Northwest Observer / August 18 - 31, 2022

Aug. 18 - 31, 2022

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Northwest Guilford towns grab pandemic relief funds Bandera Farms Park and municipal water systems in Summerfield, Oak Ridge and Stokesdale benefit from the influx of federal dollars

by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – Nearly $14.5 million in federal COVID-19 relief is headed to Summerfield, Oak Ridge and Stokesdale following a vote by the Guilford County Board of Commissioners earlier this month.

The board’s unanimous vote appropriated about $41 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to Greensboro and five smaller municipalities in the county.

In total, the commissioners are distributing $104 million in pandemic relief funds to agencies, nonprofit organizations and municipalities across the county.

District 3 Commissioner Justin Conrad said he was impressed that Summerfield, Oak Ridge and Stokesdale had already invested in the projects for which they were seeking federal funds.

“You’ve got skin in the game already,” Conrad, who represents Oak Ridge and Stokesdale, said during a commissioners’ work session Aug. 4. “It’s not just a want.”

The Aug. 9 vote by the commissioners made funding to the three towns official.

For Summerfield, its total receipt of $7.8 million designates $5.5 million for infrastructure to help establish a municipal water system. Another $2.3 million is earmarked for development of Bandera Farms Park.

Earlier, Summerfield collected $650,000 in federal and state grants for design and construction of the

120-acre park at Bunch Road and Interstate 73.

Combined with the county’s allocation of ARPA funds, “the construction of the park is fully funded,” the Piedmont Land Conservancy (PLC) said in an Aug. 10 statement.

Over the past year and a half, PLC has spearheaded efforts to transform the rolling wooded tract into a public preserve for horseback riding and hiking trails.

“It’s another win for Summerfield,” Mayor Tim Sessoms told the council during its meeting Aug. 9.

For Oak Ridge, total ARPA funding of $3.57 million puts $3.265 million toward development of the town’s municipal water system. Another $305,000 goes toward the renovation and expansion of the historic Redmon house in Town Park into the Farmhouse Community Center.

Stokesdale plans to expand and improve its municipal water system with its $3.113 million in ARPA funds.

It wants to add about five miles of new water line to secure a second source of water for the town. The additional water source is aimed at increasing water flow and hydrant pressures, as well as creating redundancy in the system should one line become unavailable.

In presentations to the commissioners Aug. 4, Stokesdale Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy and town managers Scott Whitaker of Summerfield and Bill Bruce of Oak Ridge explained their towns’ requests for funding.

The three towns have already gotten roughly $1.1 million each in state appropriations for water infrastructure. They also plan to spend financial reserves on water projects.

...continued on p. 4

The new school year is already underway for many students, and Guilford County Schools’ students will return to the classrooms Monday, Aug. 29.

Watch out for school buses, and be prepared for more traffic, especially in the mornings.

IN THIS ISSUE Redmon house planning stirs more debate .. 2 Your Questions ..................................................... 5 Oak Ridge Aug. 4 Town Council meeting....... 6 Stokesdale Aug. 11 Town Council meeting... 10 Summerfield Aug. 9 Town Council meeting...13 Rezoning request for townhomes advances..16 Faith Lanning, looking through a lens ............18 Business owners feel inflation’s pinch ............ 24 Kids’ Korner ......................................................... 26 Matzinger receives national Eagle award.... 27 Mobile units: “A night-and-day difference”...28 Community Calendar ...................................... 30 Grins and Gripes ................................................ 32 Crime/Incident Report ...................................... 35

Classifieds ........................................................... 36 NWO On The Go ................................................. 40

Planning for Redmon house stirs more debate

File photo

Oak Ridge Town Council recently voted to create a master plan for landscaping and installing a sidewalk at the entrance of Town Park where the historic Redmon house (shown in photo) is located. The council is considering renovating the house at the corner of Linville Road and Lisa Drive and renting it out for events and meetings.

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by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – Debate over restoration of the historic Redmon house has taken a new twist, even as Oak Ridge Town Council advanced planning to improve the property surrounding the old farmhouse in Town Park.

Mike Stone, president of Preservation Oak Ridge which owns the historic Ai Church, said turning the Redmon house into an events center would put Oak Ridge in competition with meeting space rented by private business and nonprofits. That includes his organization, which is renting out Ai Church at N.C. 68 and Alcorn Road for events.

“To the greatest extent possible, towns should not compete against private businesses and nonprofits,” Stone Comprehensive Cancer Center NCI The National Cancer Institute officially designates select told the council during its cancer centers in America as “Comprehensive” for meeting the highest possible standards.

Aug. 4 meeting. Instead, towns should support nonprofits and private enterprise, he said.

2 AUG. 18 - 31, 2022 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center

“That doesn’t make any sense to me whatsoever,” Mayor Ann Schneider responded. “We shouldn’t provide picnic shelters because they might compete with other businesses? We shouldn’t build new fields because they might compete with CrossFit’s fields or ORYA’s rentals?

“The town is growing and people have spoken in favor of having more options,” she said.

The differing views emerged as the council voted unanimously to approve the creation of a master plan for landscaping and installing a sidewalk at the entrance of Town Park where the Redmon house is located.

At Town Manager Bill Bruce’s recommendation, the council approved hiring Hill Studio, a Roanoke, Virginiabased design firm, to prepare the master plan and construction drawings, at a cost of $25,010.

Council member Martha Pittman said she believes creation of the master plan will give town leaders “an opportunity to take a good, hard look” at options for renovating the Redmon house and landscaping the property so that it blends with Town Park.

Other concerns are providing adequate parking and ensuring safety of people using the area, she said.

“This is not approving or disapproving a plan,” Pittman said. “It actually sets us on a path to getting some of the hard questions answered and the concerns addressed.”

Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman reiterated his doubts that the Redmon

“Regardless of where the money comes from, it’s still money” from taxpayers, Kinneman said.

“I have no problem with preserving the property and maintaining its historic presence,” he said. “I have serious concerns about whether or not it’s even going to get used to any degree given that there are a great number of other options in town to hold events. What I’m looking for is whether it’s going to be used comprehensively and regularly.”

Councilman Spencer Sullivan added that he’s been “at times puzzled and at times disappointed about how this project has been approached and how it has been managed so far.”

“I’m hopeful that this master plan will bring some clarity and answer some lingering questions that I and others have to complete the vision that folks have for this house,” Sullivan said.

Preparing a master plan is required for the town to seek bids for restoring the house, he said. That step will provide a cost for the work, a consideration in how the council ultimately decides to improve the property.

“Even if we don’t do the renovation to the Redmon house, we still need to improve the property on that corner,” he said. “It is the gateway to our parks.”

If restored as an events center, Oak Ridge resident Linda Greene said she believes the house would attract rentals for showers, birthday parties and events related to sports teams playing in the park. Its proximity to the walking path would provide “free advertising,” she said.

“It’s a place where people can build memories,” said Greene, who worked 15 years in event planning and offered to assist the town in developing the Farmhouse Community Center.

“We are spending money outside of Oak Ridge on event venues,” she said. “We need to keep the money in Oak Ridge.”

Even though the council hasn’t decided whether to proceed with the project, Schneider said town staff has begun drafting a rate schedule for renting the space. It’s also looking at safety and policies of other venues for guidance in operating an events center.

Schneider said she believes the Farmhouse Community Center, with marketing, would generate “consistent, year-round use.”

“I’m so grateful that residents have multiple places to choose from,” the mayor said. “I hope that one day soon the Farmhouse Community Center will be one of them.’’

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house will attract enough usage to justify costs for renovating and expanding the structure to accommodate bridal and wedding showers, birthday parties, club meetings and other events.

The council appropriated $455,00 this fiscal year for refurbishing the house, now called the Farmhouse Community Center. Earlier this month, the Guilford County Board of Commissioners gave Oak Ridge $305,000 in pandemic relief funds for the project.

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email: info • celebrations • photos communitynews • realestatenews calendarevents • grinsandgripes opinions • editor • questions ... @ nwobserver.com phone: (336) 644-7035 fax: (336) 644-7006 office: 1616 NC 68 N, Oak Ridge mail: PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 hours: vary, so please call before dropping by

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RELIEF FUNDS ...continued from p. 1

Separately, each town has also received ARPA funds which they’re spending on capital projects.

The towns’ applications seeking money from the county detailed their financial needs for water infrastructure.

Summerfield asked for $22 million for establishing a municipal water system. Even though it didn’t get as much as it asked for, its receipt of $5.5 million from the commissioners exceeded county staff’s recommendation that municipalities get as much as $3 million for water infrastructure.

In his presentation to commissioners, Whitaker said if Summerfield were to get $3 million, it could complete a preliminary engineering report and possibly undertake “a rudimentary start” to the project, estimated to cost as much as $27 million.

“While past water exploratory efforts focused primarily on fire protection, the town is currently looking at public water from a potable standpoint as Summerfield continues to deal with pressing growth issues and the desire is to ensure the area has a long-term supply of clean water,” the town said in its application.

“During times of drought or overuse, residents report that community wells run low and sometimes even dry.”

For Oak Ridge, constructing water infrastructure is a “multi-faceted” process, according to its application.

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It involves purchasing community well systems, buying an inventory of parts for the fledgling municipal system, expanding the availability of water for fire protection, constructing storage tanks and laying lines.

The application noted that development has reduced the availability of ponds and other access points from which water can be drawn to fill fire department tanker trucks.

“Success will be measured by the increased number of fire department access points and an increase in the number of residents served by municipal water,” Oak Ridge’s application said.

Residential growth is also spurring Stokesdale leaders to prepare for future water needs. The town wants to expand its water system in anticipation of its current number of customers doubling to about 1,500 over the next seven to 10 years. It also wants to bolster the reliability of its water supply with construction of a second line.

“This project will ensure Stokesdale meets future water needs for our citizens, businesses, and schools,” the town’s application read. “In addition, and equally as important, this project provides an assurance of water supply for all water customers within the Town of Stokesdale.’’

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your QUESTIONS

Adobe Stock photo

NCDOT has not yet signed off on the recent 3.17-mile road widening/paving project on N.C. 150 in Oak Ridge, between Linville Road and the Forsyth County line.

Recently, N.C. 150 between Kernersville and Oak Ridge was repaved, and there seem to be some

flaws in the repaving in a section heading east toward Oak Ridge. Between the Forsyth County line and Claxton Road,

the newly repaved road is very bumpy. Is NCDOT aware of this and if so, are I read recently that the town of Oak Ridge is having trouble finding water on the site for Heritage Farm Park.

Without water, they can’t supply bathrooms and irrigate athletic fields.

What’s the latest?

We contacted Oak Ridge Town Manager Bill Bruce for an update on efforts to find water. It’s a critical step in the development of the approximately 60-acre park behind Town Hall on Linville Road.

After an unsuccessful search for a sufficient supply of water, the

there plans to smooth this section out?

“The project has not been finalized and accepted yet,” NCDOT district engineer Bobby Norris wrote in an email response to the Northwest Observer on Aug. 16.

“They (the bumps) will be evaluated and a decision will be made as to whether the normal traffic and heat will smooth them out or other remedial work will have to be performed.” contractor recently drilled a new well and found a sustainable flow of 32 gallons per minute, Bruce said.

That’s adequate to irrigate fields.

The process required a 24-hour drawdown test by Guilford County environmental health regulators to determine the adequacy of the supply.

“We also monitored several neighboring wells and found that drawing from the new well had no effect on water levels in nearby wells,” Bruce said. “We are hopeful that we are now in a position to move forward.”

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e-mail your questions about topics relevant to the northwest area to The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 questions@nwobserver.com

AUG. 18 - 31, 2022

5

OAK RIDGE town council

Aug. 4 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – Mayor Ann Schneider called the monthly meeting in Town Hall to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan, Martha Pittman and Spencer Sullivan present.

Frank Kelleher, president of Oak Ridge Lions Club, recited a prayer for the dead in memory of former council and Lions Club member Doug Nodine, who died July 23. The prayer was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

for their service to the town: Parks and Recreation Director Terry Lannon has been employed by the town for 15 years, and Town Clerk Sandra Smith and parks and recreation crew chief Brock Dunigan have each worked for the town for 10 years.

RECOGNITION

Lannon led the opening of Town Park in 2008 and guided subsequent development of athletic fields and teams, trails, the proposed Heritage Farm Park and other improvements, Kinneman said. Dunigan has played a leadership role in supporting community events and establishing “Oak Ridge’s

Schneider said the council will set aside a portion of the Sept. 1 meeting for friends and family to share remembrances about Nodine.

PROCLAMATION

Oak Ridge honored three employees

Their efforts have made “Oak Ridge a better place to live for all us,” said Schneider, who joined other council members in thanking the employees and recounting their contributions.

WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted: Mayor Ann Schneider, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan, Martha Pittman and Spencer Sullivan voted on the following items during the council’s meeting Aug. 4.

 5  0: Appoint Phyllis Clodfelter as an alternate on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

 5  0: Retain Sam Anders as Oak Ridge’s finance offer for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023

 5  0: Approve the creation of a master plan for landscaping and installing a sidewalk at the entrance of Town Park reputation as home to the finest and best-kept athletic fields in the region,” according to McClellan.

Smith has contributed to the success of numerous projects including Heritage Day and Light Up the Night, while ensuring the compliance of council and committee members and staff to “the highest municipal standards,” Sullivan said.

Smith has applied her knowledge and expertise in cataloguing and writing Oak Ridge’s history in publications such as the forthcoming “Historic Oak Ridge” book. She also represented the town on the Triad Municipal ABC Board for eight years, including three years as board chair.

Later in the meeting, Patti Dmuchowski congratulated the three employees and said Smith helped

her understand procedures for serving as chair of the town’s Special Events Committee. Pittman echoed Dmuchowski’s appreciation of staff, saying they guided her as she served on committees and later on the council.

John Browning, co-chair of the town’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, said the board appreciates the support of the parks and recreation staff.

PUBLIC SAFETY Oak Ridge Fire Department. Engineer Ralph Galvan reported the department responded to 68 calls in July, including five fire-related calls and 27 medicalrelated calls. Staff obtained 589 hours of training.

... continued on p. 8

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

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OAK RIDGE TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 6 Sheriff’s Office. There was no monthly report from the sheriff’s District 1 office.

MANAGER’S REPORT Appointment

 5  0 to appoint Phyllis Clodfelter

Kinneman said that at this point, he doesn’t support refurbishing the structure.

Auditor services

“This is not a done deal, as far as I am concerned,” he noted. (See related article on p. 2.)

Oak Ridge’s finance officer for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

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“I don’t have to say how lucky we are to have Sam Anders and his staff managing the books here in Oak Ridge,” said Town Manager Bill Bruce, who recommended approval of the annual engagement letter at an hourly rate of $110.

Park entrance master plan

 5  0 to approve the creation

of a master plan for landscaping and installing a sidewalk at the entrance to Town Park.

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Work at the corner of Linville Road and Lisa Drive advances efforts to renovate the historic Redmon house, now known as the Farmhouse Community Center. The town, which owns the structure, plans to use the house for community meetings and gatherings after renovations are complete.

The corner “is the gateway into our town,” McClellan said. He called preparation of the master plan “a good first step” and said, “Let’s get it done.”

At Bruce’s recommendation, the council approved hiring Hill Studio to prepare the master plan and construction drawings, at a cost of $25,010.

Earlier, Hill Studio, a Roanoke, Virginia-based design firm, prepared a plan for refurbishing and expanding the farmhouse.

Tracy Williams, attorney

8

AUG. 18 - 31, 2022

Kinneman reiterated his concern that eventual demand for renting the house for events may not justify the costs for renovating it.

Preparation of construction drawings will enable town staff to seek bids from contractors for the project, Bruce told the council in a July 29 memo.

Even though he voted to proceed

The Northwest Observer •with Totally local since 1996 creating the master plan,

Linda Greene and Debbie Shoenfeld expressed their support for renovating the Redmon house.

By contrast, Mike Stone said he was concerned the renovated structure would compete with privately owned meeting space in Oak Ridge.

Andy Michels said he believes spending more than the estimated $400,000 for refurbishing and expanding the space would be too expensive.

FINANCIAL UPDATE

Anders said he received confirmation that Oak Ridge will receive another $828,051 in federal COVID-19 relief funds. The town received the same amount last year from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

The payment is separate from nearly $14.5 million in ARPA funds appropriated to Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale by the Guilford County Board of Commissioners earlier this month. (See related article on front cover.)

COMMUNITY UPDATES Historic Preservation Commission. Chair Debbie Shoenfeld reported that Sean Taylor, the town’s planning director, recently updated the commission on N.C. 150 and 68 improvements planned by the North Carolina Department of Public Transportation.

The commission also heard a presentation from Stephanie Farrell, chair of the Conservation Easement Committee.

Planning and Zoning Board. Vice Chair Nancy Stoudemire reported the

board approved a site plan for Northwest Animal Hospital to construct a clinic. The clinic will be located behind the Starbucks under construction on N.C. 68.

Mountains-to-Sea Trail Committee.

Committee member Mike Kimel reported that committee members explored easements in the Pemberley Estates and Carriage Cove subdivisions as a possible route for the trail east of N.C. 150.

Special Events Committee. Chair Patti Dmuchowski reported the committee is seeking additional business sponsors as part of raising funds for Veterans Honor Green, the proposed veterans’ site at Heritage Farm Park.

Oak Ridge Youth Association. Randy Collins, ORYA’s community relations director, said planning is underway to offer self-defense classes for middle school girls and mothers after the youth association recently provided a successful program for high school girls.

Triad Municipal ABC Board. Board member Jimm Barbery reported the state Department of Transportation plans to pay the board $28,000 for taking some property adjacent to the ABC store in the Oak Ridge Commons shopping center.

COUNCIL COMMENTS Kinneman and councilmen Sullivan and McClellan responded to a question earlier in the meeting posed by Mike Stone, who asked council members to state whether they had voted to raise property taxes with the adoption of this fiscal year’s budget.

While the council held the tax rate steady at 8 cents per $100 of value, the countywide reassessment of property values increased tax bills for many Oak Ridge property owners (on average, property values in Oak Ridge increased by 23.5% as a result of the revaluations earlier this year). The council voted unanimously in June to adopt the budget for the fiscal year that started July 1.

Sullivan reiterated his remarks during the council’s discussion about the budget, saying he explored ways to reduce the tax rate, but favored leaving it intact because of the costs for the town’s capital projects over the next five years.

“That doesn’t mean that we can’t revisit it next year,” Sullivan said.

McClellan concurred, saying he heeded the advice of the Finance Committee to hold the tax rate steady to provide a financial cushion amid capital spending.

“We didn’t raise the tax rate but, yeah, your tax dollars actually did go up,” McClellan said.

Higher taxes resulted from increased property valuations, which increases the net worth of owners, he confirmed.

“I think I made it clear – we raised taxes,” said Kinneman, who wasn’t present for the council’s vote to adopt the budget. Even so, he said he supports the spending plan.

“We chose a tax rate that increased the amount of revenue we collected,” he said.

Schneider and other council members thanked staff for their contributions, with Schneider adding she’s honored to serve as the town’s mayor.

CLOSED SESSION

The council entered closed session for discussion of one or two topics: negotiating the purchase of real estate and negotiating the terms of an employment or proposed employment contract, according to the agenda. The council took no action after returning to open session.

With no further business, the The Northwest Observer meeting was adjourned at 8:26 p.m.

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AUG. 18 - 31, 2022

9

STOKESDALE town council

Aug. 11 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by PATTI STOKES Mayor Mike Crawford called the monthly town council meeting to order with Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy, council members Tim Jones, Jimmy Landreth and Jim Rigsbee, the town clerk, new deputy clerk, finance officer, attorney and about 12 citizens present.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Jones offered an invocation.

Robbie Wagoner was re-introduced as the town’s new deputy clerk, and also wished a happy birthday.

Crawford said Foy did an outstanding job of presenting the town’s funding requests to the county commissioners earlier in the week, and credited him with Stokesdale receiving the entire amount ($3.1 million) it had requested. The federal COVID-19 relief

funds allocated to local municipalities were made available by the American Rescue Plan Act. “I’m grateful and proud that we were 100% funded for our requests,” Foy said. “Now the hard work starts.”

The meeting agenda was approved after adding two agenda items, one requested by Jones and the other by Foy.

50

to approve June 21, 2022, special call council meeting minutes.

PUBLIC SAFETY Stokesdale Fire District. Chief Todd Gauldin reported the fire department ran 88 calls in July; 46 were medicalrelated, 15 were fire-related and 27 were miscellaneous. For the fiscal year ending June 30, the department

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caught up on meeting minutes.

“It’s actually an honor and a privilege to serve in a community you grew up in, and where you know so many people,” Gauldin said.

Martin said Wagoner has been participating on the Park Improvement Committee.

For his safety message, Gauldin said kids are taught to “stop, drop and roll” in case of a fire, but this is something good for adults to think about as well. He added that having a home escape plan and a designated meeting place is very important.

On another public safety note, Rigsbee said he recently saw on social media that a utility trailer had been stolen from Summit Church in Oak Ridge, and he advised everyone to take steps to protect their property.

“If you have a trailer that can be seen from the road, it is going to be stolen,” he said. “Protect your property, and make sure your lawn mowers and trailers are not out in the open.”

ADMINISTRATIVE

Town Clerk Dale Martin reported that seven water meters were installed last month, there were 24 applications for transfer of service, 53 water meters placed on hold, and 699 water customers billed.

Martin said staff feels very fortunate to have Wagoner, the new deputy clerk, on board. Progress is being made on a comprehensive subdivision checklist for water extensions, and a water system vendor contact list for emergencies.

A development agreement for the Blacksmith subdivision has been completed and Northridge has applied for final approval of its water lines.

THERE’S A LEAGUE FOR YOU

The person the town contracted with to prepare the September 2021 meeting minutes wasn’t able to complete them before this meeting, Martin said; after those minutes and minutes from the October and November 2021 and February 2022 council meetings have been prepared The Northwest Observer •for Totally sincethe 1996 councillocal approval, town will be

NFFLEAGUES.COM

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AUG. 18 - 31, 2022

The vault donated by Kernersville for storing public records was delivered July 19 and is in use.

COMMITTEE REPORTS Events. Foy reminded everyone the annual Christmas parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 10.

Property. Jones said the abandoned Coke machine is still in the town park concession stand area, and suggested giving it one more month to see if the company picks it up before taking any further action.

FINANCIALS

Finance officer Kim Thacker presented the general fund and water enterprise account balances and noted that as of July 1, the town is contributing to the state employee retirement program.

Thacker thanked Steve Mann, a Stokesdale citizen, for catching some errors in the budget message; she presented a copy of the budget message with the errors highlighted, noting they were in the message only, and did not affect the budget.

50

to approve a revised budget message, and request it be added to the town’s website the following day.

CITIZEN COMMENTS Derek Mobley introduced himself as a Democratic candidate for Guilford County commissioner in District 3. A native of the Piedmont Triad, Mobley said he has lived in Guilford County for over 12 years, is married with two children, and his son will be a kindergartner at E.P. Pearce Elementary this school year.

Mobley said over the last few years he has become increasingly concerned about the county’s trajectory, so decided to become involved in local government.

Public schools need a lot more care and maintenance, Mobley said, and there are concerns the bond money won’t go far enough, especially in the northwest area.

“I’m in banking, and I’m used to making sure we execute projects on time and on budget,” he said.

Besides public schools, maintaining positive work environments for law enforcement officers and emergency responders so they’re not lost to other counties are also his priorities, Mobley said.

As for the sales tax collected by the county, of which Stokesdale does

gems in

not get a percentage because it does not charge a property tax, Mobley acknowledged, “You are getting a little shortchanged,” and said he is exploring options for the town to get at least some of its share of sales tax.

an interlocal agreement between Caldwell County and the small town of Gamewell, which works around the “black and white” of the ad valorem versus per capita sales tax distribution methods.

Mobley added he is in favor of rateneutral (rather than revenue-neutral) budgets, because they realistically address things like rising personnel costs.

Landreth asked Mobley if he was okay with a tax hike, saying many Stokesdale citizens live on a lower income and the increase in their tax bill, which resulted from properties

Foy suggested Mobley look at

being revalued last spring, was creating a hardship for some.

Jones echoed Landreth’s concern about taxes, and said the county seems to tax and spend with no regard to the amount it is taking from citizens.

Referencing an earlier comment from Mobley about the school bond, Foy said he read it was going to cost about $50 million+ per year to retire the debt.

...continued on p. 12

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11

STOKESDALE TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 11 “I don’t think folks correlate the bond with the tax to go with it,” he said.

He then asked Mobley, “As a commissioner candidate, are you concerned that the $300 million bond will take about $470 million to pay for the projects?”

Mobley confirmed many in northwest Guilford County are concerned that funding may run out before it reaches this area and there will still be trailers at Northwest High School and other local schools. The school board needs to “shift its mentality” and do things like move away from unique school designs, which translate into more expense, to standardized school designs, he said.

2022-23 Fee Schedule At Jones’s request, the council reviewed line-by-line a fee schedule for use of town hall, ball fields, volleyball courts and other town-owned facilities and proposed fee increases

for many of them.

50

to have Martin type up proposed changes to the fee schedule, then present them to the council for approval.

NEW BUSINESS  4  1 (Jones opposed) to

execute a letter transferring town attorney Tom Medlin’s representation, files and records from Hagan Barrett PLLC to Offit Kurman, the firm it recently merged with.

50

to table agenda item 10, “discussion on water line extension on Ellisboro Road.”

50

to approve NCDOT’s request to abandon a .07-mile dirt road section of Angel Pardue Road that extends beyond the paved portion of the road.

Town Park Improvement Committee.

Foy said the committee has met three times so far, on Thursday evenings,

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and recently submitted a design to the landscape architect for an amphitheater in the town park. The committee is reviewing responses to the survey that citizens completed a few years ago and examining the feasibility of adding additional projects that citizens indicated were a high priority, such as nature trails.

“There are quite a few things on the survey that we’ll be able to make happen,” Landreth, a member of the committee, said.

Water workshops. Foy suggested the council meet every other Tuesday at 5:15 p.m., beginning Aug. 16 and ending Dec. 20, to discuss issues related to expanding the town’s water system.

“The $1.1 million grant from the state is time-sensitive and there is urgency to get a plan to encumber this,” he said.

41

(Jones opposed) to schedule water workshops every other Tuesday, Aug. 16 through Dec. 20.

Town utility contractors. Rigsbee suggested the town clerk vet new vendors before the council votes to add them to the approved vendor list. Jones objected to there being no discussion about this, saying he had requested the topic be placed on the agenda and his actions had been “short-circuited.”

50

to add A&D Enterprises to the town’s emergency contact list, per Jones’s request, and ask staff to get relevant info on the company.

Septic tank servicing. Jones said staff was able to find the original permitting documents for the septic tanks on town property so they could determine the size of the tanks and find out how much it will cost to get them pumped.

CITIZEN COMMENTS Stokesdale citizen Bobbi Dalton said

12

AUG. 18 - 31, 2022

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

about a year ago a co-worker had told her that her child was being cyber bullied at school, and the issue of cyber bullying needed to be addressed.

“We want our kids to feel safe when they’re in school,” Dalton said.

CLOSED SESSON

Council recessed and went into closed session at 9:08 p.m. to discuss an employee performance review.

Upon returning to open session about 20 minutes later, Foy motioned to promote deputy clerk Priscilla Hunsucker to water system customer service manager and increase her pay from $19.19/hour to $21.40/hour.

50

to approve Hunsucker’s promotion and pay increase.

COUNCIL COMMENTS Rigsbee reminded everyone that school buses would soon be on the road again, and encouraged drivers to be patient and cautious.

Foy congratulated Hunsucker on her promotion and said she is a “fantastic employee” and will shine in her role.

Jones noted that Harold “Shorty” Wilson, who he described as a local icon in Summerfield, passed away Aug. 6.

Wilson and his wife owned a gas station and convenience store at the corner of Carlson Dairy and Pleasant Ridge roads in Summerfield, and Jones said the store was a longtime gathering place for community members.

“As far as I’m concerned, he amounts to the last great country store proprietor,” he said.

Foy, who grew up in Summerfield, agreed Wilson was a local icon, and said his wife had just been reminiscing about when she grew up on Carlson Dairy Road and became old enough to walk to Shorty’s convenience store, where she always enjoyed seeing his smile.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.

SUMMERFIELD town council

WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted:

Aug. 9 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – Mayor Tim Sessoms called the monthly meeting in Summerfield Community Center to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney and council members Janelle Robinson, Reece Walker and John Doggett present.

Sessoms offered the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

CONSENT AGENDA  4  0 to approve the consent

agenda, which included changing the date of the council’s November meeting from Tuesday, Nov. 8 – the date of the general election – to Thursday, Nov. 10.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Music in the Park finale. The Holiday Band will wrap up the town’s Music in the Park summer concert series with a performance on Saturday, Aug. 20, 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community Park’s amphitheater.

Labor Day closing. Summerfield Town Hall will be closed Monday, Sept. 5, for Labor Day. Pandemic restrictions end. Gov. Roy Cooper has lifted COVID-19 emergency restrictions, effective Aug. 15. Town Attorney Bob Hornik explained that for municipalities such as Summerfield, that means public meetings can no longer be conducted remotely, rather are required to be held in person.

Volunteer recognition. Sessoms thanked Bill Donnell and Kris Ferris for hanging new curtains in the community center, along with Mary Horlacher, who made the window coverings.

Pandemic relief funds. The Guilford County Board of Commissioners recently awarded Summerfield $7.8 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds – $5.5 million to help establish a municipal water system

I

Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney and council members Janelle Robinson, Reece Walker and John Doggett voted on the following items during the council’s Aug. 9 meeting. Mayor Tim Sessoms was present, but in Summerfield the mayor votes only to break a tie.

 4  0: Approve the consent agenda, which included changing the date of the council’s meeting from Tuesday, Nov. 8 – the date of the general election – to Thursday, Nov. 10  4  0: Reappoint several people to the Finance, Founders’ Day, Historical, Trails and Open Space committees and the Planning Board

 4  0: Appoint Jeff Davis, vice chair of the town’s Planning Board, to fill the vacant seat on the council

 4  0: Schedule a joint special called meeting of the council and the Planning Board for Sept. 26

 4  0: Authorize the $30,000 settlement of a lawsuit by the family of a boy who broke his arm on the monkey bars at Summerfield Community Park about three years ago and $2.3 million for development of Bandera Farms Park. (See related article on this issue’s front cover.)

PUBLIC SAFETY

department reported it responded to 145 calls in June, including 39 fire-related calls, 76 EMS-related calls and 30 other calls. Firefighters also installed 17 child safety seats and 22 smoke alarms.

Summerfield Fire District. The fire

I

...continued on p. 14

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SUMMERFIELD TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 13 Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s District 1 office did not provide a monthly report.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Gail Dunham expressed condolences to the family of Harold “Shorty” Wilson, owner of Wilson’s Grocery, who died Aug. 6 at age 87.

Dunham requested the town make available to the public Town Manager Scott Whitaker’s Aug. 4 presentation to the county commissioners seeking pandemic relief funds.

Dunham also requested the town restore its previous policy of giving speakers five minutes during public comments, versus three minutes as presently allowed.

Later in the meeting, Whitaker said residents can view his presentation on the county’s website, which posts recordings of commissioners’ meetings and work sessions.

MANAGER’S REPORT Board reappointments

 4  0 to reappoint several people

to the following committees: •Finance: Vicky Bridges and Millie Hoffler-Foushee •Founders’ Day: DeVaney and Walker as ex-officio members •Historical: Gary Brown, Mark Brown, Heather Buttonow, Bruce Petersen, Andy Schlosser and Troy Stantliff Jr. •Trails and Open Space: Cary Gentry, Bill King, Trudy Whitacre and Jane Doggett (ex-officio member) •Planning Board: Kathy Rooney

Sessoms applauded those who volunteer to serve on the town’s committees and said, “These folks do a lot of work.”

DeVaney urged residents who’d be interested in filling committee vacancies to contact council members or town staff.

live life to the fullest

“It’s an awesome way to get involved in the community,” she said.

Town staff hiring. Whitaker said he is considering an applicant for the position of planning director and is also seeking to fill the town clerk’s position.

Light bulb replacement. A contractor has replaced the bulbs in the field lights at Summerfield Athletic Park, Whitaker said, and the parking lot lights will be converted to LED bulbs.

COUNCIL BUSINESS

Town Council appointment

 4  0 to appoint Jeff Davis, vice

chair of the town’s Planning Board, to fill the vacant seat on the council.

Davis succeeds John O’Day, who resigned from the council in May after he and his wife, Kelly, sold their Summerfield home and moved to High Point.

Besides Davis, five other candidates applied for the open seat: Greg Fox, Bob Jones, Dwayne Crite, Tara Peterson and Patrick Ingegno. Sessoms thanked them for seeking the seat and said selecting one person out of the six candidates had been “a very difficult decision.”

Davis, an engineer by profession, has served on the Planning Board for 11 years. He has distinguished himself as “a walking encyclopedia of everything developmentally speaking” in Summerfield, Sessoms said.

Joint meeting

 4  0 to schedule a joint special called meeting of the council and the Planning Board for Sept. 26. The purpose will be to hear a presentation by the Piedmont Triad Regional Council about the town’s proposed land use plan.

Rezoning request confusion. A request for rezoning of 16.5 acres for about 95 multi-family homes on Pleasant Ridge Road in northwestern Greensboro has caused confusion among some residents who live nearby.

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Sessoms said he had received several phone calls from people •asking Totally local since 1996 how Summerfield is handling

the rezoning request. As he’s relayed to the callers, he said, “that is not in Summerfield, it’s in the city of Greensboro.”

Even though some nearby homeowners actually live in Greensboro, they have Summerfield mailing addresses.

The situation “is the most confusing thing trying to explain,” Sessoms said.

CLOSED SESSION  4  0 to authorize the $30,000

settlement of a lawsuit by the family of a boy who broke his arm on the monkey bars at Summerfield Community Park about three years ago.

The council voted on the settlement after emerging from a closed session to discuss the legal matter. The council didn’t discuss specifics other than that the League of Municipalities, the town’s insurer, had recommended the settlement after mediation by the two sides.

The town’s insurance through the league will pay $20,000 of the settlement, leaving Summerfield to pay the $10,000 deductible, according to Walker.

Whitaker said the town admitted no wrongdoing in the accident and the monkey bars are still in place.

Post-meeting gathering Sessoms said council members planned to go to Luigi’s restaurant in Hillsdale Village on N.C. 150 after the meeting, and said no town business would be discussed. He invited others to join them.

According to the mayor, the idea for the post-meeting gathering came from council member Robinson.

Earlier this month, she attended the Oak Ridge Town Council meeting and learned that council members from that town, along with committee volunteers and other community members often gather at Bistro 150 after council meetings.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:14 p.m.

24 Inflation takes its toll Recession or not, business owners feel the pinch Illustration by Adobe Stock

Even though the National Bureau of Economic Research hasn’t declared the U.S. economy to be in recession, the combination of rising costs and cautious spending makes it feel that way to local business owners.

Ridge 16 Pleasant Road rezoning

request advances

new direction 18 AA picture-perfect second career

Pleasant Ridge Road rezoning request advances Map created by Yvonne Truhon/NWO

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To RSVP, email info@summerfieldmerchant.com AUG. 18 - 31, 2022

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The Greensboro Planning and Zoning Commission voted 7-2 this

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NW GREENSBORO – Opponents of a proposal to build as many as 95 townhouses on Pleasant Ridge Road lost the first round of their rezoning battle against the project’s developer.

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Greensboro’s Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of rezoning for townhouse development

The Northwest Observer

past Monday, Aug. 15, to recommend approval of the rezoning application by Windsor Homes. The final decision now rests with the City Council, which will consider approving the request during its Sept. 20 meeting.

“We are trying to preserve this rural space,” said Summerfield resident Kim McCaskill, one of several property owners who urged the commission to oppose the rezoning request for property near her home. “Please let us keep something rural out here.”

David Michaels, Windsor’s manager of land acquisition and development, countered, telling the commission that his company’s proposal to build about 5.2 units per acre “is not an unprecedented use for this area.”

Michaels cited two nearby developments on Fleming Road with comparable densities. He said they’re examples of housing sought by people who don’t want to maintain the large lots that homes are typically built on in northwestern Greensboro and Summerfield.

In this area, Summerfield’s town limits are located on the northern side of Pleasant Ridge Road, just across from the property Windsor hopes to rezone.

Even though some homeowners who live near the townhouse site actually live within the city limits of Greens•boro, Totally 1996 mailing theylocal have since Summerfield

If the rezoning of 16.5 acres on Pleasant Ridge Road in northwest Greensboro is approved by the Greensboro City Council, Windsor Homes plans to provide access to the development from Pleasant Ridge and Long Valley roads, and not through the adjacent Highland Grove subdivision. addresses. The property that is the subject of the rezoning request also has a Summerfield mailing address, according to Guilford County property records.

The situation “is the most confusing thing trying to explain,” Summerfield Mayor Tim Sessoms said during the Town Council’s meeting last week.

He said several people had called him to ask how Summerfield is handling the rezoning request. His response to the callers was, “that is not Summerfield, it’s the city of Greensboro.”

Windsor is seeking to rezone 16.5 acres at 2608 Pleasant Ridge Road from agricultural (AG) to conditional zoning – residential multifamily district (CD-RM-8). If the request is approved, the two-story townhouses will be rising from the grassy, wooded tract a year from now, according to Michaels.

The land is owned by William Spangler, who plans to continue living in his home on the property after its purchase

by Windsor Homes, Michaels told the commission.

The purchase hinges on the rezoning of the property, according to Michaels.

If the City Council approves the rezoning next month, Windsor anticipates completing the transaction by the end of the year and starting construction next spring, he said in an interview during a recess in the commission meeting.

...continued on p. 22

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by ANNETTE JOYCE Friday night high school football games – there’s nothing quite like the bright lights, excitement of the game and a stadium filled with fans. Just ask Faith Lanning. You’ll find her at nearly every Northern Guilford Nighthawks’ home game, moving adeptly around the field while capturing all the excitement in photographs.

When Lanning, 51, first started her professional life, going into photography was the furthest thing from her mind.

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Finding joy in whatever she’s involved with, Lanning spent 10 satisfying years working with respiratory patients.

It was during this time that she met her husband, Michael, on a blind date. They eventually married and later expanded their family to include two boys – Joshua and Matt.

Deciding they didn’t want someone else caring for their young children while they both worked, the couple came up with a plan to allow Lanning to stay home with them. She gave up her job and her husband took on a second job to make ends meet financially.

“I loved being at home and love being a mom,” Lanning said.

As the boys grew older, Lanning wanted to become more involved in the community and the workplace. In her sons’ earlier school years, she actively

volunteered, which led to her becoming a part-time teacher’s assistant.

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...continued on p. 22

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hooked on this type of photography after going with her husband, one of their sons and the family’s black Labrador, Coal, on a duck hunting trip in Maryland.

“We were up at the crack of dawn, and it was the middle of winter,” she said. “I definitely loved it!”

Only a portion of Lanning’s work time is spent photographing the action before her – the bulk of her time is actually spent behind the scenes, where she can be found at the computer, poring over photographs and culling them down to the very best shots.

“I do take a lot of images to get that perfect shot,” she said. “I typically

capture about 1,000 images at each game. From those, I get anywhere from 150 to 250 or 300 good shots.”

Once she’s selected her best shots, she edits them to ensure the images meet her standards. After that, she uploads them to her website for parents and students to view and possibly purchase.

Although her business offers some flexibility, she doesn’t work a typical 40-hour-a-week schedule. Instead, she follows the high school sports schedules, which include late afternoons, evenings and weekends. And when she’s not on location, she can often be found at the computer, viewing, culling

REZONING REQUEST ...continued from p. 16 Townhomes would range in price from $325,000 to $350,000, Michaels said.

Each building would contain two, three or four units, he said; each home would have a two-car garage.

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Rezoning of the land would allow for construction of an additional 10 units if Spangler’s house becomes vacant and is torn down, he said.

Not all opponents who wanted to speak during the meeting had the opportunity to do so. The board of commissioners limits comments by supporters and opponents of rezoning requests to 10 minutes for initial remarks and five minutes for rebuttals.

Opponents who did speak shared the view that townhouses are out of character for the area marked by old barns and houses sitting on several acres. On the other hand, some lots in the Highland Grove subdivision are a third of an acre in size.

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and editing the images she’s captured.

Despite the demand on her time, Lanning doesn’t complain because she’s doing exactly what she loves to do. That, she said, is the key to her success and a piece of advice she shares with anyone interested in starting their own business.

“Do what makes you happy,” Lanning said. “I know that sounds minute, but it’s really important.”

Venturing out on your own is scary, she added.

“The first step is the hardest,” she said. “Sometimes you just have to go with your passion. You’ll never know until you try it.”

“We are not here to oppose the development,” said Kermit Robinson, who lives at the corner of Pleasant Ridge and Long Valley roads, just west of the tract being considered for rezoning.

“We are here to oppose the density,” Robinson said.

“Eighty-five units in this rural area is too dense.”

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Residents who live in Highland Grove said they worry that traffic may worsen with construction of the townhouses, including some that would be located on Long Valley Road. The narrow road is already a cut-through from Pleasant Ridge Road to Fleming Road.

Michaels said townhouses offer some advantages over single-family houses, such as requirements for buffers along adjacent property. A condition of the rezoning request limits the height of townhouses to 40 feet – or two stories – whereas singlefamily houses can be as tall as 50 feet, according to Mike Kirkman, Greensboro’s planning manager.

Commission member Andrew Egbert said he heard from some opponents of the rezoning request that Windsor didn’t offer “any give and take” in discussions with nearby property owners.

Michaels said Windsor is heeding some requests by property owners. It’s not seeking to build apartments, he said, and it plans access to the development from Pleasant Ridge and Long Valley roads – and not through the Highland Grove subdivision.

Egbert was one of two commissioners who voted against the rezoning request. One of the seven commissioners who voted in favor of the request was Zac Engle, who said he feels “comfortable with the density.”

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Just like their customers, northwest Guilford business owners are cutting back themselves as they grapple with slowing demand for their goods and services. Owners of seasonal businesses fear the slowing economy will deepen their typical wintertime dips.

Even though the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) hasn’t declared the U.S. economy to be in recession, the combination of rising costs and cautious spending makes it feel that way to Glen Claeys.

“Are we in a recession?

Yeah,” said Claeys, who owns The Garden Center in Summerfield with his wife, Donna.

As prices for gasoline and diesel fuel peaked in June, Claeys had to let go of his lawn customers who hadn’t signed a monthly contract.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 Sporadic jobs aren’t profitable and

don’t generate the cash flow he needs to pay employees, he said. Due to the labor shortage, he’s been working as many as seven days a week.

Claeys recently spread 10 yards of mulch for a homeowner in Stokesdale, a third of her typical order. Demand for the outlet’s floral arrangements is higher, reflecting that people are still spending on smaller-ticket items even as they curb big purchases, Claeys noted.

“People are holding back,” he said in an interview earlier this week. “They are taking care of what they have to, not what they want to.”

The nation’s gross disposable product (GDP) has declined for two consecutive quarters on an annualized basis, meeting the typical definition of a recession. However, the U.S. labor market is still growing, countering declining economic activity.

“We find that most indicators – particularly those measuring labor markets – provide strong evidence that the U.S. economy did not fall into a recession in the first quarter,” the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas wrote in a report earlier this month.

Nationally, retail sales remained flat in July, slowing from 0.8% growth a month earlier, the U.S. Commerce Department reported earlier this week.

Locally, some business owners cited their slowing sales as evidence of an economic slowdown that feels like a recession to them. Even though gasoline prices are falling, they remain higher than a year ago, creating anxiety among consumers.

“Everything is uncertain; there are no guarantees,” said Adam French, who owns Downtown Bicycle Works in Summerfield with his wife, Sabrina.

“And that’s scary.”

French thinks the country has been in “a soft recession” for at least six months.

For the cycle sales and repair shop, it’s meant a drop in sales and a reluctance by some consumers to spend on repairs.

“People are hurting,” he said. “They

are buying essentials to get by.”

A month ago, contractor Malone said he was looking at about 15 construction, remodeling and repair jobs a week. Now the number is down to about four or five a week.

“Because of the uncertain economy and the uncertain future, people are afraid to spend the money that they’ve got,” Malone said.

“Over the past two or three weeks, the calls have come from people who need repairs,” he said. “People are doing what they’ve got to do now, not what they want to do.”

For Bill Stork, who owns Summerfield’s Blissful Art and Framing with his wife, Amanda, higher fuel prices prompted him to drive her hybrid vehicle to work and leave his gasoline-powered pickup truck in the driveway.

Even as demand remains steady for framing and his graphic design services, Stork remains cautious.

“I don’t travel nearly as much,” said Stork, a Civil War reenactor who enjoys traveling with friends to events. He decided not to drive seven hours this past weekend to a living history exhibition at Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania.

“Everything is higher now,” said Darla Clark, owner of Little Darlans and a vendor at a farmers’ market in Stokesdale, earlier this week. She and her husband, Brian, who owns a mobile car detailing and pressure washing service, have three children.

“What used to fill up the back of the minivan is five bags now,” said Clark, who uses a grocery-buying app

“to make sure I’m not going over budget.” The family is eating out less and cutting back in other ways.

Clark sells earrings, dog treats, scented candles and other homemade items at the Stokesdale market and craft fairs. She also sells online, where sales have slowed this year, signaling that consumers, like her family, are cautious.

“I’m hoping the holiday season really picks up,” she said.

Some business owners have benefited from the slowing economy. Earlier this month, April Westenberg moved her do-it-yourself arts and crafts classes from the garage of her Summerfield home to space she’s renting in Golden Antiques and Treasures.

Westenberg said her workshops appeal to women who like paying less for making wreaths, tabletop décor and other items as part of a group than buying the supplies to make them.

The slowing economy “has made people want to do things on their own,” Westenberg said. “People are craving things to do.”

For John and Gina Childress, owners of Golden Antiques and Treasures, rising fuel costs have crimped sales this year. “From what I’ve seen, customers are more cautious,” Gina said.

On a personal front, the couple is grappling with higher costs. “While it used to cost $40 to fill up my car, it now costs $70 to $80,” said Gina, adding that filling up a grocery cart at Wal-Mart costs roughly twice as much.

Jennifer Mun, owner of Bistro 150 in Oak Ridge

Commons shopping center, said her business has fortunately remained steady. However, she’s been feeling the pinch of inflated prices for well over a year.

“It’s not just a couple of dollars,” she said. “In many cases it’s double!”

As an example, Mun said a 30-pound box of potatoes that used to cost around $28 recently cost her $52.85.

“Also, steak and seafood – I used to pay $70 per 10-pound box and now I’m paying $150,” she noted.

Mun said she refuses to buy lesser-quality cuts of meat and seafood, but the higher food costs have cut deeply into her profit margin. While she’s increased prices on daily dinner specials, it’s been about a year since the restaurant’s regular menu items have increased.

“I don’t want to, but I’ll have to change them eventually,” she said. “Some of my customers have even encouraged me to raise prices, because they want to make sure I stay in business.”

“I’m okay for now, but I’m concerned about the future, because food prices keep going up,” Mun said.

“We’re not a fancy restaurant, and no one is going to come in and pay us $25 to $30 for a meal.

“For now, I just keep telling my staff that we need to give even better service and a bigger smile,” she said.

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Matzinger receives national Eagle Scout award Article, photo courtesy of OLD NORTH STATE COUNCIL Scouting volunteer Mike Matzinger received the 2022 National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA) at the Old North State Council Character in Action Banquet on Aug. 9 at the Koury Convention Center.

This award recognizes notable Eagle Scouts who have performed distinguished service at the local, state or regional level. They also “have inspired others through their actions and have devoted a lifetime to their profession, avocation, community and beliefs, at great sacrifice to themselves and their families,” according to the National Eagle Scout Association website.

“Scouting has been an important part of my life since I became a Cub Scout at age 8,” Matzinger said. “My roles as business executive, community volunteer, parent and spouse are heavily influenced by the preparation scouting provided me to make moral and ethical decisions for a lifetime based on the tenants of the Scout Oath and Law.” After earning a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Emory University, Matzinger started his career as a research scientist during which time he was granted 32 patents. Later, he earned an MBA from the University of South Carolina and transitioned to technical and business leadership roles before becoming president of Burlington

(L-R) Old North State Council Executive Clif Morris and Council President J.D. Wooten present the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award to Mike Matzinger at an Old North State banquet held in the Koury Convention Center Aug. 9. as a unit leader for three national and “Scoutmaster Matztwo international jamborees. inger embodies what it means to be a true servant leader,” said Selby Chipman, one of Troop 219’s four inaugural female Eagle Scouts.

“Thanks to his guidance and support, I have gained confidence and resilience, experienced adventures of a lifetime, and value the importance of paying it forward.”

Chemical Company 12 years ago.

“During the pandemic, Scoutmaster Matzinger provided the mentorship and resources that enabled our troop to thrive and grow at a time when most activities stopped,” adds Caden Miller, a Troop 600 Eagle Scout who served as senior patrol leader during that time. “Not only did we continue meeting virtually and outdoors, but he encouraged us to help our community by collecting tens of thousands of pounds of food for months to help people in need.”

Matzinger has served in many scouting roles for over 30 years at the unit, district, council and territory levels.

He is Scoutmaster to 71 young men in Troop 600, chartered to Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, and Scoutmaster to 40 young women in Troop 219, chartered to Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club. He In 2023, Matzinger will be Scouthas served as the founding unit leader of each for 16 and three years, respectively, master of a contingent of 36 Scouts and has helped almost 100 Scouts reach from local troops participating in the Observer • Totally localJamboree. since 1996 BSA National He has served the rank ofThe EagleNorthwest Scout.

Matzinger has previously received other scouting recognitions including the Celtic Cross Award, Sea Scout Leadership Award, Venturing Leadership Award, Special Needs Scouting Service Award, District Award of Merit, and Silver Beaver Award.

Coming

September 1

Beyond scouting, Matzinger serves the Back-to-school section community as a member of Rotary International and board chair of Black Suit Initiative.

Coming

September 1 Back-to-school section 

  published by pscommun

ications

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

2022

A special section in our next issue of the Northwest Observer

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AUG. 18 - 31, 2022

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‘It’s a night-and-day difference’ Northwest High School students and teachers return to renovated mobile classrooms thanks to PTSO’s successful “Mobile Makeover” project Photos and article

by PATTI STOKES “It looks like a new place – it feels more like a home now than it does a mobile classroom,” said Heather Hahn, a Northwest High School social studies teacher. Hahn was attending the second of two open houses held Aug. 13 and 14 for the community to see the 24 units that were refurbished this summer.

As she sat at her desk in a newly renovated mobile unit that just a few months ago was marked by years of use and neglect, Hahn said of her classroom,

 Social studies teacher Heather Hahn attends an open house on Aug. 14 for the community to tour 24 newly renovated mobile classrooms. Compared to the classroom she left in June, Hahn said her “new” classroom is hardly recognizable.

“It’s a night-and-day difference.”

Senior Thomas Orrell was one of several students also attending the open house on Aug. 14. He and his family recently moved to the area from Georgia, and although he had not attended classes in the mobile classrooms before

 NWHS senior Thomas Orrell recently moved to the northwest area from Georgia and will be one of 24 students serving on the PTSO’s new student delegation. Orrell, who attended the Mobile Makeover open house on Aug. 14, said he looks forward to attending classes in the renovated mobile units.

they were renovated this summer, he said others had told him about what poor condition they had been in.

“There have been a lot of ‘Wows!’”

Orrell said of the comments he’d overheard from those who attended the open houses on Aug. 13 and 14 to see the

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Michelle Gee was on the PTSO board last year when then-president Melissa Stallings broached the subject of renovating the mobile units.

“She came to the board one day out of the blue and said, ‘I think we need to

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 Kaitlyn Hutchens, a rising freshman at Northwest High School, was on hand Aug. 14 to greet visitors touring the newly renovated mobile classrooms.

Shown in photo, Hutchens stands in the mobile unit designated for PTSO volunteers to meet and work in. She’s particularly excited about that unit, since she’ll be spending some time in it as one of 24 students serving on the PTSO’s new student delegation.  Michelle Gee, former PTSO vicepresident and president, worked closely with PTSO member and parent volunteer Melissa Stallings throughout the Mobile Makeover project. “When she first brought it up, I couldn’t even comprehend what kind of project she was talking about,” Gee said during an interview at the open house on Aug. 14. in-kind donations, with 23 mobile units on the school’s campus now free of bathroom mold, stained, shabby carpet, marred walls, rotted decking and more.

remake the mobiles,’” Gee said. “At first, I couldn’t even comprehend what kind of project she was talking about. And then as she began talking, we discussed painting and floors and bathrooms and air conditioners … and we all just kind of said, ‘If you can make this happen, we will support you any way we can.’”

Within just a few months, the PTSO had launched its “Mobile Makeover” project, which officially got underway last January and began with reaching out to community members and businesses for their support. Fast-forward six months and almost $500,000 was raised in monetary and

Standing in history teacher Ray Parrish’s renovated mobile unit while being interviewed, Gee said Parrish had been in his mobile unit for the last 28 years he had been teaching at his alma mater.

“He said it had been the exact same … until, obviously, today,” Gee said.

When asked if she was prepared for how much work the project would entail, Gee answered simply, “Not at all.”

Maybe that was a good thing,

 Social studies teacher Phil Coley has created an inviting work space in his recently renovated, 27-year-old mobile classroom.

because rather than focusing on the daunting task ahead, the PTSO focused on how amazing it would be to have students and teachers return this month to classrooms that had little resemblance to the ones they left in June.

It all wouldn’t have happened without Stallings’ vision and enthusiasm for the project, Gee said.

“Aside from a couple of vacations she took based around her kids, Melissa was here every day,” Gee said. “Every day… pressure washing and painting and sweeping and cleaning – you name it and she was doing it.”

When prompted, Gee admitted that she, too, spent a lot of time on the renovation project (“but not as

much as Melissa,” she was quick to point out).

And in the days leading up to the Aug. 13 and 14 open houses, when the pair realized there wasn’t enough left in the budget to cover the cost of cleaning the units, they gathered their cleaning supplies and gave the classrooms a final sprucing up.

All 23 of them.

“At that point we were so close to the finish line, and the mobile units were so amazing that we wanted them to look their best,” Gee said.

“Now that we’re here and the project is complete (minus a few checklist things), it’s really rewarding,” she said. “Seeing the before and after is indescribable.”

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will receive a finisher’s medal and a T-shirt. All participants can enjoy a free bowl of chili after the race.

The money raised will go towards the construction of a new building for Donald’s Fire Haven Museum in Pleasant Garden. Visit https://runsignup.com/ Race/NC/Summerfield/StopDropandRoll5K to register.

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 Fundraiser dinner | She ROCKS, a nonprofit that

brings awareness to and helps patients getting treatment for ovarian cancer, will host its fifth annual Triad dinner Friday, Sept. 30, starting at 6 p.m. at Summerfield Farms, 3203 Pleasant Ridge Road. Dinner and drinks will be catered by 1618, and there will be a dance party afterwards. To purchase tickets, visit www.she-rocks.org/triad. More info: (336) 866-0003.  Stop, Drop and Roll | Summerfield Fire District will host the 6th annual Stop, Drop and Roll 5K walk/run fundraiser and the popular Sparky’s Dash for kids on Saturday, Oct. 1, at Summerfield Fire Department, 7400 Summerfield Road. Sparky’s Dash begins at 8:45 a.m. and the 5K begins at 9 a.m. 5K participants

EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY  Farmers markets | Stokesdale Farmers Mar-

ket, held at Stokesdale United Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola Drive, is open Tuesdays, 4 to 7 p.m.

Oak Ridge Farmers Market, held at Oak Ridge Military Academy, 2317 Oak Ridge Road, is open Thursdays from 4 p.m. to dusk.

EVERY WEDNESDAY MORNING  Outdoor story time | Greensboro Public Library is sponsoring an outdoor storytime every Wednesday from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at Country Park, 3905 Nathaneal Greene Drive in northwest Greensboro.

Preschoolers and toddlers, along with parents and

caregivers, are invited to enjoy stories, songs and rhymes at Shelter 9, weather permitting. Parking is available near the carousel at Greensboro Science Center. More info: Kelly.Proudfit@greensboro-nc.gov.

EVERY MONDAY, starting AUG. 29  Stokesdale Community Choir | Stokesdale Com-

munity Choir will begin rehearsals Monday, Aug. 29, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Gideon Grove United Methodist Church, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road, Stokesdale.

All are welcome! No tryouts. For more info or to join, call Sondra, (336) 453-8017. See ad on p. 5 for details.

THURSDAY, AUG. 18  Blood drive | The Summit Church at

1420 N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge will host a Red Cross blood drive Aug. 18, 1:30 to 6 p.m. All blood types are needed. Appointments can be made, but walk-ins are welcome. More info: www.thesummitchurch.net.

SATURDAY, AUG. 20  Music in the Park | The Town of Summerfield

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will sponsor a Music in the Park event Aug. 20, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Summerfield Community Park, 5404 Centerfield Road. The Holiday Band will be playing beach music, oldies and Top 40 songs; West Coast Wanderer food truck and Kona Ice will be selling refreshments. Bring a chair and blanket.

Parking available at Summerfield Community Park or the Medearis Street parking lot.

MONDAY, AUG. 22  Lions Club | Oak Ridge Lions Club, a nonprofit

that helps people who are sight or hearing-impaired and contributes to the community in numerous other ways, will meet Aug. 22 at the Oak Ridge Room, 2205 Oak Ridge Road (next to Bistro 150). Come at 6 p.m. to socialize and if you would like, order dinner or a beverage – the business meeting runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. More info: Frank Kelleher, president, (336) 327-7786 or frankxk95@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 24  Preservation Oak Ridge meeting | Preservation Oak Ridge, a nonprofit committed to preserving historic structures in Oak Ridge, invites town residents

to its monthly meeting Aug. 24, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Historic Ai Church, 1306 N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge.

Visit their website at www.preserveoakridge.org. More info: (336) 644-1777.

SATURDAY, AUG. 27  Food pantry | Good Samaritan Ministries’ food

pantry in Stokesdale will open for those in need of food on Aug. 27, 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.

TUESDAY, AUG. 30  Cub Scouts open house | Oak Ridge Cub Scout

Pack 600 invites families of kids in grades K-5 to join us for a family and friends fun night at our open house on Aug. 30, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, 2614 Oak Ridge Road. See Save the Date ad on p. 36 for more details.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 1  Men’s coffee group | Enjoy coffee and fellowship

at a twice-a-month men’s coffee group which meets

at 9 a.m. on the first Thursday of each month at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road, and the third Thursday of each month at First Baptist Church, 2300 Scalesville Road in Summerfield. More info: Bob Williams, (336) 643-4848.  Town Council meeting | Oak Ridge Town Coun-

cil will meet Sept. 1, 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.

SEPT. 8, 9 & 10  RidgeFest | Merchants of Oak Ridge in partner-

ship with the Town of Oak Ridge and with the help of church and business sponsors and many volunteers, will host the 13th annual RidgeFest Thursday, Sept. 8, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.; Friday, Sept. 9, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Sept. 10, 4:30 to 10 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive. Enjoy carnival rides for kids of all ages, food trucks, live music, games and other activities – and a spectacular fireworks show on the last night. See ad on p. 7 for more details.

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

(336) 412-7580 | volunteerforgal.org

Sat., Aug. 20, 6:30p–9:00p Summerfield Community Park Amphitheater (5404 Centerfield Rd.)

beach, oldies, top 40 . . . free concert

The Holiday Band brought to you by:

West Coast Wanderer food truck and Kona Ice! Free parking at 5404 Centerfield Rd., Medearis St. Trailhead, and Summerfield Elementary. Bring blankets, chairs, and friends!

www.summerfieldnc.gov

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Check the town’s Facebook page for weather updates.

AUG. 18 - 31, 2022

31

GRINS and GRIPES

Delighted or dismayed by something in your community?

Share your thoughts in online: nwobserver.com

40

words or less

email: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion. for those doing a thankless job).

The late Doug Nodine, erstwhile lone conservative on Oak Ridge Town Council, and all-around good guy. Thanks for all your efforts on behalf of the citizens of Oak Ridge. We’re already missing you sorely. Requiescat in pace.

Republic Waste. We have used them for many years and have only received great service – thank you, guys! (Maybe people need to be more thankful

32

AUG. 18 - 31, 2022

The Town of Stokesdale for being a model town. Small government, no drama and no taxes.

Bank of Oak Ridge in Summerfield for always being a great help and so kind. Always great to see their friendly faces! (Also, they have a great garden that is thriving.)

Mrs. Bennett, principal at Stokesdale Elementary School, for working so hard at finding a donor to pay for a sheriff’s deputy to help with traffic the

first week of school. We appreciate all you do!

Mr. Gilley, owner of Gilley’s Lawnmower Repair, for running a fine repair shop. On time for the pick-up, great service, very fair price, and a quick return were all very appreciated.

The late Harold “Shorty” Wilson, owner of Wilson’s Grocery at the corner of Carlson Dairy and Pleasant Ridge roads in Summerfield, for the many years he worked day and night and offered a welcoming community gathering place. Gone, but never forgotten.

Editor’s note: For those who may not have heard, “Shorty” Wilson died Aug. 6 at age 87.

The anonymous person(s) who agreed to pay for a sheriff’s deputy to help with traffic the first week of school in Stokesdale. Thankful that someone is looking out for the community.

The grinner who grinned about the griper who griped about other gripers

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

griping about other gripers. I look forward to the grins and gripes in each issue about the previous issue’s grins and gripes. I’m glad somebody else appreciates them.

Guilford County sheriff’s District 1 office.

Since January I have not seen the deputies out and about like they were before. I used to see them stopping cars and deterring crime; now I never see them.

The homeowner in Oak Ridge’s River Oaks subdivision with the leaf blower obsession. A few times in the fall is okay, but literally every single day seems a bit excessive.

The person who griped about Bojangles in Oak Ridge. Recognize that the employees are high schoolers in the midst of a worker shortage and the restaurant is only one of three

...continued on p. 34

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GRINS & GRIPES ...continued from p. 32 fast food, drive-through restaurants in town.

The newest Dollar General on N.C. 158, for already letting the Stokesdale community down. In less than a year, the place looks and is dirty. The parking lot and store are a hazard. Nice employees, but poor management.

Guilford County Schools for spending $800,000 per year on body scanners. Please explain what a body scanner will do during an active shooter situation. This is security theater and a complete mismanagement and waste of already limited resources.

People who mistreat senior citizens and widows by trying to buy their homes and not even caring if they have a place to live. Come on people – we need more doers than takers.

The family in our Oak Ridge

neighborhood who recently allowed their teen to have an all-night party with alcohol available to her underaged friends. This is illegal and encourages irresponsible and reckless behavior.

The driver of the Chevy hatchback who pulled out of River Oaks and proceeded to tailgate me. Pray I do not need to slam on my brakes next time.

The person who grinned about NCDOT’s road crew doing a great job on N.C. 150 in Oak Ridge. You should ride in the eastbound lane, from the Guilford County line to Claxton Drive, and see all the bad bumps.

Editor’s note: See questions on p. 5 in this issue.

People who turn their yards into Motocross tracks. Your neighbors don’t want to listen to that. Please get a clue.

The person in River Oaks who feels the need to use their leaf blower. Every.

Single. Day. Give it a rest, already!

Neighbors without a clue that many people work from home. Nothing worse than being on a work call

Outside the

…

The following reader-submitted GRIPES express opinions about state and/or national topics, and have been separated from the other Grins and Gripes as a courtesy to those who do not want to read others’ opinions on state and/or national political and other non-local topics in a local newspaper.

GRIPES to...

with leaf blowers and loud engines constantly going off in the background. Please get a clue or move to a secluded area.

The person griping about mainstream media reporting temperature change since 1880. To clarify, this is 0.08 C per decade. The problem is the rate has increased to .14 C per decade since 1981. So, is this global warming or not?

Both of our state senators, for

voting against supporting our veterans and against capping the price of lifesaving medicines. They both voted against the Burn Pit Bill, and both voted against capping the price of insulin. Who are they representing?

87,000 new armed IRS agents.

Who do you think they’ll target? What playbook do you think this comes out of? How long before they affect our local news? Mid-term manipulation at its finest. Welcome to Venezuela!

Federal government’s recent decision to provide funding for 87,000 more IRS agents. America would be better served if the new 87,000 agents concentrated on Medicare fraud and not the average American.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

‘Dang! Stole from a church!’

OAK RIDGE – Community members were shaking their heads in disgust after learning someone stole a utility trailer measuring 6 feet by 10 feet from the Summit Church at 1420 N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge sometime Image courtesy of Summit Church/Oak Ridge between 3 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 10. The A utility trailer and the items inside were stolen from stolen trailer has a cross logo the Summit Church on N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge Aug. 10.

Based on the image captured by a surveillance camera, on the side with the word the suspect who stole the trailer was driving a white “Serve,” and at the time of early-2010s model Chevrolet Silverado with a ladder the theft had an N.C. tag rack and multiple tool boxes. with AE 12859 on it. department is working on an active Several items inside the trailer were lead, but encourages anyone who may also stolen, including three grills, a have information about the incident cooking stove, four containers of fuel, a to contact him at (336) 641-2304 or custom supply cart, a pressure washer, a speaker and a white Lifetime folding table. cthomas@guilfordcountync.gov.

According to the image captured on Callers wishing to remain anonymous a surveillance camera, the suspect was can call Greensboro-Guilford County driving a white early-2010s model ChevCrime Stoppers at (336) 373-1000; rolet Silverado with a ladder rack and callers to Crime Stoppers are eligible for multiple tool boxes. cash rewards for information that leads Det. C. Thomas with the Guilto an arrest or the recovery of stolen ford County Sheriff’s Office said the property.

CRIME / INCIDENT report

District 1 Sheriff’s Office

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

ASSAULT

Aug. 6 | A resident of the 8900 block of Osage Road in Stokesdale (near Belews Creek Road) reported a known suspect assaulted her and stole 13 Xanax pills, worth $50 altogether.

Aug. 11 | Law enforcement officers responded to an assault incident in the 8000 block of Lester Road in Stokesdale (near N.C. 68 N).

Aug. 12 | A 41-year-old male was arrested in the 6400 block of Rock Springs Road in northwest Greensboro (near Pleasant Ridge Road) for simple assault.

Aug. 13 | A 25-year-old female was arrested in the 5600 block of Atando Drive in Summerfield (near I-73 N) for assault inflicting serious injury.

COMMUNICATING THREATS

Aug. 8 | Communicated threats during a domestic dispute were reported by a resident of the 3000 block of Pleasant Ridge Road in Summerfield.

Aug. 9 | Officers responded to a report of communicated threats via cyberspace in the 7700 block of Chesterbrooke Drive in northwest Greensboro (off N.C. 150 W).

Aug. 9 | Communicated threats were reported by a resident in the 2000 block of Pleasant Ridge Road in northwest Greensboro.

DEATH INVESTIGATION

Aug. 2 | Officers conducted a death investigation in the 3100 block of Oak Ridge Road in Summerfield.

The Northwest Aug. 4 | Officers conducted aObserver death

investigation in the 700 block of Lakedale Road in Colfax (near Boylston Road).

between July 18 and Aug. 9 an unknown suspect charged $1,000 to her credit card.

DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED

THEFT

Aug. 3 | A 33-year-old male was arrested in the 8400 block of Norcross Road in Colfax for driving while impaired.

Aug. 6 | A 45-year-old male was arrested in the 8600 block of Self Road/ Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale for driving while impaired.

FOUND PROPERTY

Aug. 4 | Officers seized a used glass pipe found at CVS Pharmacy in Summerfield.

FRAUD

Aug. 1 | An employee of BP gas station in Stokesdale reported that between Jan. 1 and Aug. 1 an employee embezzled $7,000 in cash and an unknown amount of lottery tickets.

Aug. 2 | An employee of Atlantic Outdoors in Stokesdale reported that between July 6 and Aug. 2 an unknown suspect obtained a Diamondback 9mm Luger pistol, a Holosun black anodized optic, a Magpul 9mm 50-round drum magazine and an Aero Precision stripped lower receiver, worth $1,437 altogether, under false pretenses.

Aug. 3 | An employee of State Employees’ Credit Union in Oak Ridge reported that between April 27 and Aug. 3 an unknown suspect defrauded the credit union of $3,698.40 via forgery.

Aug. 5 | A resident of the 7700 block of Sorrel Run Court in Summerfield (near Strawberry Road) reported that between June 1 and Aug. 5 an unknown suspect fraudulently used her identifying information.

Aug. 9 | A resident of the 1800 block of Cude Road in Colfax reported that

Aug. 5 | A resident of the 600 block of Plainfield Road in northern Greensboro reported that between July 21 and Aug. 5 an unknown suspect stole a gold diamond wedding ring and a solid gold wedding band, worth $6,000 altogether.

Aug. 10 | A member of The Summit Church in Oak Ridge reported that between 3 and 10 a.m. an unknown suspect stole a white SGAC trailer, three grills, a cooking stove, four containers of fuel, a custom supply cart, a pressure washer, a speaker and a white Lifetime folding table, worth $7,620 altogether.

Aug. 11 | A 29-year-old female was arrested at 12:54 a.m. in the 500 block of Mystic Drive in Greensboro for simple assault, first-degree burglary, larceny of horses/dogs/mules/swine/cattle, larceny after breaking and entering and possession of stolen property; some of the stolen items, which included an Apple iPhone, keys to a vehicle and an LG phone, were returned to the owner, a resident in the 7700 block of Penns Grove Road in Summerfield (near Oak Ridge Road).

VANDALISM

Aug. 1 | A citizen with two trucks parked in the 3400 block of Edgefield Road in northwest Greensboro reported that between July 29 and Aug. 1 an unknown suspect vandalized the passenger doors of the trucks, causing $1,000 worth of damage.

Aug. 6 | A resident of the 6900 block of Summerfield Road in Summerfield reported an unknown suspect put a large dent in the side of his white trailer.

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• Totally local since 1996

www.samanderscpa.com

AUG. 18 - 31, 2022

35

 AUTO SALES & SERVICE

 EMPLOYMENT

 YARD SALES

2013 HARLEY-DAVIDSON 1200 SPORTSTER. Red, with windshield and sissy bar. 750 actual miles. Two helmets available. $10,500.

Call (336) 908-1651.

NORTHWEST BAPTIST DAYCARE is hiring. F/T & P/T. Flexible schedule. Great opportunity for retirees. Contact Annette, (336) 455-3915.

YARD SALE. Sat., Aug. 20, 8am-12pm.

8307 Providence North Dr., Stokesdale.

Household items, clothing, toys, etc.

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.

STAFF POSITIONS available in childcare center. Please call (336) 643-5930.

 HOME SERVICES

SAM'S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 965-7955.

Place online at

CHOICE TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE. Oil changes, inspections, alignments and general automotive repairs. 1080 US Hwy 66 S, Kernersville, NC. (336) 992-9002.

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

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

INDEX Auto Sales & Service ........ 36 Employment .................... 36 Save the Date.................. 36 Yard Sales ....................... 36 Home Services ........... 36-38 Misc. Services .................. 39 Misc. For Sale .................. 39 Misc. Wanted .................. 39 Pets/Animal Services ........ 39 Real Estate ...................... 39

36 AUG. AUG. - 31, 2022 1818 - 31, 2022

PETROSERVE INC., a petroleum & electrical contractor located in Stokesdale. Full and part-time tech/helpers needed. Seniors welcome to apply. Will train. Good benefits. Call Tim, (336) 669-0621, or the office, (336) 643-9220.

 SAVE THE DATE CUB SCOUTS OPEN HOUSE! Tuesday, Aug. 30, 6:30-8pm; Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, 2614 Oak Ridge Rd. Oak Ridge Cub Scout Pack 600 invites families of kids in grades K-5 to join us for a family and friends fun night at our open house. Come enjoy a hot dog supper and entertainment on the lawn. We inspire boys and girls in grades K-5 to have fun with a purpose. Join us! Call/text (336) 655-9781 for more info or check out our pack on Facebook!

(336) 891-3876 EUROHAUSAUTO.PRO

The TOWN of OAK RIDGE is accepting applications for a part-time Parks & Recreation groundskeeper. Up to 25 hours weekly. Very flexible schedule with occasional weekends.

Applicants must have clean NCDL and ability to pass background check. Candidates should submit an application (can be found at oakridgenc.com under Our Town/Employment tab) to tlannon@oakridgenc.com or at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road (M-F, 8:30am-4:30pm).

CAREGIVER NEEDED. Oak Ridge area.

Must be dependable and COVID-vaccinated.

Please call (336) 215-6108.

A-ACTION AIR. Air-conditioning check-up, $59.95. (336) 268-6768 or (336) 382-3750.

CLEANING 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.

THE CLEANING TECHNICIAN LLC. Back in business. Let me provide my cleaning services and help your house sparkle this summer! I do detailed cleaning. Licensed, bonded, insured and vaccinated. Call Lisa, (336) 207-0770.

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

 EMPLOYMENT HELP WANTED. The Garden Outlet in Summerfield is hiring for landscaping crew. For information call (336) 643-0898.

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

Cowboy Churches' ROUNDUP REVIVAL. Friday, Sept. 9, 5:30-9pm, & Saturday, Sept. 10, 5-9pm, Piedmont Saddle Club, 8001 Leabourne Rd., Colfax. Music, messages from God's Word, testimonials, games, food, children's activities, wagon rides, door prizes, and good fellowship with some cowboys & cowgirls. Come experience Cowboy Church!

 YARD SALES LARGE YARD SALE. Friday, August 19, and Saturday, August 20; 7am-1pm. 6807 Palomino Ridge Court, Summerfield.

Clothes, tools, baby/kid items, furniture, treadmill, home décor, household items, many current bestsellers, CDs, DVDs, electronics and more!

The Northwest Observer •Observer Totally local since 1996 The Northwest • Totally local since 1996

PAOLA CLEANING SERVICE. Residential & commercial. Insured. (336) 669-5210

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 Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? Call Coble Electric LLC at (336) 209-1486.

HOME SERVICES 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.

BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC. Residential, commercial and solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192.

FLOORING / TILE 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.

HOME SERVICES

“No Job Too Small” Wood Rot Repairs • Bathroom Remodeling Painting • Decks and much more! • Insured

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.

Your HOME SERVICES company should be here!

Place your classified ad online at

www.nwobserver.com

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

(336) 669-7252

The Northwest Observer

Keeping you connected for 25+ years!

GRADING / HAULING

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.

APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707.

DSL DRAIN SYSTEMS & LANDSCAPING. (336) 362-4354.

oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

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.

GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS

Contact us for a free estimate!

GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150.

CLOCK SERVICE. Free house calls for sick clocks. 8103 Windspray Dr., Summerfield.

(336) 643-9931.

HOME SERVICES

PLACE YOUR AD: nwobserver.com

VIKING TILE and FLOORS. Veteranowned and fully insured. Focused on high-quality installations of tile floors and backsplashes. Upgrade your kitchen, bathroom, outdoor space, fireplace and more by calling us at (336) 908-5468 or visiting vikingtileandfloors.com.

AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350.

HOME SERVICES

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.

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

CLEAN-UP & HAULING. Lots, yards, natural areas, houses and barns. Most any type of debris removal. Call Steve, (336) 643-1119.

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.

WILSON

Seamless Gutters

Installation, repair, replacement, Leaf Guard

Stokesdale

336-420-0200

NC FORESTRY MULCHING & LANDWORKS. Top rated on Google! Let us help you take back your land! (336) 362-6181. ncforestrymulching.com.

STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. 40+ years experience. Any type of tree, shrubbery and landscaping work. Oak Ridge.

(336) 643-1119.

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.

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

CM STUMP GRINDING, LLC. Family owned and operated. Commercial/residential. Free quotes! (336) 317-4600.

AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Quality irrigation systems. NC licensed contractor. We service all systems. Free est. (336) 644-1174.

EXTERIOR GREENSCAPES. Lawn maintenance service. Call for a free estimate (336) 682-1456.

AUGUSTA GREEN LANDSCAPES. Lawn/landscape maintenance and design, aeration, seeding, fertilizing, pine needles, mulch, leaf removal & more! Free estimates. (336) 708-6150.

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

ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Free estimates.

Licensed & insured. (336) 643-9157.

STRAIGHT EDGE LAWN CARE. Free estimates. Please call (336) 306-0274.

DeLima

Lawn Care commercial & residential

Available 7 days/week mowing ● pruning ● mulch/pine needles & much more

Owner: JC Ruiz ● 336.669.5210 licensed & ensured ● working in the area since 2005

FREE ESTIMATES DILLON TREE SERVICE. Certified arborist.

Locally owned; in business 25 yrs. Serving the Triad area. Specializing in large/hazardous tree removal and emergency removals.

Free estimates. www.dillontreeservice.com.

Call (336) 996-6156.

TheObserver Northwest• Observer • Totally The Northwest Totally local since local 1996since 1996

SOUTHERN CUTZ LAWN CARE. Offering complete lawn maintenance services, landscaping, bush hogging, privacy fence installation/repair/staining, and stump grinding.

Nathan Adkins, (336) 430-6086.

COLFAX LAWNCARE. Core aeration & seeding. Fertilizing, mowing, trimming, pine needles. Complete lawn care maintenance.

Res./comm. Fully insured. Serving the Triad for 33 years. (336) 362-5860.

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.

continued on p. 38

AUG. 18 18 - 31, 2022 AUG. - 31, 2022

37

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

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

COX POOL SERVICE. Openings, closings, routine maintenance, weekly service. No contracts, free estimates! (336) 327-5122.

PLUMBING

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, LLC & Outdoor Living understands the dynamics of a beautiful yard. We keep up with the latest trends with our custom pools/patios, outdoor lighting, fire pits, retaining walls, driveways and other numerous landscape designs. This can be the perfect focal point for your home. Call us at (336) 399-6619.

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.

CONCRETE COATINGS Flake Epoxy Systems Garage Floor and Concrete Resurfacing Decorative Concrete Overlays Eric Sauls, Owner ● (336) 970-3543 Call for your free estimate

The Northwest Observer

JUNK & DEBRIS REMOVAL, construction, remodeling, and general cleanup, outbuildings, garages, basements, yard waste, etc.

Also can haul mulch. Call (336) 706-8470.

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

BEK Paint Co. Residential & Commercial David & Judy Long, owners

(336) 931-0600

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

LAWSON'S PAINTING. Custom decks, pressure washing, boat docks, block fill, wood repair, stain work, textured ceilings, sheetrock repair. Call (336) 253-9089.

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

working in NW Guilford County since 1999

Residential • Commercial • Licensed & Insured

Available 7 days/week

covering local matters since 1996!

emergencies, parties, preparing for guests, etc.

Ask us about PRESSURE WASHING

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS

336.669.5210 ● carlospainting14@live.com

PEARMAN QUARRY LCID. Inert debris landfill. Yard waste, concrete, etc. Mulch and fill dirt available. (336) 803-2195 or (336) 558-7673.

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

38 AUG. AUG. - 31, 2022 1818 - 31, 2022

Owner: Carlos Ruiz

FREE ESTIMATES

Your home services company should be here!

Place your classified ad online at

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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.

PRESSURE WASHING HOUSE and ROOF SOFT WASHING. Martin's Pressure Washing. (919) 931-0856.

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

 HOME SERVICES Services TM Construction , INC

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Roof and window replacement

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

NC Gen. Contractor #72797

tmcsi.net

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.

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ORTIZ REMODELING – Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981.

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

ROOFING

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.

PAINTING, DECKS AND MORE. Call Premier Construction for free estimates.

(336) 430-9507.

AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350.

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.

The Northwest Observer •Observer Totally local since 1996 The Northwest • Totally local since 1996

Local roofing company. Since 1979.

Residential & Commercial Roofing shingle roofing ● metal roofing roof replacement ● roof inspections TPO roofing ● EPDM roofing

We finance. Free estimates.

(336) 362-6343 ● belewscreekconstruction.com

PREMIER ROOFING. Commercial/residential. Providing service for all of your roofing needs. Locally owned. Please call (336) 430-9507 for free assessments.

DUSTIN CLINARD ROOFING. Shingles, metal, and leak repairs. Call (336) 268-1908 CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC. 40 + years experience. (336) 643-8191.

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 MISC. SERVICES

 MISC. WANTED FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, generators, power washers, 4-wheelers, mini bikes, golf carts, mopeds, other gas-powered items, etc. (336) 689-4167.

locally owned & operated 6705 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale

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

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

 MISC. FOR SALE FOR SALE. Oak table with 6 chairs, $180; oak entertainment center, $80; antique rocking chair, $80; antique cobbler's bench coffee table, $100; Singer sewing machine stand cutting board, $140; battery operated grandfather clock, $50; oak pedestal mirror, $100. Call Brad, (336) 314-3186.

FURNITURE FOR SALE. Table/4 chairs, $700; sofa, $400; end tables, $45 ea.; coffee table, $75; large china cabinet, $700; set of fine china, $400; two queen beds, $300/$400; three dressers, $300(all 3); end tables(2), $30 ea.; lamps(3), $20 ea. Cash only. No delivery. Call, (336) 965-8678.

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SNAP-ON EXTRA-LARGE TOOL BOX with custom Snap-on cover. Includes a total of 20 differently sized drawers.

Measures 4 ft. tall, 73 in. wide, 29 in. deep. Filled with variety of Snap-on mechanic's tools. Asking $10,000, OBO. Call (336) 965-8678. Leave message.

LOCAL BEEF FOR SALE. Call us or visit our website for information. (336) 451-4655. www.steeplecreekfarm.com.

 MISC. WANTED WANT TO LEASE LAND FOR HUNTING of deer and turkey. Stokes, Guilford, or Rockingham County. References available upon request. Possible land maintenance with lease.

Please call Mike, (336) 413-3817.

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

YARN NEEDED to make children's hats for Samaritan's Purse Shoebox Ministry. Call Beth, (336) 644-8155.

FABRIC NEEDED for Samaritan’s Purse Shoebox Ministry to make dresses and skirts for girls. Cotton fabrics work best, any amount.

Also need buttons, ribbon, lace trimming, elastic and thread. Call Beth, (336) 644-8155.

 PETS/ANIMAL SVCS. AKC DOBERMAN PINSCHER PUPS. Born 6/28/22. Excellent quality, sweet & smart! Great homes only. $1,100.

(336) 404-3983.

 REAL ESTATE HOMES FOR RENT OAK RIDGE HOUSE for rent. 3 BD/2 BA, on 1 acre. Wood floors. Granite countertops. Stainless steel appliances. Walk-in tiled showers.

Storage buildings. High efficiency AC/heat.

1,000 sq. ft. No pets. $1,700 per month. Call (561) 254-4387.

HOUSE FOR RENT. Taking applications for 2 BD, 1 and 1/2 BA. One block from Ontex on Hwy 65. Non-smokers. $1,100 per mo. Deposit required. Call (336) 423-8703.

STOKESDALE. 2 BR, 1 BA. $750/mo. Please call (336) 646-3096.

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ACCOUNTING

By the Book Accounting ..................... 11 Carlotta Lytton, CPA...........................30 Kimberly Thacker Accounting.............30 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC...... 35

AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE

EuroHaus .......................................5, 36 Piedmont Truck Tires ............................ 3 Tire Max ............................................. 28

BANK / LENDING /INVESTMENTS

First Citizens Bank ................................ 9

BUILDING / REMODELING

Disney Construction Company............ 21 Don Mills Builders ............................... 17 Johnson & Lee LLC............................. 20 Old School Home Repair .................... 37 R&K Custom Homes .......................... 23 Ray Bullins Construction ..................... 19 Superior Outdoor Spaces.................... 18 TM Construction Services ................... 38 Walraven Signature Homes ................ 19

BUSINESS ORGANIZATION

Summerfield Merchants Association... 16

CHILDREN’S SERVICES

Guardian Ad Litem ............................. 31

CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES

Oak Ridge Chiropractic ......................30

COMMUNITY CHOIR

Stokesdale Community Choir................ 5

Selling or Renting?

Reach all of northwest Guilford County right here! Classifi eds are just $4/line, and can be placed online at www.nwobserver.com.

DENTAL SERVICES

Summerfield Family Dentistry ............. 29

EVENTS

GROCERIES / SUPPLIES

Southern Foods .................................. 32

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

BEK Paint Company ........................... 38 Belews Creek Construction ................. 38 Carlos & Son Painting......................... 38 Carpets by Direct ................................ 24 CharCo Concrete Coatings ................. 38 CSM Flooring / Hardwoods Unlimited..15 DeLima Lawn Care ............................ 37 Dillon Tree Service .............................. 22 Rymack Storage ................................. 39 Stokesdale Heating & Air.................... 12 Wilson Seamless Gutters .................... 37

INSURANCE

Gladwell Insurance Agency................... 4

LEGAL SERVICES

Barbour & Williams Law ....................... 8

MEDICAL / HEARING / PT

Aim Hearing & Audiology..................... 8 Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist ...... 2 Atrium Health WFB, Summerfield....... 14 Health Team Advantage .................... 33 LeBauer HealthCare...........................34 Northwest Pediatrics ............................. 6

ORTHODONTIC CARE

Olmsted Orthodontics ........................ 27

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

Northwest Animal Hospital .................30

REAL ESTATE

A New Dawn Realty ........................... 11 DeDe Cunningham, Keller Williams .... 18 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX ................... 26 Smith Marketing – Allen Tate ............. 19

RidgeFest 2022 .................................... 7 Summerfield Music in the Park ........... 31 Tour of Remodeled Homes................. 25

RETAIL / CLOTHING

FUNERAL SERVICES

National Flag Football ........................ 10 Oak Ridge Youth Association ............... 6

Forbis & Dick Funeral Services ............ 11

TheObserver Northwest• Observer • Totally The Northwest Totally local since local 1996since 1996

Threads of Serenity ............................30

YOUTH SPORTS / CAMPS

AUG. 18 18 - 31, 2022 AUG. - 31, 2022

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PRSRT STD PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE U.S. POSTAGE

Postal Patron Patron Postal PO Box 268,268, OakOak Ridge, NCNC 27310 • (336) 644-7035 PO Box Ridge, 27310 • (336) 644-7035

PAID PAID

Oak Ridge, NC Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22 Permit No. 22 ECRWSS ECRWSS

After a vigorous hike in the Great Smok oky Mountains, Wyatt, Ethan and Carson Lampley caught up on the latest hometown news while listening to the relaxing sound of the rushing waters behind them.

Mabe (LL to R) Annette and Jim Lanning, Marty and Diane Hedgecock, Tammy and Robin to heat July of and Lee and Linda Angermeier all took a camping break from the Fourth Park in share a few Grins & Gripes from home with Yogi Bear at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Tabor City, North Carolina.

Nick and Kristy Johnson of Summerfield, along with their three kids, Kinley, 14, Ryleigh, 11, and Lucas, 8, recently visited Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After learning all about the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall, where both documents were signed, they enjoyed a little lighter reading about the more recent history being made back home.

Going near or far?

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