Connect2 NWGuilford - SUMMER 2026

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Make Sure Your SMILE Is Summer Worthy

Patti Stokes, editor/publisher

Kelli Jessup, art director

Yvonne Bichsel Truhon, graphic designer

Leon Stokes, IT director

Lucy Smith, finance manager

Tom McCoy, distribution

Chris Burritt, Annette Joyce, contributing wr iters

what’s inside

Gratitude, perspective and the example of one humble soldier

Patti Stokes editor/publisher

On May 25, the Oak Ridge Special Events Committee held a Memorial Day ceremony at Town Hall, and I was privileged to be among those gathered. The Central Baptist band and the Oak Ridge Presbyterian Choir added just the right musical touch, and members of BSA Troop 219 –under the steady leadership of one of the longest-serving, most dedicated Scout leaders I’ve ever met – Mike Matzinger –contributed as they so often do.

The guest speaker, U.S. Army Specialist Grady Bendel Jr., began by recalling how, as a child, he idolized his father, a military man. Later, as a young adult searching for direction, Bendel enlisted in the Army and set his sights on becoming a Scout – a soldier trained to move ahead of the main force, gathering information about enemy movement and terrain. He got his wish, and after completing his training, was deployed to Afghanistan.

(L to R) U.S. Army Specialist Grady Bendel proudly stands with fellow veterans Jeremy Young and Dickie Speas after the Memorial Day ceremony at Oak Ridge Town Hall on May 25. All three men are Purple Heart recipients.

Bendel spoke from the heart as he talked about his love for his comrades and the eternal brotherhood they share. He described the adrenaline of the job he chose – one filled with danger and intensity, yet also rewarding. He even admitted that parts of the job were, in their own way, fun: the closeness of his fellow soldiers and the thrill of driving a Bradley, the tracked armored vehicle Scouts often operate.

Then came the day in October 2009 when his vehicle rolled over an IED. He described hearing his comrades repeatedly calling his name as he struggled to respond. The blast tore through the engine and into the cabin. His right leg was badly injured, and he was medevaced back to the U.S., where his leg would later be amputated. As the shock faded, he realized his life would forever be divided into a “before” and an “after” that day in October.

Yet he expressed no bitterness. In fact, what will stay with me for a long time is hearing him say he is “a better man” for what he endured.

Nearby, his youngest daughter, 15 -year- old Maddie, sat with Jack, the service dog who rarely leaves Bendel’s side. Watching them, it was impossible not to feel the weight of sacrifice – not the abstract kind referenced in speeches, but the kind that sits quietly in a chair at Town Hall, living with physical pain and

haunting memories, but still choosing gratitude. Driving home, I kept thinking about how Bendel’s story shrinks so many of the worries we allow to occupy our thoughts. I’m sure over the last almost 17 years there has been wrenching emotional pain to go along with his physical pain, yet Bendel spoke of gratitude, love of country and his pride in serving it. What a powerful example this humble soldier is, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to have heard his story.

Meanwhile, life in our small towns moves forward. In the last three months since our Spring issue came out, our team here at Connect2 has covered groundbreakings, festivals, council meetings, cattle farms and a wide range of other topics. As always, we’ve captured as many local highlights as these pages can hold, and I already have a long list of notes and story ideas for our Fall issue. We’ll be back in print the first week in September, and until then, may you enjoy the sunshine of summer mixed with needed rain, navigate the traffic backups and road construction with patience (those Oak Ridge roundabouts are coming), keep the small things in perspective – and thank a veteran any time you get the chance.

Patti

Stokes

editor/publisher | Connect2 NWGuilford patti@connect2nwguilford.com

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When Todd Payne isn’t renovating homes or building new ones from the ground up, you’ll likely find him on the 200-acre century farm in Stokesdale that’s been in his family for more than 170 years.

These days, raising a small herd of cows and helping maintain the land is a side job. But when Payne was growing up, the farm was a fulltime operation centered on tobacco — a very time- and labor-intensive crop that early on shaped a work ethic which he still maintains.

“Everything else I’ve done for a living since then has been easy in comparison,” he said.

Today, the farm is still the heart of the Payne family. A few years ago, he and his wife downsized from their five-bedroom home and built a smaller house on the property, not far from where his mother still lives in the home he grew up in. His sister and brother-in-law also live nearby. More recently, a third generation joined them on the farm property: Payne built a custom home for his daughter and her family in 2023, and completed his son and his family’s custom home earlier this year.

While Payne got his start in farming, construction wasn’t something he learned in childhood — aside from “hammering some nails when we built slides for tobacco,” he said. It was a cousin, a skilled carpenter, who introduced him to the craft.

“He taught me a lot — he was such a perfectionist,” Payne said.

In 1996, Payne earned his general contractor’s license while still working full-time as a copper buyer in Pine Hall. Later, he moved into plastics recycling as a commodity buyer, learning valuable lessons in business operations. All the while, he continued to build homes as time allowed; demand grew as his reputation for quality work spread, and in 2006 he built three custom homes.

“I carried what my cousin taught me through, worked hard, and built my business up,” he said.

By the time the housing recession hit in 2008, Payne had fully transitioned into construction. When new builds slowed, he shifted his focus to remodeling, and in 2010, he officially launched Renovation Works.

Since then, Payne has tackled a wide range of projects — from building custom homes to transforming existing spaces with additions, kitchen and bath remodels, in-law suites, garages, and even entire second-story expansions.

One of his first major kitchen renovations was featured in the Greensboro Builders Association’s Tour of Remodeled Homes in 2012.

Among his most memorable home projects was the complete overhaul of a small brick ranch house in Summerfield which had been vacant for over a year. Combining the new owners’ vision with Payne’s experience and skill set, the house was transformed into a modern, spacious home with an expanded kitchen and dining area, updated bathrooms, a new master suite, sunroom, and a fully reimagined exterior with upper-floor deck, lower-floor patio and garage. That home was also featured in the Tour of Remodeled Homes.

Renovation Works is a full-service licensed residential NC general contractor serving northwest Guilford County and neighboring areas. The company specializes in new home construction, room, garage and porch/deck additions and replacements, and major renovation and remodeling projects. Shown above is a spacious, modern and open kitchen the company created after demolishing a homeowner’s outdated kitchen, tearing down interior walls and expanding the room’s footprint.

One of the things Payne enjoys about renovation work is that “every renovation job has some little nuance that makes it unique.” It’s those nuances that give him the opportunity to draw on the critical thinking skills he’s gained from over 20 years of construction experience. They also help him anticipate the unexpected, such as the hidden issues that often surface with existing homes.

“I can usually tell early on if there’s going to be a problem with walls or floors,” he said. “I plan for the unexpected and base my time and cost estimates on the dozens of projects I’ve done before. At this point, there aren’t many unknowns that can slow me down or significantly drive the cost up.”

He credits his team of subcontractors as being key to the success of every project Renovation Works undertakes.

“I treat my subcontractors well and respect their time,” he said. “I’m the one communicating with the homeowner, but we’re all part of the process. I’m just conducting.” Whether it’s a new build or a total transformation, Payne enjoys the process, takes pride in his work — and in the satisfaction of his clients.

“I want people to know the full range of what Renovation Works can do,” he said. “It’s more than the name implies — we build, we renovate, and we take something from what it is to what it can become.”

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

As tensions flare, judge appoints referee in public records dispute

disagreements between the Town of Summerfield and two former employees lead to neutral expert being

engaged in fraudulent payouts. The pair later sued the town for defamation. Although the town asked that its complaint be sealed, it remained unsealed for nearly a month before gaining widespread media coverage.

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – Until recently, the ongoing legal disputes between Summerfield and former town manager Scott Whitaker and finance officer Dee Hall had unfolded mostly out of public view. Court documents were sealed, and proceedings occurred in private. That changed during two Guilford County Superior Court hearings in May, when tensions surfaced publicly and lawyers for both sides clashed over whether Whitaker and Hall must return documents the town says they were not authorized to take when they left their jobs two years ago.

Judge Martin McGee said the disagreements between the two parties were so fundamental that he needed to appoint a referee to help resolve them. During the second of two hearings on the matter, the parties debated candidates with legal and digital-forensics expertise who could distinguish town records from personal documents.

“What I need is for everybody to start fresh,” McGee said.

The public-records lawsuit is one of three cases involving Whitaker and Hall, who left town employment in June 2024 after the Town Council announced four months earlier it would not be renewing Whitaker’s employment contract and initially took no steps to honor the severance terms outlined in it; Hall subsequently resigned with the rest of staff.

In the first suit, filed last July, Summerfield alleged Whitaker and Hall undermined town operations and

Whitaker and Hall denied the Town’s allegations, many of which stemmed from a one-day review by former state auditor Beth Wood. Her report alleged Whitaker deleted “scores of records related to Town business” and accepted payment for unearned vacation time. The suit said investigators sought to interview the pair to “explain the havoc they had wreaked before leaving Town employment.” Whitaker and Hall said they were never asked to explain what the suit described “as a host of financial, ethical, and professional breaches.”

The town also asked the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office to consider criminal charges. After consulting with prosecutors, the sheriff’s office released a statement saying it “will not be initiating any further investigation of its own or pursuing any criminal charges in connection with this matter.”

Whitaker and Hall responded, “Despite this vindication on the crimi‑ nal side, the town is relent lessly pursuing its costly civil lawsuits.” They added, “The town’s core financial claims concern a disagreement over vacation and leave pay totaling about $4,300… The council is wasting taxpayer dollars to fund its personal vendetta with no attempt at responsible stewardship.”

In a statement, the Town said state law limits “what a municipality may say publicly about current or

...continued on p. 44

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Owners of Oak Ridge historic home consider ‘all options’

Photo by Patti Stokes/CONNECT2

Renovation of this columned 1908 home, located on a 3.2-acre tract at N.C. 150 and Bunch Road in Oak Ridge, has slowed as the owners reassess their plans following the council’s 3–2 vote in April t o deny a special use permit for an event center.

by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – The owners of the historic Donnell-Honeycutt house say they may build new homes on the property after the Town Council denied their request for a special use permit for an event center.

Greensboro home renovator Joshua Fogle said in a recent interview that he and co-owner Brian Perdue “are weighing all of our options at this point” for the 3.2-acre tract at N.C. 150 and Bunch Road. “There’s the potential that the property could be split into three lots and new houses get built,” he said.

Renovation of the columned 1908 home has slowed as the owners reassess their plans following the council’s 3 –2 vote in April to deny the permit. The property backs up to five homes in the Ashton Park subdivision, where residents raised concerns about noise, traffic, and other impacts from weddings, par ties, and similar events.

The council held a hearing for the special use permit during its February meeting, but postponed its decision to April. During that meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Michael Greeson and council member Lindsey Clark joined councilman Mike Stone in supporting Stone’s motion to deny the application, arguing the proposed use wasn’t in harmony with the surrounding residential zoning. Mayor Jim Harton and council member Ann Schneider opposed the denial.

The decision followed a quasi-judicial hearing with sworn testimony from the applicants, neighboring residents, and expert witnesses. Council members were

required to base their votes on factual evidence related to two unresolved questions from February: whether the use would be harmonious with the area and whether it would negatively affect nearby property values.

On the latter point, the council agreed that testimony from real estate appraiser Brian Crowder showed no negative impact on property values.

Council members split on the issue of harmony. Schneider said a presentation by Jamie Hizer, who would coordinate the event center, addressed her concerns about parking, traffic, and security. She noted the applicant’s offer to reduce the maximum number of guests from 150 to 125 and efforts to mitigate noise.

Stone countered that “harmony isn’t the same as compliance with the ordinance.” Clark added that requirements such as hiring security officers for events with more than 50 people didn’t provide compelling evidence that the center would operate harmoniously with neighbors.

Fogle said the center was intended for more than large events.

“We would love to host book clubs and cotillion classes and corporate retreats during the day,” he said. “There’s a lot of opportunity there, not just for us, but for local businesses and friends and neighbors around the property being able to come utilize it for things like birthday and graduation parties.”

Fogle said he and Perdue hope to decide their next steps “sooner than later, obviously. But we’re not up against a hard stop.”

Summerfield ends bid for historic Laughlin School

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – The long-imagined vision to transform the historic Laughlin School into a new town hall and community gathering place vanished on May 12, when the Town Council voted 4-1 to withdraw its offer to purchase the property.

The decision formally ends Summerfield’s pursuit of the 11.2-acre site at 7911 Summerfield Road. The council had revived negotiations with Guilford County Schools late last year after shelving the idea in 2023 while it focused on trying to persuade state lawmakers not to de-annex nearly 1,000 acres owned by developer David Couch.

Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney cast the lone vote against terminating the offer, calling the decision the loss of “a one-time opportunity” to preserve and repurpose the school.

“I think it’s a jewel for the town,” she said in an interview.

Council members John Doggett, Jonathan Hamilton, Heath Clay and Kyle Stalls voted to end the deal.

“We can’t afford it,” Stalls said, citing concerns that renovation and long-term maintenance costs were unknown and could far exceed earlier estimates of $10 million or more.

The vote followed a closedsession discussion. Without further debate, the council approved Doggett’s motion to accept “an agreement to terminate the purchase offer for Laughlin.”

The decision halts several efforts already underway. Earlier this year, the town was preparing to borrow up to $3.34 million to buy the property for $2.2 million and begin redevelopment. DeVaney and Stalls had been appointed as the first members of a new steering committee tasked with recommending how to convert the site into a town hall, public gathering space, and a pre-

Once home to generations of students and later a professional development center, the historic Laughlin School will remain in Guilford County Schools’ hands after Summerfield leaders voted May 12 to end their bid to purchase and restore the site for a town hall and community gathering place.

served landmark honoring Summerfield’s former all-Black school.

The town had been under pressure from district officials to complete the purchase, according to Town Manager Charles “Twig” Rollins. Financing would have required approval from both the North Carolina Local Government Commission and the Town Council. The loan would have been secured by the Laughlin property and any improvements.

According to the town’s March public hearing notice, the borrowing would have covered the

purchase and helped fund “the design, renovation, construction, improvement and equipping” of the site for “Town administration, parks, recreation, museum, library, community center and equipment maintenance purposes as well as general local government purposes.”

In January, DeVaney outlined a wide range of potential uses: meeting space for seniors and civic groups, event rentals, recreational programming in the gym and on the fields, and hosting the annual Founders’ Day festival.

She and then-council member Janelle Robinson also floated ideas such as a museum, library and homeschool co-op space.

Built in 1934 as the Summerfield Colored School, the campus opened with five teachers and 190 students. One of those teachers, Duella M. Laughlin, taught grades five through seven before becoming principal from 1936 to 1950. The school was renamed in her honor after her retirement.

Following Guilford County Schools’ integration in 1970, Laughlin was paired with Summerfield Elementary and later operated as a K-1 school until closing in 2011. It then served as a professional development center until last year, when the district shifted staff training to Greensboro. What remained was an aging complex with significant unknowns – including whether buildings would need to be brought up to code before the town could occupy them.

A walk-through of the property late last year revealed signs of neglect: broken picnic tables, fallen limbs, and vacant rooms littered with leftover materials. Rollins said an appraiser valued the site at $2.2 million in 2022, but estimated that repairs and upgrades could exceed $10 million.

Some members of the town’s Finance Committee had previously urged caution, recommending that Summerfield prepare a five-year capital forecast before committing to the purchase.

Rollins noted last year that the town’s commitment to preserving Black heritage could help attract foundation and grant support.

“The thought process was that we could get it in our hands, develop a vision and then put that out to foundations and grants,” he said.

Reappraisal uncertainty forces towns to rethink budgets

With NC lawmakers weighing a freeze on new property values, Oak Ridge and Summerfield wrestle with budgets ahead of deadline

by CHRIS BURRITT

NW GUILFORD – Oak Ridge and Summerfield are taking different approaches to preparing their budgets for the coming fiscal year as uncertainty surrounding Guilford County’s property reappraisals continues to affect local planning.

State lawmakers in Raleigh are considering a one-year pause on the higher property values produced by the 2025 reappraisals. Whether the General Assembly freezes valuations or allows the new values to take effect will determine how much revenue towns can expect and may force last-minute adjustments before the June 30 budget deadline.

Oak Ridge Manager Bill Bruce has drafted a nearly $2.9 million budget that assumes the higher valuations will stand. With the additional revenue, he proposed lowering the town’s tax rate from 8 cents to 6.6 cents per $100 of property value. In his May 7 budget message, Bruce warned that “passage of this bill would have a dra-

matic effect on Oak Ridge revenues, and would necessitate a re evaluation of the proposed 6.6-cent tax rate.” Summerfield, meanwhile, is planning as though the reappraisals will be paused. Manager Charles “Twig” Rollins reduced projected revenue by about $280,000 from an earlier draft, bringing the proposed budget to roughly $2.2 million. He recommended keeping the tax rate at 5 cents per $100 valuation. Both town councils must adopt their budgets by June 30. Stokesdale, which does not levy a property tax, is unaffected by the uncertainty as it prepares to hold a public hearing for its proposed FY 2026-27 budget on June 11.

Since 1767, the Old Mill of Guilford has been grinding grain the traditional way. Our millers create all natural, stone-ground flour that’s been a local staple for more than 250 years.

Inside the Old Mill store, you’ll find fresh stone-ground cornmeal, grits, and a full range of heritage flours — from Einkorn and Emmer to Spelt, Khorasan, Hard White, Hard Red and more. Our shelves are also filled with delicious mixes (gingerbread, pancake, scone, biscuit, hushpuppy, and our beloved potato muffin mix), plus handcrafted goods and local honey. Gift boxes are available, and we’re happy to ship.

Order online anytime, but whenever possible, visit us in person, watch us in action, and soak in the Mill’s timeless charm.

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Council approves water line acquisition plan amid ongoing debate

If negotiations fail, Summerfield may turn to eminent domain to secure land for the municipal water system

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – The Summerfield Town Council has authorized the purchase of land needed for a new municipal water line, a move that opens the door to using eminent domain if property owners decline to sell. The decision, approved May 12, advances the town’s long- debated public water project and begins formal negotiations with landowners along the north side of N.C. 150.

The planned route runs nearly a mile from the future water tower site at U.S. 2 20 and N.C. 150 westward to Deboe Road. A contractor hired by the town will begin contacting affected property owners to negotiate voluntary sales or temporary construction easements.

Councilman Jonathan Hamilton cast the lone vote against the resolution, reiterating his opposition to the municipal water system and the potential use of eminent domain. Hamilton argued the system is

unlikely to remain limited to fire suppression and will eventually expand into a drinking-water source, replacing private and community wells.

“I’m not a fan of eminent domain,” he said.

To help clarify the legal process, attorney Nick Herman – retained by the town to assist with property acquisition – outlined the constitutional requirements governing eminent domain. Both federal and state constitutions require that private property taken for public use must be accompanied by due process and “just compensation.”

Herman emphasized that condemnation is a last resort, with negotiation and mediation offering multiple opportunities to reach agreement before legal action becomes necessary.

Fire chief: scaled‑back water line falls short for fire protection

A

$6.6 million system will install hydrants along N.C. 150, but not in the central areas

the fire department requested

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD

– Summerfield

Fire Chief Chris Johnson says the town’s revised $6.6 million water system will do little to improve firefighting capability throughout the community, calling the scaled-back plan “a waste of money” from a fire-protection standpoint.

The town originally planned two water lines: one along N.C. 150 to Deboe Road and another down Summerfield Road to Fire Station No. 9. The Summerfield Road line – favored by the fire department – was removed from the final bid package due to cost

concerns and complications created when Piedmont Natural Gas installed an additional gas line in the corridor. The approved plan includes a 150,000-gallon elevated tank on the northern Gordon property at U.S. 220 and N.C. 150, with a single water line running west to the stoplight at Revolution Academy. Hydrants will be installed along the route, including one at the water tower for tanker fill-ups.

Johnson said that while the tower hydrant offers quicker access for tankers, it does not address the depart-

Several months ago you wrote about a man who volunteers at the SPCA and has a soft spot for unwanted dogs. I used to see his posts about these dogs on Nextdoor, but they suddenly disappeared. Do you know if he’s okay, and why he stopped posting?

Yes, he’s doing well. We spoke with Summerfield resident Neal Greenberg in late May, and he continues to volunteer several days a week at the SPCA in Greensboro.

In our Winter issue of Connect2, we featured Greenberg and shared this description of his work:

“Where others might steer away from an abandoned dog out of fear it is dangerous, Green berg often sees it as a ‘misunder stood sweetheart of a dog.’ The 61‑year‑old spends hours walking, petting, and bonding with the ani mals so he can understand each dog’s personality and help match them with the right family.”

Greenberg regularly posted photos and updates about SPCA dogs in hopes of helping them find forever homes. He told us he deleted his Nextdoor account this spring after being banned from posting when someone reported his dog-related updates as spam.

We’ll be sure to let him know he’s been missed – and we hope he finds another outlet to share

Although Neal Greenberg no longer posts on Nextdoor.com about adoptable dogs at the SPCA, he continues to volunteer there several days a week. Shown in photo, Greenberg gets a hug from his best friend, Gizmo, a special-needs micro bully he adopted through the SPCA several months ago.

news about adoptable dogs who could use a little extra visibility and a lot of love.

I saw the painting crew at Oak Ridge’s new water tower. When will the water actually start running?

We checked with Spencer Sullivan, chair of the town’s Water Advisory Committee and one of the earliest volunteers in Oak Ridge’s 20 -year effort to build a municipal water system.

“Actually turning on the water will probably happen in early fall,” Sullivan told us. Work is nearly finished on both the 250,000 -gallon elevated tank behind Town Hall

Budget uncertainty stalls firefighter hiring

With reappraisal revenue in limbo, Northwest Guilford fire chiefs say budget cuts are postponing critical staffing needs by

CHRIS BURRITT

NW GUILFORD – A possible state - ordered pause on property reappraisals is already

reshaping fire department budgets in Summerfield, Stokesdale and Oak Ridge, where chiefs say they’ll delay hiring firefighters until lawmakers decide whether to freeze new valuations until 2027.

Guilford County budget planners cut nearly $7.8 million from the $43 million requested by fire departments for the fiscal year beginning July 1. The reduction

p a uses plans to add firefighters across the three Northwest Guilford departments.

The timing is especially difficult as call volumes continue to rise and volunteer ranks shrink, Summerfield Fire Chief Chris Johnson noted.

to

Oak Ridge Mayor Jim Harton

As we move toward summer, the most time-consuming task before the Oak Ridge Town Council is developing and adopting the Town’s budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. In a typical year, this process already involves balancing local priorities and inflationary pressures. This year, however, it has been complicated by Guilford County’s proposed increase in property appraisals. The issue has drawn the attention of the North Carolina legislature, where a one-year moratorium –proposed by Sen. Phil Berger and overwhelmingly supported in the Senate – is now under consider-

ation in the House. Until these matters are resolved, our budget proposed by Town Manager Bill Bruce remains on hold, hopefully no later than the end of June.

Our Finance Committee has recommended keeping Oak Ridge’s current tax rate of 8 cents per $100 of property value. The Town still owes approximately $2.2 million on the Heritage Farm Park loan, and Council is also considering a more than $2 million expansion of our sports courts – tennis, basketball, and pickleball – along with roughly 52 additional parking spaces. The decision we make now will determine whether these courts are built in the 2020s (as a single project or otherwise) or pushed into the 2030s. It will also impact opportunities for future Councils.

Once the budget is finalized, we’ll begin updating our Town strategy. I had hoped to begin this work before Christmas, but staff rightly noted that managing both the strategy and the budget simultaneously – especially with this year’s complications – was unrealistic. My goal is to have an updated strategy in place by the end of this year to guide us into 2027 and beyond.

Meanwhile, several major projects continue to move forward. Construction of the new water tower behind Town Hall and the municipal water line extending up Oak Ridge Road from the Forsyth County line to Oak Ridge Commons – and down Linville Road to the Fire Department – is on schedule for completion before the end of 2026. This is the first step for our municipal water system, which will roll out over several decades.

NCDOT is also expanding the intersection at N.C. 68 and Oak Ridge Road and installing two traffic circles: one on N.C. 68 between Bojangles and DeVaney Dentistry, and another between Oak Ridge Commons and the Marketplace on N.C. 150. These improvements have temporarily altered traffic patterns, and I encourage everyone to slow down and drive with patience.

Additionally, Williams Transco is adding a fourth pipeline within its right-of-way. I understand and am sympathetic to the frustration this causes for some residents, but this is a federal project over which the Town has no authority or influence, and it is a reality we must navigate.

I want to thank our citizens for their continued engagement and patience as we work through a demanding season of planning and progress for Oak Ridge.

Stokesdale Mayor Tee Stephenson

March, April, and May brought meaningful progress in infrastructure, planning, public safety, and regional coordination as your Town Council and staff continue working to keep Stokesdale moving forward in a responsible and transparent way.

A major focus this last quarter was budget planning. Town Council held special called meetings on March 5, April 16, and May 7 to develop the 2026–2027 Operating Budget. These workshops allow us to carefully evaluate spending needs, prioritize essential services, and remain mindful of the impact on our residents. The proposed budget will be presented at the June Town Council meeting. Stokesdale will also continue to be among only a few North Carolina municipalities that continue to operate without charging a local property tax.

We also continued investing in Town facilities and public spaces. Council approved a contract for landscaping improvements at Town Hall and the park, including mulch installation, pine straw placement, and certified playground mulch. This project was funded through federal ARPA grant funds.

Several important maintenance and utility items were addressed as well. Council received and approved proposals for HVAC system maintenance at Town Hall and repairs to the Town’s backflow preventer located at the interconnection between Stokesdale’s municipal water system and the Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County Utility Commission system.

In March, Council held a water system workshop to review the condition of the Town’s elevated

Summerfield Mayor Lee Haywood

As I write this, a storm is rolling through and rain is tapping against my windows. This weather brings much-needed salvation for our lawns and plants and as far as I’m concerned, it could rain every day.

We’re still enjoying the afterglow of a very successful 30th Anniversary Founder’s Day celebration – and if you didn’t make it, you truly missed out. Jeannette Dockery, our community relations manager, Mayor Pro Tem Lynne DeVaney, our Parks and Rec team and our dedicated volunteers did an outstanding job ensuring a good time for all.

This year we reversed the usual parade route so it ended at Summerfield Elementary School, where the festival was held. Council also decided to make all rides free of charge. Free is good, and we heard plenty of gratitude from those who attended. We had more than 70 parade entrants and over 53 vendors, including food trucks. Planning for next year is already underway, and I believe it will be even better.

In case you haven’t heard, we have decided not to purchase Laughlin School. This was not an easy choice – many citizens have fond memories of their time there, and it would have been a great addition to our community. But after much deliberation, the unknown renovation costs posed a risk Council was unwilling to take. I hope a buyer with the resources to save and restore it will come forward.

After some delay, we now have a bid for construction of our new water tower, and we hope to begin work as soon as possible.

Bandera Farms Park is progressing on schedule and should be ready for a fall ribbon- cutting.

Taxes have been the talk of the town lately, with widespread dissat-

...continued on p. 43

Dr. Brennan Alford

Robert Stoner Orthodontics is excited to announce that Dr. Brennan Alford has recently joined its team. A board-certified orthodontist known for his compassion, precision, and artistic eye, Dr. Alford is fully certified by the American Board of Orthodontics and a member of the American Association of Orthodontists – a distinction held by fewer than half of orthodontists nationwide. He brings exceptional training and a genuine love for helping patients feel confident in their smiles.

Dr. Alford graduated Summa Cum Laude from Southern Virginia University before attending Virginia Commonwealth University, where he finished at the top of his dental school class. He went on to earn his Master’s degree and Certificate in Orthodontics from the University of Iowa, one of the nation’s most respected residency programs, and was selected as chief resident of his class. He received national recognition for his work with esthetic gingival recontouring, with his clinical photography presented at Pitts Orthodontics Lectures throughout the nation.

Outside the office, Dr. Alford and his wife, Rachel – whom he met while they played collegiate tennis together – enjoy raising their growing family and playing sports and music together; Rachel is a singer, and Dr. Alford plays piano and guitar (mostly acoustic – a Martin D-28 is his favorite). They also enjoy playing pickleball with their two young sons, and their family recently welcomed a golden doodle named Hazel “Nut” (a nod to their boys’ love of Nutella.) Originally from Dallas and a dual U.S.–Canadian citizen, Dr. Alford also spent his early childhood in Taiwan. He loves hiking and grew up going to Zion National Park –his “happy place” – every year (his great-great-grandfather was the park’s first superintendent and built many of the trails, including the famous switchbacks leading to Angel's Landing).

water storage tank. A 10-year maintenance plan was presented, along with proposals for installing mixers to improve water quality and overall system performance.

Construction also continues on the Coldwater Road and N.C. 65 water line extension project, which is progressing steadily with an estimated completion timeframe of mid-July.

Another significant initiative this quarter has been the codification of Stokesdale’s ordinances. This is now a required process since our population exceeds 5,000. Council continues working through final review stages so our ordinances can be properly published and made accessible to the public.

Looking ahead, Council also authorized submission of a grant application to the NCDOT Bicycle, Pedestrian & Multimodal Planning Program.

If awarded, this grant would fund a transportation planning study – 90% of which would be paid by NCDOT – to evaluate traffic, pedestrian, and bicycle needs and improve safety. To note, this grant funds planning only, not construction.

Our Town’s Future Land Use Plan Committee held their first meeting on April 15, and is now meeting bi-weekly.

Community engagement remains one of the most meaningful parts of this role. This quarter, I enjoyed speaking with Cub Scout Pack 130 and visiting with residents at Countryside Retirement Community. I also attended elected officials’ training through the UNC School of Government, gaining valuable insight and networking with municipal leaders from across the state.

As always, I thank our citizens for the opportunity to serve.

“We need to get more staffing to ensure we’re pro‑ viding an adequate level of service for our community,”

he said.

Stokesdale Chief Todd Gauldin said the district’s second station, set to open soon, will increase operating costs.

“We did ask the county for three more positions, but that goes away,” he said.

Oak Ridge Chief Ken Gibson said his department is also likely looking at a delay in adding three positions at Station 51 on Northwest School Road in northwest Greensboro.

Departments rely on multiyear planning to manage major purchases, Johnson noted. Summerfield, for example, has already contracted for a $1.9 million fire truck scheduled for delivery in 2029. A one-year reappraisal delay would postpone receipt

of additional revenue tied to rising property values, slowing long-term savings for equipment.

“Once you’ve lost it, you don’t get it back,” Gauldin said.

Guilford is among nine counties statewide where pending legislation would prevent local governments from using this year’s reappraisals to set tax rates. The uncertainty is complicating budget work in Summerfield and Oak Ridge, where property owners pay separate tax bills to their towns and fire districts. Stokesdale does not levy a town tax, but its fire department does.

As the legislature considers a one-year delay on this year’s reappraisals taking effect, it remains unclear where Guilford County will set fire-district tax rates, Johnson said.

One potential boost could come in November, when voters will decide on a quarter- cent sales tax increase. If approved, Gibson said, the revenue could help departments cover capital costs and free up other funds for staffing.

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Bandera Farms Park adds caretaker as completion nears

A Town of Summerfield maintenance employee will take up residence on the 120‑acre property in August, overseeing the trails and restroom facilities while continuing his regular town responsibilities

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – One of the town’s maintenance employees will be moving into the house at Bandera Farms Park to take care of the property and maintain a presence there.

The council voted in May to rent the house on Bunch Road for $1,000 – double the rent it has been collecting from the current tenant – starting in August. That’s two months before the 120-acre hiking, cycling and equestrian park on Bunch Road at Interstate 73 is scheduled for completion.

The Town Council also voted to add a second bathroom to the project in a $400,000 drawdown of Summerfield’s reserves. The fund-balance drawdown will cover the additional restroom building along with electrical and related work. Finance Officer Jen Kelley told the council the amount “has given us about a $25,000 wiggle room, possibly a $50,000 wiggle room,” noting she preferred to request slightly more upfront and return any unused funds to reserves.

The second bathroom had been cut last year as part of

$2 million in cost reductions. With state, federal, and partner grants covering nearly all of the project’s $4.39 million price tag, Summerfield had limited its own spending. But public demand and cost- ef ficiency prompted the council to restore the facility.

“People have always wanted the second bathroom, and it’s cheaper to do it now than to do it later,” Town Manager Charles “Twig” Rollins said. Delaying the installation would require hiring a crane twice. “A crane can be $1,000 an hour from the time they leave to the time they get back,” he said, adding that the town is using prefabricated restroom buildings to save money.

At Rollins’ recommendation, the council gave the current tenant until July 1 to vacate the house, allowing time for repairs and cleanup before the caretaker moves in. Rollins said having someone on-site is increasingly important after a dirt-bike rider damaged trails under construction last month.

“We’ve already had vandalism out there and I want to keep a presence on that property as much as possible,” he said.

The caretaker will begin each morning with rounds at all town parks before returning to Bandera Farms Park.

“He will check the bathrooms and the trash cans. He will ride the trails and make sure every-

...continued on

A ‘tired’ deck gets a new life

The homeowner felt her deck had definitely seen better days — there was wood rot on the floorboards and railings, and plenty of boards were split or warped. The pergola was newer and she really wanted to keep it, but we still had to rebuild the outer band and replace the posts to make sure everything was solid. We wrapped up the project just in time for her family’s Easter visit, and they were ecstatic about what a big difference the deck restoration made. The black aluminum railings were a huge hit — they open up the view so much more than the old 2x2 wooden balusters ever did.

youth LINK

Only God Choir honors veterans

The youth based organization performed the National Anthem at Triad Honor Flight’s event on April 15

GREENSBORO – The Only God Choir joined veterans, families, volunteers, and community members at Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI) on April 15 for a patriotic Triad Honor Flight celebration recognizing the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans.

As part of the ceremony, the choir’s students performed the National Anthem, delivering a powerful and heartfelt rendition that resonated with attendees. Their performance reflected both their musical skill and their deep appreciation for the veterans present.

The Only God Choir is a faith-based youth organization focused on developing musical talent while instilling values of discipline, service, and purpose. The group frequently participates in veterans’ events and community programs that uplift and inspire.

“Opportunities like this remind us of the importance of coming together as a community to recognize an extraordinary group of Americans,” a representative of The Only God Choir said. “We are deeply grateful to have been included in such a meaningful event.”

“The Only God Choir extends its sincere thanks to Triad Honor Flight for the invitation and to all veterans for their service and sacrifice,” the choir’s representative added.

More information about the choir and its mission is available at OnlyGodChoir.org.

Triad Honor Flight, a nonprofit organization, provides local veterans with an all-expenses-paid one-day trip to Washington, D.C., where they can visit the memorials dedicated to their ser-

vice. The organization relies on volunteers and community support to ensure veterans receive the recognition and gratitude they deserve. With more than 800 veterans on the waitlist, the nonprofit added an additional flight this year on June 3. Details about Triad Honor Flight and its mission can be found at www.triadhonorflight.org.

...more youth LINK on p. 53

the PRINCIPAL’S corner

Many thanks to the northwest-area principals who carved out some time during the busy end-of-year season to share reflections on the 2025–26 school year. We wish all educators a restful and well-deserved change of pace this summer and look forward to hearing from them again in September as the 2026–27 school year begins.

SUMMERFIELD CHARTER ACADEMY

Rudy Swofford, principal Summerfield Charter Academy is finishing the 2025-26 academic year strong!

of our new high school in August 2027. Work has already begun clearing land on the new campus, located directly across U.S. 2 20 from our current kindergarten through eighth-grade campus. Our groundbreaking ceremony will take place on June 8, and our families are eager for this exciting next chapter.

“Lauren Evans provided an outstanding maintenance service today! She was prompt, personable and thorough. She informed me about my HVAC system, its current level of functioning for the winter and recommended a most needed item to improve its overall functioning. She had the part on her truck and was able to make the necessary replacement today. Lauren went above and beyond today.”

Leslie G. – November 2025

“Very professional crew. I called and we discussed my case in detail and they had a crew out early the next morning. They gave the unit a thorough inspection and evaluation. I appreciate the friendliness and quick responses. Highly recommended!”

Felix – January 2026

“We certainly did not enjoy the experience of losing heat for 2.5 days but I tell you Mr. Archie and Hunter were very nice and understanding. I was frustrated with the process but you couldn’t have had nicer guys helping.”

Brenda B. – February 2026

Spring is always a busy and exciting time at SCA, highlighted by our annual International Festival. This year, many cultures within our diverse school community were represented as students and families immersed themselves in different countries, traditions, and values. The festival continues to be one of our favorite events each year.

Our middle school athletic teams also finished the season strong, with outstanding performances in soccer, golf and baseball. Our ladies’ soccer team had an undefeated season of 18-0 and captured first place in the TCC regular season and conference tournament. Our student-athletes demonstrated dedication, perseverance and excellent sportsmanship every time they stepped onto the field or course.

Students and families enjoyed opportunities to connect outside the classroom through events such as “Night at the Grasshoppers” and Topgolf outings. Students also participated in field trips to destinations including SKYWILD, the U.S. National Whitewater Center, North Carolina Rowing Center, Camp Chestnut, Don Lee Camp & Retreat Center, Washington, D.C., and many more.

Summerfield Charter Academy is excited to announce the opening

OAK RIDGE ELEMENTARY

Christopher Sciandra, principal It has certainly been a busy and rewarding year at Oak Ridge Elementary!

This year, we proudly hosted our first Oak Ridge Elementary Career Fair, where community members came and shared their professions and passions with our students. We welcomed dental hygienists, a martial arts instructor, an author, an emergency room doctor, entrepreneurs, the owner of Destination Arts Dance Studio, and many others. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to begin making connections between their learning and future careers.

We also held our annual Derby fundraiser, which was a tremendous success. Through the incredible support of our families and community, we raised over $40,000 to support new technology initiatives at our school. We are very close to being able to provide every classroom teacher with a Promethean board for the 2026–2027 school year.

Oak Ridge Elementary was honored to earn a Purple Star

School designation for the third consecutive year. This recognition highlights our continued commitment to supporting military-connected students and families through intentional programs, resources and school-community partnerships.

Our Run Club participated in races at Oak Ridge Town Park, providing students with opportunities to build teamwork, perseverance, and healthy habits outside the classroom. In addition, our ACES afterschool program showcased student talents through a wonderful talent show enjoyed by

families and staff alike.

We recently hosted Kindergarten Kickoff, welcoming many incoming kindergarten students and families for the 2026-2027 school year. It was exciting to meet our newest students and begin building those important school-home connections.

Personally, I am grateful to be finishing my first year as principal at Oak Ridge Elementary. It has been an incredible year of learning, growth, and community partnership, and I am excited to see what year two brings.

SUMMERFIELD ELEMENTARY

Carrie Page, principal

As we wrap up another wonderful school year at Summerfield Elementary, we are proud to reflect on the many experiences, celebrations, and accomplishments that made this spring so special for our students and staff.

In April, students participated in Career Exploration Day, learning about four different professions

Custom Horse Barns and Buildings

BREAKING GROUND ...

through hands-on activities and engaging presentations. It was an exciting chance for them to imagine future possibilities and discover new interests.

Students also enjoyed a variety of meaningful field trips. Kindergartners visited the High Point Children’s Museum, first

graders explored the Historical Museum, and second graders cheered on the Greensboro Grasshoppers. Third- and fourth-grade students attended a symphony performance, with fourth graders also traveling to Old Salem for an immersive look at North Carolina history. Fifth

graders experienced an opera performance. These trips helped students connect classroom learning with the arts, history, and the wider community.

We also celebrated the people who support our school so generously. At our annual Volunteer Breakfast, we honored the parents, family members, and community volunteers who make such a difference. Our annual Talent Show at the Summerfield Amphitheater – made possible through our partnership with the Town of Summerfield – gave students a chance to shine and entertain a full crowd.

We were proud to have several students’ artwork displayed at the Northern Guilford High School Art Show, showcasing the creativity and talent of our young artists.

Michele Harris (center), Revolution Academy’s Upper and Lower School principal, joins members of the charter school’s Leadership Team in turning shovels of dirt during the May 26 groundbreaking for the Upper School campus at 5322 Bunch Road in Summerfield. Scheduled to open in August 2027, the campus will be situated on 65 acres the school purchased last year, roughly five miles from the Lower School on N.C. 150; the Upper School will serve 784 middle and high school students in grades 6-12.

We also celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week, with our PTA doing a wonderful job recognizing our dedicated educators. Their compassion, commitment, and daily encouragement help make Summerfield Elementary a special place to learn and grow.

We ended the month by welcoming Northern Guilford High School graduates back to walk our halls in their caps and gowns – a meaningful reminder to our students of what hard work and perseverance can achieve.

As the 2025-26 school year concluded, we finished strong through learning, leadership, and our focus on “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective

People” to support students’ social and emotional growth.

We are deeply grateful for our staff, families, students, and community partners. Everything we accomplish is possible because of the strength of the Summerfield community.

REVOLUTION ACADEMY

Michele Harris, Upper & Lower School principal Revolution Academy has had a landmark year! We are proud to have earned a “B” on our School Performance Grade for the 20242025 school year, reflecting the hard work and dedication of our students and staff.

This year, we had the privilege of hosting the Freedom 250 Mobile Museum on our campus, and we are excited to welcome it back to our local community on July 8-10. We hope the community will come out and experience this remarkable piece of history.

Most exciting of all, we had a groundbreaking ceremony on May 26 for our new Upper School campus, made possible by the purchase of land that will soon be home to our 6th- to 12th-grade students. The campus is slated to open in August 2027, marking a tremendous new chapter for our school.

Oak Ridge

Farmhouse Community Center

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Planning a baby shower, birthday party, graduation celebration, meeting, or special gathering? The Farmhouse Community Center at Oak Ridge Town Park is a welcoming and convenient space for your next event.

For more information and photos, scan here or call 336-644-7009.

Located at the corner of Lisa Drive and Linville Road, the Farmhouse Community Center accommodates up to 50 people indoors and includes a 400-square-foot deck. Amenities include a prep kitchen with a sink, refrigerator, ice maker, microwave, warming oven, and counter space. The space also includes round and rectangular tables, folding tables, a buffet table, and a flat-screen television for presentations or slideshows.

● ATTENTION SENIOR CITIZENS

Oak Ridge residents age 60 and older may reserve the Farmhouse Community Center at no cost for up to two hours, Monday - Wednesday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m., based on availability. Additional hours may be reserved at the resident rental rate.

COMMUNITY SURVEY

Students recall the lasting impact of educators

With another school year wrapping

NWGuilford wanted to recognize the educators and school staff who pour their

into their students every day. From classrooms to cafeterias, from front offices to athletic fields, these individu als leave marks that last. We invited readers to tell us who has stood out in their lives – and why.

compiled by ANNETTE JOYCE and PATTI STOKES

When Joan Case was in high school, she spent two years studying algebra and geometry under her math teacher, Miss Kidder. According to Case, Miss Kidder wasn’t well-liked by her students.

“She wasn’t a fun teacher, and she never really smiled or joked around with us,” Case recalled. “She pretty much just stood in front of the classroom and taught, or gave us an assignment and then walked around looking over our shoulders.”

Despite her reputation, Miss Kidder had a distinctive approach to teaching math.

“Rather than give you the exact steps to reach an answer, she had this annoying way of always making us think about the math ourselves and find the meaning out of it.

“As she walked around one day watching us all struggle, she knelt by my desk to quietly talk to me. Being a shy student, I instantly started to panic.

“I don’t remember her exact words, but I do remem-

ber her quiet confirmation that I was good at math and that I had a talent for it. I remember her saying something about taking that seriously and not wasting my gift.

“It was a short conversation but it made a big difference in how I looked at myself as a student, especially a student of math.”

Case acknowledged that Miss Kidder may not have won any Miss Congeniality contests, but she was strong where it mattered.

“She was a teacher who wanted her students to really think, to problem solve, to understand and, for me at least, she was unexpectedly a teacher who recognized something about me – something that I didn’t really know about myself.”

Largely because of Miss Kidder’s influence, Case went on to become a math teacher herself.

“Math, especially teaching math to kids and now to teachers, has continued to be a passion Miss Kidder knew I had all along.

“I hope others in her classroom

eventually came to understand what a gift we had been given. She’s one of those teachers I wish I had gone back and thanked for the impact she had on me,” Case said.

“One person who made a lasting impact on me was my high school photography teacher, Mr. Aylor. He believed in me more than I believed in myself at the time, and that truly made a difference,” said Vicki Long, a northwest Greensboro resident.

“He taught the technical side of photography, but more importantly, he taught me how to notice details, think creatively and trust my own perspective. He created an environment where it was okay to try, explore, and not always get it perfect.

“One moment that really stuck with me was when he entered one of my photos in a competition without even telling me – and it ended up winning. That meant so much, because it showed me what was possible before I could see it myself.

“The confidence he had in me then is something I still carry with me today.”

“I was fortunate to have many great teachers who helped me survive the ‘goofball’ stage of my life,” said Oak Ridge mayor Jim Harton. “But one teacher certainly stands out above all the rest…

“J. Larry ‘the Bear’ Hoover was my high school chemistry teacher and wrestling coach. I was not a great wrestler and was more ‘mat fodder’ for a Virginia state contender. But for me, ‘the Bear’ was an exceptional chemistry teacher and prepared me for Wake Forest and my 40+-year career in the chemical industry.

“‘Bear’ was such an impactful teacher that to this day my wife, Courtenay, and I sponsor a faculty fellowship in chemistry at Wake Forest in his honor.

“Mr. Hoover went on to become a school administrator and ended his career as a superintendent of schools on the Northern Neck of Virginia. Throughout his educational career he positively impacted the lives of hundreds of students.

“Recently I spoke at his funeral, as did so many other former students. Many of them credited ‘the Bear’ for keeping them straight and out of the penitentiary. One former student said he wasn’t as fortunate – but, after he got out of the penitentiary, he went to see Mr. Hoover to ask for his help and forgiveness. He got both, and went on to lead a very productive life. That was total Hoover, and after that story there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.”

“Carolyn Brown had a long-lasting impact on me and every other person who had the privilege of knowing her and of being one of her students,” said Oak Ridge resident John Browning

As the longtime secretary at Oak Ridge Elementary School, Brown encountered nearly every person who came through the doors.

“She was a very special person who always had a beautiful smile not only for her students, but the entire staff,” Browning said.

“She made an effort to know every student and their families, and was not only the secretary, but a mother to her students and mentor and role model to the staff. Carolyn created an atmosphere at school that was friendly, happy, and welcoming.”

“Sharon Welborn was a marketing and business teacher at North Wilkes High School. She was probably one of the best teachers I ever had because she made me think about things that I was interested in,” shared John Mazza, owner of a financial services and wealth management firm based in Summerfield.

“Sharon sponsored a club called DECA, which is for students in business and marketing, and she really did a good job to encourage entrepreneurship and creativity. Although I goofed off in her class a lot, she was always very nice to me and did her best to make sure that her students had opportunities to move up in their lives and to become business leaders.

I am so thankful for her believing in me when I was a rambunctious teenager and probably didn’t deserve it.”

“Coach Roger Nelson at Northwest Guilford made as big an impression on me as anyone,” Randy Stewart said.

Nelson, who later became principal at the school, was Stewart’s freshman P.E. teacher as well as his basketball and baseball coach. Under Nelson’s leadership, Stewart’s basketball team won the 1966-1967 state championship –an accomplishment the Stokesdale native still treasures.

Describing Nelson as “quite the character,” Stewart shared one of the coach’s favorite stories, told whenever students complained about how much it hurt to be hit by the rubber ball when they played dodgeball.

“He would tell us that when he played dodgeball as a kid, he and his friends would play in the dark and throw a bag packed with nuts and bolts,” Stewart said, chuckling at the memory.

“Coach Nelson was a former Marine and a disciplinarian,” Stewart added. “He instilled in everyone that you reached a goal by working hard for what you wanted, not by sitting on the sideline. He was strict but we still had fun.”

Amy Carrickhoff grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and moved away to attend college.

...continued on p. 30

COMMUNITY SURVEY

...continued from p. 29

She and her husband, Brent, now live in Oak Ridge, but over the years Carrickhoff has maintained a long-distance friendship with her favorite high school teacher, Mr. Nichols, who was her Spanish teacher for four years.

“Mr. Nichols made class fun and you could tell that he truly enjoyed teaching,” she said. “He was kind, funny, and always encouraging. Whenever I focused too much on my weaknesses – even outside of the classroom – he helped me see my strengths.

“A group of us would often stay after school and hang out in his classroom, just to talk about the challenges in life. He was like a father figure, a counselor and a friend, all wrapped up in one.

“Forty-three years after graduation, I’m still friends with him and his wife, and we get together for lunch once a year when I visit Michigan. He laughs because I still call him ‘Mr. Nichols.’ ‘Amy,

“I majored in Greek and Latin at Valparaiso University in Indiana in the late 1970s,” said Yvonne Truhon, longtime (and irreplaceable) graphic artist for the former Northwest Observer and now, Connect2 NWGuilford. “All our Greek classes were at 8 a.m., and the professor, Dr. Helms, would often open the windows in the overheated classroom to let the chilly winter air wake us up.

“Dr. Helms also taught Latin, and when he invited the upper division students to his home for ‘sacrifices to the gods’ (a cookout), he played Carl Orff’s ‘Carmina Burana,’ a cantata based on 24 poems from the medieval collection Carmina Burana. This has become one of my favorite pieces, especially the opening, ‘O Fortuna.’

“I may not recall every detail of Latin and Greek grammar from those long-ago classes, but I have never forgotten how Dr. Helms always told us, ‘If you

learning new things has enabled me to acquire skills in areas as varied as cake decorating/making doughnuts, running a follow spot/ light board, making buttonholes by hand, and using a computer to lay out this publication and upload pages to the printer.

“Ευχαριστώ (Thank you), Dr. Helms!”

For Robin Bates, Mrs. Mary Lou Preston, her first-grade teacher at Stokesdale Elementary School, had a definite and long-lasting impact.

“She was everything a teacher should be – nurturing, kind, understanding, encouraging, and patient. She made every student feel important and valued,” Bates said.

“I became deathly ill the year I was in her classroom and was put into a drug-induced coma. It was around Easter. When I came out of the coma, there was a huge stuffed Easter rabbit in my hospital room that Mrs. Preston had brought me.

“Even when I became an adult, she remained a part of my life. She brought me a hand-knitted outfit for my firstborn to wear home from the hospital. I cherish her memory to this day.”

Shelby Smith of Oak Ridge was impacted by two educators – a teacher and an administrator.

“Brian McMath was by far my favorite teacher. Not only did I have him for 11th and 12th grade concert band, I also had the joy of having him direct both years of marching band, and two very successful seasons of indoor winterguard.

“McMath taught us the value of hard work, and pushed us to our full potential. With him as our director, we went from barely placing in competitions to winning Grand Champion across the board.

“Being a winner because you are the best sets the bar extremely high – not only for academics and sports, but for your entire life. He

helped me to see and acknowledge that I am capable and deserving of the best.”

“Ralph Kitley was the absolute best administrator. He not only held us accountable in order to succeed in life, but he also encouraged and incentivized us.

“I was part of the first graduating class of the Middle College of Entertainment Technology at GTCC, where he served for a time as principal. But he was more than a principal to me, he was a constant and an inspiration. He was someone who I wanted to be proud of me.”

“The teacher who had a long-lasting impact on me was my band director, Dave Seiberling,” said Kelly Joyce, a Stokesdale resident. “Since ours was a small, rural school district, Dave was not only our high school band director, but he also traveled weekly to each of the feeder schools to teach beginning band students.

“Dave took the time to identify those of us who were more interested in learning and playing band music and helped us pursue that interest, going above and beyond the classroom by providing transportation to auditions and All-State band participation.

“He gave me opportunities to explore other aspects of band music by allowing me to rehearse the high school band if he was absent and rehearse and conduct the junior high school band in a few performances. For Dave it wasn’t just about the music, which was no doubt his passion, but it was also about being an educator and helping his students grow in life. Dave was a mentor and friend until his passing a couple of years ago.”

Valerie Mora remembers her college softball coach.

“He was a former Detroit Tiger and Canadian football league player, and he taught handball and racquetball,” the Oak Ridge resident said.

“He was a positive influence

and, even though I was just a walk-on, he gave me the same training and treated me with the same respect as he did the rest of the team.

“When we played softball games that were close enough for my parents to be able to attend, he would be sure to put me in the game. He was just an all-around positive guy.”

When Stokesdale’s Melanie Millen was in the 6th grade at Stokesdale Elementary School (back then the school served students in kindergarten through 6th grade), her teacher, Mrs. Jean Weatherman, had her students write letters to their future selves describing how they thought their life would turn out.

“My favorite subject in school is reading. My worst subject is math. I hope to go to college and be a teacher. I want to go to Carolina, not State. I want children, a girl and a boy. I want to learn to be more grateful and thankful. I do not want to be lazy, and I want to work hard and not get by with

the least I can,” Millen wrote as a young girl.

“I want to have a better life in the future than I have had in the past,” she continued in the letter to her future self. “I want to continue to go to church every Sunday. I want to be a good Christian.”

Once the letters were completed, Mrs. Weatherman had the students seal them in a self-addressed, stamped envelope they had brought from home.

“She kept them and sent them to us when we graduated from high school,” Millen said. “She also showed up at the high school graduations with her roll book and checked everyone off as we graduated.

“She taught me that some teachers don’t just care about their students in the classroom, but about what happens to us years later.”

The teacher who made the biggest impact on Brent Carrickhoff was Mrs. Grogan, his 9 th grade algebra teacher at Lexington Middle School.

“Honestly, I don’t think I would have passed algebra without her,” he said. “She had this really calm, steady way about her, and she never got upset or made anyone feel bad for not understanding something. Instead, she was always reassuring and patient, which made it easy to respect her and actually want to try.

“At the beginning of the year, I was struggling pretty badly and had a D, but by year end I had brought it up to a B, which felt like an A+ to me. Looking back, I was probably pretty resistant to learning algebra, but she found a way to make it click. She didn’t just teach the material – she made me believe I could actually understand it, and that stuck with me.”

Carrickhoff recalls another teacher who made a lasting impression for a different reason. As a 3rd grade student, he was often distracted. One day the teacher caught him staring out the window and scolded him, saying he would “never amount to anything by looking out the window.” He laughs now because he retired

in 2021 from a career as an airline pilot, where he spent 35 years looking out a window!

“Jim Burleson was one of the most influential figures of my youth – a young Auburn graduate who coached me in high school football, physical education, and track, and who quietly shaped my confidence as both an athlete and a young man,” Stokesdale mayor Tee Stephenson shared. “Under his leadership, our track team carried on a proud winning tradition, and the lessons he taught us about discipline, resilience, and teamwork helped drive four consecutive conference championships.

“Beyond athletics, Coach Burleson’s personal interests – the circus and HO model railroads –connected with my own family in a way that made his mentorship feel even more personal. He was the kind of coach who didn’t seek attention, but his steady encouragement left a lasting mark. His example ultimately inspired me

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Gunter’s Crossing • 5828 N. Church St. (Next to Lowe’s) • 336-644-7204 OAK RIDGE Oak Ridge Commons • 2205 Oak Ridge Rd (Hwys 150 & 68) • 336-643-3991 CP_5x3_Greensboro_42929.indd

Gunter’s Crossing • 5828 N. Church St. (Next to Lowe’s) • 336-644-7204

Cardinal Center: 2202 Fleming Rd • 665-0880 Gunter’s Crossing: 5828 N. Church St • 644-7204

2202 Fleming Rd • 336-665-0880

Gunter’s Crossing • 5828 N. Church St.

OAK RIDGE

(Next to Lowe’s) • 336-644-7204

OAK RIDGE

Oak Ridge Commons • 2205 Oak Ridge Rd

(Hwys 150 & 68) • 336-643-3991

Oak Ridge Commons • 2205 Oak Ridge Rd (Hwys 150 & 68) • 336-643-3991

CP_5x3_Greensboro_42929.indd

CP_5x3_Greensboro_42929.indd 1 Download our free app or

30th annual Founders’ Day

May 15-16 | Summerfield Elementary School

Summerfield marked a major milestone this year with its 30th annual Founders’ Day celebration, which honors the town’s original founders and the dedicated citizens who worked to incorporate the town in 1996.

The two-day event kicked off Friday, May 15, and continued through a full slate of activities on Saturday, May 16. Crowds turned out in force and lined Summerfield Road for the ever popular Founders’ Day parade on Saturday morning, then stayed for hours of fun afterward.

This year’s festivities offered something for every age and energy level. Kids enjoyed bouncy houses, free carnival rides, and a petting zoo, while live music added to the festive atmosphere. A bustling vendor “village” showcased artists, craftspeople, nonprofits, and local businesses, and an assorted lineup of food trucks made sure no one went hungry.

community CALENDAR

JUNE 5, AUG. 14

MOVIES IN THE PARK | The Summit Church in Oak Ridge will sponsor Movies in the Park on Fridays, June 5 and Aug. 14. Free admission; bring your blankets and lawn chairs. The fun and free concessions start at 6:30 p.m.; movie begins at dark. More info: facebook.com/oakridgenc or www.oakridgenc.com (select “Our Town” tab, then “Events Calendar”).

JUNE 13, JULY 11, AUG. 8

MUSIC IN THE PARK | Oak Ridge’s 2026 Music in the Park series continues the second Saturday of each month at the Town Park Amphitheater. The Beverage Garden opens at 5:30 p.m., and live music runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is free, with food trucks onsite – bring blankets and lawn chairs. More info: facebook.com/oakridgenc or oakridgenc.com (“Our Town” tab, then “Events Calendar”).

JUNE 27 (& MORE)

MUSIC IN THE PARK | The Town of Summerfield will host a Music in the Park Saturday, June 27, at 6 p.m. in the Community Park Amphitheater, 5404 Centerfield Road. More info about this event and Music in the Park events in July and August: www.facebook.com/ summerfieldncgov or www.summerfieldnc.gov (select “About” tab, then “Calendar.”). Also, check these sites for details on Movies in the (Athletic) Park on U.S. 220 in July and August.

SATURDAY, JULY 4

BIKE PARADE | The Town of Oak Ridge’s Special Events Committee will host its third annual kids (and family) bike parade on July 4, with activities starting at 10 a.m. and the parade through Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive, at 11 a.m. See ad below for more details.

FREE BAND CONCERT | Central Baptist Church will host a free patriotic band concert on July 4, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the church, 1715 N.C. 68 North in Oak Ridge. Seating is limited; reservations are encouraged. See ad on p. 30 for more details.

JULY 4 CONCERT | The Triad Community Band will perform a patriotic concert on July 4, 6 p.m. in Oak Ridge Town Park Amphitheater, 6231 Lisa Drive. Free admission and refreshments. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Donations for Crisis Control Ministry in Kernersville appreciated.

JULY 8-10

FREEDOM 250 TOUR | Revolution Academy, located at 3800 Oak Ridge Road in Summerfield, will once again host the Freedom 250 Mobile Museum. Billed as the largest traveling exhibit focused on America’s founding, the interactive museum is designed for students, families, and lifelong learners. Visitors can explore how the 13 colonies declared independence, confronted the world’s most powerful empire, and established a new nation 250 years ago.

4th of July

BIKE

The Freedom Trucks are part of a series of patriotic initiatives inspired by President Trump’s Executive Order 14189, Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday. The mobile museum will be open to the public on the school’s campus Wednesday-Friday, July 8 -10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

FIRST TUESDAY

SUMMERFIELD MERCHANTS | Summerfield Merchants Association, a network of local professionals committed to serving the Summerfield community and supporting one another, meets the first Tuesday of each month at rotating member locations. Networking and social time runs from 6:15 to 7 p.m., with a brief business meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. More info: www.summerfieldmerchant.com.

FIRST THURSDAY

OAK RIDGE TOWN COUNCIL | Oak Ridge Town Council meets monthly on the first Thursday (except July, when it will meet July 9) at 7 p.m. in Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. Citizens may attend in person or view meetings on the town’s YouTube channel. For meeting agendas and details, visit www.oakridgenc.com.

SECOND TUESDAY

SUMMERFIELD TOWN COUNCIL | Summerfield Town Council meets the second Tuesday of every month at Summerfield Community Center,

...continued on p. 36

Saturday, July 4

Oak Ridge Town Park Shelter 1 (near amphitheater)

PARADE

Come celebrate with us! Questions? Call Town Hall at 336.644.7009

10:00 am Decorate bikes, wagons, scooters, strollers – anything without a motor! Bring decorations or use ours! Don’t forget to dress in red, white, & blue!

11:45 am Refreshments & Water Fun, courtesy of Oak Ridge Fire Department Drawing for new bike donated by Confident Kids Pediatric Dentistry

Bike Parade in the Town Park (Families welcome to join or just watch) 11:00 am 6:00 pm Triad Community Band at the Amphitheater l Refreshments Bring canned goods to donate to Crisis Control Ministry, Kernersville

STOKESDALE LANDSCAPE SUPPLY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

5404 Centerfield Road. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and citizens may attend in person or view them on the town’s YouTube channel. For meeting agendas and details, visit www.summerfieldnc.gov.

FIRST & THIRD THURSDAY

COFFEE & CONVERSATION | Summerfield senior men are invited to coffee and conversation the first and third Thursday of each month at Summerfield Community Center, 5404 Centerfield Road, from 9 to 10:15 a.m.

SECOND THURSDAY

STOKESDALE TOWN COUNCIL | Stokesdale Town Council meets the second Thursday of every month at

QUESTIONS

...continued from p. 16

and the 3.2-mile water line running along N.C. 150 from Fire Station No. 15 to Kernersville – the point where Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities will supply water.

“The installation of the water line is essentially complete,” he said. “They’re doing the pressure testing now and finishing equipment work at the county line. Those are the last steps before the water can be turned on.”

Initial customers will include the Oak Ridge Fire Department, Oak Ridge Commons, and homeowners along N.C. 150 who voluntarily sign up for service. To encourage early participation, the town is waiving the $2,000 tap fee. Homeowners will still be responsible for the cost of running a service line from the meter at the road to their house.

“We’re actively seeking residential customers,” Sullivan confirmed.

Engineering work is also underway to connect Oak Ridge Commons. That line must be installed and pressure-tested before the full system can begin operating.

Another major user is expected to follow: Oak Ridge Elementary School. Guilford County Schools will handle its own engineering for the connection, making the timing of that hookup uncertain, Sullivan said.

He added that seeing the system so close to completion is gratifying.

Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. and citizens may attend in person or view them on the town’s YouTube channel. For meeting agendas and details, visit www.stokesdale.org.

LAST WEDNESDAY

MERCHANTS OF OAK RIDGE | Merchants of Oak Ridge is a group of business leaders who operate in and serve Oak Ridge. The group meets the last Wednesday of each month at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. Come at 7:30 a.m. to network, have coffee, and catch up with fellow members; the business meeting starts at 8 a.m. and lasts about an hour. More info: merchantsofoakridgenc.com.

Painting of the new water tower behind Oak Ridge Town Hall began in late May after a few months of delay. This artist rendering of the painted tank shows the light base coat and town logo with acorns and oak leaves that should become visible to passersby by early summer.

“It’s a public service,” he said. “It provides fire protection as well as residential and commercial potable water.”

Connect2 HOMETOWN GRID

Across

2 Republican candidate for Guilford County sheriff in November 2026 election: Phil 4 Oak Ridge’s seasonal _____ in the Park series kicked off April 11

5 Oak Ridge Town Hall is located on this road

Oak Ridge Elementary’s mascot

Sponsored

This 1837 circa house across from Summerfield Town Hall underwent a major restoration, then

Did You Know?

Crossword puzzles –especially cryptic crosswords – helped train World War II codebreakers; pattern recognition, lateral word-logic, and the ability to spot hidden patterns were considered the exact skills required to crack enemy ciphers.

Mountains-to-____ Trail, which extends 1,175 miles

13 Oak Ridge’s _____ is elected by its five council members every two years (following a municipal election)

Stokesdale’s mayor is elected directly by voters every ___ years

15 NC House Rep. John ____ (represents District 62, which includes part of northwest Guilford County)

“How

wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

—

Anne Frank

Shining a light

on Pearce Elementary’s ‘Mr. Jay’

by ANNETTE JOYCE

Affectionately known as “Mr. Jay,” Jalil Faucett – the lead custodian at Pearce Elementary – is used to the steady stream of requests coming through his walkie-talkie. But one day several weeks ago, he was caught completely off guard. When he answered a call to head to the lunchroom, he expected a problem to solve. Instead, he walked into a room full of smiling students and coworkers, all clapping and cheering because he had been named Guilford County Schools’ Employee of the Month for March.

Faucett said he was overwhelmed by both the recognition and the outpouring of support.

“I’m a person who doesn’t really like to be in the spotlight, but it’s nice to know my hard work doesn’t go unnoticed,” he said.

Faucett takes pride not only in keeping the school clean, but also in building meaningful relationships with the students he serves. With his upbeat attitude and servant’s heart, he consistently goes above and beyond the expectations of his job, helping strengthen the school’s sense of community.

“Mr. Jay truly exceeds his required duties at Pearce Elementary, recognizing that the most important work for everyone is about the kids,”

wrote Kim Schubert, a counselor at Pearce. “Recently, I was working with a student who was hesitant to go to class; he just wouldn’t budge. As Mr. Jay was cleaning the hallway, he noticed how long we had been outside of the classroom, and he checked in. He took the time to listen to this student’s concerns and shared his own stories related to the situation. I really appreciated how he noticed a situation and stepped up to help.”

David Spain, another custodian at the school, expressed his appreciation for Faucett’s natural leadership.

“I think he’s a natural leader, and he cares about quality and getting things done. He’s also really good with the kids,” Spain said.

Faucett’s willingness to help extends beyond the school’s walls. As part of his daily routine, he supports the school’s Sharing Fridge initiative – a partnership with A Simple Gesture, a nonprofit focused on fighting food insecurity in Guilford County. The organization provides refrigerators to district schools as part of its Food Recovery program, and Faucett keeps Pearce’s fridge stocked with unopened and uneaten food left behind by students.

“We’ll find milk. We’ll find apple juice, orange juice, carrots, apples, peanut butter and jelly, ICEEs, etc.” Faucett said. “It all goes to the program.”

Outside of work, Faucett continues to pour into young people as a youth basketball and football coach. He coaches two basketball

teams – a co-ed team for 5- and 6-year-olds at Lawndale Baptist Church, and the Triad Flames, an AAU team for middle and high school girls. He also coaches football for Southside Ravens Athletix, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through athletics.

“Beyond the things he does, Mr. Jay is just a really good person – kind, funny, responsible, and always willing to lend a hand. We are so lucky to have him at Pearce,” Schubert summed up.

Faucett has three children – Genesis, 11; Chase, 10; and Zayden, 6 – and is engaged to Ariana Montrose.

AROUND TOWN

Concert Season Returns IN OAK RIDGE

The Town of Oak Ridge kicked off its 2026 Music in the Park series on April 11 in the town park amphitheater with Back Street Orchestra, followed by Blacklight Idols on May 9. Both concerts drew great crowds and enjoyed perfect spring weather, with plenty of food and beverage trucks adding to the evening. The series continues Saturday, June 13, when Dear Sister, a classic rock band, takes the stage. The Beverage Garden opens at 5:30 p.m., and music runs from 6 to 9 p.m. A full schedule of this summer’s monthly concerts is available on the town’s Facebook page.

Keeping the Family Farm Alive

Local Flavor in Summerfield

Northwest Guilford Farmers & Specialty Market is now open every Saturday from 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and the first Wednesday of each month from 4-6 p.m. Shoppers will find fresh produce, free-range meats, specialty foods, body care items, home and pet prod ucts, and unique crafts. Pictured is Krista Smith of Magnolia Ridge Farm & Garden, a regular vendor offering seasonal produce, seedlings, goat cheese products, dog treats, meat, eggs, and more from her small regenerative, pesticide-free farm just 20 minutes away. The farmers market is located beside Greensboro Performing Arts, 7200 Summerfield Road in Summerfield. Visit Facebook.com/nwguilfordfm.

Lifetime Summerfield resident Clark Doggett holds a “Century Farm” certificate recently presented to Doggettville Farm by the N.C. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services and N.C. State Fair.

Doggett’s youngest son, Summerfield Town Council member John Doggett, continues the family’s farming legacy with support from other family members, including John’s 8-year-old granddaughter, Amelia, all of whom live on the family’s 168--acre farm property where Clark and Jane Doggett also live.

“Hard work and a lot of faith have kept Doggettville Farm going for over a century,” John Doggett, a fifth-generation farmer, shared on Facebook.com/ Doggettville Farm. “…We’ve evolved from tobacco to dairy and now to beef cattle, but the goal has always been the same: leave the land better than we found it.”

Look for a feature article on this seventh-generation family farm in our fall issue of Connect2.

Turning

Pages at Heritage Farm

On March 31, the Northwest Guilford Kiwanis Club unveiled its second Little Free Library – now happily parked beside the playground at Heritage Farm Park and stuffed with children’s books donated by club members and Oak Ridge Elementary. Swing by, take a book, leave a book, read, enjoy and repeat. Pictured, L to R: Kiwanis Club members Casey Crossan, Peggy Bradt, Annette Joyce, David Bowman, Danielle Gram and Martha Pittman.

Serving Summerfield Together

The Town of Summerfield’s second annual “Hands On Summerfield,” held on April 25, brought neighbors, volunteers, Town staff, and partner organizations together for a full day of service across the community. What began as a simple “neighbors helping neighbors” idea has quickly grown into a town-wide effort touching multiple sites and residents.

A major focus this year was assisting seniors with home repairs. Volunteers from First Baptist Church Summerfield (pictured at left) continued work for a resident recovering from a house fire, removing a damaged shed and clearing debris. At another home, volunteers tackled fence repairs, yard cleanup, refreshed flower beds, and made general safety improvements.

Other crews completed a litter sweep along Summerfield Road and U.S. 220, while another team worked at Summerfield Elementary to wash windows, power wash entrances, and improve the school track.

Volunteers also cared for local history: members of the Bugler Gillies Chapter, Children of the American Revolution, gently cleaned (with toothbrushes) and restored the town’s Bugle Boy monument and historical marker.

A Garden of Remembrance

Located in Oak Ridge’s Heritage Farm Park, Tranquility Garden is the brainchild of Oak Ridge Lions Club member Danny Yanusz, who felt compelled to create a space honoring club members who had passed after giving “their time, their energy, and their hearts in service to others.” With unanimous support from fellow Lions, Yanusz spent the past year researching, designing, building, and personally tending the garden as it grew into a peaceful place to reflect and remember loved ones.

A dedication ceremony for the garden – tucked behind the football field along Heritage Farm Park’s walking path – was held May 15. Shown at left, Yanusz (back row, second from left) celebrates the garden’s official opening with his son-in-law, two daughters, and grandson.

COUNCIL

“It’s a delicate and emo‑ tional topic,” he said, “and the goal is always to find a resolution that is less heart breaking for everyone.”

Summerfield is already navigating similar challenges along Summerfield Road, where about six property owners have not agreed to sell land or grant temporary easements for the Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway. Town Manager Charles “Twig” Rollins said the town has offered design adjustments – such as narrowing a short section of the greenway from 10 feet to eight feet near the Summerfield Medplex at the corner of Summerfield and Auburn roads to address concerns raised by the medical complex’s property owner. As of late May, the two sides had not reached an agreement.

Rollins said most property owners ultimately settle once they understand the legal and financial realities of eminent domain.

“It comes to the point where it’s

going to cost you this much more to fight it,” he said. “We’re hoping everyone will settle with the town and understand.”

The water project has been a flashpoint in Summerfield for years. Critics argue a municipal water system will spur unwanted commercial and residential development. Supporters –including several current and former council members – maintain the system is needed first for fire protection and eventually for drinking water.

The town recently issued requests for proposals for construction of the elevated 150,000-gallon water tank and installation of the water line. According to documents posted on the town’s website, the project must be “substantially complete and ready for operation” by Dec. 31, 2026, a deadline tied to federal pandemic-relief funding. The town has indicated it is willing to negotiate incentives for early completion.

WATER PLAN FALLS SHORT

ment’s broader need for hydrants distributed across the district. The department initially requested six hydrants supplied by well water or, at minimum, hydrants at all three fire stations. That would reduce long travel times to refill tankers, which currently must go as far as a Greensboro hydrant on U.S. 220 near the Center for Creative Leadership.

Johnson believes the $1.1 million state water-infrastructure appropriation the town received in 2023 could have funded the fire department’s preferred plan. Instead, the town combined that money with $5.5 million in federal pandemic-relief funds to build a system intended first for fire protection and later – at additional cost – for drinking water.

“Water helps us, and I’m an advocate of water,” John‑ son said. “But don’t say you’re doing this for the fire depart‑ ment. The

fire department

is not

the one leading the con versation here.”

...continued from p. 14

Town Manager Charles “Twig” Rollins said the Summerfield Road route became financially unworkable after the new gas line was installed. “It would have cost way too much in design changes and surveying,” he said. With limited grant funding, the council opted to build the tank and the N.C. 150 line now to avoid dipping into its fund balance.

The N.C. 150 line will end near land where developer David Couch is seeking annexation into Greensboro for a large mixed-use project. Rollins said that if the area is annexed, Greensboro could eventually provide water and sewer service, allowing an emergency interconnect between systems.

But Johnson said that possibility does not solve the department’s immediate need for hydrants in multiple locations. Hydrants along N.C. 150, he added, may not be safe or convenient for tanker operations. A hydrant at Station No. 9, by contrast, would place water “in the center of my district,” improving response in all directions.

HAYWOOD, SUMMERFIELD MAYOR

...continued from p. 19

isfaction over Guilford County’s recent revaluation that may result in a sizable property tax increase. The General Assembly is considering a temporary hold on any increase for this year, as well as a constitutional amendment – on the November ballot – that would limit the tax amount local governments can levy. Council is taking all of this into consideration. A draft of Summerfield’s budget is available on our website, and you may share your thoughts at the public hearing during our regular meeting on June 9. Council plans to vote on the final budget at our June 16 workshop.

With summer comes the Town’s Fishing Derby, Music in the Park and Movies in the Park events. Dates for these and other events can be found at www.summerfield.gov.

And if you haven’t already, please visit and “like” the town’s Facebook page, Summerfield, NC – Town Government. There you will find that we’re increasing our content and posting upcoming events, including a weekly meeting schedule.

Once again, thank you for the honor of serving as your mayor.

Lee Haywood, Mayor.Haywood@Summerfieldnc.gov

Gavel pounding returns with a bang to Summerfield

by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIELD – The long-dormant tradition of emphatic gavel-banging made a loud comeback at a May 26 special-called meeting, when Mayor Lee Haywood became so frustrated with former Mayor Gail Dunham – a longtime and very vocal critic of the current and previous town councils – that he threatened to call the sheriff to have her removed.

brought the wooden hammer down in frustration when she continued speaking past her allotted time for public comments and refused to leave the podium.

The two talked over one another in a tense exchange punctuated by rapid-fire strikes of the gavel. Dunham, standing from her seat in the Summerfield Community Center, pressed town staff to immediately hand over budget documents related to capital projects for the fiscal year beginning July 1

“We’re not going back and forth; do you understand me?” Haywood shouted. “We’re not going to tolerate this.”

But the back- and-forth continued.

“Want me to call the sheriff?” Haywood asked at one point.

“I can call him, too,” Dunham shot back. It wasn’t Dunham’s first brush with the gavel. Five years ago, then- Mayor B.J. Barnes

Dunham herself was no stranger to the tool during her two -year term as mayor. She frequently wielded it in attempts to end debates during meetings and, during her final full council meeting as mayor in November 2019, even kept a spare gavel at the ready – and used it to drive home her points after then-Mayor Pro Tem Dena Barnes removed the first one from the council table.

Haywood’s predecessor, Tim Sessoms, took a gentler approach and refrained from banging the gavel as hard or as frequently as others. In an interview, he said he borrowed his philosophy from The Andy Griffith Show: “If Sheriff Taylor didn’t have to use a gun, I didn’t feel I had to use a gavel.”

During the recent flare-up on May 26, Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney called for a five-minute recess. When the meeting resumed, Haywood apologized to the audience for “losing my temper,” adding, “I will try not to let that happen again.”

Northwest Guilford Farmers & Specialty Market

former employees and the Town cannot respond to characterizations of personnel matters that are protected from disclosure.

“The Town’s silence on those matters should not be read as agreement with any public statement made by others about per‑ sonnel matters,” the state‑ ment read.

Legal costs continue to rise. Whitaker and Hall said they have spent more than $230,000. Summerfield has not disclosed its own legal costs and as of late May, had not fulfilled Connect2’s public records request seeking that information.

As of April 30, the town’s legal spending for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, totaled $479,522, leaving $85,477 of the $565,000 budgeted. Costs are expected to continue mounting, with a trial in the public-records dispute set for September and the misconduct complaint scheduled for December, according to Hall. No trial date has been set in the defamation suit.

At the May hearing, McGee said appointing a referee could help contain costs while resolving disagreements over what constitutes town versus public records. Summerfield filed the suit to recover “scores of town records” it says Whitaker and Hall took, attorney Joshua Rogers told the judge. The town also wants the former employees to destroy the mostly digital records still in their possession.

In a statement, Whitaker and Hall said they “turned over many records upon first request and haven’t tried to withhold others, but we maintain the majority are public records that we shouldn’t have to destroy as the town adamantly demands with no exception.” They said they will not destroy W-2 forms, personnel records, or other personal documents, adding

they “simply want to keep records rightfully in the public domain.”

Whitaker reiterated he did not steal or destroy town documents. He said he had been “highly motivated” to honor his severance agreement “as I needed the income and especially health insurance for my wife amid her cancer battle.” Rogers said the town’s iCloud account was deleted on Whitaker’s last day, and that the former town manager had forwarded 65 texts to an email linked to his wife. In response, Whitaker said his wife sent herself personal photos so they wouldn’t be lost, including images of the family making apple cider, him pretending to eat pizza with a stuffed monkey, and their dog Maxine.

“These claims are just vengeful fabrications that are contrary to who we are and our professional history,” Whitaker said.

The mingling of personal and work communications “may not have been best practice,” attorney Richard Paschal said, “But they did not hold anything illegally.”

Hall added, “I’ve never stolen a stick of gum in my life,” and said the dispute “was never about righting any alleged wrongs – it was revenge and officials deflecting from their own mistakes.”

“This is a vendetta targeting us as scapegoats… Instead of asking questions of departing staff, the council went ‘scorched earth’ to publicly accuse, defame, and deflect,” Whitaker said.

During the hearing, Rogers argued the pair is trying to limit what they must return, while Paschal said most documents are backed up on the town’s server. McGee said he wants “everything in the universe (of records) to be turned over” except privileged documents, adding, “I don’t understand why this is so complicated… We’ve got to have everything on the table.”

No date set for revisiting annexation, zoning requests

Developer David Couch’s team and Greensboro planners continue working through design details for 913‑acre Villages of Summerfield Farms

by CHRIS BURRITT

GREENSBORO/NW GUILFORD – Developer

David Couch hopes to resume his annexation and zoning requests with the City of Greensboro as early as July, as negotiations continue over the design and development details for his 913 - acre Villages of Summerfield Farms project.

The Greensboro City Council voted in January to delay consideration of the requests –its third postponement since last September –giving city planners and Couch’s design team

more time to work through the complexities of the proposal.

Those discussions remain active, said Pat Ryan, Couch’s spokesman, in a recent interview.

“This is a very large and very unique project,” he said, noting that several city council members and staff were newly elected

Nicole E. Gillespie

More twin homes on the horizon

by PATTI STOKES

STOKESDALE – Stokesdale Town Council unanimously approved a conditional rezoning on May 14 that will allow up to 46 twin homes on 39.06 acres at 7906 and 7900 U.S. 158. The applicant, KRC Development LLC, is led by principals Kevan Combs and Commie Johnson.

The future development, Pegram Village, sits among a mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial sites, and rural and agricultural properties. Attorney Amanda Hodierne, representing the applicants, told the council the location is ideal for new housing.

“This is certainly in a fastgrowing part of the town, close by a lot of your other attractions,” she said, noting its proximity to jobs, goods, services, and Stokesdale Town Park. “People want to live where they can access the things they do every day… and in a variety of formats.”

Hodierne said the project’s design is efficient, with the twin

homes occupying just 5.53 acres –about 14% of the site; the remainder will be for infrastructure and open space. The homes, she added, offer a low-maintenance option for residents who prefer not to handle exterior upkeep.

Immediately northwest of the site is Greenstone Ridge, Stokesdale’s first approved twin-home community, now under construction on 37.1 acres at 8070 N.C. 68 with up to 44 units.

To the east, another residential project, Norman’s Place, is underway.

Pegram Village’s proposed density is 1.18 units per acre, similar to the 1.09 units per acre allowed under the current RS-40 zoning. The development is estimated to bring a total of up to 20 additional students to Stokesdale Elementary, Northwest Middle and Northwest High schools.

When asked, Combs told council members pricing has not been finalized but said by the time homes in Pegram Village will be offered for sale – which could take up to two years – they will likely start in the low $400,000s.

or newly hired when they first reviewed the plan earlier this year. “All those conversations are all good; they just take a while.” While no date is set, Ryan said, “I think July might be the earliest.”

Couch plans to submit five annexation requests for his various parcels, along with a single zoning request covering the entire 913 acres. The development plan under negotiation outlines 10 neighborhoods and proposes potential design and construction modifications to city rules for as many as 4,775 homes over the next 30 years. Commercial and retail areas are also included.

Six newly elected council members received their first br iefing on the project in January. According to Couch attorney Tom Terrell, the annexation would be the largest in Greensboro’s history. Guilford County assumed jurisdiction of the land in June 2024 after state lawmakers approved a bill de - annexing the property from Summerfield.

For more than a decade, Couch sought zoning changes from Summerfield to allow higher- density housing, including the town’s first apartments. A lthough the town eventually made concessions, they did not meet Couch’s goals. With support from N.C. Senate leader Phil Berger, the de - annexation bill passed and took effect.

Greensboro has already approved annexation and zoning for nearly 80 acres on Carlson Dairy Road, where planning is underway for the first of 11 neighborhoods. The pending requests cover the remainder of Couch’s land – rolling pastures and woodlands stretching from Summerfield Road to Interstate 73. Couch began assembling the property in 1998 through more than a dozen transactions.

For years, some Summer-

field officials and residents opposed Couch’s plans, warning that higher- density housing could increase crime, traffic, and school crowding, and alter the town’s rural character. Greensboro officials, by contrast, have praised the proposal’s mix of housing types and price points, citing the region’s need for more diverse and attainable housing options.

In letters to nearby property owners last year, Terrell explained that Couch is seeking annexation and zoning for a planned unit development, which would allow a “combination of residential and commercial uses” across the project. The development plan negotiated with city staff would establish setbacks, landscaping standards, and permitted uses. Couch designer Victor Dover told the Planning and Zoning Commission last July that concentrating housing would preserve more than a third of the land as open space, with public trails connecting the villages “within the vast green network of fields and forests and parks.”

The property is cur‑ rently zoned under Guil‑ ford County ordinances in a mix of agricultural, single‑family residential, and conditional office and business districts, accord ing to senior Greensboro planner Luke Carter.

In addition to housing and small-scale commercial uses within the individual villages, Couch is proposing a larger mixed-use center – Saunders Village – at N.C. 150 and I-73, featuring a grocery store, healthcare practice, lodging, and other businesses.

CRITTER connection

Sideline cattle farmers find rewards beyond the pasture

When I was in the corporate world, I was so stressed out. That’s gone. I can come out here and just relax.”

– Oak Ridge resident Greg Headen

Photo by Annette Joyce/CONNECT2

Put out the feed, and the Angus herd eagerly responds.

by ANNETTE JOYCE

In the evenings, Todd Payne can often be found on his back porch, soaking in the peaceful setting as he watches his cows graze contentedly nearby. Located in Ellisboro, just outside Stokesdale, the farm has been in the fam-

ily for 177 years. Payne took over its operation in 2020.

Having grown up there, Payne remembers when his family produced mostly tobacco. Still, he said his dad also “had a couple of milk cows, pigs and a few chickens. I think he wanted

North Carolina allows Trusts for pets.

You have thought about

to expose us to a little bit of everything.”

Payne, who owns Renovation Works, a home construction and renovation company, moved back to his family’s 200-acre century farm about five years ago and built a home on the property where his mother still lives. Once settled, he decided he wanted to learn the ropes of cattle farming. Today, he tends a small herd of about 20 Black Angus.

In 2022, Payne’s friend, Oak Ridge resident Greg Headen, retired from a successful career as a CPA, CFO and partner in an insurance firm and soon shifted his focus to raising cattle. He now leases farmland in Guilford and Rockingham counties and maintains a herd of between 80 to 120 head, which includes Black Angus, Black Baldies and Simmental breeds.

The owner of Top Dog Garage Doors, Headen grew up in Siler City, North Carolina, and spent summers working on his grandfather’s cattle farm.

“I helped Grandpa with the hay and the cattle,” Headen said. “My payment was Grandpa taking me fishing after the work was done.

I loved farming and knew I would return to it one day.”

The two men met over 10 years ago when Headen contracted with Payne to renovate his basement. In 2024 Payne returned to renovate and remodel Headen’s kitchen. That’s when they discovered their mutual interest in cattle. They’ve been friends ever since.

There are various reasons for raising cattle – for beef, milk and dairy products, pasture management or just for enjoyment. These two cattlemen decided to focus on raising beef cows and enjoying the process.

Headen noted that most of the income from their cattle-raising operation comes from selling yearlings – calves eight to twelve months old that typically weigh between 400 and 600 pounds. At that stage, the young cattle are taken to area markets.

“Once sold, these calves are shipped to the Midwest and put in feed lots where they’ll be fed until they’re about 1,400 pounds,” he said. “At the end of the day, we’re able to contribute to the food supply on a small scale.”

Photo by Annette Joyce/CONNECT2

Cattle graze in the background as friends Todd Payne and Greg Headen talk about their pastures being places of both work and refuge.

Working with cattle has always been an expensive proposition, but in today’s environment it has become even more challenging.

“Fuel costs and fertilizer have gone up,” Headen noted. “Plus, with drought conditions such as what we’ve been experiencing this spring, we’re forced to rely more on hay.”

“A goal is keeping input costs down and save a little money, while taking care of the cattle,” Payne added.

To do this, Payne has chosen to go completely natural. For instance, he doesn’t use fertilizer or give a lot of vaccines.

Raising cattle comes with headaches that many people might not consider. For one, they

always seem to be getting out of the pasture. Trees fall down, power goes out or young calves just squeeze through an open spot in the fence. A loose cow is especially dangerous on the highway. And, they always seem to get out at night, which makes it worse.

Weather is another factor that the two found out about the hard way during this past winter’s ice and snowstorms. Taking care of cattle is much harder when water is frozen and the pasture is covered with snow and ice. Headen noted that he lost one of his young calves due to the freezing temperatures.

During the hot days of summer, pastures dry up and reduced rainfall makes it worse. Again, there’s the necessary expense of purchasing more hay to keep the cattle fed.

Although the work can be difficult, Payne and Headen agree that they’ve become involved in cattle farming not for the money, but because they simply enjoy it.

Both men said they used to play golf as a stress reliever, but they’ve given that up.

“This is much better than golf. It’s so relaxing to get outside and be around nature,” Payne said.

“I love it,” Headen added. “When I was in the corporate world, I was so stressed out. That’s gone. I can come out here and just relax.”

CRITTER connection photo page

Want to submit your critter/pet photo for possible inclusion in our next issue? Send your (high-res) photo to info@Connect2NWGuilford.com

Guilford County Animal Resources

With around 100 adoptable dogs , Guilford County Animal Resources is full of wagging tails waiting for their next chapter. Puppies, seniors, purebreds, mixes, big dogs, little dogs – there’s truly someone for every home, and they’re all hoping today is the day they meet their new family. Scan the QR code to browse available dogs for adoption.

For families with resident dogs, staff strongly recommend a meet and greet. If you bring your dog for an introduction, take proof of Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella vaccines.

Cats are the shelter’s second largest group of adoptable animals. Scan the QR code to browse available cats for adoption.

Guilford County Animal Resources is located at 980 Guilford College Rd in Greensboro. The center is open for meet and adopts 12–4 p.m. daily –except Tuesdays – and no appointment is needed.

Red Dog Farm Animal Rescue Network

LINNY

Meet Linny, an 11-month-old, 31-pound mixed breed with playful energy and a snuggly side. She loves car rides, toys, treats, and cozy naps. Linny knows “sit” and “come,” is progressing with crate training, and gains confidence daily. Because of her strong prey drive and rough play style, she needs a home without cats or small dogs.

RAIN

Meet Rain, a 3-year-old rabbit with a curious, adventurous spirit and plenty of personality. She loves exploring, making friends, and showing off her playful, sassy side. Though she can be a little nibbley at times, her charm quickly wins people over. Rain would thrive in a loving home with enrichment, attention, and room to explore.

Looking for a playful pup, adventurous bunny, or any of our other adoptable pets?

Begin by filling out an application at www.reddogfarm.com

Meet Chester –professional ball chaser, rope toy enthusiast, and longtime boarding VIP. He’s one of the favorites around Almost Home Boarding & Grooming, always ready for playtime and guaranteed to bring smiles wherever he goes. If there’s a toy involved, Chester is all in!

A cow, a horse, and a match made in heaven

by ANNETTE JOYCE

In the winter issue of Connect2 Northwest Guilford, we introduced readers to Storybook Farm, an animal sanctuary whose mission is to “plant seeds of truth, hope and grace with the love of Christ through animals and story.”

Just outside Summerfield in Reidsville, Steve and Beth Johnson run the sanctuary with the help of a devoted team of volunteers who care for the animals and support the farm’s faith-driven purpose.

One of the animals featured in our earlier story was Hope, a 900pound Balancer cow who arrived at the farm as a calf in 2024. At the time, Hope lived alone in her pen, without a companion of her own species or otherwise. That changed earlier this year – and we thought readers would enjoy hearing the rest of her story.

Hope’s beginnings were difficult. Born a twin, she was rejected

by her mother, rescued by a local animal group, and bottle-fed. Beth described her as gentle, calm, and “absolutely loves to cuddle,” a favorite among volunteers.

When Hope first came to Storybook Farm, she was small enough to befriend one of the miniature horses.

The two played constantly – until Hope grew so large that the Johnsons reluctantly separated them for fear she might accidentally injure her tiny friend. With no other suitable pasture mates, Hope spent her days alone except when volunteers visited.

That is, until Katy entered the picture.

Katy – now affectionately renamed “Katy-Joy” – had lived on my father’s farm since she was about 2 years old. My dad, who passed away last December, originally got her for his grandkids, but as they grew older, their interest faded.

For years, Katy-Joy lived peacefully in a large pasture with a herd

of cattle. When the cows were sold about four years ago, she suddenly found herself alone. She kept her distance from people, rarely letting us get close. My siblings and I weren’t sure what to do with her.

Then came a lightbulb moment: Hope.

Hope had once been happy with her miniature horse companion, and Katy-Joy was used to living among cows. Maybe, just maybe, each could be what the other needed.

When I called Beth, I learned the Johnsons had recently tried placing Hope with a local cattle farmer –but Hope was terrified of her own kind. During last winter’s ice storm, she escaped and spent nine days on the run before the Johnsons finally found her and brought her home.

With Hope safely back at the sanctuary, Beth was eager to see whether a cow and a horse might form the unlikely friendship Hope had been missing. She and Steve

Capers Canine

Saturday, May 2 l Oak Ridge Town Park

Overcast skies and cool temperatures didn’t keep the dogs – or their people – away from the 12th annual Canine Capers, held Saturday, May 2, at Oak Ridge Town Park.

A fun-filled celebration of our furry, four-legged friends, Canine Capers gives local businesses and organizations a chance to connect with dog owners while offering plenty of opportunities for both pups and humans to socialize, explore, and try out a variety of engaging activities.

Just as important, the event shines a spotlight on participating rescue groups, giving them a chance to showcase adoptable dogs and raise awareness and funds to keep their missions going. All profits from Canine Capers are shared among the participating rescue groups – a feel-good finish that helps sup-

Julia Humphrey of Stokesdale tosses her hat skyward as she stands in front of her alma mater, Oak Ridge Elementary. A Northwest Guilford High School Class of 2022 graduate, Humphrey recently completed four years of challenging academic, physical, and professional military training, graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and a commission as an ensign in the United States Navy.

CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2026!

Photo courtesy of Summerfield Elementary

Members of Northern Guilford’s Class of 2026 take a joyful “walk the halls” at Summerfield Elementary School on May 18, returning to the school many of them once called home.

Seniors in caps and gowns handed out high‑fives, shared wide smiles, and soaked in cheers from young students who lined the hallways with handmade signs.

The walk‑the‑halls tradition was celebrated at many other elementary schools across northwest Guilford as well, with graduating seniors from Northern Guilford, Northwest Guilford, and other high schools visiting their former elementary schools.

The celebrations gave younger students a glimpse of what their own futures might hold – and gave some of the seniors a chance to reunite with former teachers as they took one last, memorable walk through the places where their stories began.

ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT...

North Carolina Rowing Center offers adult and youth rowing programs on Lake Higgins, 4235 Hamburg Mill Road in Summerfield. The center’s programs are geared for beginners to those at the advanced and competitive levels of rowing. A range of youth programs are offered in the summer, including youth racing, youth recreational rowing, and learn-to-row summer camps.

For more info about NCRC and its youth and adult programs – as well as its indoor rowing training center at 3712 Old Battleground Road, visit w ww.ncrowing.com

...continued from p. 31

to shift my focus away from engineering and toward a career centered on coaching and working with people,” Stephenson said.

“His untimely death in 1974 left a deep void, but it also strengthened my desire to honor him through service. In the years that followed, I returned to my high school as an assistant track coach for three seasons, helping young athletes reach goals they never thought possible – and even break records I once shared.

“Looking back now, I realize his greatest gift wasn’t the championships or the victories. It was the quiet belief he planted in people – the belief that you could rise to a standard, that hard work mattered, and that one person’s encouragement could change the direction of another person’s life.

“Coach Burleson has been gone for decades, but his influence lives on in the choices I have made, the path I followed, and the conviction I still carry today: that sometimes the most powerful thing you can give someone is simply the confidence to believe in themselves.”

CARETAKER FOR BANDERA FARMS PARK

...continued from p. 21

thing is cleaned up and ready to go for the day,” Rollins said. “It will take a couple of hours on most days to do all that. Then he will come over to this side of town and work out the rest of the day.”

Bar Construction Co. began clearing the site in February, with completion targeted for September – comfortably ahead of the December 2026 deadline tied to federal pandemic-relief funding.

The park has been in development for more than five years. Piedmont Land Conservancy led the acquisition of the land and later transferred ownership to Summerfield. The nonprofit secured nearly $4 million in state, federal, and private grants, along with contributions from Greensboro, Guilford County, and Oak Ridge.

Quick facts about Bandera Farms Park

Funding sources:

„ $2.3 million from Guilford County (federal pandemic relief funds)

„ $500,000 from NC Great Trails State Program

„ $500,000 from Land and Water Conservation Fund

„ $500,000 from Parks and Recreation Trust Fund

„ $400,000 from Town of Summerfield’s fund balance

„ $100,000 from Recreational Trails Program

„ $50,000 from NC Horse Council Partnerships:

The project represents the first joint conservation and recreation initiative among Piedmont Land Conservancy, Guilford County, Greensboro and the towns of Oak Ridge and Summerfield.

Park features:

„ To be developed as a nature-based, equestrian-focused preserve, Bandera Farms Park will include 4.5 miles of dedicated horse trails.

„ The Piedmont Greenway will run parallel to the equestrian trails; it will initially have a natural surface but eventually be paved.

„ Designed for multiple user groups, it will be a key component of the planned Piedmont Greenway, a trail planned from Greensboro to Winston-Salem.

For more information, visit the Town’s website, www.Summerfieldnc.gov, and search “Bandera Farms Park.”

GRINS and GRIPES

GRINS to ...

Oak Ridge firefighters for recently pulling baby ducks out of a storm drain and reuniting them with their mother. Thanks for your above-and-beyond service to helpless animals as well as us humans!

Organizers and sponsors of Canine Capers in Oak Ridge Town Park in early May – what a fun, well-run event, and I think it’s great that all proceeds support the local rescue groups that took part – a win-win for dogs and humans alike!

Dr. Matt DeVaney and his team at DeVaney Dentistry for a quarter century of providing excellent dental care and thousands of bright smiles!

The people who place flags at their homes and on grave markers for Memorial Day, honoring those who gave their lives so ours could be better. Your quiet acts of honor and remembrance keep their sacrifice in the forefront.

Town staff, volunteers and sponsors who made this year’s Summerfield Founders’ Day such a great event. Our kids had a blast, and the carnival rides being free was a bonus!

Amy and Daryl Klug, and everyone who works or volunteers at the Old Mill of Guilford. Thanks for preserving this beloved piece of history, and for working to ensure the mill’s tradition will continue with a future buyer.

The Summerfield Town Council for stepping back from purchasing the Laughlin School property. I value its history, but the unanswered questions around repairs, renovations, and ongoing upkeep made it a risky investment that could easily have become a money pit.

Revolution Academy for breaking ground on your upper school campus. Since opening in 2020, you’ve served your students and our community well, and your new high school will bring another positive to Summerfield.

The Class of 2026. Best wishes

as you go out into the world and forge a new path!

Nicki and the vendors at the Northwest Guilford Farmers Market for keeping Summerfield stocked with fresh produce, just-laid eggs, and handmade goodies. We love knowing that everything is grown or crafted by neighbors.

Stokesdale resident Alison Huber, for receiving NC General Federation of Women’s Club’s “Outstanding Citizenship and Patriotism award.” She is beyond deserving of this recognition, and we are so fortunate to have her in our community!

GRIPES to ...

The young driver of a new white Audi (with a 30day tag), passing cars at 60+ mph on Lake Brandt Road the morning of May 20. Parents, please tell him to slow down – he’s going to hurt himself or someone else!

Summerfield town council for

relentlessly pursuing former manager Scott Whitaker and finance of ficer Dee Hall, all while burning through untold hundreds of thou sands of dollars in legal costs. In the immortal words of Elsa in Disney’s “Frozen,” “Let … it… GO!”

Greensboro/Guilford County for this year’s property revaluations, which will hurt low- and middle-income homeowners the most – all while claiming we need more affordable housing in our area!

Town leaders for allowing a Confederate flag to be displayed at Founders’ Day. Our 8 -year-old recently studied the Civil War and Equity Seekers, which helped him recognize how inappropriate that display was at the event, which was held at his beloved public school.

Delighted or dismayed by something in your community?

Share your thoughts in 40 words or less by emailing info@Connect2NWGuilford.com

Outdoor Friday Flavors Concert Season

MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

...continued from p. 51

drove to my dad’s Stokes County farm on Valentine’s Day to meet Katy-Joy.

Before they arrived, my sisters and I had tried – unsuccessfully – to get near the skittish mare. But Steve wanted to try. Watching him slowly approach her, pausing, turning his back, and patiently earning her trust until he was rubbing her neck, was remarkable.

From a distance, Beth watched with tears

in her eyes. When she approached, Katy-Joy allowed her the same gentle closeness. That was all the confirmation the Johnsons needed. KatyJoy was going to Storybook Farm.

The first couple of days were polite and cautious – a quiet “getting-to-know-you” dance between horse and cow. Then, almost overnight, they became inseparable. Katy-Joy now runs to the fence to greet visitors with a wide grin, hoping for treats.

Hope, used to being the center of attention, sometimes gets a little jealous when Katy-Joy is

being brushed and isn’t shy about nudging her way in. She also has no problem helping herself to Katy-Joy’s food after finishing her own.

But for both of them, companionship – even with a little friendly rivalry – is far better than solitude.

For more information about Storybook Farm and how you can get involved, visit w ww.StorybookFarmInc.org or call (336) 209 4121. Storybook Farm is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on private donations to support its mission.

Borden Dentistry:

A fresh start rooted in whole health care

After stepping away seven years ago from owning and running a busy dental practice, Dr. Beth Borden is reopening her doors with renewed purpose — and a deeper understanding of how oral health connects to the health of the whole body.

We are back and creating naturally beautiful smiles while integrating whole-health concepts and innovative technology. Our core values remain the same: cherishing our patients and community relationships as we open with a new perspective and enhanced approach to dental care.

During her time away from Borden Dentistry, she continued working as a dentist in the community and is now on staff at Cone Health in hospital-based dental care. These experiences have enhanced her ability to incorporate dentistry to support overall wellness and continue to create naturally beautiful smiles.

“At Borden Dentistry, the goal is still the same: natural, confident smiles that look like you,”

Dr. Borden said, emphasizing that, “Our whole health approach focuses on restoring, regenerating, and preserving what matters as our treatment is guided by proper form, healthy function, and your own goals.”

Partnership is at the heart of Dr. Borden’s practice. Patients are encouraged to ask questions, understand their options, and participate fully in their care. She believes informed consent is more than a signature — it’s a conversation. She and her team are committed to clear communication, shared decision making, and dental care grounded in sound science, proven technology, and continually refining skills.

While this new beginning for Borden Dentistry brings a fresh perspective, the values remain unchanged: relationships matter most, and quality of care and cosmetic dentistry standards are an expectation, not a hope.

“Warmth, transparency, and a commitment to long-lasting, predictable care is our priority for every patient experience,” Dr. Borden said.

Visit www.BordenDentistry.com for updates as the practice unfolds this summer. Free meet and greets are available, and new and returning patients are welcome beginning this July.

„ AUTO SERVICES

THE EUROPEAN GARAGE Quality European auto service & repair. BMW, Mini, Volvo, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Audi, Land Rover, and Porsche. Owner Butch Knight provides 37 years of exceptional and trusted expertise. 4559 U.S. 220. Summerfield (across from Food Lion). TheEuropeanGarage.com. (336) 337-0669

EUROHAUS. A European auto repair and maintenance shop specializing in BMWs, Mercedes-Benzes, Audis, Land Rovers, Porsches, Volkswagens, Volvos and more. Highly skilled technicians, A+ customer service. 6716 US 158, Stokesdale. (336) 891-3876

„ EMPLOYMENT

CHILDCARE CENTER/PRESCHOOL needs F/T energetic infant/toddler teacher. Pay rate based on education and experience; medical and dental coverage provided. NW Day School & The Baby House. Interested applicants call Joslyn, (336) 617-7700

Floral arrangements for weddings, prom, special occasions,

and funerals. Fruit and gourmet baskets and balloon arrangements also available.

Order online or stop by our retail shop to discuss your floral needs.

HOME / COMMERCIAL SVCS.

„ CLEANING (INTERIOR & EXTERIOR)

ROSA’S CLEANING SERVICE. Home cleaning service with over 20 years of experience, backed by excellent references. Affordable rates and free quotes! Please give us a call to schedule your next cleaning! (336) 423-8720

PAOLA CLEANING SERVICE. Residential, commercial & new construction. Insured. (336) 669-5210 or (336) 814-5694

CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING. We clean all styles of windows, frames, sills, mirrors, skylights, and light fixtures – residential and commercial. We also do gutter cleaning and pressure washing. (336) 595-2873. Fully ins. www.windowcleaningnc.com.

GATORMAID CLEANING. Christian mom in business for 32 years in the Triad is available to provide excellent cleaning services for the elderly and others. Pet sitting also available, all at budget-friendly prices. References. Call Laura Bennett at (336) 231-1838

MARTIN’S PRESSURE WASHING. House and roof soft washing. Concrete/paver cleaning and sealing. Residential and commercial. Call or text (919) 931-0856. Visit MartinsPressureWashing.com. Serving the Triad since 2018.

„ BUILDING /CONSTRUCTION

WE BUILD POLE BUILDINGS/BARNS and barndominiums. Call us for an estimate. (336) 430-9507

„ ELECTRICAL

Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? Licensed and insured. 40 years of service. Call Coble Electric, LLC at (336) 209 -1486

„

GENERAL REPAIR / SVCS.

GENERAL HANDYMAN. Repairs, installations, furniture assemblies, TV mounting, etc. Light electrical and plumbing. Landscape lighting installation. Insured. No job too small. Call with questions. Gordon, (336) 253-7700

SERVICES, including HVAC maintenance and repair, gutter and window cleaning and power washing/soft washing. Affordable and dependable. Free estimates. (336) 706-0103

To place a Marketplace display or Classified line ad in our FALL 2026 (September, October, November) issue, call (336) 944-1665 or email info@Connect2NWGuilford.com

„ LAWNCARE, LANDSCAPE DESIGN, MATERIALS & MAINTENANCE

„ MISCELLANEOUS

WANTED: OLD FARM EQUIPMENT. Will pay cash. Call (336) 430-9507

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

„ PAINTING

PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR. 45 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. Average bedroom walls $125. No job too small. Insured. Call or text Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186

LANDSCAPING & DESIGN

full-service maintenance mulching ● plants ● trees pruning ● renovation ● sodding

LANDSCAPING MATERIALS mulch ● soils ● compost ● stone

Residential & Commercial propane

www.gardenoutletnc.com (336) 643-0898 | 5124 US-220, Summerfield Est. 1999, locally owned and operated

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

DELIMA LAWN CARE, LLC. Mowing, pruning, mulch/pine needles, leaf removal & much more. Commercial and residential. Licensed & insured. Serving northwest Guilford area since 2005. Call JC Ruiz, owner, at (336) 669- 5210

WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Lawn maintenance, landscaping. Irrigation/ landscape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 30+ yrs. exp. (336) 39 9-7764

„ MISCELLANEOUS

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

WELDING AND TRAILER REPAIR. General repairs to all kinds of metal items. Trailer refurbishing. Call Tim, (336) 402-3869

„ PAINTING

CARLOS & SON PAINTING. Residential & commercial. Licensed & insured. Serving northwest Guilford area since 1999. Carlos Ruiz, owner, (336) 669-5210 or carlospainting14@live.com

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

STILL PERFECTION PAINTING. Put your trust in our brush! Reliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing & handyman services. Call Scott Still, (336) 462-3683 or visit stillperfectionpainting.com.

BEK Paint Company

.com

„ REMODELING

BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. One call does it all! Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, roofing, rotted wood repair. Lifetime shingle and metal roofing. Since 1979. References available. Sr. discounts. (336) 362-6343

WHITE OAK FINE CARPENTRY. Remodeling, custom cabinetry and home repair. Custom decks. Kitchen and bath remodels. No project too small. Follow us on social media. (336) 497-7835

RENOVATION WORKS, INC. New construction, remodeling, additions, kitchen, bath and decks. Locally owned, full-service design-and-build company. BBB A+ accredited. Call (336) 427-7391 or visit www. myrenovationworks.com to discuss your next project. See our full-page display ad on p. 8.

„ ROOFING

We can handle all of your COMPLETE ROOFING NEEDS, commercial and residential. Call (336) 430-9507

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

„ TREE, STUMP SERVICES

ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE. Local arborists with 30+ years’ experience. Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Tree inspection. Stump grinding. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. Call (336) 64 3-9157. www.arbormastersnc.com

CM STUMP GRINDING, LLC. Family-owned and operated. Commercial and residential. Stump grinding, stump removal, shrub and brush removal, light clearing, dirt work, culverts and more. Free quotes! (336) 317-4600

„ TREE, STUMP SERVICES

STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. 40+ years’ exp. in all types of tree work. Fully insured. Natural area thinning & cleanup. (336) 64 3-1119

DILLON TREE SERVICE. Certified arborists. BBB accredited. Fully insured. Family-owned. Tree removal and trimming. Available for emergency removals 24/7. Free estimates. info@dillontreeservice.com (336) 996-6156. www.dillontreeservice.com. See display ad on p. 18

„ PET SITTING

WENDY COLLINS PET SITTING LLC Your Summerfield Pet Sitter since 2018. Ce rtified, bo nded & insured. See our website for service and extended service areas. (336) 339 -6845 www.wendycollinspetsitting.com

„ REAL ESTATE

WE PAY CASH for LAND and / or HOUSES. Call us at (336) 430-9507

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