Northwest Observer / March 30 - April 5, 2023

March 30 - April 5, 2023

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Redmon house bid sparks fresh cost debate Photo courtesy of Terry Hammond

At $630,000, the lowest of three bids has generated discussion on social media ahead of Town Council’s vote

Oak Ridge resident Terry Hammond, who represents the Town of Oak Ridge on Guilford County’s Historic Preservation Commission, shows her support for restoring the Redmon house at the corner of Linville Road and Lisa Drive by holding a sign with large lettering that reads, “This place matters.”

OAK RIDGE – In a bid opening two weeks ago, Greensboro-based Bar Construction Co. submitted the lowest of three bids for renovating and expanding the historic Redmon house in Oak Ridge Town Park. Still, the bid exceeded Oak Ridge’s

by CHRIS BURRITT

...continued on p. 4

Summerfield leaders, IN THIS ISSUE landowner David Couch seek compromise

News in brief...................................... 2 Summerfield mulls tax hike ............ 3

State Sen. Phil Berger urges the two sides to end standoff over Couch’s plans – and the Town Council’s opposition – to build apartments on his 973 acres

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – Town leaders are discussing a compromise with landowner David Couch over his higher-density development plans after he sought legislative support for de-annexing his 973 acres in Summerfield. ...continued on p. 18

‘Goodfellas’ turn to safety .............. 5 Welcome to our new advertisers .. 6 S’field TC March 14 meeting .......... 8 Crime/Incident report ....................13 Community Calendar ...................14

Grins and Gripes .............................16 Classifieds ........................................19 Index of Advertisers ....................... 23 NWO On The Go ............................. 24

Headed to the FINAL FOUR

Photo courtesy of Virginia Tech Athletics

Elizabeth Kitley, a Virginia Tech senior and Northwest Guilford High School alum, is all smiles as she looks up into the stands after the Hokies’ victory over Ohio State on March 27. Kitley’s game performance gave her 56 career double-doubles (more than 10 points and rebounds in a game), the most by any Virginia Tech player. Longtime friend Cayla King – also a NWHS alum – will join Kitley and the rest of their teammates in Dallas this Friday, March 31, for the Hokies women’s basketball program’s first Final Four appearance. They’ll take on Louisiana State University at 7 p.m., with the winner playing for the NCAA women’s tournament championship on Sunday, April 2.

NEWS in brief

Preview: Oak Ridge Town Council meeting, March 30

by CHRIS BURRITT

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OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge Town Council plans to consider approving a bid of $630,000 from Bar Construction Co. for the renovation and expansion of the historic Redmon house into the Farmhouse Community Center.

The proposed renovation of the circa 1930s house in Town Park has sparked debate since the town took over possession of the property in 2018. In a bid opening two weeks ago, Greensboro-based Bar submitted the lowest of three bids that the council plans to consider for approval. (See related article on FC) On a related matter, the council will consider approving the scope of work for a $75,000 state grant for the renovation and new construction of the Farmhouse Community Center. The town asked the local legislative delegation for help securing the N.C. State Community Infrastructure Fund Grant through the state’s annual budget appropriations, Town Manager Bill Bruce wrote in a March 28 memo.

In other business, the council plans to consider approving a site plan and a digital rendering of the proposed elevated water tank behind Town Hall on Linville Road.

If approved by the council, the town will submit the site plan to the Planning and Zoning Board for zoning approval, according to Bruce. The site plan and proposed tower graphics will also be submitted to the Historic Preservation Commission for a certificate of appropriateness.

Separately, the council will consider

the town’s The Northwest Observer •amending Totally local sincecontract 1996 with

McGill Associates, the engineering firm helping with development of Heritage Farm Park. An addendum to the agreement for construction phase services would provide for a part-time construction field representative to observe the progress and quality of the work two days a week during 42 weeks of construction.

The position would be responsible for other duties as well, at a cost to the town of $147,600, according to a memo by Bruce.

The council will also consider approving the destruction of 24 boxes of town documents, including bank statements and accounts payable and receivables paperwork, predating 2019.

Retention of these documents is no longer required by state law, resulting in the storage of “boxes of records with little or no reference value” in Town Hall, assistant Town Manager Sandra Smith wrote in a March 24 memo.

In addition, the council will consider approving a resolution concurring with the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s plan to add four streets in the Bellagio subdivision to the state’s road maintenance system.

The council will also consider approving the reappointment of Courtenay Harton to the Historic Preservation Commission.

want to attend/watch?

The 7 p.m. meeting at Town Hall this Thursday, March 30, is open to the public. The meeting will be livestreamed on the town’s YouTube channel. For more information, visit www.oakridgenc.com.

Summerfield council mulls idea of property tax hike

Citing rising expenses, town staff recommends imposing the first rate increase in the town’s history

by CHRIS BURRITT SUMMERFIELD – Town Manager Scott Whitaker and finance office Dee Hall floated the idea of increasing the property tax rate in a meeting of the Town Council last week.

The council neither rejected nor endorsed the idea. Instead, it instructed town staff to explain how rising operating costs may warrant the first rate hike in Summerfield’s history.

“I really think we need more specifics to give it consideration,” Mayor Tim Sessoms said during the council’s special called meeting March 21 to start planning for next fiscal year’s budget. The council may revisit the topic during its regular meeting April 11.

Whitaker and Hall cited rising costs, from refilling the propane gas tank at Summerfield Community Center to future expenses for hiring staff to manage Bandera Farms Park. The town also anticipates spending a significant amount in legal fees to fight de-annexation efforts by landowner David Couch, Whitaker said.

“Just our operational expenses are climbing beyond what we are collecting in (property) taxes,” Whitaker told the council.

Capital expenses are rising as well, making it “time for us to seriously consider an increase” of property taxes, he added.

This fiscal year ending June 30, Summerfield anticipates collecting about $535,000 in property taxes. If expenses

Adobe Stock photo

Based on staff’s recommendation, Summerfield Town Council will consider increasing the town’s property tax rate next fiscal year by 1 cent – or more – per $100 property valuation.

exceed what is collected from property taxes, sales taxes and other revenue sources, spending will diminish the town’s fund balance, or cash reserves, Hall noted.

That runs contrary to the town’s policy of reserving the fund balance for capital spending and paying operational expenses from

...continued on p. 12

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MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2023 3

REDMON HOUSE ...continued from p. 1

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appropriation for the project, reigniting debate over how much the Town Council should spend to create public meeting space at Town Park.

The council plans to decide during its meeting this Thursday, March 30, whether to accept Bar’s $630,000 bid to transform the circa 1930s farmhouse into the Farmhouse Community Center.

The bid exceeds by $175,000 the $455,000 the council appropriated for the project in the current fiscal year.

The restoration and potential use of the house at Linville Road and Lisa Drive has fueled debate since Oak Ridge took possession of the property in 2018.

Federal pandemic relief funds totaling $305,000 will lower the project’s cost for Oak Ridge taxpayers, along with a potential $75,000 the town is seeking in a North Carolina Community Fund Grant. In addition, town leaders are seeking cost savings in Bar’s bid before the council’s March 30 meeting, Mayor Ann Schneider said in an interview earlier this week.

“I would like to see the cost come down,” councilman George McClellan said in an interview earlier this week.

“I think it’s a wonderful project. You’re taking a historic structure and giving it a new use. I’m leaning towards it, but I want to make sure I have all the information before I make my decision.”

A proponent of restoring the Redmon house, Schneider said she’s inclined to vote to accept Bar’s bid.

Council members Spencer Sullivan and Martha Pittman said they’re still weighing information while Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman, who has raised cost, safety and traffic concerns about the project, declined to say how he plans to vote.

“I want to make clear I am not for demolishing the building; we should preserve it,” Kinneman wrote in an email earlier this week. “The question is how extensive and the cost.

“I agree the house would make a nice club/event/meeting space, just not

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While there’s no guarantee how much the community center would be used, Ben Walraven, vice chair of the town’s Special Events Committee, said “the odds are high” for the facility to become popular for clubs and parties because of its proximity to the park, Town Hall, the fire station and some businesses.

In a March 27 letter to the council, Walraven added the community center could provide space for senior citizens to gather.

“How many dollars has the town committed towards our youth and youth sports?” he said. “What about our laterin-life folks, 60-somethings and older?

Our older citizens pay taxes too, and many are past the point of having kids in school or sports or actively involved in sports themselves.”

Kinneman said he favors the council exploring “a public/private effort similar to how fundraising is being handled for the Veterans Honor Green (in the future Heritage Farm Park). If the support for renovating the house is as strong as touted, it would be easy to raise matching funds to accomplish the renovation.”

He suggested the council delay consideration of Bar’s contract until its meeting May 4 while seeking more citizen input and exploring other options for the property.

Kinneman joined some other council members in expressing their views on social media.

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in its current location and for the cost,” he continued. “I have no expectation that the house will return meaningful monetary value. Based on its location on a busy intersection, size, and layout, I do not agree that it will be used regularly to justify the cost.”

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

“This house is, in fact, the last remaining tenant farmhouse on the over 140 acres of historic farmland that the town now owns,” Schneider wrote in a Facebook post.

“But this little house is important in other ways,” she added. “Since the Farmhouse is located in the Historic District and owned by the town, it’s also extremely important as a potential model within the Historic District” for the renovation and preservation of other historic properties.

In a Facebook post, Sullivan provided a tally of costs already incurred and anticipated by the town for renovating and expanding the house to about 1,500 square feet. He calculated expenses of $861,400, with Bar’s $630,000 bid and, in a future project, an estimated $150,000 for improving the entrance to Town Park at the house with sidewalks, parking and landscaping.

“Some will say that this is a separate project, since it is being designed and bid separately,” Sullivan said. “However, the renovated Redmon house will not be able to be used to its potential as an events center until these site improvements are completed in full form. It is therefore an essential part of the project, not separate or optional.”

Based on the size of the house, costs would run about $575 a square foot, compared to about $210 a square foot for the average cost of home construction in Oak Ridge, according to Sullivan.

He added that state and federal funds that will help defray the town’s costs isn’t “free

money. They are also taxpayer dollars, and deserve the same due diligence and care in being spent as our locally collected tax dollars.”

Former council member Mike Stone, who has criticized the project’s potential costs, reiterated his concerns on social media. In an email, he said “the public has suggested multiple alternatives that would cost less money and achieve the original vision.”

“The outside of the house could be restored to the 1930s look to address the historic preservation and optics of the town park entrance and the inside could be left unrestored,” Stone suggested. He added the interior could be converted into public bathrooms or house the mechanical pump for a splash park near the house.

Pittman acknowledged in an email that “the bid price of the Farmhouse Community Center project is high.”

But she added that “when looking at cost/ benefit, I also consider the subjective values of providing an indoor community gathering place to our residents and neighbors, honoring our past by saving this modest farmhouse on land that was once a tobacco farm, protecting the integrity of our historic district, and integrating the structure into the park and beautifying that gateway corner.’’

‘Goodfellas’ turn attention to safety concerns impacting community The group invites anyone interested in becoming a trained and certified member of Summerfield CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) to attend a meeting on April 6

by PATTI STOKES SUMMERFIELD – What started as a small group of mostly retired men meeting for coffee has been slowly growing and evolving into something even more. Initiated by longtime Summerfield resident and former town council member Bob Williams, the group now dubbed as “Summerfield Goodfellas” formed last year with socializing and casual conversations as its primary objective.

David Garrison lives outside of Summerfield, but said he joined the group after he began operating his investment business from an office on Summerfield Road.

“My initial motivation was that I just wanted to meet some people with roots in the community,” he said. “I didn’t realize early on that a lot of these guys have deep roots in the community.”

...continued on p. 23

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Gospel Baptist Church Church leaders: Paul Luttrell, senior pastor; Nick Decker, associate pastor; Harlie Miller, executive pastor Committed to a Biblical approach to a spiritual journey Established in 1939 in northern Greensboro, Gospel Baptist Church (GBC) relocated in 2005 after building on a 20-acre site in north-central Guilford County.

The church offers weekly worship services, Bible studies for all ages, afterschool care, summer daycare, Vacation Bible School, seasonal church and community events, a food pantry, outreach to international families living locally, and partnerships with other ministries to local schools and Rockingham Community College.

GBC takes a Biblical approach to helping individuals and families in their spiritual journey, from new life in Christ to a maturing and engaged levels of servant-leadership.

Church mission: “Our church seeks to be a biblically-based congregation of individuals and families who want to be involved in a community of fellow Christians who are pursuing personal spiritual growth and servant-leadership opportunities that impact the community around us and the generations that are behind us for the cause of the Gospel, all with eternity in mind.”

Church leaders say some of their biggest challenges are coordinating schedules, providing resources for ministry and communication to a diverse multi-generational congregation. Some of their greatest rewards are “seeing individuals and families grow in their faith to The Northwest Observer •become Totallyengaged local since 1996 servant-leaders.”

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As a testimony to its commitment to not only caring for its own congregation but others beyond it, church leaders say that last year GBC donated more than $130,000 to support a variety of local, national, and international missionary, outreach and aid organizations.

On a personal note: Senior pastor Paul Luttrell and his wife, Karen, are originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and came to Greensboro about 45 years ago. They have served at GBC for 40 years.

Executive pastor Harlie Miller and his wife, Kellie, have lived all their lives in the north Greensboro/Browns Summit area and have been serving GBC in some capacity since the mid-1980s.

Associate pastor Nick Decker and his wife, Hannah, are both from the Triad area and just joined the GBC staff this month.

In their downtime, all three couples said they enjoy “first, anything that involves family; second, and to various levels, reading and writing, hiking and outdoor activities.”

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SUMMERFIELD town council

March 14 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT

A de-annexation of this magnitude would result in isolated tracts and create complex town boundaries that would complicate functions of Summerfield’s limited-services government.”

Summerfield Town Council, in a resolution urging state legislators to oppose a potential de-annexation bill SUMMERFIELD – Mayor Tim Sessoms called the monthly meeting in Summerfield Community Center to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney and council members Jeff Davis, Janelle Robinson, Reece Walker and John Doggett present.

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

CONSENT AGENDA  5  0 to approve the consent

agenda, which included the open session meeting minutes of the Feb. 11 and Feb. 20 meetings and the closed session meeting minutes of the Feb. 20 meeting. In addition, the council

approved a resolution supporting plans by North Carolina Department of Transportation to construct a lefthand turn lane on Lake Brandt Road at Plainfield Road. The project is estimated to cost $250,000 or more.

PUBLIC SAFETY Summerfield Fire District. According to the district’s written report, firefighters responded to 125 calls for service in February; of those, 14 were fire-related calls, 67 were EMS-related calls and 44 were miscellaneous. Firefighters also installed seven child safety seats and three smoke alarms.

Sheriff’s District 1 Office. According to a report submitted by the sheriff’s

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WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted: Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney and council members Jeff Davis, Janelle Robinson, Reece Walker and John Doggett voted on the following items during the council’s March 14 meeting. Mayor Tim Sessoms was present, but in Summerfield the mayor votes only to break a tie.

 5  0: Approve the consent agenda, which included a resolution supporting plans by the North Carolina Department of Transportation to construct a left-hand turn lane on Lake Brandt Road at Plainfield Road  4  1: Approve (DeVaney opposed) a request by GreenGo Buggies owners Nikki and Brian Price to rezone nearly 6.1 acres at 7620 Deboe Road where they plan to relocate their business  5  0: Lower the town’s asking price for the historic Martin house from $100,000 to $75,000 to accommodate a potential bid for the property  5  0: Hire C Randolph CPA to perform the town’s audit for the next three years  5  0: Rent the house located on the Bandera Farms Park property at 5448 Bunch Road for $500/month for up to one year

District 1 office, there were 310 calls for service in Summerfield last month, with 21 resulting in formal case reports.

Three motor vehicle break-ins were reported on Summerfield Road.

One occurred in the parking lot off U.S. 220 where cyclists and walkers park to access the Atlantic and Yadkin (A&Y) Greenway. In that incident, a window was smashed and a purse containing credit cards was stolen; the credit cards were used shortly afterward.

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“As the weather warms up, area parks and trail parking lots will continue to be targeted,” District 1 office personnel warned. Motorists were urged to remove valuables in their parked vehicles from plain sight.

COMMITTEE REPORT Historical Committee. Chair Bruce Petersen reported that committee members planned to visit Hopewell Wesleyan Church and its cemetery on Pleasant Ridge Road in late March.

...continued on p. 10

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Summerfield Fire District

Station 9

7400 Summerfield Road (336) 643-4341

summerfieldfire.com LIF

Station 29

1800 Scalesville Road (336) 643-5950

Station 39

6214 Lake Brandt Road (336) 643-2253

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EMERGENCY DIAL 911

Spring clean – safely!

Properly use and store gasoline

Sunday, April 2 2pm at Station 9

• Only use gasoline as motor fuel; never as a cleaner or to break down grease.

• Only store gasoline in a container that is sold for that purpose, and never bring it indoors, even in small amounts. Keep containers in a detached garage or an outdoor shed.

• Make sure the container is tightly capped when not in use.

Carefully dispose of rags with paint and stain residue

Volunteers Needed It takes a special person to fill the boots of a volunteer firefighter.

No experience necessary • Free training Visit us online at summerfieldfire.com and click “Community” for information about volunteering

• The oils commonly used in oilbased paints and stains release heat as they dry. If the heat is not released in the air as the rags dry, the heat is trapped, builds up, and can cause a fire.

• Put dried rags in a metal container, making sure the container is tightly covered. Fill the container with a water and detergent solution, which will break down the oils. Store in a cool place. Check with your town for information on how to properly dispose of the dry rags.

Use/store flammable and combustible liquids with care

Have questions about operations of Summerfield Fire District?

Please feel free to contact us at (336) 643-4341.

We love to hear from our citizens!

• Flammable and combustible liquids should not be used near an open flame. Never smoke when working with flammable liquids.

• If you spill flammable liquids on your clothing, remove your clothing and place it outside to dry.

Once dry, clothing can be laundered.

Inspect grills to ensure they’re in good working order • Inspect your grill carefully and make sure it’s free of grease or fat buildup.

Clean out any nests, spider webs, or other debris you may find.

• For propane grills, check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.

Keep debris well away from your home • Dispose of branches, weeds, leaves, pine needles, and grass clippings to avoid their becoming fuel for a fire.

• Remove leaves, pine needles, and other flammable material from the roof, gutters, and on and under the deck to help prevent embers from igniting your home.

• Keep debris well away from your home.

Clean out your clothes dryer • Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe for your dryer is not restricted and that the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating. This includes making sure the outdoor vent flap is not covered by snow.

• Move things that can burn, such as boxes, cleaning supplies and clothing, away from the dryer.

• Clothes that have come in contact with flammable substances should be laid outside to dry first, before washing and drying as usual.

Tips provided courtesy of NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION | nfpa.org/education ©NFPA 2018

SUMMERFIELD TOWN COUNCIL

...continued from p. 8

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Dating back to the 1750s, the church may have served as a hospital for wounded British soldiers after the Battle of Guilford Courthouse in 1781, he said.

CITIZEN COMMENTS  Teresa Perryman urged Summerfield leaders to do more to encourage residents to voice their opposition to landowner David Couch’s efforts to deannex as many as 973 acres in the town.

Later in the meeting, Mayor Sessoms and Councilman Reece Walker praised residents who had contacted state legislators to express opposition to the de-annexation proposal.

“What citizens are doing is more impactful than anything the town could do,” Walker said.

PUBLIC HEARING Rezoning request

 4  1 (DeVaney opposed) to

approve a request by GreenGo Buggies owners Nikki and Brian Price to rezone nearly 6.1 acres at 7620 Deboe Road where they plan to construct a building for their business.

Due to rising demand for their To learn about our advertising options, contact Laura “street legal golf carts,” the couple plans to buy the Deboe Road property, (336) 644-7035, ext. 11 located off N.C. 150, and relocate advertising@nwobserver.com their business from its current location at the former Purgason’s Western Wear property at the corner of Auburn of each issue Road and U.S. 220. to all homes with a The Prices sought rezoning of the Deboe Road property from single27310 (Oak Ridge), 27358 (Summerfield) and family residential (RS-30) to conditional zoning business district (CZ-BN).

27357 (Stokesdale) mailing address They agreed to several conditions the council sought, one of which limits to 10 the number of items, including vehicles and trailers, that may be displayed www.nwobserver.com in the front yard of the property.

Before the council’s vote, DeVaney asked the couple to agree to eliminate several business uses from the 10 MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2023 The Northwest Observer •proposed Totally local 1996 zoningsince district; they agreed

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to eliminate some uses, including a convenience store with gasoline sales, but not others, such as a hotel or motel.

During the public hearing that preceded the council’s vote, Gail Dunham described Deboe Road as a “narrow rural road” and questioned whether it would be able to handle additional traffic generated by the new business. She said she’d prefer the business relocate elsewhere.

MANAGER’S REPORT A&Y Greenway engineering. The council decided to delay its decision on hiring engineering firm Kimley-Horn to complete planning and provide right-of-way acquisition services for the southern route of the A&Y Greenway.

The potential price tag for the project is $642,624.89, with NCDOT paying 80% of the cost and the town 20%.

At the time of the meeting, town staff hadn’t had time to review KimleyHorn’s proposal in detail and finalize some proposed last-minute changes, according to Town Manager Scott Whitaker.

Summerfield is seeking a new engineering firm to complete the trail project after Whitaker recently terminated the town’s original contract with Stewart, the firm hired in 2015 to plan the A&Y’s southern route. The manager previously expressed his dissatisfaction with Stewart – partly due to the firm’s lack of staffing – in performing the duties.

During public comments earlier in the meeting, Gail Dunham said town staff needs to secure road easements for the trail’s southern route before proceeding with further project design and planning.

Martin house price reduction

 5  0 to reduce the town’s asking price for the historic Martin house (located directly across from Town

the Martin house on N.C. 150 and Summerfield Road, as well as the historic Gordon Hardware building located diagonally across the street from it.

File photo

Until the council voted to lower the asking price for the Martin house, PNC wasn’t able to negotiate a price lower than $100,000, Whitaker said, noting that PNC recommended the $25,000 price reduction.

Summerfield Town Council voted during its March 14 meeting to reduce the price of the historic Martin house at the corner of N.C. 150 and Summerfield Road from $100,000 to $75,000 to accommodate the bid of a potential buyer.

Hall) from $100,000 to $75,000 to accommodate a potential bid for the property. Whitaker said the bidder is seeking a lower price to offset costs for installing a new septic system and replacing the water well.

The town hired Preservation North Carolina (PNC) last year to market

Walker said he favored reducing the price to help facilitate the sale of the building and it being put to use. Later in an interview, Whitaker declined to identify the use proposed by the bidder.

New auditor hired

 5  0 to hire C Randolph CPA to perform the town’s audit for the next three years. Based in West Jefferson, North Carolina, the firm replaces Wade Greene as the town’s auditor.

C Randolph CPA was the only firm that submitted a bid to perform the town’s auditing services, according to Dee Hall, the town’s finance officer.

potential de-annexation legislation sought by landowner David Couch.

The council also decided to hire a lobbyist to bolster the town’s efforts to persuade legislators to oppose a bill if it’s introduced.

COUNCIL BUSINESS

Bandera Farms house rental

 5  0 to rent the house located

on the Bandera Farms Park property at 5448 Bunch Road for $500/month for up to one year. At the advice of Town Attorney Bob Hornik, the council advertised its intent to lease the property last month.

Before that step, the council had identified a Summerfield firefighter as a potential renter, according to the draft lease and a memo Whitaker sent to the council.

CLOSED SESSION

The council went into closed session to discuss a legal matter. After reconvening into open session, it voted unanimously to approve a resolution urging state lawmakers to oppose

Earlier in the meeting, the council instructed Whitaker to post a map of Couch’s 973 acres on the town’s website, as part of efforts to explain the potential impact of de-annexation on the town.

Some of the property is “in the heart of Summerfield close to its Town Core,” the resolution stated, reinforcing the council’s statements in the previous week and a half since Mayor Sessoms said he had learned about Couch’s plans. “A de-annexation of this magnitude would result in isolated tracts and create complex town boundaries that would complicate functions of Summerfield’s limited-services government.”

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:41 p.m.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2023 11

SUMMERFIELD CONSIDERS PROPERTY TAX HIKE

who actually want us to have a tax holiday?” she asked during last week’s meeting.

taxes and other sources, she said.

“I say that is foolish,” responded Whitaker, explaining that he foresees higher expenses for the town. They include operational costs of Bandera Farms Park, the possible construction of an elevated water storage tank and the possible purchase and renovation of the historic Laughlin school as a new town hall.

...continued from p. 3

Earlier this month, the audit of the town’s finances in the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2022, showed that capital spending reduced reserves by more than $520,000 from a fund balance of nearly $7 million in fiscal 2021. Buying the property that’s the future site of Bandera Farms Park from the Piedmont Land Conservancy cost $252,500, the town’s biggest capital expense, Hall said.

property tax rate, only lowered it, according to Hall. Summerfield levied its first property tax in the fiscal year 2004-2005, at a rate of 10.5 cents per $100 of property valuation.

The council has lowered the rate several times since then, and granted a tax holiday one year, Hall said. Under Sessoms’ earlier term as mayor, in the 2014-2015 fiscal year the council lowered the rate to 2.75 cents. It has remained unchanged since then.

Despite the reduction in reserves, Wade Greene, the town’s auditor for last fiscal year, said the general fund was in “great shape” and reserves totaled $6.43 million. That’s enough money to cover the town’s expenses for about three years, four months, he noted.

That’s the lowest rate of any town in North Carolina with a population of 10,000 to 49,999 people, except for towns that don’t levy property taxes at all, Hall said.

The council has never raised the

“What do you say to the people

Even so, council member Janelle Robinson pushed back at the idea of raising the rate.

“It makes me want to stop acquiring property,” Robinson said. “The more we acquire, the more it’s going to have to go up.”

“Inflation is hitting everybody,” councilman Jeff Davis added. “Now it’s hitting us.”

Increasing Summerfield’s property tax rate by a penny per $100 valuation would generate an additional $183,572 in annual revenue, Hall said. The tax rate increase would cost the owner of a house valued at $400,000 about $40 more a year, she noted.

Whitaker questioned whether an increase of that amount would justify criticism from some taxpayers.

“If you’re going to raise taxes, at least make it count to our bottom line in our revenue,” he said.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

CRIME / INCIDENT report

District 1 Sheriff’s Office has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest/northern Guilford County ...

ASSAULT March 22 | Officers responded to an assault report involving a physical altercation that took place in the 7400 block of U.S. 158 in Stokesdale.

March 24 | A 27-year-old female was arrested in the 5400 block of Winters Way in northwest Greensboro (near Old Oak Ridge Road) for assault on a government official, breaking and entering, injury to real property and vandalism.

BURGLARY March 15 | A resident of the 8700 block of Shady Hill Court in Colfax (near N. Bunker Hill Road) reported at 12:30 a.m. that an unknown suspect entered his residence through an unlocked back door; no items were reported as stolen.

DEATH INVESTIGATION March 15 | Officers responded to the report of a fire at 4:41 a.m. in the 6200 block of Horseshoe Drive in Summerfield (off Hamburg Mill Road); one person got out of the house alive, but another died as a result of the fire.

DRIVING WITH LIMITED PRIVILEGES

March 16 | A resident of the 8200 block of Walter Combs Way in Stokesdale (near U.S. 220 N) reported that between Feb. 25 and March 16 an unknown suspect defrauded him of $655.19.

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FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE March 19 | A 28-year-old male was arrested in the 7500 block of N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge for being a fugitive from justice.

LOST PROPERTY

Tracy Williams, attorney

March 23 | A resident of the 700 block of Chestnut Hill Court in northern Greensboro (near N.C. 150 W) reported he lost a wedding band sometime in the last six months.

OVERDOSE March 17 | Officers responded to a drug overdose involving cocaine and synthetic drugs at 4:13 a.m.; the incident occurred in the 2400 block of Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge.

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SCHOOL FIGHT March 16 | Officers responded at 1:39 p.m. to a student fight at Northwest High School.

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THEFT

March 26 | A 31-year-old female was arrested in the 4500 block of U.S. 220 N/Auburn Road in Summerfield for driving with a revoked license/ limited driving privileges.

March 14 | An employee of Circle K gas station in Colfax reported an unknown suspect shoplifted four 18-packs of beer worth $98.17 altogether.

FRAUD

March 15 | A resident of the 8800 block of Colgate Road in Stokesdale (off N.C. 65) reported that between March 9 and March 15 an unknown suspect entered his unlocked residence and stole a white/orange STIHL backpack blower, a blue Kobalt cordless chainsaw, a white/orange

March 13 | An employee of Barham Grocery on U.S. 158 in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect paid for items using several counterfeit bills; on March 15, employees turned two additional counterfeit bills over to law enforcement; each of the bills had a face value of $100.

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The Northwest Observer ...continued on p. 15 • Totally local since 1996

MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2023 13

mark your

will also be posted on the town’s Facebook page).

Visit www.oakridgenc.com for more info or a meeting agenda.

calendar

SATURDAY, APRIL 1  Easter egg hunt | Gideon Grove United Method-

REGISTER NOW  Oak Ridge Easter Horse Show | The annual

Oak Ridge Easter Horse Show will take place Friday and Saturday, April 7-8, starting at 9 a.m. both days at Hardin Farm and Stables, 8201 Millrun Road in Stokesdale. New to the show this year is a Ranch/Working Western division to showcase a horse and rider’s ability to work with cattle. There will also be more vendors and more kid-friendly activities including a Kids’ Zone with Guilford County Fire Department’s smokehouse, a petting zoo and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Purchase tickets at www.oakridgehorseshow.com. See display ad on p. 15.

THURSDAY, MARCH 30  ORTC meeting | Oak Ridge Town Council will

meet March 30, starting at 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. The monthly council meeting, normally held on the first Thursday of the month, is taking place one week earlier to prevent potential scheduling conflicts due to Holy Week being April 2-8. Attend the meeting in person or watch it in real time or at a later time on the town’s YouTube channel (a link to the recorded meeting

ist Church at 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road in Stokesdale will host an Easter egg hunt for kids of all ages April 1, 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Come to hear the Easter story, hunt for eggs, eat snacks and do crafts. More info: (336) 643-6042.  “Welcome to Middle School” | Girl Scout

Association (SMA), which focuses on supporting local businesses, nonprofits and the Summerfield community, invites professionals who live in Summerfield or operate a business or nonprofit in Summerfield to its monthly meeting on April 4; social/ networking time is from 6:15 to 7 p.m., followed by a business meeting. Learn more about SMA or RSVP to attend the meeting at www.summerfieldmerchant.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5  Senior program | Senior Resources of Guil-

ford County will sponsor a senior program including activities and a take-home lunch on April 5, 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon at Oak Ridge First Baptist Church, 2445 Oak Ridge Road. To learn more and/or RSVP, contact (336) 373-4816, ext 265.

Troop 30045 will host a free event for fifth grade girls to discuss the challenges of entering middle school, with topics like making friends, sports and self-care, on April 1, 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Lewis Recreation Center, 3110 Forest Lawn Drive in northwest Greensboro. There will also be door prizes and giveaways. Visit www.eventbrite.com, select “Greensboro” as the location and search “Welcome to Middle School” to register. More info: robinnjudge@gmail.com.

 Preservation Oak Ridge meeting | Preserva-

TUESDAY, APRIL 4

 Friends of Stokesdale meeting | Friends of

 Kiwanis Club | Kiwanis Club of Northwest Guil-

ford, a nonprofit committed to projects focused on children in our community, will meet April 4, starting at 12 noon at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge. More info: nwgkiwanis@gmail.com.  SMA meeting | Summerfield Merchants

tion Oak Ridge, a nonprofit committed to preserving historic structures in Oak Ridge, will meet April 5, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the historic Ai Church, 1306 N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge. More info: www.preserveoakridge.org or call (336) 644-1777.

Stokesdale, a nonprofit committed to preserving Stokesdale’s history and downtown charm, will hold its monthly meeting April 5, 7 to 8 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. For more info, visit www.facebook.com/ friendsofstokesdale or call Joe Thacker, president, at (336) 708-0334.

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Senior Accountant Authorized IRS E-File Provider 516.721.6750 ● located in Summerfield micheleingegno@outlook.com

CRIME/INCIDENT REPORT ... continued from p. 13 STIHL chainsaw, a floor jack, a diamond ring and other pieces of jewelry, worth about $5,000 altogether.

March 19 | A resident of the 7700 block of Chesterbrooke Drive in northern Greensboro (off N.C. 150) reported that between March 16 and March 19 an unknown suspect stole a pair of diamond earrings worth $3,000.

March 21 | A resident of the 8400 block of Southard Road in Stokesdale (off N.C. 65) reported an unknown suspect stole four new orange traffic cones with Tractor Supply stickers from her property.

UNCLASSIFIED March 20 | An employee of Countryside Village Retirement Community in Stokesdale made a call for service.

VANDALISM March 22 | A resident of the 6200 block of Tether Court in Summerfield (near N.C. 150 W) reported a known suspect damaged her vehicle with a blunt object; on March 23, officers responded to the same residence regarding the violation of a protection order; on March 24, the resident reported the known suspect did $1,400 worth of damage to her yard and a window.

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WELCOME TO OUR NEW ADVERTISERS ...continued from p. 6

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The Northwest Observer See ad on p. 21 • Totally local since 1996

MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2023 15

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GRINS and GRIPES

Delighted or dismayed by something in your community?

Share your thoughts in

40

words or less

online: nwobserver.com e-mail: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com

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

 Rio Grande in Oak Ridge and all other restaurants that use paper takeout boxes instead of adding more Styrofoam to the landfill. Small decision with a big impact!  Central Baptist Church in Oak Ridge and Awaken Church in northwest Greensboro for their hospitality and assistance with Stokesdale Elementary’s annual Girls Sweetheart Dance last month. The venue and accommodations were wonderful, and we appreciate you being a great community ® partner!  The person who wrote about the debit card they left in an ATM being Superior Service, Communication, Attention, and Integrity returned. You’re welcome. More Ameriwhether you are selling or buying a home cans need to be guided by truth, integrity and principled values, not greed 5 star ratings from ALL clients and taking advantage of others. (Philippians 2:3, Luke 6:32).  Town of Stokesdale, for building Scan for a complimentary pickleball courts. Pickleball is a great home valuation! activity for everyone!  Dustin Clinard Roofing for repairing a leak in my roof and providing prompt, quality repairs with a smile.  NCDOT. Had a pothole at Spotswood and Horse Farm Road in , CPA, MSA, PC Summerfield. Reported it on the DOT website and it was repaired the next Individual, Corporate, Partnership & Payroll Tax day. That’s your tax dollars at work and Electronic Tax Filing  Estate Planning  Bookkeeping & Compilations excellent service!  Luigi’s Restaurant Bar & Pizzeria in Oak Ridge Business Center Summerfield. Servers were very nice 8004 Linville Rd, Suite G, Oak Ridge and very quick, and even though it was packed on the night we were there, we (336) 643-7577 or 1-800-467-8299 still got our food on time. info@samanderscpa.com www.samanderscpa.com  Oak Ridge Fire Department for the fast response when a brush fire got away from me and was out of control. I’m so 16 MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2023 The Northwest Observer •grateful Totallyforlocal since 1996 help! the fire department’s

336.338.1548

Kara Winicki, Realtor

Samuel K. Anders

35 Years Experience

 Oak Ridge Elementary student June Wilson (shown in above photo, left), for initiating the idea to get her third grade classmates and teacher, Mrs. Petrella, to deliver a large, signed Valentine’s Day card to To the Moon and Back Frozen Treats in Oak Ridge last month.  Augusta Green Landscapes. Owner Brandon McMichael went over and above in transforming my very large back yard into paradise. I am beyond impressed. It’s now ready for the huge events I am hosting this spring and summer.

 The handful of Summerfield residents who are opposed to letting Couch build what he wants on his own property. How long have you lived in

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TWO LOCATIONS Main Office : 6161-A Lake Brandt Rd. | 336.643.1440 ● NEW Office (next to CVS): 7092 Summerfield Rd., Ste C | 336.441.8055 Summerfield, and whose former farm are you living on? There is no “country” left in Summerfield.  NWHS for holding prom in May again this year. Families are juggling college graduations, weddings, etc. Go back to April. If worried about weather, move it back inside. This is madness to work around!  David Couch. Twice denied, now you cut and run to the state legislature. Do you not have any shred of decency, sir?

We live in a democracy, but apparently you and Sen. Phil Berger are okay with changing that!  Neighbors who let your dog pee on flowers at other neighbors’ mailboxes.

Also, don’t need your dog peeing on shrubs and trees we spent money on planting. Dog urine kills plants and grass. Let them pee on your plants and grass!  Town of Oak Ridge for putting off building pickleball courts. Stokesdale can build them with a much smaller budget and Oak Ridge can’t??  David Couch. Imagine what you could

accomplish if you spent your time and resources doing something productive.  The blatantly avaricious GFL Environmental, for imposing yet another hike in trash fees. If you want to display your woke environmental bona fides by changing your name and painting your trucks green, pay for it yourself.  Companies and corporations that boast about being named “most ethical” to work for, yet treat their employees with no respect – especially older employees who have seniority.

Woke doesn’t make you ethical, nor does it mean that you have integrity.  People who personally attack those they disagree with. Either you are for or you are against an issue. Summerfield is looking more like our federal government every day, and issues are being replaced by hate.  The man walking on the asphalt of N.C. 68 South. Cars have to swerve into the oncoming lane to avoid hitting you.

You are going to end up killing someone or getting killed. Please walk in the grass.  David Couch. The community has

spoken. No apartments. One acre minimum per house for developments.

Keep the rural country feel of the area.  Contractors charging exorbitant prices, Realtors who list homes for way above what they are worth, and people who sell and buy them at those prices.

Stop paying ridiculous prices and they will go down. Just wait one year.  Oak Ridge council members and the town’s Historic Commission, who conflate historic with old. That

Outside the

92-year-old decrepit (Redmon) house is old, not historic. FDR never slept there.

It’s a wreck that needs demolishing – before it becomes a money pit.  The driver of the local construction company dump truck that drove past a stopped school bus. Pay attention – that’s so illegal and unsafe!  Summerfield Athletic Park for having disgusting restrooms. Always unsanitary and never a bottle of soap to be found.

Summerfield can do better!

…

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...

mention the “vaccines”!  The government gun grabbers. It’s not going to happen. The Constitution gives us the right to bear arms, and it was given to us for exactly what we’re seeing today – to protect ourselves from a corrupt government. Term limits on the way.

 The chutzpah of government and media, peddling that COVID came from a seafood market, or raccoon dogs! Don’t mention the lab! Or that the surge in cardiac arrest and stroke is due to... artificial sweetener! Don’t

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olmstedorthodontics.com We are OPEN and accepting new patients The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2023 17

DE-ANNEXATION ...continued from p. 1

The two sides met last week and plan more meetings, Mayor Tim Sessoms said in an interview earlier this week. As he considers whether to support Couch’s request for de-annexation legislation, state Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger urged the two sides to meet in an effort to end the standoff over apartments and higherdensity development in Summerfield, Sessoms said.

“I would say he (Couch) still wants what he wants, and the town still wants what it wants,” the mayor said in an interview earlier this week.

“We are meeting to see if there is room in the middle.”

Sessoms said he and council member Jeff Davis, Town Manager Scott Whitaker, Town Attorney Bob Hornik and the town’s lobbyists met last Thursday, March 23, with Couch and his legal and lobbying team. The next meeting hasn’t been scheduled, the mayor said.

Summerfield’s council is going to get a briefing from the town’s lobbyists during a special called meeting at 4 p.m. this Thursday, March 30. After calling the meeting in Summerfield Community Center to order, Sessoms said he expects the council to go into closed session to question and hear from lobbyists from two firms, KTS Strategies and Ward and Smith. He said he doesn’t expect any actions from the

council after it returns to open session.

The threat of Couch’s property being de-annexed created urgency for Summerfield leaders. After learning earlier this month that Couch had talked to Berger, the council mobilized support from town residents and won the backing of leaders of Oak Ridge and Stokesdale to press legislators to oppose potential de-annexation efforts.

As of yet, no de-annexation bill has surfaced in the state General Assembly.

If Berger or other lawmakers were to support a bill, they could attach it as a rider to other legislation with enough support on its own to become law.

That’s the uncertainty and fear expressed by Sessoms and some other council members.

“I can’t speak to what David has or doesn’t have in his back pocket,” Sessoms said earlier this week. “I know that he’s in conversations with Sen. Berger. I know Sen. Berger has stated publicly his interest in development.

“We have stressed our willingness to talk to David and see what’s possible using our current UDO (unified development ordinance) as far as housing options and those types of things,” the mayor continued. “We continue to be in conversations to try to keep this de-annexation at bay and not have something like that happen to Summerfield.”

In a text earlier this week, Couch said he’s approaching “these meetings in good faith, and out of respect for town leaders and state legislators, I’m not going to comment on the discussions. It’s plain that our area has a severe housing supply crisis, and it can only be addressed by policy decisions.”

In an earlier interview, Couch,

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who owns Summerfield Farms, said he’s pursuing de-annexation because “Summerfield has left me no option other than to dictate my property rights.

I believe this ordinance tramples all over those property rights. I’m appealing to state law.”

Twice in the past year, the council has voted 4-1 to deny Couch’s request for a text amendment to the UDO. At this point, he is required by the town’s development rules to wait until February 2024 – a year after the council’s denial of his most recent request – to apply for another text amendment.

If the council had approved the amendment, it would have created a new open space mixed use – village zoning district that would accommodate higher density housing, including apartments, that Couch wants to build.

Before proceeding with the development of the Villages of Summerfield Farms, Couch would be required to win the council’s approval to rezone his property and negotiate a development agreement for the project.

In public hearings before the town’s Planning Board and the council, opponents of Couch voiced the strongest opposition to his plans to build about 600 apartments among a mix of housing that also would include duplexes, cottages, traditional houses and $2 million estate homes. Higherdensity housing would require the extension of water and sewer services to the development, according to Couch.

The developer reduced by half the number of apartments he initially proposed to build. His design team said the development agreement he’d seek to negotiate with town leaders would impose strict requirements on the design and construction of apartments, other housing, businesses and public trails while preserving open space.

Critics of Couch’s development proposal have said creating a new zoning district would usher in other developers of higher-density housing, threatening Summerfield’s rural character and increasing school crowding, traffic and crime they said would come with apartments.

Opponents voiced their concerns

during a March 16 meeting of Guilford County’s legislative delegation.

Two legislators said they’re opposed to de-annexation in Summerfield.

“I’m with you Summerfield,” state Rep. Pricey Harrison (D-District 61) told the crowd.

After the meeting, state Sen. Michael Garrett (D-District 27) said in an interview that while he hasn’t seen proposed Summerfield de-annexation legislation, “it is my opinion that the legislature should not meddle in local government.”

In an interview outside of the meeting, state House deputy Democratic leader Ashton Wheeler Clemmons (D-District 57) said she’s “in the listening stage right now.”

Other state legislators at the meeting – Berger (R-District 26), Sen. Gladys Robinson (D-District 28), Rep. Cecil Brockman (D-District 60) and Rep. Amos Quick (D-District 58) – didn’t express opinions about possible de-annexation in Summerfield.

Quick did say he plans to visit Summerfield to “see the area we’re talking about.” In an earlier interview, Berger said he’s still gathering facts before deciding how to proceed with Couch’s de-annexation request.

During the March 16 legislators’ meeting, Summerfield resident Carla Bluitt said Couch could pursue construction of various types of multifamily housing per guidelines already in the (UDO) adopted by the council in 2021.

An owner of property in Summerfield since 1998, when the area’s zoning was under the county’s jurisdiction, Couch said town leaders have amended development rules “over and over again” in what he described as “death by a thousand paper cuts.”

“While paying lip service to duplexes, triplexes and quadplexes,” Couch said, the UDO encourages “development on larger lots in cul-desac neighborhoods.’’

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 SAVE THE DATE

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

Oak Ridge HISTORIC HERITAGE GRANTS! Up to $4,000 for nonprofits and $3,000 for others available to preserve historic properties in Oak Ridge. Visit www.oakridgenc.com for info and application. Application deadline is April 14.

KNIGHT IMPORT SPECIALTY SERVICE. European Auto Service & Repair. Specializing in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. BMW, Audi, Volvo, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Mini, and Porsche. 32 years experience.

4559 US Hwy. 220, Summerfield (across from Food Lion). (336) 337-0669.

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

Place online at

(336) 891-3876 EUROHAUSAUTO.PRO

NEED HELP?

INDEX Auto Sales / Services ........ 19 Employment .................... 19 Home Care Available ....... 19 Save the Date.................. 19 Yard Sales ....................... 19 Home Services ........... 19-22 Misc. Services .................. 22 Misc. for Sale .................. 22 Misc. Wanted .................. 22 Pets/Animal Services ........ 22 Real Estate ...................... 22

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

WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING. Hiring experienced service plumbers. Vacation and holiday pay. Truck provided. Please call (336) 992-2503.

 HOME CARE AVAILABLE

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

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

JOB OPENING. $15.75/hr.; Monday, Wednesday, Friday; 9am to 5pm. Paid training. Must be at least 18 yrs. old with valid DL and reliable transportation. Caring, motivated person needed to provide one-onone direct care services to an individual in the community who has a disability. Please leave message at (336) 453-8017.

 EMPLOYMENT OAK RIDGE SWIM CLUB is currently accepting applications for seasonal employment for the 2023 swim season. Visit www.orcaswim.org for more information and/or to submit an application.

SENIOR HELPERS. Homecare for seniors and others including: companion, personal needs, transitional, chronic disease, VA, respite, post-surgery assistance. Can provide house chores as part of service at no extra charge. Knowing your loved one is happy, safe and cared for is your priority and ours too! Locally owned and operated.

Call (336) 554-2187.

CAREGIVER. Kernersville and NW Guilford County area. Several shifts open.

19+ years experience. Excellent references. Business license. Not an agency.

(276) 206-9275.

nwobserver.com

www.

MOVING SALE. Fri., March 31, and Sat., April 1, 8am-12pm. 2405 Wall Meadow Lane, Summerfield. Lots to pick from; children's items, tools, furniture, housewares, crafts, etc. Rain date is Fri., April 7, and Sat., April 8.

CASH ONLY. YARD & CRAFT SALE. Saturday, April 1, 9am-1pm. 4606 Joseph Hoskins Road, Summerfield. Lots of craft supplies.

 HOME SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING A-ACTION AIR. Air conditioning check-up, $79.95. (336) 268-6768 or (336) 382-3750.

CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING Gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com. (336) 595-2873.

CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Quality cleaning/ budget friendly. Pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838.

HIRING?

Place your classified ad online at

 YARD SALES

CLEANING

SUMMERFIELD VETERINARY HOSPITAL is seeking a full-time Kennel Assistant.

Weekends and holidays a must. Drug and background check required. Please apply in person at 4318 US Hwy 220N, Summerfi eld, NC, or email resume to lydia@summerfieldvet.com.(336)643-6326.

We can help spread the word to 28,000+ community members!

ANNUAL 420 DAY at Down 420 Lane, 8500 US Hwy. 158, Stokesdale. Thursday, April 20. Event will take place all day during store hours, 10am-8pm. Food, games, music and fun. Raffle tickets for special prizes being sold before event. Hope to see you there!

 SAVE THE DATE EASTER EGG HUNT for children, teens, and seniors. Sat., April 8, 10am-noon.

Stokesdale Baptist Church, 8411 Stokesdale St., Stokesdale. Hotdog lunch to follow. Prizes and fun. Come join us.

Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 TheThe Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

ANNASARAH'S CLEANING. Excellent references. Trustworthy. Family-owned business. Free estimates. (336) 543-3941.

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

continued on p. 20

MARCH 3030 - APRIL 5, 5, 2023 MARCH - APRIL 2023 19

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

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

GENERAL HANDYMAN. Repairs, installations, assemblies, etc. Light electrical and plumbing. Yard work and power washing.

Insured. No job too small. Give Gordon a call, (336) 253-7700.

GRADING / HAULING

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

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

R C LAWN CARE. Res./comm. lawn service. Fully insured. Call/text (336) 231-9599.

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.

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.

AFFORDABLE

HOME REPAIR

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

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

CKH ELECTRIC, LLC. Give us a call for your next residential, commercial, or industrial project. Free estimates. Licensed, insured, and BBB accredited. (336) 414-4899.

FLOORING / 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.

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

“No Job Too Small”

Why move when you can improve?

handyman ● construction well pumps ● plumbing ● foundations sagging floors...and much more! licensed general contractors

One call fixes all! (336) 643-1184 APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707.

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

The Northwest Observer Sharing news of your community since 1996!

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

(336) 643-9931.

L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE. “We get you mowing!” Comm./res., all models. Oak Ridge, NC. Please call (336) 298-4314. Ltsmeng16@gmail.com.

Wood Rot Repairs on door jambs & window sills Bathroom Remodeling • Decks and much more! • Insured

facebook.com/northwestobserver

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.

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

E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, demolition, lot clearing, excavating, bobcat work, etc. (336) 451-1282.

GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS

WILSON

Seamless Gutters

handyman ● painting ● kitchen & bath residential & commercial ● free estimates

336.554.5007 kjhomeservices4u@gmail.com ● kjhomeservicesnc.com

20 MARCH MARCH - APRIL 2023 3030 - APRIL 5,5,2023

HILL LAWNCARE & OUTDOOR SERVICES. Free est. Call (336) 669-5448.

AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Quality irrigation systems. NC licensed contractor. We service all systems. Free est.

(336) 644-1174.

GOSSETT'S LAWNCARE. Complete lawn care and maintenance. Res./comm.

Fully insured. In business for 33 years.

(336) 451-5216.

Your HOME SERVICES

company should be here!

Place your classified ad online at

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

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

Licensed & insured. (336) 643-9157.

COLFAX LAWNCARE. Core aeration & seeding. Fertilizing, mowing, trimming. Complete lawn care/maintenance. Res./comm.

Fully insured. Serving the Triad for 34 years.

(336) 362-5860.

Stokesdale

AUGUSTA GREEN LANDSCAPES. 15+ years experience. Complete lawn care.

Landscape design, pine needles/mulch, aeration, & more. Fully insured. Free estimates!

(336) 708-6150.

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

STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. FREE EST. Fully insured. Topping, pruning and removal. Natural area thinning and cleanup.

Oak Ridge. (336) 643-1119.

336-420-0200

(336) 669-7252

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ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt, available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035.

Installation, repair, replacement, Leaf Guard

Contact us for a free estimate! oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com

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.

McCOLLS'S LANDSCAPE. Full lawncare service. In business 24 yrs. Call/text, (336) 339-1356. emmccoll@gmail.com.

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

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

 HOME SERVICES

DILLON TREE SERVICE. Certified arborists. BBB accredited. Fully insured. Familyowned. Tree removal and trimming. Available for emergency removals 24/7. Free estimates.

(336) 996-6156. www.dillontreeservice.com. info@dillontreeservice.com.

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.

PAINTING & DRYWALL

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

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

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

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

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.

BEK Paint Co.

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.

INTEGRITY TREE SERVICE, LLC. Tree removal, risk assessment, tree pruning, dead wood removal. Affordable/competitive pricing. Fully insured. Owner-operated. Call for free estimate, (336) 210-8310.

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

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

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

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.

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

GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490.

SOUTHERN STYLE Concrete, LLC & Outdoor Living can design any concrete project you need, from stamped patios, sidewalks, driveways, basketball courts and fire pits. Our workers are experienced craftsmen who can customize any project to exceed your expectations. Call us at (336) 399-6619.

Eric Sauls, Owner ● (336) 970-3543 Call for your free estimate

David & Judy Long, owners

(336) 931-0600

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

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

Join 15,000+ neighbors – follow us on Facebook for community updates! facebook.com/northwestobserver

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

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS

PLUMBING

Certified Mold Inspections Certified Mold Remediation Crawl Space Vapor Barriers Crawl Space Cleaning Insulation/Foam Board Sealing Basement Moisture Issues

locally based in Stokesdale ● (336) 937-4983 northstarmoisture@gmail.com www.northstarmoisture.com

MASONRY

CONCRETE COATINGS Flake Epoxy Systems Garage Floor and Concrete Resurfacing Decorative Concrete Overlays Stamped Concrete Rejuvenation

Residential & Commercial

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.

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

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

WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING, Inc. (336) 992-2503. Licensed, insured, bonded.

24/7 service. Plumbing, drain cleaning, well pumps. Give us a call, we do it all! Go to www.webstersplumbing.com for more info.

BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR. No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic./ Ins. Cleanliness in your home is our #1 priority. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924.

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

(336) 430-9507.

Services TM Construction , INC

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Bathroom and kitchen

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

NC Gen. Contractor #72797

tmcsi.net

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.

Sharing news of your community

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

PRESSURE WASHING

AMERICAN BUILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC. Remodeling/repairs/decks. Any size job. Short wait. (336) 225-7478.

The Northwest Observer

since 1996!

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.

Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 TheThe Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 41 yrs. exp. (336) 362-6343.

continued on p. 22

MARCH 3030 - APRIL 5, 5, 2023 MARCH - APRIL 2023 21

 HOME SERVICES

&

 MISC. SERVICES

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

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

SAME-DAY

Gated access with 24/7 camera surveillance

INSPECTIONS

(336) 643-9963 • 8207 B & G Court, Stokesdale

FREE Roof Replacement • Roof Repairs NEW! Roof Rejuvenation www.5StarROOFINGUSA.com

336-780-7800

customerservice@5starroofingnc.com

DUSTIN CLINARD ROOFING. Shingles, metal, and leak repairs. Certified for 50year non-prorated shingle warranties. Call (336) 268-1908.

Offer a service? visit nwobserver.com CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC. 40 + years experience. (336) 643-8191.

We carry moving & shipping supplies

BOAT N RV STORAGE. $70/$100 monthly.

Located on Brigham Rd., Greensboro, near Pleasant Ridge Road. Call (336) 663-3051.

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

 MISC. FOR SALE BRIARCLIFFE RV RESORT membership for sale. $2,300 + $500 transfer fee. Maintenance dues are paid through June 2023.

Call (336) 908-9636. Leave a message.

SEASONED FIREWOOD. $90/pickup truck load, delivered & stacked. (336) 253-7615.

Oak Ridge Based. Free Quotes.

(336) 310-4133 WWW.VILLAGEROOFS.COM

SPENCE CANINE ACADEMY. Dog training. Call/text Sarah at (336) 355-0774 for more information.

FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, generators, power washers, 4-wheelers, mini-bikes, golf carts, bikes, other gas-powered items, tools, air conditioners, computers, most metal items, etc.

(336) 689-4167.

Wanted: FARM EQUIPMENT to buy. All kinds.

Please call (336) 430-9507. $$$ – WILL PAY CASH for your junk / wrecked vehicle. For quote, call (336) 552-0328.

Got stuff?

Need stuff?

 PETS/ANIMAL SERVICES Use DD-33 on dogs & cats to kill fleas on contact. Contains no pyrethroids! At Tractor Supply®. www.happyjackinc.com.

Need an EXPERIENCED PET SITTER? I have worked for a secured and bonded company and love all animals! Please contact me at fetchpets88@yahoo.com.

Please let us know!

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Lifetime shingle and metal roofing. We finance. Free estimates. Since 1979.

(336) 362-6343.

WELDING AND TRAILER REPAIR. Call Tim, (336) 402-3869.

NEEDED: someone to paint metal roofs of barns. Also, someone to fix sliding barn door.

Browns Summit area. Call (336) 656-3250.

Didn’t get your NWO?

Roofing, Gutters, Leaf Guards

PIANO LESSONS, all ages and levels, Summerfield area. Patti, (336) 298-4181.

 PETS/ANIMAL SERVICES

www.nwobserver.com

SEASONED FIREWOOD. Any size load delivered or you pick up. Steve Newman Tree Service. Call (336) 643-1119.

 MISC. SERVICES

 MISC. WANTED

 REAL ESTATE LAND FOR RENT CAMPER SPACE available w/water, power and sewer. Approx. 2 acres. Greensboro area. Price negotiable. Available May 1.

Email camperhookupsite@gmail.com.

LAND FOR SALE 13 ACRES for multi-family or commercial development. Madison water/sewer at the property. Awesome piece of property. Call (336) 430-9507.

LAND & LOTS. Two acres up to 20 acres available for sale in southern Rockingham County (land has Summerfield address).

For more info, call (336) 314-3773 anytime.

LAND WANTED WANTED: LAND. Any size or shape. Vacant or with dwellings. Matters not. We pay CASH! Quick closings! Call (336) 430-9507.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

We Help Everyone!

SELLERS & BUYERS

(336) 643-4248

www.ANewDawnRealty.com

SELLING or RENTING? Get the word out to

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

22 MARCH MARCH - APRIL 2023 3030 - APRIL 5,5,2023

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

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

over 28,000 readers!

Call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10. or place your classified online at

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS ACCOUNTING

Carlotta Lytton, CPA....................................... 14 Kimberly Thacker Accounting .................... 14 Personal Accounting Services ..................... 14 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC ...........16

AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE

EuroHaus ............................................................19

BANK / LENDING

Brian Campbell, Truist Mortgage................. 7

BUILDING / REMODELING

Old School Home Repair............................. 20 Superior Outdoor Spaces ............................. 13 TM Construction Services.............................21

CHURCH

Gospel Baptist Church ................................... 16

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Summerfield Fire Department ...................... 9

DENTAL SERVICES

Summerfield Family Dentistry ..................... 17

EVENTS

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

5 Star Roofing ...................................................22 Affordable Home Repair.............................. 20 BEK Paint Company .......................................21 CharCo Concrete Coatings ..........................21 K&J Home Services ....................................... 20 Nature’s Select Piedmont ............................... 8 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery ...... 12 Scott’s Tractor ..................................................... 2 Southern Style Concrete & Landscaping .18 Stokesdale Heating & Air ............................... 4 Village Roofs, Inc. ............................................22 Wilson Seamless Gutters ............................. 20

LEGAL SERVICES

Barbour & Williams Law................................ 13

MEDICAL / HEARING / PT

Aim Hearing & Audiology .............................. 6 LeBauer HealthCare....................................... 11

ORTHODONTIC CARE

Olmsted Orthodontics ................................... 17

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

Northwest Animal Hospital ..........................23

Elon University Speaker Series ...................... 3 Gideon Grove UMC Easter Egg Hunt ...... 12 Easter Horse Show & Rodeo .......................15 Spring in the Park .............................................. 6

A New Dawn Realty .......................................22 Kara Winicki, EXP Realty.............................. 16 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX ............................... 8

GROCERIES / SUPPLIES

YOUTH SPORTS / CAMPS

Southern Foods .................................................. 7

REAL ESTATE

Oak Ridge Youth Association .....................23

ORYA is in your backyard, partnering with the best!

You can overcome anything, if and only if you love something enough. – Lionel Messi

Sign up Now!

SOFTBALL FEB 15 BASEBALL FEB 23

Make sure to check us out at:

‘GOODFELLAS’ TURN ATTENTION TO SAFETY ...continued from p. 5

In more recent months the group’s conversations have often taken a more serious turn and they’ve found themselves transitioning into action mode; much of that transition began with concerns about weather-related events and community members with various life supporting needs who are most impacted by severe weather.

“Our concerns began with discussions around the event that occurred in and around the late-December rolling blackouts that affected the electrical power grid,” Garrison said. “The blackouts gave us reason to question our community’s readiness in providing safety to its more vulnerable members.”

On Feb. 16, the group met with representatives of the Guilford County Emergency Services team to discuss their concerns.

“We learned a great deal,” Garrison said. Now, they want to share that information with the community and to seek volunteers willing to train in a state-sponsored program called CERT, which stands for Community Emergency Response Team. The state will provide training and certification,

provided that each team has 15 to 20 participants.

“This is a start to draw in people who might be interested in giving back to the community and have a role in efforts to get through things such as weatherrelated emergencies,” Garrison said.

“The blackouts really became a big topic for almost everyone in the group, and everybody had something to say about them. We’ve had some people step up, they’ve written letters to the town council, and we invited the mayor and town manager to our gathering in February,” he added. “There’s a lot of passion about this. I don’t live in Summerfield, so it makes me feel involved in the community … I have a passion for helping people and that’s this group.”

want to be a CERT member?

For more info about CERT, visit www.readync.gov › cert-community-emergency-response-team.

Anyone interested in becoming a trained and certified member of the Summerfield CERT team is invited to a meeting on Thursday, April 6, 9 a.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. For more info, or for those interested but who can’t attend on April 6, email patrick3292@spectrum.net.

NORTHWEST Loving care for pets ANIMAL HOSPITAL (336) 643-8984

CrossFit Oak Ridge Mustang Fields Oak Ridge Town Park ● Oak Ridge Elementary Oak Ridge Military Academy VISIT ORYA.ORG TO REGISTER

Learn more at ORYA.ORG The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

and their families

Full-service medicine, surgery and dentistry Surgical and therapeutic laser Acupuncture and ultrasound

Wendy Camp, DVM | Tina Becker, DVM 1692-J NC Hwy 68 N, Oak Ridge • (336) 643-8984 www.nw-animal-hospital.com

MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2023 23

PRSRT PRSRT STDSTD POSTAGE U.S. U.S. POSTAGE

Postal PostalPatron Patron Box 268, Oak Ridge,NC NC27310 27310••(336) (336)644-7035 644-7035 POPO Box 268, Oak Ridge,

PAID PAID

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

David Watson from Summerfield enjoyed browsing the local news while in Newcastle, Ireland, taking in a beautiful sunrise over the Irish Sea.

Bill and Casey Tipton of Summerfield shared the Northwest Observer with a herd of elephants while in Chiang Mai, Thailand, at an elephant nature park on March 3.

Keith and Toyi Glover celebrated their anni versary in the Maldives. A highlight of the trip included relaxing on the beautiful beach while reading their hometown new spaper.

Going near or far? Be sure to pack up your Northwest Observer and send us your NWO on the go photos!

Email your high-res photo to : photos@nwobserver.com