Greensboro Daily Photo

Beta Delta December Brunch at Hinshaw United Methodist Church

'Tis the season for organizations to get together and hold brunches and other holiday events. Such is the case of the above group, the Beta Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG). DKG is a society of key women educators, established in 1929. Beta Delta is one of four chapters of DKG in Greensboro. Yesterday, Beta Delta met for their annual December brunch. In the photo, featured are 37 members and their guests. 

The brunch was held at Hinshaw United Methodist Church. Hinshaw UMC, founded in 1915, is located at 4501 West Gate City Boulevard, just west of Merritt Drive. When organized, it was Midway Church. According to their cornerstone, in 1949, the church was rebuilt and the name changed to Hinshaw. Yesterday, members of Hinshaw Methodist prepared the food on site for the DKG members. Reaction to the food and venue was favorable. Additionally, the fellowship hall (photographed above) is right at street level, making it easy to navigate. How wonderful that the church offers these opportunities to the public at very reasonable rates. If you are interested in seeing the fellowship hall and learning more about the church, you could attend a Sunday service, or attend their hot dog lunch on Tuesdays form 11:30- 1:30pm. Thank you to the church and thank you to the Beta Delta members, who work very hard to foster excellence in education.

Happy Sunday!

Christmas Time in the City

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Downton Greensboro. Last night was the Festival of Lights and there were activities from LeBauer Park to Gate City Boulevard. The above photo was the artificial snow being generated at Hamburger Square. Some children were experiencing "snow" for the first time. This year, a laser light show was added just southeast of the railroad tracks at Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. The Festival of Lights is a special event for Greensboro, because it appeals to people of all ages, perfect for families. 

As we were walking from Spring Street where we parked- quite a long way from Elm, a young girl and her mom asked us for directions. Next thing you know, as we were crossing the street, the girl, about in first grade with a "be kind" backpack, asked if she and her mom could walk with us. Her mom was on the phone trying to figure out where her other relatives were. The girl, Nia, explained that they were trying to find the Disney princesses. She looked up and said, "Elsa's going to be there, but I'm not sure if her sister will be there or not." At that very moment, we were reminded of those magical years of childhood, where children still believe; in humanity, the kindness of strangers, and that  princess are real. That interaction with Nia may just go down as one of our great memories of the 2022 Christmas season. 

Today, St. Andrews Church (2501 W. Market Street)  is holding their Deck the Halls Market from 10am- 3pm. The Holiday Parade downtown starts at noon. The fiberglass at Santa is waving 24/7 now. The nativity scene is back on the lawn of Greensboro College. Tomorrow, the Greensboro Curb Market will have another Made 4 the Holidays craft show. Literally, you could do something seasonal  every hour of the day between now and Christmas.

Happy Saturday!

Festival of Lights

Tonight is the night for the Festival of Lights in downtown Greensboro, from LeBauer and Center City Parks, along Elm Street, all the way to Gate City Boulevard. There will be something for everybody. From 5:30- 9:30, there will be non-stop fun. The tree lighting in Center City Park will happen precisely at 6:56 pm. Here is a full lineup. Piedmont Winterfest is also downtown at LeBauer Park. If you like to ice skate, Winterfest is a great option. There are even strolling entertainers and a laser. light show. The above photo shows the marshmallow roasting at Hamburger Square downtown. This event has been extremely popular since its inception.

Of course as a grand finale to the Festival of Lights would be to drive through Sunset Hills, where they have their own "Festival of Lights"! Our on your nicest red and green outfit and head downtown. Happy Friday!

Kathleen Clay Edwards Library at Price Park and a "Talk with Tai"

Happy December! Yesterday, the last day of November, the afternoon sky was just lovely. This was the "golden hour" over the Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Branch  Library. It is located in Price Park and surrounded by mature trees and hilly nature trails. Last night, Greensboro City Manager Taiwo Jaiyeoba hosted one of his "Talk with Tai: City Manager Listening Sessions" at the Kathleen Clay Library from 6:00- 8:00 pm. Unfortunately, we weren't able to stay; those talks are such a wonderful opportunity stay abreast of issues and to provide input. Greensboro is lucky to have such an extensive library system and one that offers events that encourage community engagement. We hope you have an opportunity to use the local libraries. As for the "Talks with Tai" if you don't get a chance to attend one, you can watch one on YouTube. Access to information is only a click or a library visit away- or both!!

Happy Thursday! Happy December!

Safety Town

All is quiet in Safety Town now. Located off of Pisgah Church Road, beside Lewis Recreation Center, Safety Town is a community resource sponsored by: Greensboro Police Department, Nat Greene Kiwanis Club of Greensboro, Greens pro Parks and Recreation, Volvo, Greensboro Optimist Club.  As stated on their website, Safety Town is a two-hour-a-day, two-week program for five and six year old children that teaches safety about strangers, traffic, pedestrians, fires, bicycles, bus, poisons, water, and guns. The program has existed for 39 years. So many generations of children in Greensboro have participated in the program over the years. Other efforts in other cities model their safety town design on the Greensboro complex.

There are also opportunities for teens to register as Ambassadors. It is such a great way for teens to develop leadership skills. Everything about Safety Town is a win-win. Happy Wednesday. Tomorrow is December- already!

 

 

Downtown at Holliday Circle

This Friday is  First Friday and the Festival of Lights. Are you ready? Downtown is ready for us. The above photo is the General Nathanael Greene Statue at Holliday Circle- 405 South Greene Street. General Greene was a major general of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War and the person for whom Greensboro is named. The 22' tall bronze statue is on an 10' granite base.  Greensboro artist James Barnhill is the sculptor. It was dedicated on March 28, 2008. It was placed there as part of the Greensboro Bicentennial in that same year. *  Sculptor James Barnhill's work is featured prominently throughout Greensboro. He is a retired faculty member at NCA&T State University.  The round-about, Holliday Circle, is named for Keith A. Holliday who served our mayor from 1999 to 2007. So, this circle holds so much history for our city.

The photo was taken from the west, looking east, towards Hamburger Square. This historic area will be busy this Friday. Here is a list of holiday happenings in Downtown Greensboro. You won't want to miss these events. During COVID,  Downtown Greensboro (#DGSO) a local non-profit did a fabulous job of finding things to engage the community. Some of these events- like Tinsel Town- remain. Friday is on target to be beautiful weather. It is only Tuesday and we can hardly wait!

 

* reference and more information HERE.

Flyaway Farms

Flyaway Farms is a 39 acre farm located on Pleasant Ridge Road, just down the road from Summerfield Farms. The farm has a 5 bedroom 4 1/2 bath home built on it that was constructed in 1978. The current occupants have owned it for ten years. Hopefully, they will maintain the property as a farm. There is every indication it will remain a farm. As you drive past, you will notice the two donkeys and a herd of sheep. If they wanted, they have the perfect set up to host a living nativity scene. They even have the word "farm" in their name.

As we check online, Guilford County currently ranks 28th out of the 100 North Carolina with respect to land for sale. According to Land.com, there are currently 3,000 acres of rural land for sale in Guilford County. At 657 square miles, Guilford County is the 24th largest county in North Carolina. When you look at how beautiful the land is in our region, it makes our hearts fill with joy. Let's just hope that we are able to maintain our green spaces.

Happy Monday!

Our Lady of Grace

Our Lady of Grace (OLG), located at the corner of West Market Street and Chapman Street, is such a dynamic place. Every day, something is going on there. From the Monday through Friday K-8 school to Saturday weddings, Sunday services, and multiple meetings throughout the week, you really feel a sense of community at OLG. There are 11 masses during the week (Monday-Saturday). On Sunday, there is a 7am Quiet Mass, 9am and 11 am English Masses, a 1pm Tridentine Latin Mass, and a 5pm Spanish Mass. Truly, if you are Catholic, they offer something for everyone.

The other day, when we happened to be driving by, we saw a bucket lift extending up to the top window of the westside tower. We're guessing they were washing windows. After all, advent starts four Sundays before Christmas and, this year (2022) Advent starts today. Can you believe it? We have four Sundays before Christmas! Unfortunately, the statue of Our Lady, the one on the front lawn, was vandalized in October. They are hoping to get it repainted, restored, and back in place in time for Advent- today! We love this photo, showing some of what goes on, behind the scenes, of church upkeep. The real photo was behind us. A priest is a black robe cloak was talking to parishioners. The moment looked too special to interrupt.

Happy Sunday! Happy Advent!