Dec. 9 - 15, 2016
bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996
Treasured memories of the season Readers share favorite traditions and memories from past holiday seasons by ANNETTE JOYCE With so many treasured memories and traditions associated with the holiday season, we couldn’t resist reaching out to our readers to find out about some of the most special ones that they hold close to their hearts. ••••• These days it’s not unusual for people to start putting Christmas trees up in their homes at the beginning of November – and in some cases, even earlier. When Sandy Stone was a child, the Christmas tree didn’t show up until much later.
“I can still vividly remember the excitement and awe I felt at seeing the Christmas tree and all the presents around it on Christmas morning,” says the Oak Ridge resident. “My dad would buy the tree on Christmas Eve but hide it outside until we kids had gone to bed. Then he and Mom would set it up and decorate it and bring the gifts down from the attic where they were hidden. “On Christmas morning, we found that wonderful surprise ‘from Santa Claus’ and knew that he had really come. Dad continued that practice until my little brother turned 5. By that time, I was 8 and knew the ‘rest of the story,’ but I still enjoyed the pretense of a magical mo-
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nwobserver.com
Miracle on N.C. 68 Friendship forms after couple rushes to the aid of an accident victim by ANNETTE JOYCE It was a late September evening and Holly Nelson was in her backyard with five of her youngest children when she heard the crash on N.C. 68. Living in a house located right on a highway known for its numerous accidents, the Nelsons have grown accustomed to noises resulting from accidents and near misses – but this was different.
Photo courtesy of Chassity Felts
David Penix (center), with John and Holly Without seeing the accident, Holly Nelson, who rushed to his aid after he crashed yelled to her husband John that somehead-on with an 18-wheeler while riding his ...continued on p. 12 motorcycle on N.C. 68 in September.
IN THIS ISSUE Stokesdale Christmas Parade Photo courtesy of Natalie Wurz
Don’t miss the Town of Stokesdale’s annual Christmas parade, which will wind its way through downtown on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 2 p.m.
News in Brief .............................. 3 Your Questions .......................... 3 Oak Ridge Town Council ......... 6 Bits & Pieces .............................. 8 Youth/School News .................. 9 Student Profiles ........................10 Light up the Night ....................14 Community Calendar .............15 Crime/Incident Report ............16 Letters/Opinions ......................16 Grins & Gripes ..........................17 Classifieds ................................19 Index of Advertisers ............... 23