Northwest Observer / March 21 - April 17, 2024

Summerfield de-annexation battle turns to state legislature

The town’s hope for successful negotiations sinks after a letter from developer David Couch’s lawyer signals that ‘he doesn’t want to work anything out,’ Councilman Hamilton said

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – An exchange of letters between Summerfield councilman Jonathan Hamilton and Tom Terrell, a lawyer for developer David Couch, signaled that long-stalled negotiations over de-annexation aren’t likely to resume.

As that prospect emerged during last week’s Town Council meeting, residents urged council members to cease squabbling and focus on what’s shaping up to be a lastminute appeal to state lawmakers to oppose the legislative de-annexation of Couch’s nearly 1,000 acres.

The urgency comes just weeks before the General Assembly convenes on April 24 and considers whether to approve NC House Bill 5 (HB5). A year after Couch sought state Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger’s support

for de-annexation, the legislator said last month he still favors the bill to de-annex Couch’s property from the Town of Summerfield and will seek the support of fellow lawmakers to push it through. If approved, the de-annexation of 978 acres would be one of the largest, if not the largest, in the state’s history.

Hamilton said he concluded that Couch “doesn’t want to work anything out” after reading a March 12 letter from Terrell. The Greensboro lawyer responded to an earlier letter from Hamilton urging Couch to talk to town

leaders about “next steps.”

Those steps would include filing an application for the rezoning of Couch’s property into a new zoning district, OSM-V, created by the council last October to accommodate the developer’s plans to build Summerfield’s first apartments (read more about the OSM-V district in Editor’s addition at end of this article)

Even though Terrell stated last year that the new OSM-V district wasn’t suitable for Couch’s development, Hamilton said in his March 7 letter to Couch that he understood

Summerfield Town Council member Heath Clay (forefront) listens as Council member Jonathan Hamilton (second from left) discusses the potential de-annexation of almost 1,000 acres in Summerfield while Mayor Tim Sessoms looks on. The Council held a special called meeting in Town Hall on Feb. 29 to discuss its next steps in opposing HB5, which legislators will likely vote on after they convene on April 24.

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

ATTENTION Northwest High School Seniors

Special called meeting March 22

SUMMERFIELD – Summerfield Town Council will hold a special called meeting Friday, March 22, 4 p.m. at Summerfield Town Hall, 4117 Oak Ridge Road. The stated purpose of the meeting is to discuss the contract for a new town attorney (James Hoffman),

who will replace Bob Hornik when his resignation becomes effective April 1.

The council also plans to discuss a resolution opposing legislative de-annexation of properties in Summerfield, and a texting PR campaign for de-annexation.

Town of Summerfield paying up to $650 an hour for legal counsel

As Summerfield’s legal challenges grow, town staff is proposing the town council set aside an additional $200,000 for legal fees through June

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – As Town Attorney Bob Hornik approaches his April 1

resignation, Summerfield has retained five new lawyers for representation on its mounting legal challenges.

In anticipation of rising legal costs, Dee Hall, the town’s finance officer, plans to propose the Town Council appropriate an additional $200,000 for legal expenses, on top of $300,000 already budgeted in the fiscal year ending June 30. The topic is slated

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NAACP files complaints against Town of Summerfield

State and federal agencies set to investigate whether the town’s zoning regulations result in unfair housing practices

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – Almost two years after complaining about Summerfield’s “exclusionary” zoning regulations, the NAACP has asked state and federal regulators to investigate whether the town is engaged in unfair housing practices.

The NAACP’s Greensboro branch filed complaints earlier this month with the North Carolina Human Relations Commission and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The agencies investigate alleged

discrimination under the state and federal fair housing acts.

“We did do some filings,” Kay Brown, president of the NAACP’s Greensboro branch, confirmed in a recent interview. She echoed concerns raised in an April 2022 letter from the Greensboro branch to Summerfield Town Manager Scott Whitaker.

Whitaker and Dee Hall, the town’s finance officer, mentioned the NAACP’s filings during a special called Town Council meeting this past Tuesday, March 19, to discuss Summerfield’s budget.

“We have the NAACP issue,” Whitaker said. “We won’t talk about details, but everybody knows this is a looming complaint over us.”

During its regular meeting March 12, the council voted to hire Mark Moore

Council schedules vote to censure Mayor Pro Tem Stone

Three council members called Stone’s profane reference to a former council member inappropriate and his apology insincere

by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge Town Council scheduled a vote to censure Mayor Pro Tem Mike Stone for what they called his insufficient apology to former council member George McClellan after a microphone caught Stone calling McClellan a “f***ing idiot” during the council’s Feb. 1 meeting.

courteous to those with whom they deal in their official capacity.

At their meeting earlier this month, Mayor Jim Kinneman and council members Jim Harton and Ann Schneider called Stone’s remark inappropriate and his subsequent apology insincere. Council member Mike Greeson declined to comment during the ensuing discussion.

“Those comments might be considered idiotic, but I will leave that up to you,” Harton said. “They were, however, hateful, irresponsible, unfortunate and certainly unsuitable for any Town Council member to make about any Oak Ridge citizen.”

Stone, elected to the council last November, didn’t attend the council’s March 7 meeting because he was out of the country on a church mission trip. As of this writing, he had not replied to requests for comment.

Kinneman and Schneider supported Harton’s proposal to consider a resolution censuring Stone during its April 4 meeting.

However, Schneider said she’d vote against censuring Stone if he stepped down as mayor pro tem before the start of censure proceedings.

Schneider said she believes Stone’s remark violated the town’s code of ethics for council members. Among the alleged violations, she said Stone failed to be “honest, patient, dignified and

“Most kids try all sorts of tricks – like ‘sorry’ or ‘I didn’t do anything wrong’ or ‘it’s her fault that she got mad…,’” Schneider said. “You’ve heard it all, but not usually from adults.”

Kinneman said he’s “100% in support of a censure motion next month.” He called Stone’s remark “inexcusable and inappropriate, regardless of whether it was intended to be heard or not.”

However, Kinneman cautioned that citing Stone for ethics violations may demonstrate the council “probably (has) been a little bit uneven in applying our code of ethics.”

The mayor recalled three incidents in recent years when McClellan made inappropriate comments to Oak Ridge Youth Association President Tom Collins, Kinneman and Stone. McClellan later apologized. He lost his re-election bid last November.

Kinneman questioned whether the alleged ethics violations against Stone “are more about who said it than what was said.”

A censure of an elected official is a public reprimand and stops short of expulsion. While state law doesn’t “explicitly grant local governing boards the ability to discipline members for cause, such an inherent and necessary power is implied by statute and case law as well as ancient tradition,” according to an article posted on the website of the UNC School of Government in Chapel Hill.

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It seems Stokesdale Mayor Mike Crawford is often absent from council and other meetings, but no one ever says why. Is he in poor health, or is there some other explanation?

Mayor Crawford has missed three town council meetings in the last year, most recently the one earlier this month. He also did not attend a scheduled meeting with Sen. Phil Berger at Town Hall on Feb. 20, or attend the county commissioners’ annual retreat on March mayors in Guilford County had been invited to; at that meeting, mayors or their representatives shared their requests for consideration of ARPA funds distributed through the county.

“I’ve been struggling with mobility issues and I’m trying to work through that,” he told us. “I’m on a walker for the most part, which restricts what I can and can’t do. I’m trying to keep up with what’s going on (with the town) by email and phone.

“I am doing some rehab to help with my mobility, but it’s taking a while,” he added. “It’s nothing to be alarmed about. I’m sure I can continue with my duties, and I have no plans to step down. I do appreciate everyone’s concern, though, and I’ll be back in the saddle soon.”

I heard that Summerfield’s History Committee was going to try to open a big safe that was in the Gordon Hardware building for many years. Was that successful, and if so, what was in the safe?

We actually witnessed the first attempt to open the safe in early March; unfortunately, it was a letdown. The locksmith arrived late, then after spinning the dial of the combination lock, he quickly

determined that he’d need to “damage” the safe with a drill and crowbar to open it.

Members of the History Committee decided to get a second opinion and hired locksmith George Blake, who last week “opened the safe by drilling a small hole next to a mechanism and then using a lighted scope to figure out the combination,” according to Committee Chair Bruce Petersen. “We now have the combination to our safe, so it is usable.”

Blake “had lots of tales of safe openings, including one that contained millions of dollars … in Confederate money,” Petersen wrote in a back-andforth exchange of emails with fellow committee members.

Leading up to the two attempts to open the safe, committee members speculated about what the heavy metal box might contain – records from the Gordon Hardware store, a petrified mouse and lots of money in big bills, perhaps?

The safe actually contained “a North Carolina bank deposit book with entries from 1982 to 1985 in the tens of thousands of dollars,” Petersen said. “It was a bit disappointing (that it) was almost empty, but now we know.”

Inside the cover of the deposit book was the name of Standard Theatre

...continued on p. 8

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We spoke with Mayor Crawford on March 20 and he explained he has missed some meetings over the last several months because of healthrelated issues.

online:

email:

Stokesdale mayor

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Summerfield manager seeks contract mediation

Scott Whitaker said he filed notice for mediation over the disputed end date of his employment contract

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – Town Manager Scott Whitaker said he’s seeking mediation over his employment contract after the Town Council didn’t revisit its decision last month to give him notice.

“There’s been no effort on council’s part to have any negotiations regarding

my contract,” Whitaker said after the council emerged from closed session during its March 12 meeting. He said he had expected the council to discuss his employment agreement during the session, but that didn’t occur, according to Town Attorney Bob Hornik.

Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney and council members Janelle Robinson, Jonathan Hamilton and Heath Clay voted last month not to renew Whitaker’s contract, while raising the prospect they were open to renegotiating the agreement. So far, such discussions haven’t occurred, the town manager said.

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Whitaker’s contract states that he and the town agree to engage in mediation to resolve disputes. At issue, according to the manager, is “a dispute, a different interpretation about my contract end date.”

The contract expires in “June,” but according to Whitaker it’s unresolved whether that’s this coming June or June 2025.

During the March 12 council meeting Clay and Robinson implied they had made attempts to discuss Whitaker’s contract with him, but Whitaker had not been receptive.

“Okay, that can be your version,” Whitaker responded to Clay.

In later communication with the Northwest Observer, Whitaker said Clay had offered via email to be a “sounding board,” and indicated that Whitaker’s contract could be part of their discussion.

“My point was that Council has offered no forum or made any effort as a group to discuss anything related to my employment,” Whitaker said. “On the contrary, Council had already engaged an outside attorney the week of the Feb. 13 vote. The attorney advised Council by way of Lynne (DeVaney) that it ‘should not make any further comments to the Town Manager besides ‘we are declining to renew his contract.’ He said not to give any reasons.”

Earlier in the March 12 meeting, several residents spoke on behalf of Whitaker and criticized the council’s majority for giving the manager notice without a known cause, a step that prevents him from collecting a year of severance.

Noting that DeVaney and Robinson had for the last two years voted to give Whitaker annual pay raises and that the manager had faced no disciplinary action by the council, Church Brown described the decision as “mean-spirited and 100% political…. It happened because Scott did not pick up the mantra of anti-development that

(council members) Lynne, Janelle, Jonathan and Heath have adopted.”

At one point Mayor Tim Sessoms asked Whitaker about his academic credentials and Whitaker said he has a master of public administration.

During public comments, Summerfield resident Joe Shelton asked DeVaney, Robinson, Hamilton and Clay whether they’ve earned such a degree.

“What are each of you going to do when you fire him and he walks out the door?”

Shelton said. “Which one of you is going to do his job?

You don’t have any idea how to run a town. You don’t have any idea what he does.

“You think you are smarter than he is; you think you are smarter than we are,” Shelton said. “You’re making a mess of things, you realize that, right? If you don’t realize it, we’ve got a more serious problem than I thought.”

Speaking as a resident of Summerfield, Patti Stokes, Northwest Observer editor/publisher, said she was “disheartened by the majority council’s decision” regarding Whitaker.

In dealing with Whitaker many times during his nearly 12 years as manager, Stokes said, “I’ve seen nothing to indicate that he is incompetent, reckless, disrespectful or immoral…

“In fact, I’ve found him to be highly competent, dedicated, knowledgeable (and) respectful to citizens and elected officials – and even those who have publicly insulted him and humiliated him, or attempted to do so, in meetings,” Stokes said. “I’ve seen him hold his head up high and be civil.

“So, I’m wondering, has he done something egregious that we’re not aware of?” Stokes asked. “Because some of us are totally befuddled. If you

LEGAL FEES

...continued from p. 2

for the agenda of the council’s April 9 meeting, according to Town Manager Scott Whitaker.

Earlier this week, the town released a list of the lawyers and their hourly rates; that is, if they’ve been negotiated. The council voted last week to hire four of the lawyers:

• Jim Hoffman, of Greensboro, as the town’s new attorney. Hoffman will replace Hornik, of the Brough Law Firm, who is earning $215 an hour for his services until his resignation at the end of this month. Hoffman’s proposed fee as negotiated by councilman Jonathan Hamilton is $375 an hour, according to Hall.

• Patti Ramseur, of Greensboro’s Ramseur Maultsby, at $375 an hour to represent Summerfield in mediation with Town Manager Scott Whitaker. The majority council voted in February to give him notice that it would not be extending his employment contract when it expires in June, but did not offer an explanation for the decision.

• Mark Moore and Christian Dysart, of nationwide law firm Maynard Nexen, to represent Summerfield against the NAACP’s complaints that the town’s zoning practices are “exclusionary.” Their hourly rates aren’t yet available. Last month, Greensboro lawyer Brian Freedman charged the town $300 an hour for consultation on Whitaker’s

employment contract.

In addition to the five new engagements, the council in recent months hired two lawyers to assist Summerfield in land use planning related to its de-annexation fight: Mike Thelan, of Womble, Bond, Dickinson in Raleigh, at $625 an hour and Maynard Nexen’s Jay DeVaney, of Summerfield, at $650 an hour.

Going back several years, the town hired lawyer Gray Wilson, of Nelson Mullins in Winston-Salem, at $450 an hour to represent the town in litigation by Summerfield citizens Danny Nelson and Teresa Winfree Perryman, a former council member.

The council plans to consider approving a contract to hire Hoffman as Hornik’s replacement during a special called meeting this coming Friday, March 22.

If approved, the contract will pay Hoffman $160 an hour more than Hornik earns. Instead of paying Hornik his hourly rate of $215 when attending town meetings, the town pays him a flat fee of $650, regardless of the length of the meeting, according to Hall.

As proposed, Hoffman’s contract doesn’t contain a flat fee for meetings, Hall said. As a result, if the council approves the new contract, the town will pay more for legal counsel during meetings lasting longer than 1 ¾ hours.

As an illustration, at Hoffman’s proposed rate, the town would have paid more than $2,400 for legal counsel during the council’s roughly 6 ½-hour meeting on Feb. 13.

Supply. Online sleuthing found a Greensboro News and Record article from 1990 stating that “the Greensboro-based theater and concessions equipment company is liquidating its operations to pay more than $5.5 million in debts.”

How the safe wound up in the Gordon Hardware building remains a mystery. However, History Committee member Mark Brown said he believes the late Bill Gordon, son of the hardware store’s owner, R.C. Gordon, may have

purchased the safe in an auction of the theater company’s assets.

The building belonged to the Gordon family until 2014 when the town of Summerfield purchased it. Earlier this year, Preservation North Carolina represented the town in the sale of the building (see related article on p. 15)

Before the closing of the sale, History Committee members moved the safe into the basement of Summerfield Community Center.

Sunday, March 24 2pm at Station 9

Summerfield Fire District

Station 9

7400

Station 29

Spring clean – safely!

Properly use and store gasoline

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

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.

• 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

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

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

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.

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.

Tips provided courtesy of

• 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.

WELCOME to our new advertisers

Thank you to the businesses, organizations and individuals who advertise in the Northwest Observer and make it possible to provide this community resource at no charge to our readers.

Oak Ridge Auto & Trailer Sales

Owners/managers: Dan and Celeste Leasure

What prompted you to start your business?

In 2014 I (Dan) purchased the Old Hole in the Wall restaurant property in northwest Greensboro, where I’ve since operated my American Classifieds paper, Auto Solutions magazine, and online company. Celeste and I have always felt the northwest Guilford area needed a reputable, American-owned used car dealership and with all the available parking spaces on the property, we knew we had room to operate a used car dealership with 60 or more vehicles. We opened Oak Ridge Auto Sales in 2020 and two years later, decided to open a trailer business there also.

Tell us more about what you offer.

We sell used cars and trucks for any budget, landscaping trailers, enclosed trailers, commercial dump trailers, utility

trailers and car haulers.

Describe your approach to customer service.

We are very hands-on in our business, and work six days a week. We take pride in treating every customer – during and after the sale – as if they were family. We service every vehicle we buy and before we sell it to the public, we make sure we would put our own family member in it.

What are some of your greatest business challenges?

Inventory and being able to get everyone who wants to buy a car/trailer approved for a loan. And the rewards?

Knowing that, through the relationships we’ve developed with banks, we helped someone buy the car of their dreams, even when they thought they couldn’t afford it.

Are you involved with and/or support

any professional, civic or other nonprofit organizations?

I am a founding member of the Piedmont Guardians Motorcycle Club, which supports law enforcement, fire, EMS and all other first responders. Our granddaughter, McKenzie, was born with Down Syndrome, and we are big supporters of the Piedmont Triad Down Syndrome Network, which serves amazing kids like her. We also support St. Jude Children’s Hospital (our 3-yearold grandson, Noah, was diagnosed with leukemia and has since been cured).

On a personal note….

I grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and moved to Destin, Florida, in 1994; five years later I bought a classified paper in Greensboro called American Classifieds, and we moved to the

Joey’s Burger Bar

Welcome to Joey’s Burger Bar, where we specialize in gourmet smash burgers! Our burgers boast a perfect char and unforgettable flavor. Crafted from 100% certified Angus beef, each juicy 4-ounce patty is seasoned with our house blend, then hand-smashed and nestled on a buttery, toasted challah bun. Elevating the experience, all of our aiolis are made in-house, adding a delicious touch to every bite.

In addition to our delicious burgers,

northwest area. Our three kids all grew up here and graduated from Northwest High School.

I enjoy spending downtime with family and friends, hiking, taking mountain trips and of course, being at the beach.

The thing I like most about this area is the friends I’ve made, the customers I’ve gotten to know over the years and being only 2 1/2 hours from the mountains or the coast – it’s like the best of both worlds!

See display ad on p. 5

we offer many appetizers, from Brussels sprouts to wings! Wash them down with our specialty milkshakes or explore our extensive bourbon selection and craft cocktails.

See display ad on p. 7

Gusto Pizzeria

At Gusto Pizzeria, we bring Napoli, the birthplace of pizza, right here to Oak Ridge! From our cozy interior to our bustling patio, every visit promises a warm welcome and a slice of Italy.

From the moment you step through our doors, you’re enveloped in the lively ambiance of our pizzeria!

Each pizza is made using only the highest quality ingredients from our imported Italian flour, fresh mozzarella cheese, and delicious pizza sauce made daily using only San Marzano tomatoes. Our pizzas are made to order and baked fresh in our woodfired, Italian oven, ensuring a thin, light and charred crust staying true to the Napoletana style.

But our commitment to excellence extends beyond our pizza. We also offer fresh salads, from a classic

Caesar to a fresh Caprese. Pair your meal with a selection from our variety of Italian wines, perfectly curated to complement your dining experience.

No visit to Gusto Pizzeria would be complete without indulging in our delectable desserts – whether it’s a scoop of creamy gelato or a heavenly cannoli, it will be the perfect ending to a perfect meal.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing Gusto Pizzeria yet, we invite you to join us! Grazie for choosing Gusto Pizzeria – where every slice is made with amore.

See display ad on p. 7

School of Rock Greensboro

Owner/manager: Gary Bilello

What led you to decide to open School of Rock?

I love music and it has always been something my son and I have bonded over. Once my son studied music in school, I started looking for something we could do together and this checked off all the boxes for us.

What are the main services your business offers, and who is your target audience?

We offer guitar, drum, keyboard, bass guitar and vocal lessons for kids 4-18 years old. Students are exposed to an array of different musical styles designed to motivate and inspire them to work together and grow as musicians. Our programs combine individualized, one-on-one music lessons with group band rehearsals that take students to the stage.

We also offer an adult program for students over 18 years old who are looking to either improve their musical proficiency or pick up an instrument

with no prior musical experience. Give us a little description of the student experience at School of Rock.

Music lessons take place during “jam” sessions, establishing not only music skill, but also an appreciation for teamwork. Our teachers are working musicians who understand the value of using live performances to build skills that are hard to teach during one-onone lessons. We want our parents and students to feel comfortable, which is why we run background checks on everyone employed at our school and have a camera system installed in each of our classrooms.

What are some of the challenges your business faces?

Music instructors need to be skilled musicians, have an engaging personality and be good at teaching. If one of those traits isn’t there, they aren’t going to make for a great teacher. We want our teachers and students to connect and build on that relationship.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW ADVERTISERS

...continued from p. 11

What is one of the greatest rewards that School of Rock offers to you and your staff?

We watch our students grow from beginner musicians to more confident individuals. It is rewarding to see them engaging with their peers and away from social media.

Would you share a few things about yourself on a personal note?

I grew up on Long Island and moved to North Carolina soon after my immediate family moved here. My wife and I live in Summerfield and it is where we raised our son Tony.

Old Photo Specialist

Owners: William (“Bill”) and Anna Heroy

I have been a hairstylist for 31 years and own Avanti Salon & Spa in the same shopping center as School of Rock Greensboro (Target shopping center off Highwoods Boulevard).

When I am not working, I love to spend time with family, travel, and attend concerts. My favorite genre of music is classic rock, and some of my favorite bands are Led Zeppelin, The Who, AC/DC, etc.

I (Bill) always enjoyed photography. After college I traded in my shotgun for a darkroom, and that led to the beginning of my business 53 years ago!

What are the main services Old Photo Specialist offers?

Art restoration, giclee printing (printing with oil paints), portraiture, antique frames (including daguerreotypes, tintypes, cabinet cards, ambrotypes and panoramics).

Describe the steps you take to ensure your customers are satisfied with your work.

We very carefully handle the originals our customers provide and work from copies rather than originals. We have several experiments that show customers the durability of our work – and, we guarantee customer satisfaction.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your line of work?

Explaining chemistry to customers. As a bio-med student at Duke, I have always been interested in the make-up of things – and especially photographs. I have learned what lasts, and what does not. Family photos are too important to lose.

What are some of the rewards that come with your work?

Showing customers the “before and after” pictures and knowing we are preserving history.

Also, we have been privileged to

work on so many historical pictures, including ones of Robert E. Lee and R.J. Reynolds and daguerreotypes from Ashlawn Plantation, Winniethe-Pooh and George Washington. But regardless of the picture, every one that a customer brings to us is important!

Have you been involved with any professional, civic or nonprofit organizations?

Before moving our business to our home in Summerfield four years ago, we operated in downtown Greensboro for 30 years. While there we supported IRC (a nonprofit that helps those experiencing homelessness). I was also a member of the Rotary Club and Lions Club.

On a personal note…

I grew up in West Haven, Connecticut, and came to North Carolina to attend Duke Engineering School. Anna grew up in Greensboro and taught high school history, which meshes perfectly with the old photos we receive (from pre-Civil War to today).

We have three wonderful sons and daughters-in-law who all live in Charlotte with our six amazing grandchildren.

In our downtime, we enjoy gardening, stamp collecting, restoring our own family history, etymology –and of course, spending time with our children and grandchildren.

Old Photo Specialist

Summerfield

See display ad on p. 4

See display ad on p. 3

 As many as 76 houses are planned for 24.2 acres on Lewiston Road, south of Summerfield, after Greensboro City Council annexed the property from Guilford County and zoned it for as many as seven units per acre. Despite opposition from some adjacent homeowners who favor lower-density housing on the property, the council voted unanimously on March 19 to zone former farmland at 3849 Lewiston Road and 1908-ZZ Hackamore Road for conditional district – residential single-family – 7 (CD-R-7). The land was zoned residential single-family (RS-40) under the county’s jurisdiction. Developer Granville Homes LLC filed the zoning request on behalf of the living trust that owns the property.

Several council members cited the need for more higher-density development to address what Mayor Nancy Vaughan described as the city’s “housing crisis.’’

More homes planned for northwestern Greensboro

 Jayme Currie and Ryan Chabon plan to convert the former Calvary Baptist Church at 4917 Rhondan Road in Summerfield into a music recording studio after last week winning approval to rezone the property. The Town Council voted unanimously to rezone the less-than-half-acre tract from residential (RS) to conditional zoning neighborhood business (CZ-NB.) The couple plans to remodel the circa 1931 structure for music lessons, recording services and rehearsal space for musicians. The interior will be soundproofed, preventing music produced inside from being heard outside, while keeping outdoor noises, such as lawn mowers, from entering the space, according to Chabon. Mayor Tim Sessoms congratulated the couple on their venture and added that “we look forward to not hearing’’ the music from inside.

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Music recording studio planned for former church

‘Love of all things old’ motivates couple to restore historic Gordon Hardware building

The new property owners plan vintage retail, Airbnb for circa 1870s building which has been vacant for decades

by CHRIS BURRITT

I have always been a collector of vintage finds (and) a thrift shopper, so this project is really going to bring everything we both love together.”

Johanna Elsner, who along with her husband recently purchased the historic Gordon Hardware building in Summerfield

SUMMERFIELD – The new owners of the historic Gordon Hardware building envision selling vintage items downstairs and operating an Airbnb rental upstairs.

That’s the plan of Johanna and Thomas Elsner, a Winston-Salem couple who restores historic homes, builds tiny houses and operates four Airbnb properties. Their tiny house-building company, Perch and Nest, operates on a former dairy farm near downtown Winston-Salem.

“We worked in older home restoration for ourselves and others for many years before getting into the tiny house business,” Johanna wrote in a recent email. She explained the couple began building tiny houses on their property after they started their family and her husband, a carpenter, needed to work from home to be with their kids.

The Elsners purchased the circa 1870s Gordon Hardware building at 7722 Summerfield Road in January.

Preservation North Carolina (PNC), a nonprofit organization based in Raleigh, facilitated the sale for the Town of Summerfield.

The Elsners anticipate starting restoration work on the Gordon building by this summer.

“We are waiting for septic/well permit approval and our historic tax credit application to be approved prior to any major renovations,” Johanna said.

The Gordon building sits on less than half an acre at the corner of Summerfield Road and N.C. 150. Due to the small size of the lot, the Elsners plan to seek Guilford County’s permission to install a smaller septic system that since the start of the year is now allowed within county regulations, she said. They also plan to drill a new well for water.

The couple’s crew is rehabbing other properties. They are restoring the historic Hooper house in Reidsville, after finishing the redo of a circa

1940s farmhouse in Danbury, in Stokes County, according to Johanna. They plan to wrap up the restoration of two circa 1904 vacation cabins in the North Carolina mountains before turning their focus to the Gordon building.

Johanna said the Summerfield

restoration will marry her husband’s carpentry skills and her “love of all things old.”

“I have always been a collector of vintage finds (and) a thrift shopper,” she said. “So this project is really going to bring everything we both love together.”

Mitch Bullins (center) with his parents, Lisa and Ray Bullins, at Ray Bullins Construction Co., Inc.

The crew responsible for the Gordon Hardware building purchase and restoration: (L to R) Aiden Elsner, Kyle Mendenhall, Cathleen Turner (of Preservation North Carolina), owners Johanna and Thomas Elsner, Jason Hix and Ana Bridge

Photo courtesy of Preservation North Carolina

Historic Martin House coming back to life

by PATTI STOKES

SUMMERFIELD – Lauren Cox is fielding a lot of questions from curious passersby about the work being done at the historic Martin House at 4118 Oak Ridge Road (N.C. 150) which she and her husband purchased from the Town of Summerfield last October.

Large trees were recently removed from the back yard of the property to accommodate a well, septic system and future parking for customers of what will soon be Martin’s Mercantile.

Quality Craftsmanship

“They (the trees) had to come out,” Cox said. “The lot is so small and we had to make room for a septic system and well. It took us nine months to figure out the septic and water. We worked with the town and the town’s engineers to come up with a plan to make it work. With a .44-acre lot with a house and septic on another part, and the septic having to be 50 feet away from the well, this was the only design that would work. We’ll go back and plant new trees.”

While the septic system installation and well work is a few weeks away, other work is in full swing, including replacing the back porch which Cox said had to be taken down to its shell.

Cox envisions Martin’s Mercantile being introduced in two phases, with the first phase offering coffee for sale, food for dining in and

take-out, beer and wine, and a space for DIY workshops.

“We want it to be a community gathering place,” she said.

Of the challenges that come with restoring a historic house, she admits there have been many, and it’s taken persistence to get it to this point.

“Without persistence this project would not have happened,” she said.

She looks forward to opening Phase 1 of Martin’s Mercantile by July 4, and in the meantime invites community members to participate in helping rehab the building.

Interested in donating your time and skills to the restoration of the Martin House? Email Cox at lcox7406@gmail.com.

Photos courtesy of Lauren Cox

Walraven Signature Homes

Although the pandemic is in the rear-view mirror, some prospective buyers are remaining on the sidelines while waiting for interest rates and the costs of labor and goods to come down. Still, despite the cost of building a custom home having increased by as much as 50% over the past three years, there is no shortage of buyers who are enthusiastically moving ahead with building the home of their dreams. Those moving from other areas of the country

where the cost of housing is much higher are especially finding the cost of a new home in Guilford County is well within their budget.

Several buyers are paying cash for their new homes, making interest rates a non-issue. Matt and Danielle Walraven, owners of Walraven Signature Homes (WSH), acknowledge that high interest rates have tamped down some of the frenzy the company experienced a few years ago.

During the peak of the pandemic, labor and material shortages and lower interest rates often created panic buying. Buyers now seem calmer and excited to meet with builders to discuss their projects.

For every custom home purchaser, the idea of getting exactly what they want in a new home, including the extras that personally match their lifestyle, makes both the process and the end result rewarding.

Outdoor spaces remain a high priority for today’s custom homes, and pools, outdoor kitchen and bar areas, hot tubs, high-end landscaping, and outdoor TVs are features commonly requested.

A home on a golf course remains very popular, especially given the

temperate climate of our area. Several beautiful golf course communities in the area are particularly attractive to folks moving from colder climates. These homeowners search out specific lots that give scenic views of the course such as fairways and water features, which further add to the ambiance.

The Walravens have noticed that suppliers and customers alike are easiergoing now versus a few years ago and less stressed, which has helped to smooth out the bumps the pandemic brought.

Throughout the building process, the WSH team remains committed to providing excellent service and the highest level of craftmanship to ensure their clients will have a stunning home to be enjoyed for years to come.

Danielle and Matt Walraven, owners of Walraven Signature Homes

Photos courtesy of Walraven Signature Homes

Despite rising construction costs and interest rates that are slow to decline, Walraven Signature Homes continues to see a high demand for its custom-built homes.

Building beautiful custom homes in the Triad for over 30 years

Rich and Kathy Dumas began building in the Triad in 1992. Since Rich and Kathy Dumas began R&K in 1992, it has become a respected, multi-gold award-winning company. Having built over 500 homes ranging in price from the $500,000s to $2 million, R&K’s wide range of construction and design types separates them from the others. Rich & Kathy walk you through every detail as they show you their passion for not just crafting homes, but building memories. R&K’s challenge to produce the best never ceases.

Rich and Kathy Dumas, owners

Changing real estate commission rules

The National Association of Realtors agreed to a legal settlement last week, altering how real estate agents are going to be compensated for representing home buyers and sellers

by CHRIS BURRITT

NW GUILFORD

– Starting in mid-July, the rules for how real estate agents

earn commissions are going to change after the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settled a landmark lawsuit.

NAR said last week it had agreed to pay $418 million to resolve more than a dozen antitrust lawsuits accusing the association of imposing rules that led to inflated commissions for agents. While admitting no wrongdoing, the trade group representing more than 1.5 million people working in real estate agreed to end a rule that, according to the suits, forced sellers to pay too much in commissions.

An association of professionals supporting each other and our community

For more info about SMA:

email info@summerfieldmerchant.com visit www.summerfieldmerchant.com or Facebook.com/SummerfieldMerchantsAssociation

Be our guest at our next monthly meeting on Monday, April 1, from 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. RSVP on our website.

National Association of Realtors said last week it had agreed to pay $418 million to resolve more than a dozen antitrust lawsuits accusing the association of imposing rules that led to inflated commissions for agents. Due to the ensuing changes, sellers won’t be required to pay commissions for buyers’ agents, unless they choose to do so, and buyers’ agents are “going to have a lot more conversations before showing a house to anybody,” Phillip Stone, co-owner of A New Dawn Realty in Stokesdale, said.

The suits challenged NAR’s rule requiring a seller’s agent to make “blanket unilateral offers of compensation” to a buyer’s agent. In short, agreeing to compensate the buyer’s agent is required for the seller’s agent to list a house on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), NAR’s online portal where more than 80% of houses are bought and sold nationwide.

The suits argued that the rule

forced sellers to pay inflated commissions to buyers’ agents. Sellers’ offers to pay commissions induced “buyer brokers to show their homes to the buyer brokers’ clients,” according to the plaintiffs in a Chicago lawsuit, Moehrl v. National Association of Realtors et al.

Typically, home sellers pay about 5 to 6% in commission fees, divided between their own broker and

MARCH 21, 2024 - APRIL 17, 2024

Thanks to Dr. Mark Reynolds (left) and Dr. Robert Stoner of Reynolds & Stoner Orthodontics for hosting our meeting on March 4.

Adobe Stock photo

the buyer’s broker.

Under the settlement, which requires a judge’s approval, sellers won’t be required to pay commissions for buyers’ agents, unless they choose to do so. Rather, buyers would negotiate compensation with agents.

The settlement requires that “buyers pay their buyers’ agents directly,” said Phillip Stone, who owns A New Dawn Realty in Stokesdale with his mother, Dawn. He added, however, that “a seller can still offer compensation.”

Still, sellers may wind up paying less in commissions since they’re not required to pay commissions to buyers’ agents.

As consumers figure out the ramifications of the settlement, including its financial consequences, agents need to stress the value of their services, according to Realtors active in northwest Guilford County.

“Our value is the same; what we bring to the table is the same,” said Keller Williams agent DeDe Cunningham. “All this lawsuit did is muddy the waters as far as responsibility of payment. But for those of us that have been doing this for as long as we’ve been doing it, we’ve been having these conversations for many years.”

Since the settlement’s announcement March 15, NAR has been advising members how to “describe our value to the buyer and the seller,” Stone said. “It’s a lot more than opening the door” to a listing.

“We need to explain the process because it can be very challenging for buyers and sellers to try to navigate,” added Kara Winicki, an agent for eXp Realty in Summerfield.

The settlement opens up the market to “a greater variation in types

of compensation and rates charged by agents,” like flat-fee and discount brokerages, said Stephen Brobeck, senior fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based Consumer Federation of America.

“[The] buyer will still be able to request a concession from sellers that includes funds to help cover buyer agent compensation, but this will be after they have had the opportunity to comparison shop,” the News and Observer quoted Brobeck as saying. It will also encourage sellers to negotiate their listing agents’ compensation, he added.

If sellers pay less in commission, they may keep more of the proceeds. That’s not a certainty, however, since a change in commission may affect other variables, such as the sale price of a house, according to Cunningham.

If agents earn less from commissions, they may try to make up for the difference in a variety of ways. Those include options such as charging flat fees for representing buyers, or charging by the hour or for each time they accompany a buyer to a showing, according to a recent article by Nerdwallet, an online personal finance site.

Buyers’ agents “would be required to enter into written agreements with their buyers before touring a home,” according to NAR. “These agreements can help consumers understand exactly what services and value will be provided, and for how much.”

It also means that “you’re going to have a lot more conversations before showing a house to anybody,” Stone said.

In a possible drawback of the settlement, paying a commission to a buyer’s agent outside of the real estate closing may be a financial strain for first-time homebuyers or others with limited financial resources.

“Those are going to be the ones who are probably going to have the least opportunity to pay directly out of pocket,” Stone said. Housing “affordability is already a problem.”

the new district “is one that you found desirable for your Villages of Summerfield Farms project.”

In his recent reply to Hamilton and other council members, Terrell reiterated Couch’s view that the OSM-V district is impractical for his development. He went on to criticize decisions by Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney, council member Janelle Robinson and the two new members elected in November – Hamilton and Heath Clay.

“In a few short months, (Hamilton) and three of his colleagues have taken extreme action to further frustrate Mr. Couch’s plans for his own land, purging Summerfield of staff who previously worked with Mr. Couch’s team in good faith,” Terrell said. “The mayor’s prerogatives seem to have been usurped, and Summerfield will soon have no town manager, no town attorney, and only a partially-staffed planning board after the majority on the council summarily purged these civil servants in recent weeks.

“In almost 40 years working in municipalities and counties throughout this state and other states,” Terrell continued, “I have never witnessed the level of dysfunction and

self-manufactured drama as is on display right now in Summerfield – all to stop a private citizen and long-time Summerfield resident from building residences for middle-income North Carolinians on his own land.”

“Under the guidance of our attorney, I sent a letter to David Couch requesting to continue the discussion of his property under the new OSM-V zoning district,” Hamilton wrote in a statement he released after receiving Terrell’s response. “His attorney responded that the previously passed text amendment creating the district was ‘infeasible’ and that he has continued to advise against engagement in what he described as ‘the next chapter of this exhausting and fruitless saga.’ His response was expected and consistent with his prior communications. It seems we have confirmation that Mr. Couch will pursue de-annexation in lieu of compromise, and we now know that our focus should be on the general assembly.”

During last week’s council meeting, Summerfield resident Church Brown said, “I can’t blame the developer after seeing what this council has done over the past few months.”

Earlier in the meeting, several

residents urged the council to unite to fight legislative de-annexation.

“Tell us what to do,” said Priscilla Olinick, joining others who said they’re prepared to redouble efforts to email legislators and even travel to the Statehouse to make personal appeals for lawmakers’ support.

“I think we need to get the message across, or we’re going to just get eaten alive,” Olinick said. “We can sit here and bicker, we can sit here and fight, we can sit here and point fingers, but we are getting nothing done. We are self-imploding.”

Speaking as a Summerfield resident, Patti Stokes, editor/publisher of the Northwest Observer, told the council, “We are not seeing any direction from the council that could be helpful to us as citizens. What we are seeing is a lot of finger-pointing and a lot of rehashing of issues. There is not time for that. It is not productive… We are willing to mobilize.”

Mary Horlacher likened the behavior of council members to middle schoolers “trying to find their way.”

lawmakers, but also other municipalities that potentially face the threat of legislative de-annexation.

“There are a lot of towns in jeopardy,” said Dwayne Crawford, explaining he’s willing to travel by bus to Raleigh, but added that town leaders need to coordinate a trip.

Added Danny Nelson, “if it (de-annexation) happens here, it will happen somewhere else.”

Saying that Summerfield “doesn’t deserve the de-annexation,” Kyle Stalls said he’d volunteer to produce a video for distribution to the media and other towns.

After the council put DeVaney in charge of securing a public relations firm to help the town last month, she said last week that she spoke to an agency head who said town leaders should have swung into action months ago, leaving the town in a “crisis” now.

She recommended against hiring an agency, partly because some had refused to return her calls. She believes some firms believe that de-annexation is a “toxic” topic.

She urged Sessoms and other council members to be “more respective of one another, without throwing everybody under the bus. To me, all it does is push a divide in the town. Chaos ensues and nothing can really get accomplished.”

Sessoms said “it is difficult” for him to work with council members who decided last month not to renew Town Manager Scott Whitaker’s employment contract.

Among its actions, the council authorized the spending of $75,000 on marketing and other steps to convey the town’s opposition to de-annexation. Not only are Summerfield leaders trying to persuade

Former state legislator John Blust said he was encouraged by the town’s efforts to contact legislators in recent months. Despite Berger’s persuasive powers in the Senate, Blust said he believes “the House is ready to vote ‘no,’” on the de-annexation bill.

“This thing has a good chance of going down,” said Blust, who won the Republican primary for the District 62 House seat earlier this month.

Blust cautioned, however, that legislative leaders can tack the de-annexation legislation to another bill and call a vote on it when supporters hold a majority.

As soon as the legislature convenes, Olinick said she believes a de-annexation vote will come quickly. Without immediate action, she said, “we are going to be standing here with our faces hanging out.”

Editor’s addition:

On March 14, members of Stokesdale Town Council issued a statement that reaffirmed their town’s commitment to “protect small town autonomy” and their opposition to NC House Bill 5 (HB5), which includes the de-annexation of 978 acres in Summerfield.

As a tool for citizens when reaching out to legislators, the Town of Summerfield has added a tab on the homepage of its website entitled “Saving Summerfield,” but as of March 19 the page it leads to, which includes a link to “De-annexation Facts,” was still under development. As with the Town of Stokesdale, Summerfield has added a list of state legislator names and email addresses to its website and is encouraging citizens to reach out to them in numbers and voice their opposition to de-annexation of Couch’s property from the Town of Summerfield.

The Town also added a template on its Facebook page of a letter citizens can reference when reaching out to state Senate and House leaders. The first paragraph of the letter reads, “As a resident of Summerfield, I am writing today to urge you to vote NO for House Bill 5. As it is currently drafted, that legislation would involuntarily de-annex almost 1,000 acres from the center of the Town, effectively dismantling our beautiful community from its core. Local bills should have local support and this bill is overwhelmingly opposed by Summerfield residents as well as the Town Council. It also does not have the unanimous support of the Guilford County legislative delegation. Only Senator Berger and the property owner are pushing for this de-annexation. Why should they have their way over thousands of Summerfield residents, Town leaders and the other members of the delegation?”

The letter, posted March 15, can be viewed in its entirety at www.Facebook. com/TownofSummerfield.

A bullet-point list of steps the Town took before approving a text

amendment on Oct. 5, 2023, that added a OSM-V zoning district intended to accommodate Couch’s development plan for The Villages of Summerfield Farms – including apartments – can be found at www.summerfieldnc.gov/news, then “Potential De-annexation of 978 Acres.”

The new OSM-V is described in Summerfield’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), which is also on the Town’s website – select “Departments” at the top of the homepage, then “Planning,” then “Unified Development Ordinance.”

Per the description, “… The (OSM-V) district is structured to allow greater control than is allowed by the UDO over such elements as the landscape, the scale of buildings, the form and function of neighborhoods, and the placement of building types.”

The OSM-V district regulates “the orderly mixed-use development of large areas to be under unified ownership or control with a comprehensive and cohesive design.”

According to the UDO, the zoning district also provides “a development tool that supports the Town’s policies for, and complies with, federal fair housing regulations.”

Only tracts, or a combination of tracts, totaling a minimum of 450 acres may be considered for an OSM-V district.

Apartments are one of the key components of the OSM-V district that many Summerfield citizens have vehemently objected to, both before and since its passage in October.

The UDO states apartments are allowed “with zoning maps that are created for the OSM-V district and approved at the time of rezoning, provided, however, that the maximum density for apartments in the OSM-V district shall be 0.70 apartments units per acre and the maximum overall density of dwelling units in the OSM-V is 3.70 dwelling units per acre.”

District 3 candidate

March 14 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

as reported by PATTI STOKES

Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy called the monthly meeting to order at 7 p.m. with council members Jimmy Landreth, Tim Jones and Jim Rigsbee in attendance as well as the town attorney, clerk, finance officer, representatives of NCDOT and MPO and about 40 citizens, including two Scouts and their supporters. No explanation was given for Mayor Mike Crawford’s absence.

Assoc. Pastor Ben Piatt of Oak Level Baptist Church gave the invocation.

SCOUT PRESENTATIONS

Kaveesha Abeykoon, a Northwest High School sophomore, presented a proposal for her Girl Scout Gold project, which is a pollinator garden in the town park as well as educational classes.

She explained the importance of

pollinators to the health of ecosystems and said many pollinator populations are endangered due to loss of habitat (which leads to loss of their food source and nesting places), and to lack of awareness of their importance.

Her project will include the establishment of a butterfly garden in the park with plants necessary for the various stages of pollination, and a QR code on a post that leads to a website where people can learn about pollinators and how to establish their own pollinator garden.

 4  0 to approve the project, with Councilman Rigsbee working with Kaveesha to decide where to locate the garden in the park.

Andrew Knesel with BSA Troop 139

presented a proposal for his Eagle Scout project, a .8-mile nature trail in the town park that will connect to the existing walking trail. Council members asked several questions about the proposed trail, including its specific route, distance from adjoining property owner lines, surface material and maintenance.

 4  0 to work with Andrew Knesel on establishing a nature trail in the park.

“I think this represents a tremendous value to the town,” Councilman Tim Jones said.

 4  0 to appoint Chris Sumner, who serves on the town’s Planning Board, as an alternate member of the Board of Adjustment (BOA). After Sumner was subsequently sworn into office, the council recessed, then convened as the BOA with Sumner joining the four council members who also serve as BOA members.

Justin Snyder, the town’s contracted Guilford County planner, presented the request for an 8-foot setback variance to accommodate a 1,080-square-foot three-car garage on a 1.02-acre residential lot on Eversfield Road. The town’s development ordinance states the side yard setback for a primary building or accessory structure larger than 600 square feet in area must be a minimum of 15 feet from any side property line.

Homeowner Tom Johnson shared that he is an engineer employed with the Toyota plant in Liberty and said he and his wife purchased their property last year due to the excellent schools for their two children, and Stokesdale’s rural setting and appeal of the community. He said he hopes to build a three-car garage on his property to accommodate the classic cars he has purchased and restored over the years.

“If I can’t get a variance for a threecar garage I will have to sell one of the cars,” he said.

Before granting a variance from the town’s development ordinance, the council must provide support for four specific findings of fact; if any one of

those are not supported, the variance cannot be granted. After deliberating for about 40 minutes, council members agreed they could not verify an unnecessary hardship would occur from enforcing the ordinance; they suggested other options for housing the homeowner’s three cars, including building another garage within the allowable setback.

 5  0 to deny the applicant’s request for a variance, stating the applicant did not demonstrate an unnecessary hardship would result from the strict application of the ordinance “and this is not the result of conditions peculiar to the property.”

The BOA adjourned at 8:49 p.m. and the council meeting reconvened after a brief recess.

PRESENTATION

Thoroughfare, Street Plan

Brian Ketner, a civil engineer representing NCDOT, explained the R-2577 project – widening of U.S. 158 from U.S. 421/I-40 Business in WinstonSalem to U.S. 220 in Stokesdale – was initially proposed because of traffic volume data compiled in 2017. The third and final phase of the project (C) is routed through Stokesdale.

Largely due to the construction of I-73, traffic volume on U.S. 158 through Stokesdale is much lower now than when the data was initially compiled, and projected traffic data through 2040 no longer warrants the demand for a four-lane northern bypass, Ketner said.

“There is still a lot of capacity on these roadways,” he noted.

Ketner said in NCDOT’s opinion, Stokesdale Town Council has three options – do nothing, request the bypass project be deleted from the STIP (State Transportation Improvement Program), or leave the project as is for now and request it be modified in the future.

Craig McKinney, with Greensboro Urban Area MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization), confirmed “it’s going to be a long time before the traffic count justifies the cost (of a

ADMINISTRATIVE

Town Clerk Robbie Wagoner gave a report on the town’s water system and administrative activities for February.

He reported that Sen. Phil Berger had visited Town Hall on Feb. 20 and met with council members Tim Jones, Jim Rigsbee and himself. Some Summerfield citizens also came to Town Hall to speak with Berger.

bypass through Stokesdale).”

Greensboro-based attorney Amanda Hodierne spoke on behalf of a property owner and client who would be impacted by the proposed bypass route through Stokesdale. She explained the steps she followed to request NCDOT amend the thoroughfare map to eliminate the bypass.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Fire Department. Chief Todd Gauldin was not present, but provided a written report stating the department responded to 47 medical-related calls

I-73,

in February, 11 fire-related calls and 22 miscellaneous.

Sheriff’s Dept. Of the calls the sheriff’s District 1 office responded to last month in Stokesdale, 16 related to alarms going off; deputies also responded to calls about two motor vehicle thefts, five noise violations, five other thefts, five fraud-related incidents, 21 trafficrelated incidents, and 105 miscellaneous incidents.

An 18-year-old man was captured on video doing burnouts on the soccer fields in the town park. He was later identified and charged with vandalism.

As a member of the county’s Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC), which advises the county’s Technical Review Committee on transportation issues, Wagoner represented Stokesdale, Summerfield and Oak Ridge at a TCC meeting on March 11. He updated the council on NCDOT’s R-5823 project, which involves the widening of N.C. 65/N.C. 68 from N.C. 65 in Stokesdale to U.S. 220/ I-73 in Guilford and Rockingham counties. The project is scheduled to get underway in May 2026, be completed in 2028, and cost $17 million.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Property Committee. Rigsbee noted that earlier in the day he had observed the town park was full with citizens, and the new pickleball courts are being well used. Town Park Improvement. Chair Tee Stephenson said the committee is very pleased with Andrew Knesel’s plans for the nature trail in the town park.

Signs for rules of the basketball and pickleball courts should be ready next week and the committee is seeking RFPs for lighting of the soccer fields as well as continuing discussion about fencing around the fields. A pickleball paddle rack has been installed, as have poles for security lighting at the basketball and pickleball courts.

Additional security cameras for the park are being considered.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Finance Officer Kim Thacker gave an overview of the town’s financial activities in the general fund and

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Brian Ketner (left), a civil engineer representing NCDOT, and Craig McKinney, a transportation planner with Greensboro Metropolitan Planning Organization, attended Stokesdale Town Council’s March 14 meeting to give an update on the U.S. 158 northern bypass through Stokesdale. The bypass is no longer cost-justified due to decreased traffic volume on the highway since the opening of

Ketner and McKinney told the council.

water enterprise accounts for February and noted the town has $350,331 remaining in federal ARPA funds.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

„ Molly Byrd, representing Friends of Stokesdale, shared info about a Family Fun Day the nonprofit is planning on April 20, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of Stokesdale United Methodist Church.

Development Ordinance. Town

Attorney Chuck Winfree told the council the last substantial revisions to the town’s development ordinance were made in April 2007 and council discussed the need to ensure it is in compliance with the state’s most recent planning and development regulations. Wagoner was asked to get proposals from UNC School of Government and Piedmont Triad Regional Council for updating the town’s development ordinance.

Proposal for Lead and Copper Rule. Aaron Babson, an engineer with Hazen

& Sawyer, explained that in 2021 revisions were made to EPA guidelines to help operators of water systems comply with lead and copper rules, and there has since been another revision. By Oct. 16, 2024, the town needs an inventory of all service line materials used in residential and commercial water lines.

“On the public side, you’re good –your water system was installed in 2003, so lead sources had been removed at that point,” Babson said. He explained that on the private side, however, the town is responsible for identifying buildings constructed before 1982, and for notifying the owners they could have water service lines with “unknown” materials including lead and copper.

 4  0 to accept a proposal from Hazen & Sawyer dated March 12, 2024, in an amount not to exceed $30,000, to conduct a water service line inventory of homes, schools, childcare facilities and other buildings within the town constructed before 1982 and

notify the owners of the potential use of lead and copper in their service lines.

Summerfield de-annexation. Summerfield Town Council member Heath Clay asked for Stokesdale’s continued support in opposing the potential de-annexation of almost 1,000 acres from the Town of Summerfield. He noted Sen. President Pro Tem Phil Berger has confirmed his intent to push HB5, which would allow the de-annexation, through the legislature when it convenes in April.

“I firmly believe this de-annexation is a threat to all towns,” Clay said.

“I was surprised to read this would be moving forward in short session,” Foy said. “This would be unprecedented … Summerfield revisited a text amendment and addressed a lot of concerns that Berger had made. My impression was that things would be coming together … does Mr. Berger know the town council accepted the text amendment and why the property owner has not applied for a rezoning?”

Clay responded the town council has not recently had an opportunity to converse with Berger.

Jones said he and Wagoner had prepared a bullet list of key issues related to the proposed de-annexation along with a list of state legislators and their contact information.

 4  0 to approve Jones’s motion to post the bullet list and list of

legislators with contact info on Stokesdale’s website and Facebook page and encourage citizens to contact legislators and voice their opposition to NC House Bill 5, which would allow the de-annexation of almost 1,000 acres within Summerfield.

 4  0 to approve an estimate from Backyard Paradise for benches, trash receptacles, a bike rack, and mats for under the playground equipment in Stokesdale Town Park totaling $12,897.

A discussion on the town’s contract for internet, phone and video services will be continued to next month’s meeting.

 4  0 to accept a proposal from CertaPro Painters to prep and stain picnic shelters in the park for $2,750 and use ARPA funding to pay for it.

 4  0 to accept a proposal from Gauldin Plumbing and Pump of $533.75 to install an outdoor water spigot in the park.

 4  0 to approve GFL’s offer to provide the town with a 30-yard dumpster for bulk waste collection; the dumpster will be at Town Hall for one to two weeks, beginning Thursday, April 25.

 4  0 to accept Excellence Lawncare & Landscaping’s proposal for annual lawn and grounds maintenance, with a request the company also blow

...continued on p. 37

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The Shively family of Stokesdale, who kindly shared

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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

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

The Shively family of Stokesdale, who kindly shared that they are huge Northwest Observer fans, were excited to travel with their hometown newspaper. Christopher took this shot of his daughter, Maddie, wife, Melisssa, and son, Eli, in front of London’s Tower Bridge.

caught up on the news back home while waiting for the changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace in London.

Jennifer Lemmon and sons Kooper (L) and Kallahan caught up on the news back home while waiting for the changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace in London.

Matt Prendergast and his son, Aiden, proudly showed off the Northwest Observer at an altitude of 4,600 feet on their hike up to the Tibetan Bridge in Monte Carasso, Switzerland.

Matt Prendergast and his son, Aiden, proudly showed off the Northwest Observer at an altitude of 4,600 feet on their hike up to the Tibetan Bridge in Monte Carasso, Switzerland.

Belcher in December for a tour of Africa. They enjoyed reading the Northwest Observer while at Cape of Good Hope, the most southwestern coast of the African conti- nent, and throughout their travels through South Africa, Botswana, part of Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Dr. Oscar and Ling Ling Florendo joined Ron and Karen Belcher in December for a tour of Africa. They enjoyed reading the Northwest Observer while at Cape of Good Hope, the most southwestern coast of the African conti- nent, and throughout their travels through South Africa, Botswana, part of Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Oak Ridge Commons

A

Prestige Car Wash – let us take care

Ahhhh, springtime in the Carolinas. Beautiful blooms, singing birds, warm temperatures… and the thick, yellow coating of pollen that makes you sneeze and covers your vehicles.

Fortunately, there’s a fast, convenient and affordable way to get rid of those icky particles that just keep piling up on your vehicle as soon as the weather starts to warm up – all it takes is a trip through one of the bays at Prestige Car Wash.

outside or clean up the interior, eral new outside vacuum stations able to finish up the job.

Located in Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Center at the intersection of N.C. 68 and 150, Prestige Car Wash has provided local residents with an easy way to keep their vehicles sparkling since 2005.

We’re talking one-stop shopping, with no need to ever leave your car. Just pull up, select your wash option on the keypad, submit your payment, and then sit back and relax while your car gets a much-needed bath and comes out at the other end all clean and shiny.

Should you want to do a bit of detailing on the

ago, undergone dates. it went transformation washing ums replaced facility art

the very best car wash experience

Doug Smith, operations manager agement in Oak Ridge, oversees ity’s day-to-day operations and fied unless customers are happy. there are problems with the car service, he wants to know about

“We know equipment malfunctions, if it’s brand new, and we want customer has a problem so

Commons

care of the dirty work

Oak Ridge, at the corner of NC Highways 68 and 150 situation right ASAP,” Smith said.

interior, park near one of sevstations and you’ll easily be

Since opening 19 years ago, Prestige Car Wash has undergone numerous updates. A couple years ago, went through another transformation when all the washing equipment, vacuums and pay stations were replaced to ensure the entire facility remains state-of-theand offers its customers experience possible.

manager for JPC Manoversees the car wash faciland he’s just not satishappy. If for any reason car wash equipment or about it.

malfunctions, even want to know if a we can make the

Should an issue arise, a staff member can usually be reached promptly by cell phone. If a call does go to voicemail, it will be returned promptly.

“Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction,” Smith said.

SUMMERFIELD town council

March 12 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

as reported by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – Mayor Tim Sessoms called the monthly meeting to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney and council members Janelle Robinson, John Doggett, Jonathan Hamilton and Heath Clay present, as well as the town clerk, finance officer, manager, attorney, planning manager and about 50 citizens.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Founders’ Day. This year’s festival is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 17-18. Sponsorships and booth space are still available, Town Manager Scott Whitaker said. DeVaney urged churches to enter the festival’s cake bake-off, scheduled for around noon on May 18.

Upcoming planning cases. Links

leading to information about upcoming planning cases are now on the town’s website; to view the information, select “Departments” at the top of the homepage, then “Planning,” then “Pending Cases”.

Good Friday closing. Town Hall will be closed March 29 for Good Friday. Sign design contest. Entries are being accepted for a contest to design a new “Welcome to Summerfield” sign on U.S. 220 at Strawberry Road; entry deadline is April 15.

County Commission retreat. DeVaney said Mayor Sessoms was out of town so she represented Summerfield during the Guilford County Board of Commissioners’ recent retreat during which mayors from several municipalities sought financial help from the county.

since 1963

As a major initiative, county leaders are pushing the expansion of water and sewer services and high-density housing, DeVaney said.

She said she outlined Summerfield’s major projects, such as the proposed water system, and asked the commission for money for the development of Bandera Farms Park, Summerfield Town Park and other facilities.

She said she also “threw out a big ask” of the commission to help secure the historic Laughlin school property free of charge from Guilford County Schools. The town could possibly use the property for a town hall, community gathering place, to host dance and other youth lessons, a Black History museum, and youth sporting events.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Summerfield Fire District. The district reported it ran 102 calls in February, including 16 fire-related calls, 53 EMSrelated calls and 33 other calls. Firefighters installed four car seats.

Sheriff’s Office. The District 1 office responded to 271 calls in Summerfield last month, resulting in 21 formal case reports. Two residential breaking and entering cases – in the 7500 block of Adler Road and the 6400 block of West Belgrave Terrace – are under investigation.

Deputies made two DWI arrests and multiple drug-related arrests. Financial scrutiny. DeVaney asked finance officer Dee Hall to explain some line-item expenses for information technology.

Hamilton sought an explanation of why the town’s recent annual audit report recommended the town’s “governing board become more involved in oversight.”

Hall explained that recommendation from auditors is standard for municipalities such as Summerfield, which have limited staff. Auditors want to ensure a “segregation of duties” by town staff responsible for finances, Town Manager Scott Whitaker added.

The recommendation has “been on every audit we’ve ever had,” Hall said,

and noted that by town policy, three approvals are required for Summerfield’s expenditures and two signatures on all checks.

“As a follow-up question, how many perfect audits have you had, Dee?” Sessoms asked.

“I’ve had seven perfect audits,” she answered.

Even so, Hamilton said, “I don’t see how it would hurt if we had more oversight.”

“Sure, I’ve got nothing to hide,” Hall said.

“I don’t think that is the intent,” Hamilton said. “It’s something we’re supposed to do if they recommend it.”

“They didn’t say they recommend that we have another perfect audit, but we’ve had seven,” Sessoms said. “Seven times, she’s been perfect. If we’re perfect, I’ll stick with it. I think we have enough other things that can occupy our time, abilities and talents.”

PUBLIC COMMENTS

„ Several speakers addressed two topics: the council’s decision last month not to renew Whitaker’s employment contract, a step that prevents him from getting severance pay, and the threat of legislative de-annexation of developer David Couch’s nearly 1,000 acres in Summerfield. (See related articles on front cover and p. 6.)

„ Kara Dohner, a candidate for the District 5 school board seat, said she wants to “help craft solutions’” in the schools, particularly in the area of behavioral health.

“We’re in a battle for the minds of our children,” said Dohner, a Summerfield Republican, explaining that exploitation of youth by social media is a serious threat. She added that she favors “first aid training in mental health”for teachers and greater transparency for parents.

Dohner is challenging incumbent Democrat Deborah Napper, of Greensboro.

Employment contract

Sessoms urged the council to begin employment contract negotiations

March 12

Last month the council voted 4-1 (council member John Doggett

to give Whitaker, who has worked as the town manager since June 2012, notice that his employment contract will not be extended in June, with no discussion about severance pay; Doggett’s motion during March 12 to “let him go now” and pay him one year’s severance failed for lack of a second.

with Whitaker – but if they were not willing to do that, he encouraged the council to “let him go now” and pay him nine months of severance beyond his contract end date in June so he can focus on his family, including his wife Emily’s cancer battle.

Doggett offered a motion to pay Whitaker a year’s severance if the council wasn’t willing to negotiate his employment contract. Robinson, Hamilton, DeVaney and Clay, who voted last month to give Whitaker notice after he’s served nearly 12 years as manager, remained silent, and Doggett’s motion failed for lack of a second.

Bandera Farms Park update

Pond and Co., the contractor responsible for engineering and construction planning and administration for Bandera Farms Park, provided a project update.

The firm has identified streams and other wetlands that require protection with buffers, said Lisa Roberts, a senior landscape architect for Pond. A survey of the 120 acres is underway.

Roberts pointed out challenges, including the topography of the property and the widespread growth of kudzu. On the other hand, “limiting disturbance” of other vegetation is a

priority during development of the park on Bunch Road and Interstate 73, she said.

The project envisions separate equestrian and pedestrian trails served by separate parking lots. As proposed, the future 19-mile Piedmont Greenway from Greensboro to Winston-Salem will run along Reedy Fork Creek that borders the park, according to Roberts.

“It’s going to be an amazing showpiece for this town and for the whole region,” said

Palmer McIntyre, conservation planner for the Piedmont Land Conservancy. The Greensboro-based nonprofit agency spearheaded the acquisition of the property and fundraising totaling nearly $3.5 million.

Closed session

 5  0 to hire Maynard Nexsen law firm to represent Summerfield in its legal fight against the NAACP. (See related article on p. 2.) The vote followed closed session deliberations of about 45 minutes.

Separately, Town Attorney Bob Hornik said the council didn’t discuss Whitaker’s employment contract during closed session.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

Residential rezoning request

 5  0 to approve a request for

the rezoning of less than half an acre at 4917 Rhondan Road from residential (RS) to conditional zoning neighborhood business (CZ-NB.) The vote followed a public hearing for the council to gain residents’ viewpoints on the request.

Applicants Jayme Currie and Ryan Chabon plan to convert a church sanctuary on the property into a music recording studio. (See related photo on p. 14.)

Residential rezoning request

 5  0 to approve a rezoning request for 3.69 acres at 7698 Winfree Road. The vote followed a public hearing.

Applicants James and Shirley

Stafford sought the rezoning from agricultural (AG) to residential (RS) as part of their plan to subdivide the vacant land and give it to their children, according to the rezoning application.

MANAGER’S BUSINESS

Atlantic and Yadkin Greenway

 3  2 (Robinson and Hamilton opposed) to instruct contractor KimleyHorn to change the route of the southern leg of the Atlantic and Yadkin (A&Y) Greenway.

The vote followed the unanimous recommendation of the town’s Trails and Open Space Committee to shift the course of the trail along the eastern

...continued on p. 32

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO Summerfield Town Manager Scott Whitaker responds to council questions during the

meeting.

opposed)

SUMMERFIELD TOWN COUNCIL

side of Summerfield Road, opposite the mobile home park.

Many property owners along the new route are opposed to the trail, according to Robinson. Hamilton suggested the council table a vote on the topic.

Clay said relocating the trail would improve safety for pedestrians who walk and bike along Summerfield Road.

As previously envisioned, the trail would exit the pedestrian tunnel off U.S. 220 and turn immediately south along the highway toward Lake Higgins, then follow the watershed and tracks north before connecting with Summerfield Road past the mobile home park.

Partly due to objections from some property owners along the proposed trail, town staff recently revisited the route and suggested an alternative, which is to turn north out of the tunnel and follow the sidewalk along U.S. 220 before traveling along the eastern side

from p. 31

of Summerfield Road, opposite the mobile home park.

DeVaney questioned why recently placed survey stakes encroached onto Summerfield Road beyond what is required for the proposed 12 ½-foot wide trail. Whitaker explained that some of the stakes show the locations of temporary construction easements, not the trail. He added that most of the proposed trail is located on NCDOT easements along Summerfield Road and not on private property, even though some residents may think otherwise.

Robinson said none of the property owners she spoke with on Summerfield Road favor the trail’s route along the road.

Earlier during public comments, Teresa Perryman said “there’s only one person on Summerfield Road who wants the sidewalk. Let him build his own sidewalk. Leave everybody else out of it.”

“People don’t want it,” Gail Dunham said. “Do you want something 12 feet wide in your front yard?”

Manager’s contract mediation. Whitaker told the council he’s filed for mediation over the disputed end date of his employment contract. (See related article on p. 6.)

Weekly activities report. Despite a request by Robinson, Whitaker said he’s not sure he will resume preparing a weekly update about town business and distributing it to council members on Fridays.

The town manager said he stopped producing the update after reporting to the council last month that he and Sessoms had met with Couch to discuss the A&Y Greenway. In response, some council members publicly criticized the manager for not advising them about the meeting in advance.

“I’m not going to regularly give you information so that you can just come to these meetings and berate me about it,” Whitaker said.

COUNCIL’S BUSINESS

Bandera Farms Park rental house

 5  0 to continue renting the house at 5448 Bunch Road for $500 a month to a Summerfield firefighter.

Earlier, the council instructed the town’s Finance Committee to review rents for comparable properties to help the council decide whether to increase rent. The lease expires March 31.

A Zillow search found monthly rentals for somewhat comparable properties for as much as $1,900, according to Whitaker.

Robinson pointed out that the tenant has planted grass seed, cut up fallen trees and raked driveway gravel after rain.

“He does (us) a favor by keeping (up) the place,” Hamilton said.

Even though he considers the current rent “way low,” Doggett voted

along with other council members to leave it unchanged for another year rather than increasing the rent to offset costs for developing the park.

Board appointment

 4  1 (Clay opposed) to appoint Dawayne Crite as a full member of the Planning Board.

Water system update. As instructed by the council, Whitaker said he signed a contract with Freese and Nichols to proceed with the engineering of the first phase of a municipal water system. It will consist of a smaller elevated storage tank and smaller transmission lines than originally proposed last year.

De-annexation fight spending

 5  0 to authorize town spending of as much as $75,000 on marketing and other materials for Summerfield’s de-annexation fight.

DeVaney recommended the council refrain from hiring a public relations agency to represent the town in its de-annexation opposition, as the majority council had recently voted to do. Instead, she said she’s pulling together messaging to create “a united message” for the town to distribute statewide. (See related article on front cover.)

De-annexation communications.

Town Attorney Bob Hornik told council members “to do what you want” in deciding whether to make public the town’s de-annexation communications with Couch’s legal representatives.

Town manager’s position

 5  0 to hire employment law attorney Patti Ramseur, of Greensboro, to assist the town in employment matters related to Whitaker.

In addition, the council put Clay in charge of efforts to find a new town manager, after DeVaney said that was Clay’s specialty. According to Clay’s LinkedIn account, he is an IT manager with LabCorp. According to the website for CRG, the company owned by Mayor

...continued on p. 43

Ordinary people, Extraordinary impact

“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” – Kahlil Gibran

When it comes to serving others, Mike Turner is ‘all in’

A Stokesdale resident, Turner is dedicated to providing for the homeless, honoring veterans and lending a helping hand to others when he sees a need

by ANNETTE JOYCE

Stokesdale native Mike Turner has a big personality, and a big heart for serving others to match it. It’s his serving heart that has prompted him to help the homeless and anyone else he finds who might need a bit of assistance.

“Mike does nothing halfway,” said Dr. Ed McKinney, pastor at Stokesdale United Methodist Church. “When Mike is called to do something, he goes all in!”

For instance, a while back Turner, 72, learned about someone who was collecting clothes for the homeless. After gathering some of his own clothing, he discovered the need was ongoing and decided to do more. So, he began asking other people for clothing donations – which led to the creation of Hands That Help the Homeless (HTHTH).

Since then, he’s taken over the clothing ministry at his church and has placed a collection bin in front of his home garage. From there, he sorts and boxes the donated clothing, loads up his truck, and on Sunday mornings around 8 a.m. he’s one of a small group of people who meet at a Greensboro park to pass out clothing and food to the homeless.

“Everyone is doing it out of the love in their hearts,” Turner said. “Some pass out sandwiches, another guy cooks hot dogs and sometimes a food truck shows up.”

In the winter, Turner likes to pass out what he calls “Granny bags,” which are a nod to his beloved grandmother. Each bag is filled with items he’s purchased such as gloves, washcloths, soap, toboggans and socks.

To help support his ministry to the homeless and honor those people who have passed on, Turner cleans gravestones. He doesn’t charge for the service, but if someone is willing to make a donation, he puts it directly into HTHTH.

Turner is all about honor. A Vietnam veteran of the U.S. Air Force, he transformed his truck into a mobile monument to veterans, first responders and the United States in general.

“He wanted to honor the sacrifices veterans made for our country, so he wrapped his truck in the American flag. Then, he put pictures (on the truck) of friends and relatives who honorably served our country,” McKinney said.

McKinney also noted that Turner is very involved with the church, where he attends the St. Andrew Sunday School Class.

“Mike and his wife, Marilyn, are also on the rotation to teach the children’s Sunday School class,” the pastor said.

“Mike is a great storyteller,” he added. “When he is

enlisted to teach the children’s sermon, both children and adults are enthralled with his stories that illustrate the gospel message. Mike has even written a book full of children’s sermons.”

Fellow church member Eileen Thiery admires Turner’s dedication to serving others, especially the homeless.

“Mike is very unselfish, and that’s a rarity these days,” she said. “He is truly dedicated to the cause and emotionally involved with these people.”

Turner sees his work as a calling and is always seeking to use his time and abilities to help whomever he can.

“You go at it as hard as you can go, and it’s never enough,” he said.

But that doesn’t stop him from continuously moving forward and giving as much as he can.

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

Stokesdale resident Mike Turner

MARCH 7 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

as reported by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – Mayor Jim Kinneman called the monthly meeting to order, with council members Ann Schneider, Jim Harton and Mike Greeson present. Mayor Pro Tem Mike Stone was absent due to being out of the country. Oak Ridge resident Phyllis Anders offered the invocation.

PROCLAMATION

Best wishes. Kinneman read a proclamation honoring Terry Lannon, the town’s parks and recreation director since 2007, who retired earlier this month.

Present for the groundbreaking of Town Park, Lannon turned the property into Oak Ridge’s “crown jewel” and helped create athletic fields that have garnered wide praise, according to the

proclamation, which also noted that park staff has provided landscaping around town and shared their expertise in the development of Heritage Farm Park.

Over the last 17 years, Lannon collaborated with council members and staff, as well as numerous committees, organizations and groups holding events and tournaments at town facilities.

Council members praised Lannon’s contributions. Noting that he didn’t attend the meeting because he doesn’t like attention, Schneider said “these parks are beloved because of the dedication he’s poured into building and maintaining them.”

“He will tell you things straight; he’s never minced words,” Kinneman said.

Later in the meeting, Sam Anders,

the town’s finance officer, said Lannon saved the town “thousands and thousands” of dollars with forward-looking decisions. As an example, he said, Lannon ordered tables, trash cans and other items for Heritage Farm Park at pre-pandemic prices.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Sheriff’s Office. The District 1 office reported it responded to 131 calls for service in Oak Ridge in February, resulting in 11 formal case reports.

Of particular note were two incidents at Town Park involving vehicle break-ins and thefts. Officers are investigating a Feb. 6 smash-and-grab theft from a vehicle at the park; in another incident on March 2, thieves smashed a vehicle window and entered two others through unlocked doors.

“The biggest thing we need to do is stop leaving things out in the open,” Kinneman said.

the monuments and then, as funding allows, construction of a boardwalk leading to a shady reflective area.

Walraven said he hopes that funding allows for “one seamless construction period” spanning the current fiscal year and next fiscal year starting July 1.

Later in the meeting, Kinneman said capital improvements planned for next year include $50,000 for the veteran site’s second phase.

„ Michael Logan, District 3 school board member, invited residents to attend meetings of the county’s Board of Education and Board of Commissioners.

„ Sam Anders reported that state environmental regulators recently supervised a contractor’s final phase of cleaning up soil contaminated by a gasoline leak dating back nearly 27 years at the former service station on N.C. 150 just south of Linville Road.

Anders purchased the property diagonally across from Oak Ridge Elementary School last year and plans to develop a larger site for his accounting practice’s new office building.

The sheriff’s office is also investigating a residential burglary in the 1400 block of N.C. 68 North. Fire Department. Assistant Chief Sam Anders reported the department had a “fairly busy” February, although he didn’t provide a tally of service calls.

With spring on the horizon, homeowners were advised to exercise caution when burning yard debris. Residents should go online to obtain a burn permit, which leads to the department getting a notification that burning is underway, Anders said. That minimizes the chance that firefighters will respond to a false alarm if a neighbor reports a fire in the area.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

„ Ben Walraven suggested the council appropriate money in next fiscal year’s budget to pay for the second phase of the Veterans Honor Green in Heritage Park.

Last year, the council decided to proceed with the project in two phases, starting with construction of

MANAGER’S REPORT Board appointments

 4  0 to appoint Caroline Ruch as a full member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and John Garrett as a board alternate.

Parks superintendent

 4  0 to approve the creation of a new position in the Parks and Recreation Department as a result of former P&R director Terry Lannon’s retirement.

The position of parks superintendent replaces the crew leader position and takes on “many of the supervisory, facility management and equipment management roles directly related to the day-to-day operation” of Town Park and Heritage Farm Park, Town Manager Bill Bruce wrote in a March 6 memo.

Difficulty in finding a replacement for Lannon with “the requisite skills and experience” partly motivated the creation of the new position, Bruce explained. The parks and recreation director’s position will remain

unfilled, with town staff temporarily taking on duties not handled by the superintendent.

Brock Dunigan, already a member of the parks and recreation staff, was promoted to the new park superintendent position.

Urban archery season

 4  0 to approve Jan. 11-Feb. 16, 2025, as urban archery season in Oak Ridge. Every year, the state Wildlife Resources Commission updates its list of municipalities statewide that allow bowand-arrow hunting. Hunting on private land requires permission of the owner.

NEW BUSINESS

Garbage collection contract

 4  0 to approve the first of two readings of an ordinance renewing the town’s waste collection contract with GFL Environmental.

The new three-year contract allows the contractor 3% annual price increases for trash and recycling services, reflecting changes in the consumer price index in the southeastern U.S., Bruce said.

Starting in April, the monthly rate for trash collection will go from $18.65 to $19.21 and from $1.13 to $1.16 for recycling.

Bruce said town staff gets “very few complaints” about GFL’s services, and noted that when problems arise, the company responds promptly.

Capital improvement program

 4  0 to approve the town’s capital improvement program for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Totaling nearly $6.2 million, the program lists two water projects –an elevated water tank estimated at $2.74 million and a portion of a N.C. 150 water line from Kernersville to Town Hall at $2.58 million – as the two biggest expenses.

Project priority list

 3  1 (Greeson opposed) to approve a list of three infrastructure projects for which Oak Ridge is requesting state funds to help build.

State Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger requested the list from town leaders during a Feb. 20 meeting. The three projects are:

• $2 million to complete the Town Core loop, a water line circling N.C. 150, Linville Road and N.C. 68;

• $1 million to add tennis and pickleball courts and other facilities as part of Heritage Farm Park’s second phase;

• Sidewalks (with funding to be determined).

When initially considering the town’s wish list, the council included a fourth project: exploring the construction of a community/recreation center. A motion by Greeson to approve the list with all four projects failed with a 2-2 vote (Schneider and Harton opposed).

Schneider called the community center “a kind of pie-in-the sky item” that’s yet to be discussed in the community and evaluated for estimated costs.

Kinneman countered, saying he believes the council should “start the process” of making legislators and residents aware of the potential project.

Even so, after Greeson’s initial motion failed Kinneman voted in favor of the subsequent motion to approve the three projects.

FINANCIAL UPDATE

Finance officer Sam Anders reported the town is getting “closer to writing those final checks” for construction of Heritage Farm Park,

Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Shown in photo (L to R): Oak Ridge Town Council members Jim Harton and Ann Schneider, Northwest Guilford Middle School student ambassadors Naman Kulkarni, Vincent Tresino, Katherine Priddy and Chas Royal, Mayor Jim Kinneman and councilman Mike Greeson at the March 7 council meeting. NWMS student ambassadors have been regularly attending council meetings in recent months as part of the school’s ambassador program’s outreach into the community.

Do you own a historic property in Oak Ridge?

Apply now for a Historic Heritage Grant!

The Historic Preservation Commission is looking for small-scale, high-impact grant projects to help preserve the historic properties that are at the heart of our community.

New maximum awards!

Grants up to $3,000, or $4,000 for nonprofits, will be awarded to maintain and preserve the exteriors of historic properties in Oak Ridge. Applicants must cover at least 50% of project costs.

What’s important?

• Focus on preserving historic property

• Appropriateness and urgency of proposed work

• Positive impact on Oak Ridge’s historic fabric

How do I learn more?

• Visit www.oakridgenc.com for more information and an application

• Call Town Hall at (336) 644-7009

• Speak to a Historic Preservation Commission member

Application deadline: April 19

scheduled to open in early May.

Anders said Oak Ridge received a $140,000 grant from Guilford County. As previously reported, the county funds will help pay for security equipment at town parks and playground equipment at Heritage Farm Park.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Historic Preservation Commission.

Chair Debbie Shoenfeld reported the commission approved a historic heritage grant totaling $2,156 to the Old Mill of Guilford. The money will help pay for several repair and rebuilding projects.

Conservation Easement Committee. Sean Taylor, the town’s planning director, reported the committee received applications for two Conserving Oak Ridge through Easement (CORE) grants. The applicants are seeking the grants to help cover legal and other costs associated with putting easements on their property.

Special Events Committee. Chair Patti Dmuchowski reported the committee is making a final push to secure orders for engraved pavers for

VOTE SCHEDULED

...continued from p. 3

During this month’s meeting, Harton apologized to McClellan and other Oak Ridge residents for “this unfortunate situation.” He added that Stone owes an apology to McClellan, as well as council members, town staff and residents.

After the incident was reported last month, Stone offered “my sincere apology” in a post on the Northwest Observer’s Facebook page.

“To all – without excuse, explanation or rebuttal, I offer my sincere apology for any comment made during an official town meeting that has offended any of our citizens,” Stone wrote in the post.

Veterans Honor Green’s boardwalk.

Tree Committee. Committee member John Browning reported two specialists from the county’s Agricultural Extension Service provided hands-on training for committee members and town staff on planting, watering and caring for trees on town property.

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Co-chair John Browning reported the board approved a local Scout project for Town Park: construction of a “hammock park” where park visitors can hang hammocks.

Finance Committee. Bruce reported the committee held its initial meeting to plan next fiscal year’s budget.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Harton, Schneider and Kinneman criticized Mayor Pro Tem Stone for his disparaging comments about former councilman George McClellan during the council’s Feb. 1 meeting. (See related article on p. 3.) Greeson offered no comments.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:19 p.m.

offensive words said in council on Feb. 1.

“It certainly sets a low bar for behavior for this Town Council and probably all the town councils that preceded it,” Harton added.

Since losing his re-election bid, McClellan has continued to attend the council’s meetings and occasionally speaks during the period set aside for public comments.

During the Feb. 1 meeting, McClellan raised his hand to speak. However, a person sitting in front of him got to the podium first, so McClellan waited. The same occurrence happened again a few minutes later.

(336) 644-7009 | www.oakridgenc.com

Harton called Stone’s post “a nonapology, since there was no acceptance of blame for saying the offensive remarks. There was no ownership of being the offender. To my mind, this behavior is more damning than the

Finally, as McClellan raised his hand again and made his way to the podium, the microphone picked up Stone saying “f***ing idiot” under his breath. Although those attending the meeting in person did not hear it at the time, a resident listening to the recorded meeting the next day brought it to Kinneman’s attention.

NAACP COMPLAINT

...continued from p. 2

and Christian Dysart, of the Maynard Nexsen law firm, to represent Summerfield against the NAACP’s complaints.

As of earlier this week, the NAACP’s Greensboro branch and Summerfield leaders have refused to release the filings.

The NAACP’s 2022 letter referred to Summerfield as “a grossly segregated community” with whites representing more than 90% of its population.

“Through our continued observation of this critical social, economic, and legal issue, it has become apparent that the Town of Summerfield may be a passive participant in exclusionary zoning practices designed to prevent the development of certain types of housing and subsequently discriminate against people of color,” the letter said. “Our preliminary review indicates that these practices date back to the inception of Summerfield in 1996.”

In an interview last month, Mayor Tim Sessoms expressed concerns that if

Summerfield engaged in litigation with government agencies, it could “burn through our fund balance of over $7 million.”

The debate over the town’s zoning practices has intensified in recent years. As he attempts to build Summerfield’s first apartments, landowner David Couch and his lawyer, Tom Terrell, have said the town’s development rules put the town at risk of unfair housing litigation. Set to resign as the town’s attorney April 1, Bob Hornik has shared that concern.

The state Human Relations Commission and HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) commence investigations of housing discrimination after receiving allegations of unfair practices.

“Throughout the investigation, FHEO will make efforts to help the parties reach an agreement,” the agency said on its website. “If the allegation cannot be resolved voluntarily by an agreement, FHEO may issue findings from the investigation. If the investigation shows that the law has been violated, HUD or the Department of Justice may take legal action to enforce the law.”

leaves and debris off the pickleball and basketball courts at no added cost; the one-year contract is for $30,000.

 4  0 to approve an $800 proposal to repair damage to the soccer fields in Town Park resulting from an 18-year-old driving his vehicle on them and doing burnouts. It was noted the town is pursuing prosecution.

CITIZEN COMMENTS

„ Michael Logan, District 3 representative on Guilford County Board of Education, said the board can only complete the $2 billion bond projects by issuing more bonds. He said rising material costs and employing multiple architects and construction companies versus using the same ones for multiple projects have contributed to cost overruns.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

„ Rigsbee said Northwest High School’s lacrosse game on Friday, April 5, will be

from p. 26

played in honor of Sgt. Dale Nix, the police officer who was killed Dec. 30 in the line of duty. Nix’s son is a member of the lacrosse team.

 4  0 and  3  1 to approve regular and special called meeting minutes from Aug. 16, Aug. 30, Sept. 13, Oct. 11, and Nov. 1, 2022; Sept.14, Oct. 12 and Oct. 20, 2023; and Feb. 8, 2014 (the “Nay” votes were cast by Jones in cases where he was not present at the meetings).

The meeting was adjourned at 12:08 a.m.

Children’s Business Fair, Saturday, April 13

Young entrepreneurs will be the vendors at this one-day marketplace in

Oak Ridge Town Park

by PATTI STOKES

OAK RIDGE – Kids will have the opportunity to launch their very own startup business, and community members are encouraged to support them at a one-day business marketplace in Oak Ridge Town Park on Saturday, April 13, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Budding entrepreneurs ages 6 to 14 are invited to participate in this third annual Children’s Business Fair (CBF) by

developing a brand, creating a product or service and building a marketing strategy, then presenting their products or services to prospective customers.

“The CBF is a blast,” said Meredith Carlton, founder and “chief encourager” of Stokesdale-based Beacon Academy Montessori school, one of the fair sponsors. “Participants come, set up their booths with decorations and their products, and we open the fair for three hours so real customers can come purchase products that kids have worked so hard to make. We have music, raffle prizes, and customers vote on the businesses they think have the

...continued on p. 41

Photo courtesy of Beacon Academy Kids ages 6 to 14 will be selling things like lemonade, baked goods, artwork and handmade jewelry at the third annual Children’s Business Fair on April 13, 1 to 4 p.m., in Oak Ridge Town Park. Shown in photo, a young entrepreneur sells his original framed artwork at the first annual CBF, held in Stokesdale in 2022.

Thank you to Greensboro Science Center &

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Kids’ Korner

Call or text: 336-274-7649

Summerfield and Greensboro

“Highest Business Potential,” “Most Creative Idea,” and more. Each year we are so impressed with the young entrepreneurs’ creativity. They sell things from cookies, to original artwork, to handmade jewelry!”

Reynolds & Stoner ORTHODONTICS

“Starting with something simple and fun, like this CBF, is perfect for learning how to present yourself well, and about how entrepreneurship works – and it’s very real to the kids because they’re earning money,” Carlton said. “That’s what makes it so impactful.”

Parents can help their kids set up their booths, but the kids are encouraged to present their products on their own.

“Usually by the end, the participants have gained confidence and learned what their pitch is,” Carlton said.

“What I’ve noticed in my own kids’ participation is that every year they learn something new,” she continued. “Sometimes their business does well, sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes they learn about competition – one year my daughter sold jewelry and another little girl next to her sold jewelry that was a

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lot better, so my daughter said afterward that she had to make hers better next year.

“Even my own kids who in the past have had businesses that aren’t that

successful, they still look forward to it and go home afterward and say, ‘Next year, I’m going to do this differently.’ They definitely learn from their mistakes,” she added.

The annual CBF is sponsored by Beacon Academy in Stokesdale, Acton

Academy, the Acton School of Business, and the generous support of donors and volunteers.

want to participate?

Kids ages 6 to 14 with a product or service to showcase can apply to set up a booth at the Children’s Business Fair in Oak Ridge Town Park on April 13, from 1 to 4 p.m. The application deadline and other details can be found at www.childrensbusinessfair.org/ oakridge. Application deadline is April 10.

To attend and support these young entrepreneurs, come to Oak Ridge Town Park on Saturday, April 13, from 1 to 4 p.m. and see what they have to offer. Questions? Email meredith@beaconacademync.org.

CRIME / INCIDENT report

District 1

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

ASSAULT/ COMMUNICATING THREATS

Feb. 13 | Officers responded to a reported physical altercation in the 8300 block of Branson Road in Stokesdale (off U.S. 158).

Feb. 15 | Officers responded to a report of communicated threats at Northwest High School.

Feb. 22 | Officers responded to a reported assault in the 8500 block of Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale.

Feb. 25 | A physical altercation was reported at Stokesdale Elementary School.

Feb. 28 | A resident of the 8600 block of Rocky Lane in Stokesdale (near U.S. 158) reported a known suspect threatened her.

Feb. 28 | Officers responded to a reported assault at the U.S. Post Office in Stokesdale.

Feb. 29 | Officers responded to a reported physical altercation in the 6900 block of Toscana Trace in Summerfield (off N.C. 150 W).

Feb. 29 | Officers responded to a reported physical altercation in the 8700 block of Sherfield Road in Colfax (off S. Bunker Hill Road).

March 1 | Officers responded to the 5600 block of Rush Springs Court in Summerfield (near I-73 N) after receiving a report of communicated threats involving a handgun.

March 1 | A 23-year-old male was arrested in the 7700 block of Chesterbrooke Drive in northwest Greensboro (off Lake Brandt Road) for assault on a female.

March 2 | A 35-year-old female was arrested in the 200 block of N. Bunker Hill Road in Colfax for domestic violence.

March 7 | A 39-year-old male was arrested in the 6900 block of U.S. 158 in Stokesdale for assault on a female and communicating threats.

March 7 | After officers responded to a reported domestic assault involving a knife in the 8900 block of Osage Road in Stokesdale (near N.C. 65), a 43-year-

old female was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.

March 8 | A resident of the 7100 block of Summerfield Road reported receiving harassing phone calls.

March 9 | Officers responded to a reported assault in the 8900 block of Grove Park Drive in Oak Ridge (off Pepper Road).

BURGLARY

Feb. 26 | A resident of the 7800 block of Michaelis Street in northern Greensboro (off N.C. 150 W) reported an unknown suspect pried open the side door of his residence.

DEATH INVESTIGATION

Feb. 16 | A death investigation was conducted in the 8200 block of Branson Road in Summerfield (off U.S. 158).

Feb. 18 | A death investigation was conducted in the 1800 block of N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge.

Feb. 28 | A death investigation was conducted in the 6900 block of Aplington Road in Oak Ridge (near Oak Ridge Road).

DRUGS

Feb. 28 | Officers responded to a reported cocaine overdose in the 8400 block of Spicer Lane in Stokesdale (near U.S. 158).

March 5, 8 | Officers responded to two drug overdoses at the same residence in the 7400 block of Summerhill Drive in Summerfield (off Centerfield Road); the first overdose involved oxycontin hydrochloride; the drug was not specified the second time.

FRAUD

Feb. 12 | A resident of the 8000 block of Meadow Springs Place in Stokesdale (near N.C. 68 N) reported an unknown suspect fraudulently used his personal identification information.

Feb. 21 | A resident of the 8500 block of Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect defrauded her of $5,200 via forged checks.

Feb. 23 | A resident of the 3000 block of Latta Drive in Summerfield (off N.C. 150 W) reported an unknown suspect defrauded her of $19,675.

Feb. 29 | A resident of the 8300 block of Clintwood Drive in Stokesdale (off U.S. 158) reported an unknown suspect defrauded him by paying for a $1,400 chainsaw with counterfeit money.

LARCENY

Feb. 18 | After discovering a stolen trailer in the 8800 block of Boylston Road in Colfax, officers arrested a 45-year-old male for larceny of a motor vehicle, obtaining property by false pretenses, larceny by servants and other employees and obstructing a police officer.

Feb. 25 | A 31-year-old male was arrested in the 8500 block of Croft Drive in Stokesdale (off U.S. 158) for larceny of a motor vehicle and receiving or transferring stolen vehicles.

THEFT

Feb. 9 | A resident of the 7500 block of Adler Road in Summerfield (off Strawberry Road) reported an unknown suspect stole a 2015 white E-Z-Go golf cart.

Feb. 9 | An employee of CVS Pharmacy in Summerfield reported an unknown suspect shoplifted over 75 skincare products.

Feb. 11 | An employee of Lowes Foods in Oak Ridge reported an unknown suspect shoplifted a drink.

Feb. 11 | Officers responded to a reported theft in the parking lot of Food Lion in Summerfield in which an unknown suspect stole two clothing bins worth $3,600 together.

Feb. 13 | A resident of the 6400 block of W. Belgrave Terrace in Summerfield (off Bunch Road) reported an unknown suspect stole 15 items from his residence including watches, credit cards, passports and $5,000 cash.

Feb. 16 | A resident of the 7900 block of Lester Road in Stokesdale (off U.S. 158) reported a known suspect stole a 2021 red/white Honda dirt bike.

Feb. 18 | An employee of Circle K gas station in Colfax reported an unknown suspect shoplifted $160 worth of alcoholic beverages.

don’t, or you can’t give us any explanation, we are left to wonder why in the world are you doing this? And why are you doing this now?”

Noting that Summerfield is a wealthy town relative to others in North Carolina of comparable population, Beth Kaplan asked why “we can’t honor the severance package of our hardworking town manager? Do the right thing and pay out his severance.”

After speakers had concluded their remarks, Sessoms, who as mayor cannot make a motion or vote except in the case of a tie, encouraged council members to make one of two motions – invite Whitaker to stay on as town manager and renegotiate his contract, or immediately let him go and pay him one year’s severance.

Council member John Doggett made the motion to release Whitaker and pay him a year’s severance, but after the other four council members remained silent, his motion failed for lack of a second.

In response, a citizen shouted out to Robinson, “you’re done!” The mayor called for order and moved on, but Robinson then asked to respond to the citizen and said, “It’s one thing to serve up here, but it’s another thing to take this treatment from people…. We only have to take so much.”

Later in the meeting, Whitaker

explained why he’s seeking mediation.

“I had wanted to resolve this amicably with council through closed session conversations and just honest discussions about why I’m being asked to leave after 12 years,” he said. “I would like to resolve this without involving attorneys. But no effort has been shown so I have requested a mediation.”

According to Whitaker’s contract, mediation must take place within 30 days of when either party puts the notice in writing. Whitaker said he filed notice earlier this month.

Mediation is required “as a prerequisite to the filing of any civil action regarding employment issues,” the contract said. The mediator must be certified by the North Carolina State Bar and acceptable to both parties.

“Apart from that mediation, if the council would engage me and talk about anything related to my end of contract, severance, renegotiation of my contract…I am here to talk about it,” Whitaker said.

Sessoms, CRG provides “Executive Search, Direct Hire & Contract Staffing, Talent Optimization Consulting, and IT Managed Services.” Sessoms was not invited by the council to participate in the search for a new manager.

Town attorney’s position

 5  0 to hire Greensboro lawyer James Hoffman to serve as the town’s attorney, with his contract to be negotiated by Hamilton. Hoffman will replace Hornik, who is resigning effective April 1.

IT service vendor. The council decided to consider during a later meeting hiring Gray and Creech Office Solutions to replace Bill Stone, who is retiring as the town’s IT service contractor. Projects dashboard spreadsheet. Clay said he’s working with finance officer Dee Hall to produce a spreadsheet of town projects and their estimated costs.

Paw Park directional sign. In response to a dog owner’s request to place a sign

at Summerfield Road and Medearis Street showing directions to the town’s Paw Park, Whitaker said the homeowner “does not want another sign on the corner to mow around.” Instead, he said, the town is looking into attaching directional signs on the existing street sign post. Legislator email addresses. DeVaney requested that staff post the email addresses of General Assembly members on the town’s website so that de-annexation opponents can easily reach out to them.

Service appreciation. Doggett thanked his father, Clark, for his six years of service on the Planning Board.

Sessoms thanked Hornik for his service as town attorney.

“I thought I was getting my gold watch,” Hornik joked. He added, “I just wish you all good luck. You are going to need it.”

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:03 a.m. March 13.

REGISTER NOW

z Kids Running Series | Healthy Kids Running Series was created to motivate kids to lead a healthy and active lifestyle through a positive introduction to the world of running. The nonprofit will sponsor its annual spring five-week running series on Sundays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 and May 5, starting 3 p.m. at Summerfield Elementary School, 7501 Summerfield Road in Summerfield. Registration fee of $45 includes T-shirt, finisher medal and sponsor giveaways. Register at www.healthykidsrunningseries.org/race-locations. Questions? Contact race coordinator Kamilah Usoro, (336) 303-1723.

SATURDAY, March 23

z Food pantry | Good Samaritan Ministries’ food pantry in Stokesdale will open for those in need of food on March 23, 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Gideon Grove United Methodist Church, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road. To receive assistance or to make a donation to the ministry, contact Terri Johnson, (336) 643-5887 or terrij1957@yahoo.com.

z Easter egg hunt | Gideon Grove United Methodist Church at 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road in Stokesdale will host an Easter egg hunt for kids of all ages March 23, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come to hear the Easter story, hunt for eggs, eat snacks and do crafts. More info: (336) 643-6042.

MONDAY, March 25

z Lions Club | Oak Ridge Lions Club will meet March 25 at Bistro 150. Come at 6 p.m. to socialize and order dinner or a beverage if you would like; the business meeting runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

More info: Jim Kinneman, (336) 207-7166 or james.kinneman@gmail.com.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, March 29-30

z Easter Horse Show | The annual Oak Ridge Easter Horse Show will be held Friday, March 29 (rodeo only, beginning at 7:30 p.m.), and Saturday, March 30 (horse show and spectator favorites beginning at 9 a.m. and rodeo at 7:30 p.m.), at Hardin Farm & Stables, 8301 Mill Run Road in Stokesdale. For detailed schedule of events, more info and to purchase tickets online, visit www.OakRidgeHorseShow.com. See display ad on p. 11.

MONDAY, April 1

z SMA meeting | Summerfield Merchants Association (SMA), which focuses on supporting local businesses, nonprofits and the Summerfield community, invites professionals who live in Summerfield or represent a business or nonprofit based in Summerfield to be a guest at their meeting on April 1, 6:15 to 8 p.m. Learn more about SMA or RSVP to attend the meeting at www.summerfieldmerchant.com.

TUESDAY, April 2

z Kiwanis Club | Kiwanis Club of Northwest Guilford, a nonprofit focused on children in our community, will meet April 2, starting at 12 noon at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge. More info: nwgkiwanis@gmail.com.

z Friends of Stokesdale meeting | Friends of Stokesdale, a nonprofit committed to preserving Stokesdale’s history and downtown charm, invites those with similar interests to their monthly meeting April 2, 7 to 8 p.m. at Stokesdale United Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola Drive. For more info, visit the group’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/friendsofstokesdale or call Joe Thacker, president, at (336) 708-0334.

z Budget workshop | Stokesdale Town Council will meet for a budget workshop April 2, starting at 7 p.m.

104 years young

Help us celebrate Liviah Griffin

who turned 104 years young on Feb. 4.

Happy Birthday! We love you.

at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. Visit www.stokesdale.org for more information.

WEDNESDAY, April 3

z Community meal | Gideon Grove UMC at 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road in Stokesdale will host a free community meal April 3, 5 to 7 p.m. Visit www.facebook.com/gideongroveumc to learn more.

APRIL 3, 9, 11 & 18

z Senior programs | Senior Resources of Guilford County will sponsor a senior program including activities and a take-home lunch from 10:30 a.m. to noon on April 3 at Oak Ridge First Baptist Church, 2445 Oak Ridge Road; on April 9 at Shady Grove Wesleyan Church (119 N. Bunker Hill Road in Colfax); on April 11 at Stokesdale United Methodist Church (8305 Loyola Drive); and on April 18 at Summerfield First Baptist Church (2300 Scalesville Road). To learn more and/or RSVP, call (336) 373-4816, ext. 265.

THURSDAY, April 4

z Town Council meeting | Oak Ridge Town Council will meet April 4, starting at 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. Attend in person or view the meeting on the town’s YouTube channel (a link to the recorded meeting will also be posted on the town’s Facebook page). Visit www.oakridgenc.com for more info or a meeting agenda.

FRIDAY, April 5

z Memorial lacrosse game | Northwest Guilford Lacrosse Boosters is hosting a lacrosse memorial game on April 5, 7 p.m. for Oak Ridge resident Sgt. Dale Nix, who was killed in the line of duty on Dec. 30. The game will be held at Northwest High School, 5240 Northwest School Road in Greensboro. All proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets and food trucks will be donated to Sgt. Nix’s family. The Honor Guard will be attending and all

...continued on p. 47

2024 Music in the Park Oak Ridge

April 13

Barefoot Modern (Americana folk rock)

Food trucks/Beverage garden provided by Wise Man Brewing and Bistro 150

May 11 Special Occasion Band (Beach Music)

Food trucks/Beverage garden provided by Brown Truck Brewery and Oak Ridge Craft & Vine

June 8 80z Nation (80s Pop)

Food trucks/Beverage garden provided by Brown Truck Brewery and Oak Ridge Craft & Vine

July 13

Mason Lovette Band (New Grass)

Food trucks/Beverage garden provided by Wise Man Brewing and Oak Ridge Craft & Vine

Aug. 10 Radio Revolver (rock and blues)

Food trucks/Beverage garden provided by Wise Man Brewing and Oak Ridge Craft & Vine

Oct. 12

The Alek ottaway band (Country)

Food trucks/Beverage garden provided by Brown Truck Brewery and Bistro 150

Amphitheater 6-9 p.m.*

*Oct. 12 event 5-8 p.m.

No outside coolers

Thank you to our sponsors

Enjoy the outdoors

let us help you create a beautiful gathering place

CRIME/INCIDENTS

...continued from p. 42

Feb. 19 | A worker on a construction site in the 7600 block of Hawkins Ridge Drive in Stokesdale (near U.S. 158) reported an unknown suspect stole over 30 different items from a trailer, including saws, drills and other tools.

custom decks

fire pits & fireplaces

outdoor kitchens

patios

screened porches

sunrooms

outdoor shelters

hardscapes

stamped concrete

| 336.530.5567

Feb. 19 | An employee of Walgreens Pharmacy in Summerfield reported an unknown suspect stole $20.

Feb. 20 | A manager at Dollar General on Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect shoplifted a 12-pack of beer worth $12.

Feb. 21 | An employee of the U.S. Postal Service in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect stole his gold Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max worth $1,400.

windows and stole purses, personal identification documents, a pair of Apple AirPods and a diaper bag.

March 5 | A citizen who left her vehicle for several days on the side of the road in the 4900 block of U.S. 220 N/Scalesville Road in Summerfield reported an unknown suspect entered the vehicle and stole a Pioneer stereo, a pair of Apple AirPods, a wallet, glasses and $285 cash.

March 12 | A resident of the 8900 block of Osage Road in Stokesdale (near N.C. 65) reported an unknown suspect stole a black/brown trailer and a silver KWM gutter machine from his property.

VANDALISM

Feb. 16 | Two 19-year-old males were arrested at the District 1 Sheriff’s Office in Summerfield for vandalism – wanton injury to real property.

Feb. 26 | An employee of Tire Max in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect shot a bullet through an exterior wall of the business, damaging both the wall and a heat/AC unit.

7101

Feb. 21 | A resident of the 3200 block of Steepleton Way in northwest Greensboro (near U.S. 220 N) reported an unknown suspect stole her ring worth $12,000; it was later recovered at a pawn shop and the victim allowed the offender to buy it back for her.

Feb. 23 | A resident of the 800 block of Quailmeadow Lane in Colfax (off Boylston Road) reported an unknown suspect stole her vehicle, but it was later recovered.

Feb. 23 | A resident of the 1400 block of N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge reported an unknown suspect broke into her home via a side door and stole over 15 items including firearms, jewelry, holsters and personal documents.

Feb. 28 | A resident of the 8200 block of Marne Drive in Stokesdale (near U.S. 158) reported an unknown suspect stole a statue from his property.

Feb. 29 | A customer at Lowes Foods in Oak Ridge reported an unknown suspect stole her wallet containing several credit cards.

March 2 | An employee of Joey’s Burger Bar in Oak Ridge reported an unknown suspect stole a 12-foot ladder by impersonating someone else.

March 2 | Three local citizens at Oak Ridge Town Park reported an unknown suspect broke into their vehicles via side

Feb. 28, 29 | An employee with the Town of Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect damaged the grass at Stokesdale Town Park by driving on the soccer field. On Feb. 29, an 18-year-old male was arrested for willful damage to a public facility and cited for damage to a local government property.

March 5 | An employee of Stokesdale Storage reported an unknown suspect used chemicals/acid to damage a nonstreet legal vehicle on the property.

WEAPONS

Feb. 22 | A resident of the 8500 block of Croft Drive in Stokesdale (off U.S. 158) reported a known suspect borrowed his handgun without permission.

Feb. 27 | A local citizen voluntarily surrendered three firearms to the District 1 Sheriff’s Office in Summerfield.

March 10 | A 21-year-old male was arrested in the 300 block of Sussmans Street/Ashe Street in northwest Greensboro (off Strawberry Road) for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit.

CALENDAR EVENTS

...continued from p. 44

first responders will be admitted into the game for free. Businesses or individuals willing to donate items for the raffles are asked to email nwglacrosse@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, April 6

z Arts & Crafts Showcase | “Spring in the Park,” an artist/maker showcase, will take place April 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive in Oak Ridge (across from the fire station). See display ad on p. 34

MONDAY, April 8

z Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club | Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club (NGWC) is a nonprofit with members including women from all walks of life who share a commitment to community service. The group will hold its monthly meeting April 8, starting at 7 p.m. To learn more about NGWC or to attend the meeting as a guest, contact Tiffany Hansen, president, at (336) 404-8038 or tiffanykhansen96@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, April 9

z Town Council meeting | Summerfield Town Council will meet April 9, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. The meeting will be livestreamed on the Town’s Facebook page. Visit www.summerfieldnc.gov for a meeting agenda.

THURSDAY, April 11

z Town Council meeting | Stokesdale Town Council will meet April 11, starting at 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. Citizens may attend in person, or view the meeting on the town’s YouTube channel. Visit www.stokesdale.org for a meeting agenda.

FRIDAY, April 12

z Veterans’ Coffee | Bethel Methodist Church at 8424 Haw River Road in Oak Ridge invites local veterans to a monthly event for coffee and fellowship April 12, starting at 8:30 a.m. More info: Larry McDonald, (336) 215-3141.

SATURDAY, April 13

z Children’s Business Fair | Calling all kids to participate in the Oak Ridge Children’s Business Fair, a one-day market where kids are the vendors; the fair will take place on April 13 at Oak Ridge Town Park, from 1 to 4 p.m. Kids will be selling things like cookies, lemonade, handmade jewelry, artwork and much more, and community members are invited to come out and support them! Questions or for more information: email Meredith Carlton at meredith@beaconacademync.org.

z Music in the Park | The Town of Oak Ridge will host the first Music in the Park event of 2024 on April 13 at Oak Ridge Town Park Amphitheater, 6231 Lisa Drive. Barefoot Modern will play indie/alternative music starting at 6 p.m. There will be several food trucks and alcoholic beverages for sale. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. The event is free, but donations for the band are appreciated. See display ad with Music in the Park season calendar on p. 45.

TUESDAY, April 16

z Kiwanis Club | Kiwanis Club of Northwest Guilford, a nonprofit that engages in projects focused on children in our community, will meet April 16, starting at 12 noon at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge. More info: nwgkiwanis@gmail.com.

z Northwest Guilford VFW | Northwest Guilford VFW invites veterans and individuals who have served overseas in a conflict to join VFW Post #7999 for their monthly meeting April 16, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road. More info: Andy Schlosser, (336) 456-2199, or Rick Dunlap, (336) 601-0941.

THURSDAY, April 18

z Next NWO | Look for our next monthly in-print issue of the Northwest Observer April 18 (and stay in touch with what’s going on in your community throughout the month at www.nwobserver.com and Facebook.com/NorthwestObserver).

Delighted or dismayed by something in your community?

Share your thoughts in 40 words or less email: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com

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

our recent visit. We’re grateful to have you in the Oak Ridge community.

Everyone in the neighborhood should be happy to see your progress.

„ George McClellan. A great guy and a friend to all, he always acts in a professional manner. He handled himself like a gentleman (after learning the mayor pro tem of Oak Ridge had called him a “f***ing idiot” during the Feb. 1 council meeting).

leadership. His contributions have greatly benefited the Town of Summerfield and he is appreciated by those who have had the privilege of knowing him.

Oops! My apology for mistakenly placing the two below GRINs in the GRIPES section of our last issue – and my appreciation to the readers who promptly pointed out my error (you can read their Gripes about my mistake in the Gripes section, right where they’re supposed to be!). – Patti Stokes, editor

„ Jennifer Mun and the wonderful staff at Bistro 150 for the wonderful food and service provided to the ladies of Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church at

„ Cone Pharmacy at Drawbridge Parkway in northwest Greensboro. Thanks for helping me get the medicine I needed and fighting through the bureaucracy of Cigna Insurance company. You all are awesome, and God bless you for what you all do!

Now, on to the other Grins we received over the past month…

„ The owner of the property at Warner and Haw River Road in Oak Ridge. Thanks for finishing this house that had become a local eyesore!

www.newhopemedicalgroup.com Ashley

„ Rodney, Kevin and the rest of the referee team for their help during another ORYA basketball season. We enjoy the year-over-year continuity with this team, and Kevin has a great positive impact on our kids, league and community.

„ A&Y Nail Salon in Oak Ridge for providing a relaxing experience for a manicure or pedicure along with other services. So nice to see happy, smiling and friendly faces whenever I go. See you soon!

„ Summerfield Town Manager Scott Whitaker, who has been doing good work for Summerfield for almost 12 years. Our town is fortunate to have him working on our behalf.

„ The wonderful group of ladies who dropped off the yummy Valentine’s Day cookies and sweet cards from the elementary students to the Stokesdale Fire Department. We truly appreciate your kindness!

„ Jennifer Mun at Bistro 150 for her kindness and patience after my granddaughter’s mishap with a very large glass of milk while waiting for our lunch. We thoroughly enjoyed our meals and hope you know what a treasure you are to the community.

„ Tractor Supply for having plumbing supplies in your store. After going to a local plumbing store that did not have what we needed, we came to your store and you had it. Saved us much time.

„ Scott Whitaker, who is an extraordinary individual and embodies the essence of public service and

„ The Bi-Rite customers who were paying it forward by purchasing Girl Scout cookies from Stokesdale Troop 2469 and asking us to give the cookies to another person to make their day!

„ Michael Logan, District 3 School Board representative, for regularly attending northwest-area town council meetings to provide information and updates on our local schools. Extra kudos for staying for the duration of Stokesdale’s March 14 meeting, which ended just after midnight!

„ People who support local small businesses. We love our community and without you we wouldn’t be able to operate!

„ Town of Summerfield Town Manager Scott Whitaker, for being an outstanding manager. The town is so lucky to have you. Your knowledge is needed. I’m sorry for the way the four “leaders” of this town have treated you recently.

„ The lady complaining about not being allowed to park at Oak Ridge Swim Club. It’s private property.

„ Mike Stone calling a citizen a “f***ing idiot” during a council meeting – and his unwillingness to apologize. That demonstrates arrogance and a complete lack of class and civility that I hope Oak Ridge citizens will not forget; I know I won’t.

„ Developers Will Stevens and Tim Whelan. Your desire to make profits has overshadowed your view on what is right. The Strader Road corner lot (in Summerfield) was your “in” and it’s disheartening to witness such selfish greed

and exploitation.

„ Northwest Observer for mistakenly placing a “Grin” into the “Gripes” section of the last edition. I was confused. Am I to be delighted by Jennifer Mun (Bistro 150 owner) or dismayed? I believe I was to be delighted. How dare you confuse me, Northwest Observer!

Editor’s note: I accept full responsibility for the mistake. And in case you’re still fumbling over this one – please, be delighted by Jennifer Mun, Bistro 150 owner. She is a very special friend of mine and I can assure you she is worthy of the Grin. And BTW, she has completely forgiven me, and I hope you will, too. – Patti Stokes, editor

„ The Northwest Observer. I don’t get it. Based on the GRIPE in FebruaryMarch edition, are we “Yay” or “Nay” on Cone Pharmacy in Greensboro? Seemed like they were a GRIN. However, I’m sure Mike Stone is a shameless bully.

Editor’s note: Oh my, I certainly had this reader befuddled, not once but twice, and again, my apologies. – Patti Stokes, editor

„ The four Summerfield council members who voted out Scott Whitaker. You have made me lose any faith or I hope I had for local government.

„ The two Northwest Viking cheerleaders (in black uniforms) walking with traffic (not facing traffic) on Edgefield Road in late afternoon/dusk on Monday, Feb. 19. Oh, how dangerous! Readers, please educate your family on the safe way to walk on the roads.

„ My elitist neighbors in Oak Ridge’s Bear Creek subdivision who are attempting to prevent an 8-foot-wide strip of land to be used by the MST. We should encourage all to enjoy the benefits of the outdoors and to exercise.

„ Failed NC House candidate Ann Schneider, for admitting in her final

flyer that she never voted to raise the property tax rate, knowing that not adjusting it to a revenue-neutral level resulted in a 20% hike in property tax.

„ Owners of the abandoned dog on the corner of East Harrell and Kerner Drive, who barks incessantly from noon until midnight every single day. It is relentless and we would love to sleep again.

„ The Golden Letter. The home that we build is through memories, hard work, and love. Some things are worth more than gold. No price can buy that.

„ Summerfield Town Council member Janelle Robertson for telling people she had every intent to fire Scott Whitaker. Her company, Burnbags USA, has a new meaning – burn, burn, burn (bridges, that is, and that’s exactly what she’s done with me).

„ Planned roundabouts in Oak Ridge. Did the town really think this through? They are going to create more problems, as most people do not know how they work and traffic will back up more than it does now.

„ Duke Energy crews that keep cutting the power lines. I have lost power more times in the last month or so than I have in the last 24+ years, not to mention the traffic impacts!

„ The incompetent Summerfield Town Council for scheduling an emergency meeting with little notice, at a time when most citizens couldn’t attend and at a location inadequate to handle the crowd that they should have expected.

„ Northwest Observer for articles concerning Summerfield’s dispute with Couch’s apparent desire to urbanize Summerfield with commercialization and high-density housing that always seem to favor Couch’s position. Residents just want Summerfield to remain a peaceful, rural small town. Editor’s note: I’ll take the bullet, but

Submit your letters (maximum 350 words)

online:

email:

Include your name, daytime phone number and name of community. Letters from the same writer will be published no more than every 30 days.

Town manager does not deserve Council’s mistreatment, disrespect

Feb. 14, 2024, was a dark day for Summerfield. A faithful public servant who has given over a decade of his life to the community he has zealously supported and championed was disrespected, blindsided, and betrayed by a group of council members who banded together in a desperate power trip.

Janelle Robinson, Lynne DeVaney, Jonathan Hamilton, and Heath Clay have no regard for the will of the

constituents they serve. They have no respect for the opinions of the people who make up the town – a municipality that once prided itself on its charm and small-town appeal. These four individuals have formed a motley crew who are hell-bent on destroying anyone and anything that stands in their way, while loudly proclaiming they are being “transparent” in a futile attempt to veil their blatant disregard for what’s best for Summerfield.

I have yet to meet someone who has a qualm with Scott Whitaker. His character is unimpeachable, and he has always been responsive to my questions and concerns. He has worked tirelessly over his almost 12 years of employment with the Town of Summerfield to ensure that our town functioned seamlessly. He simply does not deserve the treatment he was shown on Feb. 14, nor does he deserve the disrespect he was shown by various council members leading up to the cheap stunt that was pulled that morning.

I know Robinson, DeVaney, Hamilton and Clay are never going to

do it, so I’d like to apologize to Scott Whitaker on their behalf.

Scott, I am so sorry that their ineptitude and desire to subvert the will of the people they serve led to your mistreatment. I am so sorry that they ever made you feel less than. I am so sorry they ever caused you to question your worth or value. I am so sorry you are now left with an uncertain future when the one thing I’m certain of is that you have loved and served our town with your whole heart. I am so sorry. We will not forget what they did to you or to us.

Alexie Cline, SUMMERFIELD

Thank you, Terry Lannon, and well done!

In late 2006 and early 2007, fellow Oak Ridge Town Council member Myra Aderholdt and I were assigned to interview candidates for the position of parks and recreation director of the then-new Oak Ridge Town Park. Of the many candidates considered, one clearly stood out – Terry Lannon.

The Town Council unanimously approved hiring Terry as the Town’s first parks and recreation director and he began working for the Town in the summer of 2007.

Terry retired on March 8 after almost 17 years of working for the Town. My reason for writing this letter is to publicly thank him for the tremendous job he did from the beginning to the end of his employment.

Oak Ridge’s town park and park operations are among the best in the nation, and Terry is largely responsible for that. He has been a tireless manager, a hands-on director, a defender and protector of the facility as well as a model leader in listening to and working with citizens and citizen groups in the community.

Oak Ridge is fortunate to have had one of the best parks and recreation directors in the country for the past 17 years.

Terry, thank you for the outstanding job you did while here and best wishes for a wonderful and well-deserved retirement.

David Rowe

Former Oak Ridge Town Council member

I am NOT an ‘insider’ – but if I were…

As a citizen of Summerfield, I was shocked when I read that Councilman Jonathan Hamilton had stated in his recent press release, “as this change

occurs, there will be backlash from a small and loud crowd…who will probably feel very disempowered as their ...continued on p. 54

2021 CORVETTE. Removable top, 2,000 miles. Loaded. $87,000. (336) 643-5939

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

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

COX CUSTOM COATINGS, LLC. Automotive paint and body repair in Oak Ridge. In business 5+ years. We work with all insurance companies. Quality work at an affordable price! Call Kyle Cox, (336) 707-6219

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

„ EMPLOYMENT

„ EMPLOYMENT

CONSTRUCTION LABORER position. The specific responsibilities and requirements may vary depending on the company and project. This position will require out-of-state travel. Full-time. If interested please respond to ryand@cardinalmillwork.com

OAK RIDGE SWIM CLUB is now accepting applications for the 2024 season. We are offering competitive wages for lifeguards, cafe workers, cafe cooks, and greeters! See our website for more info or to apply: www.orcaswim.org.

STAFF OPENINGS in local childcare center. Need fun, loving, energetic teachers, full- or part-time. Experience preferred but not required. (336) 643-5930

„ HOMECARE AVAILABLE

TRAVELING CAREGIVERS OF AMERICA. Meal prep. Light housekeeping. Medication mgmt. Hands-on care. Reasonable rates. 365 days/yr. Licensed. Not an agency. (276) 206-9275

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) 893-0300

„ PUBLIC NOTICE

STOKESDALE FIRE DISTRICT INC

Board of Directors interest packets are available for pickup starting on April 1. The board will have four positions available for election during the July 2024 annual meeting. If interested in applying for one of these positions, please pick up your packet at the station, located at 8401 US HWY 158. Packets must be returned no later than May 15, 2024, by 4pm in order to be considered.

The Northwest Observer

Keeping you connected for 25+ years!

„ SAVE THE DATE

2024 CANINE CAPERS, an event for dogs and their humans. Saturday, April 27, starting at 9am at Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive, Oak Ridge. Dog shows for purebreds, mixed breeds and junior pet handlers. Contests for best dog trick, treat toss, largest dogs and more. Nosework sniff and go. Agility and training demonstrations. Dog-related vendors. Prizes, plenty of food and lots of fun throughout the day. All proceeds go to participating rescue groups.

„ YARD SALE

LOCHMERE FAMILY YARD SALE. Sat., April 6, 7am until noon. Rain date is Sun., April 7. Located off of Strawberry Rd., Summerfield, between Routes 220 and 150.

„ HOME SERVICES

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

A-ACTION AIR. A/C check-up, $79.95. (336) 268-6768 or (336) 382-3750

CLEANING

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

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

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

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 ww w.nwobserver.com

DECORATING

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

„ HOME SERVICES

ELECTRICAL

BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC

Generac sales and service, Residential & commercial. (336) 298-4192.

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

FLOORING / TILE

MONTERO'S HARDWOOD FLOORING

Installation of hardwood, laminate, carpet & tile; hardwood sanding & finishing. Commercial & residential. Insured, 20 yrs. exp. Free est., excellent references. Visit our new showroom at 605 N. Main St., Kernersville, or Monteros-hardwood-flooring. com, or call (336) 215-8842

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES construction well pumps ● plumbing ● foundations sagging floors...and much more!

AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIR

Why move when you can improve?

licensed general contractors

One call fixes all!

(336) 643-1184

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

OLD SCHOOL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

New decks, repairs/replacement, wood rot repairs, bathroom remodeling and other home repairs. “No job too small.” (336) 669-7252 See our display ad on p. 13 of this issue (Neighborhood Marketplace).

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

APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance

A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707

„ HOME SERVICES

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

GRADING / HAULING

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

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

ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING

Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt, available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035

GRADING CONSULTANT, Bobby Lipstreu, former owner of H&L Grading. I can match your project to appropriate local contractor. I also provide custom rough-cut cutting with a portable sawmill. (336) 543-7867

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

GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS

ALLPRO SEAMLESS GUTTERS. Installation of 5” and 6” seamless gutters, downspouts and leaf protection. Insured, free estimates. (336) 362-2099 See our display ad on p. 13 of this issue (Neighborhood Marketplace).

GUTTER CLEANING. Affordable. Dependable Call anytime for free est. (336) 706-0103

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

COLFAX LAWNCARE. Core aeration & seeding. Fertilizing, mowing, trimming. Complete lawn care maintenance. Res./comm. Fully insured. Serving the Triad for 35 years. (336) 362-5860

ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE

Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. (336) 643-9157

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. See our display ad on p. 31.

DELIMA LAWNCARE. Commercial & residential. Free estimates. (336) 669-5210. See our display ad on p. 22 of this issue.

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

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

STEVE NEWMAN, TREE SERVICE. FREE EST. 40+ yrs. exp. Fully insured. Any phase of tree work. Natural area thinning and cleanup. Oak Ridge. (336) 643-1119

„ HOME SERVICES

BRADY LANDSCAPES. BBB accredited A+. A full-service landscape contracting co. Seasonal color, mulch & pine needles. Shrubbery bed installation & renovation. 40 years exp. Fully insured. FREE EST. (336) 621-2383. www.bradylandscapes.com.

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

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

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

GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE

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

GOSSETT'S LAWNCARE. Complete lawn care/maintenance. Res./comm. Fully insured. In business for 33 yrs. (336) 451-5216

DSL DRAIN SYSTEMS & LANDSCAPING

(336) 362-4354

Your HOME SERVICES company should be here! Place your ad online: nwobserver.com

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

HILL LAWNCARE & OUTDOOR SERVICES

Free estimates. Call (336) 669-5448

WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC.

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

MEDLIN'S LANDSCAPING. Res./comm. lawn service. Fully insured. Call/text (336) 817-3036.

MASONRY

„ HOME SERVICES

NEW PHASE CONCRETE. Here for all your concrete needs including pouring driveways, patios, garage slabs, pool decks, etc. Specializing in decorative stamp, stained, epoxy and all other concrete 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

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS

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

PE ARMAN 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

BOB RENTS. Whether you’re planning a small project or a major one, we’ll deliver the tools you need to do the job yourself. (336) 298-8387 See our display ad on p. 13 of this issue (Neighborhood Marketplace).

HOME SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER. Oak Ridge and surrounding area. Will run errands and do light housekeeping. M,W,F. Call (336) 707-4946; ask for Katrena.

PAINTING & DRYWALL

BEK PAINT COMPANY. Residential and commercial professional painting company serving northwest Guilford County and beyond since 1998. www.bekpaintco.com. (336) 931-0600 See our display ad on p. 13 of this issue (Neighborhood Marketplace).

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

„ HOME SERVICES

CARLOS & SON PAINTING. Interior & exterior. 24 hours/7 days per week. Free estimates. Licensed/insured. (336) 669-5210 See our display ad on p. 22 of this issue.

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

PLUMBING

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

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

Follow us on Facebook and keep up with all the northwest-area news!

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

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.

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION

Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Senior discount. 44 years exp. (336) 362-6343 or (336) 215-6122.

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. continued on p. 54

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

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

„ HOME SERVICES

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.

ROOFING

DUSTIN CLINARD ROOFING. Certified 50-year non-prorated shingle warranty. Certified commercial roof systems and coatings. Offers commercial maintenance as well as shingle, metal and leak repairs. Free estimates. (336) 268-1908

CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC

40 + years experience. (336) 643-8191

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION.

Lifetime shingle and metal roofing Free estimates. Since 1979. (336) 362-6343 or (336) 215-6122

„ MISC. SERVICES

WELDING AND TRAILER REPAIR

Call Tim, (336) 402-3869

ATCHISON WELDING. General welding, blacksmithing & custom iron work. Local & honest. Mike Atchison, (336) 486-9837

locally owned & operated

6705 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale (336) 643-9963

(affiliated with Stokesdale Storage)

KIMBERLY THACKER. Accounting & Tax Services for individuals and businesses. Intuit Quickbooks ProAdvisor. See our display ad on p. 13 of this issue (Neighborhood Marketplace).

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

„ MISC. SERVICES &

„ MISC. WANTED

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

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

Gated access with 24/7 camera surveillance

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

„ MISC. FOR SALE

SMALL TRAILER. 6ft. x 52 inches, 10-inchtall sides. Strong mesh bed, sides open. Tail lights, leaf springs. May need tires replaced. $35. (336) 681-3233

LECTRIC BIKE XP LITE. Like new. $500. Please call, (336) 643-5939

HAY for sale, round bales. $40 per bale. (336) 430-9507

COMFY CHAIR, opens to twin bed with matching storage ottoman. Very good condition. Perfect in den or cottage for kids or small adult. $150. (757) 620-4471.

„ MISC. WANTED

We are looking to RENT A BOAT SLIP for the summer on Belews Lake. Please text/call (336) 554-3276 if you have a space.

YARN NEEDED to make children's hats for homeless shelter. Call Beth, (336) 644-8155

FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, generators, power washers, 4-wheelers, mini-bikes, golf carts, go-carts and other gas-powered items. (336) 491-1565

„ PETS/ANIMAL SVCS

OUTSIDE CAT needs a good home! He has been neutered and is up to date on all his shots. He was roaming free when we tried to domesticate him. He's gentle, but territorial & strongly resents our other cat. (336) 314-0183.

When veterinary care is unavailable or unaffordable, ask for Happy Jack® animal healthcare products. For dogs, horses, & cats. At Tractor Supply®

WENDY COLLINS PET SITTING, LLC. Certified, bonded & insured. Summerfield/Oak Ridge area. wendycollinspetsitting.com. (336) 339-6845.

„ REAL ESTATE

connections to the inside are broken ...”

Strange that Hamilton doesn’t seem to understand he is to represent all citizens and should empower everyone. Hamilton is wrong about his job, and he is also wrong about me and others being “insiders.”

If I had been empowered and an insider, then Summerfield would have negotiated with David Couch from the beginning, and we would not be spending our tax money on lobbyists, more attorneys and marketing materials in the fight against de-annexation.

If I had been empowered and an insider, then DeVaney and Robinson would have voted for the text amendment as advised by our town attorney.

If I had been empowered and an insider, then the Council of four (Clay, DeVaney, Hamilton and Robinson) would have listened to me about the optics of removing the planning board member (who voted for the text amendment) and removing our town manager, who worked on the text amendment.

If I had been empowered and an insider, then the Council of four would have realized their rhetoric of dismantling the text amendment would never bring David Couch to the table.

I am not loud, not an insider, and not empowered. Hamilton needs to serve all citizens. Empower us all. Do your job. I am trying to do mine.

Beth Kaplan, SUMMERFIELD

I think you’re shooting the messenger. P.S. I am a Summerfield resident and totally opposed to de-annexation of David Couch’s property from our town. – Patti Stokes, editor

„ Mike Crawford, Stokesdale’s mayor, for rarely ever attending meetings or doing his job and being totally unprofessional by still collecting monthly stipends.

„ The “neighbor” on East Harrell Road for calling Animal Control on me. You gave them the wrong address! Please investigate before you accuse someone of something

they had nothing to do with!

„ To the driver at NWMS morning drop-off who can’t, or won’t, line up in the designated numbered spots as we were instructed! It is difficult to drop off my kids with where you park. NWMS, can this be enforced?

„ Summerfield Council majority for being so unprofessional. Nothing about your efforts is transparent, and you are such an embarrassment to the town, the hard-working staff, and the entire state of NC who has their eyes on you. You are ruining everything