Greensboro Daily Photo

Happy Thanksgiving 2018

The above photo features a teacher from Claxton Elementary (left) and one from Lindley Elementary(right) . They both agreed to compete in a "turkey trot" by dressing in turkey suits, dribbling down the court, making a layup shot and dribbling back to the starting point; all while their students were cheering them on. This fun rivalry transpired during the UNCG women's basketball game on Friday. As memory serves, Team Lindley won. 

The photo reminds us that, on Thanksgiving, enjoying each other's company is a big part of the holiday. Let us all give thanks for our GCS teachers who will do just about anything for their students, including dressing is giant turkey suits and waddling down a basketball court. Let us give thanks for our time with family and friends, and the food on our tables.

Happy Thanksgiving!

UNCG Basketball Lady Spartans

The UNCG women's basketball team played in Fleming Gym yesterday to a packed crowd. Guilford County Schools sent busloads of students from Claxton, Lindley Park, MCUNCG, and a few other schools. The students loved being there and cheered the Lady Spartans to victory. The public school students also enjoyed seeing their teachers compete in games during halftime. The final score was Young Harris College 29 and UNCG 62. So far, this Division 1 team is 2-2, undefeated at home. The women's basketball team was founded in 1969, four years after the institution began admitting men to the general student body.

If you are interested in seeing a game, their next home game is at 2:00 pm on Sunday against UNC Pembroke. If you are not doing a post-Thanksgiving drive, a good game of basketball would be a great way to bring closure to what, hopefully, has been a good Thanksgiving holiday weekend for all.

Santa at Summerfield Farms

Santa has already been spotted in Greensboro this year; well, in Summerfield. The above photo was taken at Summerfield Farms at the Vintage Holiday, Vintage Market Days. It was a weekend of fun with vintage and vintage inspired items. While all of the booths were under tents, the weather was perfect for this outdoor event and shoppers were out in droves.

Word has it that Greensboro folks are shopping earlier for Christmas this year. Also, people seem to be making a real effort to shop locally and to purchase gifts with a lot of meaning behind them. With events like the one above, and all of the cute, locally-owned stores, and pop up art events, there are plenty of options to keep your retail dollars in the community. Santa 100% approves of shopping locally. It is as easy for him to fit those local food, art, and craft items in his sleigh as it is for him to have them shipped. It is hard to believe that Christmas is only 35 days away. Ho! Ho! Ho!

Southeast Bottle Club's 2018 Greensboro Bottle Show

Yesterday, the Southeast Bottle Club held their 17th Annual Greensboro Antique Bottle & Collectibles Show at the Yanceyville Farmers Curb Market. There were 160 dealer tables with a selection of everything from antique bottles, jugs, insulators, advertising signs, and other collectibles related to bottles. They not only sold, but gave free appraisals. Appraisals always bring people out, even those who don't collect. The show started at 9am on Sunday and from nine until noon, it was packed. By 2:00 pm, when today's photo was taken, people had left and many dealers had packed up, too.

The upside of crowds dispersing is that dealers have all the time in the world to talk while they are painstakingly wrapping every single bottle by hand. Soda/pop bottles was the largest category offered at the show. Also popular were poison bottles, on average, ranging from $40- $100. Poison bottles were textured, so that people fumbling around in the dark or those whose vision was failing them, could tell by the feel that the bottle contained poison. Old bottles with labels intact are especially valuable. Some vendors had bottles of medicine made right here in Greensboro. If you are a bottle collector, you probably know that Vicks salve was created by Lunsford Richardson, a Greensboro pharmacist in the late 1800s. While he had a total of 21 home remedies, Vicks was the best-selling product. Got bottles? Check you attic and closets. You just may have great-great grannie's medicine bottles filled with a product made in Greensboro. Hold on to your bottles and take them to the show next year to get an appraisal. The show is held the third Sunday in November.

 

 

 

Pleasant Hill

While today's post was taken through the back screen door at Pleasant Hill Antiques, the focus is not so much the antique store, but about finding beauty when and where you least expect it. The antique shop in in an old log cabin that dates back to the 1830s. It is beautifully maintained and is now maintained by the son in law of the man who ran it as far back as twenty years ago.

Located at 3104 Pleasant Ridge Road in Summerfield, this rural piece of land reminds us that nothing is more spiritual and beautiful than nature. In the last 16 years, there has been a decrease of farmland  d by 600,000 acres in North Carolina. As our state's population continues to grow, it will be increasingly important to protect our farm and wood land. If you are in Greensboro, head out and pray or meditate in nature, or on some farmland, maybe even near Pleasant Hill!

Fall Leaves 2018

In Greensboro, we've had an interesting fall this year. At first, the leaves showed no sigh of turning colors. Then We had hurricane weather and rains that toppled trees and blew the leaves off of trees. Finally, there are signs of fall. Even thought the foilage is past peak, you can still find pockets of fall beauty. The above photo was taken on Beaman Place, near Grecade Street and Wendover Avenue. Curiously, on the left hand side of the photo, the leaves are plentiful and colorful. On the right hand side of the photo, the leaves are sparse and the whole scene is more monochromatic. Nature has a way of doing what it wants, especially this time of year.

We've already had a taste of winter, with some near freezing rains and overcast days this week. Yesterday, the skies were beautiful and the weather seemed like a mid-November gift. Hopefully, you will get a chance to get our and enjoy Greensboro's beauty this weekend. It is hard to believe that the above scene was located just off of one of Greensboro's busiest east/west roads. Happy Saturday!

Near Merritt Drive

Today's photo was taken on Spring Garden Street, near Merritt Drive. This part of town has changed considerable, since the cotton mill was torn down, apartments for college students were built up, and Deep Roots Coop moved from this area into downtown. The above building has an auto repair shop. In front of the Calen Servicio Mecanico, a food truck is parked. Food trucks are now quite popular in Greensboro and finding a spot to park them isn't always easy.

The spot is bright and cheerful, especially since this photo was taken on a bright, sunny day, earlier in the year. As you are out and about this weekend, try driving some of the roads in Greensboro that are off your beaten path. You just may find a new shop or service that you want to try out. Happy Friday to our readers in Greensboro and beyond.

Graffiti Under Wendover

 

 

Graffiti is something written or painted, usually with spray paint and without permission. It is often installed quickly, at night, and somewhere it will be seen. Many question whether or not graffiti is actually art. However, with internationally prominent graffiti artists like Keith Haring, Lady Pink, and Banksy, the genre is moving up in status.

Today's Greensboro graffiti is located under Wendover Avenue at Mill Street in Midtown. This isn't part of the mural initiative in that part of town. It isn't a thought-provoking comment by Banksy. No, this is the old-fashioned kind, where people write something that probably only means something to the artist. 7-2-17, what happened on that hot summer day a year and a half ago? While the above scene was not commissioned and is not particularly memorable, there is something appealing to the eye about the cross-like structure with colors that evoke a scene from the American southwest. Wonder what it will look like a year from now!

Susanne Baker's Paper

Yesterday,m we featured wrapping paper. Today, we feature handmade art paper by Susanne Baker. Susanne learned this ancient marbleizing technique, known as Ebru, thirty years ago at the University of Alabama. She has been perfecting her papermaking throughout the years. Susanne sells the paper and journals, notecards, and other items with the paper at the Yanceyville Farmers Curb Market. She sells every weekend and on special events, like the holiday market this past Sunday. You can also reach Susanne through her email at [email protected]     

This genre of aqueous art was first popular in Turkey and Central Asia over a thousand years ago. Susanne, currently teaches English to students whose home language is other than English. She loves her day job. However, her retirement plan is to dedicate herself full time to paper making. Susanne, who also has a library science degree, especially loves books that have marbleized, handmade endpapers. Consider getting some of the paper for your friends who appreciate handmade, beautiful, and local gifts. Below, you can see Susanne's paper used as a backdrop for a photo shoot. 

Innisbrook Wrapping Paper

Those of you in Greensboro with young adult children probably remember the Innisbrook wrapping paper fundraisers when your children were in elementary school. Innisbrook has been making high-quality wrapping paper for about thirty years now. What you may not know is that Innisbrook is a Greensboro company, located near the airport and Gilbarco at 422 Chimney Rock Road. 

The above photo features CEO David A. Worth and his son. They were both out at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market this past Sunday. David was selling wrapping paper at the "Made 4 the Holidays" event, and doing a little public relations for the company. David pointed out that, even though they don't do the school fundraisers any more, wrapping paper sales are on the upswing; possibly due to the fact that people order so much online and like to personalize items before gifting them. Today's artists are really coming up with creative designs for all occasions. Hopefully, Innisbrook will have a table at the "Made 4 the Holidays" event at the Farmers Curb Market on December 2nd, so that shoppers can say  everything about their gifts is local, from the actual items to the paper they are wrapped in!

Veterans Day 2018

Veterans Day has been somewhat extended this year, with many activities on Saturday, actual Veterans Day, and Sunday. Most of the big events have included, including the parade downtown and the flag raising and the presenting of the colors at Friendly Center on Saturday. However, today is the day the federal holiday is celebrated. Let's all take a moment to continue thanking our veterans. Veterans Day is a happier holiday than Memorial Day, he perfect day to thank family, friends, and other community members for serving.

The above photo was actually taken at the 2017 Veterans Day event at Friendly Center. Likely, the 2018 ceremony was very similar, with one big exception. Many participants and attendees loved going to Tex and Shirley's Restaurant in Friendly Center after the ceremony. Little children had the opportunity to see veterans up close. Veterans had the opportunity to linger and share stories over a cup of coffee and a good home-cooked meal. The restaurant closed in December last year; hopefully, the veterans have found a new place to find a cooked-to-order egg and a pancake, or two.

Thank you for your service!

 

Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus Council in Greensboro was formed in 1904, making it 114 years old. Greensboro's Knights Council is Council 939 and the building, constructed in 1983,  is located on Horse Pen Creek Road. The building is a great place for gatherings and a source of much fellowship for many of Greensboro's catholics. While most of Greensboro's Catholic churches are located closer to town, the council hall is conveniently located very near St. Paul's Church.

It is hard to believe that the organization was founded in Connecticut in 1882 to help Irish-Catholic men who were experiencing prejudice and hard times in general. At one time, Irish Catholic immigrants were discriminated against. The Catholic population in Greensboro really started to grow in the 1950's. Vic Nussbaum was the city's first Catholic mayor. Greensboro's KOC council is the largest in North Carolina and second oldest, being one year younger than the Charlotte council. Today, in Washington, D.C. they will be holding a Veteran's Day event. We're not sure if they are having any local services.  

Burn 24/7

Burn 24/7 is a North Carolina vanity tag spotted on a Honda a couple of months ago. It is pretty likely that the driver of this car loves to exercise- perhaps a person who works out at a cross fit box. 

It is the weekend, always a fun time to drive around and to try to see what vanity plates you can spot. Do you still play the game where you try to see how many different states you can spot? Greensboro, has gone from putting away Halloween decorations to preparing for Christmas.If you are trying to find things to do this weekend (other than look for interesting license plates), the local paper, the News & Record publishes information about a lot of events. See, here and we hope to see you there.

Southern Railroad in Gibsonville

Southern Railway in Gibsonville can trace its roots to the 1830s. This bright red caboose in the heart of downtown, is open to the public and young children delight in walking through it. In 2016, a plaque was placed in front of the caboose, informing readers that the town is named after plantation owner, Joseph Gibson, who had the area graded, making it possible for trains to travel from Charlotte to Morehead City. Once the railroad came through, Gibsonville industrialized, with textile mills being a key industry. 

It is hard to remember how much North Carolina used to depend on rail transport, how much North Carolina depended on cotton mills, on how much things have changed with cars, cell phones, computers, iWatches, Uber, virtual office headquarters, and all. Fortunately, in Guilford County, we have cozy little communities like Gibsonville, with artifacts like this little red caboose to keep history alive. If you want to see more, head to Gibsonville's "Lighting of the Greens" next Friday from 6-8pm. For now, celebrate Friday, the start of a weekend, and the beauty of our part of the country- then, and now!

Osage Orange in Yellow

It has been about six years since we featured an Osage orange on Greensboro Daily Photo. The ones from 2012 were bright green. The above fruit is yellow and looks especially bright in the recycled cat litter bucket. The Osage orange grows on a tree and the wood is especially versatile. The Native Americans used it for making bows because it is strong, flexible, and durable. Also, the wood burns at a very high temperature.

While the trees are widely distributed throughout the United States, they are not popular in urban and suburban areas because, if the land on your vehicles, they leave very big dents. The above mammoth fruit was found at Reconsidered Goods. We're betting the came from that tree in the Westerwood neighborhood as it has been dropping fruit lately. The sure do look lovely in bouquets- whether on tablescapes or cat litter buckets. As you prepare your home for Thanksgiving remember beauty abounds outside in Greensboro this time of year.

Post Election Day

Regardless of how you feel about the election results in Greensboro and beyond, almost everyone seems to be glad that this election cycle is over. The plus side is that locally and nationally, more people voted, realizing the importance of the process. However, the yard signs, billboards, memes, and less-than-kind words were stressful.

The above photo was taken this past Saturday between the Cultural Arts Center, the Church Street parking deck, and LeBauer Park. The sunlight was so beautiful, the grasses were at peak color, and leaves were starting to turn orange. It is noticeable that, while this photo was taken in an urban area, there is no signage; absolutely nothing has words on it. A lone, unidentified artist stands, deciding whether to turn right or left. In the distance, there are people enjoying each other's company in the park. The scene is calm and civil, a palate-cleansing, post-election view. 

The Barn at Coble Farm

The barn at Coble Farm looks so majestic up on the hill above West Friendly Avenue and near Guilford College. Those who follow local news know that it will be torn down as the nearby Quaker-affiliated retirement community, Friends Homes, expands. The possibility exists that someone can move the barn, although to do so would be quite expensive. This barn on a farm, once known as Sunnyhill Dairy, has already been moved once. In the 1940s, German prisoners of war were paid 80 cents a day to move it across the street to its present location.*

Word has it the barn is not in the best of shape; however, with that beautiful roofline, character, and the local history behind the structure, it would be fabulous if the architect for the retirement community could somehow build it into his plans. After all, they could hold barn dances there and invite the local community. Maybe the barn will be lucky enough to find a new home.

* reference and more information, here.

Gibsonville Garden Railroad

On the first Saturday of the month from 9am until noon, from April to December, the Gibsonville Garden Railroad comes alive. This little community that straddles Guilford and Alamance Counties has train aficionados who set up tracks and guide model trains through the park, while small children and adults alike watch with great joy.

According to their community website, the railroad garden on Main Street was founded in 1996 by Bobby Summers, a retired Freight Conductor on the Southern Railroad.* The 2,200 feet of covers a lot of North Carolina including Blowing Rock, Pilot Mountain, and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

On November 16th, from 5:30 to 8:30, Gibsonville will host their annual "Lighting of the Green" and weather permitting, the trains should be moving around the track. The antique store across the street will serve free pintos and cornbread and many groups will be singing. If you want to experience a great community event, take the 15 mile drive east of Greensboro and let the festivities begin.

*reference and more information, here.

8th Annual Día de Muertos Exhibition 2018

The Greensboro non-profit, Casa Azul, has installed a Día de Muertos/Day of the Dead altars in the Center for Visual Artists at the Greensboro Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street. The altars were assembled for First Friday this past weekend and will remain on display through the middle of November. For those who have questions, volunteers are available to explain the details of this religious holiday. Day of the Dead is a blend of Catholicism and Aztec traditions. Families make altars for loved ones who are no longer living. Each altar is special in its own way. The altar for the singer Prince (completely decorated in purple) is getting a lot of attention. There is also an altar for past administrators at UNCG.

Casa Azul began in 2010 in Greensboro as a group of artists and professionals to promote Latin-American arts and culture, to promote inter- and intra-cultural dialog. The Day of the Dead is a religious holiday often misunderstood by those who do not celebrate it, and assembling and sharing the altars is one example of the fine work on the part of Casa Azul. Happy Sunday!

Tis the Open House Season

And so it begins, Halloween is over, tis November, and the "open house" season has begun. And, pace yourself as cookies, pastries, free spirits, and cocktail nuts will abound. The above photo features one of Irving Park's newest shops, Sweet Tea Studio and Boutiqe at 1819 Penbroke Road. The shop offers a touch of giftware, intermingled with painted furniture, antiques, handmade items, and some factory-crafted items. The store consists of several small rooms that invite you to wander around. The store will offer classes, like painting with milk paint. There is always a lot of positive energy when a new shop opens up, especially around the holidays.

As a small suggestion, you may want to take a photo of where you visit and what you see that you want. It can be hard to remember where you saw something. Next time you are on Penbroke stop in and see the shop. On November 24th, they will host a mini-photo shoot with Santa. Be sure to call and schedule an appointment.

Tish Hinojosa at the Nasher Museum

Last night, the ever-talented, singer-songwriter Tish Hinojosa sang and spoke at the Nasher Museum on the Duke University campus. Tish performed as part of an event to promote the fall Music and Protest issue of Southern Cultures. This quarterly is published by the UNC Press with the Center for the Studies of the American South. Guest editor, Brendan Greaves introduced Tish and asked questions that lead to her telling stories about her creative process, which lead to stories about her family, life experiences, and activism through music.

While the Nasher is in Durham and not Grensboro, the current volume of Southern Cultures mentions Greensboro and events relevant to our city (the 1979 Greensboro Massacre, and the music of Rhiannon Giddens as two examples). The evening was free and open to the public, and what a treat, well worth the 45 minute drive. 

Since today is Day of the Dead, you may want to listen to Tish singing "Hasta los muertos salen a bailar". If you want to hear music that tells of the journey of Tish's parents to the United States, listen here. Finally, if you want a song about a mother's love for her child, listen, here.

Let's hope we can get Tish to return to North Carolina, and lure her to Greensboro next time. Happy Friday, dear readers!

New Garden Friends Halloween Graveyard Tour

Every Halloween, retired Guilford College Professor of Quaker  and Religious Studies, Max L. Carter, leads a tour of the cemetery behind the New Garden Friends Meeting on Guilford College Road. Last night, approximately 100 people gathered as Max wove Quaker lore and American history in with personal facts about people buried in the cemetery.* Given the recent killings, last night's tour had a special emphasis on social justice. Quakers are pacifists, helped lead slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad,  and have done so much to help advance the cause of social justice throughout the world. While being Quaker is not a requirement for being buried in the cemetery, most people at least have ties to the community. As an example, poet and UNCG professor, Randall Jarrell, was not a Quaker but loved taking walks through the cemetery.

Above, Max is featured holding his father's lantern that was used on their family farm in Indiana when he was growing up. Behind him are some of the interpreters who appeared "in character" at the graves to tell you about the people who are buried there. Max, who retired from Guilford College three years ago, knows the graveyard so well that he could effortlessly run through it on a moonless night, explaining who is where from memory. His pace was brisk, because he wanted to fit in as much information as possible. After the walk, everyone was invited in to the fellowship hall for coffee, hot chocolate, and tea. Everything was perfect about the evening- even the weather.

The November City Daily Photo theme is FRIEND and this photo is a natural, as Quakers are also known as Friends. See other friends from around the world, here.

*learn more about the event, here.

 

Adrienne Everheart and Friends

While at Leanne Pizio's "Keep it Local" art show this past weekend, Adrienne Everheart and her husband, Jeff Wagner met up with Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas. Adrienne, is a relationship coach specializing on feminine energy in a masculine energy world. Adrienne has a robust e-business with books, Youtube videos, and video conferencing. Additionally, she facilitates workshops on maintaining positive relationships.*

Jeff and "Sally" (Holly Larkin when she isn't in character) are both worthy of their own posts. Jeff is an author who writes books about music. Holly, is a face and body painter. She also applies henna tatoos and balloon animals. Adrienne and Jeff have been longtime readers of Greensboro Daily Photo, and Adrienne has e-mailed us several ideas for posts. She is a genuinely easy person to talk to, an essential skill whose is committed to bringing people together and keeping them in healthy and happy relationships. Adrienne, Holly, and Jeff all three generate a lot of positive energy when they are in your presence.

*To learn more about Adrienne's coaching, visit her website at EverheartCoaching.com

House on Mimosa Drive

This house on Mimosa Drive in Westerwood is right across from the Lake Daniel Park. Built in 1938, it is younger than many of the homes in Westerwood. However, it represents the character of this urban neighborhood. The painted brick home is well maintained, cozy, with charming landscaping. The house hasn't sold for over a decade. When houses become available in this Westerwood, they sell quickly.

If you had been to the chili cook off across the street from this house over the weekend, you would see why. Westerwood is a place where neighbors not only know each other, they enjoy socializing with each other, and work together to keep the area beautiful. 

Westerwood Chili Cook-off

Tis' the season for Brunswick stew, barbecue, and chili. Yesterday was the chili cook-off for the Westerwood neighborhood. Held in Lake Daniel Park by the tennis courts, the Westerwood chili cook-off brought neighbors together to see who could cook the best chili and to build community through eating together.

Westerwood is a downtown neighborhood of 650 homes build around the 1920s, just (you guessed it) WEST of downtown and convenient to everything. The community is full of character, partly due to its beautiful tree lined streets and partly due to the residents who work hard to keep the neighborhood a vibrant, dynamic place to live. As people were eating chili, the Westerwood String Band played old time tunes on their fiddles, banjos, and guitars. It was a perfect fall day for eating chili, listening to live music, and socializing.

If you are looking for a way to bring your own neighborhood together, consider putting on a pot of chili or stew and start inviting. Where there is good food, there will be people. Happy Monday!

Donkeys and Art

Hee haw, hee haw! These donkeys are braying the morning way to convince you to head out to Stealing Crow Farm on Highway 150, just east of Oak Ridge Military Academy (ORMA). Today, the "Keep It Local, Art and Pottery Show" will be held at 2409 Oak Ridge Road. There will be so much local art, from pottery to jewelry, to handmade dolls and so much more.

In addition, you will have the option to see some pretty cute animals, hear some music, and meet some great artists. This is the 20th year for this show. Twenty years of great artists from Greensboro and beyond! Wear a costume, or not. Nothing beats being out on a fall day and having the chance to own some really great art. 

Hunter's Moon 2018

This week was the Hunter's Moon, the first full moon after the fall equinox. It alerts hunters to stock up on meat for the winter. It reminds hunters and animals that winter is on its way. Since full moons rise at sunset and set at sunrise, they are first seen low to the ground and seem especially large. In the days pre electricity, they served as a powerful light source. If you are ever out walking in the light of a low, full moon, you know how dramatic the effect can be- especially on a clear night.

The above photo was taken near a the Farm Course of the Greensboro Country Club in northwest Greensboro. As this is the part of town where the airport is located, that stripe through the moon is probably a contrail. Since there is not much light pollution, the silhouette of the treeline frames the moon beautifully. If you are ever out near Lakes Higgins, Townsend or Jeanette, the views are spectacular this time of year. If you want a way to spend time on a lake, this Saturday and Sunday and next at 11:00 am, you can take a fall foliage pontoon tour on Lake Townsend. Reserve your spot by calling 336-373-3694.

VW Bus Spotted in Westerwood

This VW Bus with North Carolina tags was spotted recently in the Westerwood neighborhood behind the First Baptist Church. The first VW Bus was sold in the United States in 1950. It has always represented freedom and wanderlust, often owned by free-spirits or hippies. Flow Volkswagen of Greensboro sells them locally. They first became a Volkswagen dealership in Winston-Salem in 1961.

While the old VW models are fun and somewhat campy, new busses will be totally electric and state-of-the-art.  The I.D. Buzz will give strong nod to the original bus in form and function, with features that appeal to 21st century car owners.  They are slated to enter production in 2019. Perhaps the owners of the above VW Bus will be the first on their block to have one. Perhaps it will be a GDP reader!

Lotus Center on Lawndale Drive

Lotus Center is a facility with healthcare professionals who practice holistic medicine on Lawndale Drive near Target. According to their website,* the center houses a pharmacy of over 500 herbs and 200 prepared pills and tinctures. In the front yard, you will notice a tree that was likely uprooted during Hurricane Michael. 

If you notice, these professionals, who are grounded in natural, earth-friendly practices, have taken the tree and are sawing the wood in three inch planks that are about 2 1/2 feet by 7 feet. The wood looks like oak. It is solid, beautiful, with a nice grain. It will be interesting to try to find out what they are going to do with the wood. Whoever is cutting it is doing a fabulous job. The cuts look perfectly level.

*reference, here.

Triad Pride Performing Arts

Triad Pride Performing Arts had a booth set up on Sunday at the Pride event downtown. Triad Pride got its start in 1998 as a men's chorus and has been growing steadily since then. In 2016, the Triad Pride Men's Chorus added a sister organization, the Triad Pride Women's Chorus with an initial membership of 21 women. Today, the group is more inclusive, allowing membership to anyone who can sing the alto or soprano part and, in 2017, the non-profit changed its name to Triad Pride Performing Arts, acknowledging that other groups may want to affiliate in the future. According to their website, the organization's mission is to "entertain, enlighten, and enrich, while promoting equality and social justice for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity–fostering pride, understanding, and acceptance."*

They accept new singers in January and August; so, if you are interested in singing with them start practicing now. January is only three months away! They operate out of the Greensboro Cultural Center. Try to get by a concert if you can. They are very good!

* reference and more information, here.

Replacements, LTD Pride 2018

Replacements, Ltd. of Greensboro is known for more than its dishes and crystal. Replacements, just off of I-40 & 85 east of Greensboro, is known not only for replacing that broken piece of china and selling great Christmas ornaments, they are also known for having an inclusive work environment. To the owners of Replacements, partners are partners, regardless of how one identifies and whom one loves. They also have a canine-friendly work environment.

Today, Greensboro's Pride Parade was held downtown on South Elm Street. Not only was it an opportunity to take pride to the streets, the streets were lined with businesses and resources that are inclusive, respecting the rights of all individuals and couples. In the above photo, a young man hands out Replacements' complimentary rainbow buttons, with a smile. His proud mother beams with pride watching her son interacting with everyone who walked by.

Bee Positive

In Greensboro, with temperatures recently dropping to 39 degrees, summer is gone and fall is fleeting. So far, fall foliage is being stingy with color. The above photo cheats a little bit it, as it was taken at the recent fall flower sale at the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden in Kernersville. Hydrangeas were abloom in October and bees were busily working on the flowers. Hidden from view are price tags, shipping bins, hoses, a fence, tables, clipboards, and other items from the sale. Actually, the brilliant blue in the background is nothing more than a blurred tag. Today's Sunday reflection reminds us that, to an extent, we can construct what we see and how we perceive it. It is human nature to do so. With a little bit of effort we can find beauty in what we see. 

Greensboro is a beautiful place. Sometimes we get too bogged down in our own worries, disappointments, or political platforms to step back; or, in the case of the photo, zoom in to see the beauty around us. We hope that today, at least once, you will take a little time to find the beauty in our community- and your own life. That beauty can actually grow and spread and beget more beauty. Truly, it helps to bee positive. 

This Is My Home Now

The above photo features four people who were an integral part of the Greensboro-based film "This Is My Home Now." The film is about the Montagnard, the indigenous peoples of Central Vietnam. The Montagnard community has and continues to suffer political persecution for helping Americans during The Vietnam War. As a result, many members of the community have been resettled to the United States. The largest group of Montagnard outside of Vietnam is in North Carolina, and many have been resettled to Greensboro.

About five years ago, Mariah Dunn Kramer (right), then a graduate student at UNCG studying film, approached Dean MacLeod (2nd from right), then director of education at the Greensboro Historical Museum, about making a film on the Montagnard community of Greensboro. Intentionally, Montagnard students are the dominant voice in the film. Mai Butrang (3rd from right) and Sun Bujri (on the left), both Page High School students at the time, played an integral part in the film. The four panelists were at the Friday Center in Chapel Hill yesterday for  a screening of the film at the World View K-12 Symposium. While everyone in the above photo now works elsewhere and only two remain in Greensboro, sometimes the stars align and great things happen. If you get a chance to see "This Is My Home Now,"  you will get a glimpse in to the challenges of immigration, from the perspective of Montagnard teens who struggle to navigate high school and their own identities, while helping their parents adjust to life in America. 

Public Safety Training Facility

At 1510 North Church Street, near Moses Cone Hospital, the City of Greensboro has a state-of-the-art Public Safety Training Facility. The 54,000 square foot building was completed in 2003, costing $8,000,000. Some days, when driving by, all seems quite. Other days, the facility is bustling with police and firefighters in training. Sometimes, the structure in front has fires that they are for training purposes. It is highly likely that those wooden palates will go up in flames when they are practicing. To be sure, with the recent storms and power outages, our very hardworking public servants put their skills into action, and for that, Greensboro is grateful.

If you have ever driven to Moses Cone Hospital or any of the nearby medical offices, it is highly likely that you have seen this facility.

Rankin Place Beauty

Walking around College Hill after Hurricane Michael, it was surprising to see all of the big trees that weathered the storm. This blue and pink beauty at 804 Rankin Place has this giant tree on the left that amazingly held up during the high winds. The house was built in 1905, the tree may have been planted around the same time. Both are going strong. How wonderful. Greensboro has so many lovely places and College Hill is one of the oldest neighborhoods. Somehow this house just looks like it should be painted pink and blue. 

Happy Wednesday. We hope you find time to get out and enjoy the lovely homes of Greensboro before the weather turns and the days becomes short!

Tate Street Festival

The Tate Street Festival was held this past weekend on, you guessed it, Tate Street, just east of UNCG and west of Greensboro College. The weather was perfect and the crowds were respectable. There were booths with crafts and artesania, performers, food stands, and King Banana from Smoothie King. He was such a hardworking, happy person giving people samples of smoothies.

The Tate Street Festival began in 1973, with the primary goal of making people happy.* While the 70s saw many hippies up on the hill, this past Saturday, there were as many families with children as there were hippies. From the Ecuadorian family selling clothing and jewelry from South America to the local students selling their wares, to the person making henna tattoos,-this family friendly event was the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon, getting away from the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. As for being "happy",  it is not possible to be in a bad mood when someone in a banana costume is smiling and sharing free samples. 

 

*reference and more to read, here.

Centenary UMC

The pumpkin patches are out at the local churches. The above church is Centenary United Methodist Church on Friendly Avenue, near Elam. This church could well have been one of the first. Jim Schlosser wrote an article for the News & Record in 2005, stating that Centenary had been selling pumpkins for 30 years, since 1975, making it 43 years now. * We don't know about current sales, but in the 2005 article, it was reported that they sell about 4,000 pumpkins. 

If you are looking for a pumpkin and want to start a tradition with some young children, take them to one of the pumpkin patches at a church. Those are some memories that will last a lifetime. On the day this photo was taken, a little one was having a really hard time picking the ideal pumpkin. His conversation with his parents was so cute. Happy Sunday!

 

* News & Record reference, here.

House on Meadowbrook Terrace

This house, built in 1925,  on Meadowbrook Terrace in Old Irving Park is a beauty. At over 6,000 square feet, this five bedroom/five bathroom house is much larger that it appears to be when looking at the street view. Those angles add such a distinctive element. While, according to Zillow, it is valued at near the $2million mark, there is not indication that this nearly-100-year-old home will be for sale anytime soon. 

This home is so charming and typical of the combination of elegance and a touch of uniqueness that makes the neighborhood so special. Another bonus, if you are a golfer or one with a robust social calendar,  Meadowbrook Terrace is located close to the Greensboro Country club. Those trees are hinting at fall colors. This yard with mature plantings will be fun to watch as the season changes. Let's hope it didn't suffer any damage from Hurricane Michael. Happy Saturday, from Old Irving Park and beyond!

Pho Hien Vuong

Pho Hien Vuong, the fabulous Vietnamese Restaurant located at 4109 Spring Garden Street was packed, several times over, last night. With so much of Guilford County out of power, people got very creative about finding ways to get a hot meal and out of the dark. This family-owned restaurant has been a Greensboro institution since 1996. The Hien Vuong family cooks are known for recreating the flavors of southeastern Vietnam, using lots of spices, fresh vegetables, and meats, while using very little oil. The kitchen and waitstaff seemed very undaunted by the large parties of guests on a Thursday night. 

Hopefully, everyone is safe today with the power back on. With so many neighborhoods with downed power lines, flooding, and trees blocking roads, there is much work to be done. With the current situation throughout the county, it is best that children are staying put at home- or out eating warm noodles and broth with loved ones.

As ready as Greensboro was for Hurricane Florence, it seems as if Hurricane Michael took the community a little by surprise!

Arboretum Time

The Greensboro Arboretum off of Market Street is just such a beautiful place to visit and to take photos, allow us to share one more picture of this mom pointing out plants to her chid during their time at Art in the Arboretum this past Sunday. How wonderful to have parents who take their children to these open, public spaces and teaches them to appreciate places that are free to all with no strings attached. The City of Greensboro has a great system of public spaces and collaborates with many organizations to keep the spaces vibrant and filled with interesting events.

The photo is a little smoky, due to the many food trucks that were to the side of the photographer. But the hazy look adds to the ambience of the photo. Let us all remember that we have local florist, nurseryman, and horticulturist, John Van Lindley (b. 1838- d. 1918) to thank for much of this open, public space and this love of plants and flowers. He operated the New Garden Nursery, the first of its kind in North Carolina. Were he alive today, he would love seeing the wide variety of plants in the Arboretum.

We hope you have a wonderful Thursday and that, by the time you read this post,  Hurricane Michael has broken up and fizzled into nothing more than some heavy rains.