Greensboro Daily Photo

Winter Blue and White

Winter skies can be pretty dramatic. High pressure moves to low pressure, all with the earth tilted away from the sun. If you look closely, you can almost imagine the earth's tilt. The slice of blue sky, wedged between snow and clouds is dramatic withthe leaf-less trees punctuating the landscape. The above photo was taken in northwest Greensboro, earlier this week.

In Greensboro, weather has been on everyone's mind. School was held one full day and two shortened days. It has been consistently cold for several days. Water pipes are freezing everywhere. For students, it is really hard to focus when weather events are first and foremost on the mind. Teachers on block schedules are struggling, because, it feels like they are restarting the semester over, and over, and over. If you don't know what we're talking about, watch the movie Groundhog Day on Sunday (Groundhog Day), and enjoy the seemingly repetitive glories of winter.

Snow Day

This is how Greensboro looked on Wednesday. It wasn't very much snow, but enough to close everything down. Our community, especially the school system, errs on the side of caution when snow falls. Hopfeully, everyone was safe and had a little change to walk outside and notice how clean the air smells after a snow. There is a texture, density, and smell to the air just before a snow that, if one is attuned to it, is as accurate as the weatherperson. 

As January winds down, it seems like is has been forever since New Years Day.  Wonder what February will bring. And, as someone wrote on Facebook the other day, "Winter, your days are numbered!" In the meantime, we're headed out to make some snow memories. This is really the first "significant" snow of the season for Greensboro.

C is for Children, Montagnard Children

As we have been documenting over the last few days, this past weekend was a busy one in Greensboro.  Above, you see the lobby of the Greensboro Historical Museum after the screening of the documentary made by Montagnard high school students whose families arrived as refugees and immigrants. These new Americans have become historians and filmakers in a project that will be archived at the Smithonian. The above crowd includes not only Montagnard families but also community members who know and care about the stories of this group of people from the Central Highlands of Vietnam.

Long before the film project began, Betty Stratford was busy tutoring English Language Learners at Mendenhall Middle School.  In collaboration with Lie Rlayang, Betty designed a series of cloth panels telling the story of Lie's journey to America. The scene below is one of Montagnard children learning about life in America through TV- specifically cartoons and sit-coms. Betty was not in attendance on Saturday, as she is not well; however, her husband, students and artwork were there to represent her dedication to Greensboro's immigrant children. Today is ABC Wednesday and C is for "children."  If you get a chance, be sure to watch, The Young Mountaineers: An Untold Story of Montagnard Youth in Greensboro. 

 

 

 

O. Henry Event for Local Authors... and Readers

Sunday, a bookselling event for local authors and readers was held at the O. Henry Hotel. And, what an event it was! The rooms were full of people all interested in talking about reading and writing. Books were flying off the makeshift shelves. Light appetizers, tea, coffee, and flavored water were served and anyone who purchased a book received a $10 voucher to apply to a meal eaten at the hotel's Green Valley Grill. UNCG's MFA Writing Program and O. Henry Magazine were co-sponsors. Scuppernong Bookstore was on hand with books of local interest. Fun was had by all.

Like so many events in Greensboro, it was free and open to the public. Let's hope that this local, community, literary afternoon is held annually. One woman was overheard commenting, "Events like this one aren't usually held in places this nice." The elegant O. Henry Hotel was generous in all that they shared with the public and the public seemed appreciative.  Below, you see local writers, Fred Chappell and Jim Dodson, busy signing copies of their books. A big thank-you to all involved. Now, it is time to sit back and read the works of these great authors!

From Magnet Fair to Magnet Mondays

This past Saturday, Guilford County Schools held the magnet fair at the Pavillion at the Greensboro Coliseum and turnout was tremendous. Our school district is known for not only great traditional schools but also alternative and theme-based schools. According to their website, GCS has 54 magnet schools. Having so many educational options probably plays a big role in the fact that our district's drop-out rate is low. Everthing from performing arts to aviation to Spanish immersion to math, science, and technology is available in the magnet schools. Today is the first magnet Monday which means that parents can bring their children to these specialized  schools to look around and get an idea if a school is right for them.

Choice in schooling is definitely trending in the 21st century. Even in the neighborhood/attendance zone schools, Guilford County students can take courses through the district's virtual public school program. One can only imagine how schoosl will look five years from now. We predict that students having an August-June, 8am-4pm, brick-and-mortar experience only will be the exception, not the rule. And, Guilford County is ahead of the curve. Regardless of where you live, encourage the young people in your life to find the precise educational opportunities that will nurture their love of learning.  As always, remember to encourage them to be well-rounded and to READ, READ, READ! Happy Magnet Monday, dear readers. See you at school!

Faith Groups and Helping

Faith communities nationwide are quickly becoming the "go to" groups for helping people with not only spiritual but also food, shelter, health, and other daily living needs. If you are looking for a way to help or in need of help, and not already part of a faith-based organization, you may want to consider finding one. This weekend in downtown Greensboro, there were many opportunities to help and be helped The above photo was a pop-up table that appeared near the Greensboro Public Library at the intersection of Summit Avenue and Church Streets. People were leaving with bags of toiletries. We saw one husband and wife team hiding a zip lock bag of toothpaste and bottled water in what seemed to be a designated spot where someone would come later to retrieve it. We're not sure what group set up the tables, above but is seemed like a great group of loving, caring, compasstionate folks- coming and going.

As we fight single digit temperatures in Greensboro, please consider volunteering time or donating money to help one of the great groups established to help those in need.  Here is a list of places that serve free food to the homeless. There are at least three opportunities every day of the week to eat or help. It is really easy to help and the best place to start is with groups that have already mobilized and know what is needed most. Sunday is a great day to start. Let us know what you decide to do.

Greensboro Children's Museum

The other weekend, we were driving by the Greensboro Children's Museum on Church Street and it look absolutely magical in the early evening hours. While the photo is a little fuzzy (drive-by photography can be like that), it captures the beauty of the façade and the energy when the building is being used at night. It looked like a birthday party might have been underway as people were walking in with gifts. The museum offers not only activities by day but also activities in the evening. Today, they're celebrating Vietnamese New Year all day long. Stop by, by day, and learn how Greensboro's Vietnamese community rings in the new year. Happy Tết Nguyên Đán !

Gene's Barber Shop

Finding an "old school" barber shop is is getting harder and harder. Even Gene wants to make it clear that he offers hair styling, too. Barbers have a rigorous training program and the barber pole (see above the PEPSI machine) is said to be the oldest symbol of a trade or craft and it dates back to the BC era. Barbers were known as barber-surgeons and have always been well respected. From the feedback online, Greensboro's Barber Gene is well respected here. One customer said that Gene can use a straight razor to shave hair down to a zero. Now that's smooth.

Barber shops are known for being great places to congregate and to share the latest ideas. Barbers need to be able to cut hair, give a clean shave, sharpen a razor with a razor strap, and be a worthy debater. Maybe we should stop Gene's and learn about a day in the life of a barber. Gene's is located on Spring Garden Street across from yesterday's little gray art house. 

Little Gray House on Spring Garden Street

Yesterday we brought you a Summerfield house with ties to Greensboro writer O. Henry. GDP readers refered to the dilapadted Saunders Inn as historical and painterly. 

Today, we head closer to town and feature an artistic house on Spring Garden Street. The above humble home does not likely come with an equally impressive pedigree as the Saunders Inn; however, it does provide a window into how the artistically-inclined live among us. Not having talked to the tennants, we are left with more questions than answers for you. We wonder how they decide what artifacts make it to the front porch, how the colors are selected, if there is a theme, and if more will get added. If we ever drive by and see anyone sitting on those sweet red chairs on the front porch, we'll wander over and ask them. The house is located close to Lindley Park between Holden Road and Elam Avenue. Admiring the house from a distance, it becomes patently clear that the residents value symmetry and that the house is well loved. May we all stand back and breathe in their playful enthusiasm. We leave you, today, with a closeup of the "artifacts."  

B is for Boardinghouse

Located in Summerfield on Highway 150, also known as Oak Ridge Road, at the corner of Deboe Road, is the old Saunders Inn. It was a place where travelers or people relocating could stay, get a good meal, and keep their horse in the outbuildings. In the early 1800's, when Sydney Porter was relocating to Guilford County, he lodged here and actually stayed on to teach innkeeper Hezekiah Saunder's children*. Fast forwarding to 1862, this teacher's grandson, William Sydney Porter, would be born in Guilford County and grow up to become Greensboro's most celebrated writer, O.Henry.

The above property, a simple country home from the 19th century, could be transformed into a splendid piece of literary history. Imagine being able to attend a retreat for writers in a place with connections to O.Henry. The barn on the property was torn down not too long ago; so, it is hard to tell what the future has in store for this weary old place. Even in this state of decay, it remains beautiful. Reading Summerfield town council notes, it appears that this property will be compromised by the widening of Highway 150 as well as development. **

Today is ABC Wednesday and this round on Greensboro Daily Photo, our theme is "Alphabet Soup," a serving of whatever comes our way from week to week. We learned of this property from the man who sold us a book about O.Henry's life. B is for Boardinghouse, bed & breakfast, located in northeast Guilford County.

*reference and more about Summerfield, here.

** read more here in Summerfield's Town Council Notes from 10/29/2013. It is really interesting tracking the change to our county and seeing how it unfolds.

 

Small Car; Big Fun!

This little FIAT 500 was recently spotteed at the Red Collection Consignment Store on Mill Street. What a playful sense of humor the owner has, putting plastic eyelashes on the headlights. It was as if Miss Fiat were flirting with the car parked in front of her. He looked a little older and a lot bigger than she did. For sure, the owner of this FIAT with Betty Davis eyes needs to stay in a good mood and ready to converse, as her wheels are quite a conversation starter. Hats off to the owner for being so creative. Hopefully, she didn't buy anything too big from the Red Collection because it probably wouldn't  fit in the flirtatious car's back seat.

If you see this FIAT and its owner in Greensboro, please tell them they were featured on Greensboro Daily Photo. Somehow, the owner snuck out of the parking lot before we could track her down. We're thinking that Mr. Big SUV had something to do with their hurried departure. Happy Tuesday and, have a great rest-of-the-work week! Beep! Beep!

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade

In Greensboro, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade will start at 11 am on MJK Drive. The above photo features last year's parade. Here, we see the Dudley High School Marching Band near the end of the parade as it approached the convergence of MLK Drive and South Elm Street. If you are able to get away from whatever you are doing today, we urge you to attend the parade. It is a great time for people of all ethnicities and races to come together to support the notion of equality and service to community. The parade is always an upbeat and hopeful event, enjoyed by people of all ages. From a balloon-animal-making clown to floats, cars, horses, bands, scouts, fraternities and sororities and grand marshalls, churches and so much more, this event will be a great way to start the day.

This is the 25th year that the Greensboro Branch of the NAACP will sponsor the parade. There are four grand marshalls this year: Caroline Horton; Bishop George W. Brooks, former pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church; Attorney R. Steve Bowden; and City Manager Denise Turner Roth. If you don't go to the parade, at least try to attend something today in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Four Seasons mall is another place that will have lots of events. 

Joy, Joy

The Pentecostals had a puppet show set up at December's First Friday event in downtown Greensboro on Elm Street. They attracted quite a crowd as families with children watched the puppets perform. The Pentecostal church has deep roots in North Carolina. The first church to call itself  Pentecostal Holiness Church was formed in 1898 in Goldsboro, southeast of Greensboro.* There are seven Pentecostal churches in Greensboro. Here is one we featured last June. Since it is, indeed, on Merritt Drive, we're thinking it is the one above hosting the puppet show.

It would be intersting to learn if the Pentecostals got any new members from the event. If you are a member of a religious group, how does your group get the word out? Interface with the public? Proselytize? The above show's message, "Joy, joy," is relevant regardles of time of year or religious beliefs. So, today we are wishing you, "Joy, joy" in all you do and in all that comes your way.

*reference and read more here.

A Senior Moment

Nothing says Saturday morning in Greensboro quite like a trip to one of the city's farmers markets. Today's photo was taken at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market on Yanceyville, across from War Memorial Stadium. North Carolina ranks third in the nation in the number of winter farmers markets (Our State Magazine, 2/14, p. 60) and the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market is one of the oldest in the state. The above quartet was talking over the railing, looking down at the small creek that meanders past the market. They were enjoying the 20th century version of "social network." We don't know what the senior citizens were looking at, but they were having a great time making small talk. The man to the right sports a shirt just brimming with North Carolina pride:  NC DIRT SHIRT and the small print says "hand washed and dyed in NC red dirt." If you live in North Carolina you will appreciate the comment. Red clay particles are so small, they are virtually impossible to wash out.

Many North Carolina potters have special, hidden sources of red clay that they use to make pottery.* Perhaps the man in the photo is a potter. Perhaps the shirts are for sale at the farmers' market. Sounds like a good Saturday morning quest. A lot of potters frequent, and even sell there. Someone will know where we can find this t-shirt and whether the man is a potter. We might even pick up some vegetables and free-range eggs while we are at it. What will you be doing today? Have any adventures planned? Time permitting, head to a farmers market.

*read more about North Carolina's red clay pottery in Our State magazine, here. The article is great!

Sunny Winter Day

Winter is a time of contrasts in Greensboro. It has been said that Greensboro can experience three out of four seasons in a single week. This week, the sun peeked out on Wednesday and the above vista was much needed after some gray days. The sunny skies set the stage for a beautiful full moon this week. That moon lit up the night almost as brightly as the sun did in the photo above.

To the left, you see the corner of the Stone Building and to the right, Eberhart Building on the campus of UNCG. Everhart, the psychology building, resembles a Lego construction less the bright colors. The building's angles frame the scene as if it were an Escher print. If you are lucky enough to have a three day weekend, remember that Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is supposed to involve some service to community. It isn't too late to find something to do this weekend to help Greensboro to be an even greater place. And, don't forget to taking time to look up and let your rejoicing rise high as the listening sky.... and.... dream.

We're skipping into the weekend and sharing this photo with Skywatch Friday.

 

Hamburger Square at Night

This picture of Natty Greene's and Hamburger Square in Greensboro is and area that is frequently photographed. However, at dusk in the winter, it is just so beautiful we wanted to feature it again. The street lamps, with the glowing reflection on the street, evoke a feeling of what Greensboro must have been like a century ago. Not only the exterior, but also the interior lights evoke a bygone era. As a matter of fact, if the cars werent' there, nothing about the photo indicates that it was taken in the 21st century.

During World War I, troops used to wait in this area for troop trains. The name, Hamburber Square remains from a time when there were hamburger and hot dog stands on all four corners of this area and the City of Greensboro's (Library) website, the area was never segregated (reference). Behind us, on McGee Street, this scene caught our eye. Then, before we knew it, total darkness arrived and the magic of a downtown twilight disappeared. Wonder if the green light signifies that the cook is in and "Burrito" is open for business. Finally, we hope the powers that be realize how much trees contribute to the "green" in Greensboro. Happy dawn, noon, twighlight, night, and everything in between, dear readers.

 

A is for Airplane, Airport, and Aviation

Here we see a photo of a Beechcraft Bonanza, the rightmost plane in the photo. The hangar is located at the general aviation area of the Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI), near the main terminal. Landmark Aviation and Atlantic Aero, Inc. both serve general and corporate aviation at PTI. The owner of the single engine red & white airplane above could zip you from Greensboro down to the beach in about an hour.  Just think, you could go for the day! The aerial views would be stunning.

Today is a new round of ABC Wednesday. For this round, we're not sure we're limiting ourselves to a theme. This A-Z round might just be alphabet soup. For today, A is for airplane, airport, and aviation. As for the Beechcraft Bonanza, it has been around since 1947 and, over the years, more than 17,000 have been built. These post-WWII planes have really interesting features. If you are interested, read more here. As for us, if we ever get to the North Carolina beaches this summer, likely, you'll see us doing the ole I-40 shuffle. 

Chapman Law Firm

Chapman Law Firm, located at 403A North Elm Street, specializes in issues related to immigration law. The unique thing about this law firm is that they are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. According to their website, they serve everyone from refugees to multinational executives. It is interesting to read all of the different visas and paths one can take to come to the United States legally for a short time or permanently (e.g., J-1 exchange visitors; H-3 temporary trainees; T victim of human trafficking).* For people trying to bring relatives to the USA legally, it can take years, even decades.

The other night, after dark, we were headed for dinner at the Blu Margarita and noticed a young couple talking to a lawyer at Chapman Law Firm. We were very happy to be heading to dinner but the somber mood of the couple inside was sad and troubling. We counted our blessings to be living where we want to live without the stress of needing to sort out our legal status or that of family. The ten lawyers who work there might want to hang out a shingle that says, open for business- ALWAYS, because sometimes, seeking help just can't wait. 

*read more here.

Bowl, Strike, Spare = Fun

Bowling is fun anytime, but especially in inclement weather. Greensboro has three lanes: AMF All Star Lanes (photographed above), Triad Lanes, and Spare Time Lanes. The heyday of bowling was the mid-1960's when there were approximately 12,000 bowling centers in the USA. By 2007, there were only 5,498 centers--  a decline of over 50%*.   Formerly,  bowling was predominantly, league-based, blue collar activity. Today, the trend is for bowling to be more popular with the white-collar community, with children, and for people who play, not affiliated with a league. Current trends indicate that bowling is gaining in popularity, partly given to the upgraded condition of the remaining bowling alleys.

In great condition is the AMF All Star Lanes at 910 South Holden Road. The photo above shows the cleanliness of the interior. AMF features 40 lanes and other amenities like a room for birthday parties. If you don't remember seeing AMF Lanes, surely, you remember this round, flower-pot-looking building across the street from it (see here).  Why don't we all go bowling this weekend? It is great exercise. Calculate how many calories you can burn bowling, here!

*reference and more information here.

 

 

Goodbye, Franklin McCain

Franklin McCain's ties to Greensboro and the Civil Rights Movement were many. He was one of the Greensboro Four who sat at the Woolworth's lunch counter in 1960 humbly insisting to be served a cup of coffee. He continued his great work in many ways, including serving on the board to trustees at NC A&T University and being active with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. The above photo was taken on February 1st 2010 when McCain (right) and Rev. Jesse Jackson (left) were in town for the 50th Anniversiary of the Greensboro Sit-Ins as well as the opening of the International Civil Rights Museum and Center.* They were looking at the ground because it had snowed over night and Elm Street was slippery. However, the event was so monumental and the dedication to the Civil Rights Movement was so strong, not even ice and snow could keep people away.

Mr. McCain died Thursday at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro. His wife died a year ago (January 2, 2013). They were both involved with the Civil Rights Movement.  The Charlotte Observer shared a quote from Mr. McCain, who was reflecting on the day at the Woolworth's lunch counter, "That day- February 1, 1960- was the best day of my life, and just for sitting on some dumb stool," he said. "It was a reaffirmation of who I am and what I'm supposed to be" (reference). How fitting that Mr. McCain breathed his last breath in Greensboro, a place that helped shape his legacy in the Civil Rights Movement.

Sundays, referred to as Sacred Sunday on GDP, are reserved for moments of spiritual reflection. If you believe in prayer, please say one for the McCain family and for all those following in his footsteps, working to make sure that life if fair, for everyone.  

* more photos & text here and here and here.

Green Hill Winter Show

The Green Hill Gallery is a 7,000 square foot gallery space located at 200 Davie Street. It's goal is to promote the visual arts of North Carolina. Currently, they are featuring over 500 works, one of which we are featuring above. The show ends this Sunday, so, if you want to see this interesting collection, head down within the next 48 hours. The gallery is located near Festival Park; so, you could stop in before or after ice skating. Green Hill is in the same area as Art Quest, so it is fun to spend time at Art Quest and visit the gallery afterward. Green Hill strongly encourages a donation, if you are able. However, nobody demands that you donate.

The artist of today's featured sculpture is Susannah Zucker and it is called "Red Crouch." We can't help thinking how wonderful it would look at UNCG's Weatherspoon Gallery at the other end of the hallway from the Compton Nocturne sculpture. Look here and let us know what you think about having these two works of art across from each other. Anybody interested in underwriting the $12,500 purchase? It would be nice to keep the lady in pointe shoes with antler wings in Greensboro. At 98" x 27" x 27" she will need a special spot!

Troy Bumpas House

The Parthenon was the inspiration for the Troy Bumpas Inn, located at 114 South Mendenhall Street. Notice the portico roof and the four, tapered, Doric columns in front. The Greek Revival home was completed in the late 1840's by Rev. Sydney Bumpas who was a trustee at neighboring Greensborough Female College (now Greensboro College). It is one of the few pre-Civil War homes remaining in Greensboro. Since 1977, it has been on the National Register of Historic Places.* For several years, the house was cut up into several apartments. In 1991, Preservation Greensboro Incorporated helped save the house and ensure that the integrity of the house would not be compromised. In 1992, the Troy-Bumpas Inn was designated a Guilford County Landmark Property and, since then, it has been a bed and breakfast.

It would be fun to book a room and stay there, even though we're Greensboro residents. The weekend is here. Stay in the above Greek Revival house, walk to the Acropolis restaurant to eat Greek food. Wonder if there is room in the inn..............

 *Learn more about the history of the Troy-Bumpas property here.

2015 US Figure Skating Championships

How exciting that the 2015 US Figure Skating Championships will be held in Greensboro the week of January 18-25, 2015. That is just one year from now; the Coliseum Complex will be filled with skaters and spectators. The event was held here in 2011 and feedback was favorable and the event was well attended. What a great place to generate interest at Winterfest in Festival Park downtown! 

The woman leading the pack in the above photo appears to be texting and skating. She must be pretty confident on the ice. Now that the temperatures are inching back up and we are out of the single digits, you might want to consider skating while the rink is still installed. It is such a fabulous winter sport and such a great family activity for Greensboro. Ice skating is also a nice activity to generate interest in children for the Winter Olympics. Here is the schedule for the 2014 Winter Olympics which begin in Sochi on February 7th. We hope some of the children who have been skating locally have a chance to watch figure skaters at the Olympics.

 

Z is for A-Z Schools

Today's photo of the day features the Guilford County Schools' Administration Building, located at 712 North Eugene Street. Here is where school board meetings are held and the superintendent has his office. This is the epicenter for developing policies and implementing procedures. It is the A-Z of education in Guilford County. If you have never attended a school board meeting, you might want to consider doing so. The more involved we are with the process, the more vested we become. If you can't attend the meetings, they are available on television. However, nothing beats being there to interact in person, and to take advantage of the opportunity to speak for three minutes. 

Today is ABC Wednesday and, since there is no "Z" school in our district and nothing (that we could find) is named for our 43rd governor, Zebulon Vance, we're billing this as A-Z school day. In that "ground ZERO" is a center point, the Eugene Street office is the district's "ground ZERO." However, especially after 911, that phrase has negative connotations. So, we're happy to say that we are clozing out GDP's A-Z schools series with Z is for A-Z, all things schools related, and in ALPHABETICAL ORDER!

View from South Elm

The WORX is a new restaurant just south of the railroad tracks off of South Elm Street. This is a part of downtown that has only recently been repurposed. The 1890's building is just perfect for the bistro/pub restaurant within. Hopefully, the new-to-the-neighborhood Worx is increasing traffic for neighboring businesses Crown Lion Antiques and Jae-mar Brass Shop. The street is actually called Barnhardt and is one of two gateways to South End Parking Lot. In the summer, the parking lot is a pop up market with lots of local vendors. 

In this photo, the lighting is especially attractive and the stark-twiggy trees frame the buildings beautifully. As Greensboro is immersed in a single-digit, deep freeze (mild compared to much of the USA), we are reminded that winter brings with it a special beauty. The above scene evokes a quote from Greensboro's beloved writer, O. Henry. "By nature and doctrines I am addicted to the habit of discovering places wherein to feed." And winter is an especially fun time to go in from the cold and ruminate. Stay warm!

Blu Margarita

 

North Elm between Fisher Park and downtown just got a little livelier with the opening of Blu Margarita. They filled the space that Ganache vacated, trying to utilize the circular room similarly with a bakery, restaurant, and bar. The interior, featured above, is bursting with color and warmth. We enjoyed the sampler plate that had two small kebobs, two empanadas, three quesadilla slivers, a few chunks of chorzo and some interesting sauces. Next time, we'll order a side of rice to soak up the great flavors of the sampler.

Not long after we took the photo, tables filled. The multiple big screen TV's all featured Jorge Ramos y su Banda, the bartenders got busy and the place was a hub of activity.  If you get a chance, go see for yourself. Besides, it is the neighborly thing to do, visiting new establishments in town.  GDP usually only feature sone photo a day, but had to sneak in a photo of the exterior (below) which looks like a little Mexican resort against the cold, January night sky. We're wondering if Blu Margarita is serving rosca de reyes today. Three Kings cake is a Mexican tradition on this, January 6th- Epiphany. If we were in Mexico, most of us would not be at work. As for Greensboro, time to clock in!

Hickory Grove UMC

Hickory Grove United Methodist Church is a church located on Wendover Avenue at Hickory Grove Church Road. The church has been in existence for over 200 years, back in the day when there was no Wendover Avenue and the area was rural. Even in the last 20 years, they have seen the area around the church transform into a busy area of town. If you stand in the cemetery and look in the opposite direction from the church, you will see the Open-24-hour RUSH Fitness Center. 

The actual church buildings appear to have been remodeled, added on to, and changed significantly. The A-line shaped façade with the cross in the middle is readily visible from Wendover, at least when the giant trees are without leaves. Is spite of the urban sprawl, when you are on church property, there is a sense that one is on an island of calmness. We would love to see a church history shared online. Any organization that is over 200 years old needs to be celebrated! Happy Sunday and stay warm.

Sled Riding Away

Piedmont Winterfest is still going strong downtown at Festival Park. This year, they've added an ice track for sled riding. For some children, this may be their only experience sledding. Now that the temperature has dipped to the low 20's, it really feels like winter.  The park has been busy lately but not overcrowded. So, if you are looking for something to do, you might want to head downtown and skate and sled ride. Everything you need to get started, except the warm mittens, cap, and coat, can be rented on site. So, don't make any excuses to enjoy this opportunity and, remember, it will only be here until February 1st.

Greensboro has produced olympic speed skaters and a rower. Who knows, maybe, with enough practice, we'll get a bobsled team. Time will tell. Here is the link if you need more information about skating, and notice the approximately 20 sponsors who are helping to make this venture possible. From BERICO and BB&T to YES! Weekly, be sure to thank them all.

Kwanzaa 2013

Kwanzaa has drawn to a close, but we didn't want to say goodbye to the holiday without giving you an idea of how Greensboro celebrated. The Greensboro Kwanzaa Collective hosted a seven-day celebration from 5-8pm ending on January 1st. Several events were held at Bethel AME Church on 200 Regan Street. The above photo was taken at the International Civil Rights Center and Mustum on South Elm Street. They hosted the event on December 28th, celebrating, Ujima- the principle of collective work and responsibility (see reference). 

With New Year's Day and Kwanzaa closing out the holiday calendar, you know it is almost time for students to return to school. If you are Catholic you will likely celebrate Epiphany, Three Kings' Day, on January 6th. If you are Russian Orthodox, January 7th will be Christmas. Regardless of what you celebrate, it is important to have an appreciation of holidays and celebrations of other cultures. If you have not had the opportunity to experience a Kwanzaa celebration, put that you your 2014 to-do list. In the meantime, Harambee* Greensboro!

*let's all pull together

Happy Birthday GDP

Today, Greensboro Daily Photo has just finished five years of publishing a daily photo & cooresponding text- 1,825 days without missing a post. There were times, during power outages when we drove to closed restaurants to use their wi-fi to get the post published, and we've enjoyed every minute of it. In the above photo, you see Mr. and Mrs. Greensboro Daily photo out celebrating our "perfect attendance." The best birthday present you can give this community website is to keep reading and to share the URL address with friends and family. Our initial goal was to stick to this venture for five years. As we enter Year 6, if you're in, we're in. We'll continue this all-volunteer project for another year.  There are people to interview, community events to photograph and plenty of serendipitiously great scenes around Greensboro waiting to be documented.  May our community prosper in 2014 and beyond. Here's a virtual toast to health, happiness, and another 365 days!

Happy New Year 2014 & Y is for Yanceyville

2014 has officially begun and it should be a good year for Greensboro. Based on all of the construction around town, the economy seems to be on the upswing. When people are building and refurbishing, and buying houses, growth trickles down... and up. If you are inclined to New Year's resolutions, like vowing  to exercise more, you have so many choices- from brick and mortar facilities to good ole out-of-doors on the greenway. If you want to try to make healthier food choices, we have a new Deep Roots Co-op, Earthfare, Whole Foods, several farmers' markets, and traditional grocery stores making an effort to provide local produce. If you want to support the local arts community, options like First Fridays, indie markets and galleries abound. If you want to volunteer more, there are many organizations waiting to put your to work. If you are seeking a faith group, options are plentiful. There is something psychologically renewing about starting a new year. It is a time to be hopeful and a time to set goals. Our resoution is to provide you with another year of photos showcasing the beauty of Greensboro.

Switching gears a little, the above photo is of Aycock Middle School. We are featuring it today, because today is ABC Wednesday and we are loyal to this meme. It provides a fun way for us to learn more about our community by picking a theme and finding A-Z examples in that category. For our A-Z School Series, there are no X-Y-Z schools, so we have to get creative. Aycock Middle backs up to Yanceville Street, making Y  for Yanceyville Street, where the Aycock community has a soccer game going-  just about every day. Happy New Year!