Greensboro Daily Photo

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. 

Emmanuel Church of Christ

Emmanuel Church of Christ is located at 2909 Phillips Avenue, in the Kings Forest neighborhood very near Huffine Mill Road. Churches of Christ are known for their independence and autonomy. They are New Testament and Bible-based; however, other beliefs, such as type of music played in the church, are not uniform.

Like so many of the churches we feature for "Sacred Sunday," no webpage exists to tell of the history of the church or the building. You can see the bell to the right, embedded within the nameplate. As with so many churches, the structure features an A-line roof and a large stained glass window. Next time we're out that way, we'll stop in and see if we can learn more about the history of the church. In the meantime, we cannot emphasize enough the importances of religious institutions archiving their history online.

We do know that the church sure looked beautiful when this photo was taken on almost the last day of summer. We bet it will be pretty as the leaves around it take on their fall color. By the way, happy Sunday, happy autumn..........

New York Pizza on Tate Street

    New York Pizza on Tate Street has been serving the UNCG area since 1977. In thirty five years, they've seen a lot of changes, watched a lot of people grow up, and even had college students bring their children back for a slice of nostalgia. One thing is for sure, the pizza hasn't changed; same good, classic, NYC, traditional pizza. According to their website, NYP is the "longest established family-owned pizzeria in Greensboro. They make their own dough and sauce in-house- impressive. We love the firey red hair of the woman who waited on us at and the rest of the outdoor crowd during the Tate Street Festival last Saturday. We also love the mural they painted last week on the Walker Avenue side of the building.

 

     NYP opened another location on Battleground Avenue last year; however, according to our waiter at the other location (last week), they no longer have the same ownership. We love supporting locally-owned and just may head to NYP in-between the Liberty Antiques Festival and the Spirit event at Elsewhere.... unless we get side-tracked and end up at another great eatery in Greensboro. Here's to another great, photo-filled weekend in Greensboro, and beyond!

Baby's World Daycare

En route to Kings Forest this weekend we stumbled upon Baby's World Daycare on Phillips Avenue. It is the brightest, crispest, most freshly painted business we have seen in a while. Imagine being a toddler and going up the yellow and red ramp and under the red and yellow awning. It must feel like going to school inside a Little Tykes Cozy Coupe. Baby's World doesn't have its own website so we can find out very little about the business. We do know that families everywhere want a clean, safe, nurturing home-away-from-home for their children while they are at work. 

If this place is as sparkly on the inside and if the help is as organized and inviting as the view on the outside, then Baby's World must be amazing.  They take children as young as six weeks and as old as 12 years. We'll try to get by one day when they are open to see those young ones at play.... 

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. 

Food Truck Festival

Greensboro's Food Truck Festival, held yesterday on Spring Garden Street, was a giant success. The above photo shows only a small corner of the festival and, as you can see, it was truck-to-truck people waiting patiently in line to sample some of Greensboro's delicacies served out of windows. From tacos to turkey to crêpes, there was something for everybody.

Since it was the first time the festival was held, the city must not have known how much traffic to expect. The area could have benefitted from a closed off street or two- like Saturday's nearby Tate Street Festival. Also, the event could have used more places to sit and another dozen or so food trucks- as the wait in line was extremely long. Of course having the cooperation of Mother Nature, as well as the Central Carolina Fair and the Hispanic Heritage Celebration both right around the corner, likely contributed to the turnout. Additionally, social media breathed great life into Greensboro's inagural Food Truck Festival.*  In addition to enjoying the food, attendees seemed pleased to explore this end of town. Lets hope the local brick and mortar shops will continue to see increased business once the food trucks have pulled back their awnings and rolled on home.

Spring Garden @ Chapman has a lot to offer!

*Follow the blog for Greensboro's food trucks, here.

 

Wendover Hills Wesleyan Church

Wendover Hills Wesleyan Church is located near the airport at 205 South Swing Road. The stark white, industrial building catches the eye by surprise as you approach the area. The Trinity and Bible-based church puts a lot of emphasis on worship and fellowship through music. They appear to be an active congregation and very inviting to visitors and new members.  If you are interested in this church, their small group sessions start today and run through December 9th. 

We love Greensboro's religious diversity and try to feature something to reflect the spirituality of Greensboro every Sunday. We only know what their website says about this church; it seems to be a happy and inviting place. For some reason, seeking spirituality in a warehouse seems intriguing. The non-conventional church building looks so clean, uncluttered and contemporary. We'll have to try to go inside for a visit sometime. 

High Point Rowing Club

The High Point Rowing Club is new to the Triad area and we are so fortunate to have this opportunity for our high school athletes. The Triad's first rowing team practices at Oak Hollow Lake and yesterday was a fabulous day to be out in the 60' shell. Even the choppy water couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of the people who came to practice. The rowing program started a few weeks ago and this was only their third practice. Coach Gene Kininmonth, originally from Australia, brings a wealth of experience to the team. Not only is he a rower himself, he has coached several places, including UCLA. 

If you are not inclined to row, there is still a great deal for you to do in the Greensboro area this weekend. Consider eating  at the Greek Festival and then heading over to the Tate Street Festival. It would be great if you could stop by Elements Gallery at 526 South Elm Street to preview the items in their Breast Cancer Awarness and Prevention Fundraiser. There are so many things to do in the Triad area, none of us should ever complain about being bored. Head on out and enjoy yourself.

We're sharing this photo with the great people at Weekend Reflections who will be clapping joyfully as they see the reflection of the crew in the water.

Guilford College Woods

The sign, labeled Guilford College Woods, greets visitors and residents of Jefferson Gardens. This is the sign and view as you enter the limited-access neighborhood featured on GDP earlier in the week. Herein, you will find the bucolic home of Mr. Crow and Mr. Turkey. The historical marker says it all about a part of Greensboro that has been making history since the early 1700's. 

North Carolina's historical marker program is one of the oldest in the United States. The first marker to be put in place through the North Carolina Highway Historical Marker Program was in Granville County in 1936. Now, the markers are in every county; in all, over 1,400 are in place.* We like the above marker because there is ample opportunity to get out of your car and read it. Some markers are alongside such traffic-dense areas that you would risk your life if you stopped to read them.  Do you take the time to read historical markers? Do you have a favorite one? Here is one on the other side of the Guilford College campus.

Well, the weekend is upon us which means we get to go out exploring Greensboro again. Who knows, we just may pull up in your neighborhood. If only we could be like the Publishers Clearinghouse Prize Patrol and show up with a million-dollar check!

*go here to learn more about North Carolina's historical marker program.

Mr. Crow of Ainsworth Drive

Yesterday's Mr. Turkey of Jefferson Gardens loves to run the neighborhood; however, crows are in stiff competition for being the lead birds. They heckle Mr. Turkey every chance they get. At the time of this photo, several crows were foraging on the ground and the crow on the sign was enjoying his elevated vantage point. While up there, he used the sign as an implement to clean off his beak. He raked his beak across the top of the sign several times. Birds hate having anything on their beaks. There is some evidence that crows have extremely high IQ's and, they not only use tools, they can make them. 

Since Ainsworth Drive is the street with all of the decorations at Christmas, perhaps Mr. Crow was plotting to assemble something on his own. He has the smarts and he sure was being vocal about something. It is so much fun to follow the hapenings in our Greensboro neighhborhoods. The longer we look, the more we appreciate. The more we appreciate, the longer we look.....

J is for Jefferson Gardens

    Jefferson Gardens is a neighborhood located off of Jefferson Road, between Friendly Avenue and Hobbs Road. The above house is located on Hayfield Lane; perhaps there was a hayfield here before the house was built in 1972. This neighborhood backs up to Price Park and to 240-acres owned by Guilford College. The natural area behind the houses of Jefferson Gardens attracts plenty of wildlife. As you can see, on the day we were photographing the neighborhood, a wild turkey walked out of the woods and was hanging out on Hayfield Lane. Residents say the turkey thinks it is their pet. 

    Jefferson Gardens is only made up of six main streets (Hayfield Lane, Broadmoor Place, Thorncliff Drive, Elderwood Place, Ainsworth Drive, and Bennington Drive- the main artery) and a few cul-de-sacs. The small neighborhood, with one way in and out, is fairly quiet eleven months a year. Come December, Ainsworth Drive is ablaze with a multiple-home display of Christmas lights and decorations. People from miles around make an annual tradition of driving by and enjoying the festive street.

    Today is ABC Wednesday and J is for Jefferson Gardens. View our A-H neighborhoods here.

Tobacco Hornworm

Yesterday, we brought you a view of UNCG's gardens. Related to the garden theme, today, we bring you a photo of the tobacco hornworm who was busy devouring our cherry tomato plant. He was pretty camouflaged so Mr. GDP offered his index finger to point out this giant caterpillar with the voracious appetite. The Latin name for this creature is manduca sexta. His cousin, manduca quinquemaculata- tomato hornworm- looks very similar. Both eat tomatoes and feed on plants from the family solanaceae. 

These giant caterpillars are fairly hardy and have a short life cycle, making them great for classroom purposes. As an adult, this caterpillar will become a moth that will have the ability to hover like a hummingbird. Nature is so fabulous to observe and Greensboro is teeming with life, as all of these creatures get ready for winter. For sure, with the wonderful parks and natural areas around Greensboro, we can easily combat nature-deficit disorder.  As we sat and watched this beautiful creature, we saw exactly what Eric Carle was thinking when he wrote The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Go for a walk and let us know what you see. Maybe you can even write a book about it!

The UNCG Community Gardens

Saturday was a work day at the University of North Carolina Greensboro's Community Gardens on McIver Street. The gardens were established Fall 2010. The garden started with about 18 raised beds and has grown to around fifty. While each plot is a mere 4X8', with careful planning, a great deal can be planted. Susan Andreatta, Associate Professor of Anthropology, and Guy Sanders, Associate Director of Housing and Residence Life, oversee the project. Dr. Andreatta brings twenty five years in the study of farming systems and work with community gardens to the project. UNCG's Garden Club members are also very involved in this initiative.

Noteworthy is the involvement of UNCG's Dining Services employees at the UNCG Community Garden. They maintain nine of the nearly fifty plots and have actually been able to use harvested items- especially herbs, chard, watermelon, mixed greens, and cherry tomatoes-  for special events. 

Saturday's workday brought a great mix of people from the UNCG community. From faculty and staff to students, from people who have a specific plot to people who simply wanted to give of their time to some folks who were "doing" time for course requirements, there were people from all walks of life. Even those who were initially less than enthusiastic gained a greater appreciation of working together to provide a local food source.

Hopefully, all of the cold weather greens that were planted on Saturday will like this rain we've had in Greensboro and produce vegetables soon. It's still not too late to get some cabbage and mixed greens in the ground. And, if you have as little as a square foot plot of soil, you can grow produce.

Read more here.

Christ Community Church

Christ Community Church, also known as an Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, is located at 811 Jefferson Road at the Friendly Avenue end. According to their website, Christ Community Church was originally organized as a mission (church plant) of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Chruch in March 1980. Their purpose has always been to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Tthe Rev. John Kimmons was their founding pastor. 

The photo is a somewhat deceptive as the church doesn't appear to have any windows. While windows are not featured prominently in this building, they do exist around the side and back. Christ Community is a Christ-based religion; hoewver, crosses do not appear to be featured prominently either. Without visiting, it is hard to know the significance of the unadorned nature of the façade. We'll have to stop by for a visit. The people coming and going to the service seem really friendly.

It sure seems like there are a lot of churches in the segment of Friendly Avenue from Holden Road to Guilford College Road. Then again, there are many houses of worship in Greensboro, period. Most Sundays, we feature one and in almost four years of doing this, we don't think we'll run out of places to photograph anytime soon!

 

114th Central Carolina Fair

As of yesterday, it is Central Carolina Fair Time at the Greensboro Coliseum Grounds. This is the 114th year for this grand event. We suggest heading over as soon as possible to see all of the exhibits while they are still fresh and newly judged. Who will have grown those blue ribbon vegetables? Who will have the best chili? Who will the judges be? Will the rainbow rooster be back? What will be new this year? Here is a list of the exhibits. The Charlie Daniels Band will be playing on Sunday.

The fair will be going strong until 11pm tonight and for eight more days, closing at 8pm on September 23rd. This is such a great family tradition, we suggest you give it a try. Who knows, Mr. Zuckerman and his famous pic might even be there.

Latin Roots at Earthworks Gallery

Last Friday was hopping at First Friday in Downtown Greensboro. The above photo was taken at the opening reception for the exhibit "Latin Roots" at Earthworks Gallery. The exhibit celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. Last week's music and the month-long exhibit are made possible in part by Casa Azul, an organization that is the catalyst for many great events celebrating Latino culture in the wider Greensboro area. Earthworks Gallery, the event's host, is located at 500 South Elm Street, just across the tracks from the Cascade Saloon Building- the one that has been so much in the news lately.

The man on the left side of this photo, Jim Rientjes, is one of the proprietors of Earthworks. Jim is a very talented potter and he works day and night to ensure that the potters, jewlers, and other artists at Earthworks are represented well. We own pottery made by several of the artists represented here.

If you get a chance, stop and show your support for Earthworks, Casa Azul, and the artists involved in the Latin Roots Exhibit. Items are available for purchase at all price points. Look for the display with the papel picado.  And, as for getting all that visual stimulation- priceless.

Could 911 Find Your Home?

On many homes in Greensboro, it is really hard to figure out the street address. We learned this fact when touring neighborhoods to find homes to feature in Greensboro Daily Photo posts. As a matter of fact, for the house we featured yesterday, the street adress was not readily apparent. However, the above house, just down the street on Country Club Drive, features their street address prominently. It is painted into the walkway- visitible even from the air! Notice,also, the small, brass 710 plaque on the brick column on the right. If you were 911, which number do you think you would see first?

Years ago, teenagers would come around and stencil your house number on your steps or curb so that it would be readily availabe from the street. Usually, homeoners would provide a dollar or two for this service. Perhaps it is time to bring back these roving entrepreneurs. They could save lives! Walk around your street; look to the left; look to the right; look across the street; look at your own house; and help get everyone "emergency" ready.... Finding your house for a dinner party would be gravy!

I is for Irving Park

    The Irving Park neighborhood, located just north of Downtown Greensboro, was a 350-acre project created by the Southern Real Estate Company  at the beginning of the 20th century.* From Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Bryan and Alfred M. Scales in the past, to entrepreneurs and business owners today, Irving Park has been home to some of Greensboro's most influential residents.  At the center of this prestigious neighborhood is the Greensboro Country Club. The above Irving Park house, located near the country club on Country Club Drive, overlooks the club's immaculate and spacious golf course. It has plenty of acerage, square footage and impeccable design. It exudes Irving Park charm. The residents of this home must feel like they are living in the Pantheon or some other ancient, magnificent structure.

    

    Today is ABC Wednesday and for this round, we're featuring the neighborhoods of Greensboro. I is for Irving Park, Old Irving Park. See A-H neighborhoods, here. Country Club Drive is the street featured with yesterday's walkers; exempifying the fact that even in Greensboro's neighborhoods with giant homes, people find a way to build a sense of community.

* Fripp, G.(1998)  Greensboro Neighborhoods, Volume II, p. 68.

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.

It's a 1961 Corvette

No doubt about it, the vehicle in the photo is a 1961 Chevrolet Corvette convertible. The vanity tags say it all. 1961 was the final year that whitewall tires were offered on the Corvette and the above tires are beautiful. It was also the last year for the option to have the "coves" in a contrasting color- an option not selected in the above vehicle. The 1961 production, 10,939 Corvettes were produced. Half of the buyers opted for the removable top. The base price was 3,934* The above driver has a pretty special vehicle.

This weekend was the perfect weather for being outside. We captured this photo at the intersection where New Garden Road meets Ballinger Road. Maybe he was en route to a meeting of the Triad Corvette Club. They have many fun meet ups for local members. If you are in the market for a new Corvette, the price can range from 50,000 to 100,00 plus.

From segway's to trains and everything in between, over the last 3 1/2 years, we've featured quite a wide assortment of vehicles in Greensboro. View them here if you are so inclined.

* info from conceptcarz

True Deliverance Apostolic Church

Right at the 315-degree angle where Liberty Road bends back on itself, intersecting with Alamance Church Road, you will find True Deliverance Apostolic Church. Led by Pastor Esther Richardson, on Sunday mornings, the congregation has a morning of great sermons and fellowship. This red brick and cinder block building is transformed into a house of salvation. The main entrance to the modest structure has a candy-striped awning. To the left of the main entrance is a white cross made out of fence pickets: No frills, but lots of deliverance for those who enter in.

True Deliverance is located in what we call the "religious deversity" corridor of Guilford County. Just about every religion imaginable- from Buddhism to Jehovah Witness to Baptist to everything in between- is concentrated in a few square miles southeast of downtown. Last Sunday, we enjoyed sitting in the parking lot of True Deliverance listening to the service. At some point, we'd like to step through the door to see what awaits on the other side.

If you are out for a Sunday drive today, head to the Alamance Church/Liberty Road part of town and start counting houses of worship. You will have enough faith-based conversation to fill all the waking hours in a week.

Greensboro's "Tree of Life"

Nothing says "weekend" in Greensboro like a shot of the heart of the city. Here we are at the railroad tracks looking northward towards downtown with the JP building on the horizon. The train says City of Asheville on the side window. Maybe it is headed from the mountains to the coast. Every North Carolinian should make that very journey at least once. It should be a standard school field trip.  

While looking up rail history in North Carolina, we came across these videos on the city's website. They were part of the Bicentennial production about Greensboro. We also found this timeline on the history of the North Carolina Railroad (NCRR) company. In the 19th century, the rail system was referred to as North Carolina's "tree of life." Finally, a "must do" is click on this NCRR interactive map, to see the route and learn about the UNCG/pedestrian underpass project.

 

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.

4308 Starmount Drive

While you have Hamilton Lakes fresh on your mind, allow us to share another property in the same neighborhood. The above home, built in 1984, is located on 4308 Starmount Drive, not too far from yesterday's featured home. This glossy, dark-gray house, with the Lily Pulitzer green grass and pink door, had a non-descript, red-brick façade when it sold two years ago. For sure, the current owners have brought the look into the 21st century. The door just pops into view as you approach the intersection with Nut Bush Road. How relaxing it would be to sit on that porch and watch the neighbors pass by.

Starmount Road is one of the longest, most twisted roads in town and it extends way beyond Hamilton Lakes. If you really want to get to know the character of Greensboro living, consider starting at the Lindley Park end of Starmount (@Green Valley) where it almost crosses Market Street twice. Then, follow Starmount as it winds across Holden and along Starmount Forest Country Club where it ends at Madison Avenue. Starmount homes have such character and personality and, to be sure, there is something for everybody!

 

H is for Hamilton Lakes

Today is ABC Wednesday and H is for Hamilton Lakes, a community established in 1920 and now part of the City of Greensboro. Hamilton Lakes was founded by Greensboro developer A.M. Scales, who moved from Irving Park to Hamilton Lakes. He not only developed this "streetcar suburb," he served as its first mayor. The earlier homes, like the one above [circa 1925], were built in the grand style of homes in Scales' beloved Irving Park. However, during and after World War II, new construction in the neighborhood was significantly more modest. While differences are extreme, the beauty of Hamilton Lakes is that residents in all price points take great pride in the community and collectively maintain the nature trails, lakes, and other community-use spaces. Hamilton Lakes was annexed by Greensboro in 1957; however, a strong neighborhood association helps maintain the neighborhood's identity. 

The above home at 104 Kemp Road West, built in the Mediterranean-style, likely acquired its terra cotta roof tiles from nearby Pomona Terra Cotta Works, a now-defunct, early 20th century Greensboro business. We absolutely love this house and so must its owners; because, if online records are correct, they have lived in it since 1976.

Here is our previously-published photo of the 11,000 square ft. Scales home and the Morton House, down the street from the above home. Also, yesterday's photo was taken in Hamilton Lakes on Lake Hamilton. See another photo taken in the neighborhood. We can bring you dozens of photos; however, nothing can capture the sensation of walking the trails of Hamilton Lakes, especially once the leaves start turning color.

See our previous A-G neighborhood features 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.

Greensboro Buddhist Center

As the sign states, the above house is the Buddhist Center of Greensboro. It is part of a large complex of buildings and land on Liberty Road, near the intersection with Alamance Church Road. The part of the facility visible from the road looks like just another home in Southeast Greensboro. However, upon closer inspection, you will find that there are many of the elements typical of temples in Southeast Asia. The Center, where the Greensboro Buddhist community gathers, is walled, has a large bell, an altar, a sheltered outdoor space to gather and socialize, gardens, and a residence for monks. It is a home away from home for its members; a place to gather and keep alive the ways of ancestors and to instill 1,200 years of Buddhist values and Cambodian customs in the youngest generation.*  It has been a way to heal for the Khmer refugees who have been struggling to keep their identity since their traumatic experiences during the Vietnam War.

The Buddhist Center of Greensboro was established in 1986 and Head Monk, Phramaha Somsak Sambimb has been living in Greensboro since 1988. Here is a little bit about the religion from their website: "The teaching of Buddha guide day to day living through a set of values, ethics, and a moral code. Compassion, forgiveness, generosity, gratitude, and respect for elders are all basic Buddhist principles." He has been mentoring Darrell Kitchen, a Kentucky native, on his path to becoming a Buddhist monk for five years now.* 

Buddhism is one of many religions represented on Liberty Road. As we toured the area last Sunday, we were impressed that all the faith groups seemed to live in harmony and value the right of people to congregate and worship, regardless of their religion. How wonderful to be a stone's throw away, but not throwing stones.

*Here is a 2007 article on the Buddhist Center, from the News & Record. See the Center's fantastic website here.

La Vitrine.........

This window dressing, at design ARCHIVES on South Elm Street made us feel as if we were hanging out in Paris or New York City. Everyone loves a creative window display and this one was just so visually appealing that we're giving it an eight-mannequins-up award. Owner and Curator Kit Rodenbaugh, along with her very capable staff and vendors, keep their vintage and handmade emporium attractive and are constantly making us do a double take when walking by. This was the view of "la vitrine" at design ARCHIVES in early August. 

We looked at our recent posts and decided that GDP needed a good dose of color and a little levity to kick off a new month. Elm Street is so full of not just color but also LOCAL color and is a great place to take photos. On the same block as design ARCHIVES, we photographed this and this. Time to head back downtown and see what we can find on South Elm Street today. 

For yet another GDP riot of color, see this rooster, and this greenway trash. We're sharing today's post with Weekend Reflections where reflections are not only appreciated, they are expected. Goodbye, August; hello, September!

Volvo 122S.... Just Might Be Spotted on I-40......

Beep, beep; move over (please). This weekend is summer's last hurrah and many Greensboroians will be heading to the beach. I-40 will be busy, busy, busy. Perhaps one local family will be lucky enough to travel in the above vintage Volvo. What a beauty! This four-door, Volvo 122 S model is a station wagon from the 1960's; a classic, Amazon estate. Right now, this Volvo wagon is parked in front of Import Specialty of Summerfield on Highway 220, just north of Greensboro in Guilford County. The opposite of this vintage Volvo is the very 21st century Volvo Technology Group, also located in Greensboro. 

Those who are headed to the mountains this weekend might be going to the North Carolina Apple Festival in Hendersonville. The Labor Day Flea Market and Gun Show at Hillsville, VA will be another day trip for many. People not leaving town will want to check out the John Coltrane Jazz Festival. For those who want to hit the trail and prefer to travel by horse, Purgason's Leather Products is right next door to Import Specialty. Have a great weekend and HONK, if you see this 122S on the road!

Table 16

In the foreground of this photo, you see the chalk advertisement, "You are steps away from Table 16." This slogan was one of many seen near Table 16,at the corner of South Elm and Lewis Streets earlier in the month. If you look straight ahead, across the street, you can see the restaurant. Here is a closer view of Table 16, with artist, Kathleen Kennedy working on one of her giant paintings.

In the City Daily Photo community, the technique used in this photo is known as the Tenin technique after Eric Tenin (Paris Daily Photo)  who inspired the rest of us to take on a city daily photo site. Eric was the first! We love him not only for his fabulous website but also for his creative approach to taking photos. It seems like sometimes he actually places the camera on the sidewalk.

Hats off to Table 16 for their creative advertising. Eric would love it as he is such an advocate of seeing beyond that which is at eye level!

G is for Guilford Hills.....

    Today is ABC Wednesday. This round, we're featuring A-Z neighborhoods of Greensboro  and "G" is for Guilford Hills. Guilford Hills is the area just west of Battleground Avenue and north of Green Valley Road. Women's Hospital, Earthfare and the Elks Club are a few of the many well-known places in Guilford Hills. The northern border is David Caldwell Drive and the westernmost street is Benjamin Parkway/Bryan Boulevard. (Remember, neighborhoods have, in most cases relatively-arbitrary borders, or "logical borders" like that grand of highway known as Bryan Blvd.). Guilford Hills is actually less than one square mile and has less than 2,000 people living in it. Many of the homes in this neighborhood were built in the 1950's and 1960's. Built in 1954, the Fortune Lane home above, is no exception. It is a good example of the sensible coziness of the homes in this neighborhood.

    

    Guilford Hills is a quiet neighborhood. The houses make great starter homes as well as great "downsize" homes, as evidenced by the demographics being highest at the near-30 and near- 70-year-olds populating this neighborhood.  An older, GDP reader once told us that he used to ride horses on his friend's farm in Guilford Hills. Can you imagine that less than 70 years ago this area was farmland? What will it look like in another 70 years? A younger reader told us her family relocated there to be closer to General Greene Elementary School and because it is one of the most affordable neighborhoods districted for Grimsley High School. Cross Battleground Avenue and you are in Pirate Country (Page High School).

       

    Here is an apartment complex, a Sunday/religious photo, and a side-of-the-road garden we featured previously in Guilford Hills. A Guilford Hills home was long overdue!

End Polio Worldwide

The above sign, "End polio worldwide," is sponsored by Rotary District 7690 (Piedmont area, Rotary Zone 33). If you read their website, District 7690 seems really involved in fostering world peace and in helping young people become more globally minded. The polio campaign is particularly poignant in Greensboro as we had a polio hospital in the late 1940's (featured on GDP here & here). While there are vaccines against polio, once contacted, there is no cure for this crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease. The World Health Organization spearheads the Global Eradication Initative; however, organizations, like our local Rotary chapter, are also involved. While polio is much less of an issue worldwide than it was at the height of the epidemic in 1952, it still occurs in other parts of the world. In 2012, there were 1,352 reported cases. We're getting there......

We have a closeup of the above sign that is easier to read; however, we love the way you can see its location along West Market Street, heading toward town. West Market Street is so built up and commercial, it is easy to forget that Greensboro still has a lot of "green" and probably looks fairly lush to those who live in areas of drought. If you stay on Market Street for the several miles to town, then continue on it through town, and then drive a few miles down East Market Street, you will find yourself very close to Greensboro's old polio hospital.

 

First Day of School

All was quiet at Jefferson Elementary yesterday afternoon. Classrooms were crisp and fresh with the newness of the beginning of the school year. By the time you read this, teachers and students will be filling the building with great anticipation about the new school year. Students will be greeted with open arms by smiling teachers. The smell of fresh crayons and new books will will fill the air, and the quiet hum of computers and white boards is a prelude to a new year of learning. A new curriculum is being rolled out and we think you will like it.

To all the parents of Kindergarteners who are having their first day of school. Be happy for your child as s/he begins the school adventure. Volunteer every chance you get. The more you give the more you will feel connected. And please DO NOT SPEED in the school zone. First and foremost, you want to keep the students safe. And......the fine is $438; not exactly pocket change. Equally important.... stop for those stopped school busses. Welcome back everyone!

United House of Prayer for All People

Earlier in the summer, when we were at a gas station on East Market Street, we noticed this view of the United House of Prayer for All People. From this hilly vantage point, the church appears to be in a suburban or rural setting, as opposed to close to downtown nestled between two institutions of higher education. The church is located at the corner of South Dudley and East Market Streets. It seems like just yesterday that we featured United House of Prayer for All People; however, it was actually over three years ago (here).

This Christian denomination was founded by Marcelino Manuel da Graça from the Cape Verde Islands, which are located off the coast of West Africa- the part that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. The church was first incorporated in the USA in Washington, D.C. in 1927. It has a really interesting history and some interesting practices. If you are interested in church history, you will enjoy reading this. In the meantime, we've heard that the church serves some amazing lunches. We hope they live up to their name "all people" as we really want to see that triangular church from the inside and enjoy a little fellowship over one of those tasty meals. Nurturing the soul with fellowship and good food. It doesn't get better than that....regardless of denomination or location.

GTCC on East Wendover at Burlington Road

If you haven't been out East Wendover Avenue lately, you won't believe how it has changed. Gone is that rural feel of being way beyond the outskirts of Greensboro, and the area continues to get more built up. In the above photo, you can see the East Wendover campus of Greensboro Technical Community College (GTCC) in all its glory. The campus is comprised of four buildings on 69 acres. This campus provides many useful trade programs: architectural technology, machining technology, manufacturing technology, industrial systems technology, turfgrass technology (just about "technology" everything); plus, paralegal studies, plumbing, residential carpentry, and so much more.

The main building, featured in this photo, is GTCC's first LEED-certified, "green" building. It is 45,000 square feet of total energy efficiency.  Watch this short little video clip if you want to take a peek inside. Greensboro is very proud of GTCC as it provides such an important community service. It is a way for people to continue their postsecondary education affordably and without having to leave home. If you peek at the street signs at the top of the photo, you can see that this campus of GTCC is located at the precise point where Wendover Avenue "changes" to Burlington Road.

Entrance to Forest Oaks

We're closing out the week with one more photo from the southeastern end of the county. Above, we see the main entrance to Forest Oaks on Forest Oaks Drive. We're not sure who the statue is. It could be Ellis Maples, the man who designed and opened the golf course in 1962. In 2002, the course was redesigned by Davis Love III and so the statue could be in recognition of his work. Golfers love the Forest Oaks course and Golf World Magazine rates it a 4.7 out of 5.0. We're betting some of the regulars can tell us more about the statue. There is a statue at the other end of Forest Oaks Drive, too. In 1989, the Forest Oaks Country Club was purchased by a Japanese company, Nisshin Real Estate Company, Ltd. of Tokyo.

Whe whole community of Forest Oaks is about 5 square miles. And as you can see from the last few days, residents take a great deal of pride in their landscaping. We wanted to feature Forest Oaks today because a few homes on this weekend's Tour of Remodeled Homes are in this part of the county. The tour is sponsored by the Greensboro Builders Association and is going on today through Sunday.*  Happy weekend, dear readers!

 

*get more online information here.

Hibiscus in North Carolina

The beautiful hibiscus flower is loved around the world. Several species of hibiscus grow well in North Carolina as the hardy hibiscus thrives in zones 6-8 and, unlike their tropical cousins, require little winter care. Greensboro is zone 7 on the USDA hardiness zone scale.  Hibiscus flowers are edible and many cultures boil the flowers to make hot and cold beverages. The drink is a mild diuretic with some health benefits. So, if you've made a commitment to planting edibles, this is a plant that would add beauty in your yard and make a nice beverage to serve. While dried hibiscus is a delicacy in Mexico, we think we'll stick with growing its relative in the mallow family, okra* for our dinner table.

The above specimen was found growing next to the mailbox in the Forest Oaks home we featured yesterday. The flowers on their plant are 6-8" in diameter and make a showy display in the front yard of this golf course community. Sometimes you hear them called saucer or flying saucer hibiscus.

A reader asked us to identify the large-leafed plant next to the porch in yesterday's photo. It is an elephant ear leaf, a member of the taro family and, in some cultures, parts of it are eaten. As always, before you start eating out of your yard, research the culinary aspects carefully to avoid any parts of a plant that may be toxic. We're fairly confident that the Forest Oaks family in yesterday's home are growing all of these plants for their beauty. If you get a moment, photograph your summer yard. In Greensboro, fall is nipping at our heels.

*see our okra patch here.

F is for Forest Oaks

The above home on Belvoir Drive in Forest Oaks is an inviting beauty with meticulous landscaping. The private residence is located across from the Forest Oaks Country Club 7 miles southeast of downtown Greensboro.   With its white columns, large front porch, and second-floor faux balcony, the house exudes southern charm. There are many attractive houses near the golf course, however, this one is exceptionally inviting.

Today is ABC Wednesday and, this round we're featuring A-Z neighborhoods in the Greensboro area. F is for Forest Oaks. In the 2,000 census, Forest Oaks had a population of a little over 3,000 people and 1,200 households. However, with the current construction in the area, Forest Oaks seems is growing. From 1977-2007, Forest Oaks hosted the PGA Tour's Wyndham Championship. This house and its residents have probably seen a lot of exciting golf over the years. Heck, they've probably even hosted some sweet tea and lemonade breaks on that inviting lawn.

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.