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Dec. 16, 2021 - Jan. 5, 2022

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Mayor Sessoms pledges ‘respectful’ development debate at ﬁrst meeting

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IN THIS ISSUE Segment of 6-foot-tall fence must go...........2 News in brief ......................................................3 “Runaround” in Autumn Ridge ......................4 A Christmas diary: “Remember when” ........6 Summerﬁeld Town Council meeting .............8 Welcome to our new advertiser................... 11 Stokesdale Town Council meeting..............12 Light Up the Night ...........................................14 Oak Ridge Town Council meeting ..............15 NWO Business & Real Estate .........................17 Business / Real Estate News / Briefs ...............19 Real Estate Q&A .............................................19 Labor pains: Business owners do the job ...20

BJ Barnes (above photo, left), who served a two-year term as Summerfield’s mayor following 24 years as sheriff of Guilford County, gives departing comments before turning the mayor’s gavel over to Tim Sessoms earlier this week. Sessoms served as Summerfield’s mayor pro tem from December 2019 until he was sworn in as the town’s mayor at Summerfield Town Council’s Dec. 14 meeting; his wife, Heather (in photo, far right), held the Bible for the swearing-in ceremony while several of his family members looked on. | Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO

by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – Mayor Tim Sessoms said Summerfield Town

Council will listen to developers and residents alike in “moving slowly” on projects that will lead to growth

Thanks, and farewell! Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Outgoing Stokesdale Mayor John Flynt (left) and newly elected Mayor Mike Crawford shake hands after Crawford read a proclamation thanking Flynt for his service two the town and presented him with a plaque at the Dec. 9 town council meeting. Thearon Hooks, outgoing mayor pro tem, was also recognized for his last four years of service, as was former council member Bill Jones, who served about 7 ½ years on the council before selling his home in Stokesdale and moving to Kernersville in the spring of 2019.

in Summerfield. “We will make decisions

...continued on p. 8

A new direction: Career changers .............26 NWO Kids’ Korner ...........................................28 Sydney Rose Wray, older than her years ....34 Stokesdale Christmas Parade in photos.....36 Community Calendar ...................................38 Crime/Incident Report ..................................39 Grins and Gripes ............................................40 Classiﬁeds .......................................................43 Index of Advertisers .......................................47

Jolly holidays and a happy news year from all of us at PS Communications!

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Merry Christmas

Happytail Puppies ordered to remove ‘sore thumb’ fence

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DEC. 16, 2021 - JAN. 5, 2022

by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – Happytail Puppies is required to remove the white fence blocking view of its N.C. 150 puppyselling operations, according to a site plan approved by Oak Ridge’s Planning and Zoning Board.

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The Town of Oak Ridge’s Planning Board voted 6-1 last month to require a 50-foot section of the tall white fence in front of Happytail Puppies on N.C. 150 be removed to bring the business into compliance with the town’s development regulations.

The Northwest Observer

The board voted 6-1 during its Nov. 18 meeting to approve the site plan, bringing into compliance the addition of several outbuildings on the property that hadn’t been approved by the town. Approval of the plan submitted by the property’s owner, Kanoy Properties LLC, hinged on two conditions: the removal of a 50-foot section of the fence fronting N.C. 150 and the placement of handicapped parking spaces close to the customers’ entrance to Happytail, which sells puppies costing $1,000 and more.

Placement of the outbuildings on the property required a site plan from the town, which Kanoy hadn’t obtained, according to Taylor. The owner also lacked permits from Guilford County, he said. “They did something they shouldn’t have done without getting the right permits,” said P&Z Board Chair Nancy Stoudemire. “What’s done is done there. And they’re trying to make it right.” Board members discussed whether the white fence violated rules governing the scenic corridor overlay district in which Happytail Puppies is located.

The fence “sticks out like a sore thumb,” said board member Rick Schlaginhaufen. Planning Director Sean Taylor likened the fence to “an extremely long movie screen. It’s bright white; it’s that bright vinyl.”

One of the rules states that “large, flat, blank expanses on a facade are not acceptable.” Another recommends that “colors for nonresidential buildings shall be natural and subdued (earth tones are recommended) and shall blend in well with the natural surroundings. Natural stains or paints that reflect the colors of natural materials should be dominant on large areas such as building facades and elevations.”

Taylor said he allowed Kanoy to submit the site plan as an alternative to citing the owner for violations of Oak •Ridge’s Totallydevelopment local sinceregulations. 1996

Bill Greco, president of Land Solutions, a land surveying and design firm representing Kanoy Properties, said it’s unclear whether the fence violates scenic

corridor regulations. He recommended leaving the fence in place until paving of the gravel parking lot and landscaping improvements required by the site plan are finished, as the improvements may mute the view of the fence. “Let’s pave it, landscape it, butter it all up and see how it looks,” Greco said. “I’m pretty confident we’re going to have a whole different look.” Happytail erected the 6-foot-tall fence in recent years to discourage unauthorized people from entering the property except through the customers’ entrance. The fence partially blocks the view of the original two structures and several outbuildings which have since been added. In early 2020, complaints by some Happytail customers that their puppies were ill led to an investigation by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. The investigation found no violations, though an inspector didn’t check for contagious illnesses that owners and veterinarians have said afflicted

some of the dogs sold there. Happytail is now licensed and inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “Certainly, there are a whole lot of questions and concerns about puppy mills and that sort of thing,” said board Vice Chair Jason Streck, a practicing veterinarian. “Whether or not we like the business they’re conducting there has unfortunately been put to rest already.” Taylor and board members discussed privacy options for Happytail other than the fence. Planting prickly bushes in front of windows would discourage people from looking in windows, which could be blocked by shades or tinting, they said. At Taylor’s recommendation, the board voted to require the removal of the fence as part of the approval of the site plan. It allows to remain standing the tall fencing on the sides of the property and picket fencing enclosing a grassy area where potential buyers play with puppies.

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NEWS in brief

Happy

School Board approves $1,500 bonuses for employees The money will come from federal ESSER funds

GUILFORD COUNTY – The Guilford County Board of Education voted Dec. 14 to approve $1,500 bonuses for all employees in the district (excluding principals and assistant principals, who already received bonuses from the School Emergency Relief Fund). Superintendent Sharon Contreras recommended the $1,500 bonus for employees, and an additional $500 bonus for the district’s lowest paid classified staff. The bonuses, along with the additional $500 bonus, will come from

Holidays

federal ESSER funds and will cost $16,816,532. The plan will have to be approved by the Department of Public Instruction prior to the distribution of funds. Tracy Williams, attorney

“I felt it very important that all of our employees receive recognition of their commitment to our students, especially in the midst of this pandemic,” Contreras said. More information about the district’s plans for ESSER funds may be found at www.gcsnc.com/esser.

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DEC. 16, 2021 - JAN. 5, 2022

‘Runaround’ in Oak Ridge’s Autumn Ridge www.nwobserver.com /northwestobserver @mynwobserver @northwestobserver

OUR TEAM Patti Stokes, editor/publisher Laura Reneer, marketing manager Kelli Jessup, publisher’s assistant Rene Collins, administrative assistant Yvonne Truhon, graphic designer Leon Stokes, IT director Lucy Smith, finance manager Linda Schatz and Tom McCoy, distribution Chris Burritt, staff writer; Helen Ledford, Lily Pierce and Annette Joyce, contributing writers

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Homeowners are upset by the unﬁnished work in the townhouse development behind Oak Ridge Military Academy

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Autumn Ridge homeowners said storm water drains are among unﬁnished work in their townhouse development on Zack Road in Oak Ridge. with HOA management issues,” Couch wrote. “This is not a case where the land developer caused any of their issues.”

by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – Frustrated by a lack of grass, unfinished storm water drains and foul septic odors, homeowners in the Autumn Ridge townhouse development met last week to vent their frustrations. Homeowners invited LeoTerra Development, Blue Ridge Cos. and Slatter Management, which manages the property, to the Dec. 7 meeting, but the companies did not send representatives. That left Chris Inabinet, vice president and Triad market manager for Shugart Homes, the homebuilder in Autumn Ridge, at the receiving end of complaints. “We have so many questions; who is responsible for what?” asked Karen Wilson, one of about 20 homeowners who attended the meeting in Oak Ridge Town Hall. “I’ve gotten the runaround for two years.” Inabinet told homeowners some of what they wanted to hear. Crews recently installed and replaced caps on septic risers behind the townhouses. He said he plans to dispatch workers to pick up building materials left behind during construction. However, he said, Shugart can’t remove erosion control screening and doesn’t take responsibility for growing grass in yards. “There is a homeowner’s responsibility to maintain certain things,” Inabinet said. “One of those is their grass and landscaping.”

“In looking at the complaints, they are homebuilder and HOA management issues,” LeoTerra President Buddy Lyons wrote in an email earlier this week. He said his previous company, LD Equity, acquired the property and negotiated rezoning and site plan approval from Oak Ridge officials before selling the homesites to Shugart Homes.

was “hired to mow over rocks,” including some that have broken homeowners’ windows, Wilson said. As part of its contract with Shugart, Blue Ridge Cos., which oversaw clearing, grading and street construction according to CEO David Couch, has arranged for a contractor to repair concrete and finish paving the entrance to Autumn Ridge. “I understand they’ve had problems

Slatter is fulfilling some of homeowners’ requests, such as removing a dead tree on the access road to a septic field and pump house. It is also making arrangements for the mowing of one

... continued on p. 10

165 Windjammer Lane, Stokesdale

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Grass is growing in front yards where crews put down sod, but homeowners said the lack of sod and topsoil in side and back yards left more rocks than dirt. As a result, the landscaping crew

DEC. 16, 2021 - JAN. 5, 2022

Homeowners learned last week from Greensboro-based Slatter Management that it’s ending its management contract at Autumn Ridge in early January. In an interview earlier this week, Slatter Vice President Kay Thornton said the departure of the employee responsible for Autumn Ridge prompted the decision.

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A Christmas diary of ‘remember whens’ by HELEN LEDFORD I am now the last living child of Mama’s 10 children, and it is often a lonely place to be. My one remaining brother passed away a couple of years ago. Bill was my hero, and he left a hole in my heart and a void in our family that can never be filled. He was funny, smart, wise, a talented artist/photographer, gentle-spirited and sweet-natured – definitely a “John-Boy Walton” type! As I quietly sit and reflect on decades of Christmases spent at our family’s homeplace in Caswell County, I smile at the memories of what a good life we all had together. If time and circumstances could be reversed, our clan would likely gather together once again to share some stories, laughter, tears, and countless warm holiday memories. It would most surely be a noisy, animated session, with

many of our boisterous conversations beginning with the preface, “Remember when…” My memories take me back to one of Mama’s prized possessions, a time-worn tablecloth which was used only once a year. It was imprinted with large red hibiscus blooms and lovely greenery. When the festive tablecloth appeared, we knew Christmas was near. That cherished table covering is probably stashed away in a box or a drawer somewhere at the family farm home. Chances are that it may still carry some vague essence of turkey gravy or cranberry sauce. A special “remember when” for all of us was that Mama waited until Christmas Eve to wrap her presents! They were mostly socks or other practical items for both male and female members of the family. Nobody dared go upstairs where

Merry Christmas and thanks to our community for allowing us to serve you!

our busy mother had secluded herself, but we could hear furtive sounds of rattling tissue paper, mysterious bumps and quiet mumblings. When she finally emerged with her gift bounty, it was with a

backside for a few days!

sheepish grin and a quick trip to the “front” room where the decorated cedar tree was standing. Festivities would begin as soon as siblings arrived with their spouses and children. And there is the memory of a Christmas day long ago when two of my sisters got into a fight. The younger, Ethel, grabbed Jewell’s new doll (delivered by Santa that morning) and threw it into one of our wood heaters. Needless to say, it burned to a crisp! I wasn’t around at the time, but I am positive little Ethel found it extremely difficult to sit on her

If I could meet once again with my nine brothers and sisters, I might jog their memory and ask if they recall the day our house almost caught fire. It was very near Christmas, with snow on the ground. Originally, our house was made of rustic logs; later, the logs were covered on the outside. In Mama’s room, there was a heater with its flue pipe attached to an opening in the log wall which was safely reinforced by a square of heavy metal. There was a fire in the small stove, but someone had placed some newspapers and pieces of cardboard inside and suddenly the heater became dangerously hot and totally glowed red. Smoke started

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pouring from the surrounding logs, and they almost burst into flame! Good thing there was a covering of snow outside, because we all ran out with buckets and pans and filled them hastily with the white stuff. Throwing it onto the smoking logs, the snow saved our house that day! Seems like yesterday that our family went through a period of exchanging gag gifts as well as good, authentic ones. At some point over the decades, we were all on the receiving end of a nice, plump pig tail saved from hog killing time in the late fall. Sometimes there might be two of those relics hidden in the smokehouse, regaled with a showy, bright red ribbon bow, wrapped in festive paper and tagged with somebody’s name. When the unsuspecting recipient opened the gaily wrapped “treasure,” he or she was usually goodnatured about the joke and we all laughed heartily! I will admit to once stuffing a large, hideous blow-up snake (the kind you hang in cherry trees to chase the snakes

away) in a very beautifully arrayed Christmas box which was given to a sister. As she pulled that fake snake out of its wrappings, I knew there would be a payback when the holidays rolled around once again. Sure enough, the next year I received from her a large, flower-adorned hat with about 20 little rubber baby vipers attached.

There are so many good recollections and myriads of unwritten pages recorded only in our hearts. In each of us lies our own personal memory “bank” – a Christmas “diary” that is ours to keep and cherish forever. Perhaps as years are added to our lives, we appreciate more than ever family, friends and days that are impossible to take back from time.

One of the gifts I treasured most as a young girl was a Mickey Mouse watch, given to me by my brother Bill, who saved money to buy it from his part-time job at our small-town theatre. He manned the popcorn machine, and at times, the film projector. At that time of our lives, we never dreamed there would one day be a Disney World with Mickey as the welcoming host! I was humbled many years ago when a young kindergartner in our class at Oak Ridge Elementary saw the stack of Christmas gifts on the teachers’ desks. The piles of presents grew daily, and on the last day before vacation began, he came to me and whispered softly, “I have a present for you, Mrs. Ledford,” then added, “I didn’t have any money to buy anything.” Then he gave me a big hug and kiss and dropped something in my hand. It was a brass button from someone’s coat, adorned with a leaping reindeer. I have never forgotten that child and his simple offering of love.

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NEW MAYOR PROMISES ‘RESPECTFUL’ DEVELOPMENT DEBATE ...continued from p. 1 together,” Sessoms said in his first remarks as mayor during this past Tuesday’s Town Council meeting. “We want to be transparent in the things that we do and in the conversations that we have, and be respectful to all.”

and John Doggett as new council members. Oak Ridge Mayor Ann Schneider swore in the three newly elected officials.

call them ‘opportunities.’

“We’re going to have opportunities for things that are going to come up,” the mayor said. “But we want to be respectful of the people who bring them, give them the opportunity and time to present to our Planning Board and our council.

Although Sessoms didn’t mention developer David Couch by name, he alluded to Couch’s intent to pursue the residential and commercial development of Summerfield Farms and other tracts totaling about 1,000 acres in Summerfield. In August, citing “divisiveness in the community,” Couch withdrew his application for a text amendment to the town’s development regulations that would allow higher density housing. He said he plans to return with another development proposal.

“We want to hear from the citizens,” Sessoms continued. “We will make decisions together. We want to be transparent in the things that we do and in the conversations that we have, and be respectful to all. That is our intent.”

“The ‘development’ word is going to come back up,” Sessoms said. “We’re going to have development issues. I don’t want to call them ‘issues.’ I want to

Sessoms served as mayor pro tem for the last two years and won his bid for mayor in the Nov. 2 election. He was sworn into office as mayor on Dec. 14, along with Janelle Robinson

stay

Sessoms succeeded BJ Barnes as mayor. Before leaving his seat at the council table on Tuesday, Barnes listed Summerfield’s accomplishments during the last two years he served as mayor. They include planning for the new town hall and Bandera Farms Park, the renovation of Summerfield Community Center and efforts by committees including Historical and Parks and Recreation. Noting opposition to plans for building the town hall, Barnes said the council listened to all residents in decision making that he described as “legal and above board.” “I told you when I became mayor that we would have order and I told you that we would not have any foolishness and we’d be transparent in everything that we did,” Barnes said. “I

connected with your at

tried very hard to make that happen. I hope I succeeded.” The council recognized Teresa W. Perryman, who lost to Robinson and Doggett in her bid for a second term on the council. “Everything you did came from your heart,” council member Lynne Williams DeVaney told Perryman as she presented her a certificate of appreciation.

Perryman congratulated Robinson and Doggett. In her departing remarks, she said, “I have kept my campaign promises of being a fiscal conservative. And that was all the ‘no’ votes that you heard. ‘No, no, no, no.’ That was me. “I also said I wasn’t going to be a politician,” she said. “I’m still not a politician. I’m still Teresa.”

community

/NorthwestObserver

SFD recognizes outstanding service to the department SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield Fire District held its annual awards dinner on Monday, Dec. 6, and recognized several individuals for their contributions to the department.

Dep. Chief David Redmon and Engineer Allen Atkins (see photo on opposite page) were congratulated on their retirement and thanked for their many years of service to the fire department and to the Summerfield community. Bradley Lowe, Michael Page, Dustin Barnett, Zach Hardy, Dave Satterfield, Ian Barnes and Colton Ide received an Award of Recognition for their

exceptional performance during a medical emergency in May which resulted in a favorable outcome for the patient. Shane Taylor, Brandon Bull, Jenna Daniels, Ryan Hall and Kirk Daniels received a Medical Life Saving Award for their quick response to a medical emergency in April where they performed CPR that resulted in saving a life.

8 DEC. 16, 2021 - JAN. 5, 2022

LIF

Michael Capps, Michael Landen, Dustin Barnett, Steve Satterfield and Janelle Robinson received a Medical Life Saving Award for their quick response to a medical emergency in April where they performed CPR that resulted in saving a life.

The following volunteer members received E SAF a Call Response Award for their commitment to providing service to the department and the ETY

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

community in a time of need: George Baer, Station 9; Anthony Howerton, Station 29; and Rick Moseley, Station 39. The following volunteer members received a Training Award for their commitment to bettering themselves and the department through training and education: Jon Andrew Scott, Station 9; Anthony Howerton, Station 29; and Rick Moseley, Station 39. Other awards were given to: Ian Barnes, Employee of the Year; Rick Moseley, Volunteer of the Year; Jon Andrew Scott, Rookie of the Year and Resident of the Year.

Summerﬁeld Fire District

Station 9

Station 29

7400 Summerﬁeld Road (336) 643-4341

summerﬁeldﬁre.com LIF

1800 Scalesville Road (336) 643-5950

Station 39

6214 Lake Brandt Road (336) 643-2253

facebook.com/SummerﬁeldFireDistrict

E SAFETY

EMERGENCY DIAL 911

Happy Retirement, David Redmon & Allen Atkins

Deputy Chief David Redmon and Engineer Allen Atkins have spent countless hours training to prepare for any emergency, responding when the community needs assistance and bettering themselves as well as our department. We would like to thank them for their dedication and service to Summerfield. David became a volunteer with Summerfield Fire District in 1993. He was promoted to assistant chief in 2008, where he served for over nine years until he was promoted to deputy chief in 2017. David has also served on the Board of Directors since 2009. Allen started his career as a firefighter in 1992 at Colfax Fire Department. He then moved on to the City of Winston-Salem as a firefighter for six years. Allen was hired as a firefighter at Summerfield Fire District in 2008. He was promoted to the rank of engineer in 2012.

(L-R) Deputy Chief David Redmon, Fire Chief Chris Johnson and Engineer Allen Atkins at the department’s annual awards dinner on Dec. 6, where Redmon and Atkins were recognized for their many years of service.

Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and service to the Summerﬁeld community. Your family at Summerﬁeld Fire District wishes you both a happy retirement. In Allen Atkins’ own words,

“Thanks to all my family members for your support during this time. Thanks to all who gave me an opportunity and had faith in me. All of the memories, mentoring and hard work will be in my heart for many years to come. Don’t worry about it, I got it.”

In David Redmon’s own words,

“It has been an honor to serve the community for over 30 years.”

Have questions about operations of Summerﬁeld Fire District? Please feel free to contact us at (336) 643-4341. We love to hear from our citizens!

Volunteers Needed

It takes a special person to fill the boots of a volunteer firefighter. No experience necessary • Free training

Visit us online at summerﬁeldﬁre.com and click “Community” for information about volunteering

Mayor Tim Sessoms, John Doggett, Janelle Robinson take oath of ofﬁce Dec. 14

Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO

Summerfield Merchants Association (SMA) supports our local businesses and community. To join or for more info, email SummerfieldMerchants@summerfieldmerchant.com or visit www.summerfieldmerchant.com or Facebook.com/SummerfieldMerchantsAssociation

Summerfield Merchants Association members

(Above left) John Doggett, who was elected to Summerfield Town Council in the Nov. 2 election, takes the oath of office administered by Oak Ridge Mayor Ann Schneider at the Dec. 14 Summerfield Town Council meeting. While being sworn in, Doggett placed his hand on a Bible that was given to his great grandmother in 1910 and held by his wife, Angie, while the couple’s daughter, Lexie, and granddaughter (shown in photo on left), parents and other family members look on. (Above) Janelle Robinson was also sworn into office during the Dec. 14 Summerfield Town Council meeting. Robinson’s father held the Bible her hand was on while she took the oath of office with her mother, husband, three children and other supporters standing by.

Summerﬁeld Town Council member Lynne W. DeVaney (left) presents a certiﬁcate of appreciation to outgoing council member Teresa Perryman before Perryman left her seat at the council table on Dec. 14. After serving a four-year term, Perryman lost her bid for reelection in November.

and we look forward to seeing you in 2022! AUTUMN RIDGE ...continued from p. 4

Welcome to our newest members,

Southern Lights, Summerfield Wealth Advisers, NextGen CFO, Village Beverage, Magnolia Shores Family Dental, Hundred Acre Farm, Yoga Lane and Blue Nest Design.

DEC. 16, 2021 - JAN. 5, 2022

of the septic fields and the pumping of homeowners’ septic tanks if needed, Thornton said.

of their homeowners’ association amid their unresolved complaints, according to Thornton.

Thornton said Slatter would be willing to extend its contract to help homeowners take over the homeowners’ association from Oak Ridge Partners 1 LLC, Autumn Ridge’s development company.

“It’s like a Catch-22,” she said. “Because of all of the issues they don’t want to accept the association. However, from a legal perspective, they have more authority and weight behind their requests if they did take over and had an elected board from the owners. They need to be in a position of authority.”

Some Autumn Ridge homeowners,

The Northwest Observer •however, Totally are local since 1996 wary about taking charge

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STOKESDALE town council

Dec. 9 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by PATTI STOKES Mayor John Flynt called the monthly council meeting to order and Pastor David Bailey of Crossroads Community Church offered an opening prayer, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting agenda was unanimously adopted after a discussion item about a proposal to install netting to prevent birds from nesting at the front of Town Hall was removed.

Public Safety. Stokesdale Fire Chief Todd Gauldin reported the department responded to 79 calls in November; 48 were fire-related and 31 medical-related. Gauldin thanked everyone for abiding by the state-wide burn ban which went into effect Nov. 29 due to hazardous forest fire conditions; the ban was lifted for 67 of the state’s 100 counties on Dec. 8, but remained in effect for Guilford County (the ban was lifted for all counties on Dec. 13). As a safety tip, Gauldin advised residents to not overload their outlets or power strips; keep live Christmas trees watered; and with any tree, keep it away from a source that can be ignited.

ADMINISTRATIVE/ COMMITTEES

Town Clerk Dale Martin said Robin Yount, who joined the town’s staff last month as deputy clerk, will be attending new clerk school in January. Staff is working with Total Computer Solutions to address issues with the town’s Facebook page, but it may need to be deleted and re-created. Banners have been placed in the town park for a scavenger hunt contest organized by Piedmont Discovery, a joint project of several municipal governments including Stokesdale that is promoting local public parks to residents and visitors. Martin said she had compiled a new council member orientation packet for the two newly elected council members, and new members are required to complete ethics training.

 5  0 to approve minutes from

the Jan. 14, 2021 meeting.

Events Committee. “It’s finally here,” said Councilman Derek Foy of the town’s upcoming Christmas parade on Dec. 11, then announced Lt. Gov.

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Mark Robinson would be the parade’s grand marshal. At the time of this meeting the weather forecast called for afternoon rain and thunderstorms, and Foy said Dec. 18 would be the rain date if needed.

Property Committee. Councilman Jim Rigsbee said there were still several exterior lights out at Town Hall and asked that staff contact the electrician again about fixing them.

FINANCE

Before giving her monthly report, Finance Officer Kim Thacker thanked the companies that sponsored this year’s Christmas parade. Including the two platinum sponsorships of $500 each from Northwest Observer and Kimberly Thacker Accounting & Tax Services, the town received a total of $1,725 in parade sponsorships this year.

AUDIT PRESENTATION

Rex Rouse of Rouse, Rouse, Rouse & Gardner presented the annual audit report and said all financial transactions for FY 2020-21 had been appropriately recorded. The fund balance in the general fund increased by $87,052 over the previous fiscal year. The unassigned fund balance is 8.06 times the annual amount the town needs to operate at its current level of expenditures, meaning the town could go over eight years with no additional revenue before depleting its funds. Rouse noted that amount is “well above” the state average, which is six months.

Thacker then reported that Stokesdale has $3,184,555 in total assets in its General Fund account, which includes $2,557,607 in CDARS; it also has $1,802,446 in total assets in its Water Enterprise account, which includes $499,429 in CDARS with the Bank of Oak Ridge, $122,164.23 in a capital reserve fund, $522,504.35 in an N.C. management fund and $584,460.58 in investments through Fidelity Bank. Council members thanked Thacker for all of her work in preparing for the town’s annual audit.

“Notably there is no ad valorem tax for the Town of Stokesdale,” Rouse said. “To accumulate this much fund balance without a property tax – in a lot of respects I think the Town of Stokesdale is an exemplary town for other towns to follow. That’s mostly due in thanks to the preceding boards you’ve had who have been very conservative and able to accumulate this balance without a tax rate.”

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Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO

Mike Crawford, who was elected as Stokesdale’s mayor last month, places his hand on a Bible held by his wife, Donna, as Guilford County Superior Court Judge Stuart Albright administers the oath of ofﬁce at the Dec. 9 town council meeting. In center photo, Tim Jones places his hand on the Bible held by Deputy Clerk Robin Younts as he is sworn into ofﬁce. And in photo on far right, Councilman Derek Foy is sworn in as the town’s mayor pro tem after being elected to that position by his fellow council members.

The actual expenses in the general fund were down by 26.5% percent last fiscal year compared to the previous fiscal year, partially due to a reduction in funding for park and downtown improvements. At the conclusion of Rouse’s audit presentation, Mayor Flynt said, “Mr.

Rouse, it looks like our revenues were up, our expenses were down, our cash reserves increased significantly and if we didn’t have any revenue for eight years we could operate the town with the money we have in cash reserves, correct?” “Yes,” Rouse confirmed.

 5  0 to accept the results of the

Nov. 2 election, in which Mike Crawford was elected as the town’s mayor and Tim Jones as a council member. Oath of Office. Superior Court Judge Stuart Albright was introduced, and then administered the oath of office to Crawford and Jones. Afterward, Flynt

passed the mayor’s gavel to Crawford and left the council table, along with Thearon Hooks, outgoing mayor pro tem. Mayor Crawford then read proclamations of appreciation and presented plaques to Hooks, Flynt, and former

... continued on p. 42

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DEC. 16, 2021 - JAN. 5, 2022

Light Up the

Night

Season’s Best Carolers added Christmas cheer as they strolled through the park singing Christmas carols.

Saturday, Dec. 4 Oak Ridge Town Park

A record crowd attended Oak Ridge’s Light Up the Night event, expanded this year to include the Grinch hayride and “Riz the Wiz” magician, with craft vendors and food trucks adding to the festivities. The town’s Christmas tree was lit at dusk, along with 1,000 luminaries along park walkways. “Children especially enjoyed visiting Santa and Mrs. Claus, assisted by elves Catey and Alora Engel. Several children were convinced the elves were real because they had pointy ears!” said Patti Dmuchowski, chairperson for Oak Ridge Special Events Committee (SEC), which sponsored the event. Summit Church provided free hot cocoa as Christmas carolers roamed the illuminated pathways. SEC member Caroline Ruch spearheaded Light Up the Night, with the help of fellow committee members and volunteers from Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club, Oak Ridge Garden Club, Lions Club and the town’s Parks and Rec Board.

Oak Ridge resident Riz Raven, aka “Riz the Wiz,” entertained the afternoon crowd with his magic tricks.

Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO

Children enjoyed sharing their Christmas wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Destination Arts’ dance students of all ages showed off some impressive dance movements while performing to holiday music.

View more photos from this event at

facebook.com/ NorthwestObserver

OAK RIDGE town council

Dec. 2 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT

WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted: Mayor Ann Schneider, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan, Doug Nodine and Martha Pittman voted on the following items during the Dec. 2 meeting.

 5  0: Reelect Schneider as mayor and Kinneman as mayor pro tem  5  0: Reappoint Nancy Stoudemire to the Planning and Zoning Board

and the Board of Adjustment, while approving two appointments to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: Mike Kimel as a full member and Chelsea Young as an alternate

Superior Court Judge Stuart Albright swears Mayor Ann Schneider into ofﬁce during Oak Ridge’s Town Council meeting on Dec. 2. Later in the meeting, she was reelected by the council to serve as mayor for the next two years. Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman (below, at center) was also sworn in and reelected by the council as mayor pro tem.

 5  0: Approve the town’s annual usage agreement with Oak Ridge Youth Association

 5  0: Approve next year’s meeting and holiday schedule for Oak Ridge Mayor Ann Schneider called the monthly meeting in Oak Ridge Town Hall to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan, Doug Nodine and Martha Pittman present. Damodara Bhattar, priest of Triad Hindu Temple, offered the invocation in the form of three hymns, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

PUBLIC SAFETY Sheriff’s Office. Deputy M. Secor reported the sheriff’s District 1 office responded to 53 calls for service in Oak Ridge in November. “It is very quiet out here,” Secor said, explaining that most of the calls related to false burglar alarms. The deputy urged residents to retrieve “sooner than later” holiday packages delivered to their homes to reduce the chance they’ll be stolen by “porch pirates.” He also recommended that motorists lock their vehicles and hide pocketbooks and packages from view.

Oak Ridge Fire Department. Chief Ken Gibson said firefighters

responded to 69 calls last month including 37 EMS-related calls. Personnel obtained 728 training hours. As the department is planning to construct a training facility behind Station No. 15 on Linville Road, Gibson addressed concerns about potential air pollution from two “burn rooms” in the facility. “I want to assure you there will be no hazardous materials burnt in that facility,” he said. The law allows firefighters to burn wheat straw and untreated wooden pallets, he said. The department eventually plans to plant trees to block the view of the facility from Heritage Farm Park, Gibson said.

OATH OF OFFICE

Superior Court Judge Stuart Albright swore into office Schneider and Kinneman after their reelection to the council in the Nov. 2 election.

ELECTION OF MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO TEM  5  0 to reelect Schneider as

mayor and Kinneman as mayor pro tem. Following municipal elections every Northwest Observer two years,The the council elects or reelects •

Photos by Chris Burritt/NWO

Oak Ridge Youth Association agreement

the mayor and mayor pro tem.

MANAGER’S REPORT

 5  0 to approve the town’s

Board appointments

 5  0 to reappoint Nancy Stoudemire to the Planning and Zoning Board and the Board of Adjustment. The council also approved two appointments to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: Mike Kimel as a full member and Chelsea Young as an alternate.

Totally local since 1996

annual usage agreement with Oak Ridge Youth Association (ORYA). The association is the largest user of the fields at Town Park. The town will provide ORYA $30,000 of in-kind support, such as usage of fields and application of field

... continued on p. 16

DEC. 16, 2021 - JAN. 5, 2022

OAK RIDGE TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 15 paint, according to a draft of the agreement. The subsidy will be split in half, with $15,000 available Jan. 1 for the spring season and $15,000 available July 1 for fall sports. The agreement adds girls’ field hockey to sports that can be played on town fields, Town Manager Bill Bruce said. The agreement clarifies the requirement that ORYA assign a field marshal to monitor activities during games and lock bathroom doors at Town Park. “I’m happy to see the relationship continue in such a positive way,” Pittman said.

Meeting, holiday schedule for 2022

 5  0 to approve next year’s

meeting and holiday schedule for Oak Ridge. The town will observe nine holidays.

Road improvements. Bruce updated the council on plans by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to construct two roundabouts and improve the N.C. 68/150 intersection. The agency plans to contact property owners in the highway corridor to negotiate right of ways and easements, he said. NCDOT is incorporating Oak Ridge’s

sh We Wi

requests in its engineering plans, which are nearing completion, Bruce said. The town asked for decorative stamped concrete in sidewalks within the historic district and enough land for tree plantings and other landscaping, he said. The council has earmarked $400,000 in the town’s capital improvement plan for its share of the road improvement costs, according to Bruce. If plans remain on track, improvements will probably start in the fall of 2022 and last for two years, Bruce said. “For two years, it’s going to be a pain in the neck,” said Kinneman, explaining he wants residents to understand that traffic patterns are going to be disrupted during construction. The project “is a big deal for Oak Ridge” in terms of improving traffic flow and the appearance of intersections, Schneider said.

Heritage Farm Park update. In coming weeks, the town plans to advertise for bids for a general contractor to construct Heritage Farm Park, Bruce said. Sam Anders, the town’s finance officer, plans to finalize loan terms for the project with Truist Financial by mid-January. Oak Ridge expects to receive state approval for financing of the project March 1, allowing construction to begin in the spring, Bruce said.

ou tmas! s i r h rry C e a

PUBLIC COMMENTS  Kristen Law, vice president of communications for Northwest Guilford High School’s Parent, Teacher, Student Organization (PTSO), said the organization is kicking off a project to refurbish the 24 mobile classrooms at the high school. It is seeking contributions of money and materials from builders, Realtors, business owners and individuals. The Mobile Makeover project is aimed at improving the units, which Law described as “permanent” fixtures even though they were intended as temporary classrooms to relieve overcrowding, Law said. The PTSO is seeking businesses and individuals to adopt the units. In exchange, they will be recognized in several ways, including the placement of plaques at the high school, Law said. An informational meeting is planned in the high school’s cafeteria at 10 a.m. Jan. 22. Later in the meeting, Schneider said the mobile units were in “horrific shape” when her children attended classes in them several years ago. She praised the PTSO’s initiative, adding that “it doesn’t seem as though the state and county bureaucracies are capable of moving forward constructively on this.”

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Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The committee reported it is moving ahead with plans to place signs along the trail northwest of the town. Special Events Committee. Chair Patti Dmuchowksi reported the committee has raised more than $49,000 toward its $150,000 goal for the veterans’ memorial planned for Heritage Farm Park. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Co-chair John Browning said the board has approved a request by Piedmont Forest School to provide outdoor programs next year at Town Park. The outdoor activities are aimed at homeschooled children. Later in the meeting, Kinneman praised Piedmont Forest School for its program that encourages children to play without toys. Instead, they play with sticks, get dirty and build forts, he said.

 Patti Dmuchowski, chair of the town’s Special Events Committee, suggested the council consider extending electrical service in Town Park to accommodate the growing number of holiday luminaries.

Oak Ridge Youth Association. The board reported more than 150 volunteers participated in fall sports programs. A turkey trot 5K on Nov. 27 raised thousands of dollars as well as donations of canned food for local charities.

 Carol Kinneman said she works in a medical clinic in Greensboro. When she mentions to patients she lives in Oak Ridge, they “overwhelmingly” say they love participating in sports tournaments in Town Park. She said mothers mention they appreciate that the bathrooms are clean.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

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Planning and Zoning Board. The board reported it conditionally approved a site plan for improvements by Happytail Puppies on Old Oak Ridge Road. The conditions require that handicapped parking be moved closer to the main entrance and that the board and Planning Director Sean Taylor must approve the materials and style of fencing.

Historic Preservation Commission. Chair Debbie Shoenfeld said the commission continues to gather photographs and profiles of historic properties in Oak Ridge for a tabletop book.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

 Pittman said she was “blessed by spending time” with Oak Ridge Military Academy cadets who collected cash and toys at Oak Ridge Commons for needy families.  Nodine, McClellan and Schneider said they appreciated the level of volunteerism in Oak Ridge.  “See you next year,” Kinneman said, echoing other council members who wished residents happy holidays. With no further council comments, the meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m.

Adobe Stock photo

American workers have been quitting their jobs in record numbers in a pandemic trend known as the “Great Resignation.’’ The number of quits by employees totaled 4.2 million in October, down from a record 4.4 million a month earlier, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Everybody is short; it doesn’t matter what business you’re in,’’ said Steve Rodermond, owner of Rody’s Tavern in northwest Greensboro. “You can talk to everybody who comes here and they’ll tell you they don’t have enough workers.’’

20 Labor pains for local business owners News 19 Business Family business takes homemade frozen treats from trailer to food truck to storefront

new direction 26 AFrom teaching to running a business

Estate Q&A 19 Real Reader questions construction of road

and clearing of land on Brookbank Road

Estate News 30 Real Multi-family, single-family development proposed for Lewiston Road property

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Albrecht, who started the business in March of 2017 with just a tow-behind freezer and a will to succeed. “I have always wanted to have a storefront but was determined to do it debt-free. So, we started small and worked hard to make it grow.” And grow it she has.

BUSINESS NEWS/BRIEFS

To the Moon and Back opens in Oak Ridge Family business takes homemade frozen treats from trailer to food truck to storefront

Albrecht started in 2017 with a single freezer on a small landscape trailer, serving up Italian ices at Stokesdale soccer games and private events for churches and other community organizations and later, to large local businesses and corporate offices. Sales exploded during the pandemic as businesses were looking for simple ways to keep morale high.

The newest addition to the Village of Oak Ridge off N.C. 68 is a small, unassuming shop that delivers big on flavor. To the Moon and Back opened Dec. 2, offering a mouth-watering collection of homemade ice creams, Italian ice, and nondairy frozen treats to the Oak Ridge community. The shop offers popular ice cream flavors like cookies & cream, butter toffee, and raspberry chocolate chip mixed with limited-time and seasonal offerings like peppermint pretzel, pumpkin spice latte and cinnamon apple crisp. Nondairy selections are also available along with several Italian ice favorites.

In response to the demand, Albrecht

added a cargo van with two larger freezers to her icy empire in 2020, which enabled her to service two locations at a time. That’s when the retail location presented itself. “With cash flow from sales growth, I was ready to take advantage of the opportunity,” Albrecht said. “The storefront at the Villages was the right place at the right time to pull it all together.” While the two mobile units remain available for local events, Albrecht is using the winter months to focus on getting the retail location off to a great start. She plans to hold a grand opening celebration in early 2022. Learn more about To the Moon and Back at www.moonandbackfrozen.biz.

REAL ESTATE Q&A Photo courtesy of To the Moon and Back

Cheryl Albrecht opened her frozen treats shop in The Village at the corner of N.C. 150 and 68 on Dec. 2. “This is the culmination of more than four years of work,” said Cheryl

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...continued on p. 30

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Labor pains Struggling to ﬁnd workers, business owners perform essential work – from cooking to spraying for bugs – while stepping up recruitment efforts. ‘We’ve made the best of a bad situation,’ one employer said by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD/GREENSBORO – In the next few days, homebuilder Don Mills is going to learn whether he needs to resume doing a job he hasn’t done for 25 years – pouring concrete footings for the foundations of new houses his company is building. Steve Rodermond, owner of Rody’s Tavern, has always loved interacting with customers in his northwestern Greensboro sports restaurant. But these days he’s spending more time in the kitchen due to a shortage of cooks. Billy Tesh, 62, had hoped to be easing toward retirement as owner and president of Pest Management Systems Inc. But a few weeks ago, when several

of his technicians contracted COVID-19, Tesh and his managers stepped in and made house calls to spray for bugs. Twenty-one months after the coronavirus pandemic disrupted the labor market and created a worker shortage, business owners across northwestern Guilford County and Greensboro are plugging the labor gap. If they ever complained about doing essential work once performed by employees, many have stopped. With the labor crunch showing little sign of easing, owners understand that rewinding their careers is probably a new reality. “I wanted to work less, but because of COVID, I’ve been working harder,” Tesh, of Summerfield, said in an interview last week. “My managers and I were out crawling underneath houses and doing whatever it took. A lot of companies have done that. They’ve not had any choices.” American workers are quitting their jobs in record numbers in a pandemic trend known as the “Great Resignation.” The number of quits by employees totaled 4.2 million in October, down from a record 4.4 million a month earlier, according to the U.S.

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

From left, students Trey Metz and Darniesha Thompson learn the ABCs of driving tractor-trailer trucks from Emmet Ramsay and Aaron Pass, instructors at BEST Driving Academy in Kernersville. BEST Logistics started the academy as part of its efforts to recruit new drivers. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “The COVID pandemic has caused many to rethink their work and career expectations,” a Harvard Business Review (HBR) article in September said. A Harvard study found that during the pandemic the resignation rate was highest among mid-career employees. It’s possible the uncertainty of COVID-19 caused these workers to cling

to their jobs until recent months when they transitioned to new opportunities, leading to a surge of pent-up resignations, according to Harvard. “Many of these workers may have simply reached a breaking point after months and months of high workloads, hiring freezes and other pressures, causing them to rethink their work and life goals,” the HBR article said.

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DEC. 16, 2021 - JAN. 5, 2022

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Some employers point to another cause of labor shortages: an increase of federal unemployment benefits during the pandemic. A government program known as Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation paid $300 weekly on top of state and federal benefits. When the program ended in early September, some business owners hoped it would spark an increase in applications. Rodermond and Tesh said they’ve seen little, if any, uptick in applications. “People have gotten used to being at home, I guess,” said Rodermond, who earlier this year closed Rody’s Tavern on Mondays and Tuesdays due to a lack of workers. By giving his staff of about 40 those two days off, he said he’s able to staff the restaurant fully the other five days of the week. “We are stretched as thin as we can be stretched,” said Rodermond, who typically works 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on days the restaurant is open. “We come in and we’re just going as hard as we

can. We are doing a good job.” Reopening on Mondays and Tuesday would require Rodermond to hire another six to seven cooks and 10 to 15 servers. He said he’s increased pay for some kitchen jobs by about $4 an hour, with little effect on increasing the number of new job applications.

“Everybody is short; it doesn’t matter what business you’re in,” he said, taking a break from working in the kitchen of his restaurant. “You can talk to everybody who comes here and they’ll tell you they don’t have enough workers.” Pest Management is offering recruitment incentives to employees – a $500 bonus for recommending new hires who stay with the company for at least 90 days.

“We still have challenges hiring good people,” said Tesh, frustrated by prospects who apply for jobs but don’t show up for interviews. He estimated that his company is paying roughly 10% more “for really good people if we can find them.” Pest Management wants to hire another two or three technicians and one or two office employees, Tesh said. He noted the pandemic has given him greater appreciation of his employees, prodding him to change his longtime opposition to staff working from home. “We are having to adjust for COVID issues,” Tesh said, explaining an employee who typically works in the office recently worked from home due to an outbreak of the virus in her child’s daycare center. “We’ve adjusted to accommodate for family needs. We want to keep them as stress-free as we can under the circumstances. We’ve made the best of a bad situation.” For homebuilders in northwestern Guilford County, high demand for new

houses is exacerbating the shortage of labor among carpenters, plumbers and other subcontractors. “If my footings guy doesn’t come through, I’m prepared to dig my own footings,” said Mills, owner of Don Mills Builders with his wife, Annette. “Everybody is just so backed up,” he said. “Nobody’s got help. The government has given too much free money away. People won’t come back to work.” Tradesmen are in such high demand that they can pick and choose jobs, according to Ray Bullins, who owns Ray Bullins Construction Co. with his wife, Lisa. Their son, Mitch, is the company’s project coordinator. “There is so much work going on right now,” Bullins said, that subcontractors are poaching workers from job sites, offering them more money to come and work on their houses. The competition has hiked wages to as

...continued on p. 22

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much as $18 an hour for hauling lumber and cleaning floors of houses under construction, he said. Stokesdale resident Jim Rigsbee is helping his new employer, BEST Logistics Group, attract drivers as director of the Kernersvillebased transportation company’s new driving school. The creation of BEST Driving Academy is an extension of the company’s recruitment of workers through job fairs and marketing on social and electronic media, according to Rigsbee. The onset of COVID-19 Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO worsened “the labor shortTo overcome stafﬁng shortages, Darold DuMond age (that) has been evolving shares duties – from tending bar to washing dishes – during the last decade due with co-owners Drew Lacklen and Brad Hendrix at Ridge Shrimp & Oyster Bar. to aging workforce retiring and younger generations not backfilling the jobs,” he noted, adding and Mondays. It’s doing well the other that on top of that situation, an increase nights of the week “because we’re in online shopping during the pandemic three owners who are willing to work,” has boosted demand for trucking. DuMond said. In Oak Ridge, longtime restauraThe pandemic has reinforced with teurs Drew Lacklen, Brad Hendrix and Lacklen a basic principle that he shares Darold DuMond have overcome staffwith people who say they want to start a ing shortages at Ridge Shrimp & Oyster restaurant. Bar by sharing duties – cooking, washing dishes and greeting customers when “If you don’t know how they come into the restaurant. to do everything, you should Among their hiring woes, a dishwasher recently quit after a month on go out and learn to do everythe job, according to DuMond. Dependthing,” he said. “If you can’t ing upon the night, the restaurant cook and your chef walks out, employs two or three servers. Due to the lack of kitchen help, you’re sunk.” the restaurant is closed on Sundays

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A new

irection

From teaching to running a business

Not surprisingly, after graduation Cockman began his career teaching history and coaching football at Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem. Over the next 10 years, he also taught in Nashville, Tennessee, and then at Northeast Guilford High School. While Cockman said he thoroughly enjoyed working with the kids, the demands of teaching and coaching were very time-consuming, especially after he his wife, Courtney, started their family; the couple now has three children, Mac, 7, Brek, 5, and Callan, 2. As their family and demands on their time and energy expanded, the couple knew they had to make some changes. An emergency room physician, Courtney worked a crazy schedule, and Cockman was spending extended hours after school with the football team. Plus, there was the expense of daycare.

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

After 10 years of teaching history at the high school level, Josh Cockman opened Village Beverage Co., a craft beer and wine shop and bar in Summerﬁeld, last fall.

by ANNETTE JOYCE When Josh Cockman entered Appalachian State University, his immediate future was already mapped

out. Having excelled in history during high school, he planned to major in that subject in college while also playing football for the ASU Mountaineers.

DEC. 16, 2021 - JAN. 5, 2022

“Basically, my paycheck was going to pay for daycare,” he said. In 2015, Cockman, now 39, left his teaching career to stay at home and care for their kids. During that time, he also taught preschool music lessons and thought about what his next steps

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

would be once the kids started school. One of the most important things for him was doing something he loved. In the back of his mind, he had always wanted to run a pub. He enjoyed tasting different craft beers and wines and even spent some time doing home brewing.

“I brewed beer for personal consumption and friend consumption,” he said. It wasn’t just the production and the taste of the beers that Cockman found fascinating, but also that each beer comes with its own history. Being able to incorporate his love of history into his home brewing was doubly satisfying. As his ideas began to take shape, the Summerfield resident started looking for confirmation that a bottle shop and bar would be a good fit for the community. One of those confirmations came when he went to the grocery store and saw about 30 people sitting around in the Beer Den drinking and talking. “There seemed to be a pentup demand,” he said. “If you lived up this way (on the western side of

Summerfield), there just weren’t any places to go.”

to do so indoors because of pandemic restrictions.

Cockman began envisioning a place that was laid-back, community-oriented, and one where parents could feel comfortable bringing their kids and even their dogs. He wanted a place where people looked forward to spending time with friends and neighbors while trying out different beverages.

After being open for little more than a year, Village Beverage Co. is going strong and Cockman couldn’t be happier with his decision to leave his previous career and step out on his own.

He sought out owners of similar businesses to get their input, and later got some of them to invest and become partners. “I was able to assemble a good team of people who have given me advice and taught me the things I didn’t know,” he said. Village Beverage Co. opened in October 2020 at the height of the pandemic. Fortunately, the business has an inviting outdoor patio area which attracted customers who wanted to socialize but weren’t able

“I value the autonomy that I have. Because I run my own business, I can make all the decisions,” he said. “I like being able to meet all the great people in the community. I have dozens, if not hundreds, of interactions on a daily basis.” Cockman works hard to make his business unique and inviting. Village Beverage Co. offers around 150 labels with wide-ranging tastes, along with dedicated crew members who, like Cockman, are well educated about the various brews and enjoy talking about them with the shop’s patrons. Besides the beverages, the establishment hosts a variety of events. Saturdays are live music nights and on

Tuesdays lively games of trivia attract a good number of people. There are also craft nights twice a month where people spend time together doing such things as painting wine glasses and pouring candles.

With that said, he’s not blind to the fact that not every day will be rosy, and he has to be very intentional about maintaining a healthy work/life balance.

Cockman feels fortunate at his business success so far, and is quite willing to share advice with others who might be looking to venture away from their current job and try something different.

“It seems you’re always at work, even when you’re not” he said. “It’s hard to turn it oﬀ sometimes.”

“You have to be genuine with yourself and figure out something that you want to do seven days a week,” he said. “Something that makes you happy all the time.”

Even with all the challenges, when asked if he felt he made the right decision in leaving his teaching career, Cockman said, “That would be a large yes!”

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If you have a friend or loved one who you believe would benefit from hearing aids, but have been unable to pursue them due to financial constraints, please nominate them to win. We look forward to reading your stories and helping your loved one hear in the new year!

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(336) 295-1867 529 College Road Suite B Greensboro NC 27410

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

DEC. 16, 2021 - JAN. 5, 2022

Kids’ Korner

Christmas around the world Match each country with its Christmas tradition. 1. In this country, many people hang a star-shaped lantern made of bamboo and paper as part of their decorations. It is a reminder of the star of Bethlehem.

Find the

TWO identical Christmas trees

South Africa

2. In this country, children put their shoes on the window sill on Christmas Eve for Santa Claus to fill with goodies.

Australia

3. In this country, many people gather on the beaches in the weeks leading up to Christmas for picnics and sing Christmas carols together.

Philippines

4. The nativity scene display with a crib filled with hay originated in this country. 5. Here, it is tradition for people to have a ‘braai’, or barbecue, on Christmas Day. 6. This country is known for its floating Christmas tree, which is 278 feet tall and has over 3 million lights.

Brazil

Iceland

Italy

Answers: 1. Phillippines, 2. Iceland, 3. Australia, 4. Italy, 5. South Africa, 6. Brazil

Thank you to Nicole Gillespie for sponsoring this week’s Kids’ Korner

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you all for another wonderful year in real estate

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REAL ESTATE Q&A

...continued from p. 19

Courtesy photo

This gravel entrance on Brookbank Road in Summerﬁeld was recently created to provide easy access for trucks and equipment cleaning up blown-down trees on property owned by Summerﬁeld resident and developer David Couch.

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The new gravel entrance on Brookbank Road is across from the Armfield subdivision on Wyatt Drive and south of the Henson Farms subdivision. The new entry provides the safest access for trucks and equipment doing the work, Couch said in a text last week. Couch, CEO of Blue Ridge Cos., has proposed the residential and commercial development of Summerfield Farms and several other parcels totaling about 1,000 acres from Summerfield Road to Interstate 73. The area where workers

cut down trees is part of property he wants to develop. Couch paused his development plans in August, however, citing “divisiveness in the community.” He told the Summerfield Planning Board he was withdrawing his application for a text amendment to the town’s development regulations allowing for higher density residential development than currently allowed by zoning rules. He said he plans to return with another proposal for the development of his property.

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DEC. 16, 2021 - JAN. 5, 2022

The Northwest Observer

NW GREENSBORO – The owners of nearly 33 acres abutting Lewiston Road and Caldwell Academy on Horse Pen Creek Road are seeking a rezoning that would allow construction of a mix of multi-family housing such as apartments and single-family houses. The Greensboro Zoning Commission has scheduled a public hearing next Monday, Dec. 20, to gather residents’ feedback on the rezoning request for CD-RM-5 (conditional district – residential multi-family – •density Totally 1996 of local 5 unitssince per acre or less).

The land is across Lewiston Road from the Bridleton Ridge subdivision, which has begun its second phase of construction. The property is divided into three parcels, with one currently zoned for office development and the other two on Straw Hat Road and Horse Pen Creek Road zoned for residential development, according to property reports. A portion of the property is located in the airport overlay district, limiting residential development to 40,000-square-foot, singlefamily lots.

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Northwest Observer Gift Guide

DEC. 16, 2021 - JAN. 5, 2022

Holiday Store brought to you by Moravia Moravian Church Open now through Christmas Eve

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Northwest Observer Gift Guide

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Youth

welcome to ... Sync A regular section in the Northwest Observer focused on our local youth and the adults who positively impact them.

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Older than her years At 18, Oak Ridge songwriter Sydney Rose Wray is pursuing her two passions: performing music and studying to become a youth therapist by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – Sydney Rose Wray first performed at Oak Ridge’s Craft and Vine when she was 15 years old. Fellow musician Devin Noyes couldn’t believe the richness and range of her voice.

“I thought, ‘holy smoke!’” Noyes said. “Her vocals were just incredible for her age. She was just a kid.” Three years later, Wray is writing songs she describes as “country and folk” and performing them across North Carolina, including an appearance at the State Fair in Raleigh in October.

Photos courtesy of Sydney Rose Wray

(Left) Oak Ridge songwriter Sydney Rose Wray, 18, performed at the North Carolina State Fair in October, a highlight of her career that started at age 9 when she got a karaoke machine. In photo on oppostite page, Wray poses with her Aussieboxer mix, Bunny, which she got to help her deal with the breakup of her longtime boyfriend earlier this year.

But music is just one of Wray’s passions. The other is getting her college education to become a therapist to help children and teens. As much as the Oak Ridge resident loves music, she realizes she’s probably not going to be among the small fraction of performers who make it big on shows such as “American Idol” and “America’s Got Talent.” For financial security, she’s looking toward a career in therapy. “I hope to do both for the rest of my life,” Wray said in a recent interview. In some ways, Wray is older than her years, and homeschooling helped to put her ahead academically. While many 18-year-olds are typically graduating from high school, Wray plans to graduate from UNC-Pembroke next year with bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and sociology. Then she intends to earn a master’s degree in social work, enabling her to become a therapist. Most of Wray’s education has occurred online, even before the onset of COVID-19 in early 2020 forced students to study from home.

DEC. 16, 2021 - JAN. 5, 2022

“I like the freedom that online school gives me,” Wray said. “It opens up the whole day for me to do what I want.”

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Her musical pursuits started at age 9, when her parents, Bert and Anja Wray, gave her a karaoke machine. She participated in community theaters in High Point and Oak Ridge and landed leading roles in musicals such as “Peter Pan” and “Alice in Wonderland.” During that time, Wray also performed for pay. She and a friend started a business, Once Upon A Fairy Tale Party, and dressed up as Disney princesses for the birthday parties

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COVID-19 pandemic. She then joined Noyes in creating another band, Bordering Red, which performed until Noyes recently moved to Vermont.

At her mother’s insistence, Wray said she learned to play the guitar because “she wanted me to be able to back myself up.”

Wray’s voice was so mature that Noyes, who is 32, said he sometimes forgot she was still a teenager performing with older musicians. The experience helps explain Wray’s pursuit of her college education and career at a younger age than many of her peers.

Posted on YouTube and other online platforms, some of Wray’s songs deal with difficulties in her life. After ending a long relationship with her boyfriend earlier this year, she wrote a song titled “Run.” She also got an Aussieboxer mix she named Bunny to help her deal with the breakup. In her therapy, Wray hopes to help young people going through challenges such as hers. “You can provide the most help to people when they are children,” she said. “Once they’re past 18, it’s hard to change their behavior. But if you can help them earlier, that can change their lives.”

Performing music “is not all fun and games,” Noyes noted. “It’s a hard lifestyle if it’s your only income, playing four or five nights a week to make enough money just to pay the bills.” Last month, Wray started working 20 hours a week for Cross River

It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up. – Babe Ruth

Three years ago, Wray was performing her own songs at Craft and Vine, a beer and wine bar in Oak Ridge Commons, when she met Noyes and other members of the classic rock band Badd Madison. Wray played during set breaks for Badd Madison until the band disbanded in 2020, partly due to the

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Therapy helping autistic children with practical living and behavioral skills. Not only does she want to bolster her career résumé, but she also wants to start generating steady income. Wray’s plans bypass the typical experiences of some 18-year-olds who move away from home for the first time to attend college. She lives at home with her parents and a younger brother and sister.

“I’m ready to move out, but I don’t want to live in a dorm,” she said. “I want to buy my own house.’’

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO OUR VIKINGS FAMILIES! ORYA.ORG DEC. 16, 2021 - JAN. 5, 2022

Stokesdale Christ

r a P s ma

e d a

View more photos from this event at

facebook.com/ NorthwestObserver

Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO

e d

/NWO

“It turned out to be a great day and we were extremely fortunate the weather held off,” said Stokesdale Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy, a member of the town’s Events Committee. “The Christmas parade is an important town tradition and to have it return as strong as it did from last year’s unwelcome COVID hiatus is a testament to the community. “Thanks to everyone who came out to watch,” Foy continued, “and to the great variety of participants, from performing arts groups, Shriners, teachers, cheerleaders, churches, elected officials, civic organizations, Scouts, Parks & Rec representatives, local businesses, antique cars, hot rods, tractors, and of course, Santa! Congratulations to the Friends of Stokesdale for winning ‘Best Float in the Parade’ with their train engine replica to honor the town’s history with the railroad. Big thanks to Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson for visiting Stokesdale and participating as our parade’s grand marshal. Lastly, a huge thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors. This parade doesn’t occur without all the folks who contribute and organize it every year.”

mark your

calendar

NOW THROUGH DEC. 24

 Holiday stores | Summerfield Peace United

Methodist Church is hosting a Dewey’s Bakery holiday store Tuesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Tire Max, 4420 U.S. 220 N in Summerfield. Moravia Moravian Church in Oak Ridge is also hosting a holiday store Monday to Thursday, 12 to 6 p.m., and Friday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., in the Oak Ridge Room, next to Bistro 150 in Oak Ridge Commons. Morehead United Methodist Church at 3214 Horse Pen Creek Road in northwest Greensboro is hosting a holiday store Monday to

Carlotta Lytton

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Elvis’ In-Home Massage

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Curbside pick-up is available if you shop at deweysbakerypartner.com. Proceeds the churches receive from the sale of Dewey’s items will go to mission and other programs.

scene along with the accompanying music. The church will be accepting food and/or monetary donations for Good Samaritan Ministries of Stokesdale. More info: (336) 643-3111.

SATURDAY, DEC. 18

 Drive-through Nativity scene | Bethel United

 Food pantry | Good Samaritan Ministries’ food

pantry in Stokesdale will open for those in need of food on Dec. 18, 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Stokesdale Business Center, 8500 Ellisboro Road. To make a financial donation or request emergency assistance, contact Terri Johnson, (336) 643-5887 or terrij1957@yahoo.com.

SUNDAY, DEC. 19  Live Nativity scene | Stokesdale Christian Church at 8607 Stokesdale Street invites the community to a live nativity scene Dec. 19, 5 to 7 p.m. Attendees can either drive through or park and enjoy the

Methodist Church at 8424 Haw River Road in Oak Ridge invites the community to a drive-through-only “Life of Jesus” nativity event with stops explaining “the road to salvation” on Dec. 19, 5 to 7 p.m. More info: (336) 508-1172.

THURSDAY, JAN. 6  Town Council meeting | Oak Ridge Town Council will meet Jan. 6, starting at 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. The meeting will be livestreamed on the town’s YouTube channel and a link will be subsequently posted on the town’s Facebook page. Visit www.oakridgenc.com for a meeting agenda. More info: (336) 644-7009.

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CRIME / INCIDENT report

District 1 Sheriff’s Ofﬁce

has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest/northern Guilford County ... ASSAULT

THEFT

Nov. 29 | Law enforcement officers responded to a report of an assault in the 8000 block of Bartonshire Drive in Oak Ridge (off N.C. 68 N).

Nov. 29 | Officers responded to a theft in a parking lot in the 8400 block of Norcross Road in Colfax in which an unknown suspect stole an orange/black generator worth $3,000.

DEATH INVESTIGATION Dec. 3 | Officers responded to a report that an elderly resident in the 7900 block of Grey Fox Road in Oak Ridge (off Oak Ridge Road) had passed away.

FOUND PROPERTY Nov. 29 | Officers discovered a silver Smith & Wesson firearm, 16 bullets and a black holster in the 8300 block of U.S. 158/Shilling Street in Stokesdale.

FRAUD Nov. 30 | A resident in the 6900 block of Bethesda Court in Summerfield (near I-73 N) reported being victim of an internet fraud incident. Nov. 30 | Tractor Supply Company in Oak Ridge reported a fraud incident. Nov. 30 | A resident of the 7500 block of Summerfield Road in Summerfield reported an unknown suspect applied for unemployment benefits using her personal information. Dec. 2 | A resident of the 7400 block of Laurel Hill Lane in Oak Ridge (off E. Harrell Road) reported an unknown suspect used her personal information fraudulently.

INJURED ANIMAL Dec. 3 | Officers responded to a report of an injured deer in the 6200 block of Moores Creek Drive in Summerfield (near Bunch Road). Dec. 6 | Officers responded to a report of an injured deer in the 1700 block of N.C. 68 N/Meadows Drive in Oak Ridge.

Nov. 29 | Officers responded to a theft in a construction site in the 6000 block of Reynolda Trace in northwest Greensboro (off Plainfield Road) in which an unknown suspect stole a white Leonard trailer and heating and cooling materials between Nov. 28 and Nov. 29. Nov. 30 | A resident of the 3400 block of Oak Ridge Road in Summerfield reported an unknown suspect forced entry into his residence between Nov. 26 and Nov. 30 and stole a red Coca-Cola cooler, 30 collector bottles, six glass 2-liter bottles and a dictaphone.

Sheriff’s ofﬁce charges suspect in larceny, shoplifting incidents Earlier this month, Guilford County Sheriff’s Office asked for the community’s help in apprehending a suspect who committed larceny on the afternoon of Nov. 28 at Village Pizza in Stokesdale, and shoplifted items from Clouds Tobacco in Oak Ridge Marketplace about two hours later. The suspect (shown in photo at right, taken from video footage), has since been identified as Prince Alexander George of Grove Drive in Stokesdale and now has outstanding warrants for arrest for Felony B&E, Felony Larceny and Misdemeanor Larceny (two counts). Editor’s note: According to N.C. General Statute 14-72.1, shoplifting is defined as willfully concealing the goods or merchandise of a retail establishment, “not theretofore purchased by such person, while still upon the premises of such store.” Shoplifting is considered a Class 3 misdemeanor (the lowest level of criminal charge a person can receive) if it is a first offense.

Image from video footage courtesy of GC Sheriff’s Ofﬁce Generally, once a person has left the business premises with the stolen goods, they can be charged with larceny. Larceny can also be committed against an individual and at a location other than a business.

Dec. 1 | A resident of the 2500 block of Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge reported an unknown suspect stole his orange/black Husqvarna chainsaw and his gray CRAFTSMAN chainsaw, worth $675 altogether. Dec. 2 | Officers responded to a vehicle theft in the 3200 block of Minglewood Trail in Summerfield (near Oak Ridge Road).

TRESPASSING Dec. 2 | A 32-year-old female was arrested at 12:38 a.m. in the 7600 block of N.C. 68 N in Stokesdale for second-degree trespassing.

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Dec. 2 | A resident of the 6400 block of Lake Brandt Road in Summerfield reported an unknown suspect damaged one of her window screens.

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DEC. 16, 2021 - JAN. 5, 2022

GRINS and GRIPES

Delighted or dismayed by something in your community? Share your thoughts in

words or less

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

 The man at Parkers Restaurant in Stokesdale who picked up the tab for everyone who was eating there when he left. It really blessed us!  All the volunteers who made Oak Ridge’s Light Up the Night event a great success, and special thanks to the Special Events Committee and

Caroline Ruch for organizing the event.  Everyone who so quickly responded to the Northwest Observer’s Facebook post about Good Samaritan Ministries’ Angel Tree program so that needy children in our community could have their Christmas wish lists filled. You touched our hearts with your spirit of generosity.  Oak Ridge for another wonderful “Light Up the Night,” and a big thank you to Summit Church for the

Over 250 children in Guilford County will go to court alone Become a Guardian Ad Litem and advocate for an abused or neglected child

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beautiful lighted balls on the big tree in front of the church on N.C. 68! We enjoyed both.  M&M Tire & Automotive, a small, local business that has impressed me with unfailing honesty, reasonable prices, timely work, absolute trustworthiness, and an upbeat, friendly attitude as well. I’m lucky to have discovered this business.  Central Baptist Church of Oak Ridge for their amazing support of the Northwest High School Vikings football team this season. The feeling of community support and care is awesome!  Summerfield Town Council members who spoke out against going forward with the new town hall construction “right now” with the high lumber/ material prices. Keep up the great work, Tim Sessoms!  Stokesdale Events Committee and everyone who participated in and made this year’s parade possible – we were so glad to have the parade back

this year, bigger and better than ever!  Our neighbors on Chartwell Drive for their beautiful Christmas lights! They are so warm and welcoming to our neighborhood. Thank you for contributing to the blessings of Christmas.  Maureena Shepherd for “serving hearts” this holiday season! Thank you for loving the children of Oak Ridge Elementary. The happiness of the season will be reflected in the faces of sweet children on Christmas morning! You are serving hearts!  Those who have added ornaments to the little pine tree on the A&Y Greenway - makes me smile when I pass by it!

 The local roofing company whose estimate to install my new roof was $15,000 higher than the other four estimates I got. I usually prefer to deal with local businesses, but sure am

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glad I got multiple estimates.  Northwest Observer for publishing a gripe with blatant vaccine misinformation. This hurts people even if it is presented as an opinion. I thought your publication was better than that.

Buyers beware in Greensboro, High Point, Oak Ridge and Summerfield. Snakes are everywhere.

 Bojangles’ in Oak Ridge for running out of chicken, and for ridiculously long wait times.

 Those whining about gasoline prices while having a large gas-guzzling SUV in the garage, or a huge and noisy never-park-next-to-it pickup truck in the driveway. Irresponsible behavior has consequences.

 National franchises acting like they are genuine, local businesses.

 The NWO for using a headline of “Outside the Lines” to justify printing

gems in

ignorant and divisive comments from crazy people. Community gripes can be insightful, and often interesting, but printing big-picture rants from loons doesn’t benefit anyone.  The kids throwing candy back at the people participating in the Stokesdale parade, hitting my 7-year-old in the head. Where were your parents? This was an embarrassment to our community!

 Liberal educators who want to remove the three Rs from the secondary school curriculum as a requirement to graduate, all in the name of fairness to minorities. Good luck getting a job if you cannot read or write proficiently.  The ABC store in Oak Ridge. Why is your store so consistently poorly stocked while the nearby Greensboro stores are fully stocked, especially at the holiday time?

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DEC. 16, 2021 - JAN. 5, 2022

STOKESDALE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING ...continued from p. 13

council member Bill Jones for their years of service to the town.

he contributed while on the council, before commenting on Bill Jones.

Before departing, Hooks thanked Town Attorney Tom Medlin for being “there when we need him” and offering excellent legal advice to the council.

“Bill has also had a career in public service and is very knowledgeable for the town,” Foy said. “And he’s got that gruff surface, but is one of the kindest guys I’ve ever met. The Town of Stokesdale is lucky to have all these guys in their service.”

Councilman Foy then added his words of appreciation for Hooks, Flynt and Bill Jones. “John (Flynt) is great with the water system and very knowledgeable,” Foy said. “I remember him saying how important it was to see the water system in the black. That was one of John’s big goals, and he said, ‘Before I leave here, we want to get this thing in the black.’ And sure enough, it is operating in the black this year – so John, congratulations.” Foy then credited Hooks for the “ton of governmental experience”

Following Foy’s comments, he was elected by his fellow council members as mayor pro tem and took the oath of office for that role.

 5  0 to continue discussion about replacing two HVAC units in Town Hall until the January meeting so the new council members can review the cost estimates.  5  0 to adopt a resolution approving the 2020 local water supply plan, which was submitted to the state in early 2021 but required revisions.

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www.nwobserver.com /NorthwestObserver 42

DEC. 16, 2021 - JAN. 5, 2022

 5  0 to continue the discus-

sion about health insurance benefits for full-time employees after Foy said Town Clerk Dale Martin had connected him with someone who might be able to provide better options than those he had been considering.

Delinquent water accounts policy. Continuing a discussion from the November council meeting, council members discussed a policy for cutting off a customer’s water because of a delinquent account balance. After Councilman Rigsbee suggested a three-month limit for delinquent accounts, Councilman Tim Jones suggested the matter be continued again to the January meeting.

likely be paying more in taxes,” he added. After pointing out that Stokesdale doesn’t charge a property tax and he would not support doing so, Councilman Jimmy Landreth said, “I do wish more people would come stand up like you did and say something (so the commissioners would be aware of those concerns). They need to hear that, because some people are scraping by…”

COUNCIL COMMENTS  Rigsbee thanked those who attended the meeting and said “participation in government is the backbone of our country.”

the delinquent water bill policy until January.

 Foy recognized the Northwest Guilford Vikings Marching Band, who performed at the 80th anniversary ceremony at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Dec. 7 in memory of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. “That’s a big deal,” he said. “What an accomplishment!”

 5  0 to appoint Steve Louie for

a 2-year term as a full voting member on the Planning Board.

 Landreth thanked the previous town council members for being conservative with the town’s money.

Some current Planning Board members’ terms will expire in January, and Mayor Crawford suggested they be asked to continue in their positions until replacements can be found.

“I don’t know of another town that is as fiscally conservative as we are,” he said. “I hope we’ll have the good common sense to continue that… if they hadn’t done the work in the last 30 years we wouldn’t be in this position.”

“It’s Christmas and even Timmy doesn’t want to cut off someone’s water bill at Christmas,” he said.

 5  0 to continue discussion on

CITIZEN COMMENTS  Mark Nadel, a member of the Planning Board, asked for assurance that there would be enough Planning Board members to conduct business at the January meeting and was assured there would be.  Bobbi Dalton expressed concern about county property tax increases next year, especially for those like herself who have limited incomes. Foy acknowledged her concern, and said the commissioners will decide whether they need to increase property taxes during their budget planning next spring.

“I do know that the county will be reassessing property next year, so if The Northwest Observer •your Totally localvalue since 1996 property goes up, you will

 Tim Jones thanked everyone who voted for him and said, “For those who didn’t, I hope to win over your confidence as well – or at least get to the point where we can agree that there are a few things we don’t agree about, but we still have the town’s best interest at heart.” He then asked everyone to remember the veterans killed at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, and wished everyone a merry Christmas.  And last, Mayor Crawford said he was honored to be serving as the town’s mayor. “It’s going to be good, and it’s going to get better,” he said. With no further business, the meeting ended at 8:41 p.m.

 AUTO SALES & SERVICE

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INDEX Auto Sales & Service ........ 43 Employment .................... 43 Homecare Needed .......... 44 Public Notice ................... 44 Home Services ...........44-46 Misc. Services .................. 46 Misc. For Sale .................. 46 Misc. Wanted .................. 46 Pets & Animal Services .... 46 Real Estate ...................... 46

KNIGHT IMPORT SPECIALTY SERVICE. European Auto Service & Repair. Specializing in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. BMW, Audi, Volvo, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Mini, and Porsche. 32 years experience. 4559 US Hwy. 220, Summerﬁeld (across from Food Lion). (336) 337-0669. SAM'S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 965-7955. CHOICE TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE. Oil changes, inspections, alignments and general automotive repairs. 1080 US Hwy 66 S, Kernersville, NC. (336) 992-9002.

 EMPLOYMENT OAK RIDGE PHYSICAL THERAPY front office. Work at a great place in the new year! Summerfield location at Lake Brandt Rd. & Hwy. 150. Full-time person to work reception, scheduling, co-pay collection & phones. Candidate must have excellent customer service & computer skills. Medical experience preferred. Hours 7:45am– 5:15pm. Background criminal, drug & fi nancial check will be done. Mail resume to PO Box 875, Oak Ridge, NC 27310. PART-TIME Morning or Afternoon NANNY needed for two children in Summerfield. Monday-Thursday with flexibility. Must have clean driving record and reliable transportation. Please send information to info@orchiro.com or call (336) 549-4115. STAFF/JOB positions open in childcare center. Call for info. (336) 643-5930.

HIRING? nwobserver.com

 EMPLOYMENT

Part-time RECEPTIONIST for accounting ﬁrm in Stokesdale; more hours during tax season and as needed throughout rest of year. Assisting customers with appointment setting, phone calls, gathering information. Please mail resume to Employment, PO Box 469, Stokesdale, NC 27357.

MR. APPLIANCE of Greensboro is now hiring appliance repair technicians. Must have great customer service skills. Experience preferred, but willing to train the right candidate. Paid vacations. Company vehicle. No nights or weekends required. $500 sign-on bonus. If interested, text or call Daniel at (252) 363-1510.

HOUSE CLEANER needed for very clean and organized couple in Stokesdale. We have no pets or children. Will use our supplies and equipment. $25 per hour for two hours minimum. Call Susan at (207) 730-3654. JERSEY MIKE'S SUBS. Come join our team. Now hiring for new location in Oak Ridge. As a team member, you will rotate across our fi ve positions: slicer, griller, sprinkler, wrapper and cash register associate. Excellent benefi ts and competitive pay. Send contact info to hpizza@triad.rr.com, or text/call (336) 430-5562, or you may pick up an application in the store. Apply now. CARDINAL MILLWORK & SUPPLY. Now hiring full-time warehouse help to assist in loading and unloading building materials. Also hiring full-time drivers. Hours are 7am-4pm for both positions. Email chris@cardinalmillwork.com, or apply at 7620 West Market St., Greensboro. (336) 665-9811. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT needed for a large church in Greensboro. Full-time, Monday-Friday. Administrative assistant needed to support one or more ministry areas by maintaining member data and reports, scheduling ministry events and creating promotional materials, generating mass emails and bulk mailings as well as general office duties. Candidate must be able to multi-task and have excellent organizational skills. Good interpersonal skills are a must and a Christian servant’s attitude is a plus. Proficiency is required in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher. Experience with Constant Contact is helpful. Please send resume and salary requirements to employment@lawndalebaptist.org.

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DRIVER NEEDED. Cargo van and box truck. Clean driving record. Dependable person with a valid NC driver’s license. Pickup and drop-oﬀ. Loading and unloading materials from truck. Must be able to stand for long periods of time. High school diploma, or equivalent, and 1 year experience desired. Prompt arrival every day, good work ethic and attitude. Paid holidays and vacation, medical insurance, 401K with employer matching funds. Contact Jennifer, (336) 855-2624.

Mail resume to PO Box 875, Oak Ridge, NC 27310. Follow us on Facebook for updates!

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continued on p. 44

DEC. 16,16, 2021 - JAN. 5, 5, 2022 DEC. 2021 - JAN. 2022

43 43

HOMECARE NEEDED

HOME SERVICES

We are looking for a LOVING CNA to help out with a family member in Summerfield who has dementia. Only needed a few hours per week. For more information please call (336) 202-2420.

THE CLEANING TECHNICIAN LLC. Back in business. Holiday cleaning time is here. I would like to offer my cleaning services. I do detailed cleaning. Licensed, bonded, insured and vaccinated. Please call Lisa, (336) 207-0770.

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.

DTW GRADING & HAULING, INC. Offering a sum of aggregates, including but not limited to: fill dirt, stone, asphalt millings, and crushed concrete. We also offer full bobcat services. Driveways, minor clearing, drainage solutions and snow removal. Daniel Wilson, (336) 339-0212.

PUBLIC NOTICE The TOWN OF STOKESDALE is now accepting applications from Town residents who are interested in an appointment to the Stokesdale Planning Board. The appointee will serve a two-year term that begins in January of 2022. Applications are available online at www.stokesdale.org under the Government/Forms tab or at the Town Hall, located at 8325 Angel Pardue Road, Stokesdale, North Carolina. Office hours are 9am-4:30pm, Monday through Friday. The deadline for submission is December 17, 2021, at 4:30pm. For additional information regarding the vacancy, please contact Dale Martin, Town Clerk, at (336) 643-4011.

HOME SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING A-ACTION AIR. Heating checkup, $69.95. Call (336) 268-6768 or (336) 382-3750.

CLEANING PAOLA CLEANING SERVICE. Residential & commercial. Insured. (336) 669-5210 KC CLEANING. Deep, basic, holiday, specialty, move-in or move-out cleaning. 20 yrs. exp. Free estimates. (336) 604-3249. CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING Gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com.(336) 595-2873. CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Will fit to your budget. Pet taxi/pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838. ANNASARAH'S CLEANING. Excellent references. Trustworthy. Family owned business. Free estimates. (336) 543-3941. Place your classified ad online at

www.nwobserver.com

MAID-2- SHINE. Excellent ser vice, 15 years experience. Free estimates, excellent references. (336) 338-0223

DECORATING BLISSFUL ART & FRAMING. SHOP LOCAL! Framing, gifts, graphic design. 4533 Hwy. 220 N., Summerfield. (336) 298-4502. 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. Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? Call Coble Electric LLC at (336) 209-1486. CKH ELECTRIC, LLC. Give us a call for your next residential, commercial, or industrial project. Free estimates. Licensed, insured, and BBB accredited. (336) 414-4899.

FLOORING MONTERO'S HARDWOOD FLOORING Installation of hardwood, laminate & tile; hardwood sanding & finishing. Commercial & residential. Insured, 17 yrs. exp. Free est., exc. references. Call (336) 215-8842 or visit Monteros-hardwood-flooring.com.

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES LOW-COST GARAGE DOORS. Repair and sales. 35 years exp. (336) 207-1003. 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.

44 DEC. DEC. 2021 - JAN. 2022 16,16, 2021 - JAN. 5, 5, 2022

AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350. CLOCK SERVICE. Free house calls for sick clocks. 8103 Windspray Dr., Summerfield. (336) 643-9931. L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE "We get you mowing!" Comm./res., all models. 2103 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge. Call (336) 298-4314, LandTsmallengineservice.com. APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707.

BRAD'S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS. LLC. Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647.

GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS

WILSON

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Installation, repair, replacement, Leaf Guard “No Job Too Small” Wood Rot Repairs • Bathroom Remodeling Painting • Decks and much more! • Insured

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GRADING / HAULING GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150. H&L GRADING, LLC. No job too tough or too small. Call us first! We are a full service grading company that specializes in residential projects. Owner/Operator Timmy Hart has more than 30 years of grading and equipment experience. Fully licensed and insured. Land clearing, debris removal, driveways, French drains and much more. Call Bobby Lipstreu, (336) 543-7867. E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, demolition, lot clearing, excavating, bobcat work, etc. (336) 451-1282. ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt, available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035.

The Northwest Observer The Observer •• Totally Totallylocal localsince since1996 1996

Stokesdale

336-420-0200 S&M SEAMLESS GUTTERS. Install new gutters. Repair and clean old gutters. Free estimates. Fully insured. (336) 587-8223 or (336) 709-5944.

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING SOUTHERN CUTZ LAWN CARE, offering complete lawn maintenance services & bush hogging. Nathan Adkins, (336) 430-6086. CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 643-9332. www.carolinastumpandtreeservices.com. GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490. HILL LAWNCARE & OUTDOOR SERVICES. Free est. Call (336) 669-5448. WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Lawn maint., landscaping. Irrigation/ landscape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 years exp. (336) 399-7764.

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 HOME SERVICES ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. (336) 643-9157. STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. Free est. Lic./Ins. 40+ years experience. All phases of tree work. Lots & natural area thinning and cleanup. Large shrubbery jobs, chipping. Oak Ridge. Call (336) 643-1119. Hire a local with references. INTEGRITY TREE SERVICE, LLC. Tree removal, risk assessment, tree pruning, dead wood removal. Competitive pricing. Fully insured. Owner-operated. Call for free estimate, (336) 210-8310. EXTERIOR GREENSCAPES. Lawn maintenance service. Call for a free estimate (336) 682-1456.

 HOME SERVICES

CONCRETE COATINGS Flake Epoxy Systems Garage Floor and Concrete Resurfacing Decorative Concrete Overlays Eric Sauls, Owner ● (336) 970-3543 Call for your free estimate COLONIAL MASONRY. 40 yrs. exp. Specializing in outdoor living spaces; dry-stack natural stone and flagstone. Let us help you plan your patio, fire pit, fireplace, kitchen – or anything else you would like! Call (336) 949-9019. www.colonialmasonry.com.

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS

DELIMA LAWNCARE. Commercial & Residential. Free estimates. (336) 669-5210.

ON EAGLE'S WINGS residential home design/drafting. Call Patti, (336) 605-0519.

ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981.

JUNK & DEBRIS REMOVAL, construction, remodeling, and general cleanup, outbuildings, garages, basements, yard waste, etc. Also can haul mulch. Call (336) 706-8470.

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nwobserver.com

MASONRY NEW PHASE CONCRETE. Here for all your decorative concrete needs. Specializing in decorative stamp, stained, epoxy and all other concrete poured finishes as well. Also offering refurbishment of existing stamped concrete. Make your existing stamped look like new again! (336) 399-1474 or (336) 595-4654. SOUTHERN STYLE Concrete & Landscape. 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.

PAINTING & DRYWALL

working in NW Guilford County since 1999

Residential • Commercial • Licensed & Insured

Available 7 days/week

emergencies, parties, preparing for guests, etc.

Owner: Carlos Ruiz

336.669.5210 ● carlospainting14@live.com

FREE ESTIMATES

STILL PERFECTION PAINTING. Reliable, skilled, aﬀordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com. LAWSON'S PAINTING. Custom decks, pressure washing, boat docks, block ﬁll, wood repair, stain work, textured ceilings, sheetrock repair. Call (336) 253-9089.

 HOME SERVICES

PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR, 40 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. Average BDRM walls $100. Insured. Call Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186.

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.

BEK Paint Co. Residential & Commercial

KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION, LLC. N.C. general contractor with 30 years experience. Specializing in new homes, room additions, kitchens & baths, garages, decks, vinyl siding and windows, painting, tile, laminate and vinyl plank, and remodeling of all kinds. Quality for the right price. Free est. Please call (336) 362-7469.

David & Judy Long, owners

(336) 931-0600

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

PLUMBING BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR. No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic./ Ins. Cleanliness in your home is our #1 priority. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924. SIGNATURE PLUMBING. Local, experienced, clean, and work is guaranteed. Please call (336) 279-6196. 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.

PLACE YOUR AD: nwobserver.com

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

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

Of The Triad

The Bathroom of Your Dreams in as Little as a Day

(336) 497-0765

JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com. ORTIZ REMODELING – Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981. PAINTING, DECKS AND MORE. Call Premier Construction for free estimates. (336) 430-9507. AMERICAN BUILDER CONSTRUCTION. Repairs & remodeling, kitchens/baths, additions, decks, attics, basements. Licensed & insured. Short wait list. NC general contractors. (336) 225-7478. BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, rooﬁng, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 41 yrs. exp. (336) 362-6343.

Offer a

home service? Place your ad:

NCGC License #84330

www.BathPlanetTriad.com

TheNorthwest NorthwestObserver Observer••Totally Totally local local since since 1996 The

continued on p. 46

DEC. 16,16, 2021 - JAN. 5, 5, 2022 DEC. 2021 - JAN. 2022

 HOME SERVICES

Construction Services, INC

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Roof and window replacement

(336) 644-8615 office (336) 508-5242 cell Licensed & insured

NC Gen. Contractor #72797

tmcsi.net

 MISC. SERVICES

 PETS & ANIMAL SVCS.

 REAL ESTATE

PORTABLE WELDING SERVICE. Welding & fabrication services. Call (336) 908-6906.

AKC REGISTERED BRITTANY PUPPIES. Bred to hunt or excellent pets. Please call (336) 339-5378.

HOMES/LAND FOR SALE

 MISC. FOR SALE 1966 SHASTA CAMPER for sale. 10 ft. long, partially restored. Has new wheels, waterproofed roof, new tongue, new ﬂooring and ceiling. No oven. Gas refrigerator, not sure if it works. Clear title. $6,500, obo. (336) 643-5038.

ROOFING

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

DUSTIN CLINARD ROOFING. Shingles, metal, and leak repairs. Call (336) 268-1908

SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered and stacked, 1/2 cord, $90. Call (336) 686-6373.

CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC. 40 + years experience. (336) 643-8191.

SEASONED FIREWOOD. $80/pickup truck load, delivered & stacked. (336) 253-7615.

PREMIER ROOFING. Commercial/residential. Providing service for all of your roofing needs. Locally owned. Please call (336) 430-9507 for free assessments. BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Lifetime shingle and metal roofing. We fi nance. Free Estimates. Since 1979. Please call (336) 362-6343.

COMING SOON

HOMES/LAND FOR SALE STOKESDALE HOME FOR SALE

FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, generators, power washers, go-carts, mini-bikes, 4-wheelers, ATVs, golf carts, and yard equipment. (336) 689-4167.

So much charm & character in Stokesdale! Refinished hardwood floors & new carpet on 2nd level. New stove & dishwasher; all appliances remain. Huge front porch! 1-year home warranty. Call for details.

(336) 215.9856 rsiegel@kw.com

(336) 327-1165 kerbappeals@gmail.com

Please let us know!

6705 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale

CRS, GRI, SRES, Chairman’s Circle Award

CDPE, ABR, SPS, SLS Realtor®/Broker/Owner

Didn’t get your NWO?

locally owned & operated

For results, call Ramilya Siegel

Gail Kerber

 MISC. SERVICES INVESTIGATION, information; PI / private investigator. Information equals security. Call Joe, (336) 419-7236.

8702 Bromfield Road, Oak Ridge Meticulously kept residence in the boutique Willard Oaks neighborhood. A Must See! Bright and airy with soaring ceiling in great room, primary suite with sitting room, two walk-in closets and much more! $497,000

7096 Agatha Drive

 MISC. WANTED

$$$ – WILL PAY CASH for your junk / wrecked vehicle. For quote, call (336) 552-0328.

 REAL ESTATE

123 Dream Lane Real estate showcase ads in the NWO get noticed! Include a photo and description of your listing, Realtor photo, logo and contact info – all for only $85!

Place your real estate showcase today (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 advertising@nwobserver.com

(336) 643-9963 (affiliated with Stokesdale Storage)

IDOL INSURANCE. Serving Rockingham and northern Guilford County for more than 100 years. Homeowner, automobile, and commercial. 116 East Murphy St., Madison, NC. (336) 548-6818.

Direct-mailing the NWO is one of our largest expenses, and one of our most important commitments to our readers!

46 DEC. 2021 - JAN. 2022 46 DEC. 16,16, 2021 - JAN. 5, 5, 2022

If you live in zip code 27310, 27357 or 27358 and didn’t receive your copy on Thursday/Friday, please email info@nwobserver.com.

Get. Be. Stay. Connected.

facebook.com/NorthwestObserver

The Northwest Northwest Observer The Observer •• Totally Totallylocal localsince since1996 1996

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS

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

By the Book Accounting ...................... 41 Carlotta Lytton, CPA............................38 Kimberly Thacker Accounting..............38 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC....... 12

AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE

Beamer Tire & Auto ............................40 EuroHaus ............................................ 43 Piedmont Truck Tires........................... 11 Tire Max................................................ 7

BANK / LENDING

NFM Lending ...................................... 27

BUILDING / REMODELING

Bath Planet ......................................... 45 Disney Construction Company............. 25 Don Mills Builders ................................ 18 Johnson & Lee LLC.............................. 24 Old School Home Repair.....................44 R&K Custom Homes ...........................29 Ray Bullins Construction ...................... 23 TM Construction Services ....................46 Walraven Signature Homes ................. 23

GROCERIES / SUPPLIES

Southern Foods ..................................... 5

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Elvis Mendoza In-Home Massage........38 NuBody Solutions ................................33

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

BEK Paint Company ............................ 45 Carlos & Son Painting.......................... 45 CharCo Concrete Coatings .................. 45 Eanes Heating & A/C .......................... 13 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery ...16 Rymack Storage .................................. 46 Stokesdale Heating & Air..................... 19 Wilson Seamless Gutters .....................44

INSURANCE

Gladwell Insurance ................................ 2

LEGAL SERVICES

Barbour & Williams Law ........................ 3

MEDICAL / HEARING

Guardian Ad Litem ..............................40

Aim Hearing & Audiology Services ...... 27 Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist .....30 Atrium Health WFB, Summerfield ......... 3 LeBauer HealthCare............................ 21

CHIROPRACTIC SERVICE

ORTHODONTIC CARE

Oak Ridge Chiropractic ......................... 6

Olmsted Orthodontics ......................... 35

COMMUNITY NEWS

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

CHILDREN’S SERVICES

Summerfield Fire Department ............... 9 Summerfield Merchants Association.... 10

Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital .................38 Northwest Animal Hospital .................. 12

DANCE / ART / MUSIC

REAL ESTATE

Destination Arts................................... 31

DENTAL SERVICES

Summerfield Family Dentistry ..............34

EMPLOYMENT

Oak Ridge Physical Therapy ............ 7, 43

EVENTS

Christmas with Central Baptist Church ..40 NWHS PTSO Mobile Makeover ............. 2

EVENT VENUE

The Gardens at Gray Gables ...............20

FRAMING & GIFTS

Blissful Studios & Gallery ..................... 31

FUNERAL SERVICES

Forbis & Dick Funeral Services............. 41

A New Dawn Realty ............................ 41 Gail Kerber – KERBAppeals .................46 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX ................4, 28 Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams ...... 19, 46 Smith Marketing, Allen Tate ................ 23

RESTAURANTS

...to the following new advertisers who have recently joined us: 119 on North Boutique Aim Hearing and Audiology Services CharCo Concrete Coatings Crystal Miller / Artstock Studio Tour Cub Scout Pack 130 Culp Health Team Advantage NFM Lending Tamco Auto Sales Wilson Seamless Gutters ...and to these advertisers who have renewed their partnership with us: Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Atrium Health WFB Summerfield Beamer Tire & Auto DeDe Cunningham, Keller Williams Gladwell Insurance Agency Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams

| | | | | |

since 2018 since 2021 since 2020 since 2011 since 2008 since 2010

...and welcome back: Cass Jewelers • Oak Ridge Firemen’s BBQ

We appreciate the businesses, churches, individuals and nonprofits that, through their advertising, make it financially possible to provide this local news source FREE to you, our readers

Bistro 150 ............................................ 39 Rio Grande Kitchen & Cantina ............33

RETAIL / GIFTS

A.B. Seed ............................................ 32 Cass Jewelers ...................................... 33 Moravia Moravian Dewey’s Store ........ 32

YOUTH SPORTS / PROGRAMS

Oak Ridge Youth Association .............. 35 The Northwest Observer YMCA of Greensboro .......................... 26 •

Totally local since 1996

DEC. 16, 2021 - JAN. 5, 2022

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Postal Patron

Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22

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

from all of us at

ECRWSS

publisher of the Northwest Observer

(Back row, L to R) Chris Burritt, staff writer; Leon Stokes, IT director; Kelli Jessup, publisher’s assistant; Lucy Smith, finance manager; Rene Collins, admin assistant; Annette Joyce, contributing writer; Tom McCoy, distribution; (front row) Patti Stokes, publisher/editor; Lily Pierce, contributing writer; Laura Reneer, marketing manager; Not pictured: Yvonne Truhon, page layout; Helen Ledford, contributing writer; Linda Schatz, distribution manager.

We’re taking a break for the holidays ...but look for us back in print on Jan. 6

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