Greensboro Daily Photo

Happy Mother's Day 2013

Happy Mother's Day! Today's photo takes us inside Our Lady of Grace (OLG)  Catholic Church on West Market Street. This photo, while blurry, evokes the spirit of family, love, and relationships. We don't need to see the faces to get a feel for the love and hope of the people celebrating this marriage.

According to the parrish history on their website, Our Lady of Grace was erected in 1952, through funds provided by Julian Price. Mr. Price, chairman of the board of Jefferson Life Insurance Company, build this Catholic church "as a tribute to the faith and love of his good wife, Ethel Clay Price" (reference). Both Mr. and Mrs. Price died before the church could be built and it was through the efforts of their dear children, Mrs. Joseph M. Bryan and Mr. Ralph Clay Price, that OLG became a reality. While most of us can't afford to build a marble and handcrafted wooden church with over 30,000 pieces of stained glass imported from Belgium, for our parents, we can honor them by ensuring that their grandchildren and great grandchildren are raised in a loving and nurturing environment. And, if you are at a wedding, participating in or watching the ceremony, remember to say a little thank you to your own mother. If you have children, renew your personal committment to being the best mother you can be. Happy Mother's Day, ladies. Finally, may the love of the above couple grow as strong as the love Mr. Price had for his lovely wife- the mother of his children.

Bilingual Day of Children... El Día de Niños

Today, from 12:30- 5:00,  is the Día de los Niños Celebration at Festival Park in downtown Greensboro. This is the fifth year for the event for children and their families, especially those from Spanish speaking families or those who want to be in a bilingual atmosphere. Salsa dancers will perform, as will students from the Jones Spanish Immersion Program. The day is filled with dancing, crafts, poetry readings, art activities, music, and so much more.* As with so many of our festivals, IT IS FREE!

In this photo of a crowd scene, downtown, the child in red tennis shoes was entertaining everyone while his family looked on. We hope he is at the event this year, again winning the hearts of onlookers. Head on down and brush up on your Spanish and celebrate reading and literature.

 

 

*Here is the link to the schedule of events, if you are interested. Here is a photo from a previous year. Here is a great photo of the event.

Time to Travel

Above, we share a photo of a woman who is sitting in Barnes & Noble Bookseller at Friendly Shopping Center. Likely, she is planning out a summer vacation or road trip. The woman seemed so interested in charting her route on the map. Sad will be the day is these brick and mortar bookstores exist no more. We can't imagine anything more intriguing than sitting in a bookstore, currounded by printed material.... dreaming... especially if there is a cup of coffee nearby.

We hope that the weather is nice this weekend and that you are planning something great to do- especially if it involves a good map and bookseller! In this era of mapquest and GPS, it is nice to know that there is at least one old-school, map reader among us! Happy Friday, dear readers.

 

 

31st International Festival at UNCG

Sunday's 31st International Festival, held on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, was such a community-building event. Over thirty-four countries had representations and cultural booths. It was possible to sample food from around the world, practice language skills, learn about cultures and interact in a safe and friendly atmosphere. For a few brief hours, we were a global village. International students could wear the clothing of their families and celebrate their respective ethnicities, as opposed to masking them.

The above group of dancers was comprised of young children. The tall white building in the background, just behind the leafing trees,  is part of Jackson Library. How symbolic that these young girls were facing the University's tower of knowledge, perhaps anticipating their academic futures as they danced for the rows and rows of onlookers. 

 

Diana Al-Hadid at Weatherspoon Art Museum

The above bronze sculpture, by Diana Al-Hadid, is currently on exhibit at the Weatherspoon Art Museum on the campus of UNCG. The photo features Syrian-born, Ohio-raised Al-Hadid's statue of a Florida coed having been melted.

Yesterday, New York art critic and curator Gregory Volk spoke about Al-Hadid's art at the Weatherspoon. This was a culminating event after his meeting with UNCG art faculty and students earlier in the day. Volk says that Al-Hadid's work is mobile in time; looking as if it were unearthed three hundred years ago while at the same time the drippy bronze looking as if it is left over from a post-future catastrophe. Volk says Al-Hadid brings motion to static work. The art represents her state of in-between-ness, between the Middle East and mid-West; with a sense of freedom and a sense of woundesness. He says her art merits repeated viewing; something deeper and more meaningful emerges each time.* The 32-year-old Al-Hadid is in Utah at the moment; however, she was here in February at the opening of the exhibit.

Because Greensboro is a community with many institutions of higher education, we have access to many events free and open to the public. If you get a chance, stop by the Weatherspoon and see what you think about the Al-Hadid exhibit. Some people find it inspiring; some find it depressing.  Go and form your own opinion.  We have the feeling that the next time we see Al-Hadid's work, it will not be at a free museum in our own back yard!

*all loosely quoted.

J is for Juice Shop

Anybody who is trying to maintain a healthy diet, likely has participated in some sort of juice regimen for the purpose of cleansing or  providing nutritional supplements or adding antioxidants for health. Juice can be healthy or junky, depending on the quantity and quality. Today is ABC Wednesday. We've selected J for juice for our Go Green Greensboro series and have photographed the Juice Shop in Friendly Center. While there is not any stand out green factor from the Juice Shop (no solar panels,  recycled building materials, or LEED certification, etc. that we know of), they are worth mentioning for the following reasons.

Their business model is simple, one fairly-nutritious product, one size, cash only, good money value. The shop provides college scholarship money to employees who have worked there a certain number of hours. This is a locally owned business that has been giving back to the community and to employees way before all of those concepts were trendy. The Juice Shop opened in 1997 and is owned by Colin and Rick Streng. They have three stores: One on Lawndale; one in Friendly Center; one in Winston-Salem. Please stop by if you like smoothie/juice drinks that are yogurt-based. While you are there, look at the scholarship wall and thank them for this fine tradition. Hats off to Juice Shop and thank you, dear readers, for stopping by on J Day for Go Green Greensboro. See A-I here.

I is for Individual

Yesterday, at Geeksboro Coffee House, we ran into our young, old-friend, Elizabeth Perrion. We first met Elizabeth several years ago when she was a Page High School student working at Earth Fare Supermarket. As a teenager, Elizabeth was health-conscious and loved talking about health and well-being with the store’s customers. Today, as a young adult, she is still passionate about healthful living. Now, Elizabeth works at Deep Roots Co-Op and is so excited about the opening of the new store. When she isn’t working, she attends GTTC, finishing an associates degree and hoping to continue her studies in nutrition, health, and wellness. 

 If you get a chance, stop by Deep Roots on North Eugene and let Elizabeth help you with your healthful living needs. With individuals like her, the younger generation may break the death-by-food cycle. For this round of ABC Wednesday, our theme is Go Green Greensboro. Greensboro can only be “green” and healthy if we have individuals who take health and wellness seriously. I is for individual citizens all doing what we can to keep our community healthy in every way. Elizabeth is one such INDIVIDUAL!

 

Lida Witherspoon

Lida Witherspoon is another one of 205 Collaborative's many talented artists. Lida, whose background is theater, attended UNCG as well as the North Carolina School for the Arts. Lida has done any exciting things relating to theater. In 2002, she was in charge of painting the first set for Triad Stage, Tenessee Williams' classic, "Suddenly Last Summer."

These days, Lida mostly focuses on painting her giant, Asian-themed tapestries and pondering the great stories behind them. Evident in her art, Lida loves storytelling and folk tales. When she is not painting away at 205 Collaborative, she is often seen at local music festivals, which she enjoys organizing as well as attending.  Her translucent 9' tapestries-  full of dragons, earth, water, and fire-  are even more beautiful in person. If you stop by to see them, make sure to visit during the daytime when the natural light filters through the cloth, bringing her scenes to life. 

Given her love of Chinese art, Lida  hopes to study the Chinese language, possibly at UNCG. Let's hope Google translate didn't play a trick on us and that "好运/ Hǎo yùn" really does mean, "good luck".

Karen Bjork Dischell

Karen Bjork Dischell was the featured artist at last night's First Friday at 205 Collaborative. Karen, originally from Massachusetts, has been in Greensboro for twenty years. Her professional training was at the School of the Worchester Art Museum and the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she studied drawing and printmaking.

In the above photo, Karen is surrounded by her recent work, inspired by the trees and greenery of her neighborhood. Karen paints with oils, adding layers of paint and glazing until the light and texture are just perfect. In addition to 205 Collaborative, Karen also sells her artwork locally through Fat Cat, Ltd. in Oak Ridge. Karen, recipient of a 2009 United Arts Council grant,  is generous to the local community, often donating artwork for schools and non-profits for their fundraisers. She even donated a mural to a local elemetary school. We are so lucky to have her living and painting in our community.

If you get a chance, stop by 205 Collaborative at 205 Lyndon Street in the historic 1927 building that was formerly Crutchfield Plumbing. Karen's work doesn't take up the full 18,000 square feet of the building, but it does bring a tremendous amount of warmth and cheer to the cavernous, industrial space.

Cone Sisters

The Cone Sisters of Baltimore, with significant ties to Greensboro, have been in the news a great deal lately. Clarabel (1864-1929) and Etta (1870- 1949) amassed a highly-regarded collection of modern art in their lifetime. While they collected separately, together, they had over 500 works by Matisse and over 3,000 pieces in all. The Nasher Museum at Duke has an exhibit of their collection. Locally, the Weatherspoon currently has a room of their collection on exhibit and the Weatherspoon, located at the corner of Tate and Spring Garden Streets, is free. It is only on display at the Weatherspoon until February 17th, so, if you haven't seen it, call a friend and head over.

No, today's photo is not one of their paintings! It is a painting of the generations of Cones dating back to the parents of Clarabel and Etta. Herman Cone came from Bavaria Germany to the United States in 1845. In 1856, he married Helen Gugenheimer.  Initially, they lived in Tennessee and then Maryland. Their eldest sons Moses and Ceasar relocated to Greensboro to establish a textile business. Herman and Helen are represented by the blue boxes in the middle of the above framed genealogy. Moses, Ceasar, Clarabel and Etta form part of the green oval surrounding their parents. Of those four children, only Ceasar had children. It is Ceasar's family who has this genealogy hanging at the Cemala Foundation in their office on Greene Street. The Cone Family has done so much for Greensboro, it is impossible to imagine our community without them.

Henry Frye

As we enter the second day of African-American History Month, we feature Henry Frye. The above sign, placed at the southwest corner of South Elm Street and February One Place, is dedicated to the very accomplished Frye who, among other accomplishments, was the first African-American chief-justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court. Frye, born a couple of counties away in Ellerbe, NC, is a 1953 graduate from Greensboro's NCA&T University. He has dedicated his career to civic involvement, politics, business, justice, and community. He is known for his efforts to get diverse groups of people involved in their respective communities. Frye, and his wife Shirley, are featured in Abe Jones Jr's. 1978 book , Greensboro 27.  In the book (p. 158), Dr. Frye is quoted as saying "... the real challenge to blacks and whites is to demonstrate that we can make the changes that need to be made through the political system."  It would be interesting to interview the Fryes and see how they think Greensboro has changed over their over six decades of involvement in our community.

Last August, former Supreme Court Justice Frye and his wife were co-chairs of Greensboro's Wyndham Golf Championship. If you would like to see a recent photo of the Fryes and read more about their great work for the State of North Carolina, read the article here. 

February ONE

Today is a very important day: February One, the day the Sit-Ins were held in Greensboro in 1960. David Richmond, Franklin McCain, Jr., Ezell Blair, Jr. (now Jibreel Khazan), and Joseph McNeil headed over to the Woolworth's lunch counter on Elm Street and sat and waited to purchase a cup of coffee.  They were trying to get not only a cup of coffee but also some long-overdue equality. On this day in 2010, our city came together for the opening of the International Civil Rights Museum.

Today we feature the base of the February One statue on the campus of North Carolina A&T University. Previously, we have featured the front of the statue in all of its glory (here  and back,  here). This photo makes the already tall monument appear even taller. Recently many local high school students wrote essays about that they would sit in for. That is a great topic to contemplate. As we all remember this important day in the history of Civil Rights, let us ponder, just what would we be willing to sit in for?

In Memory of Chancellor Sullivan

The small tree in the foreground on the left was planted in memory of Chancellor Patricia Ann Sullivan who led The University of North Carolina at Greensboro from 1995- 2008. In her thirteen years as Chancellor, she led UNCG through a period of great growth. Under her watch, student enrollment increased by 36 percent and her capital campaign brought in over $100 million dollars. If you haven't been on campus since the early 1990's, you won't believe how UNCG has grown. Chancellor Sullivan died of cancer in 2009, but she will be remembered by students, faculty, and UNCG employees for years to come.

UNCG has such lovely landscaping and the trees, planted in memory of people who have contributed so much to the University, add such a personal touch. Chancellor Sullivan would be pleased to know that the next tree over is dedicated in memory of a student who left an indelibe impression on the professors who taught her. Here's to planting trees in memory of others and to taking the time to walk by and appreciate them.

Meredith Lindsay Becraft

I

It has been a couple of months since we checked in on Meredith Becraft, the twenty-something traveler, ever in search of great items to resell and beautiful scenes to photograph. O. Henry Magazine wrote a nice article about Meredith this month. She has taken to the road in an old Airstream trailer in search of trash to turn to treasure. She takes outdated furniture, works a little artistic magic, with the help of a can of chalk paint, and turns the pieces into something that even the finest homes in Greensboro display. Above, Meredith is featured at the entrance of her Airstream. You can see a glimpse of her style in the rejuvenated interior. 

Meredith has a little bit of turtle in her and the Airstream is her shell. By day, she it out on a mysterious trail, heading in a direction that might be readily apparent only to her. By night, she is tucked neatly in her cozy, silver shell. If you are interested in keeping up with Meredith's adventures, you can follow her on Salvager Dolly. Alternatively, stop by Aubrey House on Old Battleground (near Southern Foods) and find out the latest news on this brave young woman. Hats off to following your dream, even if it means heading all the way to the west coast..... and back.

B is for Bog Garden

Yesterday, we featured a bronze statue of Dr. Joe Christian. Today, we share a photo of his beloved Bog Garden at Benjamin Park. Dr. Christian dreamed of turning this formerly blighted parcel of land into a place for native plants to thrive is a natural setting. The wetland home is nestled on seven acres between Hobbs Road, Northline Avenue and Starmount Drive. The Bog Garden is open year round from sunrise to sunset. It has, numerous wildlife species, native plants, and a recirculating waterfall that Dr. Christian himself helped construct. The trails and boardwalk, visible in the upper left corner, allow visitors to travel through the natural bog, disrupting it minimally. This photo shows the Bog Garden at its brownest, most dormant time of year. However, without excessive foilage, one can get an idea of just how easy it is to explore the area. We were expecially curious about the duck in the middle which one little visitor dubbed "tuxedo duck" because it looks it is wearing a black tuxedo. The white strip if feathers on the inside of its neck and chest looks like a white dress shirt. This is the kind of creative expression that emerges when parents take their children out to explore nature. If you want to combat nature deficit disorder, head to the Bog Garden and explore!

For this round of our beloved ABC Wednesday  GDP's theme is "Go Green" Greensboro. Today is ABC Wednesday and B is for Bog Garden. We are delighted that Greensboro has natural areas for present and future generations to enjoy. Here's to keeping the "green" in Greensboro!

Dr. Joe Christian

Today's photo celebrates one of Greensboro's great naturalists, Dr. Joe Christian. Dr. Christian loved spending time outdoors whether hunting or exploring or just spending time with his family. He was instrumental in establishing Greensboro's Bog Garden. He helped reclaim the stream that was littered with garbage. He relocated over 16,000 native plant specimens to this natural space.

His bronze statue, featured above,  is located at the northwest corner at the intersection of Hobbs Road and Starmount Farms Drive. The statue is by South Carolina sculptor, Maria J. Kirby-Smith. She knew the humble Dr. Christian personally and dedicated the statue while Dr. Christian was still living.  Kirby-Smith depicted her subject with a shovel in one hand and a soon-to-be-planted alum plant in the other hand. Dr. Christian had so many talents, not to mention he was a well respected medical doctor who graduated from the Bowman Gray School of Medicine.

If you want to read more about the above statue, read here. You will learn that Kirby-Smith has sculpted many statues around Greensboro.  We also direct you to Dr. Christian's obituary.  The accomplished, Renaissance man died in 2011. Stop back by GDP tomorrow and we'll show you a view of Dr. Christian's bog garden in its tranquil, sleeping, winter state.

MLK Parade Day

Today is the Martin Luther King Holiday and Greensboro is brimming with community service opportunities. High school students are taught to take every opportunity to give back to the community and most don't see today as merely a chance to sleep in late. May are out working and learning. Read about the day long event at Four Seasons Town Center. There is so much to do.

The International Civil Rights Museum has events scheduled throughout the day to help people learn about our past and to get involved in the future. The above photo is from last year's MLK, Jr. Parade. Today's parade begins at 11:00 and will last until about 2:00 pm.  The parade begins at 2031 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and heads north to Gorrell Street. Twenty thousand people are expected to participate. Unfortunately, it takes place at the same time as President Obama's swearing in ceremony at 11:30. Unless you are "old-school," you won't be bothered by recording the swearing in ceremony and watching it later in the day. Regardless of what you decide, please do something. Today is a day to be with others and to celebrate the great progress our city has made in respecting the inherent worth and dignity of all our residents.

Today, we close with the quote of Reverend Samuel Kyles, said to those threating to assassinate Dr. King:  "You can kill the dreamer.... but you cannot kill the dream."  May we all dream of a great community; and LIVE the dream.

Courtney E Cormier at First Friday

Today is First Friday and shops and galleries in Downtown Greensboro  will stay open for your enjoyment. Last month, at Artmongerz, we fell in love with the satirical-realistic oil paintings by Courtney Cormier. Cormier describes the above series as "marketing scheme rejects" -  as toys that illustrate the societal pressures and stresses of adulthood. There is a "grimacing reality behind the bright hues." Cormier, originally from New Hampshire, is a full-time artist in Greensboro and is currently showing out of Artmongerz.

Cormier, a person of many talents, is a 5-time world champion baton twirler who was a twirler at the University of Tennessee, where she earned a degree in psychology. In the above photo of her paintings, you see the iconic little tikes cozy coupe wrecked and abandoned on the side of the road. You see Mr. Potatohead about to shave with a potato peeler which, unbeknownst to him, could cause permanent damage to his skin. Cromier's art gets you to look twice, to think about childhood, and to try to interpret the contemporary meaning. 

Every time we attend First Friday, we see something new, fun, and creative. Last month, it was Cormier's work. What will it be tonight? For sure, The January First Friday will be a great way to begin the weekend, the new year. Hope to see you there tonight.  Maybe we'll pull up in a cozy coupe! Beep, beep...

Y is for Year 5

Happy New Year!

Today is Day 1 of Year 5 for Greensboro Daily Photo. When we published our first post on January 2nd, 2009, we weren't sure we could sustain this effort. Posting a photo, with accompanying text/research, EVERY day is quite a commitment. Somehow, even with full time jobs, vacations, deaths in the family, and power outages, we've managed to get something posted every day. That's 1,460 photos related to Greensboro. Sometimes, we question why we have taken on this huge commitment- community service, of sorts. However, when we read your comments or attend events, like the Piedmont Interfaith Council Ecumenical Celebration and see our photos up on the giant screen, we know this effort is all worthwhile.

This whole international, city daily photo effort started with Paris Daily Photo and we are honored to be a part of this great community. If you are regular readers, you know we participate in the ABC Wednesday meme; also, we post a photo of the sky over Greensboro on Fridays; on Sundays, we post something related to religion and spirituality. The other days, we fill in with an array of scenes around town. Also, we try to feature the people of our Greensboro.  Please continue to read and to provide us with ideas, feedback and comments.

Lake Brandt Meets Christo & Jeanne-Claude

Lake Brandt looks like it is hosting an installation by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, the married couple famous for installing enviornmental works of art by the mile. In reality, in the photo above, you see a barrier around Lake Brandt (at Lake Higgins) intended to keeping contaminants from entering the water while North Battleground (Highway 220) gets widened- Project R-2309. The project has been underway since May; however, only recently have we enjoyed the great, golden wall.* Tetra Tech of New York was awarded the 96 million dollar contract; we're betting they are the ones making sure that our drinking water stays safe and clean. Even in the above photo, you can see the difference in movement of water to the left of the barrier and to the right of it. We wish we had access to a small airplane to do an aerial photo shoot of the snakelike object. It is our own little Running Fence.

*read more here.

Window Shopping at Earthworks Pottery

Earthworks Pottery at 500 South Elm Street, formerly Elm Street Pottery, is owned by local potters: Molly Lithgo and Jim Rientjes. Molly and Jim make colorful pottery for everyday use, using very different techniques. If you collect pottery, likely you have seen the duo at the Yanceyville Farmer's Market. Possibly you stopped into their South Cedar Street Shop. In the store, Molly and Jim represent several North Carolina potters, artists, and crafters and are a big part of Greensboro's monthly, first Friday events. Earthworks Pottery is yet another example of people collaborating to support a brick and mortar business. With many people vested in a business, friends have a way of telling friends who tell friends, helping businesses stay solvent. Earthworks opened in one of downtown's 2-story brick buildings in April, 2012. Let's hope it is around for a very long time. The building has been around since 1895 and Earthworks is putting a good dent in the provenance.

This Christmas season, please consider balancing your online and big box store shopping with shopping in locally owned businesses. Nothing helps you feel more like part of a community than having people know your name and what you like to purchase. Somehow when a person recommends something to you because they know you, it is just a bit less invasive than when an internet popup add suggests an item!

She said, "YES."

    In the above photo, Joe Rigert and Alice Reville pose for a photo shortly after getting engaged this past Saturday. Joe and Alice, who currently live in Durham, met while they were students at Guilford College. So, when Joe planned the perfect proposal, his alma mater immediately came to mind. The plan was to attend a basketball game at Guilford and to walk around campus before the game. As they approached the lake, Joe would drop to his knees and propose.

    In Greensboro, Saturday started out overcast and gray, but about the time the couple left Durham for the drive over, clouds parted and the sun filled the sky. Standing by the lake on the wooded part of campus, at exactly 12:30 p.m. and exactly as planned, Joe kneeled and proposed. Alice said, "Yes! Yes!" with her answer carrying across the lake. How wonderful to know that this romantic, storybook moment took place in our lovely community. Joe and Alice, we wish you a lifetime of wonderful moments, planned and unplanned.

My FOX 8 (and Friends) Taping Chanukah Festivities

Local media were out covering Chanukah festivities in Center City Park on Sunday. Above, photojournalist Brian Rainey works diligently taping the event. We were so impressed at the demeanor of the all the camera people from the different news chanels. They found a way to get their needed footage, yet making room for all of the amateurs (like us) wandering through the crowd. Hats off to the journalists, photo/video/print, who keep us informed and help maintain a sense of community. Speaking of hats, the man in the background, wearing the Menorah hat, is Ivan Saul Cutler, a local journalist and blogger. His plush Menorah brought quite a smile to children and adults alike.

At the top, as if overseeing everything, is the Lincoln Financial Building (formerly Jefferson Standard & Jeferson Pilot) blinking the time and temperature at sunset. We didn't see Brian's final footage on Fox 8 this week; however, we want to thank him and his co-workers for covering these community events. It makes a difference.

Jaycee Christmas Parade

The local high school bands provided great entertainment at the Jaycee's Christmas Parade on Saturday. In the above photo, Greensboro College marches past the Central Library as one of their littlest, big fans looks on. This toddler was so happy when all the bands came by and, for the most part, she stayed on the street and danced to the music. We all had to move back on the sidewalk when the huge, impressive NC A&T Univeristy band came marching past. 

About the same time, Ben L. Smith High School came marching up Church Street, It must have been a bittersweet parade for the Smith High School marching band members as it was their first Christmas parade without band director Charles L. Butler. Butler died unexpectedly earlier this year in April. He had inspired band students at Smith High School for nearly fifteen years. You can be sure that, on Saturday, Butler's former students were remembering their last parade with him. Godspeed Mr. Butler and may one of your students be inspired to follow in your footsteps. Before we know it, Greensboro's children, like the little girl in the photo, will be in need of a band director.

Duane at Chartreuse

Duane is a freelance artist who turns old factory carts into coffee tables. He takes parts of farm and mill equipment, mostly wooden, and transforms them into lighting. In short, he restores and preserves iconic pieces of Greensboro's history. Above, we see him working away in back of cHARTreUSE, an artist/antique center on Merritt Drive. Duane's whole family is artistically gifted. He and his son have performed in CTG's Wizzard of Oz together. His wife is creative, too. How wonderful when family members have so much in common.

With the building of the nearby Spring Place, a community of student housing, on land that once held Pomona Cotton Mill, Duane's creations are coming full circle- without leaving the neighborhood- from mill, to Duane's hands, back to the nearby apartments. 

This scene is right around the corner from our favorite little red mill house and Deep Roots Market; a little neighborhood that is developing tremendous character. It would be great if Deep Roots Westside would not have to close when Deep Roots Eastside opens! For now, stop by and marvel at Duane's woodworking skills and then head to Deep Roots for a giant tahini cookie! Better yet, treat Duane to one!

Nanci Griffith at High Point Theatre

Last weekend we were enjoying the folkabilly music of Nanci Griffith at the High Point Theatre. Nanci is one of those great musicians whose sound was nurtured by the great music scene in Austin, Texas. As suggested by the above set, Nanci's stage presence is that of a friend playing for you and telling fun stories in your living room. She tours with the Kennedys, seen seated to her left. Singer/songwriter Nanci Griffith is a survivor of breast and thyroid cancer and her songs reflect her gratitude for being here to celebrate life with each and every one of us.

Since there is not yet a High Point Daily Photo (hint, hint), we like to share post from down that way every once in a while. The High Point Theatre, located at 220 East Commerce Avenue, is billed as being one of the finest stage and gallery spaces in the southeast. From grand, elaborate performances like the Nutcracker ballet to fireside music events like Nanci Griffith, we have enjoyed every single event we have seen there. Here's to a great weekend for all of us and finding a little spot that makes us feel cozy.

Triad Tapestry Children's Chorus

Yesterday afternoon, the Piedmont Interfaith Council held their 30th annual Ecumenical Thanksgivng Celebration, "Giving Thanks for the Borough of Green." How fabulous to have the Abrahamic religions, and MORE, all on the stage at the same time. The event was even more special thanks to the involvement of the Triad Tapestry Children's Chorus, under the direction of Melissa Burris. The children, representing an array of Greensboro's 20+ religions, twirled ribbons and wove their way to the stage of Dana Auditorium to delight us with songs.

The Triad Tapestry Children's Chorus, with members of diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds, has been in existence for 20 years now. They meet at First Baptist Church each Tuesday. If you have a child age 7-11, we're not sure if they are still taking members this year, but you can learn more here. As for us, we've added this November gathering to our "must attend" list and will consider it our kick-off event for the end-of-year, holiday season.

Look at the above photo (under the stars and stripes of Old Glory) long and hard. These are Greensboro's future leaders! And to be fair to the chorus, this photo caught them between songs, when they were not in full concert position.

Remembering Little Marissa Nicole Shelton

Thanksgiving week, Americans log more road miles, traveling to be with loved ones, than any other week of the year. If you are among those traveling, please remember to drive defensively and responsibly. The above photo is a reminder of the grief one suffers with the unexpected traffic death of a loved one.*

The pink floral cross is located on Highway 29 north between Cone Boulevard and Hicone Road. Marissa Nicole Shelton, an eight year old girl who lived nearby, was struck and killed on her bicycle in a hit and run accident an July 21st, 2011. Her grieving family maintains the memorial. The little sign of Santa says "Santa, please stop here." We hope that the family's Christian faith community has been helping them get through these very difficult first few holidays without Marissa. Since today is Sunday, we like to share something religious, spiritual, or a message that helps us reflect on the beauty of life before us. Here's to a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving for us all. As we say in the South, "Have a blessed day."

*As of this week, the roadside memorial was still standing. If you are interested, read more about roadside memorials here. Some people say the markers are a remembrance and remind us all to be safe. Others say they are unsafe and distracting. What is your perspective on this tradition?

Last Bloom on the Flower

        This photo was taken last weekend, before the winds from Hurricane Sandy blew across Greensboro and shook many of the leaves and flowers to the ground. We were on location along Highway 220 where road construction has been ongoing in 2012. This flower was peeking out of dirt that had been pushed to the edge for the widening of the road. We were taking the photo along the property of Long Asphalt Paving and Trucking between North Greensboro and Summerfield. While taking the photo, Ms. Long pulled up in her golf cart. Since it was Sunday afternoon and her business was closed, we were waiting for her to ask us what we were doing lingering between this highway and her fence. Instead, she asked if we needed her to open the gate to get a better photo. We declined the very nice offer.

   

     As it turns out, Mrs. Long's family has owned the paving business and watched the changes along 220 for three generations. Most recently, their old homeplace was torn down to make way for a wider road. Fortunately, a new house was built on the property back from the road. This was one of many positive encounters we have had while taking photos for Greensboro Daily Photo. Meeting great people along the way, hearing their stories, and learning about Greensboro is what makes this effort so rewarding. Happy Friday (First Friday) folks. This weekend, we're headed out to find that last leaf on the tree and meet some great people while we're at it.

Randall Jarrell

Randall Jarrell (1914-1965) was a highly-regarded, mid-20th century poet and critic. A native of Nashville, TN, Jarrell lived and taught in Greensboro, at UNCG, from 1947-1965. He sojourned in Washington, D.C. from 1956 to 1958, serving in a position that would come to be known as national poet laureate. Jarrell's great lament was that poetry had such a small audience. In 2009, the Beltway Poetry Quarterly published an extremely informative article about Jarrell, a must-read for those interested in this literary scholar (read here).

Today's photo is a portrait of Jarrell, painted by Greensboro's own Betty Watson. Mrs. Watson and her husband were family friends of the Jarrells as both men worked at UNCG. The above photo has been brought out of storage and now hangs on the second floor of Jackson Library at UNCG. The photo does not do justice to the brilliant colors of the portrait. If you are local and appreciate fine art, you must go see it in person. A carpeted area, with a grouping of chairs, invites visitors to sit and enjoy this fine work of art. It would be lovely to sit there while reading Jarrell's poems.

Mrs. Watson has been in the news recently because her other portarit of Jarrell is currently on display at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery (reference).  While the Jarrells and her husband are long gone, Mrs. Watson, at age 85, continues to paint in her Greensboro studio. How wonderful that she has lived to see how much the public appreciates her fine art.

See two more GDP features of Jarrell here and here. 

Happy 85th Birthday, Carolina Theatre

Last night, hundreds of people braved the winds of Hurricane Sandy to watch and celebrate the premiere of Paula Damasceno's documentary film about the Carolina Theatre. Carolina 85 features the glamourous as well as the rocky history of the theater. At the time it opened on October 31st, 1927, the 2,200-seat Carolina Theatre was the showcase of the Carolinas. In the documentary, one patron called it, a "palace for the poor." People could go and bask in the "light of the dark" to enjoy a movie. Damasceno documents the theater's transformation from a seggreated venue to one one that embraces diversity. The film documents the theater's many other obstacles, including surviving the decline of downtown Greensboro, financial struggles, structural setbacks, and extensive fire damage. 

The above photo features the reception and partaking of the birthday cake onstage, at the conclusion of the documentary. All were invited to the afterparty, a befitting gesture appropriate for Damasceno's humble demeanor. She made it clear that, for her, "The community, who support this theater, make it beautiful." Thank you, Paula Damasceno, and all involved, for documenting the history of one of Greensboro's cultural treasures. In the above photo, Damasceno, second from the left, has her right arm extended in conversation with an attendee (quite possibly the youngest) who was extremely interested in film.

                                                                    

O is for O. Henry Oaks

Today is ABC Wednesday and O is for O. Henry Oaks. If you are local, you likely know that short story writer O. Henry is from Greensboro. The August edition of O. Henry magazine dedicated several pages to all things, locally, named in his honor. As the article points out, there is an O. Henry subdivision on Sidney Porter Drive, as well as an O. Henry Blvd. Additionally, there is a neighborhood named O. Henry Oaks.  

O. Henry Oaks is located from 16th Street to Cone Boulevard to Spry Street between N. O. Henry Blvd. and Yanceyville St. Page High School is near O. Henry Oaks. The neighborhood is one of the most racially balanced in Greensboro. Approximately 40% of the neighborhood is white; 40% black, 10% Asian, 7% Hispanic, 3% other.* Today's post takes us to 3419 Yanceville Street, the upper northwest corner of O. Henry Oaks, where a plane tail permanently dive bombs into the lawn in the front yard. Surely, were O. Henry alive today, he would write an interesting short story with one of his famous smile-with-tears endings. How did the plane land in the yard? Why is it still there? What story does it have to tell? Today is ABC Wednesday and O is for O. (gotta have the dot) Henry!

(see Greensboro's A-N  neighborhoods here)

 

*http://www.city-data.com/neighborhood/O.Henry-Oaks-Greensboro-NC.html

Kim's Pottery Studio

This past Sunday, the 16th Annual Triad Pottery Festival was held at the Yanceyville Farmer's Market. In the above photo, Benjamin Winslow- of Kim's Pottery in Eden,- demonstrates his great expertise at the wheel. Benjamin, originally from South Korea, studied art at Valdosta State University in Georgia. His study of art fueled his love of oil painting and pottery. Now, on most days, he can be found in his studio in downtown Eden where he not only makes and sells his wares, but also gives lessons and allows students to have studio time. Benjamin is such a calm and patient person. He is the perfect  person to demonstrate his work at the Farmers' Market. 

We like to attend the Triad Pottery Festival for many reasons, one of which is that  it is  held the weekend before local potter, Leanne Pizio holds her fall Leanne Pizio's Keep It Local event. If you need some good holiday gifts, head out to Leanne's. There will be at least 17 vendors and a great art hunt and the setting is bucolic. Hope to see you there. North Carolina is famous for its pottery. There is something special about eating and drinking from a handmade vessel- especially when it is local. 

Margot Robinson, Artist

Margot Robinson is one of the many talented artistes with a studio in the Creative Center. The Center is located at 900 16th Street, across the street from Buffalo Presbyterian Church, at the western tip of the Billy "Crash" Craddock Bridge. It brings together creative souls from all over the city and offers everything from yoga to Spanish to studio space. Margot shares a very large 3rd floor studio with Karen Dresser whose art quilts can be seen adorning the wall. Karen's abstract figures, as seen above, complement Margot's textured, pottery pieces.

Margot's sculptures are known as peaceful warriors and they are based on Japanese tomb sculptures. Her intent is for the sculptures to bring "a feeling of peace and joy" to their owner. She leaves the eyes hollow; they are the window to the soul. The ambiguous ethnicity of the peaceful warriors leaves much of the interpretation up to the owner. Some of the figures are reminiscent of little Russian grandmothers; others resemble Japanese figures from a different era. Margot shapes something ancient, yet contemporary into each of her clay figures.We met up with Margot (and Karen) last night at the Center, where she treated us to snacks and great conversation.  

Last night's Candlelight Studio Tour at the Creative Center was the perfect way to finish out a great, First Friday. With a drum circle and hula hoopers outside, and artists like Margot inside, we saw firsthand just how vibrant Greensboro's art scene has become.

Campfires and Constellations

Campfires and Constellations is a genre-defying, little-bit-of- Americana, little- bit-of-rock-and-roll, country-with-a driving-beat BAND currently based out of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. All five musicians are UNC students from North Carolina and, Ernest Thompson, the banjo player (first row, left) is from Greensboro. Ernest developed his banjo style while taking lessons from Greensboro's ever talented Scott Manring. The other instruments represented in the band are guitar, bass, and percussion. The guys have such diverse interests and backgrounds and are talented not only musically but academically. 

The band was in Greensboro last night for a live performance on UNCG's radio station WUAG FM 103.1. If you want to hear their music, go here. If you like what you hear, head on over to the Facebook page for Campfires and Constellations and give them a "like." 

200th Anniversary Honoring of Bethel Veterans

Yesterday, Bethel Presbyterian Church*  held a special ceremony to honor all veterans and members of the Armed Forces affiliated with their church. The program started with a welcome and invocation by the church's pastor, Rev. Paul L. Rhodes. Several veterans and service organizations participated in the service. The event was organized partly to honor the 200 year history of the church and its members.

A rifle salute and cannon salute were conducted by people in uniforms of previous wars. The people in the above photo were dressed in period attire to represent the US Civil War. The woman on the left belongs to the Society of the Black Rose. This organization was established in 1998 to help with memorial services. Wearing a complete period mourning outfit, she is present to remind people of the loss of life during the Civil War.  The Black Rose was named in honor of Rose O'Neal Greenhow, who lost her life trying to help the Confederate Cause.  

The Bethel event also included a flag retirement ceremony and the presentation and raising of a new flag. This fine ceremony was educational to many and meaningful to all who attended.

*Read our earlier post on Bethel Presbyterian here.

Out for Late Afternoon Walk

Well, yesterday we boasted that we've featured just about every mode of transportation. Perhaps we missed one: getting from Point A to Point B on foot! Walking is a GREAT mode of transportation. Above, a group of 5 women are out for a late-afternoon stroll along Country Club Drive. It has been beautiful walking weather over the last few days and Greensboro loves to walk. We especially enjoy walking with friends and with our dogs. 

Today is September 11.**  This past weekend, hundreds of people walked up and down the steps of Bellemeade Parking Deck to raise money in honor of September 11 victims*  While the above women aren't out fundraising for 9/11, they do remind us that feeling safe enough to walk along our streets with friends is one of the best examples of freedom.  As you walk today- even if it is just to and from the coffee pot at work,  reflect on something that makes you thankful. Post it in our comments, if you have time.

*see News & Record article and photos.

**  Last year for 9/11, we featured a commemorative plaque.

Latino Credit Union

North Carolina has a thriving Latino population. Since the 1980's, our Latino population has grown from less than half a percent to almost 8 1/2 percent and we have more more agricultural guest workers than any other state in the US. As of May 2012, there were nearly 100,000 registered Latino voters in North Carolina.* Is it any wonder that there is a  COOPERATIVA LATINO Credit Union in North Carolina? Our branch office is located at 2410 Randleman Road, in the southern, more rural, end of the county.

The above photo was taken at Greensboro's festival for children last April, "El día de los niños." The event attracted families of many different ethnicities. Most people from elsewhere don't realize the diversity of the population in our great city.... in our great state. The number of languages, spoken in homes here, is approximately 180.

That the 2012 Democratic Convention was held in Charlotte sends indicates that politicans realize the importance of the ethnic minorities in our state. That we have a credit union to help Spanish-speaking residents save, borrow, and transmit funds is evidence that Greensboro is trying to meet the needs of all residents.

Today is First Friday. Consider taking a little bit of cash out of that Cooperativa Latino Credit Union- or wherever you bank- and heading downtown.....

 

* reference here.

Fishing on Labor Day

Yesterday, this father and son duo were enjoying some late afternoon fishing in Lake Hamilton. They didn't seem to be having a lot of luck, but, then again, fishing isn't always about the luck. It is about the fellowship, the fun, and the hopefulness that comes when waiting.. with bait on a hook and a line in water. The lake, located in the heart of the Hamilton Lakes neighborhood, was so peaceful yesterday and fairly clear, considering it has been raining in Greensboro. There is a large swan is quite at home on Lake Hamilton, and is oblivious to what his human guests are up to.

While we were walking the trails around the lake, we saw at least six different kinds of mushrooms; some with interesting shapes and colors. If you like to hunt mushrooms, locally, weather conditions have been perfect these last few days. All the mature hardwood trees in Hamilton Lakes, along with the leaf mulch, seemed to invite the fleshy, spore-bearing fungus.

Today, routines are back to normal, the boy in the above photo is back in school, maybe even talking about the "one they caught" or the "one that got away." Likely, dad is back at work taking about the good time he had with his son. Even without this photo, the memory is one the little boy will have in his heart- for a very long time. 

Remembering Calvin Wiley

As the historical marker states, Calvin Wiley was the first superintendent of North Carolina Common Schools in the mid 1800's, at the time of the Civil War. Wiley was born in the Alamance region of Guilford County, in the vicinity of Liberty and Alamance Church Roads. Mr. Wiley worked tirelessly to bring quality public education to North Carolina. He was instrumental in prescribing and distributing uniform textbooks in North Carolina. He worked on decreasing illiteracy. He established standards and examination boards for teachers. He saw education as the means for people to overcome poverty and to become less provincial. Under Wiley's tenure and through his transformative practices, North Carolina became known for having the best public school system in the South.

Also a journalist and lawyer, Wiley wrote about the politics of education and, on a more homespun level, on the notion of "awakening readers to their state and culture through his writing."* Here is our favorite quotes about Wiley, a man for whom we have tremendous admiration and respect: "Using his communication skills as a writer and speaker, he devoted himself to finding ways to awaken a spirit of pride in the people."* As the school year is about to begin in Guilford County, let us all take a minute to be inspired by a man whose relevance, to the history of public education in North Carolina, will never wane (see reference below).

The man in the photo, who just happened to run by as we were on a photo shoot, told us he was on a five mile run. Likely, he ran right past Wiley's old homestead. 

* reference.