Greensboro Daily Photo

Y is for Yield

Last week, we featured NC A&T State University and their state of the art x-ray machine, here. Dr. Collins spent a lot of time showing us what the x-ray CT machine would yield. To simplify the process and concept for non-scientists, he has a presentation in which an apple was scanned. Below, you will see the results. Researchers can image the item at various stages, stripping away matter until precisely what you are looking for remains. In the case of the apple, increasingly, the skin and flesh are not visible, revealing seeds and fiber. You can explain to someone that apples have fiber; however, through this x-ray, you can see the fiber (see below). That is a simplistic view of the capability of the Nonotom-M (TM), x-ray CT machine. Literally, it is a window into the very essence of a product, from an apple to an implanted metal alloy.

As we close out our final ABC Wednesday entry for the year, Y (the penultimate entry in our ABC S.T.E.A.M. series) is for "yield."  To yield, in the sense of productivity, is to produce something as a result of time, effort, and work. As non-scientists, our fact finding mission for the A-Z science series has yielded much knowledge and personal growth. Hopefully, it has meant something to you, too. Happy New Years Eve to Greensboro as well as to everyone who is taking the time to read our final post of 2014. See you next year!

 

Dining Around Greensboro

Holiday eating at home is great, but as leftovers wane, a good alternative is dining out. Above is a dish featured at Taste of Thai at 1500 Mill Street on Westover Terrace. It tasted as good as it looks! Westover Terrace has a diverse array of food offerings, from Indian at Saffron to Egyptian at Cleopatra's, to American at Lucky 32. Lunch specials are a always the more affordable option and a good introduction to a new cuisine. If you want Thai food, locally, we have Taste of Thai, Rearn Thai on West Market, and Bangkok Cafe on South Holden.

Thai cuisine is known for its combination of sweet-sour-salty-spicy flavorings. Peanuts, chilies, lemongrass, fish sauce, and coconut milk are common ingredients. Those ingredients are readily available at most large supermarkets in Greensboro and Super G Market on West Market Street has them all. If you are making resolutions for the new year, consider resolving to dine around at Greensboro's different ethnic restaurants in 2015. Food is always a good way to start learning about a culture. And Greensboro is a city of many cultures.

Monday in Greensboro

This view of Market Street facing Greensboro reminds us that many people are headed back to work today, at least for a few days. New Years Day is on a Thursday this year which, in many cases, will give families a four day weekend. Public school students have another full week before they return to school. If you have children in your life, consider taking them downtown today for a walking tour of Greensboro.

Find an elevator to ride. Go to a bank and make a transaction. Go to the post office and purchase stamps. Take this self-guided tour to find the 8 coffee cup sculptures, placed through the city. Admire the view at the top of one of the parking decks. Go to the public library. Take them to a bakery or coffee shop and let them make the transaction. Let them put money in the parking meter. It is amazing how many of these activities previous generations grew up doing that the current generation has never experienced. The other day we overheard, a smart, talented, 16-year-old asked the adult he was with the difference between a bank and a post office. He didn't recall having been in either.

Holidays and time off from school are a great time to learn these life lessons. Market Street is one of the main streets into downtown Greensboro. Follow it and see what comes your way. To be sure, you will find beautiful things to do and photograph. If you are working today, we hope it is a pleasant day full of people as beautiful as these fluffy clouds over the iconic JP Building. Challenge yourself to make this last Monday of 2014 not just "another day."

Towe Memorial Baptist Church

Towe Baptist Church is located in Whitsett, in the eastern end of the county, just off Burlington Road. While the church doesn't have an online presence, it does appear to be thriving. They have Sunday morning and evening services, as well as Wednesday evening services. Whitsett is a community with less than 600 people (as of the 2010 census), so the church is not large like some of our Greensboro mega churches. While larger churches may offer more events, in an hour of need, the closeness the members of a little country church can be comforting.

The church is located close to the fire department and in the middle of a lot of houses. The lawn is well manicured and the building sparkles against the Carolina blue sky. It fits in to the community quite nicely. If you are out driving near Whitsett, it would be worth your while to stop here. While December 25th has come and gone, many people are anticipating Twelfth Night and Ephiphany on January 6th. If we get a chance, we'll call Pastor Farmer and see if his congregation has anything planned. Happy Sunday, dear readers.

 

Blinkies

While the holiday light balls in Sunset Hills have been all the rage for several years now, the newest local innovation is a strand of lights, known as Blinkies. Roger Briles of Roger's Products, Inc., in nearby Kernersville,  has been making products for sport fishing for over 35 years. Whereas the Sunset Hills display operates under the assumption that more is more, with Blinkies, less is more. Their magic is hard to capture in a photograph as each 36' strand only has 12 bulbs. And, given that they blink at different times, there are never many blinking on at once. The above photo features a strand or two in a tree on Highway 150, somewhere between Greensboro and Kernersville.

On a quiet evening, with low light pollution, there is such a calm feeling to watching the Blinkies work through a cycle on a tree. Roger says they are nicest on medium sized trees. He created them ten years ago for personal use and to give to friends. However, once downtown Kernersville started using them, they really caught on. If you get a chance this season, drive through downtown Kernersville and see the best local display of Blinkes. Also, notice many trees have a strand with one red "Rudolph" bulb. How special that the Triad boasts starting the trend of the light balls and, now, Blinkies.

(Fox 8 video clip, here).

X is for XMAS!

Today, it is Christmas around the world. However, for one car, spotted in Greensboro recently, it is Christmas 365 days a year. The above vanity plate puts a smile on the face of all who notice the tag. It is pretty hard to drive around incognito when you are the XMAS-mobile. Wonder if the owner's drivers license says "Santa Claus." Wonder how a policeman would feel about ticketing Santa Claus! (Hopefully, this will never happen). We hope that Christmas is everything the owners of this Volvo dreamed it would be. After all, they have been anticipating Christmas for the last 364 days. If you see this vehicle, please ask the owners what prompted them to purchase this vanity tag.

We hope that today is a fabulous day for all of our readers. If you managed to find a few minutes to stop by and read, we thank you from the bottom of our heart. 

If you celebrate Christmas, Merry XMAS. If you do not, thank you for bearing with us!

 

X is for X Ray

North Carolina A&T State University has a state-of-the-art x-ray machine. The above photo features not only the machine but Dr. Boyce Collins a researcher who is as committed to collaborating and sharing research centered around this multi-million dollar Nonotom-M (TM) x-ray CT Machine. The Engineering Research Center for Revolutionizing Metallic Biomaterials acquired it through a National Science Foundation award.*  As we understand it, this scientific tomography and 3D metrology machine provides 360 degree- 3-D video images from the nano-level on up. Those of us who are not scientists understand it as something akin to stitch photography where photos are patched together to create a coherent whole. The technology would make it possible to evaluate a bridge for metal fatigue without even disrupting traffic flow. On one project, NC A&T is collaborating with several other institutions to "develop and commercialize novel bioresorbable metal alloys that have potential applications in implantable medical devices."*

We wish every high school student in Greensboro could spend an afternoon at NC A&T learning about the above machine and all of its uses.  A few minutes with Dr. Collins and we wanted to affiliate with the project. It is a great time to be a student interested in science- especially at NC A&T State University. Today is ABC Wednesday and X is for X-Ray!

See our A-W contributions to our S.T.E.A.M. series, here. 

*learn more about the ERC and their projects, here.

Unto Us a Child Is Born

Women's Hospital has been a Greensboro institution since 1990. The 134-bed hospital not only delivers babies, but, according to their website, "provide[s] compassionate and exceptional care for every stage of life."* Women's Hospital has the distinction of being North Carolina's first free-standing hospital for women. Additionally, since 1998, Moses Cone and Wesley Long hospitals have consolidated all maternity services there. However, since August of this year, Moses Cone Hospital officials revealed that they are considering closing the hospital.

If Women's closed, the maternity unit would relocate to nearby Moses Cone Hospital on North Elm Street. Other than the cost-saving measures, part of the justification is that women could receive a full range of services during delivery, especially complicated ones such as a mom having high blood pressure or diabetes. Additionally, women and children could receive services in the same place. We should know within the year if a 50,000 addition to Moses Cone Hospital will be approved. For now, Women's Hospital is Greensboro's go-to hospital for new life. In the above photo, you can see a woman heading in through the visitors' entrance, with a gift in tow, to welcome one of Greensboro's newest citizens.

Let us take a moment to remember how precious each and every life is to our community. Today's newborn may be tomorrow's leader; at any rate on the day of birth, all doors are open and the sky is the limit.

Unto us, a child is born..........

*reference.

A Magical Time of Year in Old Salem

Winter can be dark and gray in North Carolina. If you want something to do with family and friends to make the winter-solstice-week special, consider driving the next county over to Old Salem. The Moravian village is so beautiful this time of year. Historically, the Moravians come from the eastern part of the Czech Republic. Moravian missionaries have been in North Carolina since the mid 1700's and  they founded (Old) Salem in 1766.* Old Salem feels like a small, European village- pretty magical, especially in winter.

If you just want to walk around admiring the architecture, the cobblestone streets, and the simplicity of a bygone era, you don't even need to purchase a ticket. The gift shop has fabulous, seasonal gifts and the bakery (featured above) sells goods made from centuries-old recipes in wood-fired ovens. The man in the photo above told us that when he goes home, his grandchildren tell him he smells like a bakery. What a great memory for them, and for you, if you have a chance to stop by for a visit. Way too many people who live in Greensboro have never visited Old Salem...........

*(read more, here).

Ai Methodist Church

With great interest, we have been following the restoration of Ai Methodist Church in the community of Oak Ridge in the western end of Guiford County. We first featured it in 2006 when the church had a blue tarp over the roof to prevent water damage. By 2011, we learned that Preservation Oak Ridge (POR) was working hard to repair the church (see, also, here). This fall, POR committee members were at the Persimmon Festival helping raise awareness about the needs of the church.

Most of us in Greensboro are aware of the wonerful news that the First Presbyterian Church downtown has successfully completed its multi-million-dollar renovations. However, less is known about progress at Ai Church, with graves on site that pre-date the Civil War. Thanks to the efforts of Preservation Oak Ridge, the little church above, with the Advent wreaths as a sign of hope, is one year closer to being brough back to life. If you are interested in helping, the contact listed online was Doug Nodine at 336-209-1999. (We'll bet Ai could use a last minute Christmas gift)! It would be great to see the doors open to the public.

 

Courtney E. Cormier

Last time we were in the Green Bean Coffee House, in downtown Greensboro, we were thrilled to see Courtney Cormier's artwork displayed. It appears that she is again painting out of the Artmongerz Gallery, also downtown. According to the artist's website, Courtney is a "self taught satirical pop surrealist." To the left, you see the Organ Grinder. In the foreground, you see Improvised Explosive Piñata, in which bubbles and nails come out of the cracked piñata. At first, the painting looks festive and happy; then, at closer glance, there is a dark element. This is a great example of the deep thought Cormier puts into her paintings. 

Piñatas are a staple in Mexican Christmas festivities and are everywhere in the country this time of year. The Mexican community in Greensboro also enjoys the tradition of breaking open a piñata- less the gruesome element! If Santa had unlimited resources, we'd ask for this original painting for Christmas. Regardless of who ultimately owns the painting, it is nice to know Greensboro has such culturally aware, deep-thinking, young artists.

(Do you think a 30" X 40" stretched canvas would fit down the chimney)?

 

Santa Time

Santa at Friendly Center is busy taking note of the wishes and dreams of Greensboro's little ones. He seems to have a gentle way with children, taking time for them to warm up to him, to pose for a photo or two, and to listen to what they have to say. Sitting on the edge of the green velvet chair above, Santa is seen saying goodbye to the little boy in the photo as an young girl approaches for her turn.

Like a good, seasonal meal, Santa time really makes it seem like Christmas. Rumor has it Santa has North Pole helpers representing him all over the Triad. However, if you are looking for the one in Friendly, his booth is located in the little plaza behind Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and the fountain-- in the new part of the shopping center. Let us know if you spot one of Santa's helpers elsewhere.

Enjoy your Thursday, take a deep breath, and brace yourself for the frenzy of the final weekend before Christmas.

W is for Water

Fiery winter sunsets can warm a cold, gray day. Without leaves on the trees, the colors of the low-to-the-horizon sun illuminate the water's surface like the pages of an old manuscript.  Today's photo was taken to Lake Higgins* in northwest Greensboro at the bridge on Carlson Dairy Road. Constructed in 1956, Lake Higgins is a 226 acre municipal reservoir that allows rowboats, canoes, and kayaks. While it is the smallest of our local lakes, it offers some of the best fishing. On the day we were there, all was peaceful and calm, as if we were the only people for miles around. Even if you are not interested in being on the water, the trailways around Lake Higgins add another recreational option.

Today is ABC Wednesday and as we approach the end of the S.T.E.A.M. alphabet series, W is for water. Keeping our earth's water clean is extremely important. Water is an endless source of research in the health and life sciences, is vital to living organisms, and plays an important role in industry.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency,** 47% of America's assessed lake acres are polluted and, five trillion pieces of plastic are floating in the world's oceans. Let's hope that some of Greensboro's S.T.E.M. students are working on keeping our water supplies clean and potable. W is for water, especially clean water!

* See our original post of that photo, here.

** Reference, here.

Happy MacHolidays

The Apple Store at Friendly Center has been busy with the holiday rush (as has all the rest of the shopping center- the new and the old part). The above photo shows just how friendly people are when the weather is nice and in the presence of beautiful canines. There are actually two dogs in the photo, although only one is visible from this angle. The two groups, a middle-aged couple and a couple of local college students, were having a grand time swapping stories about their dogs. In the background, people were coming and going purchasing new devices for the holidays.

How wonderful when, even in the frenzied, holiday rush, people take the time to stop and interact. In Greensboro, if you greet someone, they are usually willing to engage in conversation; whether it is to discuss what kind of deli food to try next, which electronic device is the most practical for a given situation, or what kind of dog food your canine prefers....

Here's to keeping the "friendly" in Friendly Center and in being friendly, regardless of where we are or how rushed we are feeling. Surely, that will add enjoyment to the MacHolidays!

The Running of the Balls 2014

What a great tradition Greensboro has in the annual "Running of the Balls" event through the Sunset Hills neighborhood. It has to be the most magical run in the United States, maybe the world. At dusk, droves of people descend upon the neighborhood decked out in blinking Christmas lights, Santa hats, elf-outfits, glow sticks, and just about any festive garb they can muster. Participants run, or walk, the course in the dark, by the glow of the 1' round light balls shot high into the mature trees throughout the neighborhood. An hour later, people were still crossing the finish line to be greeted by the scene above: bonfires, samples of frozen yogurt, strings of lights, and friends and neighbors standing around  talking and taking photos galore. 

The Running of the Balls is to Greensboro and Sunset Hills what The Easter Parade is to New York City and Fifth Avenue. If you are a first-timer, you might not be immediately aware of how important the participants are to the event. The more you deck yourself out, the more connected you will feel to the event. This year was the 3rd of the now-annual race and, so far, it remains an uncommercial way to herald the Christmas season and to collect food for those in need.  If you missed the race, you still have time to drive through the neighborhood and experience the lights. Do remember to take some canned goods to leave at the corner of Madison and Ridgeway. Merry Christmas!

Bethany Community Church of Sedalia

 The above photo of Bethany Community Church of Sedalia is so typical of the rural churches in our part of North Carolina. There is beauty in the simplicity of the A-frame façade with the steeple. The lingering, nearly-spent tree in front mimics the beauty of some of the paritioners who, too, have grown up with the church. As we continue in the advent season, focusing on the story of the birth of Christ, let us take time to remember that some of the nicest things in life are the simplest, like a country church and a gangly tree.

Sedalia is a short ride out East Wendover Avenue towards Burlington. This multi-cultural religious organization, known as Bethany Community and also Fill My Cup Space, is pastored by Dr. Hanry L. Simmons has both a local and cyber-faith community. If you are looking for a non-denominational Christ/Bible/God-based religious community that embraces people from all walks of life, this just might be the church for you. To be sure, we have many choices in Greensboro and the surrounding area. Happy Sunday, dear readers.

Merry Reading and a Happy Good Book

This photo was taken at Edward McKay Used Books on Battleground Avenue. We were so struck with how much the young girl was enjoying reading. It was as if all the adventures in the world were encapsulated on those small pages. Enjoyment of reading ranges from passionate to complete disinterest. It is hard to imagine that there are those who will never know the joy of reading a good book. As we we enter the season of gift giving, consider buying a book for a special someone in your life. 

According to Neil Gaiman, "A book is a dream you hold in your hand." From the looks of things in the above photo, this young person was having a great dream. In the frenzy of holiday shopping this weekend, consider going to a bookstore or one of Greensboro's great public libraries and escaping to bookland. Next on our plate is a book by local writer, Mary Flynn, hopefully, we'll be as enthralled as the young girl above.

Merry Reading and a Happy Good Book!

A Pontiac Moment

When the above blue Pontiac pulled into the parling lot of the Persimmon Festival last month, heads turned. What a Pontiac moment! There was something so charming about the simplicity of this old car. The gentleman in the photo was admiring the engine, studying it with the intensity of an automotive engineer.  We took a more romantic approach, dreaming of filling the trunk with Christmas gifts and driving around town distributing them.  

The above car looks like a late 1940's model. Pontiac was introduced to General Motors in 1926 and was a defunct line by 2010. So, it fits somewhere on that timeline. While Greensboro doesn't have a Pontiac club, there is one in Guilford County, in High Point, known as the North Carolina Pontiac Oakland Club International (POCI). We're betting the owner of the above vehicle is a member!

As we screech into the next to the last weekend before Christmas, we're hoping you find time to enjoy friends and loved ones and make the most of every moment you are out driving around. Lets raise our glasses to the blue Pontiac and hope nobody has a blue Christmas.

Green Bean North

This fall, a second location of the Green Bean Coffee House opened quietly in Golden Gate Plaza on Cornwallis at Church Street. Formerly, the stand-alone building was a Starbucks and, before that, a bank. The bank's walk-in safe is still intact, adding provenance to the building. How wonderful that some of our local businesses are expanding.  Also, it is nice to see businesses edging into to the east side of town. This location of the Green Bean is about a block away from Vida Pour Tea; hopefully, Greensboro residents will think of the State Street/Cornwallis area as a place to meet friends for tea and coffee. Both spaces are really quite charming! Green Bean North has a different vibe from the downtown store. But then, it is still new enough that, if you start going, you can help create the vibe!

Are you ready for the last weekend before winter break? If you are buying teacher and school staff gifts, this weekend is it. We're sure Green Bean North and Vida Pour Tea could help you find something great! Happy Thursday! At the very least, you'll enjoy good coffee, tea, and art!

V is for Velocity

The above photo, taken on a recent rainy night, is a scene on Spring Garden at Kenilworth Street, near some newer construction at UNCG. Rain can get us down and feel oppressive when combined with darkness. However, as seen above, with lights are around, wet streets glow and appear quite decorative. The scene feels magically festive, like a street decorated for Christmas.

Today, we share this scene and connect it to "V" for "velocity." Lately, in the Triad, there have been several traffic related deaths, many involving excessive speed. Let us remind our friends and loved ones, especially those teens, to use good judgement when driving and to stay within the speed limit. It would also be nice to find a way for the state to continue funding drivers education. I cannot imagine being on the road with students who haven't had drivers education. Today is ABC Wednesday and "V" is for "velocity" a specification of speed and direction of motion. See our A-U STEAM entries, here.

Silent Night

The house at 1101 Virginia Street at Bessemer Avenue looks so calm and peaceful with its white lights, displayed during the advent season. As the crow flies, it is dead center between Green Hill Cemetery and Moses Cone Hospital, just south of Wendover on the edge of Fisher Park. The 1913 Craftsman style bungalow in charming and well-maintained. The simplicity of the white lights, against the architectural details of the house, create great ambiance.

We stumbled on this view while walking in the neighborhood looking for a house down the street. As we walked by the owners came out, carrying what appeared to be luminarias to their car. The couple was ever so helpful in our finding our way. Mission accomplished, walking back to the car, we just stood there, amazed at how calm and silent it was on this corner lot- quietly, hidden, in the middle of everything.

The Running of the Balls

Residents of the Sunset Hills neighborhood, especially those on Ridgeway Drive and Madison Avenue are working long hours to have their neighborhood ready for the "Running of the Balls" this weekend. People from all over will take a night run (or walk) through the neighborhood, admiring all of glowing, twinkling 1-foot diameter lightballs on chicken wire shot into the neighborhood's 50' trees. 

The women in the above photo were working diligently to get the decorations just right. They used a plastic bow-and-arrow contraption to shoot the electric cords into the branches and then pulled the lightballs to their lofty locations. While this neighborhood makes this effort purely for Greensboro's enjoyment. Residents encourage spectators to bring canned goods to donate for the hungry in our city. Tossing a few cans of soup or tuna into the box at the corner of Ridgeway and Madison is the best way to express gratitude for this grand tradition. Seeing this neighborhood glowing with holiday fun, makes the darkness of the winter solstice days easier to endure.

While the running event this Saturday is fully subscribed, the display will be up through the holiday season.

First Moravian Church

The first weekend in December, the First Moravian Church, located at 304 South Elam Avenue, holds its annual Movaian Candle Tea. The above photo features the building where tea and dessert are served each year. The church is always full of music, handmade crafts, and visitors. Stopping for tea is like walking back in time, back to simpler times when a bowl of fruit and greenery was a winter favorite for table scapes; talking over tea was a favorite passtime. 

The Moravians, like the Quakers, have a tradition of simplicity. For Christmas, the iconic Moravian star greets visitors to the church. However, equally important is the fellowship and the people who make up the congregation. For a brief time this weekend, it was as if cell phones were put away and, on Elam Avenue, time stood still. Advent is upon us!

 

Last Night at First Friday

It appears that Paperhand Puppet Intervention made a special visit to Greensboro for First Friday. The above photo shows one of the puppets with its hands splayed gracefully across South Elm Street. Paperhand's large-scaled puppets are meant to inspire and satisfy. The JP Building stands, majestically, in the background. From Center City Park to the corner of South Elm at Lee Street, the people of Greensboro seemed pretty satisfied with First Friday 2014. It was sufficiently crisp outside to make it feel like a winter holiday, and to make the artificial snowflakes feel real, yet, not too cold to be uncomfortable. Tomorrow, by day, the town will transform with residents lining the streets to watch the bands and floats in the 37th Annual Jaycee Parade.

First Friday seems to hearld in the holiday. Today's Christmas/holiday parade and tomorrow's craft fair at the Yanceyville Farmers Market really make it seem a lot like Christmas. Let's all spread some joy!

'Tis the Season

'Tis the season. Inflatables, usually Santa or Frosty, are on every street corner announcing the location of the Christmas tree lots. The above tree lot is located at 3928, on the property that formerly housed Laddie and Duke's Family Grill and Pub.

Greensboro offers so much to do over the holiday season. We hope you take advantage of all the music, performances, parades, decorations, and establish some holiday traditions centered around events unique to our city. To be sure, don't miss Snow Queen at Triad Stage, a play home grown here in the Triad. And then there is the original light display in Sunset Hills. Wherever you go, consider carrying some cans of food with you to donate to a food drive. Also, carry some spare change to remember those less fortunate. Consider treating someone to a meal. Greensboro is a generous community and, for that, we are thankful. Stand up right now and do a jingly dance if you like Christmas and enjoy the spirit of giving! 

U is for University

The above photo is Samuel and Angeline Smith Hall on the campus of North Carolina A&T University. The School of Technology is housed there, as is the S.T.E.M. Early College Program. If admitted to the School of Technology, the school helps students become "proficient in the application of basic science and math and prepare(s) them for employment by nurturing their creativity, training them in management and communication, and providing them with the advanced knowledge they need for technical, leadership, and educational roles."* That sounds like a pretty exciting college major. In the meantime, down the hall, high school students can be dually enrolled in college classes while earning their high school diploma. In their four years at NCA&T, the high school students gain considerable expertise in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

NCA&T also boasts having the "Best Homecoming on Earth." Having a school that provides a relevant, 21st century education, while nurturing a sense of community and belonging sounds like an amazing educational opportunity.

While dreading the end of the alphabet for ABC Wednesday, coming across such a great place to represent "U," we are energized and confident we'll find a V,W,X (???) ,Y, and Z. For our S.T.E.A.M. Round of ABC Wednesday, "U" is for "university," specifically North Carolina A&T University. You gave us STEM long before STEM was a household word! Go, Aggies!

*see the S of T website at NCA&T, here.

Post Thanksgiving Thoughts

Thanksgiving week was glorious in Greensboro with great weather and bright skies. However, sometimes, the frenzy of entertaining, preparing the house and food, as well as highway time, can be exhausting. Getting caught up in Black Friday, Small-business Saturday, and Cyber-Monday, adds to the exhaustion. The size of Thursday's News & Record newspaper was proof positive that retail in Greensboro had much to offer.

After the frenzy of a holiday weekend, we like to take a Sunday drive to appreciate the beauty of rural Guilford County. The above photo was taken in Whitsett, along Crescent Road, between Burlington Road and Highway 61. The peacefulness of a post-Thanksgiving drive recalibrates the brain and brings us closer to nature.

Today is Giving Tuesday, where all are encouraged to practice philanthropy by supporting a cause. There are many great causes in Greensboro. From houses of worship to food pantries, to non-profit organizations, to individuals in need, there is much we can do. Take a drive, think long and hard about civic duty, and find some tangible way to support your community-- wherever you may be. Happy Giving Tuesday.

 

City Daily Photo-- WORKER

Today is theme day for the City Daily Photo community and the theme is "worker." In the above photo, you can see a worker from D.H. Griffin in the middle of a demolition project at Chandler Concrete on Mill Street. Perhaps you've driven by Chandler Concrete for years; maybe noticed it when shopping at Edward McKay Books; marveled at this elaborate operation so close to downtown. We finally got around to featuring their business (here) in late September. Lo and behold, if we didn't see it getting demolished a little over a month later. 

The two-acre site has been a concrete operation since 1946. However, the land has been sold to Mill Street Commons LLC and will likely become retail, matching the surrounding businesses. Additionally, the Greenway will go right by the property and a bike ride will be a little more pleasant without the noise and dust from concrete in the making. 

You can read more about Chandler Concrete, here. Also, read more about the company's relocation to South Elm-Eugene and their restrictive covenant in the Mill Street sale that will enhance the Greenway (here). No wonder CEO Ted Chandler was voted one of the Triad's most influential people, always working hard for his company and, it appears, for Greensboro!

 

West Market Street United Methodist Church

The above photo of West Market Street United Methodist Church shows the beauty of the historic structure as well as the people who bring the church to life. The church, founded in 1830, has been open on the present site since 1898. Over the years, the church has added considerable square footage. If you look at the right-hand side of the building, near the red truck, you will see one of the main entrances as well as the façade of the new part of the church. Additionally, they have built a child care center across the street.

The chronology of the church is available online, here. Emerson Spivey, and local historian, Gayle Fripp, maintain the historical archives for the church. How wonderful that the church is doing such a fine job of maintaining their archives. From a childcare center to youth groups to Sunday sermons to Bible studies to adult groups, West Market Street United Methodist Church has something for everybody- from cradle to grave.

As the Thanksgiving week draws to a close, many Greensboro residents will be gearing up for Christmas, including the members of West Market Street UMC. Happy Sunday!

Gwendolyn Magee

The quilt exhibit of fiber artist Gwendolyn Magee has come and gone from the Gatewood Gallery on UNCG's campus. The above photo captures the essence of her solo exhibit entitled, "Lift Every Voice and Sing." It was her first exhibit in North Carolina and, unfortunately, it was posthumously. The intricately detailed quilts capture the continuum of the good to the bad in the life of African Americans over the last several decades. From the beauty of a college graduation ceremony to the horrors of lynchings, complete with a list of names by state, much of Magee's work is an emotional experience.

Originally from High Point, Magee lived in Mississippi from 1972 until her death in 2011. She learned to quilt in 1989 to give her daughters a gift to take to college, as a touch of home and a tangible reminder of their mother's love.* Quickly, Magee's quilting evolved from college bedspreads to works of art of historical significance. With all of the important civil rights events in Guilford County, we'd like to think that even though Gwendolyn Magee lived in Mississippi, some of her artistic inspiration came from her childhood here.

*Reference and read more of Magee's story, here.

 

Black Friday at the Greensboro Children's Museum

If you are out and about on Black Friday, stroll past the Children's Museum and check out the cow on the roof. It is part of the Cow Parade art event staged in 79 cities. The above cow, called Night-N-Day, was designed by Helen Seebold.*  We love the cow and the name of the artist Seebold. Not only does she "see" "bold" but she paints "bold."  Indeed, the complimentary colors, Howard Johnson orange and blue, make the contrast as evident as night and day.

There is a  lot going on at the Children's Museum next week. First Friday is December 5th and the 5-8pm admission is only $2 per person. Then, December 6th is Polar Express Day. Many children get their picture taken with Santa, wearing their PJ's. It is such a fun place to bring out the inner child in all of us. Photographing that cow, trying to fit the word "Greensboro" into the frame was fun. Have a great Black Friday, and create some traditions, even if they don't involve shopping!

 * reference and more information in this News & Record article, here.

Happy Thanksgiving 2014

 

This 12 ft. tall steel sculpture, entitled Metaphor by Ogden Deal, has been reaching to the sky in downtown Greensboro since 1970. Installed at Greensboro Youth Plaza, it was a project co-coordinated by Greensboro Youth Council.

To orient yourself to the view, you can see the northern end of Elm Street in the background. The JP Building is peeking out from behind the Greensboro Historical Museum at the left. The sculpture is easy to overlook, especially when trees are leafed out. However, once you notice it, you wonder how you ever overlooked something twelve feet tall. Deal also made the Edward Murrow bust, installed within view of Metaphor. The above statue stretches to the sky as if to be expressing gratitude, reminding us that today is a day to give thanks.

Thank you Greensboro for being such a great city to call home and for giving us so much to photograph throughout the year. In preparing this post, we uncovered an inventory of Greensboro's public art, complete with name of the piece, artist, location of installation, address, commissioner of the art, description, and type of art. Here is an action plan for Greensboro's public art program. Family, friends, public art, and a great place to call home, indeed, make us thankful. Happy Thanksgiving, dear readers.

T is for Trees

The above trees were glowing brightly in the parking lot near Arigato and Earthfare on Battleground Avenue. Trees are natures filtation system. They purify the air and provide us with oxygen. They help reduce erosion and moderate the climate. They are a habitat for many critters, provide relief from the summer sun; playing an important role in the ecosystem. From the science of bonsai to the art of painting and drawing them, trees provide great visual appeal. As Greensboro continues to grow, it will be crucial to plan our green spaces and to plan space for trees.

Today is ABC Wednesday and, for our S.T.E.A.M. Round, "T" is for trees. As you prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow, say a little thanks for the beauty of trees and all they do for us. And, as we enter the season of leafless trees, let us remember that spring is a mere four months away!

 

Mr. Jim Melvin at the Ballpark

Jim Melvin was instrumental in getting the baseball park built in downtown Greensboro, back in a time when many locals were hoping to hold on to War Memorial Stadium. Melvin, the longest serving mayor in Greensboro's history (1971-1981), among other ventures, has been a banker, and is currently President and CEO of the Bryan Foundation.

The statue was commissioned and installed at NewBridge Bank Park in recognition of a lifetime of service to Greensboro. The statue was presented earlier this year, at the occassion of Mr. Melvin's 80th birthday. *It is always nice to be appreciated, yet, knowing Mr. Melvin, would continue to work tirelessly for the good of Greensboro, statue or no statue. On a day the stadium is open, we will capture a photo from the front; however, in a way, it is nice to capture Mr. Melvin looking out over the ballpark. 

 We had the good fortune of interviewing  Mr. Melvin back in 2011 and featured him, here. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we are thankful for citizens committed to civic duty, regardless of where they live.

*read more here.

Somebody's Old Home Place

The above photo is of an abandoned home, located at the corner of Old Oak Ridge and Union Grove Roads. Currently, it is for sale, intended to be knocked down to make way for new construction; unless, of course, someone wants to spend a great deal of money returning it to a better state. The property is characteristic of rural, North Carolina homes. It has a fireplace, extends in many directions, has a large lot and splendid, giant oak trees. It is also typical of old homes surrounded by urban sprawl. What was once a country house quickly becomes a business opportunity. It will be interesting to see the future of this old home. In a way, the view reminds us of Andrew Wyeth's painting, Christina's Home.

Driving around the western end of Guilford County, we realized that Old Oak Ridge Road actually becomes North Main Street in Kernersville. Taking the back roads to Kernersville is a good way to see the old merging with the new. Today starts a new week and we hope it is a good one for you. If you don't have plans for Thanksgiving, it is never too late to find a community organization that could use your company and help. Try to find some time to ride around Guilford County and uncover glorious views like the one above.

Winterfest 2014

Winterfest 2014 has begun. Yesterday was opening day of Greensboro's pop-up ice rink, which has relocated to Barnhardt Street, just south of the railroad tracks at South Elm Street. The opening coincided with the last City Market of the season. A passle of Chick-fil-A cows and the WFMY News 2 crew were on hand to kick off the event.  Weather reporter Grant Gilmore and anchor Julie Luck, with their heartfelt smiles and enthusiastic words, helped put the crowd in a festive mood.

Greensboro is so lucky to have such great, family-oriented events. If you are looking for something to do this weekend, head down to the rink to skate and sled. Also, the Piedmont Interfaith Council (PIC) is holding their 32nd Ecumenical Thanksgiving Celebration this Sunday at 4pm at Dana Auditorium on the Guilford College Campus. Canned food donations are being collected. While Grant and Julie might not be there, you will definitely feel connect to the community and the holidays is you attend the PIC event. All faith groups are invited. Happy Friday!

Design Archives West

Greensboro's own Design Archives (DA) has been thriving in Downtown Greensboro for several years. Kit Rodenbough, photographed above, opened the first Design Archives across from Natty Greene's Restaurant after several years of selling her own vintage items. The store represents over 70 vendors with small businesses. Some vendors offer vintage goods; others, handmade items. In many cases DA serves as an incubator and headquarters for businesses that grow in many directions including having an online presence. At DA, you can find anything from hand-poured candles, sauces for food, and North Carolina-themed t-shirts to vintage silk scarves and antique lamps. There is something for everybody.

The DA concept has been so successful that Kit expanded to downtown Winston-Salem- a location we affectionately refer to as Design Archives West. The second store officially opened last week; however, this Saturday, they're having a BIG grand opening with door prizes and specials. Congratulations to Kit and her vendors. For sure, buying local is trending in the Triad!

S is for SciQuarium

The SciQuarium is a relatively new addition to the Greensboro Science Center on Lawndale Drive. It is a place where learning takes place and memories are made. From the minute they walk in, until the minute they leave, people are captivated. The SciQuarium is North Carolina's only inland aquarium. As stated on the center's website, the SciQuarium features "a variety of water-dependent animals including penguins, sharks, otters, eels, stingrays, a rare fishing cat, an anaconda, and fish of all shapes and colors" (reference).

If you have been going to the Science Center since it opened in 1957, likely, you are marveling at the expansion over the years. It is hard to believe that the improvements and additions will continue until 2020. If you are used to the old petting zoo with the pesky goats and small mammals, you will be shocked to see the touch tank and all the other features of the SciQuarium. In the above photo, we can only imagine what the little boy will learn as he and his dad meander along the indoor trail. Today is ABC Wednesday, and for our S.T.E.A.M. Edition, S is for SciQuarium!

Seventh Annual Persimmon Festival

This weekend, the Colfax Persimmon Festival was held and the weather was perfect; sunny and cold, just the way persimmons like it. The festival was started in 2008 by Gene Stafford and is held on part of the land that comprised the Stafford family farm. The Revolutionary War-era farm is the perfect setting for the event which pays tribute to a simpler way of life. While there are a few games, some people dressed in period costumes, and military reenactors, people really came to enjoy the persimmons.

Persimmons are an orange, edible fruit that tastes good in baked goods, especially persimmon bread and persimmon pudding. The native variety of persimmon has lots of seeds and is very labor intensive to extract the pulp. Pulp was available for purchase at the festival. The larger, Asian non-astringent variety is easier to eat and to use. However, nothing beats an old-timey 'simmon puddin' to go with Thanksgiving dinner. People came from great distances to celebrate persimmons this past Saturday. If you missed the event, mark your calendars for Saturday, November 7th 2015. 

Grace United Methodist

 

Today, we're featuring the back side of Grace United Methodist Church. The photo was taken from the church parking lot in front of the baseball stadium at Eugene Street. The location of the parking lot has proven to be lucrative real estate for the church. The fees they collect for parking cars during baseball games supports local ministries. The church refers to it as "parking with a purpose."

Grace Church dates back to 1891 at its original location on Lee Street and in this present location (438 West Friendly Avenue at Edgeworth) since 1926. It is a beautiful church with quite an interesting history. Perhaps the most famous person with connections to the church is Charlton Heston. He was married there while stationed in Greensboro during World War II.* As we enter this "cold spell," those beautiful leaves help us remember how special it is to have four distinct seasons. Happy, glorious, November Sunday. 

*read more about the history of the church, here.