OAK RIDGE TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 9 Patti Dmuchowski said the committee wants to hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, for the veterans’ memorial planned for the Whitaker property. The committee is narrowing down the list of potential names for the site, she added.
Oak Ridge Elementary School. Principal Penny Loschin thanked Summit Church for providing water and soft drinks to the school’s staff.
COUNCIL COMMENTS McClellan said the forthcoming arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine to drugstores is going to be “a big game changer” in overcoming the disease. Kinneman urged fellow council members to resume holding town
meetings virtually; the council decided last month to give council and committees the option to meet in one of three ways: in person, remotely, or using a “hybrid” model that allows people to choose between attending in person or virtually. Pittman thanked people for picking up litter around town. “Let’s all remember to keep Oak Ridge beautiful,” she said. Schneider thanked residents for volunteering on committees and speaking at public hearings. “It’s a wonderful characteristic of our town,” she said. With no further council comments, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
HAPPY 85TH BIRTHDAY, HELEN LEDFORD ...continued from p. 11
piece of paper into one of her marvelous creations. In less than 30 seconds, she created wonderfully made, developmentally appropriate sheets that were just what the children needed. “Thank you, Helen, for your years of service, gift of wisdom and all that you gave and continue to give to those you meet,” Cole wrote. Christy Hartzogue, a retired Oak Ridge Elementary kindergarten teacher, wrote words of appreciation to Helen, her former assistant, “for teaching me how to teach. God blessed me with 12 years of your exceptional talent, humor and your devotion to children!” And many others thanked Helen for the stories she’s written for the Northwest Observer over the years.
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FEB. 18 - MARCH 3, 2021
“As a farm girl myself, I’ve always loved Helen’s stories!” wrote Laura Reneer, Northwest Observer’s marketing manager. “Brings back great memories of growing up in the country in simpler times. Happy birthday, Helen! Thanks for sharing your wit and wisdom with us all these years!” In closing, Morales passed along a message from someone she said is one of Helen’s favorite TV actors: “Helen, I am reaching out to you today with a special request… I would love to ask you to be an honorary Walton for your birthday. Is that all right? ‘Helen Walton’ – I love it! Welcome to the family, Helen! I’d also like to say, ‘Good night, John Boy, good night, Mary Ellen… and good night, Helen. Happy, happy birthday, with lots and lots of love!’”
LETTERS/OPINIONS Submit your letters (maximum 350 words)
online: nwobserver.com e-mail : editor@nwobserver.com Include your name, daytime phone number and name of community. Letters from the same writer will be published no more than every 30 days.
Development, property owners’ rights must be balanced With respect to the sequence of informational articles in the Northwest Observer regarding Summerfield Farms Village, I have read enough about the proposal for Summerfield Farms Village; I have heard enough about how such a development will harm the Town of Summerfield; and I have experienced enough to make the following comments about Summerfield Farms Village and the citizens of Summerfield. First of all, have those who are complaining about Summerfield Farms Village lived in Summerfield all their lives, seen farm after farm turned into one development after another, and had their children sent to other schools because Summerfield Elementary has too many students? And what about the environment? North Carolina is one of few states in this country with prime soil for agriculture. We all know that working farms are disappearing. Farming is hard work. My parents were farmers all of their lives and I live on that same farm. I hope they are proud of me for doing my best to preserve what they worked so hard to acquire.
People need a place to live. However, if those who are complaining have been part of the development process, do they really believe that someone else should not have the same ability to develop their land? What former farm is their house on? Were hundreds of acres divided up for the houses they live in while they enjoy the amenities of the Town of Summerfield? If so, what right do they have to complain about yet another development in Summerfield? Summerfield Village Farms is going to create more traffic on roads and more use of open land in Summerfield for development. I am not for or against the development. Property owners should have the right to do whatever they want with their land. And every citizen of this country has a right to voice opinions about everything. I am not implying there is anything political about Summerfield Farms Village. Residents of the Town of Summerfield should consider the sacrifices other farms have made so that they can live in a peaceful place we can all call home. Molly Byrd, SUMMERFIELD
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