by PATTI STOKES Mayor Gail Dunham called to order the monthly council meeting, which had been rescheduled from the previous Tuesday due to the winter storm.

reached 121 children through community outreach efforts. The district’s annual Toys for Tots drive was extended through Dec. 19.

Council members Reece Walker, Dianne Laughlin, John O’Day, Teresa Pegram and Mayor Pro Tem Dena Barnes were present, as were Scott Whitaker, town manager; Dee Hall, finance officer; Lance Heater, town clerk; Bill Hill, town attorney; Cheryl Gore, event planner and assistant to the manager; and about a dozen citizens.

On a safety note, Councilman Walker, an employee of the fire district, urged everyone to keep a careful watch on food when it is cooking.

ANNOUNCEMENTS  Whitaker announced the council’s annual strategic planning retreat is scheduled for the afternoon of Jan. 25 and all day on Saturday, Jan. 26. The retreat will be held at the Piedmont Triad Regional Council office in Kernersville and Jeff Emory with the N.C. Department of Commerce will serve as facilitator.  A Legislative Meet & Greet will be held sometime in January in Oak Ridge.

Fire District. Summerfield Fire District responded to 17 fire-related calls, 62 EMS-related calls and 10 other calls in November, installed 45 car seats and

Sheriff’s Office. Capt. Brian Hall with the sheriff’s District 1 office reported the crime rate within the district was 37 percent lower last month than in November 2017. The District 1 office responded to 136 calls for service in Summerfield last month, four of which were Part 1 crimes (crimes of a more serious nature).

COMMITTEE REPORTS Historical. Chair Gary Brown said the committee met Nov. 29 and began with a “Moment in History” provided by Jim Kirkpatrick, who shared his experiences working with Guilford County and the Guilford Battleground Company. The committee reviewed plans for more historical markers and continues to explore options for the historic Saunders Inn on N.C. 150. Brown thanked Misty McCall, a member of Summer-

field Farms’ executive team, and David Couch, owner of Summerfield Farms, for their help with getting computerized images of the inn’s interior from a variety of angles, along with room dimensions. The committee hopes to work with a structural engineer and an architect to help determine whether any of the historic building is salvageable. Committee member Anna Heroy is working with Northwest High School history teacher Ray Parrish to plan a series of community discussions in the spring. Trails and Open Space. The committee continues its work on identifying open space and reported it is eager to get the sidewalk project started (which will extend the A&Y Trail from the pedestrian tunnel under U.S. 220 to Summerfield Road). Planning & Zoning Board. P&Z Board Chair Dick Feulner, along with board member Jeff Davis, were in attendance. Regarding the board’s added task of reviewing the town’s development ordinance, Feulner complimented town staff and council members “for giving us independence to let us do our job and not interfere. We’ve had about 12 meetings (to review the ordinance) and no one contacted us to try to influence us (including developers).” The ordinance review process has been transparent and the five full voting members and four alternates on the board have all participated, Feulner noted, adding this was the “best group

of people we’ve had since I’ve been on the board.” Feulner said the board has completed review of six of the 11 articles in the town’s Unified Development Ordinance. Portions of Article 6, which pertains to “General Development Standards” have also been reviewed. Once the board has finalized its recommendations, two public hearings will be held. “It’s our expectation that we will be able to incorporate all recommendations of the UDO Review Committee (which completed its work in May) and if we can’t, we’ll provide a reason for why we can’t,” Feulner told the council. “We will probably get a consensus on what we present, but where individual board members disagree we’ll ask them to provide their comments to the council.” Feulner noted that board members are citizen planners, not professional planners, and they would need help with pulling the language together to complete the process. Noting the town is currently without a planner and a planning director, he said, “We can’t go much farther until we have a planner get us through Article 6… we need resources to help us get this project done.” The council discussed options for completing the ordinance review/revision process, including having a dedicated professional planner with development

...continued on p. 8

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YOUR QUESTIONS

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...continued from p. 5

All of the municipalities in northwest Guilford County have adopted the same pet laws as those of Guilford County. Below is a portion of the ordinance directly pertaining to your question; for a complete copy of the animal control ordinance that covers our area, visit www.guilfordcountync.gov/our-county/ animal-services/animal-control (there you’ll find laws addressing dog tethering, animals deemed to be a public nuisance, required pet vaccinations and much more). Sec. 5-14 of the animal ordinance reads “Mistreatment of animals prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to subject or cause to be subjected any animal to cruel treatment or to deprive or cause to be deprived any animal of adequate food and water, necessary medical attention, adequate shelter, protection from the weather or humanely clean conditions.” Specifically regarding “adequate shelter,” the ordinance reads, “No person owning or responsible for any animal shall fail to provide the animal with proper shelter, protection from the weather or humanely clean conditions as prescribed in this section… minimum outdoor standards of shelter shall be as follows: a. When sunlight is likely to cause heat exhaustion of an animal tied or confined outside, sufficient shade by natural or artificial means shall be pro-

...continued from p. 1 vided to protect the animal from direct sunlight. b. Shelter shall be as follows: 1. An adequate artificial shelter with a minimum of three sides, floor and a waterproof roof appropriate to the local climatic conditions for the species concerned shall be provided as necessary for the health of the animal. 2. If a dog is tied or confined unattended outdoors under harsh weather conditions which adversely affect the health of the dog, a shelter of suitable size with a floor above ground and waterproof roof shall be provided to accommodate the dog and protect it from the weather and, in particular, from severe cold.” If you have concerns that an animal is in danger because of being left outside in severe temperatures with no shelter, or if you have any other questions about the safety and well-being of animals within Guilford County, call Guilford County Animal Control at (336) 641-5990.

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planner and planning director positions, but Town Manager Scott Whitaker told the town council at its Dec. 15 meeting there is a statewide shortage of “really good, qualified planners,” with 15 planning positions open across the state. In the absence of both a town planner and a planning director, Whitaker suggested the town enter into a contract with N-Focus, which it has contracted with in the past for planning services and presently contracts with for code enforcement. The company can provide two part-time planners to be available a total of four days a week, on separate days, for interim planning assistance. Whitaker presented a short-term

contract with N-Focus in the amount of $19,675, which would enable the town to provide planning services from Dec. 17 through Feb. 28. “I think it’s expensive but we don’t have any other options without putting us at risk with not having (planning) coverage this week,” Whitaker said, acknowledging “The two people wouldn’t be here at the same time, and I agree it is not the most efficient or ideal situation.” The council voted 5-0 to approve the contract with N-Focus, subject to review by the town attorney. “Good luck, Scott,” Mayor Gail Dunham said to Whitaker. “Obviously, there are a lot of challenges here.”

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TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 6

ordinance experience to format the board’s recommendations. “We encourage you to search for someone with quality, not quantity,” Feulner said. After-Action Report. Council members thanked Gore for doing such a great job planning the Nov. 17 tree lighting event. Dunham said she thought the town should purchase two golf carts to transport handicapped individuals to the tree lighting site, since there is no handicapped parking available there, but other council members said it would be much less expensive to rent golf carts. Financial Report. Dunham asked Hall if financial transactions since June 30 could be placed on the website, which Hall said was a good idea.

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PUBLIC COMMENTS  Don Wendelken said the town had experienced another emergency with the recent winter snowstorm and felt it should take responsibility to bring citizens together who are willing to help in these kind of situations. “You need something in place,” he told the council. “Yes, some should join the volunteer fire department, but many can’t …” Pegram suggested having a book with names and phone numbers of citizen volunteers to call when an emergency occurs. Walker agreed the town should do what it can to prepare for emergencies, but expressed concern over citizens volunteering if they aren’t trained. “I worry we’re going to take anybody on the list with no training or adequate training,” he said. “We just have to be careful.” Citing lessons learned from 911, he advised the town “think through the process.”  Patti Stokes, a Summerfield resident and editor/owner of the Northwest Observer, thanked town staff for providing the mayor’s town business-related emails

DEC. 20, 2018 - JAN. 9, 2019

which were on the town’s email server, but said she and others were still waiting for the mayor to release town business-related emails which were sent and received via Dunham’s two personal email accounts. When Dunham said she was waiting for Barnes to release town business-related emails from her personal email server, Barnes said she would release hers when Dunham releases hers.

AUDIT REPORT

Craig Hopkins, audit manager with Gibson & Company, PA, presented findings from the annual independent audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30. The town had just over $7 million in cash as of June 30, he said, with $161,332 in total liabilities. “That is over the moon good,” he told the council. No budget violations were discovered, and actual expenses were significantly less than budgeted, Hopkins noted. The town has capital assets valued at $2.9 million, he said, which when coupled with $6.5 million in unrestricted funds totals $9.5 million in assets. Due in large part to capital expenditures, the fund balance decreased last fiscal year by $587,000. “Kudos to the folks in Summerfield for paying their taxes,” Hopkins said, noting the town has a 99.58 percent property tax collection rate. Saying it was a pleasure to work with the Town of Summerfield staff, he added, “Dee’s records are as clean as any I have ever seen. We found no issues at all.” At that, Dunham said she was looking for a breakdown of the town’s restricted funds (funds required to be used in a specific way), more details for things like construction services, and more details on the $1.6 million in expenses; Hall responded that capital expenses had been moved to the fixed assets category, per GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) accounting principles. The state of North Carolina requires municipalities to keep at least 15 percent of their fund balance in reserves, whereas the

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Town of Summerfield has 385 percent of its fund balance in reserves, Hopkins noted. “So, all funds are accounted for, there are no issues, and these are the cleanest records you’ve ever seen?” O’Day asked Hopkins, to which Hopkins responded, “They are in the Top 3 I’ve ever seen. I made one journal entry only, which is for depreciation. Other than here, I don’t go anywhere else and only make one entry.”

RECESS

Walker explained he had requested a recess with refreshments, partly to officially welcome Laughlin back onto the council. “But not only that, we’ve got to start with a clean slate going into next year,” he said. “Let’s be above board… Going forward, we can find common ground. We’ve got to work on our working relationship. We get under each other’s skin, but we can go forward. Summerfield has a black eye and no one here can deny that. I want to go forward and try to be as positive as possible.” “I remember what happened a year ago at a meeting,” Dunham responded. At that, the meeting recessed and cake was served.

Republic Services Contract. Whitaker told the council the franchise contract renewal for solid waste and recycling services still had a few things to be ironed out and he planned to meet with Tony Krasienko, municipal services manager with Republic Services, and Dennis Moriarty, division manager, at the first of the week to complete negotiations so there is no lapse in services. After discussion, the council agreed to hold a special call meeting Dec. 19 to review and hopefully approve the 17-page contract, assuming negotiations were complete and wording had been reviewed by attorneys for the town and Republic Services. Bid award. Whitaker said the town had re-issued bids for constructing a multi-use picnic shelter at Summerfield Athletic Park after receiving three bids that were either over the $100,000 budgeted (one came in at $122,600 and another at $115,649), or had different specifications than provided (one company offered an alternative ap-

proach that came in at $89,301). The 24x36 shelter will have a concrete pad, electricity and stonework on the columns that matches existing structures at the athletic park. Dunham said the cost of the shelter was much higher than the one built at the community park in 2007, and was also smaller than that shelter. If the town eventually builds three picnic shelters at the athletic park, as called for in the park’s master plan, it would be spending about $300,000, she noted. “Also, I don’t know that we need lighting,” she added, then said she would like to walk the site with a measuring tape and also check with the Town of Oak Ridge to see how much their picnic shelters had cost.

 5  0 to reject all three bids and

reach out to the two high bidders to ask if they wished to bid on the alternative project the low bidder had presented.

Planning Services. Council voted 5-0 to enter into a short-term contract with NFocus for planning services. See FC article for discussion details. Revision of Personnel Policies. Whitaker requested staff be given two extra paid holidays this Christmas season, which would enable Town Hall to close Monday, Dec. 24, Tuesday, Dec. 25, and the remainder of the week. Pegram disagreed with giving staff the entire week of Christmas off, as did Dunham. “People need stuff,” Pegram said, arguing the town should continue to follow the state’s paid holiday schedule. After further discussion, Barnes mo-

tioned that staff be given the entire week of Christmas off in 2018 and 2019, and then revisit the paid holiday schedule after that. “We don’t have a planner and I know people here are probably stressed to the max,” she said. Pegram asked if Hall would be paid overtime if someone needed financial information while she was off and Hall said no. “What (information) would someone have to have that is so important?” Walker asked, noting the town doesn’t collect on water bills, etc. Dunham argued there was a lot of work to be done and the town was already down two employees, but Barnes asked that her Vestal Buick GMC - 1/3 pg Vertical motion be voted on and it carried 4-1. Bledsoe Adv - 11/11/18 update Presentation. Council agreed to meet Tuesday, Jan. 15, 6:30 p.m. to hear a presentation by WithersRavenal on plans for intersection improvements at N.C. 150 and Summerfield Road.

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2019 Meeting Schedule. With Whitaker having a planned vacation in July, the same week the town council meeting would normally be held, and it being a slower time of year for routine town business, the council agreed to skip the July council meeting. Council Seat Vacancy. Regarding the issue approved by voters Nov. 6, to limit the length of time a non-elected member of the council serves to the next election (as opposed to serving the remainder of the vacating council member’s term), Hill said he had sent the paperwork to Rep. Jon Hardister’s office and Hardister instructed his assistant to “get this going as soon as he can, hopefully in January.” The meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m.

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DEC. 20, 2018 - JAN. 9, 2019

Snow Creations A TALE OF TWO IGLOOS (Left) Abbie Almstead of Oak Ridge read the latest issue of the Northwest Observer in front of her newly created igloo. (Right) Record-breaking snow was perfect for igloo building, as Ted, Jacob and Samuel discovered, said Annie Hammond of Oak Ridge, who sent us this photo. “Inside is room for three to sleep, one to stand, benches for sitting, and a chimney hole,” she added.

The winter storm that descended upon northwest Guilford County the night of Dec. 8 brought with it as much as 10 inches of snow in some areas over the next two days. While the precipitation made driving more hazardous, it also offered an opportunity for residents to get creative.

Shane Nelson, an owner of Last Minute Market on Haw River Road in Oak Ridge, made a clever attempt to give some of the snow away – no surprise there weren’t any takers!

What do you do with so much snow? If you’re Jennifer Crandall of Oak Ridge, you build a polar bear, of course!

Summerfield resident Janelle Robinson, a volunteer with Summerfield Fire District, created this snow figure in front of Station 9 on Summerfield Road.

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SUNDAY, DEC. 23

 Christmas Cantata | Liberty Wesleyan Church choir will perform a Christmas Cantata, “Come and See – Go and Tell,” Dec. 23, 10:45 a.m. at 15303 U.S. 158 in Summerfield. More info: (336) 643-6968.  Christmas Worship Service | Oak Ridge United

Methodist Church will hold a Christmas Worship service, “Home for Christmas,” Dec. 23, 6:30 p.m., at 2424 Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge featuring the children, praise team, choir and orchestra. More info: see ad on p. 32.

MONDAY, DEC. 24, Christmas Eve Services  Christmas Eve Candlelight Service | Summerfield

On the left side, click

Merry Christmas

Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC 31 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

Peace UMC will hold a casual, child-friendly Christmas Eve candlelight service Dec. 24, 6 p.m. at 2334 Scalesville Road in Summerfield. More info: (336) 643-5126.

community calendar

 Christmas Eve Services | Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, 2614 Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge, will hold Christmas Eve services Dec. 24; at 4 p.m. there will be a family service and at 7 p.m. there will be a candlelight service and communion. More info: see ad on p. 24.

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 Christmas Eve Candlelight & Lovefeast Services |

View the complete, detailed Community Calendar at nwobserver.com, and check the Northwest Observer each week for a selection of upcoming events

Moravia Moravian Church will hold Christmas Eve services Dec. 24, 5 and 7 p.m. at 2920 Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge. All are welcome. More info: (336) 643-5166.

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 Christmas Eve Services | Oak Ridge United Methodist Church will hold multiple Christmas Eve services Dec. 24: family service at 3 p.m., contemporary service at 5 p.m. and traditional service at 7 p.m. at 2424 Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge. More info: see ad on p. 32.

THURSDAY, DEC. 27

 Blood Drive | Summerfield Fire District will hold

a blood drive Dec. 27, 2 to 6:30 p.m. at 7400 Summerfield Road in Summerfield. The Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and this is a great way to give back during the holidays. Each donor will receive a free long-sleeved T-shirt. More info and to schedule appointment: redcrossblood.org.

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

FRAUD DEC. 13 | Fraudulent activity allegedly occurred on Dec. 12 around 9 a.m. in the 2000 block of Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge when a person reported having sent $355 to an unknown suspect through a social media website for an Apple watch. DEC. 12 | A resident of the 7000 block of Winchester Trail Loop in Summerfield reported being the victim of fraud which occurred Nov. 29 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. DEC. 14 | A resident of the 4000 block of U.S. 220 N. in Summerfield reported being the victim of fraud which occurred sometime between Nov. 14 and Dec. 14.

THEFT DEC. 12 | A resident of the 8000 block of Spotswood Road in Summerfield reported a cell phone had been stolen by a known suspect. DEC. 12 | A person reported having property stolen from a motor vehicle which was parked in the 2100 block of Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge; the incident occurred sometime between Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. DEC. 16 | A person reported an unknown suspect stole a laptop, with an estimated value of $500, from the bed of the victim’s truck when it was parked at the Petro 158 Service Station at 7915 N.C. 68 in Stokesdale on Dec. 10. DEC. 17 | A person reported an incident of property theft which occurred sometime between Dec. 6 and Dec. 17 in the 8000 block of U.S. 158 in Stokesdale.

ARRESTS/CITATIONS DEC. 12 | A 50-year-old male was cited at 8:14 p.m. near the intersection

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

of U.S. 158/Stokesdale Street in Stokesdale for speeding. DEC. 12 | A 39-year-old male was cited at 10:35 p.m. near the intersection of U.S. 220/Summerfield Road in Summerfield for displaying an expired registration plate. DEC. 13 | A 19-year-old male was arrested at 10:54 a.m. in the 8200 block of Angels Glen Court in Stokesdale for an order for arrest (OFA) issued in Guilford County. DEC. 13 | A 55-year-old male was cited at 8:36 p.m. near the intersection of Warner Road/Happy Hill Road in Stokesdale for driving impaired and with a revoked license. DEC. 13 | A 23-year-old male was cited at 9:09 p.m. near the intersection of N.C. 68/Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge for driving 15 mph over the speed limit. DEC. 14 | A 22-year-old male known suspect from the 9000 block of Cook Farm Road in Belews Creek was cited at 11:18 p.m. near the intersection of N.C. 68 N./Haw River Road in Stokesdale for possession of marijuana up to 1/2 ounce. DEC. 14 | A 43-year-old male was cited at 2:25 a.m. near the intersection of Marketplace Drive/N.C. 68 N. in Oak Ridge for driving impaired and with a revoked license. DEC. 16 | A 72-year-old male was arrested at 8:27 a.m. in the 7900 block of N.C. 68 N. in Stokesdale for driving while impaired and having an open container of alcohol. DEC. 16 | A 30-year-old male was cited at 11:26 p.m. near the intersection of U.S. 158/Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale for displaying an expired registration plate.

‘Mercy and grace’ 24

credited with survival of company that produces healing products

Mineral salts from the Dead Sea (shown in a close-up of a painting which hangs in MG12’s Ellisboro Road ofﬁce) are the basis of the company’s products. MG12 is owned by Tom Strader and his brother, John Strader. Photo by Steve Mann/NWO

14 Real Estate

Transactions

16 Real Estate News 17 Real Estate Q&A 17

Business News

TRANSACTIONS The following are recent new and existing home sales for the northwest- and northern- Guilford County area. Home sales in and near your neighborhood impact the current market value of your home.

OAK RIDGE

7116 N. River Road (Woodside) $154,000 715 Number Ten Way (New Chartwell) $241,000 8704 Invershield Court (Willard Oaks) $370,000

Homes available in Riverside and Eagle Ridge, or we will build on your lot!

Exceptional craftsmanship. Timeless design. Luxurious lifestyles.

7987 Fogleman Way (Estates at Oak Ridge Lake) $414,000 2410 Oak Ridge Road $170,000

STOKESDALE

8211 Springdale Meadow Court (Springdale) $212,000

uality, luxury, craftsmanship and customization come standard in all Builders MD homes. Owner David Flanders has an eye for detail and works tirelessly to exceed the expectations of every single client.

8204 Kandi Drive (Marshall Woods) $379,000

Casey Flanders, David’s wife, works alongside her husband as owner of Inspired Design. Casey assists their clients in making the perfect interior design selections for their new custom home.

7303 Lambert Lake Court (Old Moores Mill) $390,000

David and Casey’s skill sets greatly complement one another, giving Builders MD an edge that cannot be found elsewhere.

7804 Green Pond Drive (North Ridge) $449,000

8507 Altavista Drive $185,000 8104 Northwest Meadows Drive (Northwest Meadows) $372,500 8102 Northwest Meadows Drive (Northwest Meadows) $417,000 8094 Meadow Springs Place (Springdale) $255,000

SUMMERFIELD 5078 Bunch Road $370,000

5330 Brookstead Drive (Highland Grove South) $320,000

(336) 362-2234 // www.buildersmd.com //

DEC. 20, 2018 - JAN. 9, 2019

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1491 Rob Roy Court (Lennox Woods) $575,000

7901 Hoskins Ridge Drive (Wall Place) $402,000 3500 Annry Drive (Stable Ridge) $290,000 5407 Chestnut Ridge Drive (Highland Grove) $202,000 7115 Bronco Lane (Trellises at Piedmont Crossing) $274,500

4604 Camden Ridge Drive (Pleasant Ridge Farms West) $210,000 3814 O’Briant Place (The Cardinal) $350,000 6105 Harbor View Lane (Crystal Lake at the Cardinal Cove) $159,000 3205 Van Allen Circle (The Cardinal) $226,000

5609 Ashview Court (Woodvale) $420,000

1700 Hobbs Road (The Forest) $316,000

7051 Toscana Trace (Vineyards at Summerfield) $750,000

5822 Cardinal Way (Cardinal Manor) $200,000

1466 Scalesville Road (Center Grove) $150,000

3209 Van Allen Circle (Cardinal Commons) $225,000

6346 Poplar Forest Drive (Henson Forest) $1,000,000

6410 Spyglass Drive (The Cardinal) $284,500

5316 Brookstead Drive (Highland Grove) $315,000

3627 Cherry Hill Drive (Cardinal Manor) $187,500

5612 Ashview Court (Woodvale) $310,000

1014 Harvest Time Way (Oak Ridge Meadows) $153,000

7305 Jenson Forest Drive (Armfield) $625,000 5326 Brookstead Drive (Highland Grove South) $295,500 5687 Green Dale Court (Meadowview) $550,000 8179 Rob Roy Drive (Lennox Woods) $550,000 5798 Highland Grove Drive (Highland Grove South) $303,000 7110 Lake Henson Drive (Henson Farms) $710,000

NW/N G’BORO 6505 Cardinal Forest Court (The Cardinal) $299,000

5709 Kacey Meadows Drive (Fleming Meadows) $375,000

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

2003 Stratton Hills Court (The Gates) $522,000 29 Cherine Way (Tanner Woods) $220,000 2011 Tennyson Drive (British Woods) $231,000 3505 Bromley Wood Lane (Bromley Woods) $1,060,000 5607 Cardinal Way (Gleneagles) $153,000 6317 Birch Pond Road (Pleasant Ridge Farms West) $242,500 33 Culpepper Circle (Coble Farm) $182,500 3213 Cheswick Drive (Edinburgh) $280,000 6106 High View Road (Edinburgh) $239,500

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

5809 Henson Farm Road Henson Farms $1,150,000 MLS 814407 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

5602 Feather Court

Eagle Ridge $715,000 MLS 902506 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

3807 Brandt Lake Court

BHHSYostandLittle.com/MLS

Wilson Farms $882,397 MLS 882397 Michelle Porter 336-207-0515

6808 Polo Farms Drive

Polo Farms $789,000 MLS 887146 Beth Brannan 336-253-4693

5943 Brooke Ellen Court Beacon Hill $750,000 MLS 910397 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

Blue Water Cove at Belews Lake $725,000 MLS 839079 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

7005 Mustang Court

5902 Snow Hill Drive

7716 Chesterbrook Drive

6800 Bronco Lane

8511 Rosedale Drive

7887 Newhaven Drive

6998 Bethesda Court

Polo Farms $675,000 MLS 892854 Kelly O’Day 336-541-2011

Henson Farms $599,000 MLS 900044 Mark Yost 336-707-6275

8901 Samatha Court

Stonebridge $579,900 MLS 911845 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

Summerfield $525,000 MLS 910341 Melissa Greer 336-337-5233

Brandt Lake Estates $509,000 MLS 902724 Leslie Turner 336-202-8130

Twelve Oaks $484,000 MLS 903049 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

Estates at Oak Ridge $479,000 MLS 906298 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

Scotts Grant $474,900 MLS 905736 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

597 Tillie Scott

7020 Westfield Village Circle

8705 Invershield Court

Westfield Village $459,900 MLS 909304 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

Willard Oaks $459,900 MLS 910851 Mia Neser 336-209-0317

7822 Charles Place Drive

Arbor Run Charles Place $454,000 MLS 902717 Jamie Harrelson 336-889-9192

8200 Dorsette Downs Drive

1983 Cedar View Drive

1987 Cedar View Drive

761 Hudson Road

6747 Phillip Court

490 Twin Creeks Drive

Summerfield $379,900 MLS 871811 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

124 Holden Drive

North Hills $112,500 MLS 909023 Robbin Smith 336-451-5885

Dorsett Downs $449,900 MLS 909377 Kay Tolbert 336-202-1809

Nantucket Village $439,000 MLS 892657 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

Nantucket Village $399,000 MLS 879674 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

Auburndale $349,900 MLS 886303 Joyce Norris 336-327-3650

7836 Alcorn Road

Oak Ridge $283,000 MLS 901995 Susanne McIntire 336-601-5929

3507 Meadowbriar Court Huntingdon / Meadowbriar $282,900 MLS 911128 Melissa Greer 336-337-5233

Twin Creeks $214,000 MLS 910399 Christy Joyce 336-382-0081

Lot 99 Cleek Drive

6628 Bobwhite Road

8507 Richardson Woods

Lot 4 Blue Bird Lane

Greensboro National Golf Course $98,500 MLS 852709 Jacob Letterman 336-338-0136 Johnnye Letterman 336-601-6012

Adams Farm 336—854—1333

Summers Pointe $59,900 MLS 757012 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

• Elm Street 336—272—0151 •

Richardson Woods $54,000 MLS 810608 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820

Friendly Center 336—370—4000 •

Madison $32,900 MLS 900624 Lea Beuchler 336-207-4859

Kernersville 336—996—4256

©2018 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.

of the Stokesdale Future Land Use Plan is interconnectivity of neighborhoods, but he took the advice of the Planning Board.

REAL ESTATE NEWS

Connectivity debated as rezoning request continued to Jan. 10 by STEVE MANN STOKESDALE – A public hearing on a conditional rezoning request which was scheduled for the Dec. 13 meeting of the Stokesdale Town Council was continued to Jan. 10, 2019, after several council members objected to a condition recommended by the Planning Board. During the Nov. 29 Planning Board meeting, Will Berry – owner of WJB Investment Group – submitted a request to rezone about 26.13 acres at 9003 Ellisboro Road owned by Dorothy Angel from RS-30 (residential single-family, minimum lot size 30,000 square feet) and AG (agriculture) to CZ-RS-30 (residential single-family, minimum 30,000 square feet, with conditions). The two conditions listed on the ap-

plication were that a buffer of vegetation would be installed along the entrance on Ellisboro Road and a connection would be made to South Point Drive in the Boone Landing subdivision at the rear of the proposed 27-lot project. The Planning Board voted 5-0 to recommend the council approve the rezoning request if the connection to Boone Landing was eliminated. Chris Sands and Tim Venable, residents of Boone Landing, had stated concerns about additional traffic with people using the connection to South Point Drive as a shortcut between Ellisboro Road and N.C. 65. During his presentation to the council Dec. 13, Berry said his intention had been connectivity since one of the goals

Mayor John Flynt, however, said interconnectivity is a big issue for him since it would provide for better services and public safety, especially since Berry would be required to connect the proposed subdivision to the Town’s water system. That could be accomplished with an easement along about 150 feet from South Point Drive to what Berry had changed to a cul-de-sac in the proposed subdivision, the shortest and most economical path to the water system. Otherwise, Berry would have to go about 1,000 feet down Ellisboro Road to the area near Stokesdale Electric. Later in the discussion, council member Tim Jones said Berry running a waterline down Ellisboro Road would give the Town more free waterline and a couple of hydrants that would help with public safety. Flynt asked Town Attorney John Bain if the council could have Berry go back

to the original rezoning condition submitted to the Planning Board and Bain responded the council could only approve or reject the request as submitted. Council member Bill Jones said it seemed Berry was trying to listen to neighbors’ concerns. “I don’t know why the council would turn around and try to ram something through that the neighbors don’t want,” he said. Sands said he didn’t object to the development but objected to council members overriding the condition Berry volunteered. Tim Jones agreed, saying he was concerned “the neighbors will feel they have been hoodwinked somewhat” if the condition not to connect to Boone Landing was removed. After Frank Bruno made a motion to approve the rezoning request if the condition not to connect was eliminated, Bain suggested continuing the public hearing to January. “I think the impression people had at

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the end of the Planning Board meeting was that (Berry) was going to submit a change,” Bain said. By continuing it, Bain said, those wishing to speak against the connectivity would have the opportunity. Bruno then withdrew his motion and offered one to continue the public hearing to January. Bain told Berry he had

only two options: He could re-submit the request he made Dec. 13 or submit the original condition that was submitted to the Planning Board. The council voted 4-1 to continue the public hearing, with Bill Jones voting nay, explaining he was not voting against the subdivision, just the heavy-handed way the council handled the request.

REAL ESTATE Q&A What kind of development is underway on Alcorn Road, near Peeples Road – and is this property in the Town of Oak Ridge limits?

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...continued on p. 28

Thatcher Woods

Northwest School Road

Alcorn R o

l d e n Acres Road

Leoterra is proposing a 73-lot subdivision to be named Thatcher Woods. While roadwork, which includes two access points to and from Alcorn

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Peeples Road

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Area shown in yellow is wi thin the Town of Oak Ridge

Ed ge fie ld

The property you’re referring to abuts the Town of Oak Ridge limits, but it is not in the town limits, rather in unincorporated Guilford County. The developer of the property, Leoterra Development, received a favorable ruling (6-0) from the Guilford County Planning Board in October 2017 to rezone the 80-acre property Donald W. from AG and RS-40 Cameron Campus to CZ-RS-30 (Conditional Zoning – Residential SingleFamily – Average lot size 30,000 square feet or larger).

Road, is underway, an updated engineer’s subdivision plan has not yet been reviewed and therefore subject to change, according to Paul Lowe, a planner with Guilford County Planning Department. Subdivision plans are also subject to North Carolina Department of Transportation’s review and approval of access points.

BUSINESS NEWS

The subdivision will be in the Oak Ridge Elementary, Northwest Middle and Northwest High School districts. Questions about the subdivision can be directed to Matt Talbott, senior planner with Guilford County, who can be reached at (336) 641-3591.

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Walraven Signature Ho Ten years after starting Walraven Signature Homes, custom home builder Matt Walraven talked about what he’s expecting for next year. “For 2019 we’re going to focus on getting better at operating in a tight margin environment,” Matt said. “The challenging labor market, increased costs from tariffs and higher interest rates make us acutely aware of our need to continue to improve our operations and cost control to deliver the best product to our customers at a great value.” Prospects for higher mortgage borrowing rates will affect demand and make the pool of buyers somewhat smaller, Matt speculated. It stands to reason, he said, that higher interest rates will also cause some potential buyers to postpone custom home purchases. He expects this to affect his business in two ways. First, Matt predicts there will be fewer people buying homes in the $600,000-plus price range. And second, custom home buyers looking for a $400,000 price point may now have to drop back to $350$375,000 because of higher monthly mortgage costs. “We’re not going to build as many spec houses in the $600,000-plus range for 2019,” Matt said. “Demand will be soft at this price and because of tighter margins we cannot afford to sit on this sort of home for a long time while waiting for the right buyer.

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“On the flip side, spec homes in the $350,000-$400,000 range are much faster movers so we’ll be looking to add a few more of these to our spec home inventory for 2019,” he noted. Matt stated his company builds in some great neighborhoods in northwest Guilford County, where a $350,000

Matt Walraven

Danielle Walraven

house would fit in well with the development and provide great features and quality at a good value. Clients looking for a new custom home where they can work with the builder from the ground up are still in high demand for WSH, as are ‘buydown’ clients. “We get quite a few couples who want to downsize after their kids are grown,” Matt said. “They no longer need or want a big house, but they do want a quality home with nice amenities and the main living space on one floor.” WSH is addressing this segment of the market by designing clients’ homes with most of the living space on one floor and maybe just a bonus room or office on the second floor. This type of custom home fits the lifestyle of the buy-down clients who want space to entertain or have family gatherings, but don’t need a lot of extra space for kids. “If the grandkids come over they can send them to the bonus room to play,” Matt noted. WSH typically builds between 20-30 homes a year. Matt said he and his wife, Danielle, are predicting they will build this many again in 2019. “Danielle and I are comfortable with the size of the company right now,” Matt said. “We can maintain our quality and provide good value to our customers at this production rate.”

Brought t

mes: the year ahead

When only the best will do Walraven Signature Homes anticipates building 20-30 custom and spec homes again in 2019. In response to market conditions, owner Matt Walraven said he expects less demand for homes in the $600,000-plus price range and more demand for homes in the $350,000-$400,000 range. Homeowners looking to downsize will still want a high-quality-built home and amenities, but with less space, Walraven noted.

With 10 years’ experience under its belt, WSH has learned how to space out its home production throughout the year to be more efficient, which in this tight margin environment will hold costs down without having to compromise on quality.

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Ask the

BUILDER

compiled by CHRIS BURRITT/NWO

Ten years ago, the slumping housing market left area homebuilders with unsold lots and houses. Some didn’t survive. As a custom homebuilder,

how did you make it and what lessons did you learn? Don Mills Builders “I put my tool belt back on in ‘08,” said Don Mills. “There were still things Annette and Don Mills that people wanted done, fixing up their houses. I built an addition, a couple of garages and a bunch of decks. I didn’t hire help. I needed to make a little money. “My wife, Annette, had a lawn mowing business, and it didn’t slow down. After I worked with her all summer, I was ready to get back to building houses. “At the time, the banks would not loan you money to build spec houses unless you put up 10 percent in cash. I had built one spec house in ’08 so I sold it and put the proceeds from the sale to build another spec house for the Parade of Homes in the spring of ’09. There weren’t but 25 houses in that Parade and I was one of them.

“My wife and I almost quit. We said ‘this Parade house is going to make us or break us. It’s going to get us started or we’re going to quit.’ I built it in four months. In two weeks of the Parade, I sold the house and signed contracts for three more houses, and I’ve not slowed down yet.”

Ray Bullins Construction “What’s fresh in my memory is that good times don’t last forever. And the bad ones don’t, either,” Ray Bullins said. “We used to have a pretty diverse portfolio Ray Bullins of remodeling as well as construction. We had gotten away from remodeling by ’08 when new construction slowed down, so we had to come back to remodeling, redeveloping those relationships and that market presence. “Since then, we’ve kept a mix of construction and remodeling and renovation. I stay with remodeling to balance out the cyclical nature of new construction. People are always going

to be looking for remodeling.”

Walraven Signature Homes “I started my first house in late 2008 when the market was kind of decimated,” Matt Walraven said. “The guys who were already in the game had gotten Matt Walraven their hands slapped. There wasn’t anybody building spec houses, but there were people relocating here to work for FedEx and Caterpillar. “It wasn’t necessary for me to put a ton of houses on the ground. For a 27-year-old guy, one or two a year was good money. It was easy to take a little bit of a risk because at my age I didn’t really have anything to lose. “My wife, Danielle, lived in that first house that we built. We sold it, providing capital for us to start building more houses. I concentrated very hard on giving my customers value. I did little stuff that would be just a grade above what the other guy was building. Instead of adding square footage, I’d

add maybe a steam shower and try to entice people that way. “It was about timing. When the economy picked up, we were positioned to do well.”

Johnson & Lee “Ten years ago, we learned that we don’t want to be Casey and Commie Johnson holding a lot of spec inventory,” Casey Johnson said. “And now we try to keep a check on that, by not carrying as much inventory of spec houses and lots.” “You need to have rainy day money in your pocket,” said Commie Johnson, Casey’s father. “When the supply of jobs is great, you can be choosy. When it wasn’t so great back in ‘08, we probably took some projects that we normally wouldn’t take. We’re not really into renovations, but we did some renovation work at that point.”

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‘Mercy and grace’ credited with survival of company that produces healing products by STEVE MANN STOKESDALE – The way Tom Strader sees it, MG12 wouldn’t be where it is without God’s help. Not in North Carolina, in Stokesdale, or in the building at 8604 Ellisboro Road. Maybe not even in business. “Our prayer each day is, ‘Lord, give us king connections with other king builders,’” Strader, 68, chief executive officer of the family-owned company, said. “‘The right people, the right place, the right plan, the right purpose, the right products at the right time, for strategic alliances. “That’s what God has done.” The company’s name comes from

the chemical symbol for magnesium (MG) and its atomic number (12). Magnesium is essential for more than 350 metabolic functions, including reducing lactic acid buildup that causes muscle burn and cramps. Research shows that as many as 80 percent of Americans are magnesium deficient, which can cause or aggravate such conditions as anxiety and chronic fatigue and pain, hypertension, migraines, muscle cramps and weakness, and neuropathy and arthritis. MG12’s products are made of minerals from the Dead Sea in Israel – which contains the highest concentration of magnesium chloride of any body of water in the world – with a combination of essential oils and botanicals.

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Tom Strader (left) and John Strader stand in front of a painting of the Dead Sea that hangs on the wall of MG12, located on Ellisboro Road in Stokesdale. Magnesium chloride is a smaller ion than the magnesium sulfate found in Epsom salt and thus reaches cells quicker. Magnesium enters the body’s cells most efficiently through the skin, the body’s largest organ. Only about 25 percent of magnesium taken orally is absorbed, according to John Strader, 65, Tom’s brother and the company’s chief medical officer. About 75-80 percent is absorbed topically, he said. MG12’s products are used topically – transdermal magnesium therapy, it’s called – and include body balm; Dead Sea bath salts; magnesium oil and magnesium oil roll-on; and soap, shampoo and deodorant. The mineral salts from the Dead Sea are imported via contractors and then delivered to the Ellisboro Road building. There, the different products are made with a proprietary process, packaged, labeled and shipped. For Tom Strader, the journey has been “amazing.”

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“It’s the story that supports our product, and it’s the product that supports the story,” he said. It begins in Summerfield, where Tom, John and their sister, Susan Strader Long – MG12’s director of operations – grew up on the family farm off U.S. 158. All three graduated from Northwest Guilford High School. After attending Rhema Bible College in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the early 1980s, Tom worked in the grading and construction business, developing multimillion-dollar senior life-care communities in the Southeast. From 1988 to 2013, he worked for ACTS RetirementLife Communities. “I had an awesome job,” he said. “I thought I’d be with that the rest of my life.” But in April 2013, at age 62, he was let go. Having no idea what to do next, he said what came to mind was Magnesoothe, a magnesium-based product introduced to him in the fall of 2012.

back of a 90-year-old man. The following week, he said, a friend at church told Tom he had found pain relief by soaking in Dead Sea minerals and using other magnesium-oil products he had purchased from Magnesoothe, a small company in Townville, South Carolina, that had been started by a man and his son. On his way to Georgia the next week, Tom dropped by the store. After several months of soaking in the minerals and rubbing the oil into his neck, back, hips and knees, he was virtually pain-free, he said. As he prayed about his next journey in life, he came to understand how important the product had been to him, Tom said. So in the summer of 2013, he decided to purchase Magnesoothe.

Photo by Steve Mann/NWO

MG12 products are made in Stokesdale with a proprietary process combining minerals from the Dead Sea with essential oils and botanicals. At that time he had trouble walking or standing because of lower-back problems. He said he was on pain medication and taking steroid injections in

his back. An MRI revealed he had spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease and bone spurs; a neurosurgeon in Charlotte told Tom he had the neck and

But while he was trying to form a parent company, raise the funds and close by the end of the year, his father died. Tom said he became depressed and by November, he wasn’t sure the project was going to come together. “I said, ‘Lord, if I’m supposed to stay with this I need a word from you to show me I can keep doing this,’” he said. So he turned to the Psalms, reading Psalm 23 out

...continued on p. 27

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loud and continuing from there. When he got to Psalm 33:7 (NIV), he read: “He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses.” “I said, ‘Lord, that’s exactly what we do,’” Tom said. The deal closed Dec. 31. He set up the operation in Tryon where he was living, and production began in February 2014. The company name was changed to MG12. “God closed one door for me to open this door,” Tom said. In June 2015, John – a physician assistant-certified (PA-C) – returned after spending seven months working with the Gates Foundation in Liberia during the Ebola epidemic. He had studied holistic and natural medicine in Guatemala; worked at Greensboro Orthopaedics; opened the first physical medicine rehab unit in the state, at Moses Cone Hospital; worked in a spine clinic in California; and worked in Florida during the early years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. He was diagnosed with nonHodgkin’s lymphoma and underwent chemotherapy at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of North Carolina. After his treatment, he was asked to stay, and worked 10 years in the hematology-oncology program before retiring in 2014. “With my background in orthopedic surgery and physical pain management, all the things I had been trained in over the years, I see (MG12 products) as a topical application,” John said. “We’re trying to be one more tool in the toolbox to address pain topically.” One of the last things Tom’s father told him before passing away was to move back home. So for about 18 months he looked at locations in Reidsville, Greensboro and Madison; he even thought about redo-

ing a barn at the family farm, where he and his wife now live. On the Friday night of Father’s Day weekend in 2017, Tom said he remembers saying, “Lord, I got to get a place to move the operation from Tryon, but I don’t know what to do.” The next morning he woke up and decided he needed to go to Stokesdale, although he didn’t know why, he said. He stopped by Sadie’s of Stokesdale, which already carried MG12 products. He had mentioned previously he wanted to move the operation to the area.

ern, a partner in South Rich Partnership, gave him the keys to the building behind his on Ellisboro Road that had been vacant about two years, Tom said. When he walked in, he couldn’t believe it, he said. “I started crying. I could not have drawn it out any better of what we were needing,” he said. MG12 moved to Stokesdale in October 2017. The company’s products are available online at www.MG12.com and in retail stores in 37 states and Puerto Rico, according to the website.

That morning he was asked if he had found a place, and Tom said no.

“God just starting opening up those doors,” Tom said.

“So I told them, ‘Pray that I can find a place,’” Tom said. He said they prayed, and he drove the short distance down Main Street to Southern Hardware to see Ted Southern, the owner.

Through his contacts at UNC, John got MG12 products into the hands of the strength and conditioning coach for women’s basketball and men’s lacrosse. It’s now used by athletes in Ironman, CrossFit and Super Motocross competitions; the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team; Duke football; Coastal

Tom said he told Southern about MG12 and that he was looking for a building. After he listed his needs, South-

Carolina athletics; the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks; Joe Gibbs Racing in NASCAR; and by golfers on the PGA Tour. In addition to Sadie’s, MG12 products also are sold locally at Stokesdale Pharmacy, Summerfield Farms, CrossFit Oak Ridge and Dove Medical Supply. The seven-employee company hasn’t broken even, but John said “significant growth” is expected in the first quarter of 2019 as MG12 adds a line of its products that will also contain cannabidiol (CBD oil) produced locally. It’s all in God’s hands, Tom believes. He said he was giving someone his email address several months ago and said, “M as in Mary and G as in George.” But then he said to himself, “‘No, son, you’re wrong. It’s M as in mercy and G as in grace. What do you think is carrying you, your family and this company?’ “It’s only by mercy and grace I have survived it,” he said.

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BUSINESS NEWS ...continued from p. 23

industry that incorporates the beauty of modern design and edgy entertainment was a thrill,” Maurer said. “I want my clients to know they have access to the best in the industry and now I have firsthand knowledge of it.” Maurer was one of 500 travel advisors who toured some of the luxury suites such as the Iconic Suite, wellappointed with full bathrooms and wrap-around balconies. Edge is the prototype for an innovative new series of ships at Celebrity called the Edge Class. Designed to be

oriented to the ocean in a way that is unusual for big vessels, it boasts several features that are groundbreaking not just for the cruise line but the industry. Celebrity Edge joined the fleet after a moving ceremony where the ship’s godmother, Malala Yousafzai, a 19-year-old Pakistani woman who received the Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy of girls’ education, was joined by all on board to “bless this ship and all those who sail upon her.” Maurer, a Cruise Planners franchise owner, specializes in family, extended family and group travel. For more information, visit www.yourtripawaits.com.

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would recommend dropping the speed limit to 50. When Hooks made a motion to approve the DOT’s recommendation, council members Bill Jones and Tim Jones suggested continuing the item for a month. “We go from mentioning it in a casual way a couple of meetings ago to it being on the agenda,” Bill Jones said. “You got information, but none of us got information … This is just another thing to vote on that we don’t know is coming and we don’t have any paperwork.” He said the documentation may

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show that 45 mph would be better. Tim Jones said he had been told by residents on that stretch of road that the problem is drivers who ignore traffic laws. Hooks then withdrew his motion. “We’ll let the matter rest with the DOT, then,” Mayor John Flynt said. Hooks said a regional DOT engineer will send the recommendation to Raleigh and, if approved, it will become a municipal ordinance. He said new signs could be posted in six to eight weeks.

Shoplifting, theft expected to peak this month NORTH CAROLINA – While the Christmas season can bring out the best in people, it can also bring out the worst. Business.org analyzed FBI data from 2016 (the latest year for which data was available) about shoplifting and theft to find out which states are the naughtiest on the list. North Carolina is one of 10 states where the highest amount of theft happens in December compared to the rest of the year. Over $496K was stolen in December 2016 alone, compared to a total of over $3M for the year. That’s not as bad as South Carolina, however, where data indicates almost 25 percent of shoplifting occurs in December alone. Their numbers came in at $500K stolen in December 2016 while the total for the year was $2M. North Carolina isn’t alone – according to business.org, other states that also experience a surge in theft in December are: California, Dela-

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ware, Massachusetts, Nevada, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Hawaii. The states where the lowest amount of theft happens in December are: Oregon, South Dakota and West Virginia. Overall, Maine has the lowest amount of theft per capita annually, at less than $.01 per person. Wyoming had a grand total of $0 stolen in January, March, July, September and December. So while their thefts are low for December, they are low for many other months during the rest of the year as well.

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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 Zach Booker, cross country, indoor and outdoor track by STEWART MCCLINTOCK Senior Zach Booker runs year-round for Northern Guilford and is counted on by Coach Thanh Ngo as a leader. After trying other sports, Booker decided in the ninth grade to focus on running. “I tried a lot of sports before high

school,” he said. “Soccer and basketball were the two main ones. But I didn’t find anything I was truly passionate about until I found cross country my freshman year.” Booker said he set a personal record in his sophomore year, had an “off year” last year, and bounced back strong this season. He earned Mid-State 3A All-Conference in cross country his sophomore year and again this year. Off the track Booker has also had success. He was awarded Academic All-Conference honors all four years he’s been running. He’s a member of National Honor Society and Beta Club as well as Film Club, where he

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enjoys making movie shorts and writing scripts. He’s also active with his church, and feels grateful to be able to help feed the hungry and give presents to those in need at Christmas. Booker will most likely attend Western Carolina next fall, where he wants to study film production and directing. He would one day love to work at Marvel Studios, Walt Disney Studios or another major movie production company.

On a side note... Q: Do you have any thoughts on this year’s cross country season? A: “Coach Ngo is one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. He shows trust in you and lets you rely on yourself. He expects you to develop self-discipline and do what’s right – and he puts us through great workouts!” Q: What is your favorite classroom subject? A: “English.”

Q: Favorite movie? A: “Interstellar.” Q: Favorite genre of music? A: “Everything. I literally like everything.” Q: Favorite celebrity? A: “‘The Rock (Dwayne Johnson).’ He’s hardworking but he has cheat days, so he’s not hardcore all the time and he still finds time to have fun!” Q: Do you have a mentor? A: “My film club teacher, Mr. Monroe. He always chips in and gives us tips. He’s just a really cool guy and really chill, but still guides us and is very helpful.” Q: If you could interview one person, living or dead, who would it be? A: “Robert Downey Jr. He’s changed so much and changed his life around. I’d like to hear what he has learned.” Q: How do you enjoy spending your free time?

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A: “Hanging out with friends and drawing cartoons and comic sketches.” Q: Where would you go on a dream vacation? A: “The Bahamas. I’ve always wanted to go somewhere exotic like that.” Q: What’s something about you most people don’t know? A: “I have a very creative and artistic side to me that I don’t share much. I’m drawn to film and drawing.” Q: What is one thing we all could do to make the world a better place? A: “Have a better understanding of each other and not be so quick to judge.”

NORTHWEST GUILFORD Liz Kitley, girls basketball by STEWART MCCLINTOCK Senior Liz Kitley has played on Northwest Guilford’s varsity girls basketball team all four years of high school. For three of those four years she has served as a team captain, which is a testimony to the confidence Coach Darlene Joyner has in her both as a player and a leader on and off the court. Kitley and her teammates have had some big accomplishments on the court the last three years. The Lady Vikings made it all the way to the state championship game her freshman year, and won state championships in her sophomore and junior years. Kitley was named game MVP of both of those winning championship games. She was also named First Team AllState her sophomore year and junior year by the N.C. Basketball Coaches Association.

Last year she was named Metro 4-A Conference Player of the Year and USA Today named her to their All-USA North Carolina Girls Basketball First Team (USA Today also named Coach Darlene Joyner as their North Carolina Coach of the Year for the ’17-’18 season).

career in the medical field.

Kitley has already signed to play Division 1 basketball next year at Virginia Tech.

Q: Favorite musician?

Any person who has experienced success knows it does not come without challenges, and Kitley knows that all too well. Unfortunately, a torn ACL has kept her off the court so far this season. “My goal is to work hard in therapy so I can try and come back this year,” she said. “But I have to also get myself back so I’m ready for next fall at Virginia Tech. Even though our team lost significant seniors last year, we have high expectations as always and we will work super hard in practice and leave everything on the floor.” Kitley’s teammate, Cayla King, is also headed to Virginia Tech next fall. “We are best friends off the court, but that’s not the reason Cayla and I both chose Virginia Tech,” Kitley said. “We both decided it was the best fit for each of us. It’s great that on top of that we also get to spend four more years playing together.”

On a side note … Q: What is your favorite classroom subject? A: “Math.” Q: Favorite movie? A: “Elf.” A: “Drake.” Q: Do you have any role models? A: “For basketball, it would be my dad. He played at Wake, so he knows what it’s like to play in college and he played the same position as I do, so he’s able to coach and help me a lot.” Q: If you could interview one person, living or dead, who would it be?

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A: “Martin Luther King Jr. He changed so many people’s lives, and the world needs some of his input right now.” Q: How do you enjoy spending your free time? A: “Painting landscapes, reading and going to movies.” Q: Who’s your favorite athlete? A: “Elena Delle Donne, a professional basketball player in the WNBA. She’s pretty tall, and can take over a game. She really helps her team do whatever they need done.” Q: Do you have a favorite celebrity?

Off the court Kitley focuses on her classroom work and makes straight A’s. She was a junior marshal at the Class of 2018’s graduation (an honor based on grade-point average) and she’s a member of National Honor Society, Latin Club, Latin National Honor Society and the Junior Classical League. Last year she volunteered two mornings a week at Summerfield Elementary, where she helped tutor young students, and volunteered at Summerfield Farms and at Northwest basketball camps.

A: “Ed Sheeran.”

At Virginia Tech, Kitley plans to major in biology and go on to pursue a

A: “Teleportation, so we can travel easier. I want to travel more.”

Q: What is something about you that not many people know? A: “That I like to read so much. I like Jojo Moyes’ books – they’re better than the movies!” Q: What is one thing we all could do to make the world a better place? A: “Give as much as we can, and volunteer to help kids who don’t have role models.” Q: What is one invention the world needs?

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DEC. 20, 2018 - JAN. 9, 2019

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 Stokesdale Elementary staff for being in the Stokesdale Christmas Parade. Your students loved seeing you!  The guys who helped me on Monday, Dec. 10, get my car “unstuck” at the intersection of Cude and Ballard Roads (in Colfax). You were all so quick to help, and I appreciate you getting me on my way again!  Everyone who donated to the Cole 4 Kids project for Brenner Children’s Hospital. There will be a lot of happy kids come Christmas morning thanks to you!  Parents who raise their children to reject all forms of racism, including the idea of white privilege. My child does not have to work twice as hard to be successful because she is black and nobody is holding her down.  Michael Andy Joyner. We had never met, but when a mutual friend told him I had three trees across my driveway from the snow, he showed up with his chainsaw within the hour. Kindness and generosity personified!  The lady at Food Lion in Stokesdale for helping out when I was low on funds. Thank you, Merry Christmas, and I will pay it forward.  The high school kids walking on N.C. 150 (although sidewalks would help!). Nice to see kids out and about instead of sitting indoors on their screens.  The secret Santas who sent my family the Target gift card. Thank you both so much! My prayers have been answered and we are reminded there

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are good people left in the world. God bless!  The team at Allen Tate Realtors in Oak Ridge for opening your hearts to children and families in need and supporting Good Samaritan Ministries’ Angel Tree project this year in such an incredibly generous way!

Photo courtesy of Laura Pullins Foy

 Debbie Wilborn with the North Carolina Troopers Association, for arranging for her friend to dress as Santa and come to our house so our baby boy, who has many health issues related to Trisomy 13, could meet him. Editor’s note: It was our pleasure to work with the writer of this grin, Laura Pullins Foy, for about a year after she graduated from Appalachian State. Laura’s son, Henry James Foy, was born last spring with Trisomy 13 and due to his poor immune system rarely goes outside except for doctor appointments. Henry is on a ventilator, feeding pump, oxygen and “basically

the works,” Laura told us. “So my neighbor, Debbie Wilborn, arranged for her friend/boss, Danny Jenkins, to come to our house so Henry could meet Santa… as you can see from the photo, Henry was beyond thrilled to meet ol’ Saint Nick. I just wanted to in some way acknowledge the kindness of these two people for the joy they brought to my son and the warmth they brought to my heart. They went above and beyond in the spirit of giving, and we are so thankful for the special moment they helped create.”  Stan Lee (legendary writer, editor and publisher of Marvel Comics). You were a genius, you kept it clean for the kids and you will be missed! Rest in peace.  My wonderful neighbor up the road! I was shoveling the barrier of snow from my driveway and when I stopped for a break, there he was. Thank you kindly for plowing my drive!

 The new development off Ellisboro Road (Stokesdale). The connection to Boone Landing will quicken my ride between Oak Level and Ellisboro roads, not to mention the safer route for farmers moving their equipment to avoid N.C. 65 and U.S. 158.

GRIPES to...

 New York China (Kings Crossing Shopping Center in Stokesdale) for publishing people’s names and phone numbers on the wall (for everyone to see) for not picking up their orders. This has to somehow be a violation of privacy. Editor’s note: The person who submitted this gripe also sent a picture of the large sign on the restaurant’s wall which displays names of people who placed an order that wasn’t picked up as well as their phone numbers, along with the date the order was placed and the amount of the order.  Snowplow drivers who blocked our

Happy

Holidays Tracy Williams, attorney

from all of us at

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driveways when they plowed the snow off the roads in the recent snowstorm. I watched an elderly man in his 80’s out shoveling!  McDonald’s of Oak Ridge for not scraping their parking lot for several days after the snowstorm, especially when every lot around the business district had been scraped. Shell out some money and place safety, not greed, first!  Adults in northwest Guilford County who allowed the actions of two immature kids to redefine their views of our community. I have lived here 11 years as a minority with kids and have never had racial issues whatsoever.  The person complaining about Josh Meyers’ signs still being up. He may not even know they are up! Why not just be a good citizen and take them down instead of complaining? Helping others is a wonderful thing!

THE GOLD STANDARD OF HEALTH CARE Family Medicine – Summerfield offers health care services for the entire family. Fred Wilson, MD Samantha Eksir, MD Kristen Kaplan, PA-C Jennifer Couillard, PA-C Breejante Williams, PA-C

 The writer of “Our youth are watching, listening” (editorial in last week’s Northwest Observer). Give me a break – blaming Hollywood and CNN for Trump’s language (i.e., “horse face,” “fat ugly face”, “sh_thole countries,” “Lying Ted” and oh yes, don’t forget, “grab them by the p____.”  Those who, when disagreements come, label the opposing party as racist or a hater and throw a tantrum and protest because you don’t get your way. This is a free country and everyone has a right to think for themselves.  Oak Ridge council members and their Christmas List of spending sprees. Do they think the taxpayer is Santa Claus? We like Oak Ridge as it is. Like Charlotte? Go live there.  The Northern driver saying at least y’all know to treat power outages at intersections as four-way stops rather than blowing through them. From a Southerner living in the North, that’s a negative Smokey. Northerners live up to their hazardous driving reputation.

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DEC. 20, 2018 - JAN. 9, 2019

BILL JONES

...continued from p. 1 in Stokesdale, he said. Once their house in Stokesdale is sold, the couple will move to a condo in Kernersville and Bill Jones will resign from the council.

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“I hope the Stokesdale Town Council finds just the right person to take my seat. Someone more diplomatic, tactful and maybe less opinionated. They will not, however, find anyone who loves Stokesdale more.”

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Under N.C. General Statute 160A63, “a vacancy that occurs in an elective office of a city shall be filled by appointment of the city council.” The statute, however, provides no guidance as to how a council should or can seek candidates to fill a vacant seat, or how quickly the seat must be filled. Stokesdale doesn’t have a policy. Mayor John Flynt said there are several ways the council could fill Jones’ seat but “we can’t consider anything until he gives his notice.” Jones joined the Guilford County Sheriff’s Department in 1978 and was a patrol lieutenant in 1986 when he was injured in a felony stop after a high-speed chase. He remained in the department until 1989, when he left due to a job-related disability. He still holds a residential general contractor’s license and does occasional work for Hilco Transport. He served on Stokesdale’s Public Safety Committee several years before being elected to the town council for the first time in 2011 along with Randy Braswell and current council member Frank Bruno as a conservative coalition. Braswell was elected mayor in 2013 with two years remaining on his fouryear term on the council. He did not run for re-election in 2017. Jones and Bruno were re-elected in 2015, and their terms will expire in 2019.

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Jones served as mayor pro-tem for three years and also served on the Property, Ordinance Review and Public Safety committees.

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Jones said the council’s major accomplishments during his tenure include:

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DEC. 20, 2018 - JAN. 9, 2019

the referendum on the ballot in Stokesdale, and the Rockingham County Commissioners voted to do the same in the part of the fire district in Rockingham County. It was approved by 61 percent of the voters; • Working with the UNC School of Government to improve the efficiency and budget of the Town’s water system, which operated in the black for the first time in 2017. Jones credits Braswell’s leadership, which made possible the council’s recent decision to end dry tap fees, he said; • Dramatic improvement in the condition of the soccer fields in Town Park; and, • The budgetary work of the council to keep Stokesdale one of the few towns in the state without a property tax. He said he also is proud Stokesdale has been voted N.C.’s most affordable town for two straight years and is ranked high on the lists of several national publications of the most desirable small towns. Items he said he had hoped to accomplish include: • Pushing the council for several years to hire a town administrator with formal training in municipal government. When that wasn’t successful, he mentioned during several council meetings this year he planned to start a petition to change Stokesdale’s form of government from mayor-council to councilmanager. He said he won’t pursue the change since he will be leaving but would work to get signatures if someone else took the lead;

• Working to get an increase in the

• Pushing the county commissioners to return Stokesdale’s share of the sales and use tax distribution; and,

cap of the Stokesdale Fire District tax in 2016 from 10 cents per $100 property valuation to 15 cents. Jones and Braswell petitioned representatives in Raleigh for a local bill instead of attempting a petition. The Guilford County Commissioners voted to put

• Hiring a full-time water system technician. He said he was disappointed the council voted to discontinue the Town’s contract with a company to be the operator in responsible charge (ORC) for the water system and instead hire a part-time technician for the position.

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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 and Porsche. 32 years experience. Knight Import Specialty Service, 4559 US Highway 220, Summer Summerfield (across from Food Lion). (336) 337-0669.

CHRISTMAS CANTATA at Liberty Wesleyan

DECORATING

EMPLOYMENT

Place online at

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

NEED HELP? Call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 Mon - Fri • 9am -12:30pm

INDEX

Auto Sales & Service ................... 35 Employment ............................... 35 Save the Date ............................. 35 Home Services ....................... 35-37 Misc. for Sale .............................. 37 Misc. Services.............................. 37 Misc. Wanted .............................. 37 Pets & Animal Services ................ 37 Real Estate.................................. 37

PART-TIME BUDGET OFFICER position available for the Town of Stokesdale. This is a government position as described in NCGS 159-9. Approximately 16 hours per week and may be asked to attend budget meetings during budget season or Town Council meetings as needed. This position works with the Town Clerk/Finance Of Officer to implement budgeting and financial record keeping, procedures to ensure efficient coordination of various departmental, grant and designated accounts, maintains accurate information regarding the financial status of the town and advises immediate supervisor regarding financial matters. Degree in accounting, or related field, from an accredited institution and at least two years experience preferably in accounting or budgeting or an equivalent combination of training and experience, required. Please submit resume and references to stokesdale@ stokesdale.org or mail: Town of Stokesdale, P.O. Box 465, Stokesdale, NC 27357.

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PART-TIME KENNEL ASSISTANT needed. Duties include: patient care, restocking inventory and cleaning. Must be responsible, reliable, have own transportation and beable to work mornings. Please bring resume to Northwest Animal Hospital, Oak Ridge. PART-TIME MUSIC/CHOIR DIRECTOR needed for Rankin Baptist Church. Music experience preferred. Call (336) 706-9407.

Church, “Come and See – Go and Tell,” Sunday, December 23, at 10:45am, 15303 Hwy. 158, Summerfield, (336) 643-6968.

Something

going on

Tell northwest Guilford County Place your Save the Date online at

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.

ELECTRICAL BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC. Got Power? Residential, commercial and solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192. Need an electrician? Call BLACKMON ELECTRICAL, INC. Free estimates. Commercial & residential. Licensed & insured. Call (336) 430-5018.

CLEANING

Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? Call Coble Electric LLC at (336) 209-1486. It's generator season, call us to get yours installed!

CastleWorks WINDOW CLEANING

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

Includes gutters, pressure washing, chandeliers and other high ladder work. Fully insured and bonded, free estimates. (336) 609-0677. www.castleworkswindowcleaning.com. OLGA'S HOUSEKEEPING SERVICE If it needs to be done, I'll do it. If it needs to be clean, I'll clean it. You will be satisfied. References provided. (336) 289-0008. ANA'S HOUSECLEANING. Good references, free est., 25 years exp. (336) 309-0747. MAIDS OF HONOR HOME CLEANING $25 off! Locally owned, bonded staff. 40 years in service. BBB A+ rating. (336) 708-2407. CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING Gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com (336) 595-2873. MAID-2-SHINE. Excellent service, 15 years experience. Free estimates, excellent references. (336) 338-0223. THE CLEANING TECHNICIAN INC. For a one-time clean or bi-weekly, I can fit your schedule. Licensed, bonded and insured. Call Lisa, (336) 207-0770.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

LAWN MOWER REPAIR & SERVICE. Free pickup & delivery. Call Rick, (336) 501-8681. L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE "We get you mowing!" Com/res., all models. 2103 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge. Call (336) 298-4314, landtsmallengineservice.com. Affordable HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate, call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350. APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707. WELDING, FABRICATING, MACHINING. Will pick up and deliver. (336) 362-8408. 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.

... continued on p. 36

DEC. 20, 2018 - JAN. 9, 2019

HOME SERVICES

OLD SCHOOL

HOME REPAIR/IMPROVEMENTS “No Job Too Small”

Wood Rot Repairs • Bathroom Remodeling Painting • Decks and much more! • Insured

(336) 669-7252

oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com

GRADING / HAULING ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt. available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035. E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, demolition, lot clearing, excavating, bobcat work, etc. (336) 451-1282. PEARMAN QUARRY HAULING Fill dirt, gravel, sand rock, mulch & more. Joel Richardson, (336) 803-2195. GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150. BRAD’S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS. LLC Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647. FORESTRY MULCHING. Reclaiming overgrown pastures, property lines and trails. (336) 362-8408.

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981. GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490. ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Bobcat work and more. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. Call Joe at 643-9157.

HOME SERVICES

FAY'S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Complete landscape maintenance & hardscaping. Tree work. Reasonable & honest. Call Taylor, (336) 458-6491.

BEK Paint Co.

CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 643-9332. www.carolinaStumpAndTreeServices.com.

(336) 931-0600

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

Residential & Commercial David & Judy Long, owners

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

LAWSON'S PAINTING. Custom decks, pressure washing, boat docks, block fill,

WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Lawn maint, landscaping. Irrigation/ landscape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 years exp. (336) 399-7764.

wood repair, stain work, textured ceilings,

ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875.

mates available. (336) 708-9155.

SOUTHERN CUTS LAWN CARE, complete lawn maintenance services. 13 years experience. Nathan Adkins, (336) 500-1898.

32 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. No job too

sheetrock repair. Call (336) 253-9089. CINDY’S PAINTING. Interior painting, wallpaper removal. References & free esti-

PAINTING – INTERIOR & EXTERIOR small. Insured. Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186.

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

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com. 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. ORTIZ REMODELING – Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981.

CARLOS & SON PAINTING, interior and

MASONRY

exterior. 24 hours/7 days a week. Free es-

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

timates, licensed/insured. (336) 669-5210.

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KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION

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

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

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

DEC. 20, 2018 - JAN. 9, 2019

HOME SERVICES

PLUMBING WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING, Inc. (336) 992-2503. Licensed, insured, bonded. 24/7 service. Plumbing, drain cleaning, well pumps. Give us a call, we do it all! Go to www.webstersplumbing.com for more info. BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic. & insured. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

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. DOUGLAS CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING, LLC. Custom Builder, sunrooms, garages, additions, kitchens baths. Licensed & Insured, BBB A+ accredited. Free est. Visit www.douglascr.com or call (336) 413-5050. BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 39 years exp. (336) 362-6343.

HOME SERVICES

MISC. SERVICES

ROOFING ROOFING. Best prices in town! Shingle and metal roofing. Top-notch quality. Res./comm., licensed & insured. Financing available. Belews Creek Construction, (336) 362-6343. KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION 30 years experience. Residential shingle & metal roofing. Free est. (336) 362-7469. CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC. Residential roofing, rubber flat roofs, roof coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience. 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. RED RHINO ROOFING, based in Oak Ridge, NC. Storm damage specialist experienced with all types of roofing. BBB accredited A and listed with Angie’s List. Call (336) 944-6118, or visit redrhinoroofing.com.

Locally owned & operated

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

MISC. WANTED $$$ – WILL PAY CASH for your junk or wrecked

PETS & ANIMAL SVCS. AVAILABLE FOR SALE

Find it here in the

classifieds submit your ad at

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We Help Everyone!

OPEN HOUSE: Sun, Dec 23 • 2-4 pm

SELLERS & BUYERS

(336) 643-4248

www.ANewDawnRealty.com

REACH OUT TO

IN 26,000 READERS OUR

Drummond Estates The newest community with lower taxes. Convenient Triad location. Excellent incentive with use of preferred lender & attorney.

For superior marketing, call Ramilya Siegel CRS, GRI, SRES, Chairman’s Circle Award

special-focus section. To reserve your space in the third issue of each month, email advertising@nwobserver.com, or call (336) 644-7035, ext. 11.

( 336 ) 215.9856 rsiegel@kw.com

RABBITS FOR SALE, call (336) 362-8408.

WENDY COLLINS PET SITTING.

Need something?

HOMES FOR SALE

vehicle. For quote, call (336) 552-0328.

Large custom-made WOOD STOVE INSERT with blower. $200. (336) 317-1278.

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

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

6705 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale • (336) 643-9963 (affiliated with Stokesdale Storage)

PET SITTING

MADE-TO-ORDER CUSTOM FURNITURE using reclaimed wood, natural-edge slab pieces and metal. (336) 362-8408.

REAL ESTATE

Gated access with 24/7 camera surveillance

MISC. FOR SALE

PERSIMMON PULP and more. At The Old Mill on Saturdays, or call (336) 816-3441.

REAL ESTATE

Registered & Insured. Follow me on Facebook! Call or text, (336) 339-6845.

REAL ESTATE LAND FOR SALE HOMESITES FOR SALE. Southern Rockingham county with Summerfield address. Bethany Elementary School. Homesites ranging from two to six acres. Four remaining 10-acre estate sites. Beautifully wooded and open land with gentle terrain. Ponds, streams on some tracts. Now being offered at pre-development 20% discount prices.

Jam-packed with valuable info for northwest Guilford County residents

9 1 0 2

11th annual edition coming soon!

Call to make appointment to reserve your dream property. Homesites starting at $35,900. Call (336) 430-9507 anytime. HOMESITE FOR SALE. 1.5-acre lot available in Northern Guilford school district. No

In print every January and online year-round at nwobserver.com

HOA or dues. Call (336) 430-9507 anytime.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

by hed publis

DEC. 20, 2018 - JAN. 9, 2019

(L-R) Tim, Cheryl and Morgan Fuquay and Ryan Gravley took the Northwest Observer along for their Caribbean cruise this summer and caught up on the local news during a stop in Saint Thomas, the U.S. Virgin Islands.

with a visit to Mary Hull celebrated her 50th birthday a’i. (L-R) Larry Kau and i Mau , Hawai’i, including Honolulu Sellars-Wilson lsea Che , ston Hull, Mary Hull, Victoria Hair r in Maui. erve Obs st thwe Nor and Teresa Sorrell read the

Dawn and Ian Williamson from Oak Ridge met their friends Coral and Martin Thorpe from Summerﬁeld in Paris for an afternoon at the Eiffel Tower.

Folks from Stokesdale United Methodist Church took a break to read their NWO while at a Choir and Handbells retreat at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina.

Email your photo to

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index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS

Please support our advertisers, and tell them where you saw their ad! ACCOUNTING

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

By the Book Accounting ...................... 5 Kimberly Thacker Accounting.............. 5 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC......11

Carpet Super Mart............................. 29 Carpets by Direct .............................. 12 Eanes Heating & Air .......................... 16 Old School Home Repair .................. 36 Prostone Inc. .................................... 32 Rymack Storage ................................ 37 Stokesdale Heating & Air .................... 7

AUTOMOTIVE SALES/SERVICES Piedmont Truck Tires ........................... 3 Tire Max ............................................ 25 Vestal Buick GMC ............................... 9

BUILDERS Builders MD....................................... 14 Dezern Construction Inc. ................... 22 Disney Custom Homes ...................... 18 Don Mills Builders .............................. 23 Johnson & Lee................................... 20 Lansink Custom Homes..................... 22 Naylor Custom Homes ...................... 21 R&K Custom Homes ......................... 19 Ray Bullins Construction .................... 18 Walraven Signature Homes ............... 18

CHILDREN’S SERVICES Guardian Ad Litem Program ............. 31

CHURCH Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church ......... 24 Oak Ridge United Methodist Church . 32 Summerfield First Baptist Church......... 9

DENTAL SERVICES Borden Dentistry.................................. 8 DeVaney Dentistry ............................. 17 Summerfield Family Dentistry .............. 4

FUNERAL SERVICES Forbis & Dick, Stokesdale .................... 5

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES BEK Paint Company .......................... 36 Budget Blinds ....................................11 Calderon Painting & Remodeling....... 36

LAST CHANCE to reserve your ad space in the 11th annual 2019 northwest FINDER!

Be part of the ONLY

business directory

LEGAL SERVICES Barbour & Williams Law .................... 33

MEDICAL CARE Dove Medical Supply ......................... 26 LeBauer Healthcare – Greensboro .... 30 LeBauer Healthcare – Summerfield ..... 2 Wake Forest Baptist – Summerfield ... 33

2019

MOTORCYCLE Riding High Harley-Davidson ............ 34

ORTHODONTICS Olmsted Orthodontics ....................... 30

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ...............11 King’s Crossing Animal Hospital .........11 Northwest Animal Hospital ................. 7 Westergaard Kennels .......................... 9

PHARMACY Stokesdale Family Pharmacy ............. 28

resource guide

for northwest Guilford County

kesdale lfax | Sto field | Co Summer blished by pu

and

nsboro west Gree ge | north | Oak Rid

REAL ESTATE A New Dawn Realty ......................... 37 Berkshire Hathaway Yost & Little ....... 15 Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams .......... 37 Smith Marketing ................................ 18

RETAIL Clouds Tobacco ................................. 34 David Cole Pottery............................. 27 Dewey’s Holiday Store (Oak Ridge)...... 6 Kernersville Arts & Crafts Guild.......... 27

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DEC. 20, 2018 - JAN. 9, 2019

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

ECRWSS

from all of us at publisher of the Northwest Observer (Back row, L to R) Steve Mann, staff writer; Laura Reneer, marketing manager; Leon Stokes, IT director; Chris Burritt, staff writer; (front row) Yvonne Truhon, page layout; Lucy Smith, finance manager; Marilyn Grubbs, admin/editorial assistant; Patti Stokes, publisher/editor. Not pictured: Annette Joyce, Stewart McClintock and Helen Ledford, contributing writers; Linda Schatz, distribution manager.

We’ll be taking a 2-week break ...but look for us back in print on Jan. 10

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