Dec. 3 - 16, 2020
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Giving thanks in 2020 – Part 2 Pause on in-person compiled by ANNETTE JOYCE Last month we asked our readers to share what they were most thankful for this past year. In our issue just before Thanksgiving we published the first round of their responses and the following are the remaining responses we received. As always, we’re thankful for our readers, and especially thankful to those who took a few minutes to share their thoughts of gratitude. “I am thankful for a special husband and wonderful family, glad that 2020 is almost over and hopeful next year will be prosperous and safe for us all.” Dena Barnes, SUMMERFIELD “I am thankful for the food we eat, the love we share. I am thankful for family, friends, and a roof over my head.” Isabella Shepherd, 9, OAK RIDGE “In this year of 2020, we are so thankful that we live in Oak Ridge and that we are retired. Although our age puts us in the high-risk category, we have been able to mostly go about our normal lives using all the precautions. Thankfully, our immediate family here, in Pennsylvania and in Georgia are all healthy and have not contracted COVID. “I am thankful and so enjoying our retail gift booth, Sensibly Chic, at Golden Antiques (in Summerfield) and we are having fun finding and
IN THIS ISSUE News in brief .....................................................2 Your Questions .................................................4 Dirt track racer wins championship .............9 Fleeting days of fall, harbingers of winter..10 Pets & Critters ................................................. 11 Rescued goldens get new leash on life .... 12
buying new holiday products and other items to put in our booth. “One of the good effects of the early quarantine was to make me slow down and stay home! I love gardening and I have so enjoyed being able to work in my flower beds doing all the things I kept putting off, like moving plants, dividing plants and planting many more perennials that we will get to enjoy in years to come.” Barbara Engel, OAK RIDGE
learning this week highlights frustration
“I am thankful for my family and my friends, my house, and my ability to learn.” Gabriella Shepherd, 11, OAK RIDGE “Little things are what sustain us during this crazy year. Blessed with a third grandchild, Huxley, and a new daughter-in-law, Amanda, our family is growing. Jay and I celebrated our 40th anniversary this year, so it has definitely been filled with some milestones.” Bobbie Gardner, STOKESDALE “So thankful for my family and neighbors who are more like family than friends!” Megan Key, GREENSBORO “In the midst of COVID, I am thankful for my family and friends who are alive and well – and so very thankful for the doctors, nurses, first
...continued on p. 26 NWO Kids’ Korner .................................... 14, 21 Crime/Incident Report ................................. 15 Youth Sync...................................................... 18 Community Calendar ..................................22 Grins and Gripes ...........................................24 Classifieds ......................................................27 Index of Advertisers ......................................30 NWO On The Go / Staycation .....................32
Adobe Stock photo
Due to upticks in the number of people infected with COVID-19, third- through 12th-grade students will continue with distance learning until next month. When they return to school, middle and high schoolers will attend two days a week in person, while continuing with distance learning three days a week.
As the coronavirus outbreak worsens, students, teachers and parents continue grappling with difficulties of remote learning by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – School buildings are dark this week after Guilford County Schools (GCS) paused in-person instruction as a COVID-19 health precaution following the Thanksgiving weekend. It’s the latest coronavirus-related disruption to the school year that has forced younger students and teachers to once again adjust to remote learning and social isolation while requir-
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