Northwest Observer | Dec. 2 - 8, 2016

Dec. 2 - 8, 2016

bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996

Emergency responders gear up for anticipated increase in calls With a new interstate on the horizon, local firefighters are preparing not only for more traffic accidents, but for new scenarios

by PATTI STOKES NW GUILFORD – When the new segment of I-73 opens in Guilford and Rockingham County, it will bring more traffic – and inevitably, more traffic-related

accidents. In response, fire departments in Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale are undergoing additional training and developing procedures to coordinate even more closely. Their primary goal is to arrive at the accident scene as quickly and safely as possible while ensuring their personnel are protected while helping the accident victims.

Capt. Derek Carson with PinefieldSedgefield Fire District, which is located in the southwest part of the county and includes 52 miles of highway, shared

nwobserver.com

some of the knowledge he has gained about highway accidents with emergency responders in northwest Guilford County on the evening of Nov. 29.

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Capt. Derek Carson (right) with Pinefield-Sedgefield Fire District instructs local firefighters on how to set up at the scene of an interstate accident.

...continued on p. 8

IN THIS ISSUE

Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO

Christmas tree lightings

Photo by Sean Gentile/NWO

A “Light Up the Night” Christmas tree lighting and luminary event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Park (above left), 6231 Lisa Drive (see p. 8 and 22 for details). Also on Dec. 3, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., the Town of Stokesdale will host a Christmas tree lighting at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road (see p. 22 for details).

News in Brief .............................. 2 Your Questions .......................... 4 ObamaCare survey ................. 5 Stokesdale Town Council ........ 7 Pets & Critters ............................ 9 ‘Llama Lady’ and sidekicks....10 Pet Briefs ...................................12 Student-Athlete Profiles ...........13 High School Basketball Previews ....................................15 Youth/School News .................18 Business Notes .........................18 Crime/Incident Report ............21 Community Calendar ............ 22 Letters/Opinions ..................... 24 Grins & Gripes ......................... 25 Classifieds ................................27 Index of Advertisers ................31

NEWS in brief

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Scammers ramp up for holiday season The Guilford County Sheriff’s Office advises everyone that as the holiday season gets into full swing, it is prime time for scammers.

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“The most common and currently active scam is what is known as an advance-fee scam,” says Det. A. C. Wiley.

“These scams promise lottery winnings, grants, inheritances, etc... all for a small processing fee of usually a few hundred or few thousand dollars! Scammers will reach out randomly through phone calls, text messages and emails. Sometimes they are very obvious and sometimes very crafty, but they only have to get one or two victims to make a lot of money and scammers are very motivated.”

Talk with your friends, neighbors and family members, Wiley urges – and especially look out for the elderly.

“Our elderly population is very susceptible to these scams and can

become very convinced they have hit it big time,” Wiley says. “Recently, one resident here in the county mailed thousands of dollars in cash overseas, convinced they had won a sweepstakes.

Be wary of anyone asking you to send a MoneyGram, Western Union or postal money order. Another big red flag would be anyone asking you to purchase prepaid debit cards and then asking for you to give them the card numbers or send photos of the purchased cards.”

Visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website at www.ftc.gov to learn more about prize scams.

If at any time you feel you are being targeted by a scam or if you have unfortunately fallen victim to one, please report it to law enforcement immediately at (336) 373-2222. More information can also be found at www.consumer.ftc. gov/scam-alerts.

Burn ban still in effect Estate planning and administration, including wills, trusts, and probate Corporate and business general counsel services Tax planning, advice, and preparation • Real estate • Civil litigation

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DEC. 2 - 8, 2016

GUILFORD COUNTY – Despite a small amount of precipitation on Nov. 29, a burn ban was still in effect for Guilford County as well as 46 other counties in North Carolina as of 5 p.m. on Nov. 30.

The North Carolina Forest Service reports the ban on open burning is necessary because of the dry weather conditions and the potential for the increase in human-caused wildfires in the region.

As of Nov. 20, there have been 3,021 wildfires affecting more than 19,058 acres on state protected lands across North Carolina this year. In the mountains alone, there have been 1,203 fires that have burned 4,015 acres.

Those numbers do not include fires burning on federal lands, the Party Rock

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

fire near Lake Lure and the Chestnut Knob fire. The Party Rock fire has burned 7,171 acres since it was first reported on Nov. 5. The Chestnut Knob fire, burning in the South Mountain State Park, has burned 6,433 acres since it was first reported on Nov. 6.

These fires, combined with those on federal lands, have burned closed to 46,000 acres in western North Carolina.

As of our press deadline on Nov. 30, forecasts were calling for one to oneand-a-half inches of rain throughout the evening. Those wishing to burn leaves or yard debris are asked to check first with their local fire station to see if the area has experienced enough precipitation for the burn ban to be lifted and burn permits to be issued.

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your QUESTIONS How old is the rock house on Oak Ridge Road that belongs to the Donnell family? Is it old enough to get a historical marker, and if so, does it meet the other criteria for a historical marker?

www.nwobserver.com /northwestobserver @mynwobserver @northwestobserver

OUR TEAM Patti Stokes, editor/publisher

The unusual one-and-a-halfstory Craftsman style D.L. Donnell House located at 2406 Oak Ridge Road was built in 1923 entirely of locally gathered fieldstone, confirms Ann Schneider, chairman of Oak Ridge’s Historic Preservation Commission.

Kelley Branch, editorial assistant Laura Reneer, associate publisher Annette Joyce, marketing manager Sean Gentile, art director Yvonne Truhon, page layout Leon Stokes, IT director Lucy Smith, finance manager Linda Schatz, distribution manager Marc Pruitt, Helen Ledford, Jonathan Williams and Annette Joyce, contributing writers

HOW TO REACH US email: info • celebrations • photos communitynews • calendarevents grinsandgripes • opinions • editor questions ... @ nwobserver.com

phone: (336) 644-7035 fax: (336) 644-7006 mail: PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 office: 1616 NC 68 N, Oak Ridge M-F 9am-2pm (or by appointment)

WANT TO ADVERTISE? Contact Laura Reneer or Annette Joyce (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 display: advertising@nwobserver.com classified: classifieds@nwobserver.com Independently owned & published by

“The house was built by D. Lanier Donnell, Sr., who partnered with his brother Will to form the Donnell Bros.

Land and Lumber Company; during his lifetime, he also served in the State House of Representatives and as county commissioner, tax collector, and as the first county manager,” said Schneider.

This house on Oak Ridge Road was built in 1923 entirely from locally gathered fieldstone.

• The site is at least 75 years old • The site has a high level of architectural, historical or cultural significance • If a structure, the site must have a high level of architectural integrity (i.e., prominence and preservation of original historic features) • It is accessible or visible from a frequented road

“The D.L. Donnell House is most definitely a historic home and an important part of our historic district,” Schneider continued. “With regard to the question of placing a historic marker at the house, the Historic Preservation Commission considers sites for historic markers through its subcommittee on historic markers, using the following criteria:

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Submit your questions about topics relevant to the northwest area

DEC. 2 - 8, 2016

For more information about the historic district or criteria for a historical marker, contact Ann Schneider at (336) 643-1402 or aschneider.nc@gmail.com.

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• The site is well preserved and well maintained • The site contributes to a broad representation of historic sites within Oak Ridge

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ObamaCare – will it, should it survive?

With the election of Donald Trump, who has said he will work to quickly repeal ObamaCare once he takes office in January, the Affordable Health Care Act signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010, is in jeopardy. In our Nov. 18-24 issue we began sharing responses we received after surveying readers about their personal experiences with ObamaCare. Whether you like the way ObamaCare has worked for you, or think it’s abominable, we welcome your responses, and look forward to sharing more in future issues.

Here’s what Christina Williams of Summerfield had to say about her personal experience with ObamaCare…

“We are self-employed and have been using Obamacare for the past three years. There are two adults on the policy (ages 50 and 55) and two children (ages 19 and 21). We do not qualify for subsidies.

“Premiums for our healthcare coverage through BCBSNC in 2014 were $1,312/month; in 2015 that amount increased to $1,632 and in 2016, to $1,799 per month. For 2017 our BCBSNC policy was discontinued and the nearest policy we have found to it is $2,400/month.

us for 2017 is $1,984/month and covers nothing until the deductible is met, which is $7,150 per individual and $14,300 family. So for 2017, we are supposed to pay $1,984 a month plus pay everything up to $14,300... and then insurance kicks in.

“We are not sick people, so the deductible will not be met and we will still have one-fourth of our income (before taxes) spent on healthcare. We will likely not have

insurance for 2017. If you make $100,000 or make $250,000, or $1,000,000, it doesn’t matter – the premiums are the same. I have no idea what the subsidies are for people who make less than the $98,000 that is the threshold.

“The situation is disheartening.”

Diana Dean of Stokesdale shared these comments on our Facebook page…

“I experienced the exact same scenario as Wendy Blair (whose comments we published in our Nov. 18-24 issue).

Now my rates are going from $650/ month this year to $1,023/month next year. This is more than my mortgage! Something needs to change as this system isn’t working. I’m not sure how much longer people can sustain these high rates.”

And Don Barefoot of Oak Ridge has this perspective to share on ObamaCare…

“We’ve been ‘cash payers,’ using Christian health cost-sharing networks (e.g., Samaritan Ministries) for a decade… something still tolerated under Obamacare. Our costs are less than half of what they would be for ‘insured’ care, with lower out-of-pocket expenses and less catastrophic ‘exposure.’ Meanwhile, we’re privileged to share costs and pray with others also taking responsibility for their personal habits and medical costs.

“When socialist government ‘rode to the rescue’ by strong-arming medical providers, patients, and insurers with mandated processes and practices many found offensive and foolhardy – all to supposedly care for those who ‘can’t’ care for themselves – this added bureaucracy and secular social engineering that many Americans (and employers) find unacceptable.

What has been your experience with health care coverage since ObamaCare went into effect in 2010?

“Obamacare’s intrusive/costly regulation of doctors/hospitals/patients adds cost while driving away many talented practitioners who desire to serve in a more personal, straight-forward way.

Email your comments to editor@nwobserver.com.

“Obamacare also tramples religious conscience among Bible-believing Chris-

...continued on p. 8

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DEC. 2 - 8, 2016

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Summerfield Fire District Station 9

Station 29

7400 Summerfield Road (336) 643-4341

LIF

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E SAFETY

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

WHY I VOLUNTEER

I have been blessed to grow up in such a wonderful community. I have been surrounded by family and friends who have taught me to do whatever I can to lend a helping hand to someone whenever the opportunity arises.

From a very young age, I watched my dad work a full-time job, yet he attended every event that I was involved in and rode fire calls whenever his pager went off. He showed me that life is about using the strengths and abilities God has given you to try and help or comfort someone in their time of need.

The Bible tells us that “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). My neighbors are my friends; Summerfield is full of people that I love and want to protect.

I volunteer because our job here is to help each other through troubles and trials. I volunteer because I want to comfort people and tell them everything will be okay, even if that seems impossible. I volunteer because I want to set an example for my children, that they may see the value in helping others.

I volunteer because it is the right thing to do.

–Michael Page, Jr.

1800 Scalesville Road (336) 643-5950

Station 39

6214 Lake Brandt Road (336) 643-2253

facebook.com/SummerfieldFireDistrict

LOOKING BACK: JULY 1 – SEPT. 30, 2016  71 fire-related calls  202 EMS-related calls  63 other calls  336 total calls

Public education:

 79 car seat installs  Reached 451 adults and 1541 children through public education and community outreach

THANK YOU TO...

All of the children who wrote us “thank you” cards and letters after Fire Prevention Week!

We loved reading them!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Santa at the Station

Sunday, Dec. 11 2pm

EMERGENCY DIAL 911

CHRISTMAS TREE SAFETY How to make sure the ham is the only thing that gets cooked this season PICKING THE TREE

• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

PLACING THE TREE

• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk.

• Make sure the tree is at least 3 feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.

• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.

• Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to add water daily.

LIGHTING THE TREE

• Use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.

• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.

Read manufacturer’s instructions for maximum number of light strands to connect.

• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.

• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving your home or going to bed.

STOKESDALE town council

Nov. 10 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by PATTI STOKES

 Mayor Randy Braswell called the monthly meeting to order and Pastor Jason Riddle of Heritage Baptist Church led the opening prayer. Councilman Tim Jones asked that sponsoring a Constitution class and purchasing a new CD drive for a computer at Town Hall be added to the meeting agenda.

Jones’ additional request that council hold off on approving minutes from the July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8 and Oct. 13 regular council meetings was approved.

Finance report. Budget officer Philip Pulliam gave an overview of the general fund and water enterprise checking accounts, noting that in the first four months of the 2016-2017 fiscal year, the town has generated almost 42 percent of the annual projected revenue from water sales.

NEW BUSINESS Bid Consideration. MBD Consulting Engineers has submitted a bid for a water tank cycling control system. An automatic system was priced at $50,000 and a manual system was priced at $4,325.

Braswell said the manual switch is very practical for the size of the town’s water system and will significantly in-

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crease its water quality.

50

to proceed with installing a manual tank cycling control system pending receipt of a written contract.

Capacity Use Fee Ordinance. Town Attorney Katy Gregg said the ordinance would serve to outline the justification for the increase in the water system’s capacity use fees (which took effect in May); the one-time fees range from $750 to $1,500 depending upon size of the water meter needed.

Tim Jones said when he voted in May to increase the capacity use fees, it was with the understanding that property owners who had a water line passing by their property would be notified that they had one year to connect to the system while still being charged the old capacity use fee.

“It would serve as an advertising drive to give folks a chance to save money if they were contemplating hooking up,” he said.

Gregg said she had advised when this was brought up last spring that if a fee increase was waived, explicit criteria for waiving it must be outlined, and in a way so as to be non-discriminatory.

...continued on p. 20

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DEC. 2 - 8, 2016

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RESPONDERS

...continued from p. 1 Dep. Chief Randy Southard and Chief Todd Gauldin of Stokesdale Fire District coordinated a multi-department/ agency training with Carson at the site of an unopened segment of I-73 in Summerfield. About 75 firefighters and officers from Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale fire districts, along with Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, N.C. State Highway Patrol and Guilford County Emergency Services personnel, attended.

“We wanted to learn more about what we could do to prepare for the interstate opening and the widening of

U.S. 220,” said Summerfield Fire Chief Chris Johnson. “Our biggest concern is to keep our firefighters safe. Something we haven’t dealt with is four lanes of traffic going in the same direction, traveling at 65 mph or more, and how to put up a barrier between a wreck scene and our people.”

Gauldin confirmed the anticipated increase in calls from accidents on the interstate prompts concerns about how to keep his firefighters as safe as possible while also protecting the people they are there to help.

their vehicles to avoid being hit by other motorists.

Carson prepared three scenarios for those who attended the Nov. 29 training, carefully explaining how rescue workers should position themselves and

OBAMACARE

Saturday, Dec. 3 • 6 - 8pm Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive Admission: Non-perishable food donation for Good Samaritan Ministries food bank (see list below)

Christmas Tree Lighting/ Dedication 6pm

Walk the glowing paths at Oak Ridge Town Park Plus... music, activities, and hot chocolate/cookies provided by local students, clubs, churches and civic organizations

Sponsored by Oak Ridge Parks & Recreation Commission and Town of Oak Ridge

“What we have found is that if there is even the slightest space left open, a vehicle will go through it,” Carson explained, stressing the importance of a “blocking truck,” which is strategically placed so as to prevent motorists from coming into the emergency responders’ work zone.

“If that truck gets hit, it saves the lives of our personnel,” Carson said.

“We’re willing to destroy a truck in order

8

DEC. 2 - 8, 2016

Of motorists, Carson says the biggest change his department has seen in the last five to 10 years is texting while driving 65 to 70 mph – or more.

“If they take their eyes off the road for just a second, they can be right up on an emergency scene,” he said.

“That’s why we can’t get tunnel vision – we have to focus not only on the accident victims but the traffic as well.

Secondary accidents happen every day in the United States, and way too often.”

...continued from p. 8

tians through features like zero co-pay abortifacients, required same sex ‘partner’ benefits, and removing life decisions from the doctor/patient relationship.

“The same government that sadly decrees taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood seeks to channel more subcontracting, counseling, and decisionmaking authority to such untrustworthy advisors. Meanwhile, the interlinked root causes of America’s high medical costs remain unaddressed: growing numbers of government-dependent patients accessing expensive medical care; out-of-control lawsuits driving malpractice insurance rates and defensive medicine practices; and the lack of transparent competitive cost/quality data for recurring medical procedures that would enable consumers to ‘shop.’

“To slash medical costs while making competition and doctor/customer relationships central to a healthy medical market-

place, we need to: eliminate government meddling in areas of personal/religious conscience; reform entitlements to curb fraud abuses related to long-term welfare, disability, Medicaid, etc.; promote voluntary philanthropy and low-cost nurse-practitioner-based care for the truly indigent; enact serious tort reform to eliminate the costly medical lawsuit ‘lottery’; enable unfettered competition across state lines for medical insurers/networks; and (once legal fears and game-playing subside) equip consumers to drive industry competition by sharing comparative cost/quality data for 200+ popular medical services/surgeries.

“With these steps, the free market will likely drive out 30 to 50 percent of current medical costs while enhancing quality of care. Meanwhile, families and their chosen physicians will be free to make personalized decisions. I’m praying that Trump’s administration will move quickly in this direction!”

Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC 29 Years Experience

Individual, Corporate, Partnership & Payroll Tax Electronic Tax Filing  Estate Planning  Bookkeeping & Compilations

Good Samaritan Ministries donation list: Beans (green, pinto, white, or pork & beans) • Corn • Canned tomatoes Soup (tomato or chicken noodle) • Beef stew or chili • Canned chicken, tuna or salmon Applesauce or other fruit • Peanut butter and jelly • Dried beans or rice Spaghetti sauce and noodles • Oatmeal • Macaroni and cheese

to save lives.”

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8004 Linville Rd, Suite G, Oak Ridge

(336) 643-7577 or 1-800-467-8299

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info@samanderscpa.com

www.samanderscpa.com

December 2016 a monthly feature of the Northwest Observer



Chester, a Holland Lop rabbit, is celebrating his first Christmas this year and is already checking out the Christmas tree decorations. Chester belongs to Savannah Crawford of Summerfield.



Wilson, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel who belongs to Kathy Frazier, was ready to fill his trickor-treat pumpkin at this year’s Great Pumpkin Event in October.

Finley, an 8-year-old Golden Retriever, drew lots of attention when he showed up at the Summerfield Farms Tractor +Treat event this October with his owners Bruce and Mandi Wagoner, who also own Bruce Wagoner Christmas Trees.



We love your photos, and so do our readers

(But doggone it, we just haven’t received many lately!)

Send your pet/animal photos to photos@nwobserver.com Or, have a newsworthy animal story? editor@nwobserver.com

T hanks to the advertisers who

made this section possible

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DEC. 2 - 8, 2016

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‘Llama Lady’ and her two sidekicks

by ANNETTE JOYCE Katy Torney’s fascination with llamas began about 18 years ago when she took a camping trip in the North Carolina mountains and the guides used llamas to transport all the campers’ gear. Intrigued by the idea, the Summerfield resident decided to get a couple of llamas of her own so that she could use them on her own hiking and camping adventures.

“I’ve never really done the hiking and camping thing with them, but they have carried lots of wine and cheese for parties and hot chocolate for kids,” Torney admits with an impish grin.

Known locally as the “Llama Lady,” Torney originally started a small llama business with her friend, Frankie Olmsted, at their husbands’ urging.

From Torney’s farm on Pleasant Ridge Road, the two offered llama tours for young school children and also took

the mild-mannered animals to preschools and special events.

The llamas have attended bridal showers dressed in wedding veils. They’ve carried students’ lunches while the students led them on walks, visited nursing homes and attended craft shows and other events while decked out in colorful hats.

“Our husbands wanted us to have the llamas pay for themselves. (The llamas) now have their own 401K,” Torney jokes.

Torney, who loves to knit, also shears the llamas and uses the fiber to create yarn for some of her projects. She says she normally gets enough yarn from a shearing to knit a small sweater or a couple of scarves.

Over the years, as Olmsted spent more and more time traveling, the business faded away. While Torney says she’s “pretty much retired,” that doesn’t mean she’s given up her passion for her pets.

Photo by Annette Joyce

Katy Torney enjoys adorning her llamas, Carlos and Inca, in holiday hats.

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DEC. 2 - 8, 2016

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Torney still takes her pets to a few preschools and some special events on occasion, but right now she’s focusing on a children’s book about llamas.

Designed to be both educational and entertaining, the book features Inca as its star. Torney has added a few other fictional llamas – like Dolly Llama – to her cast of characters. In the book, the llamas are competing for the privilege of

 Llamas are related to camels, but do not have a hump.

 The manure of a llama is one of the world’s best fertilizers.

 Llamas are very intelligent, and Torney says if you teach one to do something three times, they will always remember it. She has taught all of her llamas how to crawl into a mini-van to be transported places, and she even trained one to pull a cart.

 Llamas are covered in wool and their coats are used for scarves, clothing, blankets and hats.

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Ph 336-643-8984 Fax 336-643-8987 1692 NC 68N, Suite J, 27310

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Although excited about the book, Torney remains even more excited about her sweet pets. “They’re wonderful animals,” she says. “I think everyone should have one.”

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The book, which took Torney about six months to write, is being illustrated

by Oak Ridge artist Leanne Pizio; Torney says she hopes to publish the hardback this spring.

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 Llamas became domesticated animals in Peru 4,000 to 5,000 years ago and are one of the oldest domesticated animals in the world.

 A full-grown male llama can carry between 80 to 100 pounds. “If you’re the kind of person who loves to camp, it beats backpacking for sure. All you have to carry is a lead rope,” Torney says

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The most memorable one occurred three years ago. It was Christmastime and having just finished meeting with a Greensboro preschool class, Torney was loading Inca into her van. Wearing a set of blinking antlers, Inca was startled when she saw her reflection in the van’s window. The frightened llama broke loose and ran down Friendly Avenue. About 30 minutes later, policemen were finally able to capture the runaway pet.

While llamas have a reputation for “spitting” at humans, Torney says Inca and Carlos don’t spit at her but they will spit at one another when they’re not happy with what the other is doing.

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There’s ample room for the two llamas to comfortably crouch down behind the driver’s seat and have a wide-open view of the road ahead. Torney says she’s gotten some interesting reactions from other

Along the way, Torney shares a few of the experiences she and her llamas have had while attending these presentations.

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Surprisingly, Torney transports her rather large pets in a converted minivan which has had the back seats removed, and she’s trained Inca and Carlos to follow her through the side passenger door.

Usually quiet and well-mannered, llamas are great traveling companions.

About the only noise you’ll hear from them is a soothing, humming sound they use to communicate with one another.

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The summer heat is the one thing they don’t like – the pair spends most of their time in the shade and sometimes Torney sets up a fan to keep them cool.

being the one chosen to go to a preschool presentation.

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Torney’s two llamas – Inca, 10, and Carlos, 16 – live on a farm near her home and require very little maintenance.

“They’re very easy to take care of and they respect their boundaries,” she says.

“They eat grass in the summer and hay in the winter with a little bit of grain.”

drivers who aren’t accustomed to seeing a couple of llamas traveling in a van.

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She’s just got a different focus these days.

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Pet BRIEFS

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Animal hospital hosts holiday drive

A full-service veterinary hospital serving the area since 1989

OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge Animal Hospital is asking residents to help feed elementary school students in northwest Guilford County this holiday season.

3308-A Edgefield Rd, Greensboro

Dr. Denise Sacks and her staff are hoping to fill their Christmas tree with gift cards from grocery stores, fast food restaurants and department stores like Walmart and Target so that young children who don’t have enough to eat won’t be hungry during the long holiday break.

(336) 665-0002 Dr. Denise R. Sacks Dr. Elisa Coccaro

Sacks is involved in a ministry at her church, Shady Grove Wesleyan in Colfax, that supplies backpacks of food to needy school children for weekends during the school year.

Kelli Young (336) 337-4850 mobile (336) 510-1855 office kelli.young@allentate.com allentate.com/kelliyoung

Concerned with what happens when those kids aren’t in school over the extended Christmas holiday, the veterinarian and

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her staff decided to enlist the help of the community to make sure food is available.

“We have been very blessed and are always looking for ways to make a difference,” said Sacks. “I’d love to see us have so many gift cards that we could supply kids through the holiday break and into the summer.”

Gift cards will be given to a school social worker who knows the needs of the children and will distribute them accordingly.

If you’d like to help, bring your cards to hang on the tree at Oak Ridge Animal Hospital at 3308-A Edgefield Road, Greensboro, by Dec. 15 to make sure the students have the cards during the holidays. Sacks added that cards will continue to be collected until Dec. 23.

This ‘Fella’ needs a home Triad Golden Retriever Rescue (TGRR) is looking for a caring home for one of its special dogs. Sweet and lovable, Fella has been in foster care for over four months and needs a special family to adopt him.

“Everyone who meets him agrees he is one happy Fella, cute, loving, etc., etc., but no one has been a good match,” said Faye Wilhite, TGRR president.

TGRR rescued Fella minutes before his scheduled euthanasia at a shelter.

“He was skin and bones, his coat was dry and stiff, apparently blind in the left eye and just overall in pitiful shape, but he had a killer grin that stole our hearts,” said Wilhite.

Fella is estimated to be between 8 and 10 years old and is temporarily residing in Wilhite’s home.

“Fella likes to be with his foster humans and other dogs and is always excited to go on long walks,” added Wilhite. “He truly is one happy Fella, all the

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 Photo courtesy of TGRR

time, even when he bumps into things or we bump into him.”

Wilhite said the group is looking to match Fella with a “compassionate family who is willing to accept his special needs in return for a joyful companion.”

For more information, contact TGRR at (336) 288-9944 or tgrr@tgrr.org.

STUDENT-ATHLETE PROFILES Thanks to the coaches and teachers at Northern and Northwest High Schools for their student recommendations and input, which make it possible to recognize these talented, dedicated students for their accomplishments in academics, athletics and cultural arts.

by MARC PRUITT

NORTHWEST GUILFORD BOYS BASKETBALL Matt Rakes As a three-year member – and one of seven seniors – on the boys varsity basketball team at Northwest Guilford, Matt Rakes has plenty of knowledge to pass along to the team’s newcomers this season.

“I think the biggest thing is to get them implemented to how we play,” Rakes said. “Coach (Lee) Reavis is always preaching for us to pass and move the ball around. Sometimes people aren’t used to that style of play, so my role is showing them how it can work and being a leader by example.”

Rakes, a combination point guard and shooting guard, leads by example off the court, too.

Over the summer he organized a fundraiser for the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department to help purchase needed equipment for the youth basketball programs at several of the recreation centers.

“I found out that several of the rec centers hadn’t received any new equipment in a couple of years,” Rakes said.

“So, I started reaching out to a lot of people asking if they’d sponsor me in my fundraiser. I asked people to donate based on how many shots I made or they could give a flat fee. I got a pretty overwhelming response.”

Rakes’ goal was to make as many

3-pointers as he could in three minutes, and he took his shots at Northwest with Reavis and several friends and teammates acting as rebounders and passers.

He knocked down 32 shots.

piad. “We expect ourselves to do well.

Everyone wants to win a state championship. If we can get our chemistry going now with the football players back, I think we have a chance.”

Rakes plans to attend N.C. State next year and major in chemical engineering.

NORTHERN GUILFORD GIRLS BASKETBALL Elissa Cunane Elissa Cunane solidified her love of basketball about the same time she began adding significant inches to her current 6-foot-

“I ended up raising more than $1,000 and also got a donation of practice jerseys worth about $1,000,” Rakes said. “I was able to buy balls, whistles, nets and scorebooks for six different rec centers.”

Rakes hopes he can contribute more to his team’s scorebook this season.

“I think I’ll be better at distributing the ball and being a better scorer this year,” he said. “I’ve learned how to be more aggressive and I can get to the basket better. By me being more aggressive, I think it can also open up more opportunities for other players.”

With all the firepower the Vikings have returning this season, expectations are high.

“We have a lot of experience,” said Rakes, who is also in National Honor Society and will compete in Science Olym-

5-inch frame.

“I kept growing into basketball the more I played,” said Cunane, a junior at Northern Guilford. “My AAU won a national championship in Chattanooga, Tennessee, when I was in eighth grade and that was the moment when I realized how much fun I had playing it. I love the fast pace and the energy and I think I’ve developed a good basketball IQ, so I just decided to focus on basketball once I got to high school.”

It wasn’t always about basketball for Cunane, who now finds herself as one of

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the most sought-after college prospects in the state.

“I used to play softball and soccer when I was younger,” she said. “My softball coach, John Horshok, was the one who also got me into basketball. He coached me on both teams.”

The college recruiting letters started appearing in her mailbox about the same time she started focusing all her athletic energy on basketball.

“I went to a camp the summer before my freshman year with the (Northern Guilford) team at N.C. State, and they were the first program to send me an official letter,” said Cunane, who was 6 feet, 1 inch tall at the time.

Several other letters have arrived since, and Cunane said she’s narrowed her choices down to five schools: N.C. State, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Georgia and Wake Forest.

“I hope to make a decision before the end of my junior year, but I’m in no hurry.

I want to be sure the school feels right to me,” she said.

After a surprise run to the NCHSAA 3-A state championship game back in March, Northern probably won’t be sneaking up on any opponents this season.

“We were winning and celebrating and really having fun. Our energy level picked up at practices and our confidence really soared,” Cunane said.

Although she understands that getting back to the title game isn’t a given, winning a state championship is a realistic goal for the team.

“We’re working harder this season to make it happen,” Cunane said. “If we do make it back, it won’t be because we were there last season. It will be because we are respecting the process. We know we will have to earn it.”

Cunane, who is in Beta Club and ELDA (Embracing Leadership and Diversity in Athletics) would like to pursue a career in professional basketball after college and then become a veterinarian.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

DEC. 2 - 8, 2016

13

Stokesdale Elementary PTA

would like to thank the following individuals, families and companies for supporting our fundraising efforts in 2016! We look forward to putting your support into action during 2017!

GOLD SPONSORS ($500+) M & M Tire and Auto, Inc. Stokesdale Parks and Recreation Carpet Super Mart Lowes Foods King’s Crossing Animal Hospital Vulcan Materials Co. Rio Grande of Oak Ridge Lindsay Real Estate Holdings Northwest Observer High Point Pediatric Dentistry Destination Arts Land Solutions of North Carolina Oak Ridge Chiropractic Olmsted Orthodontics SILVER SPONSORS ($250-$499) WFW Contracting Co. Jeffers/Inman Family Madalyn McGee and Family Abigail Howes and Family Makena, Evan and Lisa Newton Wolschon Family Maci Tuck and Family Atiya Holmes and Family Grady Jones and Family Culp Home Fashions Callahan’s Auto Service Center Kernersville Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Ram Riley Watts and Family Ava Troxler and Family Greyson Kress and Family Matthew Hannon and Family

BRONZE SPONSORS ($100-$249)

Stokesdale Storage, LLC. Paul Kyler Morris, DDS, PA Tire Max Howle Family King Distributing, Inc. (Bolen Family) Sumner Family Tex & Shirley’s of High Point (Moser Family) Montanya/Brown Family Foy Family Lemke Family Davis Family Cuc Family Lough Family New York China Goodykoontz Family Mendyk Family Saums Family Kehoe Family Stoltz Family Hoffmann Family Vargas Family Delveaux Family Nadeau Family Justin Miller Family Powell Family Jones Family Tyrey Family Cannon Family Wallace Family Holmberg Family Coffield Family Narra Family Owen Family Black Family Kylee Jones Family Trogdon Family Fite Family Chelsea Smith Family Brown Family Gibson Family Parrett Family Sumner Family Stiff Family Davis Family Michel Family Wiener Family Chapman Family Dunn Family Williams Family

NORTHERN Varsity Boys Basketball Preview

by MARC PRUITT Entering his fifth season as Northern Guilford’s boys basketball coach, Bill Chambers hopes to avoid the “curse of two.”

“For the previous four years, we’ve finished second in our conference and haven’t gotten past the second round of the state tournament,” Chambers said.

“So, we’re stuck on the number 2 for some reasons. We’re hoping to take that next big step this year and pick up some great wins against some quality programs.”

The Nighthawks return plenty of experience at several key positions, including 6-foot-4-inch junior post player Andy Pack and point guard Jarrett Boyd, both of whom were all-conference selections in the Mid-State 3-A last season.

Pack averaged close to 20 points and six rebounds per game. Boyd, who is second in career assists at Northern, is a four-year starter who is comfortable run-

ning Chambers’ system.

“In the past, our strength has been our inside play,” Chambers said. “We’ve kind of run the ‘Carolina system’ the last few years, where we’ll always look inside first and have the offense run inside-outside.

We’ll still be inside-oriented, but we’ve got a few new plays we’ll run for our guards that will be more of a spread set where we’ll drive the ball a little more. Some of our set plays are tweaked towards our wing players.”

Trey Johnsen, a 6-foot-3-inch senior transfer, may be one of those players to benefit from the new plays.

Johnsen transferred from Lincoln Charter and brought the 996 career points he scored during his career there with him.

He eclipsed 1,000 career points by scoring 10 points in the Nighthawks’ seasonopening win against Grimsley.

“He’s going to be a great addition,”

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Chambers said. “He has a high motor and is a great defensive player.”

Alec Hildreth, a 6-foot-8-inch senior, gives the Nighthawks another solid presence in the post.

Chambers also raved about junior forward Kellen Hodge, who he called “one of the most improved players I’ve ever coached.”

“From last season to this season, you can tell he’s been putting in the work,” Chambers said. “He went from being our No. 10 or No. 12 man last season to a

starter this season. He’s grown three or four inches, has really grown into his body and he’s become more of a complete player.”

Holden Lewis and Jack Grove will be the first two options off the bench for Chambers, who also envisions a little different approach on defense this season.

“We’ll look to play a little more uptempo and full-court and try to get teams out of what they normally like to do,” Chambers said. “We’ve got the personnel that can do that, and we’ll try to score more by forcing more turnovers.”

NORTHWEST Varsity Girls Basketball Preview

by MARC PRUITT Coach Darlene Joyner isn’t allowed to watch the 2016 NCHSAA 4-A state championship game anymore.

“I watched it when we got home that night and I’ve watched it a few times since,” Joyner said. “My husband told me I had to stop.”

That doesn’t mean she never relives the final 3.5 seconds of that day back in March, when the Vikings had a one-point lead and one hand on the state-championship trophy before a missed free throw and subsequent put back gave Raleigh Millbrook a 46-45 win.

“Let’s just say it’s still sensitive,” Joyner said. “If you ask any of the girls who were on the team or the coaching staff, they would say the same thing. I don’t think the ball could have bounced any better for that young lady. You could nitpick and finger-point everything about that and still have the same result. But that’s sports.

The opportunity to get to the big game was something that those girls had as a goal. The opportunity to get back to the big game is something that this group has as a goal. And that’s what makes sports so interesting. There’s a chance for another opportunity.”

Having another opportunity to get back to the state title game is one of the reasons Joyner decided to return as the basketball coach at Northwest following her retirement from teaching after 32 years.

“I love what I do,” Joyner said. “I

have two grandkids – 16 months and 20 months – who I keep on Mondays and Wednesdays and I wanted to be able to spend a little time with them. Mr. (Ralph) Kitley gave me the opportunity to come back and coach basketball this year and I’ve got the best of both worlds. I can hang out with my grandkids a couple of days a week and still coach.”

Although the Vikings graduated six seniors, Joyner is excited about the solid core that has returned.

Two sophomores – 5-foot-11-inch point guard Cayla King and 6-foot-4-inch post player Elizabeth Kitley – are already being highly recruited and played vital roles on last season’s team.

Junior Bria Gibbs, a returning starter, junior Lindsay Gauldin and senior Sandra Wommack will also provide valuable leadership for a young team that has plenty of size, including 6-foot-4-inch freshman Megan Harkey.

“This might be my biggest team,” Joyner said. “We’re going to try to capitalize on our height. Not only are we big, but we’re strong. Our post players really embrace the physical game. We’ll have a solid inside presence. Our guards can attack gaps, which will open up our outside shooting. Hopefully that makes us hard to defend. I don’t want to jinx myself, but we have some very good talent returning and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do on the court.”

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

DEC. 2 - 8, 2016

15

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youth / school NEWS

NWHS students honored

The National Scholastic Press Association announced the winners of the Pacemaker and individual awards on Nov. 12 at the Fall National High School Journalism Convention. Four Northwest High School students received this prestigious award for their work with the school newspaper – Northwest Horizons.

Shown L to R, senior Alexis Marvin (third place for Best Sports Story); junior Stephanie Mayer and senior Tai Van Dyke (eighth place for Best Cartoon).

Not pictured: Nikole Nguyen, who graduated last year (ninth place for Best Illustration).

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Paper Clover Campaign eclipses $10 million milestone Fall campaign donations provide scholarship funds directly to standout 4-H applicants

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Other services include professional grooming, small class size doggie daycare, individual cuddle times, playtimes, and tuck-ins with selfies, a new cat boarding room coming in December, and Haley’s General Store pet boutique.

Tractor Supply Company, in partnership with National 4-H Council, recently announced that more than $871,000 was raised during the 2016 Fall Paper Clover Campaign on Oct. 5-16, surpassing the $10 million milestone raised for 4-H since the program’s inception just seven years ago.

Since 2009, the Paper Clover Campaign has provided direct support to further county level 4-H programs across

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

the country. Effective this fall, funds raised through the 2016 Fall Paper Clover Campaign will be used to provide scholarships to youth for 4-H camps and leadership experiences throughout the upcoming year.

“This fall’s Paper Clover Campaign was a huge success thanks to our dedicated customers,” said Christi Korzekwa, senior vice president of marketing at Tractor Supply. “We met a major milestone this year, and we couldn’t have done it without them. These campaigns have given us the opportunity to enhance our stores’ communities and provide support to our valued partner in National 4-H Council and its young members.”

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TOWN COUNCIL

charge, provided the Town’s liability insurance is adequate to cover those attending should an injury occur.

Purchase CD Burner. Braswell said staff was authorized to purchase a CD burner, so no council action was required.

...continued from p. 7

“It’s fine, as long as you have the procedures and policies in place that spell out what constitutes the justification for a waiver,” she said.

50

to approve the capacity use fee ordinance.

 5  0 to request Nixon Power Services to replace the battery in the town’s main emergency generator, minus the quoted $30 freight charge and $25 technology fee, for a balance of $347.60.

Constitution Class. Tim Jones said he had been attending NWHS history teacher Ray Parrish’s six-week Constitution class at Northwest High School and asked that the town sponsor a six-week class at Town Hall on Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28 and March 7; March 14 and 21 would be inclement weather makeup days if needed.

 5  0 to approve using Town Hall for a six-week Constitution class, at no

UNFINISHED BUSINESS Water Technician. Town Administrator/ Finance Officer Kim Hemrick said it would cost about $600 to advertise the water technician position for two days in regional newspapers. After discussion, council agreed to continue advertising the position through Career Builder and N.C. Rural Water Association and hold off on advertising elsewhere.

Salary Review. Braswell explained that Sandra Murrell was temporarily hired as a second deputy clerk about nine months ago, to keep Hemric from being overwhelmed in her new role as town clerk.

Murrell now works 28 to 30 hours a week, exclusively on the water system.

In response to Hemric’s request that council consider increasing Murrell’s pay by $1.50 per hour, Braswell suggested

One team…

Care for all ages

holding off until the council sees how the future water technician’s position evolves.

Combining administrative responsibilities with additional “outside” responsibilities such as 811 locates, flushing the water system, installing new meters, etc. would be more than one full-time person could do, Braswell acknowledged.

one from the League of Municipalities to review the responsibilities related to the water system before the Town ends up with two positions versus one. “Aren’t we doing a disservice by not examining why we do things the way we do? It seems we ought to at least talk with someone who has done this,” he said.

Councilman Bill Jones said he still favored keeping Murrell’s position as temporary, while noting that although she was hired and approved as a deputy clerk, she quickly fell very naturally into the water administrator’s position.

“We didn’t vote to create a new position or to continue one indefinitely,” Tim Jones said. “I’m concerned that we’re growing a position when there hasn’t been a study for that position. Are we talking about a raise when we haven’t put a number out there for the public to see?” he asked.

“Evaluating effectiveness and justification of hours is part of my management style,” Hemric responded.

Hemric said Murrell’s job responsibilities were too much to put back into her town administrator’s job. “I think the town would be setting itself up for failure and repeating past mistakes,” she said.

A discussion ensued as to whether a full-time water technician would be able to handle the administrative responsibilities Murrell is now handling plus “outside” responsibilities.“It’s too much for one person,” Hemric argued.

Braswell suggested council members shadow Murrell for a day to get a better idea of how she spends her time.

Tim Jones suggested getting some-

Bill Jones suggested waiting to see how the permanent water technician’s position shapes up, and then evaluating the remaining personnel needs.

Preventive Maintenance. Tim Jones asked about preventive maintenance on the water system and Braswell said he was pressing hard to get several things taken care of before cold weather sets in.

He added that hundreds of water systems were completely destroyed in the state of North Carolina because of the hurricane.

“The little tiny system here in Stokesdale is not a priority,” he said. “I think it’s bigtime progress to get this manual (cycling control system) switch installed.”

COMMITTEE REPORTS Property Committee. Pine needles have been put out and the town hall windows have been cleaned, Braswell reported.

Parade Committee. Vicki WhiteLawrence said a Christmas tree lighting event will be held at Town Hall on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 6:30 p.m. and the

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Christmas parade in downtown Stokesdale will take place Dec. 10 at 2 p.m.

Library Committee. Councilman Frank Bruno said he is working on moving out several stacks of donated books.

Committee application. Joe Thacker was unanimously approved to serve on the Christmas Parade Committee.

Departmental/Administrative Report.

Hemric said the 2016 audit is complete.

All went well with Culp Home Fashions’ upgrade from a 2-inch commercial water meter to a 6-inch meter in October.

Hemric will contact other municipalities to ask about the water system software they use.

Twelve new water customer applications were received in October, 537 existing water customers were billed and the town was billed for seventeen 811 locates.

“Stokesdale is booming and this water system is booming along with it.

We need to be aggressive about having people in place,” said Braswell.

ANNOUNCEMENTS  Bruno reminded everyone of the Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11.  Bill Jones said he was glad the election was over so that everyone could “get back to some semblance of normal.” Also, Jones said he will continue working on getting the town’s share of sales tax revenue back. “Two-thirds of new construction in Guilford County since Jan. 1 has been built in northwest Guilford County. About $150 million has been added to the county’s tax base and we still don’t get any sales tax money – we’re going to pursue that a lot heavier,” he said.  Braswell recognized the organization that installed the words “In God We Trust” on the exterior of Town Hall and inside of the town council chambers. Churches and businesses raised the money and installed the lettering, so it didn’t cost the town anything, he pointed out.

“I also am glad the election cycle is over,” Braswell added. “I think it’s a ‘God thing’ – if we turn to God, He will heal our land. I feel very blessed to live in Stokesdale. I feel safe and protected here and it’s been an honor to serve as mayor.”

CRIME / INCIDENT report Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, District 1 has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest Guilford County.

ALCOHOL/DRUGS Nov. 27 | A sheriff’s deputy reported that around 2 a.m. a known suspect of Quail Meadow Lane in Colfax was discovered to be in possession of marijuana and a digital scale on N.C. 68 in Stokesdale.

The suspect was cited and released for misdemeanor possession of marijuana.

ASSAULT/THREATS Nov. 25 | A resident of Gray Lane in Colfax reported a known suspect threatened to set fire to his house around 1:45 p.m.

The victim was advised of his option to pursue a warrant.

Nov. 27 | A resident of Tyner Loop in Colfax reported that a known suspect punched him in the head around

Nov. 27 | A resident of Polo Farms Drive in Summerfield reported that sometime between 6 p.m. on Nov. 26 and 8 a.m. on Nov. 27, one or more unknown persons entered his unlocked vehicle and stole golf clubs, a caddy/cart and other golf-related items, which were valued at $2,880.

VANDALISM

2:20 p.m. No medical treatment was required, and the victim was advised of his option to pursue a warrant.

DWI Nov. 25 |A suspect was charged with driving while impaired in the 800 block of South Bunker Hill Road at 6:31 a.m. Ten minutes later, a second suspect was also charged with driving while impaired in the same vicinity.

Nov. 25 | A resident of Lester Road in Stokesdale reported that an unknown suspect backed a black Ford pickup truck into his well house around 4 p.m. Estimated damage to the well house is about $1,000.

District 1 Sheriff’s Office 7506 Summerfield Road

Main number: (336) 641-2300 Report non-emergency crime-related incidents by calling:

THEFT

(336) 373-2222 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday

Nov. 23 | A resident of Springdale Meadow Drive in Stokesdale reported that someone entered her unlocked vehicle between 10 p.m. on Nov. 22 and 10 a.m. on Nov. 23. Seven dollars in cash and a debit/credit card were stolen.

in case of emergency, dial

911

www.guilfordcountysheriff.com Capt. Robert Elliott

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 Holiday Store | Summerfield United Methodist Church in Summerfield is operating a Dewey’s Holiday Store in Summerfield Square on U.S. 220, daily through Christmas Eve (see ad on p. 21 for details). Moravia Moravian Church in Oak Ridge is also operating a Dewey’s Holiday Store in Oak Ridge Commons shopping center through Christmas Eve (see Moravia Moravian Church’s ad below for store hours).

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 Town Council Meeting| Oak Ridge Town Council will meet Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. More info and agenda: www.oakridgenc.com.

(336) 298-7196

FRIDAY, DEC. 2

8004 Linville Road Suite A-1, Oak Ridge

 Greensboro Festival of Lights | Downtown Greensboro will host the 28th annual Festival of Lights on Dec. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. A community sing-along and Christmas tree lighting will kick off the event, with other activities including crafts, caroling, a marshmallow roast, a visit with Santa and more. More info and maps: www.festivaloflightsgso.org.

www.greesonlegal.com

 Christmas Stroll | The 3rd annual Downtown Mayodan Christmas Stroll will take place in Mayodan on Dec. 2 from 5 to 9 p.m. There will be wagon rides, kids’ activities, craft shops, pictures with Santa, carolers, a tree lighting at 6 p.m., and more. A grand opening and ribbon cutting of the new Mayodan Arts Center will also take place this evening. More info: (336) 427-0099.

 Estate planning, administration and settlement  Trust and estate beneficiary representation  Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements

Now collecting pet food and supply donations through the end of December to benefit animals in need Dr. Julie Dudak

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DEC. 2 - 8, 2016

Moravian Cookies, Sugarcake, Stars & Ornaments Ice Cream • Gifts under $5 • Gluten-free cookies available Gift boxes available in several price ranges We can take special orders for Moravian Buns, Cake Squares & Eclairs

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

 Holiday Parade | The Greensboro Holiday Parade

SATURDAY, DEC. 3  Light Up the Night | The Town of Oak Ridge invites the community to a “Light Up the Night” luminary event and Christmas tree lighting on Saturday, Dec. 3, 6 to 8 p.m., at Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive.

Stroll through the park and enjoy the glow from 5,000 luminaries set up by local students, churches, civic organizations and others. Enjoy holiday music, refreshments and activities for the kids. Admission is a donation of non-perishable food for Good Samaritan Ministries, a nonprofit that provides aid to local families.

See ad on p. 8 for more details.  Tree Lighting | The Town of Stokesdale invites the community to its Christmas Tree Lighting event on Dec. 3 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road, Stokesdale. Third-graders from Stokesdale Elementary will sing, refreshments will be offered and Santa will pay a visit.

 Craft Show & Greek Pastry Sale | The Ladies Philoptochos Society of the Greek Orthodox Church, 800 Westridge Road in Greensboro, will host its 19th annual craft show and pastry sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 3. More info: Gwen Varsamis, (336) 601-6717 or gvarsamis@triad.rr.com.

will begin at 12 p.m. on Dec. 3 in downtown Greensboro. The parade is the only one in the state to include “Macy’s” style balloons. More info on parking and the parade route: www.gsoholidayparade.com.

 Historic Home Tour | Owner Fred Bame invites you to tour the historic Isaac Beeson House (built in 1757), beautifully decorated for Christmas, on Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The home is located at 8744 Bame Road in Colfax. Your $5 admission will help raise funds for the relocation and renovation of the original Sandy Ridge Methodist Church, built in 1830. More info: (336) 508-3918.

SUNDAY, DEC. 4  Holiday Open House | Stonefield Cellars will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a holiday open house on Dec. 4 from 1 to 6 p.m. at 8220 N.C. 68 North, Stokesdale.

Celebrate the holiday season with a complimentary wine tasting and live music. See ad below for more details.  Winter Concert | The Stokesdale Community Choir will perform “Holding on to Christmas” on Dec. 4 at 4 p.m. at Gideon Grove United Methodist Church, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road in Stokesdale. Preconcert music begins at 3:30.

THURSDAY, DEC. 8  Open House | Summerfield Family Eye Care, 7309-B Summerfield Road in Summerfield, will celebrate its new location and 18th anniversary with an open house on Dec. 8 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. See ad on p. 3 for more details.  Town Council meeting| The Stokesdale Town Council will meet Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. More info: call (336) 643-4011 or email stoksdl@bellsouth.net.

SATURDAY, DEC. 10  Christmas Parade | The Stokesdale Christmas Parade will begin at 2 p.m. on Dec. 10 in downtown Stokesdale. Enjoy watching festive floats, classic cars, horses, local celebrities, bands and more wind along the parade route (and kids, parade participants will be tossing out candy, so be sure to bring something to carry what you collect).

Find more

community events

online at Click “community calendar” on the left-hand side

W

e invite you to celebrate the holiday season with a complimentary wine tasting

10 anniversary th

A special Christmas sermon series Christmas Eve candlelight service Saturday, Dec. 24 • 6 pm

Sunday, Dec. 4 through Sunday, Dec. 25 10:55 am 2334 Scalesville Road, Summerfield

(336) 643-5126

Holiday Open House Sunday, Dec. 4 • 1 - 6 pm 8220 Hwy 68 N, Stokesdale (336) 644-9908 • stonefieldcellars.com

10% OFF non-reserve wines 15% OFF a full case Wine gifts and local chocolates for sale

www.summerfieldumc.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Live Celtic Christmas music by The Bonnie Bows • 2 - 4pm

DEC. 2 - 8, 2016

23

LETTERS/OPINIONS Submit your editorials (maximum 350 words) online: nwobserver.com e-mail : editor@nwobserver.com mail: Opinions, PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 Include your name, a daytime phone number where you can be reached and name of community in which you live.

Letters from the same writer will be published no more than every 30 days.

Celebrating our heritage During this holiday season, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for our great town of Summerfield. As both mayor and resident, I’m proud to live in a town with such a rich history and heritage. I believe we can be doing even more to celebrate that heritage, and am excited to share two opportunities for all Summerfield residents to learn more about our town and its history.

First, I would like to invite you to view All Aboard! Summerfield Trail of History. I support the A&Y Greenway, which will hopefully become part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. While there are many benefits to the Greenway, one of the primary benefits is connecting people to the rich heritage of the Town of Summerfield. To highlight these treasures, volunteer resident Christa Miller, with the help of UNCG new media design student Tyler Keith-Pedersen, put together a YouTube video slideshow

entitled All Aboard! Summerfield Trail of History. I hope you will take some time to view these short stories which highlight about 15 different historical treasures in Summerfield.

Second, our Historical Committee would like to invite our community’s children to invest in learning about the history of our great town. After watching the slideshow videos we hope Summerfield students will be inspired to research further and participate in the Historical Committee’s History Writing Contest.

Prizes range from $50 to $600! Entries are due by Dec. 5.

To view All Aboard! Summerfield Trail of History and learn more about the History Writing Contest, please visit the Town of Summerfield website at www.summerfieldgov.com.

Finally, I would like to personally thank all Summerfield residents for making Summerfield a great place to live.

Mayor Mark Brown

Correcting, not eliminating, Electoral College is the answer Let’s begin by emphasizing that the Founding Fathers wisely constituted a republic. We are not a pure democracy, but a democratic republic (unfortunately, civics is no longer taught in

24

DEC. 2 - 8, 2016

public schools). I say “wisely” because a republic protects the rights of the minority. Popular majority is believed by many to have resulted in the failure of the original Ancient Greek democracy.

We have had a number of presidents elected without a popular majority. In fact, in 2016, as in 2000, no candidate had a real majority. If no candidate wins a popular majority, what is the solution? Election run-offs?

Our elections run far too long now, in my opinion.

I fully agree we have outgrown the (Electoral) College as now constituted.

However, I believe elimination of it to be ill advised. One of the great things about our republic is it prevents the majority from running roughshod over the minority as a true democracy could. In a close election, popular majority of less than one percent, as in the KennedyNixon election of 1960, would empower the winner to ignore a major element of the populace, as again in 2016.

If we were a true democracy, approximately half a dozen cities – Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Bos-

350

ton, Philadelphia and Chicago, could elect the president. Why? Because of the winner-take-all assignment of delegates to the College. Donald Trump took numerous states by thin majorities, yet got all the delegates. California is the extreme example – win the state by a very thin majority and collect 55 electoral delegates.

If delegates were proportionately assigned based upon the individual state results, it would closely represent the popular vote and still protect minority interests. Can you imagine a Republican collecting delegates from California or New York? Yet there are many voters in those states who did not vote for Hillary Clinton. Should their interests be ignored? That is the correction to the College I suggest, not elimination.

I wonder what the results of the 2016 election would be under that scenario?

Michael Lopez, SUMMERFIELD

Don’t forget, it’s the maximum word count for your editorial

Hurricane, snow, construction, maintenance – we’re always there So often N.C. Department of Transportation crews are seen closing roads for construction or accidents along our interstates, but what many people may not know is that during a crisis, Division 7 crews across Guilford, Orange, Caswell, Rockingham and Alamance Counties are part of the local and statewide emergency response.

I’d like to thank my crews from Division 7 for their efforts on the latest emergency our state has had to deal with, Hurricane Matthew. Personnel from Division 7 traveled east last month to assist their fellow employees before, during and after Hurricane Matthew slammed our state, claiming lives, businesses and devastating communities.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

About a dozen Triad-area NCDOT Incident Management Assistance Patrol employees worked the weekend of the storm to load 20 message boards that were used to notify drivers of flooded and closed roads in the path of the storm. About 50 Division 7 employees dedicated their time the weekend of the storm and in the weeks following and I applaud them for their dedication to their jobs and the great state of North Carolina.

I encourage the public to visit our website to find out about how NCDOT crews are working for you here in the Triad and across the state!

Mike Mills NCDOT Division 7 engineer

GRINS and GRIPES

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

GRINS to...  The kind lady who delivered mail that I thought was lost forever to my house. I could not thank you properly since my dogs were hysterical at the front door. Thank you for going out of your way.  Oak Ridge United Methodist Church for a great Brunswick stew. It was delicious and I wish I had purchased more!  Everyone who donated a packed shoebox (or several!) to Operation Christmas Child so that kids around the world could have something special to unwrap this Christmas. And Grins to the volunteers who coordinated and staffed the collection sites!  All emergency personnel (ER, EMT, police, fire, etc.) who are working while we are enjoying time with our families during this holiday season.  The guys working on the new I-73. I live near the construction and have been dreading it, but they have done an outstanding job with little disturbance to us!  Brittany and all the office staff at Summerfield Veterinary Hospital. No matter what’s going on, we always are greeted by friendly, helpful smiles. Our dogs love the vet, too! Thank you for putting them at ease.  All the folks who worked on Thanksgiving Day so those of us traveling could fill up with gas, get our McDonald’s tea, and stop at a rest area for a break. We appreciate you, and hope you also had time to enjoy a happy Thanksgiving!  Junk Pros of North Carolina for their

(336) 451-9519 | angie.wilkie@allentate.com

quick, economical and professional service in removing a queen box spring and mattress and saving us a trip to the landfill.

 THE LEGENDS CLUB

 PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

 The men and women who wrote last week’s editorial, “KKK’s goals are not Biblical.” Powerful and full of truth. Thank you for speaking out against the hate in a way that was relevant and truthful.

 ALL 4 QUARTERS VIP

 H. ALLEN TATE AWARD

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GRIPES to...  Teachers at NWHS who give students homework over the holiday breaks. Students need a break and to be able to enjoy time with their family just like you teachers do!  Jill Stein’s recount request. The donations came large and fast… I wonder how much could be traced to Clinton.

Editor’s note: For those who don’t know who Jill Stein is, she was the Green Party’s candidate for U.S. president and finished fourth in the November election, behind Libertarian Gary Johnson.

Stein’s campaign has reportedly raised $6 million in a matter of days to support her efforts to request election recounts in key swing states. Although the recounts would not change the election for Stein, they could redirect some electoral votes from Donald Trump to Hillary Clinton.  The local pastors for complaining about the small number of Klansmen planning on a drive-through parade, while not mentioning the thousands of protesters throughout the U.S. who are burning flags, looting, destroying automobiles, shouting profanities, throwing rocks at officers, etc.

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Help us make wishes come true!

Select an angel from the Angel Tree at Stokesdale Fire Department.

Angels are also available at the Northwest Observer office, 1616 N.C. 68 N, Oak Ridge, and at Snap Fitness, 1433 B (68 Place), N.C. 68 N, Oak Ridge.

Or, email Patti Stokes at patti@nwobserver.com

Return unwrapped and labeled gifts for your “angel” by December 12.

Serving residents in need throughout northwest Guilford County

Donations to GSM’s food pantry and clothing closet also greatly appreciated.

To donate or for more info, call Terry Johnson at (336) 643-5887 or email terrij1957@yahoo.com

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SAVE THE DATE

1999 HARLEY ROAD KING, 1972 Harley Police Bike, 1997 Yamaha Royal Star, 1993 Honda Gold Wing trike, all in excellent condition. Call for more info, (336) 643-9197 or 314-2885.

SERVICES ADMIN; must be organized with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, have strong interpersonal, excellent verbal and written communication skills. Send your resume and salary requirements to entu45@aol.com.

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT luminary event, Saturday, Dec. 3, 6-8pm, Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive. The event kicks off with the dedication ceremony and lighting of the new Christmas tree at the circle near Linville Road. Then enjoy the glow from 5,000 luminaries throughout the park while enjoying holiday music, refreshments and activities for kids. Admission is a donation of non-perishable food to be given to Good Samaritan Ministries. For more info, see ad on page 8, or to participate, please contact Sandra Smith at (336) 644-7009 or email ssmith@oakridgenc.com.

EMPLOYMENT ENCORE KIDS CONSIGNMENT is now hiring for 10am-2pm and 2-6pm shifts. For info, call (336) 993-3444 or stop by 305 W. Mountain Street, Kernersville, 27284.

Place online at

DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue

NEED HELP? Call (336) 644-7035 ext. 10 Mon - Fri • 9am -2pm

INDEX Motorcycles for Sale ................... 27 Employment ............................... 27 Homecare Available ................... 27 Save the Date ............................ 27 Home Services ....................... 27-30 Misc. Services.............................. 30 Misc. for Sale ............................. 30 Misc. Wanted ............................. 30 Pets & Animal Services ............... 30 Real Estate ................................. 30

Children’s Christian Playschool of Summerfield is currently hiring an ASSISTANT TEACHER. Please send your resume to sumcplayschool@gmail.com.

LOCAL SEAMSTRESS NEEDED to sew pillows. Must be able to install invisible zippers. Work-at-home opportunity. For more info, please call (336) 404-4333.

NEXT STEP MINISTRIES open positions: Director of Residential Services: Responsibilities include management of the Safe House and supervision of staff and volunteers. Position requires ability to work evenings and weekends as needed. BA or equivalent experience in Human Services.

Shelter Staff: (1st shift Monday-Friday, Saturday and Sunday; and 3rd shift FridayMonday). Duties range from shelter duties, monitoring inventory, assisting with intake forms and files, crisis intervention. Two years post-secondary education in human services or commensurate experience.

Bookkeeper: Reconciling bank statements, preparing journal entries, preparing 1099s and 1098s, recording transactions, printing checks, preparing monthly financial reports and assisting with audit. Must be proficient with Quickbooks and have an Associate’s Degree in accounting or business or equivalent experience. This is an independent contractor position.

Submit letter of interest/experience, along with names of three references, to: NSM Search Committee, PO Box 793, Kernersville, NC 27285.

HOMECARE AVAILABLE EXPERIENCED CAREGIVER AVAILABLE References avail. Call (336) 707-5245.

SAVE THE DATE JOSIE’S BOUTIQUE remaining inventory liquidation sale, every Friday and Saturday through December 17, 10am-5pm daily, 2204 Oak Ridge Road. Jewelry, purses, gifts and much more!

SAVE THE DATE! 3rd Annual Downtown Mayodan Christmas Stroll, Friday, Dec. 2, 5-9pm. Wagon rides, kid’s crafts, craft shoppes, merchant specials, appearances

by Star Wars characters & Peppa Pig, carolers, grand opening of the Mayodan Arts Center, tree lighting at 6pm and much more!

Come tour the historic ISAAC BEESON HOUSE, built in 1757, Saturday, Dec. 3, 10am-3pm, 8744 Bame Road, Colfax.

Owner Fred Bame invites you to view his historic home, beautifully decorated for Christmas. Your $5 admission will help raise funds for the relocation and renovation of the original Sandy Ridge Methodist Church, built in 1830. For more information, please call (336) 508-3918.

Something

?

going on

Tell northwest Guilford County Place your Save the Date online at

MERRY MUSTANG HOLIDAY MARKET, Friday, December 9, 3:30-7:30pm, Mendenhall Middle School, 205 Willoughby Blvd., GSO, 27408. Food, holiday decor, gifts, art and more! Interested vendors can contact beaupretl@bellsouth.net.

MISTLETOE MARKET, Sat., December 10, 10am-6pm, Golden Antiques & Treasures, 341 Ram Loop, Stokesdale. Sales throughout the mall, crafters, artisans, and a special guest – Santa! Requesting public crafters/vendors to sign up for this special event. $20/space. Must have all applications by November 30. Please call for more information, (336) 949-4958.

Captain Elite’s Nationwide SOCCER TRAINING CAMP, January 14-16, open to male & female U10-U18 Challenge to Elite players, Greensboro Sportsplex. Visit www.captainelite.com for more info.

HOME SERVICES CLEANING MARIA’S CLEANING SERVICE. Free estimates, guaranteed service. (336) 552-1990.

CastleWorks WINDOW CLEANING Includes gutters, pressure washing, chandeliers and other high ladder work. Fully insured and bonded, free estimates. (336) 609-0677. www.castleworkswindowcleaning.com.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

...continued on p. 28

DEC. 2 - 8, 2016

27

facebook.com /NorthwestObse rve r

1 2,000

Where almost community members connect

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

CARPET CLEANING. We clean the dirt out of your carpet, not the money out of your pockets! Starting at $20 per room, $60 minimum. Call David, Cleaning Solutions, (336) 989-4318, thecleaningsolutions.org.

MONTERO’S HARDWOOD FLOORING Installation of hardwood, laminate & tile; hardwood sanding & finishing. Commercial & residential. Insured, 17 years experience.

Free estimates & excellent references. Visit Monteros-hardwood-flooring.com, or call (336) 215-8842.

A&B CLEANING For all your house cleaning needs

High quality and dependable

“Thanks for the service you provide to our community.”

Spend your time doing something more important

Call Marty at (585) 490-1704

“Congratulations and thank you so much. Look forward to my Observer.”

Local resident serving the northwest area

MAID 2 GLIMMER Premier House Cleaning. Superior products & equip. Amazon approved. (336) 441-8388, Maid2Glimmer.com.

“Way to go!

Thanks for your voice of reason and thoughtfulness.”

ANA’S HOUSECLEANING. Good references, free est., 25 years exp. (336) 309-0747.

STEPHANIE’S CLEANING SERVICE 10 years experience. (336) 423-9786.

“Thanks for posting!”

“It’s too dry to be burning anything regardless of the wild fires.”

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

CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Will fit to your budget. Pet taxi/pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838.

HOME CLEANING. Afford. rates, ref. avail., 10 years exp. Elizabeth, (336) 453-8592.

MAID-2-SHINE. Excellent service, 15 years.

Book now for the holidays, gift certificates avail. Free est., exc. ref. (336) 338-0223.

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

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DEC. 2 - 8, 2016

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES

OLD SCHOOL HOME REPAIR/ IMPROVEMENT

“No Job Too Small”

Jerry & Lisa Potkay, Owners • Oak Ridge, NC

(336) 669-7252

Accredited A+ Rating, oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com BBB of Central NC Home Repairs & Improvements • Painting Wood Rot Repairs • Bathroom Remodeling Decks and much more! • Insured

L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE LLP “We get you mowing!” 2103 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge. (336) 298-4314.

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.

JLB REMODELING, INC. Home repair, maintenance & handyman service. Licensed & insured. Competitive rates.

(336) 681-2902 or www.jlbremodeling.com.

Happy 20th Birthday to us!

The Northwest Observer is celebrating 20 years of providing homegrown news.

APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance.

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

FLOORING

MOWER REPAIR. Any type mower, weld and repair mower decks. Free pickup and delivery. Call or text Morris, (336) 880-7498.

It’s a CARPET thing!

Repairs, restretch, replace. (336) 643-6500.

GENERAL HOME REPAIR, bathroom repair, small/odd jobs. (336) 644-8710, 708-0522.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

GRADING / HAULING

BRAD’S BOBCAT. Mulch, landscaping, pine needles and straw. (336) 362-3647.

GAS LOGS, WOOD STOVES, INSERTS, fireplaces, sold, serviced and repaired.

Call Don Hill, (336) 643-7183.

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

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

PEARMAN QUARRY HAULING Fill dirt, gravel, sand rock, mulch & more.

Joel Richardson, (336) 803-2195.

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

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

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

LAWN CARE / LANDSCAPING ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Bobcat work and more. Free estimates. Licensed & insured.

Call Joe at (336) 643-9157.

TRACTOR FOR HIRE - Bush hogging, grading, brush/tree removal. (336) 207-6632.

ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875.

CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 6439332, carolinaStumpAndTreeServices.com.

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

D & D LANDSCAPING & IRRIGATION Complete outdoor living spaces – fireplaces, retaining walls, patios, more! NC licensed irrigation contractor. BBB A+. (336) 480-4101.

FAY’S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Fall aerating & overseeding, fall clean up, leaf removal. Pine needles & mulch. Reasonable and honest. Call Taylor, (336) 464-5215.

WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Complete lawn care & landscaping. NC lic. irrigation contractor. 20 years exp. Hardscaping, fertilization & weed control. (336) 399-7764.

STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. Free est. Lic/Ins. 30 yrs. exp. Bucket truck/chipper, total cleanup. Selective thinning & lot clearing. 24-hr. ER svc. OR, NC. (336) 643-1119.

Tell our readers about your business!

Call (336) 644-7035 for more info.

MASONRY MASONRY CONCEPTS, brick, block, stone, concrete & repairs. Free estimates. (336) 988-1022, www.masonryconceptsgso.com.

SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes.

How about a new patio or fire pit for fall? We can help with all of your outdoor living and entertainment spaces! Fire pits, driveways & sidewalks, patios and more! Give us a call at (336) 399-6619 for all your concrete and landscape needs.

MISC. SERVICES & PRODUCTS

PAINTING & DRYWALL CINDY’S PAINTING – Interior painting, wallpaper removal. References & free estimates available. (336) 708-9155.

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

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

(336) 931-0600

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, siding, dock work, windows, roofing, rotted wood.

Sr. disc., 35 years exp. (336) 362-6343.

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

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.

Services TM Construction

BEKPaintCompany.com

, INC

• References Available • Licensed & Insured • All Work Guaranteed

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Roof replacements and repairs

644-8615 office 508-5242 cell

PAINTING – INTERIOR & EXTERIOR 32 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. No job too small. Insured. Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186.

Licensed & insured NC Gen. Contractor #72797

The Northwest Observer Keeping you connected for 20 years . . . and counting!

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. & insured. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924.

AREA STUMP DUMP. Yard waste, concrete, etc. Fill dirt avail. (336) 602-5820.

POWER WASHING

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

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

JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured.

NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com.

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION. Providing all of your home maintenance needs, remodeling and new construction. (336) 430-9507.

ROOFING CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC Residential roofing, rubber flat roofs, roof coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience.

Now accepting all major credit cards. Call (336) 643-8191 or (336) 580-3245.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

...continued on p. 30 DEC. 2 - 8, 2016

29

HOME SERVICES

MISC. FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

A.L. CORMAN ROOFING INC. Res. roofing specialist serving Guilford Cty. area since 1983. BBB 25+ years w/ A+ rating. cormanroofinginc.com, (336) 621-6962.

ALL NEW MATTRESS SETS. Still in plastic, w/ warranty. Twin, $99; Full, $109; Queen, $129; King, $191. Can deliver, layaway available. Mattress Outlet. (336) 992-0025.

HOMES FOR RENT

HOMES FOR SALE

RED RHINO ROOFING, based in Oak Ridge, NC. Storm damage specialist experienced with all types of roofing. BBB accredited A and listed with Angie’s List. Call (336) 944-6118, or visit redrhinoroofing.com.

SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered and stacked, 1/2 cord, $80. Call (336) 686-6373

FOR RENT, 3BR, 2 FULL BA on 1.5 acre lot, outdoor storage building and lawn care included. $950/mo. (336) 314-7010.

PREMIER ROOFING CONSTRUCTION Insurance specialist, free inspections, res./ comm., BBB A rating. (336) 430-9507.

MISC. SERVICES ERIE INSURANCE – IN KERNERSVILLE Long Insurance Services, (336) 992-5664.

SAM’S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 347-7470.

COMPUTER REPAIRS – ITBASICS.COM Inside Mailboxes & More, Oak Ridge Commons. (336) 643-0068.

MISC. FOR SALE JOHN DEERE D130 42” MOWER, 22 HP, only 2 years old/60 hours. Excel. cond., was $1,899 new, asking $899/obo. Cart, sweeper, dethatcher, aerator avail. b/o. Oak Ridge, (848) 225-4327.

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

PERSIMMON PULP, jam, pudding and more! (336) 816-3441 or 996-3892.

Got stuff?

Sell it here in the

NWO classifieds submit your ad at

www.nwobserver.com

30

DEC. 2 - 8, 2016

facebook.com/northwestobserver 11,900 followers and growing

MISC. WANTED GOLDEN ANTIQUES & TREASURES in Stokesdale is seeking vendors who have antiques, vintage, repurposed and collectible items. Booth spaces are 10 x 12 feet and are $185 per month, plus 10% commission.

Come check us out and reserve your spot!

(336) 949-4958. $$$ – WILL PAY CASH up to $200 for your junk or wrecked vehicle. (336) 552-0328.

FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, any and all gas items, tillers, gocarts, ATVs, generators, power washers, grills, chain saws, etc. (336) 689-4167.

STOKESDALE, 4BR, 2BA, two attic rooms. $1,200/mo. (336) 908-0912.

Selling or renting?

Let our 25,000+ readers know!

Place your classified ad online at www.nwobserver.com, or call (336) 644-7035, ext. 10.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

nancy.hess@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 215-1820

We Help Everyone!

SELLERS & BUYERS

(336) 643-4248

www.ANewDawnRealty.com

Gail H. Kerber

PET SITTING / BOARDING

REALTOR®/BROKER

123 Dream Lane

(336) 327-1165

Real estate showcase ads in the NWO get noticed! Include a photo and description of your listing, Realtor photo, logo and contact info – all for only $80!

kerbappeals@gmail.com

www.kerbappeals.com Place your real estate showcase today

Roseann Staaf Realtor®/ Broker

REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE in Oak Ridge.

Mini suites available; 100 to 450 sq. ft. For more info, call (336) 643-7577.

8001 Willow Glen Trail Owner says “Sell this house!” Offering Northern School District and owner financing for up to 5 years! Three levels, refinished hardwoods, new appliances, fresh paint, theatre room and 3 master suites. Over 7,000 square feet on 1.47 acres. Price slashed to $895,000 for quick sale.

Nancy J. Hess

PETS & ANIMAL SVCS. KPS – KELLY’S PET SERVICES Professional in-home pet sitting. Bonded & insured. Member Pet Sitters International.

Pet sitting while you are away, daily walks or runs, play, pet taxi, and more! KPS gives a portion of profits to animal charities. Call, email, or Facebook message for a free consultation: (336) 706-6706, kpsforyourpets@ gmail.com, www.facebook.com/kpspets, or kpspets on Instagram.

LAKEVIEW • WAY UNDER TAX VALUE

allentate.com/RoseannStaaf

(336) 613-7925

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

(336) 644-7035, ext. 10 advertising@nwobserver.com

Our Real Estate Showcase ads are a great way to feature your listings!

Showcase ads include a photo and description of the home, as well as the realtor’s photo and contact info.

For more info, email Annette at advertising@nwobserver.com.

display advertiser index thanks to all the advertisers who partnered with us to bring you this free community resource A/C & HEATING Stokesdale Heating & Air.....................15

ACCOUNTING Samuel Anders, CPA, MSA, PC .............8

ART & DANCE Destination Arts ..................................17

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES Prestige Car Wash ..............................17

BUILDING & REMODELING TM Construction Services ....................29

CHURCHES Oak Ridge United Methodist Church ....7 Summerfield United Methodist Church 23

EVENTS

MEDICAL CARE / EYE CARE / P.T.

Light up the Night ................................8 Stonefield Cellars Holiday Open House 23

Bethany Medical Center .....................18 Cone Health MedCenter High Point .....5 Forsyth Pediatrics, Oak Ridge .............17 LeBauer Healthcare ............................20 Novant Northwest Family Medicine .....13 Oak Ridge Physical Therapy ...............16 Summerfield Family Eye Care ...............3

HAIR CARE Great Clips .........................................16

HEALTH & FITNESS Alpha Weight Loss ................................2 SNAP Fitness ......................................25

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES A & B Cleaning ...................................28 BEK Paint Company ............................29 Furniture Medic ...................................29 House of Stars ....................................22 Old School Home Repair .....................28 ProStone..............................................12 Southern States .............................Insert

MISCELLANEOUS Good Samaritan Angel Tree ...............26 Guardian Ad Liten Program ...............20 Stokesdale Elementary PTA ................14 Summerfield Fire Department ..............6

MORTGAGE / INVESTMENTS Black Oak Wealth Management..........22

ORTHODONTIC CARE Olmsted Orthodontics ........................16

INSURANCE Gladwell Insurance Agency ...................7

LEGAL SERVICES Attorney Bill Barbour ............................4 Law Office of Susan Greeson .............22 Scott Tippett Law .................................2

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS Almost Home Boarding & Grooming ..10 Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ................10 Best 4K9 ............................................10 Critter Company ................................. 11

How do you get your message in front of

9th annual edition coming Jan. 2017

in your back yard?

The FINDER is jam-packed with valuable info for northwest Guilford County residents

26,000 neighbors

Kings Crossing Animal Hospital ..........22 Northwest Animal Hospital .................. 11 Oak Ridge Animal Hospital ................12 Veterinary Hospital at Oak Ridge.........22

REAL ESTATE A New Dawn Realty ............................30 Angie Wilkie, Allen Tate ......................25 Bobbie Gardner, Keller Williams ..........22 Bobbie Maynard Team, Allen Tate ......12 KERBAPPEALS – Gail Kerber .............30 Nancy Hess, Berkshire Hathaway .......30 Roseann Staaf, Allen Tate ...................30

RESTAURANTS Elizabeth’s Italian Restaurant ..............16 Rio Grande Mexican Grille...................17 Tessa Farm to Fork Restaurant ...........21

RETAIL BiRite Food Center .............................19 Harley Davidson of Greensboro ............7 Moravia Moravian Dewey’s Store ........22 Priba Furniture & Interiors ...................32 Summerfield UMC Dewey’s Store ........21 The Garden Outlet ............................. 11

RESERVE YOUR AD SPACE BY DEC. 9 FOR Advertise with us.

(336) 644-7035, ext. 10 advertising@nwobserver.com

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(336) 644-7035, ext. 10 • advertising@nwobserver.com

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

DEC. 2 - 8, 2016

31

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Postal Patron

Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22

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

ECRWSS

For Exceptional Holiday Entertaining

IMMEDIATE

DELIVERY on

SHOWROOM 210 Stage Coach Trail, Greensboro

(336) 855-9034

www.pribafurniture.com

ITEMS