Greensboro Daily Photo

Bumble Bees: The Great Pollinators

Here we see a close up of a bumble bee in a lavender garden in northwest Greensboro. Locally, the lavender has passed its peak, at least for the first blooming. Bumble bees* have been visiting diligently since the first hint of a bloom. Actually, North Carolina is a great habitat for bumble bees, in that it isn't as hot as some of the other southern states. Ted Mitchell, who curated the North Carolina State University bee collection for more than thirty years, wrote two books on about bumble bees. Bumble bees are mid-identified as there are some copy-cat species (more here). Since sharp regional decline among honey bees has been noted in the region, those bumble bees and bumble bee "wanna-bees" are increasinly important to pollinating our plants. If you are an expert in been, please let us know if the above are bumble bees, or not........

*Everything you ever wanted to know about the body of a bumble bee can be found here! Locally, when we want to know about bees and beekeeping, we head to the Yanceville Curbside Market and talk to Mr. Mullins who has been selling honey there for years.

T is for Tolerance

Today, we are at Guilford College celebrating ABC Wednesday. After reading the article in Sunday's News & Record by Guilford College President Kent Chabotar, we were inspired to use Guilford College to represent "tolerance." Chabotar, who has been president and professor of political science at Guilford College since 2002, reminds us that the college's Quaker founders risked so much to promote peace and tolerance. He also quoted President Kennedy, saying that "(t)olerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the opression or persecution of others."  

Increasingly, it is getting harder to find people who tolerate people with beliefs other than the ones they hold. We are a society dichotomized into democrats/republicans; liberals/conservatives; on and on. Chabotar says that to promote diversity of ideas, you need to "(t)hink it possible you might be mistaken" and we need to "(p)rotect the rights of others to be different." Finally, he quotes Voltaire about dissent: "I do not agree with what you say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it" (N&R, 5/27/12, p. H3, col. 3). As Greensboro becomes increasingly diverse, how can we maintain that core Quaker value- TOLERANCE?

Thank you, President Chabotar, for getting us to ponder: TOLERANCE.

O. Henry Portrait

Today, we bring you a portrait of Greensboro's world famous writer, O. Henry- born William Sydney Porter- who lived from 1862-1910. This painting was commissioned for the opening of the new O. Henry Hotel in 1998. The original O. Henry Hotel was built in 1919 and torn down in 1979. The current property evokes the old-world charm of the original hotel and gives a nod to O. Henry himself.

Local artist Frank P. "Chip" Holton, III did a great job of making the painting look like it was painted during O. Henry's lifetime. Also, he situated the painting in Greensboro as O. Henry is reading a Greensboro newspaper. Holton has made over 500 pieces of original art for the Quaintance-Weaver group. In the Quaintance-Weaver properties alone, Holton has quite a reperitore;  with his art ranging from modern to traditional to a 17th-century inspired mural- a still-life. If you have a little time one afternoon, stop by for tea at the hotel and have a closer look at the above photo. As for us, we hope to interview Holton this summer so we can find out how he decided to paint O. Henry in this pose. Happy Tuesday, folks!

 

 

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.

Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church

Mt. PIsgah United Methodist Church is located at the corner of Pisgah Church Road and Battleground Avenue. We've featured it several times before (here & here). However, it just looks so majestic as we are leaving the Lowe's Home Improvement Store that we can't resist photographing it! This congregation of over 1,200 people dates back to 1845-- before the Civil War. The original one-room wooden building was located about a half a mile west of the current brick building.* The church offers both traditional and contemporary, non-liturgical, services. 

We hope you are enjoying your Memorial Day Weekend. In driving around town yesterday, Greensboro sure seemed empty. Greensboroians are like that. On extended weekends, the mountains, lakes, and the beach lure our citizens away only to have them return and be thankful that they are part of our community. We bet the people at Mt. Pisgah feel the same way after missing a week or two of church.

*history here. 

See you at the Pool

In Greensboro, Memorial Day weekend is a huge weekend for swim and racquet clubs. With only 8 days of school left, many families opt to stay in town for this last three-day weekend before the start of summer vacation. In the above photo, we feature the pool at Starmount Forest Country Club, just off Holden Road at Market Street. Starmount Forest, dating back to 1930, is a private country club on 150 acres.* Starmount is the English translation of Sternberger. It may have been quiet on the day we took this photo; however, if you drive by this weekend, during the day, it will be teeming with joyful children thrilled to have a three day weekend and to have a chance to hang out at the pool.

We hope you are having a great weekend. Will you be swimming? Last time we checked, the water was above 80 degrees-- swimmable! See you at the pool.

We're sharing this with Weekend Reflections.

*their website here.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game............

Take me out to the ball game. Take me out with the crowd.* This 1908 song is the unofficial anthem of baseball. While it is traditionally sung during the seventh-inning stretch, the song is on the tip of everyone's tongue when they think of baseball. The Greensboro Grasshoppers won't be playing at home until their Memorial Day game on Monday; however, the above photo reminds us that it is a holiday weekend-- a time for family and friends... and photos galore. The stadium is the perfect place to get a postcard perfect picture with the word GREENSBORO, providing a sense of Americana to your photo.

Currently, the Bryan Foundation owns the stadium; however, the ownership group of the Grasshoppers is hoping to purchase the stadium. The ownership issue has created a little bit of controversy. The important thing is for the stadium to remain the affordable, vibrant place for family-friendly fun. Greensboro loves its baseball. May "take me out to the ballgame" ring loud and clear for decades to come. Happy Friday, dear readers. 

 

*reference.

Hydrangea-gold

Believe it or not, our flora photos are extremely popular. People consistently search the ornamental cabbage photos; so much so that we now feature one a year. Additionally, our Lady Banks Rose photo is one of the most searched photos. One man even went to the house of this featured specimen to get a cutting to propogate. These are the photos that tend to bring visitors worldwide to GDP.

Closer to home, readers help us identify what we have seen on our "nature" walks (here). Today, we are featuring  a hydrangea with a marigold stuck in the middle. We're pretty much purists when it comes to photos and don't ever Photoshop photos. However, we were not above sticking a marigold in the middle of a hydrangea to add a little color to our life and to the yard. So, happy Thursday, readers. The children of Guilford County Schools are really excited that they're on the ten day countdown until summer and teachers are madly trying to figure out how they're going to keep all of the students engaged with all that summer excitement on the horizon. Here's to keeping everything beautiful in our gardens, hearts, schools and lives..... one day at a time! 

S is for Seniors

The term "senior" has many shades of meaning, ranging from an elderly person to a person who has the longest tenure to the elder of two people (or more) with the same name. Mayor Pro-tem Yvonne Johnson, photographed above in her signature purple suit, is a Greensboro senior par excellence. She is a senior member of Greensboro's City Council. She has served as mayor, mayor pro-tem, and councilperson on and off (mostly on) in Greensboro since the early 1990's. The News and Record refers to her as a steel magnolia; she is known to be tough, but fair. Ms. Johnson, in her late 60's, has a softer side. She is known to hug just about everyone within range in the wake of not only a personal accomplishment, but also for any great victory for Greensboro. The day she was photographed above, the dedication of the Downtown Greenway, she was out supporting the artists, financial backers, and citizens-at-large at this community-building event. She is one of Greensboro's greatest supporters. Although she is one of our elders, she works tirelessly for the youth of Greensboro, too.

Personally, one of our favorite causes for seniors in Greensboro is The Shepherd's Center. They are dedicated to helping older adults pursue independent and active lives of purpose. If she is not already involved in Shepherd's Center, she would make a great member. Today is ABC Wednesday and "S" is for "seniors."

Tritech Electronics, Inc.

Tritech Electronics, Inc. is an analog and digital electronic service located at 1327 Headquarters Drive in East Greensboro. The business is an independently-owned, full-service repair facility for musical instruments and music related electronics. Owner Ben B Phillips III has been in the business for over twenty years. He got his start in Winston-Salem working for another company. He was thrilled to have the opportunity to buy the business and move back to his native Greensboro.

We haven't had a chance to meet Ben yet, but we can tell by the display of keyboards at the entrance to his little space, just off Bessemer Avenue, that he is a creative soul. We can tell by his website (linked above) that he is dedicated to his craft and his customers. He likes takinng broking electronics and giving them new life-- whether they are analog or digital. We should have saved this photo for the Fourth of July. It is very red, white, and blue.

Happy Tuesday, folks!

Lee Rogers of Sunset Hills

Lee Rogers is a local landscape designer. In the above photo, we see Lee sitting on the side porch of her historic Sunset Hills home. Her house on Waverly Way, known as the Mebane House, was one of the historic homes on Preservation Greensboro's 2012 Tour of Homes this past weekend.** She and her family have lived in the two-story, 1927 colonial revival for the past thirteen years. During that time, they have not only added to the spendor of the interior, they have done extensive work on the double lot. Thanks to Lee's keen design, their not-so-little corner of Waverly Way is lush with perennials; herbs and other edibles; giant, blue hostas; tiny, variegated hostas; and many more, interesting plants. Most recently, Lee designed a terrace that looks absolutely stunning in her side yard.

Above, we see Lee sitting behind a cluster of equisetum, more commonly known as scouring rush. This 100-million-year old plant is considered a living fossil* Lee likes the plant because it is perfect for this moist corner on the sunny side of her house. Now that Lee has had a chance to catch her breath from hundreds of people touring her house this past weekend, you should call her and let her solve your yard's design dilemmas. The best request we overheard this weekend was a woman asking Lee to design a backyard that would be big-dog friendly! Knowing Lee, it will be a show-stopper. You can contact Lee and learn more about her design philosophy through her website (here).

*read more about the scouring rush plant, here.

** if you want to read the informative brochure from the Sunset Hills tour of homes, including reading about Lee's home (The Mebane Home), go here. It takes a while to load but is well worth the wait.

West Market UMC: Sin and Salvation on One Street

While the Edwards trial is in session next door at the federal building, West Market Street United Methodist Church is surrounded by media vans and tents full of news reporters. Fortunately they haven't been around on the weekends. Can you imagine needing to dodge news reporters to go pray? The verdict should be handed down very soon so, likely, this is the last week that we will see the media frenzy. 

Every Sunday, we post something religious or spiritual on GDP. And, once every year or so, we find something that evokes the notion of sin and salvation in one spot. August 2009, it was a tobacco field in the front yard of a local Baptist church (here). Today, it is infidelity and the misappropriation of funds (maybe), being argued passionately, in the back yard of the church. Here we see almost the same view of West Market Street UMC on a day that trial followers aren't in town. Also, read church history, here. Perhaps Mr. Edwards can stop by and... reflect.... once the verdict is handed down, regardless of whether it is guilty, or not. Happy Sunday, all. Enjoy the weather. Enjoy the peace and quiet.

At the Corner of South Elm and Lee Streets...........

Montana may be nicknamed "Big Sky Country" but Greensboro's skies were pretty "big" this week. We love this sky view heading south on Elm Street, crossing over Lee Street at twilight on Thursday. The golden glow of the clouds was noteworthy. Uplifting. As you look around the photo, you will notice a white building on the right, close to the telephone pole. It is North State Milling Company (featured on GDP here). The words DAILY BREAD FLOUR & CORN MEAL remain on the side of the building-- evoking memories of a bygone era.

As open and expansive as this view appears, you are just a stone's throw from all of the activity of South Elm Street. Here is the Elm/Lee view from the exact point where the white car is stopped (here). It is just a matter of time until Greensboro figures out what the best use of these lots will be and South Elm/Lee will take on a whole new character. For now, we're perfectly happy to bask is this spacious view. On a different note, Greensboro Daily Photo (GDP) is supplying photos for Triad Local First. They are a network of local business owners who are committed to supporting the local economy and enhancing the our community; the very mission of GDP.

In the News.............

Today, we take you "on location" to West Market Street where all eyes and all cameras are on the Preyer Building, Greensboro's post office and federal courthouse. The above photo is a picture of the news station's TV screen, monitororing the coming and goings for the John Edward's trial. The inside area of the news vans is so interesting. Definitely, it is the newscasters' home-away-from-home. They sit there eating bananas, drinking coffee, and discussing their schedule for the day,  perched in their early-bird location awaiting activity related to the trial. The picture in the upper right corner of the Sony screen is the federal courthouse and the main entrance.

If you get a chance, head downtown and watch this process-- especially if you home-school and are in a position to take your children to see how news is reported. This is history-in-the-making. Since the closing arguments were delivered yesterday, a verdict could be reached today. Stay tuned! A special thanks to our citizens who are doing their civic duty and serving on this jury. They have been seated since the end of April. Both Mr. and Mrs. GDP were called for jury duty within the past year, but didn't have to serve. The judicial process, however, makes you feel connected to the legal system in a positive way, as does attending trials and watching the seamless work of the news reporters.

Midway Auto Sales

For as many used car lots as we've been in lately, you'd think GDP was looking for a used car. That is not the case; however, when that magical 10 minutes before sunset strikes on a glorious, golden evening, we cannot help but to stop and admire the beauty overhead. Such was the case last night at 8:22 pm on West Lee Street at the Greenway. We went to see the greenway and were disappointed that the brilliant display of color was not working. Instead, the panels were all white. However, the sky was beautiful in that part of town and made stopping all worthwhile.

If you look closely, you will see three chairs on the corner of Midway Auto Sales at 502 West Lee Street. This is the very spot where, during business hours, you will likely find the owner and employees sitting to solve the world's problems with a good friend, prospective customer, or both. You may recall two and a half years ago when we took a photo of Sprinkle Gas Station, just down the street from Midway (see here). Well, they have the requisite chairs on the side of the building-- a real must if you are an old-time southern business. You've got to be willing to sit and develop a relationship with people who come your way. Fellowship and friendship are at the very core of the success of these old-time businesses. We'd love to be a fly on the wall and listen to just what gets communicated in those three chairs! Happy Thursday folks. Time permitting, consider driving or biking around town and seeing just how many businesses have their chairs outside.... almost as important as hanging a name shingle.

R is for Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Today is ABC Wednesday and our causes for "R"  are the three green R's: Reduce, reuse, recycle. If you want to reduce the clutter in your life, there is no better place to take items than the Salvation Army Family Store at 307 West Lee Street. If you are not against reusing clothing, the Salvation Army has plenty to choose from among the racks. Recently, the store got a face lift and it is clean, bright, and well organized. Clothing is sorted by color and type. All clothing is $2.50, unless is is on the half price rack at $1.25, a real bargain by thrifting standards.  The Salvation Army does so much for the Greensboro community* and Greensboro's own Mr. Peter Vanstory  served on the board of the Salvation Army for over 35 years. Even though it is a national organization, when you work with the local branch, it feels very local.

Even if you don't shop thrift stores, you owe it to yourself to donate goods there. If you have time, stop in and say hello to the people working the counter. They are kind, gentle, humble people. If you never get downtown, consider their upscale, Lake Jeanette location. How about from now until at least the end of the month, let's all reduce and recycle at least once!

 

*read more here.

Wilson's Grocery and Gas

To those living near the intersection of Pleasant Ridge and Calson Dairy Roads, Wilson's Grocery and Gas is a Summerfield institution. Formerly a house, the convenience store serves as a hub of activity for the community. It is a place you can stop and catch up on the local news or pick up a pack of peanuts, a Coca Cola, and a moon pie. If you need to use the bathroom, you are directed to an in-house bathroom, bathtub and all. Back when Pleasant Ridge was less developed, Wilson's was a comfortable beacon, assuring you that you could, indeed, fill that empty tank.

Wilson is a pretty common name in Summerfield. There is a Dr. Wilson and a Wilson and Sons Pest Control, among others. We don't know if they are related; but, we're betting the Wilsons know each other. Small communities are like that. Some afternoon, when you have a little time, take a break from the chain gas stations and head out to Wilson's and listen to the conversations at the check-out counter.

Stamey's BBQ

According to their website, Stamey's BBQ has been "serving real North Carolina barbecue and southern hospitality since 1930." They cook BBQ "the old fashioned way," over hickory wood coals. In the photo above, you see the heart of what gives Stamey's Lexington-style, BBQ their great flavor... not just the sauce but also the hardwood. The brick pits are are kept at a tightly controlled temperature to ensure that the flavor, texture, and moisture level of the cooked meat is perfect. This Stamey's location, at 2206 High Point Road, has been open since 1953. It is convenient for people attending avents at the Coliseum Complex.

If you follow GDP, you know we LOVE it when businesses, churches, organizations and institutions (and even people) make their history available online. Archiving information for future generations is so important. Stamey's has done a great job of writing up their history. Read its history here. Next time we will feature a photo of Stamey's food that we will be EATING. This photo was taken on a Sunday, the only day Stamey's takes a day of rest, so we couldn't stop in to enjoy their BBQ. Hummmmmm. We think we just figured out what to eat for dinner tonight!

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.

Llantas Usadas

Today's photo was taken in East Greensboro on East Bessemer Avenue, formerly the main east-west corridor leading into Greensboro from the east- the pre-1970's Wendover. Today, this little section near Summit Avenue is quite an enclave of Hispanic businesses.... peluquierias, taquerias, and llantas usadas. The Mexican flag flies high at Tamayo's Used Auto Sales. The above photo (at 2301 East Bessemer Avenue) offers used cars and used tires in a semicircular building that probably has quite a history.

Prior to 1957, Bessemer used to be a thriving town with Bessemer High School, located in the heart of this part of town from 1911-1963.* The neighborhood was so cohesive that to this day, the school has a Facebook page. In the high school's fifty-two year history, it only had 3 principals. It was the kind of place where everybody knew everybody's name and the principal made sure you towed the line, long after you graduated. Lets hope that sense of community still exists,today..... in two languages.

 

*Bessemer reference

LFG and Blandwood

To continue with yesterday's downtown juxtapositions, today you see a photo of the Lincoln Financial Group (The LFG) in the background and Blandwood Mansion in the foreground. Blandwood Mansion, having been built in the 1840's, is nearly  80 years older than the former Jefferson Standard Building (now LFG). But, they look beautiful together. LFG was built in 1923 by Joseph Bryan's father-in-law Julian Price. It remains Greensboro's landmark skyscraper. Blandwood is the oldest standing example of Italianate architecture, not only in Greensboro but in the United States! When walking around town, we find ourselves checking the time and temperature at the top of LFG and are so glad that LFG made all of the effort to repair it. 

Happy Friday folks. Here's to juxtaposing a little time for self with a little time for your own mother, or, if she is no longer living, with a deserving mother somewhere. Blandwood is open from 2-5 on Sunday. Perhaps mom would like a tour or a picnic on the lawn.

From School to Jail... to Blogging About It

Today's photo features an administrative building of the Guilford County Schools, the Washington Street Annex. It is the old, three-story, red-brick building in front of the  new, large 100+ million dollar jail. We would like to think that parents and teachers could educate and inspire teenagers and young adults in a way that would steer them away from the jail house. Hard as everyone tries and as much as everyone spends, many people find themselves doing time. For sure, neither the school nor the jail has an issue with occupancy and it seems so ironic that the instituions have s a bird's eye-view each other. We wish we could appropriate more money for schools and less for the jail. 

We saw this image on Sunday when we were walking to the greenway event, trying to figure out what we would post this week. Reading Ed Cone's blog yesterday, we even began wondering just how long we can sustain a daily photo site. While we haven't put an end date on this community service effort, we like fellow blogger Ed Cone's notion of putting an anticipated expiration date on a blog; however we share Cone's other sentiment regarding blogging: we like it, and we think it serves a purpose.... sometimes. Finally, just when we can't imagine what on earth we are going to publish the next day, we stumble on a view like the one above that helps us see our city from a new perspective.

Q is for Questioning

Inquiring minds want to know. The little girl with headphones on is adorable, absorbed in her e-reader, reading up a storm. What questions do you think she has? What text has her so engrossed? Ironically, the WORLDBOOK encyclopedia set, above her head, rests, languishing on the shelf of the Benjamin Branch of the Greensboro Public Library.* But, the electronic media has the full attention of both child and adult.

Today is ABC Wednesday and "Q" is for questioning. Today is also National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day  and we have to ask: Why is it that we need such a day? What are we doing to our children to cause trauma, stress, and depression. Why can't all of our children have lives like the happy, well-cared-for, intellectually engaged child in the photo above? If you can do any little thing to help make a child's life more peaceful, beautiful, safe, and secure, you will be helping not only the individual, but also the world. Through questioning, we will find answers..... and hope.

 

*Fortunately, the digital version of WORLDBOOK is getting more use. It is even bundled on the Apple OS X.

Go, Dogs. Go!

Today's title is a nod to P.D. Eastman's book about a group of highly mobile dogs. The inaugural afternoon of the South Elm Urban Market this past Sunday was quite a success. Not only was it well attended by humans, the event brought out many, highly-mobile, well-behaved, dogs. There were more large dogs than small. All, were all on the go. In the above photo, we see two standard poodles and a harlequin great dane entering from the western side of the market, from the direction of Sunday's greenway event. The walk to the urban market from the Spring Garden Street side of the greenway was a hearty walk. We're guessing a little more than half a mile.  Likely, these dogs enjoyed the trek as much as their owners.

The open-air market will be a weekly event through the end of November. Many of the sellers thought they might try to set up every other week. Some also sell at Yanceyville on Saturday and others are at the Farmers' Market at Sandy Ridge.  It was nice to see so many people, and their canines, out enjoying a Sunday afternoon in the city.

Sunday in the Park at the Opening of the Downtown Greenway

We had the good fortune of spending Sunday afternoon in Morehead Park at the grand opening of the hub of the Downtown Greenway. This section of the greenway is inviting to pedestrians and bikers alike. From humans to leashed canines, fun was had by all. In the above photo, you see two of the gates inside the 1928 underpass of a railroad trestle that has been abandoned since the 1970's. The gates, have LED lights that change color before your eyes. Between the colorful light show and the diverse patterns in the art-deco inspired gates, the space is a visual feast. Jim Gallucci designed the gates, finding inspiration in the Southern Bell office building located, nearby, in downtown Greensboro. Scott Richardson is the brilliant designer of the interactive lighting effects.

Above, you see several people involved with the event. They are listening to the very inspiring speech of Rocco Landesman, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), who was praising Greensboro for its public art. The project was partially funded by an NEA grant.* Mayor Pro Tem, Yvonne Johnson is seated in the purple suit. Artists Jim Gallucci and Scott Richardson are immediately to the right of the photographer (with Jim wearing a hat). Churk Cornelio is in the front row wearing a red shirt. He served as speaker and emcee. Mr. Cornelio is an executive at Lincoln Financial Group, one of the major donors for the project. To his left is Linda Carlisle, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources.

If you get a chance, make this park one of your weekend destinations. We hope organizations will continue to use this space and hold events here. Parking is readily available and it is a great way to bring the community together. Greensboro......... come on down!

*read more here.

Church and State

Today, we are standing in Commerce Place beside West Market Street United Methodist Church. Directly ahead, you can see the Guilford County Court House. Earlier in the week, we brought you a photo of the federal court house which is located on the same block as the above buildings. Lately, with the primary election only two days away, we've been thinking a great deal about the interface between religion and politics.

In spite of the fact that the very creation of The United States was brought about in an effort to keep church and state separate, it can be very hard to do so. If you reflect on your spirituality, how comfortable are you with people of different belief systems? How comfortable are you with efforts to legislate morality? Where do laws to keep people safe, and society orderly, begin and end? When do laws go too far?

Recently, we received a post of a family friend who said, not only did she lack respect for friends of a different political party, she no longer even wanted to be their friends. She sent "unfriend" requests. As a nation, have we reached a point where we can no longer be friendly and civil with people of different beliefs? Where is this dichotomy taking us? My beliefs or yours; all or none. Is their room for diplomacy? We hope so. We owe it to our children. Their seeing adults being civil to each other is the only hope that the future will be better than the present. 

Just a little something to ponder.............

Enjoying Morehead Park

The pile of rubbish in yesterday's photo consisted of paint rollers that were used to create the artwork at Morehead Park, under Edgeworth and Freeman Mill Road at Spring Garden Street. It is hard to capture the beauty and creativity of this project in one photo. Imagine riding your bike, approaching old fencing, and out-of-control kudzu vines and spotting this oasis of creativity. It will bring a smile to your face, the first time you see it.

Who would ever think that hanging out under a highway, beside a railroad track could be so beautiful? Don't forget that the opening celebration is tomorrow from 2-5pm. As for today, put on a little green white and red, call a friend, and head out to enjoy some Cinco de Mayo events in the area.

Painting the Town: Downtown Greenway Event

While doing a little urban exploring this week, we stumbled upon a pile of technicolor garbage and just had to investigate. We were struck by the fact that from this riot of colorful garbage, we could see the Center for New North Carolinians peeking through (from behind the orange paint roller). The juxtaposition of the rainbow and the house serving immigrants represents the diversity of our citizens. As we investigated the history behind our urban archeological find, we learned the following:

Above, you see the used paint rollers from the Spring Garden Street Mural Project. You have a chance to tour this area on Sunday, May 6th, from 2-5 pm.  Downtown Greensboro will be celebrating an amazing Downtown Greenway Project with, among other activities, a ribbon cutting for Morehead Park at Lee and Spring Garden Streets at Freeman Mill Road. Also, nearby Moorehead Linear Park will be unveiled. An abandoned railroad tressle that has been upcycled with a gate by Greensboro's Jim Gallucci and interactive lighting by Scott Richardson will be unveiled. To top it all off, Laurelyn Dossett will bring out her band to play music. For three hours, community art extending to Warnersville will come alive before our eyes. This downtown area will be the hub of Greensboro's entire bike and walking trail system. Sunday's celebration will be  quite a community event. Read more here.

If you are feeling a little blue, come on down and add some red, orange, yellow, green, purple, black, and white to your life!

On the John Edwards Trial....... and Marriage

Here we see a woman (court reporter?) being interviewed by a journalist about the John Edwards trial. In the background, you see Greensboro's Federal Court House, the L. Richardson Preyer Building.

The trial of the former U.S. senator and presidential candidate, John Edwards, is being held in Greensboro, in the Preyer Building. Edwards is accused of failure to disclose money in violation of campaign finance disclosure laws.* He is NOT on trial for maritial infidelity; his betrayed wife is dead.

However, consider this irony:

Throughout the United States, marriage is generally considered to be not only a legal commitment but also a physical and emotional commitment. On May 8th, North Carolina will vote on whether or not a domestic legal union will be valid and recognized by the State if other than between one man and one woman.** Presently, former Senator Edwards has the legal right to vote on how marriage is defined in our State, in spite of the fact that he grossly violated the sanctity of marriage himself. However, there are those North Carolinians who diligently adhere to the sanctity of marriage whose union may never be recognized by the State and who may soon find themselves with even fewer rights. It is a lot to process.

 

*timeline of trial events here.            ** read actual amendment here.

P is for Poverty

Today is ABC Wednesday and "P" is for "poverty." Here we see a woman carrying her possessions from Point A to Point B in a shopping cart. She was on Lee Street a couple of months ago when it was still really cold outside. She was traveling slowly but making great strides. 

Urban Ministries and the Salvation Army are located in this general vicinity and both of these organizations work very hard to help people in need. Since these great organizations are nearby, it is not uncommon to find people who are experiencing great financial and emotional hardship in this part of town. Nearby Grace Community Church does their fair share to help, too.

In 2009, 20% of Greensboro residents lived below the poverty level, which is higher than the state average. 59% of our poor families were women with no husband present. By age, residents in the 18-24 year-old age group was the biggest group. The next largest group was children under 5 years (reference here).

 

ORMA

The Oak Ridge Military Academy (ORMA) located at 2317 Oak Ridge Road, is about 8 miles north of Greensboro, in Guilford County. It was established by the Society of Friends, Quakers, in 1852 as a boys' school. Over the years, it took on the curriculm and theme of a military school and in 1972, was the first military high school in the United States to admit female cadets. The school has been many things to many people in its 160 year history. Currently, ORMA is a residential, co-educational, college- preparatory military academy. 

ORMA has experienced some trouble in the recent financially-austere times. However, as seen by the happy cadets in the above photo (taken Saturday), the school is still open. NASCAR drive Dale Earnhardt Jr. is probably their best known alum.*

In addition to their academic year program, ORMA great summer camps. The academy used to be so remotely located that you could be fairly sure cadets were isolated from the public. Now, with all of the shops nearby, it is much easier for cadets to interface with the public or for the public-- hint, hint, us-- to stop by and grab a few photos. In all the times we've driven by, this is the first time we've seen the orange hats. They match the gray camouflage and the greenery peferctly. Enough of their waves and greetings. It's time for a little left, left, left, right, left. I don't know, but I've been told, an ORMA grad is good as gold. Left, left, left, right, left.....................

*reference.