Jan. 17 - 23, 2014 bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996 • nwobserver.com • Fire chief wades through icy water to save life Property purchase sparks controversy Town and property owner come under fire for sale that will require mobile home park tenants to move IN THIS ISSUE News in brief..................................... 3 Your Questions ................................. 4 We asked, you answered ............... 8 Business Notes ............................... 12 Bits & Pieces ................................... 12 Looking for love ............................. 18 Community Calendar................... 20 Student Profiles .............................. 22 Crime/Incident Report .................. 23 Letters/Opinions ........................... 24 Grins & Gripes ................................ 25 Classifieds ...................................... 26 Index of Advertisers ...................... 31 NWO On The Go! ........................... 32 by PATTI STOKES SUMMERFIELD – A pending sale of land that has been on the market for over two years has caused some tenants who live in a mobile home park on the land to cry foul, and the landowner and Town of Summerfield are taking the heat. On Nov. 26, 2013 the Summer- field Town Council announced it had entered into an agreement to purchase two tracts of land totaling 16.01 acres. The larger of the two tracts is 15.66 acres and includes one occupied house, an unoccupied house, a barn and a mobile home park where nine families live. One tenant has lived in the mobile home park for 24 years and another for 39 years. The second tract of land is .35 acres and is located across the street from the town hall at the intersection of NC 150 and Summerfield Road. On it rests the former Gordon Hardware building. Similar to the town hall in architectural If my trailer can’t be moved, we’re going to have to sell what we can and move in with my parents.” Jennifer Tucker Summerfield resident by PATTI STOKES SUMMERFIELD – When Chris Johnson signed on to be a firefighter, he knew he would find himself in dangerous situations. He also knew he would have an opportunity to save lives. What he may not have imagined, though, was that the danger wouldn’t always come from fire, and humans wouldn’t be the only ones he rescued. On Jan. 9 at about 2:30 p.m., the sheriff’s department got a call about a baby deer that was stuck on an icy pond behind the Vineyard neighbor- hood that backs up to Bronco Lane. Soon afterward, the Summerfield Fire Department was asked to assist. “The deer was about 15 feet out in the pond,” says Johnson, the fire de- partment’s chief. “It just couldn’t stand up and it was looking weak.” Johnson didn’t hesitate long before deciding to bust the ice and wade into the water, hoping to get close enough to reach the deer with a long pole and help it get up. The deer kept falling, however, and that’s when Johnson de- cided to just go all the way out to it and carry it back to safety. “My guys were chomping at the bit to go out there, but I didn’t want to put anyone else out there, so I made a call for myself to go. I know I broke some rules, but it was the right thing to do,” Johnson said. “I couldn’t stand by and watch that deer die on the ice.” ...continued on p. 30 Photo courtesy of Summerfield Fire Department
Transcript
Jan. 17 - 23, 2014
bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996 • nwobserver.com •
Fire chief wades through icy water to save life
Property purchase sparks controversy
Town and property owner come under fire for sale that will require mobile home park tenants to move
IN THIS ISSUENews in brief ..................................... 3Your Questions ................................. 4We asked, you answered ............... 8Business Notes ............................... 12Bits & Pieces ................................... 12Looking for love ............................. 18Community Calendar ................... 20Student Profiles .............................. 22Crime/Incident Report .................. 23Letters/Opinions ........................... 24Grins & Gripes ................................ 25Classifieds ...................................... 26Index of Advertisers ...................... 31NWO On The Go! ........................... 32
by PATTI STOKES
SUMMERFIELD – A pending sale of land that has been on the market for over two years has caused some tenants who live in a mobile home park on the land to cry foul, and the landowner and Town of Summerfield are taking the heat.
On Nov. 26, 2013 the Summer-
field Town Council announced it had entered into an agreement to purchase two tracts of land totaling 16.01 acres. The larger of the two tracts is 15.66 acres and includes one occupied house, an unoccupied house, a barn and a mobile home park where nine families live. One tenant has lived in the mobile home park for 24 years and
another for 39 years.
The second tract of land is .35 acres and is located across the street from the town hall at the intersection of NC 150 and Summerfield Road. On it rests the former Gordon Hardware building. Similar to the town hall in architectural
If my trailer can’t be moved, we’re going to
have to sell what we can and move in with my parents.”
Jennifer Tucker Summerfield resident
by PATTI STOKESSUMMERFIELD – When Chris Johnson signed on to be a firefighter, he knew he would find himself in dangerous situations. He also knew he would have an opportunity to save lives. What he may not have imagined, though, was that the danger wouldn’t always come from fire, and humans wouldn’t be the only ones he rescued.
On Jan. 9 at about 2:30 p.m., the sheriff’s department got a call about a baby deer that was stuck on an icy pond behind the Vineyard neighbor-hood that backs up to Bronco Lane. Soon afterward, the Summerfield Fire Department was asked to assist.
“The deer was about 15 feet out in
the pond,” says Johnson, the fire de-partment’s chief. “It just couldn’t stand up and it was looking weak.”
Johnson didn’t hesitate long before deciding to bust the ice and wade into the water, hoping to get close enough to reach the deer with a long pole and help it get up. The deer kept falling, however, and that’s when Johnson de-cided to just go all the way out to it and carry it back to safety.
“My guys were chomping at the bit to go out there, but I didn’t want to put anyone else out there, so I made a call for myself to go. I know I broke some rules, but it was the right thing to do,” Johnson said. “I couldn’t stand by and watch that deer die on the ice.”
...continued on p. 30
Photo courtesy of Summerfield Fire Department
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3401 Martin Ave - Great multi-family invstmnt offering! Seller will finance! Excellent income! 1 fourplex, 2 duplexes, 2 single family houses. 4-plex and duplexes are contiguous on one parcel at 3401 Martin Ave. 2 single fam houses located at 611 Sykes Ave. and 1304 Elwell Ave. Call listing agent for showings and details. - $530,000 WEB ID #: 689469 Jeremiah Hawes 336-455-3997
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611 Mashie Dr - $519,900 - Incredible custom home with sce-nic golf course veiws! Gormet kitchen w/top of the line applc, granite c-tops, tile back splash, Deluxe mstr suite w/luxurious bath, stone gas fp. WEB ID #: 662678 Melissa Greer 336-337-5233
7648 Henson Forest Dr - $495,000 Beautifully appointed 4 BR/3.5 bath hm w/ bonus rm. Gorgeous kit opens to keeping rm with stone gas log frplce. ML master BR w/ lrg bath. LR/office with built-ins & double tray ceiling. 3-car garage. - WEB ID #: 687885 Mark Yost 336-707-6275
6310 Poplar Forest - $484,500 - Fabulous flexible floor plan! 4BR/4BA former Parade Home in Henson Forest, huge Mas-ter suite w/ sitting rm, over-the-top luxury in the master bath, two story den w/stone frplc, private back yard & much more. Must See! WEB ID #: 691784 Suzanne Rock 336-272-0151
3041 Forest Vale - $409,000 - Grand Home! Prime Location! 4BR, 4.5BA on 1.5 ac cul-de-sac. Fin. basement. Bonus, play-room, office space. Lots of updates. Northern schools. WEB ID #: 688626 Annette Joyce 336-382-8629
2700 Lunsford Rd - $442,500 - Beautiful 4BR/3.5BA, 1.5 Story Brick home on 1.04 ac in Lochmere Subdivison! Master w/fireplace, Meticulously maintained, Excellent school dis-trict! Great yard for a pool! Professionally decorated! WEB ID #: 685214 Jacqeline Worsham 336-937-2616
8501 Hudon James - $349,900 - 5.12 acre mini-farm, 3300+ sq.ft 3BR/3.5BA Home, Barn, workshop, fenced yard, NW Schools WEB ID #: 677897 Annette Joyce 336-382-8629
138 Hush Hickory - $275,000 - 4BR/4BA on .92 acres. Mstr on main. Addl potential master on 2nd. Office, XL Bonus rm. Hrdwds & tile. Rocking chair porch w/ceiling fans WEB ID #: 670700 Annette Joyce 336-382-8629
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5003 Hiddenbrook Ct - $134,900 - Charming 3BR/2BA All-Brick Ranch on quiet cul-de-sac & .45 acre lot. Open den/kit features gas log frplc w/brick surround/hearth & 2 skylights. Formal LR/DR, brick patio, 1-car garage WEB ID #: 690887 Waban Carter 336-601-6363
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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 JAN. 17 - 23, 2014 3
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NEWS in brief
...continued on p. 6
Stantliff honored for 50 years of serviceSUMMERFIELD – Friends, family members and fellow fire-fighters attended the Jan. 14 town council meeting to public-ly honor Troy Stantliff, who was presented with a proclamation in appreciation of 50 years of service to Summerfield.
Former Mayor Mark Brown, who assisted in pre-senting the proclamation, said he had joined the fire depart-ment in 1969 when he was 18 years old, and had served with Stantliff for several years after that. Stantliff was some-one that all the “kids” in the department looked up to, Brown said.
“Fifty years of serving the Town of Summerfield is a true dedication,” said Fire Chief Chris Johnson, who also helped present the proclamation. “That is 50 years of time away from family. He’s missed birthdays, anniversaries, and everything to make this the best fire
department in Guilford County.”
Stantliff joined the Summerfield Fire Department on Jan. 28, 1964, and rose to the rank of deputy chief. He served on Summerfield Fire District’s board of direc-tors for 36 years, 33 of which were as presi-dent. He makes it clear that his service to the department will not end at his official 50-years-of-service mark on Jan. 28.
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at Northwest Middle School
Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO
Troy Stantliff, with wife Betty beside him, was honored at the Jan. 14 town council meeting for 50 years of service with the Summerfield Fire Department.
Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO
Mitchell Fuchs spends time at the new dog park with his poodle-mix, Shane and new acquaintance, Charlie, a black lab.
Who let the dogs in? The town did!OAK RIDGE – Local dogs and their own-ers have a lot to be happy about these days. The dog park at Oak Ridge Town Park is officially open and area canines are having a great time frolicking among the trees with their furry friends.
“This park adds a whole different di-mension to a dog’s life,” says Rita Maloy as she watches her dog, Punch, race through the park after another dog.
Maloy, who resides in Summerfield, jokingly refers to herself as “part of the
4 JAN. 17 - 23, 2014 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
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During all the recent rainy weather, I was concerned at the number of cars that didn’t
have their headlights on. I thought it was a state law that when your wind-shield wipers were on, the headlights must be on also. Is this true? If so, is the law really being enforced?
You’re correct. The N.C. General Statute 20-129 requires the use of headlights
while operating windshield wipers during inclement weather.
Amended by the N.C. General Assembly in 1990, this section of the statute reads that headlights must be turned on “when windshield wipers are in use as a result of smoke, fog, rain, sleet, or snow, or when inclem-ent weather or environmental factors severely reduce the ability to clearly discern persons and vehicles on the street and highway at a distance of 500 feet ahead.”
This law does not apply when wind-shield wipers are used intermittently in misting rain, sleet, or snow.
Unfortunately, while this is a law that increases safety during harsh driving conditions, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of bite to it.
The law went into effect on Oct. 1, 1990. At that point until Dec. 31, 1991, drivers who disobeyed the law received
a warning violation. Currently, the fine is a mere $5. No court costs or insurance points are involved.
As far as actual enforcement is con-cerned, Sergeant Paul Clark of the N.C. Highway Patrol says his organization is responsible for enforcing all abuses of the law. However, there are no records or stats available that show how many citations have been written regard-ing this violation. “There is a law on the books but I can’t tell who is or isn’t
enforcing it,” Clark says.
Lt. Cameron Piner of the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office says that the county doesn’t have a breakdown of these violations either. He did point out that other situations might impede an officer from enforcing this particular charge. “Inclement weather typically is a time when we get increased calls for service, so a lot of the officers are tied up on or are on their way to other po-tentially more serious calls,” says Piner.
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Although it’s a law in North Carolina for vehicles to have their headlights on in the rain, many drivers do not use their headlights when driving in inclement weather.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 JAN. 17 - 23, 2014 5
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Are there any plans to bring more fast food restaurants to Oak Ridge Commons anytime
soon? I’d love to see a Chick-fil-A or Taco Bell.
Philip Cooke, a partner with Weyhill Commerical, LLC, which manages Oak Ridge
Commons, says that his company is “always out in the market, talking to anybody who wants to talk to us.”
Cooke says Weyhill has talked exten-sively with Bojangles’, the popular N.C. grown chicken and biscuit franchise. However, at this point no decisions have been made as to whether Bojangles’ will establish a location in Oak Ridge.
Cooke is often asked about the pos-sibility of a Chick-fil-A, but is not opti-mistic about that happening any time soon.
“Chick-fil-A is always on our radar but unfortunately Oak Ridge isn’t on their radar,” says Cooke. “They look for more urban, high-traffic sites.”
As for Taco Bell, Cooke says there’s been no contact with that company.
Late last summer, Time Warner installed cable at one of the homes on Lee’s Ridge
Road, a paved state-maintained road. The installers had to run a cable under the road to make their connection to a cable box.
There’s still a hump, similar to a small speed bump, where they drilled under the road. I feel this hump will de-teriorate over time and need repairing.
Since the installers did not do their work correctly, should Time Warner be required to fix this or is it the responsi-bility of DOT? Should taxpayers have to pay for work that should have been done correctly the first time?
According to Darrell Ferguson, a district engineer with NCDOT, the responsibility for
repairing the road in this case lies with Time Warner.
“We’ve contacted Time Warner and they are going to investigate the prob-lem,” says Ferguson. “They are respon-sible for making the repair and we’ll stay after them until they do.”
In order to make an installation within the right-of-way, Time Warner or any utility company must be issued permission from the DOT for an en-croachment. “If Time Warner doesn’t fix (this problem), we can withhold future encroachments,” says Ferguson.
For quite some time the traffic light at Strawberry Road and US 220 North in
Summerfield was ‘set’ so that when there was a lull in south/northbound traffic, the light changed to green for Strawberry Road vehicles. Also, the Strawberry Road light stayed green
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longer every other time so more traffic could exit onto US 220.
In the past two months or so, the light setup has been changed. Just this morn-ing on the way to church there was no traffic on US 220, but the “Strawberry light” stayed red; then, when US 220 traffic started again, the Strawberry light turned green.
Several times with no traffic com-ing, many of us have gone through the red light. I feel sure with the construc-tion work on the highway and the need to temporarily change the lights, not changing them back was an oversight.
Is there someone to call about get-ting the previous setup back in place?
Kris Lorenz, senior assistant resident engineer in the DOT’s Greensboro office, has agreed
to investigate the timing of the traffic light at Strawberry Road and US 220. We’ll report back to you as soon as we have an answer.
6 JAN. 17 - 23, 2014 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
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Thanks to advertising in the Northwest Observer classifieds, we’ve grown our staff with new talented individuals from our community. Our advertising program in the NWO works!
NEWS in brief ...continued from p. 3
nagging committee” that kept asking the town for this type of facility.
“I’ve watched with great anticipation as it’s been built and I think it’s abso-lutely fabulous,” she says.
Mitchell Fuchs of Kernersville, who has taken his dog, Shane, to a number of different dog parks, agrees with Maloy.
“Having this (facility) is great. People are very appreciative that it’s here,” he says.
Located near the park’s playground, the dog park encompasses roughly 1.5 wooded acres. There are two separate enclosed areas – one for large dogs and another for small breeds. Although there are water fountains for both dogs and hu-mans, the water is turned off for the winter to avoid the chance of pipes freezing.
A grand opening celebration will take place in the spring when the weather is warmer.
“Booze It & Lose It” campaign results in 3,164 DWI arrestsRALEIGH – Law enforcement officers across the state arrested 3,164 people for driving drunk during the Holiday “Booze It & Lose It” campaign, which ran from Dec. 13, 2013, to Jan. 5.
“We thank the law enforcement officers who worked tirelessly to keep our roads safe while families and friends gathered together over the holidays,” said Don Nail, director of the NC Gover-nor’s Highway Safety Program. “Our ef-forts to keep those who travel on North Carolina highways safe will continue each and every day, until we reach our goal of zero highway fatalities.”
The top five counties for DWI arrests during the Holiday “Booze It & Lose It” campaign include: Wake County with
329 DWI arrests; Mecklenburg County with 261 DWI arrests; Guilford County with 197 DWI arrests; Forsyth County with 157 DWI arrests; and Cumberland County with 103 DWI arrests.
In addition to DWI arrests, local and state law enforcement officers issued 116,423 traffic and criminal citations statewide; 6,285 safety belt and 1,086 child passenger safety violations; 32,737 speeding violations and 4,042 drug charges. In addition, they apprehended 3,232 fugitives from justice and recov-ered 190 stolen vehicles.
For more information regarding “Booze It & Lose It” activities and county totals, visit the www.ncdot.gov/programs/GHSP/.
EPA recommends testing homes for radon gasUNITED STATES – As Americans across the country look for ways to improve their health this new year, the U.S. En-vironmental Protection Agency (EPA) is highlighting radon testing and mitigation as a simple and affordable step to sig-nificantly reduce the risk for lung cancer. Radon is a natural colorless, odorless
radioactive gas, and is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
“Testing for radon is an easy and affordable way to protect your family’s health,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. ”Radon is a radioactive gas
...continued on p. 14
For many people, what’s even harder than finding the willpower to exercise is finding a place where they feel comfortable exercising.
At SNAP Fitness in Oak Ridge, you won’t find a smelly, crowded gym with wait times for equipment. The intimate atmosphere allows your workouts to be more focused and ef-fective, along with the leadership of a friendly and professional team.
Owners Kimberly Stoll and Paul Benz became members of the gym in 2011 when they moved to Oak Ridge. After learning the gym was for sale, the couple bought the gym this past November from the previous owners who moved out of state.
“We really liked the franchise concept, and when we heard it was for sale we were excited about the opportunity,” Kimberly says. In the last few months Kimberly and Paul have remodeled, purchased new equipment, and added their personal touch to the gym where members feel like family.
Any business is only as good as its team of employees, and SNAP has a talented team of professionals who bring enthusiasm, knowledge of exer-cise science and motivational support to the club’s members.
Club manager Denise Gann is a certified personal trainer, spin and aquatics instructor, and nutrition and weight management consultant. With a passion for fitness and an abun-dance of energy, she has a knack for helping members achieve their fitness and weight loss goals.
Wyatt Cox is working toward a de-
gree in physical education. Kimberly says Wyatt displays genuine southern hospitality, and has earned a special place in the hearts of club members as he teaches them the art of exercise and using the equipment properly.
Finding the time and discipline to exercise consistently is a struggle for many of us, and that’s where a person-al trainer can make all the difference.
Stoll herself is a testimony to the benefit of a trainer. “I need that ac-countability partner, because that’s when I work out the most and get the best results out of it.”
Jamaal Johnson, one of the club’s trainers, has worked in sports medicine for 12 years, and adds “a spicy mix of faith-based principles and comedy to our SNAP family,” says Kimberly. Ja-maal stresses to his clients the impor-tance of setting short-term goals, then celebrating when they achieve them and go on to set new goals.
Jovan Williamson, another of the club’s trainers, offers a background in athletic coaching and a degree in exer-
cise science and human performance. An enthusiast at heart, Williamson’s philosophy is “progress is a process.”
John Atkins is a SNAP success story. He works in Stokesdale and ex-ercises at the gym each morning and evening before going home to Stonev-ille. Atkins worked out on his own for the first few months, before teaming up with Williamson. Over the last five months he has lost 56 pounds and six inches from his waistline.
As a member of SNAP, you’ll have access seven days a week, 24 hours a day to not only the SNAP in Oak Ridge, but over 1,400 SNAP Fitness locations worldwide, all at the swipe of your electronic key card.
Once you’ve joined the SNAP family, you’ll receive a fitness score, a personal webpage for tracking your progress, and a ‘’Basic 8” workout. The workout includes an introduction to eight different pieces of equipment, with guidance from a personal trainer on how to properly use the machines and prevent injuries.
Join SNAP on Jan. 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to celebrate their grand re-opening with prizes & refresh-ments. It’s a great time to become a SNAP member – join now and not only will the standard enrollment fee be waived, but you’ll also get two free personal training sessions.
SNAP Fitness of Oak RidgeGrand RE-opening on Jan. 18
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Paul Benz and Kimberly Stoll owners
Denise Gann club manager
Wyatt Cox evening staff
Jovan Williamson personal trainer
Jamaal Johnson personal trainer
8 JAN. 17 - 23, 2014 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
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In last week’s issue we shared some of the comments we received from read-ers when we asked about their personal experiences with and opinions about the much-debated Affordable Care Act. As always, we thank those who took the time to respond, and in this issue we offer a second round of feedback we’ve received on this topic.
• • •
“From a business perspective, there’s nothing ‘affordable’ about a $1 billion incomplete and faulty website development linked to a mismanaged federal government mandate that was crammed down our throats. Obam-acare, from any clear thinking perspec-tive, has been an abject failure and is failing at an accelerated rate. This unpopular and unnecessary train wreck is a colossal waste of taxpayer money and is in the process of causing long-term pain and suffering to those forced to comply with it. The confused state of design and development, inherent security flaws, non-existent reimburse-ment plans, poor marketing and lousy administration all make this a total disaster that needs to be stopped and reconsidered before further permanent damage is done to our economy.”
William H. Edwards, Oak Ridge
“Our daughter lost her insurance due to the ACA. Her employer, a major U.S. company, reduced the majority of its em-ployees’ hours to part time to avoid the higher costs of having to comply with the ACA. Amber was not allowed to keep her existing policy as the president promised. She now has to find her own insurance that meets the ACA requirements, which is too expensive for her to afford. She’s told that she will get tax credits at the end of the year, but if you can’t afford to pay for it each month and still pay all
your other bills to survive what good does that do you? Kay Hagan’s office actually told her that no one has lost their insur-ance coverage due to the ACA.
“The part of the ACA where people cannot be denied coverage for pre-existing conditions is great. It should have included a stipulation that the insurance companies cannot put a price on cover-age so high that it’s unaffordable. That part is missing. And that should have been the entire law. Both Democrats and Republicans would have signed that bill.
“If the government wanted to get further involved, they should have focused on ways to control medical insurance premiums, the cost of medi-cal services, and prescription drug costs. The government could have implement-ed an improved health care process only for low income earners that would opt in to receive a credit that could be used for medical expenses or to offset premiums. They chose to get into the business of dictating what people have to buy with-out providing a means to do it. That is not the solution.”
Mike Stone, Oak Ridge
“As a healthy, young professional who buys my own insurance, I rely on a low monthly premium. In November, I re-ceived a letter from my insurance provider offering a new ACA-compliant policy that I would automatically be enrolled in at the end of the year. The plan’s coverage was similar to my current one, except my new ‘affordable’ policy would cost me almost three times as much.
“In early December, I received a second letter announcing I could keep my current plan – at least through 2014 – with a more digestible increase in cost. I would ordinar-ily be outraged at a 15 percent increase in my premium, but found myself relieved.”
Sean Gentile, Greensboro
We asked, you answered:
Affordable Care Act
...continued on p. 9
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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 JAN. 17 - 23, 2014 9
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R E C R A F T E D
1 W I N N E R
7 D E S I G N E R S
7 READY-TO-WEAR COLLECTIONS
1B I G N I G H T O F
F A S H I O N
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 at the Elm Street Center, Downtown Greensboro
Buy tickets at goodwillrocktherunway.orgProceeds benefit Triad Goodwill
“To be a great country we have to help take care of our people. As with any massive undertaking, there are expected to be some hiccups and growing pains, but overall, I’ve heard positive responses, especially from those who needed this care and coverage the most. I feel it is my duty, as a good citizen, to help support the larger community, just as I do with paying for schools when I don’t have any children. I have been very lucky to have always had insurance coverage, either through my job, my parents or my husband. I have been lucky in that I am healthy and have no “pre-existing” conditions. I have never undervalued either of these. I feel it is also my duty to take the best care of my health that I can. I don’t smoke, I wear my seatbelt when I’m in a car, I exercise and I eat healthy plant-based whole foods (no processed, fast foods or meat/eggs/dairy). We need to take care of each other and ourselves too. “
Tony Cooler, Oak Ridge
“The Health Insurance Marketplace Exchange was supposed to involve
more carriers than BCBS and Coventry. Coventry is a small piece of the pie com-pared to BCBS. Some providers ques-tion whether or not we are headed to a one-payer system in North Carolina in the near future. There are just so many “what if” questions out there right now. We won’t know those answers until things unfold next year.
“I have switched my group BCBS plan over to individual BCBS plans through the Marketplace Exchange. This was a pain-ful process for my insurance agent’s staff. I was part of this process twice and both times we worked on my application for at least 40 minutes. She kept getting a dif-ferent answer each time she spoke with a representative. Interesting enough, these plans thus far are cheaper than our cur-rent group BCBS plan. I hope that other small business owners find this to be the same for them.
“Unfortunately, many constituents with reinstated cancelled insurance plans have run into increased premi-ums. These folks have had to weigh
whether to accept the new premiums or go through the Marketplace exchange. Many have opted for the latter. Time is going to tell how obtaining insurance through the exchange is going to affect medical access in 2014.”
Shawn Dalton-Bethea, MD, Reidsville
“As a financial representative with Woodmen of the World, I’ve been work-ing with people since September to help them figure out the best plan. Because there are so many unanswered questions and changes occurring on a weekly ba-sis, it’s very difficult to determine what’s best. Health insurance is actually a small part of my business, but that’s where I’ve been spending all of my time.
“A lot of people may qualify for the plan under the government system where they get a subsidy but then they find out their doctors won’t take a plan. On the other hand, the plans that tend to be more affordable have high deductibles of $3,000, $4,000 and $5,000 a year.
“I have people opting to pay the
government penalty rather than buy insurance that they can’t afford or that really won’t do them any good because of the high deductibles.
“Originally, people thought they had to go through the government to get health care but that’s not true. You can buy insurance anywhere you want and often you can get as good, if not a better deal.
“One thing’s for sure, with the Afford-able Care Act, people are spending a lot more money than they need to. The goal, which was a good one, is to make sure health insurance is available to anyone who wants or needs it. Unfortunately, the government didn’t figure out the high cost of doing that before implementing the plan.
“I recommend that anyone with questions consult a professional to see what their best options are. They can also go to the Kaiser Family Foundation website, kff.org for some impartial infor-mation on health insurance issues.”
Greensboro: 312 Dougherty St • 574-2755Winston-Salem: 1079 Hanes Mall Blvd • 765-2977
Area residents we talked to were excited about having access to these fresh donuts and pastries offered by the newly opened Granny’s Donuts.
Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO
Oak Ridge Elementary supports one of its own
Granny’s Donuts is finally open
raise money for the Murray family. Jessica has touched the lives of so many Oak Ridge and Summerfield families and now it is time to give back to her.
Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Murray family can buy a Breast Cancer Awareness T-shirt in support of Jessica Murray. The shirts can be purchased online at the PTO’s website, orespto.com, for $15 each. They will be hand delivered to supporters in the beginning of February.
Contributed by Melissa Stallings, PTO president
Jessica Murray is a mom just like all the other moms. She dotes on her chil-dren, helps them with homework, runs them to and from afterschool programs, tucks them into bed every night, all the while balancing her role as a full-time mom with being a full-time Guilford County public school teacher. She has taught hundreds, if not thousands of children in Guilford County since she began teaching in 1999.
But now, Jessica Murray is adding a new ball to her already crowded juggling act – she is undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Diagnosed in Novem-ber 2013, this vibrant and active third grade teacher at Oak Ridge Elementary School is in the middle of a battle. Hav-ing undergone two surgeries recently and facing chemotherapy as well as ra-diation treatments, her world has been completely turned upside down.
Her fellow staff members and the school’s PTO are doing all they can to
OAK RIDGE – After over a year’s wait, Granny’s Donuts and Bakery opened its doors on Tuesday, Jan. 14, and already has a fan base.
“I’ve been waiting every day for (Granny’s) to open,” says Chris Van Vlack of Oak Ridge. “The men in our walking club have come by every day to see if the place is open. This is a big deal!”
Van Vlack has been a patron of the Granny’s in Kernersville and is thrilled to have one open close by – so much so that he spent the morning calling people to let them know the Oak Ridge
location has opened. Andy Sek, owner of Granny’s in Oak
Ridge and in three other Triad loca-tions, says that he “really, really wanted to open” before now. Complications with trying to establish two new stores at the same time, combined with a back injury that he sustained, delayed the Oak Ridge store, he said.
Granny’s is located behind the Village Store/Shell station near the corner of NC 68/150. It offers a complete assortment of donuts and other baked goods, along with coffees and soft drinks.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 JAN. 17 - 23, 2014 13
Nothing says lovin’ like a full belly! Continue to show your support on Feb. 22 at the Fatz Café, located at 619 S. Regional Road, for a pancake breakfast. Due to the popularity of this event, tickets are on sale now in one-hour increments of time. Choose your favorite hour to eat pancakes, celebrate the love of Mrs. Mur-ray and leave with the warm feeling in your heart that you have helped a local
family keep up the fight. Tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased at orespto.com (a second date will be avail-able if this date sells out).
The Oak Ridge Youth Association will host its own pancake breakfast on Satur-day, Feb. 8 at JP Looneys in Oak Ridge with a percentage of proceeds benefitting the Murray family. Visit the Youth Associ-ation’s website, orya.org, for more details.
Five generations call Oak Ridge homeThe Tucker
family goes back a long way in Oak Ridge, starting with Addison Tucker whose farm was located near the crossroads of NC 68 and Edge-field Road. Today five generations of his descendants re-side in Oak Ridge or nearby Colfax.
Until about a year ago, most of the family still lived on the fam-ily farm. When it was purchased by DOT, the family matriarch, Geneva Tucker, 93, and her daughter, Nancy Tuttle, 70, moved to a new home in Ashton Park. Tuttle’s daughter, Sheila Hauger, 50, and granddaughter, Jade Weaver, 23, soon followed.
Hauger’s other daughter, Lauren, 27, lives with her husband Ben in nearby Colfax.
The youngest generation of the Tucker clan includes five-month-old Berkley Weaver and the Donnalley children, Blake, 4, Jack, 2, and Ella, 7 weeks.
Having lived together on what Tuttle jokingly refers to as the “family com-
pound” for so long, it was natural to build homes close together.
“We’re a small, very close family and we get together every day,” says Tuttle, who is the caregiver for her mother.
With the exception of Tucker, the entire family attends Central Baptist Church in Oak Ridge. Tuttle says that although her mother has been unable to attend church because of health issues, she is the oldest member of Northwest Baptist Church, located on Edgefield Road.
Five generations of the Tucker family of Oak Ridge. Seated on floor, Blake Donnalley. First row, Lauren Donnalley holding Jack and Ella, Geneva Tucker, Jade Weaver holding Berkley. Back row, Sheila Hauger and Nancy Tuttle.
14 JAN. 17 - 23, 2014 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
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that can be found in homes all across the country; the only way know if your home has high levels is to test it.”
Part of EPA’s radon action campaign is to remind people to “Test, Fix, Save a Life,” and to recognize every January as radon action month.
All homes with or without basements should be tested for radon. Affordable Do-It-Yourself radon test kits are avail-able online and at home improvement and hardware stores, or you can hire a qualified radon tester.
EPA recommends taking action to fix radon levels at or above 4 picoCuries per Liter (pCi/L) and contacting a quali-fied radon-reduction contractor. In most cases, a system with a vent pipe and fan is used to reduce radon. Addressing high radon levels often costs the same as other minor home repairs.
Each year, 21,000 Americans die from radon-related lung cancer. By fixing elevated levels in your home, you can help prevent lung cancer while creating a healthier home for you and your family.
Radon test results are a positive selling point for those putting a house on the market and in many areas is a required part of real estate transac-tions. In addition, if you are looking to build a new home, there are now safer and healthier radon-resistant construc-tion techniques that home buyers can discuss with builders to prevent this health hazard.
More information on how to test, find a qualified radon professional, obtain a test kit or contact our state’s radon office is available online at www.epa.gov/radon or by calling 1-800-SOS-RADON.
NEWS in brief ...continued from p. 6
OAK RIDGE – In 2008, Oak Ridge received a $500,000 matching Parks and Recreational Trust Fund (PARTF) grant, which it used to develop Phase I of the town park. That phase included baseball/softball and multipurpose fields, a large playground, concession/restroom building, two picnic shelters, paved walk-ing paths, sidewalks and parking.
Additional features and necessities have been added over the years, includ-ing a maintenance/storage building, dog park, two water gardens, an aerating pond fountain, picnic tables, paved trail-heads, mountain bike trails, nature trails, pedestrian bridges and horseshoe pits.
In response to the park’s popularity and citizen requests, the town now plans to apply for another PARTF grant to develop the first part of Phase II.
At the Jan. 9 town council meeting, Parks and Recreation Commission Chair-man Bill Edwards presented a detailed outline of what the first part of Phase II would include, along with associated costs. Since available PARTF funding is considerably less than six years ago, the commission plans to break Phase II down into two separate PARTF requests, begin-ning in 2014 with Phase IIA.
Four main items are proposed for Phase IIA: a performance pavilion/am-phitheater, additional restroom facility, additional paved parking and a small playground suitable for younger children.
The Music in the Park and Movies in the Park events that were held in the park for the first time last year were extremely popular, Edwards said, and were attended by 200 to 300 or more people each time.
Town to apply for $198,000 grant for Phase II of town park A performance stage/pavilion would offer
a better entertainment venue for these types of events, and at an estimated cost of $90,000, Edwards said the money would be well spent and would eliminate the need for assembling and disassem-bling portable stages and move heavy picnic tables for each performance.
Over half of the Oak Ridge citizens who responded to a parks and recre-ational needs survey in 2012 said they would like to see more restrooms. The commission estimates the cost of an ad-ditional facility at $80,000.
Fifty additional parking spaces near the Redmon field would cost $58,000 and provide access to Shelter 2, which is underutilized, as well as overflow park-ing for large events.
And finally, an auxiliary playground would reduce congestion at the main playground and provide playground
equipment specifically geared to younger children. The estimated cost of the playground is $50,000.
Total cost projection for the above items and site preparation, water, septic and electric utilities is $396,513, and the commission is requesting the town budget for half of that, or $198,000, in its FY 2014/2015 budget. The PARTF grant application deadline is Jan. 31, and the town will hear in either May or August as to whether it has been awarded a matching grant.
If the town is awarded the grant, the commission hopes to solicit and award construction bids this fall, begin con-struction in Spring 2015 and complete it in Fall 2015.
Once completed, the commission will turn its attention to Phase IIB of the park, which it proposes would include six lighted tennis courts.
Carpet Super Mart owners Arthur Jordan (left), and Joyce and Ronnie Mobley enjoy running a family-owned business that not only meets, but exceeds their customers’ expectations.
Family-owned and operated since 1977It’s been almost 40 years since A.C. and Mildred Jordan opened the doors to their family-owned and operated business, Carpet Super Mart. The company that started small but with a big dream has found ways to thrive even during some of the most trying economic times, while expanding its flooring product line to serve the needs of its customers.
Before opening their store, A.C. had spent his career as a traveling salesman for carpet. “He and Mom decided they were tired of him being on the road and they felt there was an opportunity to have a really nice floor-ing store in Greensboro,” recalls their son, Arthur Jordan.
Arthur was a business major at Ap-palachian State University when his father approached him about partner-ing to open a retail carpet business.
“I didn’t know much about the ‘fuzzy stuff’ back then,” says Arthur, a Summerfield resident. “I went to work for my father’s friend and learned everything I could about the business including design, installation, inven-tory and marketing.”
As the business grew, Arthur’s sis-ter, Joyce, and her husband, Ronnie Mobley, who also live in Summerfield, joined the company. Arthur, Joyce and Ronnie are now the owners of Carpet Super Mart, with Joyce serving as sec-retary/treasurer and Ronnie oversee-ing installation. Arthur’s youngest son Clayton, 23, is involved with sales and
Carpet Super Martmarketing. Mildred is no longer living but A.C., who is retired, still drops in occasionally.
The sense of family extends from the management throughout the entire employee base. Most of the employ-ees, including full-time and contract installers, have a longevity with the company not often found these days.
“All of our salespeople have been with us between 14 and 29 years. We have six installers on the payroll and our sub-contractors have worked with us long enough that they know what we expect and are more than willing to meet the high standards that we require.”
With so many small, locally-owned businesses being gobbled up by huge conglomerates – or going under – stores like Carpet Super Mart are a rarity. So just what is the key to this company’s long-term success? Arthur attributes it to a combination of fam-ily, loyal, highly-invested employees, and an extraordinary commitment to
customer service and satisfaction.
With over 42,000 square feet of show-room and warehouse space, Carpet Super Mart carries all types of flooring including carpet, vinyl, ceramic, hard-woods, laminate and area rugs.
With such an extensive inventory of flooring products, it can be a little overwhelming to walk into the show-room and survey the seemingly end-less choices. This is one of the ways in which Carpet Super Mart sets itself apart from the competition.
“We spend a lot of time educating our salespeople and they in turn pass this information to our customers,” says Arthur. “We’re not willing to sell our cus-tomers a product simply to make a sale. When someone comes into our store, we take the time to find out what they really need. We ask questions about their lifestyle and their preferences. By doing this, we’re able to assure that they will be happy with the final result.”
Further confirming its status as a high-
quality supplier, Carpet Super Mart is one of only 250 stores in the entire country – and the only one in the Triad – to be designated as a Stainmaster flooring center. A store must be select-ed by this yarn manufacturer in order to obtain this coveted designation.
The Stainmaster designation is not only an honor for the store, but an advantage for the customer. “All of the warranties on our Stainmaster carpets are much greater and last longer,” says Arthur.
Although the store takes up a lot of his time, Arthur, his wife Lynn and the Mobleys remain committed to making a difference in the world outside their business. They have been involved in GMA, the Builders Association, Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, First Christian in Kernersville, Meals on Wheels and Hospice of Greensboro, and have taken many trips to Guatema-la for mission work. Arthur also currently serves on the board of directors for the Greensboro Better Business Bureau.
The Jordans and Mobleys have a total of five children and four grandchil-dren between them, all of who have attended or are currently attending northwest-area schools.
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18 JAN. 17 - 23, 2014 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
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Her courtship with Ned just hit the two-year mark.
As someone who just spent a year on five different dat-ing sites, I certainly found the experience to be easy, as well as fun, interesting, and a new way to network.
It was also time-consuming, brutal, and risky.
The biggest drawback I found to looking for love in Guilford County was that the middle-age dating pool is more like a puddle. Kit Rodenbough, owner of Design Archives, was matched with her brother. Rita Parham, who lives near Sum-merfield, was matched with her ex-husband. Then I was matched with him. Parham never met anyone online she wanted to date but she did see someone she thought per-fect for a friend and introduced them. They dated for three years.
Spira recommends expanding your search to 1,000 miles. “Skype dates, FaceTime, and texting keep the spark of digital courtship alive until you can be together in the same city,” she writes.
Fifty miles is my limit. When I find a webcam that makes me look good, a hefty travel budget, and a lot more time, I’ll expand my search to Antarc-tica.
Attempts to contact someone online are often met with silence. It could be they’re no longer a paid subscriber. Or they’re just not into you. Or they’re scared and don’t really want to find love. Hey, there’s a bonus – it’s like you
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by JO MAEDER
Dating someone at work, church, or the gym can turn awkward if it doesn’t work out. Ditto being fixed up through friends. Online dating is now a viable, acceptable way to find love, especially when you’re older, the kids are grown, and the only time you meet new people may be when you shop.
“Over 40 million singles in the U.S. are looking for love on the internet. It’s never been easier,” claims Julie Spira, online dating expert and founder of CyberDatingExpert.com.
“The biggest advantage to online dating, other than trolling while my Lean Cuisine cooked,” says now coupled
Looking Online dating grows in
acceptance and popularity lovefor
never left junior high.
A new study by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Proj-ect says that one in 10 Americans have used an online dating site or mobile dating app and 23 percent of those people have met a spouse or long-term partner through these sites.
“Public attitudes toward online dating have become more positive in recent years, but many users also report negative experiences,” the folks at Pew write.
To protect not only your heart, but your investments, caution is advised. Scammers may present themselves as attractive widowers, or pretty young women, and insist on chatting (no monitoring by the site). Initially they re-spond in general terms because they’re using a script. Some want money or an
Karen Sommerfeld of Greensboro, “was that I met men I may not have other-wise tried to date. I’m speaking specifi-cally about the person I fell in love with.”
Readers of Sommerfield’s popular blog “Bye, Bye Pie!” know all about “Ned.”
“If I’d seen him across the room somewhere, I would have written him off as too normal. When we wrote online, I re-alized he was exactly who I was looking for: smart, funny, self-aware, kind, snarky, well-read,” writes Sommerfield.
Looking for love
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 JAN. 17 - 23, 2014 19
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escape from their country. Some are even the same gender as the victim and having fun. When receiving written communication with a new online pros-pect, ask yourself if the person could have sent the message to anyone.
Always, always Google your poten-tial date when you know his/her last name. Does the age on intellius.com or whitepages.com match what is on the profile? Is he/she on LinkedIn? In every aspect of life, an internet presence puts me at ease. No presence does not.
I believe in meeting someone as soon as possible if you think there’s a shot. Sommerfeld thinks “a good 10 to 20 email exchanges” is sufficient.
Another hazard peculiar to online dating is being hijacked. A friend had his profile photo used in someone else’s profile. I’ve found my photo used in ads for dating sites even though I thought only members could see it. If the site isn’t doing it, assume the people on the site are sharing your profile and mes-sages with friends and their children. That’s called “vetting” and you should be doing the same thing.
Use your head. If you get one whiff of a “hinky” feeling, it will only get hinkier. If you plan to meet your online friend, pick a public place. And when you leave, make sure they don’t follow you (though they probably already know where you live from Googling).
Without going on too much, make your profile more about you and less about what you’re looking for. You’re not speaking to a real estate broker. Always put a full body shot in your photos. Don’t put too many photos (self-absorbed) or those from your youth (save those for Facebook). Make sure the photos are recent. No one wants to be deceived from the start. It throws everything about you into question.
All profiles, to some extent, are fantasies. I knew one gentleman who, in his online description, talked about how great his kids were. The last time
we spoke he talked about how screwed up they were.
It’s natural to conjure a fantasy when we read someone’s profile. Un-fortunately, this is why most people don’t live up to our expectations. This also happens when we meet someone in person the first time, so it could be argued you initially know more about someone who you met online – other than the sound of his or her voice, table manners, and scent – all of which can be deal-breakers for me.
The cost of an online dating sub-scription varies. Figure anywhere from free to $60 a month depending on the length of the membership.
Though I’ve not renewed my online dating subscriptions, I did like the way I was kept in “flirt mode” while partici-pating. And when a friend fixed me up a while back with someone I really liked, I didn’t feel as vulnerable (after all, I had all these potential men waiting at home inside my computer). What hap-pened with my friend’s friend? He was still reeling from his divorce. Bad timing.
I do wish there were more singles events in our area. Until then, I’ll be do-ing a lot of grocery shopping on Friday and Saturday nights. If I see an attrac-tive male shopper not wearing a wed-ding band, he’s probably unattached and he can cook. A good place to start.
• • • • •
Jo Maeder, a self-described “scribe/story junkie,” was dubbed the “Rock and Roll Madame” during her days as a radio personality in South Florida and New York. She moved from the
Big Apple to Oak Ridge in 2003 to care for her ailing mother, and unknowingly began a three-year journey that transformed her life. Maeder has since authored the memoir When I Married My Mother and the novel Opposites Attack, and is working on her third book. When not writing, she loves to travel, read, and cook.
love Get. Be. Stay. Connected
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20 JAN. 17 - 23, 2014 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
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Submit your events online at
Click “community calendar” on the left-hand side
mark your calendar Carlotta Lytton, CPA, PC
Individual & Corporate Tax ReturnsSpecializing in Payroll & Accounting
zzFood Drive | Market America will host a food drive throughout January, with all donations benefiting the Servant Center Food Pantry. On Saturday, Jan. 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., donations will be collected at the fol-lowing locations: Deep Roots Market in Greensboro, 600 N. Eugene St., Food Lion at 2217 Fleming Rd. and Food Lion at 4709 Lawndale Dr. Donations will also be ac-cepted until Jan. 31, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Market America in Greensboro, 1302 Pleas-ant Ridge Rd. More info: call Katie Taylor, 478-4086.
SUNDAY, JAN. 19
zzAA Meeting | Stokesdale Christian Church, 8607 Stokesdale Street, holds weekly AA meetings on Sundays at 6:30 p.m. More info: call Dean Peterson at 392-6676.
MONDAY, JAN. 20
zzAA and Al-Anon Meetings | Community Lutheran Church of Summerfield, 4960 U.S. 220 N., will host an AA and Al-Anon meeting on Monday, Jan. 20 at 8 p.m. More info: call 643-7667.
TUESDAY, JAN. 21
zzTown Council meeting | The Stokesdale Town Coun-cil will hold its monthly meeting on Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. at the town hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. Among other business, the council is expected to vote on appointing a fifth member to serve the remaining two years of Randy Braswell’s council term. Braswell was elected in No-vember to a four-year term as mayor. To view a Jan. 21 meeting agenda, visit www.stokesdale.org.
zzGreensboro Airport Rotary Club | The Greensboro Airport Rotary Club meets every Tuesday from 7 to 8 a.m. at the Cardinal Golf & Country Club, 5400 Cardinal Way in Greensboro. More info: call Cory at 253-5353.
zzThe Kiwanis Club | The Kiwanis Club of Northwest Guilford will meet at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge. Lunch may be pur-chased; visitors are welcome. More info, contact Donna Ogletree, 485-1100 or [email protected].
Karen Nasisse, DVM(336) 643-8984
1692 NC 68N, Suite J, Oak Ridge
NorthwestAnimal Hospital
Compassionate,comprehensive,
state-of-the-art care
SummerfieldWed., Jan. 22 • 9 -10:30 amGolden Antiques & Treasures4537 US 220 N. (Battleground)
zzVeterans Of Foreign Wars | Northwest Guilford VFW Post 7999 will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road in Summerfield. More info: call Roy, 707-2451, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.vfw7999.blogspot.com.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22
zzPreservation Oak Ridge Meeting | Preservation Oak Ridge is a nonprofit group committed to preserving the historic structures of Oak Ridge. The group’s next meet-ing will be held on Jan. 22 at 5:15 p.m. at the Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Rd. This group is currently in-volved in the restoration of the historic Ai Church on N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge. More info: call Doug at 209-1999.
zzAA Meeting | Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, 2614 Oak Ridge Road, holds AA meetings on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. More info: call 643-3452.
THURSDAY, JAN. 23
zzStory Time | Every Thursday from 1:30 to 2 p.m. at the Benjamin Branch Library in Greensboro, 1530 Benjamin Parkway, story time will be held for children, featuring stories, songs and finger-plays.
View the complete, detailed
Community Calendar at nwobserver.com, and
check the Northwest Observer each week
for a selection of upcoming events
and fill in your detailsClick add your event
community calendar
On the left side, click
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22 JAN. 17 - 23, 2014 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
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Start content here if using a new section bar 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. Thanks, too, to the student reporters at Northern and Northwest who helped us compile these profiles.
STUDENT PROFILES
NORTHERN Wrestling
ALEX ROBERTS, sophomore
Hometown: GreensboroToughest class: LatinExtracurricular activities: EatingFavorite food: Chick-fil-A chicken sand-wichFavorite TV show: Breaking BadSiblings: YesBest vacation ever: Spring breakYears lived in Northern area: SevenDream job: Personal trainerInteresting/fun fact about yourself: I have dancing skills.Nickname: “Russel stover”Coach Scott Shaw’s comments: “Some kids in life just want to be good, but Alex desires to be great on the mat as well as off the mat. He has the work ethic and mentality to take him far in life. I am excited to see all the things he will accomplish in his lifetime.”
Favorite artist: Jake OwenFavorite movie: Fast and the FuriousSiblings: One older sister, KalenBest vacation: HawaiiYears lived in Northern area: My whole lifeDream Job: Nurse anesthetist Fun fact: I’m a member of the Triad Jeep ClubRole on the team: Captain Pre-meet ritual: Pray and cheerCoach Richard Swor’s comments: “Cole has been a true captain to the Northern swim team this year. Leading not only by example in practice but also as a role model for how the swimmers should act as students, athletes and community members. If the boys sprint events and relays are to be successful, a large part of that will be due to the swimming talent and leadership of Cole Quinn.”
NORTHWEST WrestlingALEC CLAUSEN, senior
Hometown: SummerfieldToughest class: Spanish 2Extracurricular activities: Wrestling and swimmingFavorite food: PizzaFavorite band: Red Hot Chili PeppersFavorite movie: The Blind SideAny siblings? YesBest vacation ever: Disney cruiseYears in northwest area: 7Dream job: Business ownerInteresting/fun fact about yourself: I
like to work out every day.Weight division:152/160 weight classPre-match ritual: Making sure the team is as hyped as I am and ready to go.Coach Ron Bare’s comments: “Alec put in a lot of time in the off season and worked hard to make himself a better wrestler.”
NORTHWEST CheerleadingBAILEY CLARK, senior
Hometown: StokesdaleToughest class: AP BiologyExtracurricular activities: YoungLifeFavorite food: PizzaFavorite band: One DirectionFavorite movie: The Heat or We’re The MillersAny siblings? Older sister, ChelseaBest vacation ever: Tokyo with Alicia PerryYears in northwest area: My whole lifeDream job: Physical therapyInteresting/fun fact about yourself: I’m double jointed and can twist my arm all the way aroundNickname? “Bay”Role on the team: Captain of varsity cheerleading team, back-spotPre-game superstitions: Can’t be video-taped when doing a stunt Coach’s comments: “Bailey is well respected by her teammates because of her hard work and her leadership.”
NORTHWEST Swim TeamKYLE ALDERSON, junior
Hometown: Oak RidgeToughest class: Honors Pre-CalculusExtracurricular activities: National
Technical Honors Society, basketball, snowboarding, wake-boarding, volun-teering and working. Favorite food: Apples and peanut butterFavorite band: Imagine DragonsFavorite movie: Top GunAny siblings? Older sisterBest vacation ever: Hawaii, Island of Kauai, where I learned to surf Years lived in the northwest area: 10 Dream job: Fighter pilot Interesting/fun fact about yourself: I used to be a lot heavier than I am nowRole on the team: Captain Coach Alex Wertz’s comments: “Kyle al-ways puts in 100 percent and is constant-ly looking for ways to improve himself. He always steps up to a challenge, and is a positive example to his teammates.”
NORTHWEST BasketballHUNTER NEWMAN, junior
Hometown: GreensboroToughest class: AP United States His-toryExtracurricular activities: Hanging out with family and friendsFavorite food: Macaroni and cheeseFavorite band: The WeekendFavorite movie: GreaseAny siblings? Older sister, Hayley and younger brother, John.Best vacation ever: Orlando, Fla.Years in northwest area: 8 Dream job: Spanish translator for corpo-rate companies or the governmentInteresting/fun fact about yourself: I love to shopNickname? “Hunt”Position on the team: Team captain, centerPre-game rituals: I listen to music be-fore a game.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 JAN. 17 - 23, 2014 23
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Cold temperatures, rain deter area lawbreakers
With officers in northwest Guilford County responding to only three inci-dents last week, crime appears to be on the decline in northwest Greensboro. However, Lt. Cameron Piner of the Dis-trict 1 Guilford County Sheriff’s Office says temperatures dipping into single digits and several successive days of rain may have been partly the reason that more people, including those with no regard for the law, stayed inside where it was warm and dry. Perhaps we’ve Mother Nature to thank for a safer northwest Guilford County. With that said, below are the incidents the District 1 office responded to last week.
THEFTJAN. 7 | A resident of Crestfield Road in Summerfield reported an unknown per-son broke into his home and stole mul-tiple electronic items, with a total value of $965. While investigating the theft, officers recovered paraphernalia from
the home and charged the complainant with possession of drug paraphernalia.
DRUGS JAN. 5 | A routine traffic stop on Carl-son Dairy Road in northwest Greensboro resulted in the driver being arrested for felony possession of a controlled sub-stance (prescription drugs).
JAN. 7 | A traffic stop on Beeson Road in Oak Ridge resulted in the driver being charged with a misdemeanor possession of marijuana. Another passenger in the car was also charged with resist, delay and obstructing a law enforcement officer.
Investigators seek leads in equipment theftSTOKESDALE – On Saturday, Jan. 11 at around 8:30 a.m., Steve Harrell reported to the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office that a storage building he uses for his business, located at 400 Lemons Rd. in Stokesdale, had been broken into and approximately $3,440 worth of power tools and equipment were stolen.
This theft is believed to have occurred between Jan. 5 at 6 p.m. and the time of this report.
Anyone with information about this break-in/theft is asked to call the Rock-ingham County Sheriff’s Office at (336) 634-3232 or Rockingham County Crime Stoppers at (336) 349-9683.
The District 1 Sheriff’s Officehas recently responded to the following incidents in northwest Guilford County.
ford County Sheriff’s Office to instantly update you about crimes, emergencies and other important information. All Alerts are delivered via e-mail and are also available via text message on your cell phone.
Citizen Alerts inform all registered users of public safety concerns in your area. The Alerts contain information about crime trends, descriptions of suspects, missing persons, as well as advice on personal safety, and how to safeguard property.
Business Alerts are targeted to spe-cific business types, so your business will receive information about crimes that are pertinent to your business type.
Case Alerts allow law enforcement to automatically disseminate informa-tion about open cases to all registered Citizen Observer users.
Watch Group Alerts allow law enforcement to send targeted alerts to specific neighborhoods with information about crimes that are happening in their immediate area.
Possibly the biggest benefit of the Alert Network is that it makes pos-sible two-way communication between law enforcement and the public. Law Enforcement can update citizens on situations that require their attention. And, when the public learns about fugitives, missing persons and unsolved cases, they can provide tips directly to the agency.
• • • • •
Want to sign up? Sign up to receive Citizen, Business,
and Neighborhood alerts by going to www.citizenobserver.com/registration.jsp.
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Need-to-know, fun-to-know and good-to-know info for northwest-area
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24 JAN. 17 - 23, 2014 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
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Don’t forget, it’s the maximum word count for your editorial350
Nine families have been given 90 days to move from a mobile home park located near the corner of US 220 and NC 150. A couple of the residents have leased the land their mobile homes are on for 20 to 40 years. For those living week-to-week, coming up with the money to move their belongings – and their mobile home – will be a hardship.
The mobile home park is located on a 15.66-acre tract owned by Ralph Gordon, LLC. It was listed for sale in November 2011, and tenants have been on a month-to-month lease for at least the last year.
Last month the Town of Summerfield entered into an agreement to purchase the property. Almost one month later, a newspaper article which stated that residents might have only seven days to vacate the mobile home park spread like wildfire after it was picked up by television stations. News crews have descended upon the town ever since, and people who have lived in Summerfield for de-cades and barely glanced at the mobile home park at the corner of US 220 and NC 150 have cried out in indignation.
The article had all the right ingredients for grabbing attention: government ... low-income tenants forced out of their homes ... the dead of winter ... insensitive landlord. If only headlines and news stories were written to inform rather than to inflame, and with whole truths and not half-truths.
Since the tenants were on a month-to-month lease, it is true that the property owner could have legally given them
as little as 7 days to vacate. Had the newspaper writer contacted the property owner, however, he would have known they were to be given 90 days.
I’m not insensitive to the financial and emotional bur-den that moving will place on the mobile home park tenants. But had the town forced the land owner to sell the property through condemnation, it would have been a horse of a different color – just as it would have been
had the seller been secretive about selling the property or the town been secretive about its intentions to purchase property.
The fact is, the land has been for sale for over two years and the town has publicly discussed purchasing property for much longer than that. It has also specifi-cally discussed purchasing property on or near Summerfield Road for over a year.
Someone was going to eventually buy this property, and it was very unlikely any-one would purchase it for several hundred thousand dollars and keep the mobile home park on it – the nine tenants on the property paid about $125 each month, so at $1,125 per month of income, offset by the expense of grounds maintenance and needed septic system repairs, it just doesn’t add up.
It is unfortunate that in this case ten-ants have to move. But that doesn’t justify exploiting them for the sake of a news story, nor does it justify blaming a willing property seller and a willing property buyer. It’s irresponsible at best, and it is exactly what gives “the media” a bad reputation.
Submit your editorials (maximum 350 words)e-mail: [email protected] name, phone number and community in which you live.
LETTERS/OPINIONS
Patti Stokespublisher/editor
Tractor-trailers in violationRegarding the concern of increased
FedEx Ground tractor-trailer traffic on secondary roads in northwest Guilford County.
Mr. Morgan’s observation and concern is quite evident and can been seen daily. The increase of FedEx tractor-trailers traveling through northwest Guilford County roads will only increase with the expansion of the Kernersville hub and Greensboro’s vi-sion of becoming a major logistics hub, until I-73 from Rockingham County to Bryan Boulevard is completed. A good percentage of their trucks observed are local units (tractor and one trailer) working out of the local hub. However, another major concern is the twin-trail-er units that come down from Interstate 81 in Virginia. These units en route to the Kernersville hub are traveling from I-81 in Roanoke, Va., down US 220 into North Carolina. Then to shorten their route miles and fuel use, are exit-ing off US 220 onto NC 68 through Oak Ridge to continue south to West
Market Street or, right onto NC 150 through the school district and on into Kernersville.
What most local residents may not know or understand is, once the twin-trailer units exit onto NC 68, the driver and FedEx (or any motor carrier operat-ing twin trailer units) are in violation of US DOT regulations and NC DOT gen-eral statutes involving STAA (Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982) Dimensioned Vehicles. Twin-trailer units (tractor and two trailers) are defined as STAA vehicles and are restricted from traveling NC 68, NC 150 and any sec-ondary road not approved by the NC DOT (state traffic engineer).
The NC DOT designates a network of highway routes throughout the state, with traffic safety as the overriding concern, for the use and travel of STAA dimensioned vehicles. These routes are published, so ignorance of the regula-tions by a motor carrier and/or com-mercial driver is no excuse.
Jackie Mabe, OAK RIDGE
War on poverty should not be over LBJ declared an unconditional war
on poverty over 50 years ago. When did the government declare a cease fire? One of the things that government should do is to try to eliminate involun-tary poverty. Of course the two political parties that rule our country would dis-agree on how to help poor people, but you think that they would at least try.
Religious and non-profit groups take in billions of dollars every year.
One of the goals of churches and charities should be to try and eliminate involuntary poverty. Unfortunately some religious leaders think that ‘’the poor will always be among us’’. I dis-agree.
Imagine if we lived in a world where everyone who wasn’t rich was in the middle class. Everyone would be better off.
Chuck Mann, GREENSBORO
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 JAN. 17 - 23, 2014 25
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Start content here if using a new section barDelighted or dismayed by something in your community?Share your thoughts in
40 words or lessonline: nwobserver.com
e-mail: grinsandgripes @nwobserver.comGrins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion.
GRINS to...�� All the Republicans for their non-
partisan suggestions and far-reaching legislation making healthcare (substitute immigration, unemployment, gun control, women’s equality, etc.) more workable, comprehensive and affordable! Wait! There are no suggestions? No plans? Make this a Gripe!�� My neighbors on Lawrence Road for
helping me when my water pipe burst. I was away and they took care of every-thing. I was very moved, and am so grate-ful to them. Bless you all.�� Our Peppermill Drive neighbor, con-
cerned enough to stop and ask if we had heat. The sleeping bags were from the car after our trip. “An unexpected kindness is the most powerful, and underrated, agent of human change.”�� Ms. Warren at Stokesdale Elementary
for dancing while directing traffic during drop-off. It always makes me smile! �� The Greensboro and northwest Guilford
communities, along with several local Chick-fil-A stores, for supporting the Red Cross Winter Days of Giving blood drives held at the Nussbaum Blood Center Dec. 18-28. �� The young lady in the white SUV who
took time and back-tracked on a very
cold, windy Jan. 7 to see if I needed help getting my trash out on Fox Meadow Drive (Oak Ridge). �� The Longhouse in Stokesdale. You have
catered our family Christmas party for the past three years. Not having to worry about cooking allowed us to enjoy our gather-ing. Eeron Dellosa is a wonderful chef who delivers great food, reasonably priced. �� Dr. Pincus, High Point ENT, for being
such a great doctor/surgeon and for be-ing so personable by talking to parents and their kids and making them feel comfortable. My son has never been healthier! All Pincus employees are car-ing, professional, sweet.�� The family in Stokesdale who decorat-
ed their yard and home in red and white for Christmas. The red candy canes were cute and the white “tree” was beautiful! I miss seeing them on my way home from work at night.�� StokeRidge Tavern for providing a fun,
decent after-hours place for adults to go without drama and for having the best Karaoke DJ ever (great enough to hire pri-vately for my 40th birthday). Jake, you’re the best!�� Dr. Sacks, Dr. Taylor and the special
Oak Ridge Animal Hospital staff for the wonderful care they gave our beloved Buddy. Their exceptional care gave us 15 extra months after others had given up. Our eternal gratitude to them.
GRIPES to...�� Daddy Duck (Phil Robertson), whose
downhome Redneck ways were amus-ing until they revealed not-so-funny racial prejudices. �� Whoever has been messing with the
weather. I used to enjoy the four seasons. Now there are 38 seasons at last count, each more extreme than the last! Will somebody please fix this???�� JP Looneys in Oak Ridge for not having
heaters outside in their smoking area – it’s cold! All other bars have them!
GRINS and GRIPES
1715 NC 68 N, Oak Ridge (336) 643-7684
Evaluation & orientationSaturday, Jan. 25 1-4pm
Every child must attend only one evaluation/ orientation in order to participate
Grades 1-8
Visit oakridgecbc.org/upward for more info
Dr. Philip McGowenDr. Stacey Blyth
LEBAUER PRIMARY CARE AT OAK RIDGE
Dr. Philip McGowen grew up in Arkansas and completed his residency in Family Medicine at Cone Health in 2004. A father of six, he enjoys
seeing patients of all ages but has a particular interest in pediatrics. He and his wife Katie live in Oak Ridge.
LeBauer at Oak Ridge1427-A Highway 68 N
LOCATION HOURS8am-5pm | Mon-Fri
(336) 644-6770
www.lebauer.com
Same-day appointments
Patient-centered care
Pediatric primary care
On-site lab & imaging
Referrals available with other LeBauer divisions
Electronic medical records MEDICAL GROUP
A Member Of
26 JAN. 17 - 23, 2014 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
EMPLOYMENT
DRIVERS: DEDICATED. Regional & OTR. Start up to $.44/mi + excellent benefi ts. 401K + bonuses. Excellent home time! CDL-A & 6 mos. exp. (877) 704-3773.
PART-TIME CUSTOMER SERVICE REP needed for in-bound call center. Must have good communication and customer service skills. Bilingual a plus. Five hours per day, 5 days per week. Great work environment. Send resume to PO Box 8135, Greensboro, NC 27419.
HOMECARE AVAILABLE
ELDERCARE AVAILABLE, part-time, fi ve years experience. (336) 643-5586.
ELDERCARE AVAILABLEExperienced with numerous home care services. References available. Wage & hours negotiable. (336) 707-5245.
SAVE THE DATE
ROCK THE RUNWAY, one big night of fashion, Friday, February 21, Goodwill on Elm Street, Downtown Greensboro. See display ad on page 9 for info, or purchase tickets at goodwillrocktherunway.org.
Somethinggoing on?
Tell northwest Guilford County
Place your Save the Date online at
YOUTH SPORTS
UPWARD Basketball & Cheerleadingevaluations, 1st-8th grade, January 25, 1-4pm, Central Baptist Church, Oak Ridge. See display ad on page 25.
FREE PICK-UP of mowers, batteries, AC’s, appliances, grills, etc. 689-4167.
ANA’S HOUSECLEANING. Good refer-ences, free est., 25 years exp. 309-0747.
CastleWorks WINDOW CLEANINGIncludes gutters, pressure washing, chande-liers and other high ladder work. Fully insured and bonded, free estimates. 609-0677. www.castleworkswindowcleaning.com.
CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Will clean to fi t your budget. Pet taxi/pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, 231-1838.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 JAN. 17 - 23, 2014 27
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HOME SERVICES
GUTTERS / WINDOWS / SIDING
MAYS SIDINGStorm damage, facia and siding repairs. 215-8776, www.mayssiding.com.
VINYL SIDING REPAIRS, vinyl railings & siding, replacement windows, gutter clean-ing and repair. Please call 215-8776 for your free estimate.
GUTTER CLEANING & LEAF GUARDS. 5 and 6” seamless gutters. Free estimates. Call Gary the Gutter Guy. (336) 345-6518. www.a1copperroofi ng.com.
LAWN CARE / LANDSCAPING
STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. Free est. Locally owned and operated. Lic/ins. 30 yrs. exp. Bucket truck & chipper, total cleanup. 24-hr. emergency svc. OR, NC. 643-1119.
WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Complete lawn care & landscaping. NC lic. irrigation contractor. 20 years exp. Hardscaping, fertilization & weed control. 399-7764.
CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICEComplete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, 643-9332. CarolinaStumpAndTreeServiceNC.com.
GREENERTIMES LAWN MAINTENANCE Free quotes and affordable prices. Dis-counts on 1-year contracts. (336) 312-3844 mobile or (336) 548-9286 offi ce.
facebook.com/NorthwestObserver
Get. Be. Stay. Connected.
HOME SERVICESONE GUY & A MACHINE LAWN CARE and hardscaping. Maintenance, design, paver patios, block walls, hedges trimmed, beds re-edged, pine needles, mulch, pres-sure washing, chemical applications, aer-ating. Licensed & insured. Free est. Call 382-4767. www.oneguyandamachine.com.
STUMP GRINDING – FREE ESTIMATESBig or small, we grind them all. 382-3860.
D & D LANDSCAPING & IRRIGATIONComplete landscaping services. Retaining walls & patios. Member BBB. NC licensed irrigation contractor. 312-2706.
LANDSCAPE SOLUTIONS13-year anniversary special. We will beat your current written price by 15% – guaran-teed! Call (336) 601-3796.
ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call 382-9875.
ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICETotal tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Bobcat work and more. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. Call Joe at 643-9157.
TLC LAWN CARELawn mowing, fertilization and weed con-trol. General cleanup. Affordable all-season lawn maintenance. (336) 681-0097.
AREA STUMP DUMP. Yard waste, con-crete, etc. Fill dirt available. 602-5820.
BUZZ CUTS LAWN & LANDSCAPE INC. Annual service agreements. Buzz, 509-6464.
MULCH, single-ground, $10 per 3-yard scoop. Tandem load delivered, $100 (about 10 yards). Oak Ridge area, 803-2195.
SOUTHERN STYLE CONCRETE and Landscape. It’s a perfect time to install a new stamped concrete patio with fi re pit for those cold winter nights, or to install a new driveway before the winter weather arrives. Call Tim for all your concrete needs. (336) 399-6619.
LiftMaster, Amarr, and all other brandsFree estimates • Insured • 10 years experience
JUNK REMOVAL – appliances, batteries, mowers, cars, electronics, trash removal, etc. Call about free junk removal, 423-3006.
AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIR and remod-eling. Providing electrical, plumbing, carpen-try, painting and handyman services. No job too big or too small. (336) 899-0772.
RESTORATION SPECIALISTS DELIVERING AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE
Furniture Repair & Refinishing
Instead of replacing, we can repair and restore your classic furniture to a like-new condition.
CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE
HOME SERVICES
ON EAGLE’S WINGS residential home de-sign/drafting. Call Patti, (336) 605-0519.
GAS LOGS, WOOD STOVES & INSERTS, fi replaces, sold, serviced and repaired. Call Don Hill, (336) 643-7183.
Tell our readers about your business! Classifi eds are just $4/line!
Place your ad online at www.nwobserver.com,
or call Laura, 644-7035, ext. 10.
PAINTING & DRYWALL
PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR, 32 years experience. Avg. size bedroom walls, $100. Sheetrock repair. Call Brad Rogers for your free estimate. (Local #) 314-3186.
STILL PERFECTION PAINTINGReliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pres-sure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, 462-3683 or stillperfectionpainting.com.
RIDDLE PAINTING
Specializing in interior painting, we take pride in our quality work
and personalized service
Residential InteriorsPressure Washing
Free estimates References available
(336) 402-4603Serving the Triad since 1998
PLUMBING
BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLARNo job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic/Ins. Call Mark for savings. 337-7924.
JDB PLUMBING. Repair, remodel, well pump. Lic/Ins. Accepts all major credit cards. Offi ce 656-0019, cell 382-6905.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 JAN. 17 - 23, 2014 27
...continued on p. 28
HOME SERVICES
GUTTERS / WINDOWS / SIDING
MAYS SIDINGStorm damage, facia and siding repairs. 215-8776, www.mayssiding.com.
VINYL SIDING REPAIRS, vinyl railings & siding, replacement windows, gutter clean-ing and repair. Please call 215-8776 for your free estimate.
GUTTER CLEANING & LEAF GUARDS. 5 and 6” seamless gutters. Free estimates. Call Gary the Gutter Guy. (336) 345-6518. www.a1copperroofi ng.com.
LAWN CARE / LANDSCAPING
STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. Free est. Locally owned and operated. Lic/ins. 30 yrs. exp. Bucket truck & chipper, total cleanup. 24-hr. emergency svc. OR, NC. 643-1119.
WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Complete lawn care & landscaping. NC lic. irrigation contractor. 20 years exp. Hardscaping, fertilization & weed control. 399-7764.
CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICEComplete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, 643-9332. CarolinaStumpAndTreeServiceNC.com.
GREENERTIMES LAWN MAINTENANCE Free quotes and affordable prices. Dis-counts on 1-year contracts. (336) 312-3844 mobile or (336) 548-9286 offi ce.
facebook.com/NorthwestObserver
Get. Be. Stay. Connected.
HOME SERVICESONE GUY & A MACHINE LAWN CARE and hardscaping. Maintenance, design, paver patios, block walls, hedges trimmed, beds re-edged, pine needles, mulch, pres-sure washing, chemical applications, aer-ating. Licensed & insured. Free est. Call 382-4767. www.oneguyandamachine.com.
STUMP GRINDING – FREE ESTIMATESBig or small, we grind them all. 382-3860.
D & D LANDSCAPING & IRRIGATIONComplete landscaping services. Retaining walls & patios. Member BBB. NC licensed irrigation contractor. 312-2706.
LANDSCAPE SOLUTIONS13-year anniversary special. We will beat your current written price by 15% – guaran-teed! Call (336) 601-3796.
ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call 382-9875.
ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICETotal tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Bobcat work and more. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. Call Joe at 643-9157.
TLC LAWN CARELawn mowing, fertilization and weed con-trol. General cleanup. Affordable all-season lawn maintenance. (336) 681-0097.
AREA STUMP DUMP. Yard waste, con-crete, etc. Fill dirt available. 602-5820.
BUZZ CUTS LAWN & LANDSCAPE INC. Annual service agreements. Buzz, 509-6464.
MULCH, single-ground, $10 per 3-yard scoop. Tandem load delivered, $100 (about 10 yards). Oak Ridge area, 803-2195.
SOUTHERN STYLE CONCRETE and Landscape. It’s a perfect time to install a new stamped concrete patio with fi re pit for those cold winter nights, or to install a new driveway before the winter weather arrives. Call Tim for all your concrete needs. (336) 399-6619.
LiftMaster, Amarr, and all other brandsFree estimates • Insured • 10 years experience
JUNK REMOVAL – appliances, batteries, mowers, cars, electronics, trash removal, etc. Call about free junk removal, 423-3006.
AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIR and remod-eling. Providing electrical, plumbing, carpen-try, painting and handyman services. No job too big or too small. (336) 899-0772.
RESTORATION SPECIALISTS DELIVERING AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE
Furniture Repair & Refinishing
Instead of replacing, we can repair and restore your classic furniture to a like-new condition.
CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE
HOME SERVICES
ON EAGLE’S WINGS residential home de-sign/drafting. Call Patti, (336) 605-0519.
GAS LOGS, WOOD STOVES & INSERTS, fi replaces, sold, serviced and repaired. Call Don Hill, (336) 643-7183.
Tell our readers about your business! Classifi eds are just $4/line!
Place your ad online at www.nwobserver.com,
or call Laura, 644-7035, ext. 10.
PAINTING & DRYWALL
PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR, 32 years experience. Avg. size bedroom walls, $100. Sheetrock repair. Call Brad Rogers for your free estimate. (Local #) 314-3186.
STILL PERFECTION PAINTINGReliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pres-sure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, 462-3683 or stillperfectionpainting.com.
RIDDLE PAINTING
Specializing in interior painting, we take pride in our quality work
and personalized service
Residential InteriorsPressure Washing
Free estimates References available
(336) 402-4603Serving the Triad since 1998
PLUMBING
BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLARNo job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic/Ins. Call Mark for savings. 337-7924.
JDB PLUMBING. Repair, remodel, well pump. Lic/Ins. Accepts all major credit cards. Offi ce 656-0019, cell 382-6905.
28 JAN. 17 - 23, 2014 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
MISC. SERVICES
T T Nails
(336) 644-8888Located in Gunter’s Crossing
(5820-C N Church St, Greensboro)
Appointments or Walk-ins • GIFT CERTIFICATES
OPEN Mon - Sat, 9am - 7pm • Sun 1 - 5pm
Acrylic nails • Tip overlay • Pink & white Gel manicures • Liquid gels
Nail designs • Spa pedicure • Waxing
COMPUTER REPAIRS $99.Used computers, website design. Info at ITBASICS.COM – (336) 643-0068. Inside Mailboxes & More, Oak Ridge Commons.
Your business should be here! If you’d like to reach our readers,
FREE PICKUP of appliances, batteries, junk mowers, air conditioners, grills, electri-cal items, metal items, etc. 689-4167.
small group fitness personal training
RealRyder® indoor cycle TRX training
Cathy Gold (336) 549-64604446 US Hwy 220 N, Summerfield
www.goldstandard4fitness.com
MISC. FOR SALEMOVING SALE! Reclining loveseat, din-ing set, computer desk, king-size bedding, dishes, gas dryer, chairs and more. Must be picked up by Jan. 27. (336) 644-0124.
ALL NEW MATTRESS SETS. Still in plastic, w/ warranty. Twin, $99; Full, $109; Queen, $129; King, $191. Can deliver, layaway available. Mattress Outlet. 992-0025.
LAMP SALE, January 13-19, Golden An-tiques, 4537 Hwy. 220, Summerfi eld. Great prices! M-Sat. 10-6, Sun 12-6.
2007 12-TON EQUIPMENT TRAILER, tan-dem axle, electric brakes, new paint/new tires. $6,800. (336) 669-0621.
Come on! Clean out that garage! Sell your unused treasures here!
FIREWOOD
FIREWOOD, seasoned hardwood, no pine. Pick up or delivery. 253-7615, 643-5744.
SEASONED FIREWOOD, all hardwood, free delivery. Wood splitting avail. 543-3664.
MOBILE WELDING SERVICE Residential, wrought-iron fence & gates, custom fabrication, stainless aluminium. Chuck, triadmobilewelding.com, 362-8679.
TRIPP SMITH CONSTRUCTION, LLC. Licensed general contractor with college degree in construction management and 18 years of experience. Specializing in decks, garages, additions, remodels, new construction, residential & commercial. No job too large or too small. Free estimates. (336) 399-4894, [email protected].
JLB REMODELING INC.Licensed and insured. Free estimates. Remodeling, additions and home repairs. 681-2902, www.jlbremodeling.com.
HOME SERVICES
KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION26 years experience. Specializing in room additions, garages, vinyl siding and win-dows, painting, ceramic tile, laminate, hard-wood and linoleum fl oors, and remodeling of all kinds. No job too small. Free est. Call 644-1943 or cell 362-7469.
BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONSLicensed & Insured
644-8615 (office)
508-5242 (mobile)
NC General Contractor License #72797
TM Construction Services, INC.
The Northwest Observer is mailed to over 10,500 homes in Oak Ridge, Summerfi eld and Stokesdale every week, and is available at 70+ loca-tions in northwest Guilford County.
ROOFING
RED RHINO ROOFING, based in Oak Ridge, NC. Storm damage specialist expe-rienced with all types of roofi ng. BBB ac-credited A and listed with Angie’s List. Call 662-7980, or visit redrhinoroofi ng.com.
What’s going on around town?
Find us on facebook for updates!
facebook.com/northwestobserver
A.L. CORMAN ROOFING INC.Res. roofi ng specialist serving Guilford Cty. area since 1983. Member BBB 25+ years w/ A+ rating. cormanroofi nginc.com, 621-6962.
CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC.Residential roofi ng, rubber fl at roofs, roof coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience. Now accepting all major credit cards. Call 643-8191 or 580-3245.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 JAN. 17 - 23, 2014 29
MISC. WANTED
FRUSTRATED THERE’S NO YOGA in Oak Ridge? Email if you’d like to take or teach a class: [email protected].
$$$ – WILL PAY CASH up to $200 for your junk or wrecked vehicle. 552-0328.
WILL PAY CASH for riding lawn mower needing repair or free removal if unwanted. Also free pick-up of appliances, batteries, air conditioners, grills, metal items, comput-ers, gas & electrical items. 689-4167.
FOUND – Beautiful adult male cat found on Murphy Road in Summerfi eld. Neutered and very sweet. White with unusual mark-ings. 643-4689.
FOUND DOG, beagle/hound mix, brown & black, brown collar, no tags. Hwy. 150 near Williard Road, Oak Ridge. Call (336) 643-6218.
Found a pet and need help fi nding its owner? We can help!
Call Laura to place your Found Pet ad, (336) 644-7035, or email classifi [email protected]
PET / ANIMAL SERVICES
PET SITTING & BOARDING
SPOIL-ME-ROTTEN ANIMAL CAREMotto: love, compassion, respect for your pets. Professional pet sitter for 18 years. Bonded/Insured. Member, Pet Sitters Intl. Provide food, exercise, play, meds/shots, much TLC. 1-3 trips/day. $15/trip (30 min). Call 643-5242. Oak Ridge/Summerfi eld.
REAL ESTATE
HOMES FOR RENT
STOKESDALE, 3BR, 2BA, 1-acre lot in Stokesdale subdivision, $1,100/month. Rockingham County school district. [email protected].
HOMES FOR SALE
Selling or Renting? We’ll help you get the word out! Place your Real Estate classifi ed online at www.nwobserver.com,
7816 Athens Drive, Stokesdale3BR / 2BA • Only $119,500
unningham
OPEN HOUSES Sun, Jan 19 • 2-4pm
REAL ESTATE
Motivated Sellers!
Super curb appeal, great yard, open floor plan and granite countertops. 3 bedrooms plus bonus. Level rear yard for play and Fido! Offered now at $224,500
NANCY HESS, Realtor®
(336) 215-1820
REAL ESTATE
123 Dream LaneReal estate showcase ads in the NWO get seen! Include a photo and description for your listing,
Realtor photo, logo and contact info all for only $75!
Place your real estate showcase today(336) 644-7035, ext. 10
Yes! The FINDER is the only local directory specific to northwest Guilford County.
printed annually • online 24/7 at nwobserver.com
Is there one place I can go to find businesses, services and organizations in my area?
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 JAN. 17 - 23, 2014 29
MISC. WANTED
FRUSTRATED THERE’S NO YOGA in Oak Ridge? Email if you’d like to take or teach a class: [email protected].
$$$ – WILL PAY CASH up to $200 for your junk or wrecked vehicle. 552-0328.
WILL PAY CASH for riding lawn mower needing repair or free removal if unwanted. Also free pick-up of appliances, batteries, air conditioners, grills, metal items, comput-ers, gas & electrical items. 689-4167.
FOUND – Beautiful adult male cat found on Murphy Road in Summerfi eld. Neutered and very sweet. White with unusual mark-ings. 643-4689.
FOUND DOG, beagle/hound mix, brown & black, brown collar, no tags. Hwy. 150 near Williard Road, Oak Ridge. Call (336) 643-6218.
Found a pet and need help fi nding its owner? We can help!
Call Laura to place your Found Pet ad, (336) 644-7035, or email classifi [email protected]
PET / ANIMAL SERVICES
PET SITTING & BOARDING
SPOIL-ME-ROTTEN ANIMAL CAREMotto: love, compassion, respect for your pets. Professional pet sitter for 18 years. Bonded/Insured. Member, Pet Sitters Intl. Provide food, exercise, play, meds/shots, much TLC. 1-3 trips/day. $15/trip (30 min). Call 643-5242. Oak Ridge/Summerfi eld.
REAL ESTATE
HOMES FOR RENT
STOKESDALE, 3BR, 2BA, 1-acre lot in Stokesdale subdivision, $1,100/month. Rockingham County school district. [email protected].
HOMES FOR SALE
Selling or Renting? We’ll help you get the word out! Place your Real Estate classifi ed online at www.nwobserver.com,
7816 Athens Drive, Stokesdale3BR / 2BA • Only $119,500
unningham
OPEN HOUSES Sun, Jan 19 • 2-4pm
REAL ESTATE
Motivated Sellers!
Super curb appeal, great yard, open floor plan and granite countertops. 3 bedrooms plus bonus. Level rear yard for play and Fido! Offered now at $224,500
NANCY HESS, Realtor®
(336) 215-1820
REAL ESTATE
123 Dream LaneReal estate showcase ads in the NWO get seen! Include a photo and description for your listing,
Realtor photo, logo and contact info all for only $75!
Place your real estate showcase today(336) 644-7035, ext. 10
Yes! The FINDER is the only local directory specific to northwest Guilford County.
printed annually • online 24/7 at nwobserver.com
Is there one place I can go to find businesses, services and organizations in my area?
30 JAN. 17 - 23, 2014 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
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Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO
This sign was placed at the corner of US 220 and NC 150 after the Gordon family listed 16.1 acres for sale in November 2011.
style, the historic two-story brick building, built in 1911, has been vacant for as long as most people can remember.
The two tracts of land are owned by Ralph Gordon, LLC. They were listed together through Hagan Properties in November 2011, with an asking price of $598,000. Within a few weeks of the property going on the market, a large “Available” sign was placed at the corner of US 220 and NC 150 and a smaller sign was placed in the upstairs window of the Gordon Hardware building.
Though some showed interest in purchasing the property, no one made an acceptable offer. Two years after list-ing it for sale, the Gordon family agreed to sell the two tracts of land and the permanent structures on them to the Town of Summerfield for $399,000. The mobile homes, which are owned by the tenants, were not part of the purchase.
The purchase agreement is contin-gent upon completion of a satisfactory structural examination of the Gordon building and an environmental assess-ment of the entire 16.01 acres. The town has 60 days to perform its due diligence before the sale becomes final.
The Summerfield Town Council has been openly discussing purchasing addi-tional property for meeting and admin-istrative office space for the last several years, as well as land for trails and open space. Town meetings are currently held in the Summerfield Community Center on Centerfield Road and administrative office space in the town hall building, at the corner of Summerfield Road and NC 150, is maxed out.
Summerfield’s 2013/2014 FY budget includes a $600,000 line item for “Facilities Land Acquisition/Improvements,” which is 50 percent of the $1.2 million annual budget. As far back as 2011 the Northwest Observer reported that Summerfield Road landowners with suitable property for sale
were invited to contact the town; council members and town staff have considered several properties since then, before set-tling on the Gordon property after discus-sions in two closed sessions which were advertised to the public. Minutes from the Nov. 26, 2013 closed session meeting, in which the purchase decision was made, were posted on the town website in early December. The negotiation of the price or terms of a contract concerning the acquisition of real property are ordinarily conducted in closed session.
The Star, which published its first monthly newspaper in October, made a fast name for itself after reporting earlier this month that tenants of the mobile home park, who own their mobile homes but lease land from the Gordon family on a month-to-month basis, could be given as little as seven days to move. The head-line, “Summerfield Homes could be bull-dozed, families displaced,” understand-ably had residents reeling. Meanwhile, local television stations swarmed in and joined The Star in portraying residents of the mobile home park as helpless victims of government strong arming who are not only financially unprepared to move, but totally unaware that they would have to.
Both the town and the property owner deny The Star’s insinuations of secret discussions and heartless tac-tics of strong arming “at least 10 low income families who are likely going to have their homes bulldozed as a result of the deal … and will have to find a new place to live in the middle of the winter with as little as a week’s notice.”
In a response to The Star’s article, Summerfield Town Manager Scott Whita-ker stated via a press release, “ … the seller has indicated that residents were given a 90-day notice, effective January 3, that the mobile home park would be clos-ing. The newspaper further claimed that the homes ‘will possibly be bulldozed down and removed before the property is of-ficially transferred to the town,’ which has never been discussed by town officials.”
Whitaker said the Gordons had been honorable in the town’s dealings with them, as expected. “Both town leader-ship and the family want to do right by the residents. Everyone wants a smooth transition if the purchase closes following the assessments.”
Ricky Stevens has lived in the mobile home park for about 24 years and says he wasn’t surprised to find out he would
PROPERTY PURCHASE ...continued from p. 1
have to move eventually, as the property had been for sale for quite a while.
“I think everybody should have known they would have to move (when the property sold),” Stevens said. “It was possible that someone could have bought it and kept the trailer park, but it didn’t work out that way. It is pretty expensive to move; but then again, it’s been up for sale for over a year and everyone has had time to prepare for it. I feel sorry for some of the people there, and some of them are not going to see things like I do because they are going to want to blame someone. At the end of the day, the property sold and we are going to have to move.”
Moving not only themselves but their mobile home is a burden and expense that some tenants feel they shouldn’t have to bear alone.
Roy Taylor of Taylor Mobile Home Movers in Eden says he charges an average of $1,300 to move a single-wide trailer and set it back up. Trailers manu-factured before July 1976 can be moved, but the law prohibits hooking them back up with electricity. Several of the mobile homes on the Gordon property were manufactured before 1976. For those with older trailers, Taylor offers a tear-down and disposal service for $700.
A single mother of two kids, Jennifer Tucker said Bill Gordon told her when she purchased her mobile home several years ago that it would be too old to move if she ever wanted to do so. That was okay with her, because she planned on being there for a long time.
Soon after the property was listed for sale, Tucker says she called Betty Gordon, who owns the property along with her husband, and was told the sale wouldn’t affect the mobile home park.
“I assumed from that that we wouldn’t have to move,” Tucker said. She was surprised when she read in The Star that she might have as little as seven days to get out.
As for the notification letter, Tucker
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says neither she nor any of her neighbors got it until after the article appeared in The Star.
“I asked Bob (Gordon) if they were going to help us and he said they didn’t have the funds to help us out,” she said. “If my trailer can’t be moved, we’re going to have to sell what we can and move in with my parents.”
Speaking on behalf of Ralph Gordon, LLC, Bob Gordon says his parents, who have owned the property in its entirety since Bill’s death, have been very up front with the tenants about the property be-ing for sale. Gordon says when his Uncle Bill was alive, he personally took care of the property and “loved to piddle” with it. Since Bill’s death in March 2011, however, responsibility for maintaining the property has fallen on his brother and family, none of whom live nearby.
After placing the property under contract with the Town of Summerfield on Dec. 2, Bob Gordon says he decided not to give tenants in the mobile home park a notice about moving until after the holidays. The town has 60 days to undergo the due diligence process; dur-ing that time period the sale is pending but not final. In a letter to tenants dated Jan. 3, Gordon stated they had 90 days from that date to move their homes.
“I understand that this is probably not the news you were wanting,” the letter stated. “However, I have made every effort to be up front with everyone on our desire and need to sell the property. I will send everyone an update at the end of this month.” Gordon included his cell phone number and home phone number at the end of the letter, and says he has heard from several of the tenants since.
“One lady has been there for about 40 years, and she’s the nicest lady. I do understand their (tenants) position. It’s a major change. I’m willing to do what I can to help, whether it’s to make phone calls for them, help them find a place to go, or be a reference for them. If I would be in their position, I think that would be fair.” Folio line starts here
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A/C & HeAtingStokesdale Heating & Air .................. 14Velocity Air, Inc. .................................. 6
ACCountingCarlotta Lytton, CPA, PA ..................20Kimberly Thacker Accounting ........... 11Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC ....20
CHurCHesCentral Baptist Church .................4, 25Community Bible Church .................... 3Fellowship Presbyterian Church ........ 13
Pet serviCesCountry Kennel ................................20Northwest Animal Hospital ...............20Spoil-Me-Rotten Animal Care, Inc. ...20Stokesdale Veterinary Hospital .......... 11Westergaard Kennels ........................ 21
PublisHing Co / newsPAPerThe Northwest FINDER ....................23The Northwest Observer ................... 19
reAl estAte / mortgAgeA New Dawn Realty ......................... 11Berkshire Hathaway / Yost & Little ...... 2Bobbie Gardner / Allen Tate ............. 21Dede Cunningham / Allen Tate ........29Nancy Hess / Keller Williams ............29
retAil BiRite Food Center ..................... 10, 11Carpet & Flooring Super Mart .... 15, 16Citrus Unlimited ................................20Goodwill Industries ............................. 9
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Where do you take
Where do you take
Ava Troxler took her
Northwest Observer to
Disney World and read it with
Cinderella!
Charlotte Williams, her daugh-ter Alisha Pugh and grand-daughter Jamison Pugh took the NWO to New York City’s Times Square. They experienced the Christmas tree lighting in Rockefeller Center, the 9/11 Me-morial and much more, report-ing that it was “lots of fun but no place is like home in northwest Guilford County!”
The NWO was part of the spirit of the season during the Summerfield Christmas Store held at Summerfield United Methodist Church.
