Greensboro Daily Photo

Happy Easter

Happy Easter is one of the holiest days in the Christian calendar. Our spiritual Sunday photo takes us to Alamance Memorial Park on the Alamance/Guilford County lines- 15 miles due east of Greensboro. Easter weekend, has been extremely busy there. Families are out cleaning the graves of loved ones and replacing the flowers. In the photo above, if you look closely to the right of the small, white, flowering tree, two women are seated and working at a grave site.

The Easter/Passover season is a time of great reflection and a time to remember what our loved ones have experienced and sacrificed. As we heard one person say in the cemetery, "we pray to Jesus for the living and give thanks to Him for those who came before us." 

As Lent draws to a close, Christians are entering into a fifty day period called Eastertide. Do you or your friends observe Eastertide? To many, Easter is over on Sunday and, by Easter Monday, they have started counting down until Memorial Day. To others, there are seven more Sundays of observance. By then, even this tree in the cemetery will be green and teeming with life.

Old Mills and Holy Days

Greensboro was built on the textile industry and was, for most of the 20th century,  a world leader in the industry. Our city was especially known for cotton, denim, flannel & corduroy. Greensboro's Cone Mills was also known as the largest manufacturer of denim in the world. The above photo was taken of a mill in the Yanceyville area. 

The sun breaking through the clouds and the three large smoke stacks evoke the image of three crosses on this Good Friday. Most Christians will celebrate Easter this weekend.*  Church crosses will be draped in black today and many people will be out for  prayer vigils.  It is funny how, when pondering Easter, items, including textile mill smokestacks, seem to appear in threes.

In addition to the church events this weekend, the community is gearing up for many Easter egg hunts. One of the biggest will be the Greensboro Country Club. Their hunt starts at 8:00 am on Saturday morning and over 6,000 eggs will be hidden. That is a lot of eggs.  The Piedmont/Triad Farmers' Market will also have an egg hunt, as will the North Carolina Zoo, Burlington, Winston-Salem, Old-Salem, and more. From lay to secular, Christian/Jewish or other, whatever you do this weekend, we hope your time is memorable.

 

*Orthodox Christians have one of their latest Easters this year. Their Easter will fall on May 5th.

Knights of Columbus on St. Patrick's Day.......

For today's Sunday-religious post, we're featuring The Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal service organization that was founded in Connecticut in 1882. Worldwide, there are nearly two million members of this men's club. The clubs, from local to international, are very involved in philanthrophy; however, at their core is support for the church and its members. When someone dies, the men don full regalia and are there from death to grave to pray for the soul of their departed brother and to assist and console the family*

The Knights of Columbus were founded by an Irish-American Catholic priest, Father Michael J. McGivney. In addition to their rituals, oaths, and prayers, they form a great support system for each other and value their fellowship together. Their motto, "In service to One, in service to all." Social events provide the earthly bonds that stay with members until their transition to the other world.

The above building is the Knights of Columbus branch at 2780 Horse Pen Creek, near St. Paul's Catholic Church. We're betting since today is St. Patrick's Day, there will be a few Irish Catholics hanging around there sporting green outfits. Maybe they'll even find something green to drink. Perhaps, they'll make Horse Pen Creek flow as emerald green as the Chicago River. Today, we'll leave you at the Knights of Columbus and with the following quote by Adrienne Cook, "St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time- a day to begin transforming winter's dreams into summer's magic. Happy transforming .......

*reference and more informaiton here &  here.

 

 

Happy Valentine's Day

Today, we want to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day. Children at school will have trouble containing themselves over the thought of chocolate and candies. Some schools and businesses offer singing valentines for fundraisers. We hope you have a chance to bestow love and appreciation on someone and that you find a little indication that you, too, are loved. The above Greensboro home is featuring a milk  and cherry red glass for a visual valentine treat.

Greensboro has so many great restaurants, consider treating someone to a favorite meal. We stopped by the Greensboro Convention and Visitors Bureau and look at what all they have to offer (here). According to their website, Greensboro has over 500 restaurants. Let's see, at one a day... over a year and a half without having to cook dinner. Now THAT would be a good Valentine's Day gift.

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.

Old Battleground; Old Greensborough; Old Year

As 2012 draws to a close, we leave you with a view of a little bit of open space, Greensboro's version of big sky country, on Old Battleground. The white clouds hover above the old, leafless trees. Down the road is Guilford Courthouse National Miliatry Park. Just beyond is the Yadkin-Atlantic Greenway. This view has remained unchanged since Greensboro became a city in 1808. However, behind us is a new apartment complex and the Battleground/Horse Pen Creek Harris Teeter parking lot. The beauty on the ridge butts up against encroaching modernity. Through programs like the Piedmont Land Conservancy, we are finding ways to preserve land for future generations while building facilities to enhance our city. 

One of the biggest changes to downtown in 2012 was the infill development of 4.2 acres on the edge of Fisher Park. The Greenway Apartments opened on property that had been an auto dealership for the last five decades. Deep Roots Co-op should open in 2013, bringing a much-needed grocery store downtown. Locally, 2012 was also a growth year for the building that several mini-businesses under one roof. Hopefully, the News and Record will feature one of their year-in-review articles.

Thank you for your faithful readership in 2012. Please continue to read in 2013. As you ring in the new year tonight, do not drink and drive. If you see someone who has been drinking, insist they take AAA up on their free Tipsy Tow service. AAA will get you and your vehicle home, members and non-members, as long as you are 7 miles or less from home. Happy New Year's Eve!

Toboggan Time

Downtown at Winterfest, not only do they have ice skating, but also they offer toboggan rides. On the stage side of Festival Park, a small (100 ft.)  ice slide has been added. As seen in the photo, families wait in line to  the sled ride. For many, the incline is too big, for others, it is too small. For many, the ride is "just right." And for those at the just-right age, this little activity is quite a memory maker.  Disc rental is included in the price of the skates.* If you haven't been down to skate yet, today would be a lovely day. From the looks of the scene, secondary colors are all the rage. So, don your best purple, green, and orange gear and come on down!

*more here.

Santa Spotted in Downtown Greensboro

Earlier in the month, Santa's helper and friends were spotted in front of Elon Law School in Downtown Greensboro. We've heard they've been busy all year so that all the children of Greensboro can have an extra special Christmas. We hope Santa has been good to your family, and that, if you were in the position to share with others, you did so.

This year, we have been blessed at Greensboro Daily Photo with faithful readers and great friends who send us ideas for meaningful and relevant posts. The one last thing we're hoping to get for Christmas is word that Greensboro's beloved Triad Stage reached their fundraising goal and that The Bryan Foundation and Cemala had doubled the funding. That would be Greensboro's own little Mirace on Elm Street. Fingers crossed and maybe Santa is listening. In the meanwhie, keep you eyes to the sky and you just may see a sleigh pulled by reindeer hovering overhead! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Piedmont Winterfest

Piedmont Winterfest, outdoor skating in downtown Greensboro, is fun for young and old alike. Yesterday's below freezing temperatures made it seem especially appropriate to be downtown skating in our own little "Rockerfeller Center"- even if it is just temporary. If you are looking somthing family-oriented to do today, consider heading to the rink on Davie Street at Festival Park. The brighter the clothing you wear, the more fun you are guaranteed to have. As they say in the carols, "it's Christmastime in the city." Anytime you see families having this much fun and getting  exercise at the same time, you know the event is a good one.

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!

Shopping Madness

In vertical cities like Hong Kong, you expect to see people all around and on different levels. In Greensboro, one of the few places to have that sensation is at Four Season's Town Center on High Point Road. The three story mall (one million square feet of shopping) is the only indoor shopping mall in the Greensboro area.  This facility, developed by Joseph S. Koury, opened in 1974. It has long outlived the Carolina Circle Mall which opened in 1976 and closed in 2002.

One of the (many) nice things about Four Seasons is that they frequently host community events. Since this is the last weekend before Christmas, shopping is starting to get a little frenzied. Likely, all energy at Four Seasons will be getting desperate shoppers through these final days, with community events on hold. If the Mayan calendar is wrong, we plan on doing a little shopping here. If you are interested in learning more about Four seasons, the history of Four Seasons has a Wikipedia entry (here).

Centenary United Methodist Church

        Centenary United Methodist Church on Friendly Avenue is located on the northern edge of the Sunset Hills neighborhood, where the light balls are hoisted into the trees for all to enjoy. In the foreground, you see members of Centenary Church out caroling last Sunday evening. The voices were lovely and the carolers were as pleasant as could be. They thanked us for taking their photo and invited us to come to church. Tonight will be very different from the quiet streets with just the carolers and cars as thousands of people will descend on this part of town for the 5K run under the lighted Christmas balls. The streets will be closed to vehicles and the run is sold out. Fun will be had by all. The neighborhood's Christmas balls even have their own website.

        With Duke Energy's recent trimming of the trees in nearby Westerwood, Sunset Hills residents are running a little bit scared. The power company says that they need to trim trees to keep neighborhoods safe during inclement weather; however, we can't imagine Sunset Hills without their giant trees, with or without decorations. Let's hope that the trees of Sunset Hills don't suffer the same fate as the ones in Westerwood.

        Oh and to the youth group at Centenary Methodist, we bet that if you sell hot chocolate tonight, you will make LOTS of money to fill all of those empty stockings of the people you work so tirelessly to help. Here's to a great evening for the church AND for a great evening for Sunset Hills' giant, family-friendly fundraiser. Also, since Sunday is the day we reserve for something spiritual, we'd like to send condolences out to Billy Jones and his family. Billy Jones, East Greensboro's most vocal advocate on the blogosphere and frequent commenter on GDP, lost his son last week. Losing a child is never easy. Billy, our heart goes out to you and your family. Let's all pause for a few minutes of silent meditation and run a few steps for Jason Alan Jones....

                                                                          

Happy Chanukah

Yesterday was a busy day of Chanukah festivities in downtown Greensboro. Above, a children's group from B'nai Shalom Day School was singing Chanukah songs at Center City Park. Chanukah began Saturday evening and will end the evening of Sunday, December 16th. Between now and then, families will be busy lighting another branch of the Menorah each night and remembering their religious history with a mixture of communal and family-based activities. Fried foods are eaten to show the importance of oil. Some people play dreidel games and exchange small gifts; however, Chanukah is not a "Sabbath-like" holiday and most people continue to go to school and work.

Yesterday's event in Center City Park followed one at the Heirloom Chanukah Menoras Lighting at the Greensboro Historical Museum, an event sponsored in partnership with the Greensboro Jewish Federation. Families scrambled to finish up the festitivies in the museum to make it to the park in time to continue the festivities.

Since the arrival of Jewish families in the late 1800's, Greensboro's Jewish community has played a prominent and significant role is making our community the great place it is today. Greensboro seems to aspire to respect the inherent worth and dignity of all citizens. If you were to listen to a family lighting the Menorah during Chanukah, likely, you would hear the following: 

1. Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light.

1. Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai Eh-lo-hei-noo Meh-lech Ha-olam A-sher Ki-deh-sha-noo Beh-mitz-vo-tav Veh-tzi-va-noo Leh-had-lik Ner Cha-noo-kah.

2. Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time.

2. Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai Eh-lo-hei-nu Meh-lech Ha-olam Sheh-a-sa Nee-sim La-avo-tei-noo Ba-ya-mim Ha-hem Bee-z’man Ha-zeh*

Let's hope the light continues to shine for a very long time.

* http://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/article_cdo/aid/603798/jewish/Chanukah-Guide.htm

 

Festival of Lights

First Friday and The Festival of Lights were both well attended last night. At first, is seemed like the rain was going to dampen the evening, but the skies cleared and fun was had by all. We walked from Center City Park all the way down Elm to Lee Street and back, enjoying the musicians, arts and crafts stands, artifical snow, ubiquitous, red, foam, News & Record reindeer antleers and all of the stores dressed in their holiday best. Most of all, we enjoyed seeing so many people out taking advantage of everything Greensboro has to offer. What a great sense of community one feels at these intergenerational events. From tired babies to teenagers to adults and seniors, everyone seemed to be happy to be part of the crowd. Facebook was abuzz with the new taco bar downtown. 

Now, it seems like December has arrived. Here's to a great weekend to all. Thanks to the News & Record and Grassroots Productions Limited for your sponsorship. These free (to the public) events were worth every penny. Maybe we can do something for New Year's Eve; perhaps get the "Joy to the World" ball to drop at the stroke of midnight? Maybe Hamburger Square could be our Times Square. Greensboro Daily Photo's first photo ever was of Hamburger Square. Greensboro Daily Photo will be four on January 2nd. Let's celebrate a couple of days early!

Downtown Greensboro Makes Ready

To make ready to do something is an expression commonly heard from the older generation, especially those speaking the dialects of rural North Carolina. Well, downtown Greensboro is making ready to celebrate First Friday and the Festival of Lights this evening. From 6-9 pm, the city will be wall to wall people ushering in the holiday season. Many streets will be open to pedestrian traffic only as the event is so well attended. Here is our photo from last year's lighting of the city's holiday tree. The above photo (camera phone, sorry) features WXII Chanel 12 News getting ready to feature Elm Street on the news.

Whether you are alone or with a passel of friends, you will not regret getting out and seeing our city donning its Sunday best. Musicians will line the streets, galleries will have great art and snacks to share, restaurants will have great specials. Rumor has it that the folks at Design Archives are donning their over-the-top Christmas sweaters. You really, really should consider wearing one yourself. They are GREAT conversation starters. We'll be roaming the streets in search of the perfect holiday photo. So, S-M-I-L-E and say "Greensboro" and, with your rounded, open mouth, you'll look like you are a caroler, caught mid-song!  We're READY.

Finally, our unique, original, treasure of a theatre, Triad Stage, is in need of a little holiday "greenery." If you get a chance, drop a little in their virtual bucket. Or, if you happen to walk by, consider stopping in and giving them some holiday cheer-- and get a tax deduction while you are at it. 

                                                                          

 

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.

Methodists at the Christmas Parade

Yesterday, the Jaycee's 35th Annual Christmas Parade was held in downtown Greensboro. The weather was shockingly warm, probably almost seventy degrees. The above photo is the parade entry by Christ United Methodist Church. Church members surrounded the vehicle, interacting with the crowd along the way. Behind the vehicle was a small trailer with a living nativity scene. Also behind were church members carrying  an inflatable candy cane balloon. In the background, a few parade entries back, peeking out from the Statue of Liberty inflatable, is the steeple of the West Market United Methodist Church. Methodists have been holding services in Greensboro since the 1820's and, West Market Street, the church in the background was built in 1851.*Compared to West Market Street, Christ United Methodist Church, organized in 1956 is young.

Both church maintain quite a visible, positive presence in Greensboro. Here's to almost 200 years of methodism in our city. Here's to three and a half decades of Christmas parades and to a community that has something for everybody. We hope you are enjoying your weekend in Greensboro as much as we are!

 

*If you are interested in more of the history of West Market United Methodist Church, read this historical timeline written by Greensboro historian Gayle Fripp, here. See a close up of West Market Street Church here.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving, dear readers. We are thankful for yet another year of being able to share photos of the people and places of the borough of Greene with you. We are approaching our fourth year of posting, daily. To quote Mr. GDP, "Daily comes around rather quickly." Currently, our laptop is in the shop, Time-Warner cable is out at the house and we are posting from a coffee shop on a borrowed computer. So, please bear with us if posts are late, poorly edited, or abbreviated. Please say yes if we knock on your door and ask to use your computer!

Today's photo takes us back to the early years of Greensboro via the recent living history of America's soldiers and wars; the event was held in Guilford Courthouse Military Park. The above scene is of civil war soldiers resting at their encampment. Today, we are thankful that our fifty states are at relative peace with one another now that the elections are behind us. We are thankful that slowly, the east coast is getting back to normal after the destructive weather event dubbed "Sandy." We are thankful to be with family and friends. In an odd way, we are thankful to be without Internet connectivity and television so that we can focus on fellowship. Maybe we will even play a game of checkers. Let us know what you are up to!

'Twas the Weekend Before Thanksgiving When...

It is the Saturday before Thanksgiving and this is a view from 4720 Hicone Road, at Chinaberry Place, in northeast Greensboro. This house is so festive with its Thanksgiving yard display. And the fall foliage adds so much to the scene. We bet this house is like the one on Holden Road, diligently celebrating every holiday with yard ornaments. This blue house with the red door has had an especially challenging fall season as they are widening Hicone Road to accomodate the increased traffic in this part of town. A panoramic view of the above house would reveal many orange highway cones and barrels; construction workers, and a mess of asphalt. Not a pretty sight; however, construction appears to be almost completed.

If you have a neighbor who brings great joy to the children by decorating for Thanksgiving, consider thanking them. It is hard work and Thansgiving does not always get top billing in the yard ornament department!  

On another note, tomorrow is the Ecumenical Celebration of Thanksgiving for the Piedmont Interfaith Council. We are honored to say that they are using our some of our inventory of Sacred Sunday photos for their program. We are so proud to provide photos for this multi-ethnic group. Stop by their program at 4 pm at Dana Auditorium on the campus of Guilford College--  if you love being a part of Greensboro's ethnically diverse community.

Field of Honor 2012

Today we are celebrating Veterans Day 2012, a day when we honor all Americans who have served in the U.S. military. The above photo takes us back to the campus of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro on the west lawn of the Elliot University Center. Last Thursday, a flag was placed on the lawn for each U.S. soldier who lost his or her life on active duty since September 11th, 2001. We are in the twelfth year since that event and over 6,500 soldiers have died. That is a lot of flags; that is a lot of lives.

Many of UNCG's Veterans Day events have passed; however, today, they will be one of 200 campuses participating in the National roll call of all 6,500 men and women who have given their life in service. A minute of silence will be observed nationally at 2:00 pm. Hopefully, you will be in a position to do so, too. At 2:01, taps will be played and the UNCG Remembrance Day Ceremony will begin at 2:02 p.m. A moment of silence is a meaningful gesture, especially for the families who are left with an emptiness, a void, and eternal silence of a loved one who left this earth prematurely.

In the background of the above photo, we see a young man repositioning a recent purchase and a young couple walking to class. They are as dynamic as the flags are still, representing those for whom... day is done.......

Election Day 2012: Have you Voted?

You are here; you have been here; or you need to be 'here.' In case your forgot, today is election day in the United States. Please vote and vote wisely. Government offices and most public schools are closed today so that you can go vote. According to the North Carolina State Board of Elections, as of 11/05/ 2012, North Carolina has a total of 6,647,246 voters; 2,869,679 are registered Democattic; 2,051,796 Republican; 19,276 Libertarian; 1,706,495 Unaffiliated. It will be interesting to see how many of us vote and how we vote.

The above photo was taken at the First Lutheran Church on Friendly Avenue, a place committed to being as open as possible for the public at large. From 12 step meetings to voting, something is always going on at First Luthern. Today they will have their doors open to voters in their precinct. As for today's election, regardless of who wins, let's try our hardest to be respectful and civil. To be civilized, a society must be civil. 

Pets in Halloween Costumes

Greensboro is head over heels in love with contests for pets in Halloween costumes. This weekend was full of such contests, one of which was held by Greensboro's own News & Record. Featured in our photo today is Taco the Chihuahua who is sporting an outfit hand made by the man he is pulling around on a leash- Tony. Taco has his master Tony wrapped around his little paw. Actually, watching the duo in action, it is obvious that the affection is mutual. Taco loves hanging out with his owner almost as much as he likes the attention he gets for his costumes. 

Taco took Best of Show yesterday at the doggie costume contest sponsored by Golden Antiques on Highway 220 in Summerfield. His owner made the costume out of leather purses purchased from a Goodwill Store. For a great detail, he added the saddle blanket, and, in the saddle pouches you will find miniature candy bananas. Many dogs had great costumes; however, the level of detail in Taco's costume, combined with the confidence with which Taco wore his costume, made him the undisputed winner.  Halloween in Greensboro has so much to offer for humans and pets alike.

(If we by chance don't post this week, you will know we are without power due to the storm. We'll try to work ahead. We already have our neighborhood photos, but still need to upload them. Keep your fingers crossed. Hoping everyone is safe).

Halloween on Hillside Drive

Last weekend, as we were traipsing the Westerwood Neighborhood for the "Art and Sole" Walking Art Tour, we stumbled upon 312 Hillside Drive. The simplicity of this Halloween-themed door impressed us. A little duct tape, paper plates, plastic fringe and, taaa daaaaa, you've got a festive door. The yellow tabby who owns this house was non-plussed about the fact that his fur was not exactly what the black fur that Halloween holiday expects.

Proximity Cemetery

In 2007, the Greensboro News & Record ran an article on Proximity Cemetery; an abandoned, derelict cemetery located on Phillips Avenue in the eastern part of Greensboro-  not too far from Wendover and Bessemer Avenues. The cemetery was garbage and weed strewn with nobody maintaining records of the deceased. Many headstones were broken, or stolen; some were thrown in a pile in the back corner. According to the N&R article, the cemetery was opened in approximately 1900 as a free burial place for the employees of Cone Mills and it is estimated that approximately 2,000 people are buried there. 

In 2004, the cemetery was sold in conjunction with the Cone bankruptcy case. Finally after six years of nobody knowing what to do with the cemetery and the city not wanting to own it, a neighbor on an adjoining property, John Sweeper, took it over.*  He said that he felt compelled to make the place look beautiful out of the love for his neighborhood and respect for the deceased. He has worked diligently over the last two years making the cemetery accessible to those who have relatives buried there.

Mr. Sweeper must be doing something right because, according to his groundskeeper, about twenty people have been buried there over the last year or so. Families who have lived in the community their whole lives, once again, are finding it appealing to make Proximity Cemetery the final resting place for their deceased loved ones. Initially, people were buried in the cemetery simply based on the next available space when they died. Now, there is an effort to bury families together and the cemetery has a section for veterans and babies. There are three sections named after local textile mills: Proximity, Revolution, and White Oak. As more data become available about who is buried there, information is being posted on find-a-grave.

For someone who knows how to write community grants or for a religious community in search of a LOCAL "mission," restoring this cemetery to its original, beautiful state is a worthy undertaking. It is, after all, part of Greensboro's textile mill history. Most immediately, Proximity Cemetery could use a hard surface on the circular drive that Mr. Sweeper added. He could use help getting tombstones leveled and archived. The cemetery could use plants for landscaping and a few benches to sit on... maybe a little prayer garden.  It wouldn't take much........ Do we have any volunteers? 

 

*Read the WFMY News article 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. 

Happy Labor Day

With Labor Day, summer comes to a screeching halt. All students in Greensboro are back in school and memories of summer are quickly fading. Fortunately, the weather was nice on Saturday and Sunday (until late afternoon) in Greensboro and people were able to swim. These tomatoe plants, captured poolside, are still producing tomatoes. We'd hoped to enter Earth Fare's tomato photo contest but didn't get around to it. The winners are posted here. They hold the contest every year in July so mark your calendar and start planning your best shot. Maybe we can hold on to this photo and submit it then.

In the meantime, we're taking some time today to remember that Labor Day celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers. America started talking about having a "labor day" celebration in the 1880's, inspired by the Canadian holiday. In 1890 it officially became a national holiday and 30 states were already celebrating Labor Day. Most neighborhood pools close this weekend as all of the students who work there have gone back to school and many, back to college.

Fun & Patriotism Continue.........

As a non-religious holiday, the Fourth of July is one that most Americans celebrate. For one day a year, most of us don red, white, and blue and do something to celebrate being an American. The mohawk above is an example of an exuberant patriot. The photo was taken downtown on Elm Street at Festival Park (last year, actually).

Just when Greensboro has had time to catch its breath from Fun Fourth, today is First Friday which means downtown will come alive with people, yet again. Today's First Friday will be one of the busiest of the year with all of the special events being offered this evening. Read about some of the options here. From the musical 1776 at the Carolina Theatre to Elsewhere's surry rides to shopping the indie market, dining, and entertainment in-between, you will not be disappointed if you head to town. We haven't put our red, white, and blue clothes away; we just may wear them again today! Hope to see you there.

FOURTH = Friends, Fellowship, Food, Fun.......... Fireworks

This year, we watched the fireworks spring to life sitting at the edge of the railroad tracks that parallel Spring Garden Street. We were close enough to the Coliseum to enjoy the show, yet far enough away to avoid the traffic jam at the end of the night. The group that chose the same location was quiet and friendly. One young man shared his truck bed with a family that did not bring chairs. When an especially bright firework would explode, its reflection on the railroad tracks was fabulous.

In Greensboro, the weather was lovely today. All the festive events in the Piedmont area were spared rain, as well as triple digit weather. However, Wednesday is a hard day for a holiday, as, not many people are in the position to take a five day weekend. For those of us still in town, this Friday is First Friday- a great way to continue your July festivities. 

Fireworks on the Eve of July 4th

It is that time of year when the ubiquitous, school-bus yellow ACME FIREWORKS tents are set up in parking lots at the big box stores. Some places have banned fireworks this year-- like Colorado due the dry conditions and fires raging out of control; however, in Greensboro, fireworks are permitted and seem to be selling well. As a matter of fact, the Fourth of July is the one day of the year that North Carolina allows fireworks. Festive public displays are planned for Greensboro and High Point tomorrow night. Get ready for sparklers sizzling, pops, booms, and flashes of color lighting up the sky. Greensboro does a great job with the Fun Fourth Festival and High Point has the Uncle Sam Jam, making the holiday fun for those of us who are still in town. Also, Wet and Wild Water Park will have a fireworks show.

So, if you think you are the ONLY person not at the beach, head out for one of these events and you will realize that the community is far from empty. Finally, if you decide to launch a fireworks display on your own lawn, please follow safety guidelines.

Fourth of July Week....What? Leave Greensboro?

Yes, it is true, Greensboroians are spoiled. We are in the middle of everything. We have great vacation spots in the mountains and wonderful vacation opportunities at the beach. From mountains to ocean, we traverse our highways headed to our favorite destinations. Most of this travel takes us on either I-40 or I-85. Many of our residents are leaving town this weekend for big Fourth of July vacations.

Many of us who stay in town will kick off the Fourth of July on the evening of July 3rd at the Grasshoppers baseball game and fireworks at the stadium. On July the Fourth, we will go to the parade downtown and spend the day at the Fun Fourth celebration. Then, later in the afternoon, we will head out for family fun at the parade in the  Kirkwood neighborhood. We will cap off the day with a game of cornhole at the Coliseum and enjoy the concert at the White Oak Ampitheater awaiting the city's fireworks display. This is the second year that the fireworks will be at the Coliseum.

Fun Fourth has been a Greensboro tradition since 1975 (37 years). The Kirkwood parade has been going on since 1948 (64 years). Greensboro has so much tradition on the Fourth of July. As a matter of fact, there is so much to do, we simply can't bring ourselves to leave.

X is for Signing on the Dotted Line

Since it is so close to the Fourth of July, we've decided to post an exploding firework today. Today is ABC Wednesday and we're using the fireworks for X for several reasons. First, this is the a photo from 2010, the last year Greensboro's fireworks display was to be held at Grimsley High School. The school got X-ed as a venue and we now gather at the Coliseum complex on High Point Road.

Also, X can serve as a signature on a document as proof of identity and intent.* Recently, there has been press about Greensboro's non-profits being overwhelmed for the need for food. Local non-profits are stretched financially with so many children out of school and needing food, other basic needs,  and activities to keep them busy. Please consider putting your X on a check and donating immediately to your favorite local charity.

For this whole round of ABC Wednesday, we've featured  ABC causes and non profits of Greensboro. X is for those 'xploding fireworks and letting the sky (and your financial resources) be the limit on your donation of money, food, or time to the non-profit of your choice. 

 

* reference.

Don't Forget Dad

Happy Father's Day and, as Just Be on South Elm Street reminds us, "Don't forget Dad." Today, The Urban Market will be set up in the afternoon and Elm Street will be busy with people strolling through the market wit theiir canine companions. The Urban Market would be a great place to purchase something for dad.... from vegetables and houseplants to linens and small trinkets. Just Be has some perfume that is tobacco scented. Now, that could be an interesting "dad" gift- that is, if you want your father smelling like tobacco, an interesting scent.

For those people lucky enough to have fathers still  living, don't forget that one of the best gifts you can give is spending time with your father. If you can't be there in person, you can call. The third Sunday in June first became celebrated as Father's Day in 1910 in Spokane, WA. Sonora Smart Dodd  wanted something to commemorate dads. If today is as beautiful as yesterday was in Greensboro, perhaps the gift of mowing the grass could be given. Regardless, "Don't forget Dad!"

Happy Memorial Day

This photo was taken last year at the Memorial Day service at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Greensboro. A service was held there yesterday. Hopefully, it was well attended. We're trying to find events today, but a google search did not produce many results. It appears that nearby Thomasville is having  a parade and wreath laying ceremony (more here) and the Stratford Retirement Community in High Point is having an event. We hope that the flag raising ceremony will take place at Friendly Center; however, we can't find it advertised. Speaking of advertisement, there is no shortage of announcements for Memorial Day sales in retail stores. If you know of an event remembering the hard work of our veterans, do let us know.

In the meantime, happy summer, dear readers. Children are chomping at the bit to be finished with school. Teachers are scrambling to figure out how on earth they are going to get their end-of-year checklists completed. In the midst of all this consumerism and closing out of the school and haralding in of summer, let's do set aside some time to thank our veterans.

Mother's Day 2012

Today, we honor mothers and their influence in the world. Mother's Day, as we know it today, was started in 1908 by Anna Jarvis, a West Virginian who graduated from Mary Baldwin College. Jarvis never married and never had children; so, indeed, the holiday was not self-serving but ia memorial to her mother. Above, we see a mother at the Easter event at Guilford College United Methodist Church doing what mother's do best. She is not only nurturing her child and keeping him safe, but also teaching him to be adventuresome and reach out for a new experience. A mother's touch builds memories, gives us courage, and teaches us restraint. If you are lucky enough to have a mother living, we hope you will recognize her. If not, there are plenty of moms out there who could use a little reconition. Greensboro is such a friendly city, we've overheard people right and left wishing mothers a happy Mother's Day. May your day be as delightful as was this young boy's day, at the moment he first touched llama wool.... right here in Greensboro, North Carolina; USA.

Today is world run day and you can be a part of it, right here in Greensboro. Read more here.

Captain Bill's Seafood on Good Friday

Today, Good Friday, is the last day of the Lenten frenzy at Captain Bill's Seafood & Steakhouse Restaurant. Many Christians, not just Catholics, give up red meat on Fridays during Lent.Captain Bill's LOVES that tradition! Captain Bill's is an old-school, southern seafood restaurant. This translates as no frills on decor, all emphasis on food and service. Fish is what draws people in; however, likely it is the hush puppies, slaw, and banana banana pudding that keep people coming back. 

Captain Bill's is located way out West Market Street, approaching the area where Friendly Avenue joins Market Street. It hasn't been too many years that taking a drive to the restaurants and dinner clubs "way out" Market and Friendly seemed like going on an extended road trip. Today, they seem like just an extra red light or two away. This photo was taken last Friday when the parking lot AND the restaurant were full. Captain Bill's has been a Greensboro favorite for a long time!

Related Good Friday post: Stations of the Cross; Good Friday crosses. Today is also Skywatch Friday.

Easter Egg Hunt

This season, the neighborhoods and churches of Greensboro have done a fabulous job of staggering their Easter egg hunts. It almost seems as if an egg hunt a day has been scheuled around town. The above photo was taken at the Guilford College United Methodist Church egg hunt last Saturday. They tossed what seems like thousands of eggs onto a back grassy lot and, precisely at 3 pm, children scrambled to fill their Easter baskets. The eggs were empty. Children dumped them into recepticles and went to watch the Easter Story in the sanctuary (Sunday's post). At the end of the film clip, church members were waiting to give chilren a large goodie bag. Oh to be five again and to so freely believe in the magic of everything.

The egg symbolizes the start of new life. There are so many techniques for dying eggs: from natural techniques like tying them with string and dropping them in with boiling onion skins or beet juice to elaborate techniques, like the batiked psyanky eggs of Eastern Europe. Secular and lay traditions alike, nothing screams spring like a basket full of eggs.

Guilford County Schools have their Spring Break during Passover and the week after Easter. Hopefully, during the one week break, families will have the opportunity to spend time together. See our post from a couple of years ago if you want some Easter cheer (here).

Guilford College UMC

Yesterday, Guilford College United Methodist Church held their much-anticipated Easter Egg Hunt. Droves of children raced around gathering plastic eggs. After the egg hunt, children came inside with their parents to see and hear the Easter story projected on the wall and told by children.

Here we see a doting father watching his son watch the Easter story from the balcony. If the young boy's level of engagement was any indication, children enjoyed listening to their peers tell the familiar story of life, death, and resurrection. The rendition of the Easter story by a group of 8 and unders was delivered flawlessly.... well, except maybe when one young girl tried to say Gethsemane.

With the dogwood, azalea, redbuds, and tulip magnolia blooming, truly, is feels like the Easter season. Christians around the world are celebrating Palm Sunday today. (Orthodox Christians celebrate Palm Sunday next week). If you want to read an interesting post about Palm Sunday at the Mount of Olives, visit our City Daily Photo blogger friend in Jerusalem here.

 

Birds in Hand

Today's photo exemplifies the proverb, "A bird in the hand in worth two in the bush" and evokes tender love on Valentine's Day. The affection and interdependence of these two baby parakeets is obvious and proof that every living thing deserves at least one good friend, sibling, or partner....... someone to enjoy on Valentines Day-- and every other day of the year. The birds were bred and raised at Stephie's Birds on North Battleground Avenue (across from Wal-Mart). Stephanie, a local bird breeder working out of Greensboro, supplies much of the east coast with birds. 

The proverb "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" harkens back to falconry, where the falcon was the "bird in hand", and the prey were the "two in bush". While the phrase was first published in 1670 in England, it was believed to have been in use even before that date. We can't help but wonder, if a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, what are two birds in hand worth?

Have a great Valentine's Day dear readers and may you have someone to share it with-- even if it is a feathered friend... or two!

 

Girl Scout Cookie Time

Well, it seems winter is upon us in Greensboro as is Girl Scout Cookie time! These girls from Troop 41157, marching in the MLK parade advertising  cookies, are absolutely precious! 2012 is a special year for Girl Scouting in the United States; the organization celebrating its 100th anniversary this year-- and 95 years of selling cookies. On the day of the parade, these young scouts were spending their holiday promoting the Girl Scout organization, building a sense of community among their troop, doing community service, and making every effort to sell cookies along the way.

If you get a chance, buy some Girl Scout cookies this year. If you pre ordered, your scout should be notifying you soon that your cookies are in. If you didn't get a chance to pre-order, stop by the Harris Teeter at Pisgah Church or the one at Battleground/Horse Pen Creek from 11:00- 5:00 today to purchase Girl Scout cookies. Make standing in freezing temperatures worthwhile for these dedicated scouts! While the young ladies at Harris Teeter aren't the ones in the above photo, they are equally dedicated to their very worthwhile organization and have the same great cookies. If we hear of other booths, we'll let you know.

We're posting this on Sunday as one of our religious/spiritual posts, since the Girl Scout organization encourages members to have a belief in a spiritual principle.

Groundhog Day 2012

Groundhog Day 2012 has come and gone this week. Do you know the origin of the holiday? Do you follow the results? According to the predictions of both Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania AND Sir Walter Wally's in North Carolina, there will be six more weeks of winter. Ironically, good weather on any given February 2nd, Groundhog Day, indicates winter will linger. In the USA, we have been maintaining this tradition for over 125 years. Pennsylvania's early settlers brought the following saying from Europe: "For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day, so far will the snow swirl in May..."* Candlemas is the 40th day after Christmas. So, historically, Groundhog Day is linked to Christianity.

Information related to North Carolina's groundhog-predictor is archived through the State Climate Office of North Carolina. Check here on March 15th, if you want to follow up on the accuracy of Sir Walter Wally's 2012 prediction. On the same website, archived through NC State University, you can check the groundhog's record in previous years.  Last time we checked, the Greensboro's own Natural Science Center had "Woody" the Groundhog on the prediction circuit, too.

As for the above groundhog, also known as a woodchuck, whistle-pig, and land-beaver,  he was seen frequently in our yard in Greensboro this summer. We're guessing he'll be back...... sometime after March 15th. As far as we can tell, he's never poked his head out on February 2nd. Care to name him?

 *Huffington Post reference here.