Greensboro Daily Photo

Higgins Bicycles

Standing in Omega Sports Store parking lot, it is easy to see that the bicycle shop has moved next door. Mr Higgins, has been selling bicycles for several decades, the last several in this spot on Battleground Avenue. His first bicycle shop was the first in Greensboro and was located near UNCG.

Mr. Higgins has owned the above land since 1951, back when the surrounding area was mostly woods. To be sure, if you visit this shop, you can get a lot of history about Greensboro and find a way to get some exercise, too. Here is when he was featured on GDP in 2015. He is almost 90 now. That is a lot of years selling (and buying bicycles). Honk if you love riding bikes!

Peeler Elementary School: After the Storm

Yesterday was a very difficult day in Greensboro. The tornado/storm damage from April 15th was severe in east Greensboro; so much so that three elementary schools, Hampton, Peeler, and Erwin Montessori will have to be relocated to other schools for the remainder of the school year. Fortunately, schools won’t have to be split up, each will be absorbed into one of three other schools.

If you drive by the three heavily-damaged elementary schools, you will see facilities in need of a lot of work. As an example, Peeler Elementary (photographed above), off of Willow Road near Barber Park had several trees down, damage to the building, especially at the entrance, and the lot was filled with extensive debris.  Almost every home near the school suffered damage, from roofs being blown off, to trees falling on homes, to seemingly anything that wasn’t tied down being relocated. The power was still out in the neighborhood after 24 hours Yet, the voices of people helping each other clean up debris, the sound of chain saws cutting limbs and branches, and people comforting each other could heard throughout the neighborhood. 

At Peeler Open School for the Performing Arts, families were helping each other, too. People came to the school’s parking lot in need of water, blankets, tarps, and food. Others came to the parking lot with exactly these items to donate.  Peeler’s PTSA will continue to process donations out of the school’s parking lot. If you want to help, contact the PTSA or seek out one of the other organizations that has been called to mobilize. They will match your talents and resources with the place they are most needed. A speedy cleanup and rebuilding of East Greensboro hinges on people helping, and as efficiently as possible. As you hear of ways to help, or you want to share your story, please post them in the comments below. 

Easter Saturday

The above photo features Fresh Market on New Garden Road in Jefferson Village, before Easter rush started for the day. As you can see, the chocolate bunnies are selling out quickly. In most of Greensboro's grocery stores, the smaller hams have also sold out, as have small sweet potatoes. North Carolina sweet potatoes can get as large as a ham!

Regardless of what you end up with on your table for those celebrating Easter, the important part will be fellowship and honoring the spirit of the holiday. If you have been fasting or giving up sweets for Lent, places like Fresh Market still have plenty of treats to choose from. One more day...

Golden Gate Shopping Plaza

Yesterday's fluffy clouds really accentuated the new facades of the stores at the Golden Gate Plaza near State Street and Irving Park on Golden Gate Drive. The plaza has over 150,000 square feet, space for 26 businesses, and is close to full occupancy. Before the 2015 renovation, the plaza was at 40% occupancy. The new owner, The Bedrin Organization from New Jersey, have been good stewards. The two largest places are Food Lion on one end and the Air Fun Trampoline Park at the other. Each is over 30,000 square feet; Planet Fitness is over 24,000. There are four restaurants and a coffee shop. 

Today is the first day of Passover and also Good Friday. Passover commemorates the Israelites being freed from Egyptian slavery. Good Friday commemorates Christ's Crucifixion. Schools are closed and it is a day for families to spend together. These beautiful clouds remind us to be thankful for the beauty around us and that it can be appreciated, even in a parking lot- especially when there are others around to appreciate the beauty with you. It has been a while since the sky has been this beautiful.

Hopefully, you have a little time for rest and reflection today, even if you are not fasting or doing penance.

O2 Fitness at Friendly Center in the Location of the Former Tex and Shirley's

 

Those living in Greensboro have spent time in Friendly Center and, likely, remember Tex and Shirley's Restaurant. Tex and Shirley's was located at the corner of Northline Drive and Pembroke Road.  For many, it was a great tradition to eat breakfast there, especially on all-you-can-eat pancake day. You may also remember the great exhibits of local photography displayed in the entrance hallway. Recently, the restaurant was torn down to make way to an O2 Fitness Facility.

The above photo features the shell of the 27,000 square ft.fitness club. O2 fitness began in 2002 in Raleigh and has grown to 29 locations. The location at Friendly Center will Greensboro's first and the only fitness center in Friendly Center. The "old" Friendly Center has seen a lot of change over the last few years and having a place for exercise, as opposed to retail, marks a real change for the center. The building will look very different when completed. For now, a mere shadow against the sunset, the O2 building is just a metal shell, a fence,  and a D.H. Griffin sign. As construction progresses, more photos will be posted.

Mid-Town Body Repair

Mid-Town Body Repair has been a locally-owned business in Greensboro since 1976. The above photo features the 20,000 square foot building at 401 West Gate City Boulevard. The business is co-owned by Dennis and Karen Rettinger. In 2013, the company logo and signage was changed to support Karen and everyone else affected by breast cancer. Even the parking space lines are painted pink.  The pinkness of the sign is more noticeable in person when driving along what was formerly Lee Street, eastbound, heading towards town. Notice the breast-cancer awareness ribbon.

In addition to good service, it is the personal touches and active community support by the Rettingers and their 20-member staff that have helped Mid-Town thrive for over forty years.The business has changed a lot over the decades, including outgrowing its original 3,000 foot location on Battleground Avenue. The last thing one wants is for their vehicle to need repair work, but if for some reason you need these services, Mid-Town is a great option!

Out and Running

Greensboro residents love to exercise outdoors. The city is getting more trails, parks, and outdoor areas conducive to working out. In the above photo, four runners were waiting for the light to change at the corner of Battleground Avenue and Pisgah Church Road. The next major block away, on Lawndale Drive, Fleet Feet Sports is waiting to not only fit people with running shoes, but also to help them find a running group at their current fitness level. Other places that specialize in running shoes also sponsor runs and help runners find a group. Something about exercising with others, regardless of sport or workout, helps with motivation, building stamina, safety, and sustained participation in the sport.

The above group was diligently following rules of the road and being as safe as possible.  Drivers must be even more diligent in watching out for runners and cyclists on the city roads. With the Internet, it has never been easier to find a meet-up group for any exercise and fitness level for you! 

"This Day Belongs to Us"

"This Day Belongs To Us" was yesterday's headline in the  "News and Record", the daily newspaper in Greensboro. This local article, as well as the national one, "Enough Is Enough", made it clear the the Nation's high school students are leading this movement. When young people take action, usually change is made. The Greensboro Sit-Ins, a local movement during the Civil Rights Era of the 1960's, as well as the Vietnam War Protests, remind us of the power, tenacity, and results when the young take action. Saturday's march in Greensboro had between 3,000 and 4,000 participants and it is estimated that half were pre-collegiate students.

The above photo features some of the student-leaders in the Greensboro March for Life. As they stood on the stairs of Government Plaza, speaking to the public, they too, had that poised, confident demeanor of the students from Lakeland Florida. It is not entirely clear the "next steps" for this movement. Students are entering the last two and a half months of the school year. To be sure, their voices will continue to be heard and, before you know it, they will be voting and running for office. Behind these students are parents and teachers who believe in them. Here's to inspiring all students to arm themselves with knowledge and feeling empowered to engage in what they think is right for Greensboro, the United States, and beyond.

March for Our Lives

Students initiating the  March for Our Lives Movement have led hundreds of thousands in their call for change. The most powerful speeches and calls for action are coming from students- as young as elementary school. While the main march was in Washington D.C. yesterday, Greensboro also held a student-led march. The above photo, taken on Government Plaza at 110 South Greene Street, with the Jefferson Pilot/Lincoln Financial Building in the background, shows that Greensboro was a sea of people, even before the march began at 2:00p.m. People braved cold, rainy weather to go express their desire for actions to eliminate gun violence and to protest the notion of arming teachers or placing guns in schools. Early College at Guilford and Grimsley High School Students spearheaded yesterday's march in Greensboro.*

Regardless of where one stands on the issue of guns in schools, everyone wants children to be safe in school. Regardless of where adults stand on issues, the youth of today are already bring about changes. As this current group of high school students turns 18 and can vote, they will have even more of an impact. It is interesting to see so many adults sitting and listening to what the children have to say. It is impressive to hear how articulate the are. Since Sunday tends to be a day of reflection and prayer, it would me nice to say a prayer that children will be safe and that the adults in their lives will find a way to work together to achieve that common goal.

* read more, here.

NCAA Fever in Greensboro

NCAA fever and games are in full swing and North Carolinians are glued to the TV. Even though Duke is the only remaining North Carolina team, Greensboro cares about basketball. The above photo was taken at Rody's, a locally-owned restaurant and sports bar. Screens throughout the restaurant were sharing several games at a time.

Rody's is located at the corner of Battleground Avenue and Horse Pen Creek Road. It was packed last night while the basketball games were on. By the end of the weekend, we will know if Duke advances to the final four. Then, before you know it, it will be time for football season, and then basketball season again.

Happy Saturday and, stay safe, if the weather turns bad.

Giacomo's Italian Market & San Giuseppe Salami Co.

If you like Italian food and shopping local, Giacomo's Italian Market and San Giuseppe Salami Company are great options. The company has been in Greensboro for nearly 20 years. The make homemade sausage, pasta, bread, salads, and just about anything you need for a taste of Italy. Their deli/restaurant is located in the plaza at the corner of New Garden Road and Battleground Avenue. You can dine in or get your food to go. That location is where the above photo was taken. The truck was probably delivering product from their production facility in Elon where the sausage and salami is made.

The restaurant is just down the road from Guilford Courthouse National Military Park. It is nice to combine eating at a local restaurant while working out and taking in a little history. You can tell by the fact that the bushes in the foreground don't have foliage on them yet that spring has not fully arrived.

Whatever you decide to do, we hope you have a great weekend. Honk if you love pepperoni!

Elm Street at Dusk with the Greensboro City Police

In street photography, sometimes you have to snap a photo under very difficult conditions. Today's very poor quality photo captures a very positive event. A Greensboro City Policeman challenged a middle schooler to doing push ups. Both were talking and enjoying the challenge as other officers looked on.

On the downtown beat in Greensboro, the police do what they can to interact positively with people in the community. They strive to build positive relationships and enjoy interacting in positive ways. While their job is to patrol downtown to protect people and property, enforce laws, and act on wrong-doings, they like for people to see their human, humane and benevolent side. So, walking along Elm Street, on a Friday night, when someone says, "Now there is an Instagram moment," it is hard to resist snapping a photo, even if the light is low and the shutter speed is not fast enough to keep the photo from blurring. At least the image is sharp enough to have captured a positive moment in time, one that this young gentleman will probably remember for a very long time.

(For the record, the policeman won).

Leaving Eden

Leaving Eden is a North Carolina fable about to make its world debut. Greensboro's own Laurelyn Dossett wrote the music and lyrics. She is photographed above, seated next to Adam Versenyi, Chair of the Department of Dramatic Art at UNC- Chapel Hill. They were two of several people associated with the play who were making a presentation yesterday at the World View Conference in the Friday Center in Chapel Hill. The World View seminar for K-12 and community college educators was entitled, Building Stronger Bridges: Cultural Respect and Equity in the Classroom. In addition to entertaining the audience, the performance gave educators ideas of how to use plays to broach tough topics related to race and equity.

Leaving Eden is a musical journey telling of a small town in 1933 and life that centered around the cotton mills, alternating with 2016 and workers in a pork processing plant. The play will be performed in Chapel Hill at the PlayMakers Repertory Company, not Greensboro.*  However, Chapel Hill is such a short drive and, based on yesterday's performance of two excerpts, and Laurelyn's singing, Leaving Eden will be well worth the drive. Opening night is April 7th.  

* see more here.

St. Patricks Day in Downtown Greensboro

Just beyond yesterday's blossom and macro view from the parking lot of Deep Roots Co-op, today's view is of the growing crowd at the St. Patrick's event being held at Joymonger's on Saturday. The craft brewery is owned by Greensboro natives and you can tell that they pride themselves in seeing that the locals are happy. Saturday's gathering in this little park-let in front of Joymonger's attracted people of all ages.

From this vantage point, you can see Smith Street Diner, the Marriott, the Jefferson Pilot/Lincoln Financial building and more. It is always fun to identify the JP/Lincoln Financial building from many vantage points in town. Regarding vantage points, we have always wanted to admire Greensboro from the top of the JP Building. We're being told that getting to the top floor is no longer an option, not even for people who work there. For now, we'll just have to appreciate the Great Gatsby view, from afar.

Spring Blossom Time

Since the weather forecasters are hinting at a wintry mix for Greensboro on Wednesday, today might be a good day to provide a "blossom status" for the community. Greensboro is ready for spring and, after such a sunny afternoon, yesterday, blossoms are sprouting out everywhere. The above blossoms are budding on the shrubs at Deep Roots Co-Op on Eugene Street in Downtown Greensboro. It is hard to believe that this photo was taken in a parking lot on a busy street. 

On Saturday, Joymongers Brewery Company, Deep Roots' next door neighbor, was bursting at the seams with people out celebrating St. Patrick's Day. In the meantime, Deep Roots was offering parking for $5 a car for those headed to the brewery. However, for those who were at the lot to shop for healthy food, or to take photos of blossoms in the lot, parking was free.  

Take time to zoom in and appreciate these special signs of spring in Greensboro. Happy Monday!

Greensboro Cultural Arts Center

Guilford County Schools has some fabulous art teachers and students. The above photo features one of many pieces of artwork currently on display at the Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street in Greensboro. The mixed media collage is one of many from the 4th grade at Parkview Village. The art teacher is J. Jones-Hunt and the paintings are reminiscent of Chagall, with students cutting out photos and attaching them so they look like they are floating above houses of worship.

It is so important for children to have access to a well rounded curriculum that includes the performing and visual arts. The Davie Street Cultural Arts Center does so much for the children of Greensboro and Guilford County. Sundays are a day for reflection, especially of a spiritual nature. Seeing this beautiful and expressive piece of art is nothing short of heavenly. Happy Sunday.

Starmount Drive

This house on Starmount Drive, just off of Holden Road, is a prime example of just how beautiful Greensboro is this time of year. On a sunny day, houses simply exude beauty and warmth. This house, built in 1955, has been extended and renovated and is now over 4,000 square feet. Stephen Jobe was the architect of this home that has many custom features, like the dormer and the rounded mahogany front door, that give it lots of curb appeal.

The Starmount Forest neighborhood is located near Friendly Center, Sternberger Elementary, Starmount Country Club, a park, and more. The Starmount name is the English translation of "Sternberger", a very prominent Greensboro family. Emanuel Sternberger was a merchant from South Carolina who moved to Greensboro and joined the Cone Brothers in the production of flannel. Today, the neighborhood, school, street, and Tannenbaum Sternberger Foundation are just a few of the many ways their legacy and impact on Greensboro is remembered today. If you have time this weekend, consider getting lost in one of Greensboro's neighborhoods. You will see so many lovely homes.

Jessie Rae Art

Jessie Rae (Moncla) featured her art and illustrations last weekend at the art pop up at Westerwood Tavern. Jessie Rae does commissions, offers original works of art, prints and more. She trained professionally at Weaver Academy and then UNCG. She taught for several years, but recently started working full-time as an artist and illustrator. Her art has hints of pop art and she gets special inspiration from country singer, Dolly Parton. In the above photo, Jessie Rae is holding a a Wes Anderson-esqe print of a woman looking through binoculars balancing on a stack of mis-matched chairs. The design, a nod to the balancing act of daily living, was one she entered in a mural competition in High Point.

If you like to talk to young artists and purchase original art, consider heading to the 512 Collective Art Gallery in High Point on Sunday for their art show. Jessie Rae should be there. If you have time on Saturday, head to 125 Bruce Street in Greensboro for a St. Patrick's Day, Best of Spring! art pop-up, from 10am-3pm. Eight Greensboro artists will be offering everything from wind chimes to jewelry, pottery, original art, and more. The Triad area is lucky to have so many talented artists. And, Jessie Rae, if you are reading this today, please stop by and check out the Bruce Street event.

Students in Greensboro Protest in Support of the Movement Started By Parkland Students

Yesterday, several high schools and institutions of higher education in Guilford County participated in the walk out, symbolizing taking a stand with the Parkland students. In the above photo, Dr. Omar Ali, Dean of the Honors College and Professor of Global and Comparative African Diaspora History at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, lead students who walked out and spoke out against gun violence. UNCG students and  students from the Middle College at UNCG read the names of the 17 who lost their life in the Parkland Shooting. People volunteered to speak out against gun violence and working to ensure another school student doesn't happen.

Student leaders spoke and encouraged students to participate in the March 24th March. The 1961 Greensboro Sit-Ins were referenced, reminding the assembled group of the power of students who protest and work for change. UNCG Communications Professor Spoma Jovanovic (left with light blue jacket)  also helped with the walk out. This was one small ripple in the nationwide movement. Today's youth is mobilizing to be socially and politically active. They are articulate, and determined to have their voices heard. The nation will be well served if people in power listen to what students have to say. The event took place in front of the Curry Building, a highly visible spot on a small hill beside Spring Garden Street. #NationalSchoolWalkout

United Transmission at Benjamin Parkway and Battleground

Yesterday was another snow day, and public schools closed. We're sharing one final snow photo to  reminds Greensboro that having a snow or ice storm in mid-March is not out of the question. Hopefully, it will be the city's last snow event of the season- with spring a mere six days away. The photo was taken at the corner of Benjamin Parkway and Battleground Avenue in the parking lot of United Transmission. The light dusting of snow accentuates the red, white, and blue color palate of the photo.

United Transmission, just behind Honeybaked Ham, has been serving Greensboro since 1968.  This family run business was started by the Martin family and remained in the family until 1999. It is now under different owners (the Rush and Lewis families); however, John Martin still works with the owners as needed to ensure that high standards are maintained. It is the kind of place you might never notice, until you have transmission issues and need their services. With a light dusting of snow, this little corner of Battleground was sparkling earlier in the week.

Surprise Snow in Greensboro

There was a mention of a possible snow on Monday and, sure enough, before noon yesterday, it started to accumulate. It is not unusual for Greensboro to get one last weather event in March. The Guilford County Schools were closed in anticipation of snow and UNCG closed at noon. Other schools followed suit. Temperatures hovered right around freezing. The above photo shows the snow as it was beginning to fall on Cone Boulevard. The trees look white, because they are in full blossom. Hopefully, the snow won't damage the trees.

The first day of spring is March 20th. Surely, this will be the last snow event of the year. Stay warm; stay safe!

Grumman LLVs and the U.S. Postal Service

The above photo features one of the Grumman Long Life Vehicles (LLV) in the U.S. postal fleet, serving the Greensboro area. The U.S. Postal Service has over 100,000 of these vehicles, that were in production between 1987-1994. They are custom built for mail delivery, with the driver's seat on the right, the sides are flat so that they can get close to the curb. The front wheel axle is smaller that the rear to help with maneuverability. The LLVs were made to be in use for 20 years, but in 2009, the post office extended their usage to 30 years. While they are wearing out, replacing the entire fleet would cost over 4 billion dollars. A new prototype is in the works and some of the LLVs have been replaced by mini-vans.  

Greensboro carriers often meet up at places like Sheetz for their lunch breaks, and it is not uncommon for as many as four trucks to be parked together while the carriers grab a quick lunch. Sometimes diligent citizens call and report these meet ups, only to be reassured that carriers have permission to assemble during lunch breaks.  These LLVs weren't exactly built with comfort in mind and, driving them can be a pretty solitary job. A little fellowship over a hot dog or two may actually help provide much needed rest and relaxation. If today's weather turns bad as predicted, remember, regardless of weather, the mail carriers will deliver!

* reference and more about the quirky LLV, here.

St. Benedict's Catholic Church

St. Benedict's Catholic Church, located at the corner of North Elm and Smith Streets, is Greensboro's first Catholic Church. The original congregation first held meetings around 1870.  In 1898, the current church was built with funds provided by Saint Katherine Drexel, who funded the project under the stipulation that Saint Benedict would reserve pews for Greensboro's black Catholics. This aspect of integration was important to Drexel who worked so hard for rights for Native Americans and African Americans.

The above photo features St. Benedict's sanctuary, today. It has not always looked so elegant. In 2017, church members raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars and undertook the renovation of the sanctuary, doing much of the work themselves. It is such a close knit, yet welcoming congregation. Ask any member about the renovation and you will likely get a personal tour. And Saint Katherine Drexel would be pleased to know that there are parish families from all over the world: Togo, Philippines, Croatia, and Nigeria, to name a few places. Pastor James Duc Duong is from Vietnam. Read more about the grand transformation in the December issue of Greensboro's own O. Henry Magazine (here).

 

Gibbs Hundred Brewing Company

Gibbs Hundred Brewing Company will be leaving Lewis Street and relocating to State Street. The above photo shows the State Street location, on the Church Street side of State Street, near La Bamba. The building was formerly a metal tennis facility. In the new facility, they will have more fermentation tanks and an outdoor area. This move will provide Gibbs with 2,000 more feet of indoor space. Gibbs will change the footprint to the State Street area, where the closest brewery is Natty Greene's over at Revolution Mill. While close, Natty Greene's s not close enough to be in direct competition with Gibbs. Meanwhile, back at Lewis Street, the options for the over twenty-one crowd are many.

The new Gibbs looks lovely, against the backdrop of a Carolina blue sky and some white blossoms of spring. Hopefully, Gibbs will maintain their tradition of bringing in live music and music jams. When a group, like the Piedmont Old-time Society, is in the house, that acoustic sound is just so darned conducive to sitting and sipping. Best of luck to Gibbs. State Street has the potential to be amazing for walking around and enjoying an evening out with friends.

Core Life Restaurant at the Former IHOP Lot near Irving Park

Workers are making progress on the Westover Terrace lot where IHOP was formerly housed. Charting the progress since we featured it, mid-February (here), the IHOP sign is gone, the lot has been leveled and the building is going up quickly. The new building is much closer to Green Valley and Battleground, that was the IHOP. To the right, a utility company from Colfax was also on site. 

Core Life, the restaurant going up in this site, is part of a fast growing chain of restaurants with healthy "clean" food for healthy lifestyles. Hopefully, it will be well received by the local communities, the people of Irving Park & Kirkwood, the people who work in the businesses and health care  facilities nearby. This photo was taken on Monday and we're betting there are already drastic changes. Likely, the building on this .64 acre lot will be ready soon. It is fun to drive around on the weekends to see how Greensboro is changing. Have a great weekend, however, you decide to spend it.

International Women's Day- Greensboro Style

While in many people's hearts, every day is Women's Day, March 8th is officially International Women's Day. On Greensboro Daily Photo, we're sharing one more day at the Yanceyville Farmer's Market, because, as seen in the above photo, it is a popular meeting place for women. How wonderful that every single person in the photo is a woman and that nobody is alone. The women in the overflow/dining room are engrossed in a great conversation. The three women in the foreground, a generation younger are busy selling and making purchases. Nevertheless, they were not too busy to take a few minutes to talk to each other and enjoy each other's company.

This year's theme for International Women's Day is pay equity, which is said to be 200 years away, unless the trajectory changes. And, the International Women's Day organization hopes to keep this initiative on the front burner all year long. Here's to equity in the home, in schools, in the workplace, with friendships, at the farmer's market, EVERYWHERE; and in all domains. Happy International Day of Women. Please share your ideas for celebrating and recognizing women. 

Cornerstone Garlic Farm

As we Celebrate Women's History month, we are struck by all of the diligent women who farm, live close to the land, and share their bounty with the community. The above photo features Natalie Foster, who owns Cornerstone Garlic Farm with her husband Steve. While they are expanding their product line, Cornerstone Garlic Farm specializes in garlic and is one of the few North Carolina farms to offer seed garlic. Natalie is busy talking to a customer at the Yanceyville Farmers' Market. She has spring onions, great powered garlic, herbs and spices. Additionally, she sells some of the most colorful eggs around.

While their farm is in Rockingham County, she travels to Greensboro faithfully every week to bring one of nature's healthiest foods to our table. Got garlic? If not, head on over to the Yanceyville Curb Market. If you are trying to live a zero-waste lifestyle, take your own contaners, especially cartons for eggs.

Mighty Tendril

On any given day at the Yanceyville Curb Market, you can find farmers from age 20 to 80 selling their produce, and the farmers at The Mighty Tendril are on the younger end of the continuum. The mighty Tendril is owned by a young couple, who bill themselves as business and life partners- Emily and Adam. According to their website, Emily and Adam met at UNC Chapel Hill, where they became committed to healthy and locally sourced food. After graduating, they began farming and, in 2017, moved their operation, The Mighty Tendril, to Cedar Grove, just north of Mebane.

Every Saturday, The Mighty Tendril sets up a table at the Yanceyville Curb Market. You never know what intriguing vegetables they will bring and Emily and Adam are always so enthusiastic when talking about customers about fresh vegetables. The above photo features flowers that they brought to sell last weekend. Their bouquets are vibrant and always freshly picked. It is nice seeing farmers, young and old alike,  living their dream. This new generation of farmers is as passionate about farming as the older generation. Next visit, we’ll have to get a photo of them, if we can find a time we’re not interrupting their time with customers.

Bandito Bodega

Bandito Bodega, established 2016, is located at 1609 West Friendly Avenue. This Asian/Mexican flavor cuisine started as a food truck and now has a brick and mortar building. The restaurant, featured above, is tiny, seating about 17 customers. It is bright and cheerful and you don't notice how little it is once you are in there talking and enjoying the good food. After all, it has been said that tiny and local is the new "big". Bandito Bodega was filled this weekend, between people eating in and coming in to order takeout and it seems to be attracting people of all ages.

Business seems to be booming in Greensboro. Increasingly, Greensboro is getting more young entrepreneurs living their dream and opening small businesses. If you like Mexican food with a twist, you will enjoy Bandito Bodega. Happy Monday!

Farewell to the Reverend Billy Graham

Presidential Proclamation on the Death of Billy Graham:

"As a mark of respect for the memory of Reverend Billy Graham, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that on the day of his interment, the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on such day." President Donald J. Trump

Rev. Billy Graham first came to Greensboro to preach in 1951, nearly 67 years ago. He filled 15,000 seats at a time when the population of Greensboro was only 70,000. If this wiki list is complete, it appears that was the only time Rev. Graham held a crusade in Greensboro. The above photo was taken at the post office on Battleground Avenue, yesterday, in the plaza where Earth Fare is located.  May his family find comfort during this difficult time. 

Blooming Trees at L&O Body Shop on Burlington Road

Imagine driving back from Raleigh on I-40 West on a Friday afternoon when the traffic is bumper to bumper, getting off on Mt. Hope Church Road in McCleansville and seeing this beautiful scene. These trees are located on  Burlington Road on the lot of L&O Body Shop. The scene was so beautiful and peaceful, we had to pull into L&O's parking lot to sit and take in this beautiful sight. If you could see a 360 view, you would find somebody jumping a car. You would see workers trying to finish up work at a decent time on a Friday afternoon. You would see workers doing a double take, wondering if our car was there for service. L&O has been repairing car bodies, from fender benders to nearly totaled, since 1980. They are one of those businesses that you might not notice, until you need their services. But, those trees in full bloom, against a bright blue sky, command attention.

We also featured a nature shot on Greensboro Daily Photo yesterday, and don't want to go overboard with nature photos. However, spring is arguably the season when Greensboro is at peak beauty. Residents (and even car body shops) take great pride in their landscaping. We hope you don't mind our indulging our love of photographing signs of spring in Greensboro. Greensboro's natural beauty is worthy of this extra attention!

Tulip Magnolias Bloom and the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament 2018

The tulip magnolia, also known as mulan magnolia, it starting to bloom in North Carolina. With so many plants starting to bloom now, we've got to hope that they don't get too beaten down by rain. According to the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association, sugar maples should start blooming in the Piedmont this week too.

This is a busy weekend for Greensboro. Tonight is First Friday, so downtown will be lively. Also, the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament is in full swing at the Coliseum, culminating with the championship game to be played on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. We should all go out and support this series; no only because it is good basketball, but we want to show that Greensboro is a great basketball town. After all, spring and basketball tournaments just seem to go together. Happy Friday!

New York Pizza

Happy March 1st. The New York Pizza building is an interesting one. At one point, it was a gas station, and then Buffalo's, and now NY Pizza. As seen in the above photo, the metal facade reflects the setting sun, always managing to look shiny and polished. To the right, an outdoor seating area has been added on. To the side and behind the building are lovely trees already blossoming and in their full glory. They have been like this all week, which seems a little premature since there can still be ice storms in March. The blossoms are there for all to enjoy and are a sure sign of spring.

Yesterday's view of the construction at 2704 Battleground Avenue was taken from this parking lot. The road to the left is Martinsville Road. At one time, it must have lead all the way to Martinsville, Virginia. For now, it is a fast way to get from Battleground Avenue to Pisgah Church Road at Lawndale. Greensboro has many great establishments for pizza and NY Pizza is one of them.

 

Rice Toyota and Red Clay on Battleground

If you have traveled along Battleground Avenue, between Cone Boulevard and Martinsville Road, you have noticed the above scene. D.H. Griffin has been contracted to take out the little connector road and gas station beside NY Pizza. Rice Toyota will expand their footprint on Battleground. If you are accustomed to cutting through this road to Pisgah Church, the change will be quite an adjustment. 

Scenes like the one above remind us that regardless of what is on the surface, in Greensboro, red clay is only a shovel away. Piedmont clay is red because of its iron content; clay stains easily due to its fine particles. We can imagine the challenges this sticky substance created in the pre-asphalt era, especially during events like the 1781 Battle of Guilford Courthouse- only a couple of miles away. While red clay is the bane of the person doing laundry, North Carolina potters value red clay for its beauty when turned into vessels.  Not to worry. soon, the red clay on Battleground will again be neatly tucked under asphalt. 

Shoppes on Patterson

Shoppes on Patterson is a cavernous series of rooms and booths filled with collectibles. Different people rent the individual spaces where everyone from college students to interior decorators go to find just the right accent pieces. From the sleek to common, there is something for everybody. The shoppes have been on Patterson Street, between the Coliseum and Holden Road, for about twenty years.

Today's photo was taken across the street in the parking lot of Reconsidered Goods. Sunday's view of a  white building with the flat roofline, against the backdrop of a blue sky with puffy white clouds, was striking. This documentary approach to somewhat industrial images, with absence of action, juxtaposed with implied activity, is a nod to current trends in German photography.* Greensboro has some intriguing scenes that are fun to photograph. It would be interesting to see what photos German photographer Andreas Gursky would take on Patterson Avenue-  were to come to Greensboro.

*reference and additional information, here.

Listen Speakeasy

If you like intimate music concerts, you will love Listen Speakeasy. Most of their concerts are held at Morehead Foundry, with the entrance through the bakery into Hush!, a tiny space with one way in, no windows, a diminutive stage and room for 45 people to enjoy a concert. In yesterday's gathering, Riley Baugus, James Leva, and Leo Shannon, played a sold-out concert, delighting the audience with their old-time music. They entertained the audience with banjo, fiddle, and guitar music, mixed with some harmony singing. While almost every seat in the house is a good view, as seen in the above photo, your eyes have to adjust to the effects of black light lighting.

Peg Parham books the acts and manages the ticket sales for the Sunday and Monday Listen Speakeasy concerts. Attendees can purchase food and beverages at one of the restaurants at The Foundry. Yesterday, while most people ate burgers, one man had fried chicken on an open-face pimento cheese omelet.  The options were many. Yesterday, between 45 minute sets, many people stepped into the bakery for coffee and dessert while others stepped outside to converse as the audience was populated with fellow musicians and friends. The event was as intimate as a house party. If you haven't attended one of Peg's Listen Speakeasy events, or haven't obtained a membership to Hush!, you've got two new things to add to your list of things to do in Greensboro.

The Life Church

After nine years of featuring places of worship at least once a week, you would think Greensboro Daily Photo would run out of places to feature. One thing that adds to the weekly inspiration and options is the fact that some churches change hands. The above photo is of the church right across from Grimsley High School. It began as Westover Terrace Church. When Westover Terrace Church outgrew the location, Daystar moved in. When Daystar outgrew the location and recently relocated, The Life Church moved in. It is a multi-cultural and multigenerational congregation.

Yesterday, Life Church members wearing blue, church t-shirts were seen working hard getting the church ready for the new congregation about to inhabit the facility. Perhaps they know of the good karma surrounding the building and the fact that, if they are as successful as their predecessors, this congregation will outgrow the facility. This is such an interesting name, The Life Church. Local Pastors  Bill and Sharon Motley and Jeramie and Kendra Dawson are starting up Life Church. The are Christian, but with no apparent denominational affiliation. If you want to be part of the launch team of a church, this is your opportunity. As of February 2018, it is open for worship.

Piedmont One Mic Acoustic Convention (POMAC)

The Piedmont Old Time Society, based in Greensboro, North Carolina, is hosting the first annual Piedmont One Mic Acoustic Convention. The event will be held in Franklinville, Randolph County about 40 minutes southeast of Greensboro. This music convention will be held the first weekend in May, from May 4th-6th. There will be competitions for bands and individuals with up to $2,500 in prize money awarded. Singing and playing into one microphone evokes a sound of the early 20th century. There will also be camping, dancing, and workshops. The Franklinville community has been very generous and cooperative in helping make this festival a reality.

Meanwhile, in Greensboro, at Joymonger’s last night several Society members met to work on convention details. The individuals featured above, worked tirelessly for about three hours hammering out details. The Piedmont Old Time Society is comprised of local musicians, many of whom have their own string bands or singing groups. Their hope is for the festival to attract musicians playing Piedmont Blues, Old Time, Bluegrass, Irish, Cape Breton and any other acoustic music. In an era when so much music defies being conclusively categorized, the committee will simply embrace all acoustic music, as long as it is played into a single mike, the old-timey way.

Find out more about this great event through the website of the Piedmont Old-time Society, here.

Marykay Abuzuaiter

Marikay Abuzuaiter is an at-large Greensboro City Council representative. She was first elected in 2011 and, was re-elected in 2017 for a term that continues until 2021. According to her website, Marikay has served Greensboro as "the chair of the Municipal Planning Organization, the vice chair of the Human Relations Commission, and a member of the executive committee of the Family Justice Center and the boards of the Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation, FaithAction International, and the Piedmont Triad Regional Council."* She has also been also a local business owner for nearly three decades.

The above photo was taken at a last night's meeting of the Beta Delta Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society for Women Educators, held at the First Baptist Church. It is appreciated when politicians voluntarily come out to support community, civic, and professional organizations. Regardless of how political beliefs align, it is important to hear and be heard by representatives. Here is a video from 2009, where Marikay shares her views for the Greensboro Democracy Project.

*reference and more information, here.

Closet at Backpack Beginnings

Backpack Beginnings serves so many students in the Guilford County Schools. In addition to programs for providing food, school supplies, and hygiene products, Backpack Beginnings also maintains a clothing pantry. The clothing pantry, photographed above, provides clothing for all age groups from infants to high school. In anticipation of spring, as you are going through closets, if you have any gently used clothing that your children have outgrown, especially tennis shoes and light jackets, consider donating them to the Clothing Pantry for this very worthy cause.

If you have questions, you can email [email protected]. It is also quite possible that the social worker at the public school near you can help with donations. Often, school social workers are the contact person to help school children in need. The above photo was taken on a quiet Saturday. Weekdays are a different story when volunteers are sorting and hanging donations at their warehouse off Wendover Avenue.