Greensboro Daily Photo

Kathy Clark and the Really, Really Free Market

Today, we are featuring Kathy Clark (in red above) and the Really, Really Free Market. Local artist and teacher, Kathy Clark has been organizing and hosting the event for several years now. Kathy's event is always held on Black Friday, with the idea that there alternatives to spending the day competing with each other for door buster specials. At the Really, Really Free Market, people bring items to give away and may take what they want for free. There is no obligation to bring something to take things. The only rule is that no money changes hand, well, and that everyone treat everyone with dignity and kindness. Nobody has to qualify to participate. Everyone is invited.

Yesterday, the event was held at 1417 Glenwood Avenue at the Christ United Methodist Church. Participants were treated to food by Brigett through the non-profit Blessing Box Ministry, based out of the Sharpe Road Church of Christ.

The first Really, Really Free Market took place in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2003. The event is an effort to counteract capitalism and excessive consumerism. The local event attracted people from all walks of life. Some of the items were really, really nice, like beautiful picture frames never taken out of the box, nearly-new purses, and silk blouses. Other items were a little quirkier, like dog shoes that the dog wore "all of 30 seconds", a lone sweet potato, and books on anarchy. Most items found a home quickly. Those that remained were left for Kathy to gather and drop off at a nearby thrift store. A heartfelt thanks to Kathy and all who were involved in the event, including Bridgett, the Blessing Box Ministry, and the Christ United Methodist Church. Mark your calendar for Black Friday next year. And, start saving items to share.

Thanksgiving Sky... and The Really, Really Free Market

The Thanksgiving sunrise in Greensboro was so beautiful yesterday. It was a perfect fall day with the temperature reaching 57 degrees. Evening was also a special treat with the waxing crescent moon visible in the wester sky just after the sun dipped below the horizon. This first phase of the new moon appears as a crescent sliver to the right and the whole form of the moon is visible. Those who braved Round 1 of Thanksgiving weekend shopping surely noticed this beautiful moon.

As for today, a very special event is happening in the Glenwood neighborhood of Greensboro. Kathy Clark has yet again organized the "Really, Really Free Market." Today, from 10am - 2pm, at 1417 Glenwood Avenue, in the Christ United Methodist Church lot, people will be bringing and taking items and no money will exchange hands. This is such an environmentally friendly way to spend the day. Besides, giving used items it trending; so, you can help the environment and be right in style. Hope to see you there. If you see Kathy, be sure to thank her and, if you have some time on your hands, ask her if she needs any help! Here is an old photo of the event.

Thanksgiving 2019

Finding Thanksgiving "spirit" houses is not nearly as easy as finding yards celebrating Halloween and Christmas. However, there is one great home on the westernmost edge of Kirkwood at 2306 North Lawndale Drive. These houses, just north of Rosecrest Drive have made a real effort to create a sense of community. The above single-family home was built in 1947.

Today, we hope you have a chance to gather and celebrate family, friends, life, and fellowship. May you have a great Thanksgiving, and, if you drive along Lawndale drive, look for the single family dwelling with a yard full of thankfulness.

Happy Thanksgiving!

On Wendover Avenue

This grainy, cell phone camera captures the pulse of traffic leaving and coming to town for the Thanksgiving weekend. The photo was taken on Battleground Court, which is about as close as you can get to Wendover Avenue without being on Wendover! The background captures the sun setting on the Greensboro skyline. The iconic, Lincoln Financial building is seen on the right. The red strip above the white car is the Sheetz station across from Red Cinema.

If you are on the highway this weekend, be careful. If you are shopping, be extra nice to those employees who are helping you. If you are family, let them know how thankful you are to have them. Have a great rest of the week, regardless of how you will be spending it. Let us mention that we are extra thankful that you take the time to read our posts.

Gearing Up for Black Friday

Have you made your (shopping) list? Are you checking it twice? The iconic Friendly Center her been growing and changing since it was first built in August 1957. For over 60 years, it has been a major destination for the residents of Greensboro. The above photo features the "new" section, built at the area where Burlington Industries used to have a building.

In the above photo, you see a pair of fiberglass jeans,* a series of artwork representing the textile industry in Greensboro. Behind the jeans is the Santa shed (between Ben and Jerry's and Harris Teeter). If you drop off a toy for Toys for Tots at Ben and Jerry's, you get a free scoop of ice cream. You could do that with a child and then take them to get a photo with Santa. Such are the makings of holiday traditions with the little ones. Monday evening, the parking lot was full, as many people were out purchasing food for Thanksgiving. Imagine the energy and deals you will experience on Black Friday. Don your favorite pair of jeans and meet your friends by the jeans!

*The artist is Darlene J. McClinton, M.F.A. and the project was for Wrangler, Cone Denim.

Communal Dining

Yesterday, the CBS Sunday Morning Show featured a segment on redefining dining where malls are redesigning empty space into dining destinations. Often, in these spaces, people who don't know each other sit together. The above photo features the chef cooking at Sapporo Fantasy Japanese Steak and Seafood House.

Sapporo, located on North Battleground Avenue in the same plaza as EarthFare, has been open for at least a couple of decades. They have seating people the communal dining format long before it was trending. Usually 8-10 people are seated around the hibachi grill and the chef comes in and performs his culinary magic for the whole table. By the end of the meal, chances are everyone at the table enjoyed the evening. Also, it is very likely someone is having a birthday. The crew will come out and sing for you.

Even though we don't have a destination food hall yet, it is nice to have places like Sapporo where eating together makes people more inclined to enjoy the experience and talk, rather than being on their phones. As they say in Japanese, before eating a meal, Itadakimasu!

Westboro Baptist Church

Westboro Baptist Church is known for its controversial signs that often incite anger in counter protesters. They came to town last Monday and visited several public spaces near schools. The group was founded by Fred Phelps and they held their first service in 1955. The core members are Phelps' decedents. They get a lot of media attention for their actions. 

In Greensboro, community members came out by the hundreds to counter protest and got their points across, yet to our knowledge, nobody was cited for responding inappropriately. Balancing freedom of religion and freedom of speech and believing in the inherent worth and dignity of humans from all walks of life can get complicated. 

Happy Sunday. May it be a joyful one.

Quaker Village Is Getting a Facelift

Quaker Village is getting a facelift! Trending on social media are those photos from 2009 and then, ten years later to 2019. We happen to have a 2009 photo of Quaker Village, taken in the first year of Greensboro, see here. In 2016, we published another photo with better information, here. The strip mall opened in 1964, so, now, it is officially a senior citizen 55 years old. The 44,000 sq. ft. shopping center across from Guilford College filed for bankruptcy in 2010, but appears to be back on its feet.

The businesses are open, but it can be a little challenging to find the entrances. Please continue to patronize the shops. Once you get past the chain link, you have the same great businesses inside. Since the Wal-Mart neighborhood store opened on the back side of the Quaker Village,  the other sides of QV are a lot more accessible. Happy Saturday! 

The Dunleath Neighborhood

The Dunleath Historic District is so diverse. You can find people in all walks of life at this neighborhood, formerly known as Aycock. The above photo, taken a couple of weeks ago is of a resident cooking Cajun food on a grill on the front lawn and, oh how great it smelled.

Hopefully, you will have a little time to drive around and enjoy the beauty of Greensboro this weekend. If you are at the Greensboro Curb Market on Yanceyville Street, take a little detour around the Dunleath neighborhood. To be sure, people are friendly and they take a lot of pride in the neighborhood. Read the fabulous history of the Dunleath neighborhood, here!

Gilbarco Veeder-Root

Gilbarco Veeder-Root is located on W. Friendly Avenue right where it feeds into West Market Street. The company is headquartered in Greensboro and has a manufacturing plant here. In 1994, the company received recognition for being one of America's top 10 plants. They launched a production system known as Continuous Rapid Improvement System of Production or CRISP. The company supplies automatic tank gauging and fuel management programs, so it makes sense that they are located by all of the storage tanks off of Market Street and Burnt Poplar Road. 

The company was founded in 1870, so it has been around for nearly 150 years. Perhaps they will have a big celebration for their sesquicentennial next year. As for today, the 70's looking, minimalist, stark white building looks fabulous with Sunday's wavy clouds and blue sky in the background.

Wavy Sky

This past Sunday, the sky over Greensboro was filled with wavy clouds. The sun was shining, but it was cool, and the clouds looked like visible waves of wind. The above photo was taken on Gallimore Dairy Road, facing north in the direction of the airport. It seems like fall weather is conducive to interesting skies.

Are you a skywatcher? If so, pay special attention to the fall sunsets. Let us know if you have suggestions for the best places in Greensboro to weather watch. We often get that question, especially regarding viewing a full moon low to the horizon. We tend to go for serendipity and pull off the road as we see something photo-worthy. However, we'd love to have so me "go to" spots.

Happy Wednesday. Feeling groovy from the positive effects of this groovy wavy skyscape!

The First Amendment

Yesterday, a group that pushes the envelope with respect to First Amendment rights, assembled in several places around Greensboro and High Point. Westboro Baptist Church assembled and with signs that incited very strong reactions from the liberal groups they were targeting.

Above was part of the crowd at one of their Greensboro stops; specifically, at the corner of Josephine Boyd and Spring Garden Streets. The counter protest of people assembled was peaceful, determined to send a message of tolerance and love. There was an impromptu band in the background that, at one point, was playing Baby Shark. Throughout there were hundreds of counter protesters dancing and chanting along the way. At the end of the day, the protests were peaceful and participating students got a good lesson on the right to free speech and to assemble peacefully- even when the message is hurtful.

Peggy Wynn, Crafter Extraordinaire

Local crafter Peggy Wynn does it all! Her first profession was in healthcare and her second was as a librarian. Now, Peggy is retired and makes craft items. We caught up with her yesterday where she had a booth at Temple Emanuel, selling her tote bags made from feed sacks. They are so colorful, durable, and reasonably priced. Peggy likes the idea of up cycling and keeping plastic bags out of landfills. She loves the fact that most of her friends with animals send the empty feed sacks her way. Peggy also makes soaps from essential oils. She is a great seamstress, but primarily makes pie and casserole carriers to sell. Peggy recalls fondly learning to sew in home-economics class in junior high, back in the day when girls took home-ec and guys took woodworking. The multi-talented Peggy also sings with several local choirs, including Triad Pride. 

Peggy will host a fabulous art and craft show with several other artists on Saturday, December 7th at 2103 Mimosa Drive from 10 am to 4pm. If you want one of these feed bags, some great soap, or other unique holiday gifts, mark your calendar to attend her December event.

Northside Baptist Church: A Little History

Northside Baptist Church is part of the Revolution Mill Community. Many of the community members have ties to the neighborhood that date back to the beginning of the 20th century. Cypress, Maple, Church, Cornwallis, Yanceyville, are all streets is the local area. The church, located at 1100 East Cornwallis, was founded in 1907. The building and congregation have changed quite a bit since the early years. However, the vision of loving Jesus and glorifying Christ and sharing God's love through worship remains constant.

To add a little perspective, Greensboro was founded in 1808 and a Baptist church was first consecrated in Greensboro in 1859*, so Northside was founded nearly fifty years after the Baptists first organized in Greensboro. At that time, the above church truly was way north of town! Nearby Revolution Mill opened in 1898 so Northside was built less than ten years later to accommodate the Baptist mill workers in the community, surrounding the mill. The mills in Greensboro have so much history and one of the best places to go to learn more is the Greensboro History Museum.

*reference and additional information, here.

Still Fall and Still Time to Enjoy the Corner Market

Blink and all of a sudden it is the fourth quarter of the year, winter is almost here, and it is cold. However, as seen in this recent photo, taken at the corner of Walker and Elam, fall is still holding on. If you are reading this post on Saturday morning before noon, hopefully you know that the Corner Market will be going strong. Since 2013, the organizers have worked hard to build community, nourishing both body and soul.

There is usually a nice variety of produce, meat and dairy, baked goods, and arts and crafts. On the day the above photo was taken, the Appalachian Brewing Company was making their rounds in their tan and green van, making sure that the stores on this corner were stocked with their specialty brews. Have a nice Saturday and consider getting out to one of our many local markets to make new friends and get some great local nourishment.

Leaves Browning

For some reason this view on Mill Street, from the parking lot of the Red Collection, is just so beautiful. Even now that these trees are browning, they look so beautiful. The stripes on the road and the parking lot edging, as well as the wiring, frame the photo. Sometimes photos that are more monochrome make a statement. Greensboro has been unseasonably cold this week. Hopefully your heating system is working and you have changed the filters.   Today the temperature is predicted to reach 50 degrees. That will feel like a heat wave! Have a great weekend. Take some time to appreciate the beauty of nature. There is plenty to appreciate in Greensboro. Have a great weekend.

Park Avenue Beauty

Today's sweet little home is located on Park Avenue in the Dunleath neighborhood (Formerly Aycock Historic District). The Park Avenue/Yanceyville area is just a block away from the Greensboro Curb Market and the old War Memorial Stadium. According to online real estate sources, this three bedroom, two bathroom home was build in 1996. That turquoise house is such a pop of color if you aren't expecting it. It was especially beautiful this past Saturday when the sun was out and shining brightly.

Many of the homes in this historic neighborhood are over 100 years old. Likely, this home has been rebuilt. Over the last few years, this neighborhood has really increased in price. A one-story home like this one is very appealing, especially for people who want to be close to town.

Hand to Hand Market

The "Hand-to-Hand Holiday Market" was held at Revolution Mill this past weekend. Self-care through the holidays was the theme for this year's event. The hand-to-hand name is reference to the fact that hands set us apart as humans and connect us to each other. Greensboro has some great crafters and Sunday's market featured many makers.

Against the backdrop of a cotton mill built in the early 20th century, several artists, crafters, and entrepreneurs were on hand to offer their products to the public. Lisa Skeen was one of the artists, selling her beautiful, enameled jewelry. She also offered very-tasty jams, jellies, and pickled watermelon rinds. Lisa grows much of what she cans. Her peach chutney and scuppernong spice jam are sure to be holiday favorites. If you missed the market this past weekend, tis the season and there will be plenty more opportunities in Greensboro.

As for Lisa, her work is available at Irving Park Frame in Irving Park, The Butterfly Effect on Sandy Ridge Road, and, this Saturday, she will be one of the artists selling at "Holiday at the Playhouse" at 3611 Belmont Street in Greensboro from 9am-3pm. We forgot to snap a photo of Lisa, but we didn't forget to stock up on her jam and chutney!

 

Boy Scouts of America Troop 144

Urban exploring can be so much fun. Yesterday, we were exploring the Holden Road area and, at the corner of Walker Avenue and just behind Lindley Park Baptist Church, this little log building was spotted, just glowing in the sun. It was the chinking shining in the sun that made the building noticeable from the road. The chinking appears to be made from red clay and other earthy materials. The sign over the door reads, Van P. McClellan, Jr. BSA Hut- Troop 144.

We were convinced that a google search of the name Van P. McClellan, Jr. would provide details about his being a scout troop leader, eagle scout, or someone very involved with Boy Scouts. Instead, the first thing that comes up is from the U.S. Patent Office. On Nov. 6, 1967, Van P. McClellan, Jr. of 608 Scott Avenue filed for a patent for the invention of a mop head.* If you know someone from Troop 144 please ask them how the building got its name. It is hard to believe that this beautiful little log cabin has stood the test of time and that it is hidden in plain view!

*reference, here.

Veterans Day 2019 at Guilford County Veterans Memorial

Happy Veterans Day. The big Veterans Day Parade was held downtown Greensboro on Saturday and many of the events today cater to the veterans themselves. However, if you are looking for a quiet space to reflect and learn more about war and service to nation, the Guilford County Veterans Memorial in Country Park is a good place to start. You can read about all branches of the service and learn about American conflicts in the 20th century, this space is a good one. The memorial was dedicated in 2002 and for 17 years, has served as a great resource for the city. 

The memorial isn't too far from the science center, if you are out walking in Country Park, check it out. The tapered pillar, obelisk in the center is especially beautiful on a sunny day with the lighting and changing foliage of the fall.

Happy Veterans Day. Be sure to thank the veterans in your life and in your community. They have made very big sacrifices for our country. For better or worse, most have memories that will last a lifetime. Happy Veterans Day... and thank you!

 

Jewish Happenings in Greensboro

It is hard to believe that a week has passed since the Jewish Festival at Temple Emanuel last Sunday. The above photo features the ticket counter for purchasing food tickets for the event. The Jewish community has played a leadership role in Greensboro since the early 1800s. The Cones, Sternbergers, and Schiffmans are a few of the early families. In addition to events held at local temples and synagogues, the Jewish Federation (located on West Friendly Avenue) also hosts events. On December 8th, the Jewish Federation will hold an 80th year celebration at the Greensboro History Museum. AND, if you don't want to wait until December 8th, mark your calendar for this Friday's PJ Library event at 5:30. 

Happy Sunday and Shalom!

 

Country Outbuildings

Country outbuildings can be so charming, especially to the people who spend time in them. This one is located on the southeast end of Summerfield, almost backing up to 220 north. The man who owns it got the driving range sign from his buddy in Monroeton, who got a new sign for his driving range. This little building looks like it could be quite the man cave.

The man who owns this property was so nice to talk to, a person who remembers the way things used to be, someone whose dog is always by his side, someone who takes time to stop and chat with passersby, and remembers the days when life was a little less hectic. Do you like outbuildings? Do you have anywhere fun to spend time when you want to get out of the house? Do you like to talk about old time ways? The more rural areas on the outskirts of Greensboro are so fun to explore. Today would be a good day to drive around and enjoy the serendipity of what you might find. Happy Saturday! 

Alison Saar, Artist

Alyson Saar flew in from the Los Angeles area, specifically Laurel Canyon, to speak at the Weatherspoon Art Gallery about her prints on display in the museum. Saar spoke to a full audience about her art, its themes, and the creative process. The topics of history, race, and mythology  are present in her work. Saar, who identifies as African-American, but is often assumed by others to be white, grew up with her artist/mother's bi-racial family, a source of great inspiration for Alyson. Her mom, Betye is a very talented artist, too.

If you want a chance to see Saar's art, head to the Weatherspoon and remember, as always, the museum is free. Saar's art will be on display until February 2020. Visiting the Weatherspoon would be a great way to spend some time this weekend. Saar may not still be there, but she will be there in spirit through her great artwork. While Laurel Canyon gets lots of recognition for all of the performing artists in the area, there are also visual artists in the area; Saar and her mom among them. In the above photo, she is taking to an audience member from her talk last night.

Backup Camera View

Do you ever get the feeling that the view from the backup camera is more attractive than what is ahead. Such was the case the other day at the corner of Patterson and Holden Road at the Red Collection. The front view was simply a busy intersection with vehicles desperate to zip from Point A to Point B. In the rear was a bright blue sky wrapped around the facade of the consignment store. This area of Greensboro, near the Coliseum complex is a fun one to visit if you like consignment stores, thrift stores, and up cycling.

The take away message is to sometimes change your view a little bit: Look up, down, and behind. Of course if you are driving, looking ahead is the top priority. Happy Thursday.

Folk Dances at Van Dyke Performance Space

Folk dances were a big part of the Day of the Dead event at the Cultural Arts Center this past Friday. Folk dancers performed in front of a full house at the Van Dyke Performance Space. If we remembered correctly, the above photo features the dance where indigenous dancers wore costumes that poked fun of their European colonizers. 

The audience really loved all of the dances and, at the end, spectators were invited to the stage to have photos taken with performers. Many people in the audience dressed or wore makeup to celebrate Day of the Dead and they looked right at home with the performers. The Van Dyke Performance Space is a nice, small venue to see special events and was perfect for the event that was made possible through Casa Azul and many sponsors.. 

Pedal Boats at Country Park

Country Park has a great assortment of pedal boats. They look so lovely corralled at the launch on the lake just behind the science center. They are open from May through October on weekends and holidays and are available for 30 minute rentals. One to four people can ride in the boat. Imagine the memories that can be made riding around in one of these fiberglass animals. Everyone has a personal favorite. 

Country Park and the Greensboro Science Center are transforming before our eyes. It is so important to have public parks. For-pay activities like pedal boats are OK, provided there are also free activities. At no cost to users, Country Park is a lovely setting for walking a dog, running, enjoying nature, and riding a bike.

The day we were walking by, we felt compelled to burst out in song, "Fiberglass duckie, you're the one, you make pedal boating lots of fun. Fiberglass duckie, we're awfully fond of you!" We'll be back for a ride in May!

SHALOM Y'all

SHALOM is the Hebrew term used for greeting and leave-takings and meaning "peace." Yesterday, the letters stretched across the entrance to Temple Emanuel, greeting people who attended the Jewish festival. The strong rays of the sun made daylight savings time a little more palatable. As the sun moved through the sky, inside, the temple was filled with people enjoying good food and fellowship.

Like many of the religious and ethnic festivals in the community, the Greensboro Jewish Festival is open to the public and is a fabulous opportunity for the non-Jewish to learn more about the practices, products, and perspectives of the religion. By the looks of the cars in the parking lot and stretching down Jefferson and Hobbs Road, half of Greensboro was in attendance. The first food to run out was matzo ball soup. Perhaps people were purchasing this little bit of homemade goodness to have on hand through flu season.

What isn't visible in the photo is the second word, "Y'all." So today's food for thought is "SHALOM, Y'all"- such an important message and a great blending of languages.

The Full Gospel Worship Center

The Full Gospel Worship Center, located at 7315 Summerfield Road looks like a quiet storefront at the edge of town. It is a very different place on Sunday morning at 10:30 am, when members of the congregation come out to hear Pastor Michael Bayness preach a service. A full gospel church usually ascribes to the doctrinal teachings of Pentecostalism and Charismatic Christianity. When Pastor Bayness is preaching, the building comes alive with his high-energy, hands-on approach to worship.

Meetings are also held at 6:00 pm on Sunday evenings and 7:00 pm on Wednesdays. The metal sign on the Pleasant Ridge side of the building reads ,"Come Worship With Us." If you ascribe to the full-gospel beliefs, this church would be a good option for you. If you plan to attend tonight, remember that, with the time change, evening comes earlier and the sun sets at 5:21 today. You will be navigating in the dark!

Day of the Dead

Last night, at the Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street in downtown Greensboro, it was as if the community were transported to Mexico to the Day of the Dead celebration. The above photo shows the gallery where Casa Azul set up the altars and offerings to remember people who were no longer with us. It is the belief a person stays alive as long as someone on earth remembers them. At the cultural arts center, there is a creative altar featuring the characters in the movie "Coco." There are more personal altars where people remember their parents and siblings. The UNCG Languages, Literatures, and Cultures department has an altar for Spanish professor Dr. Amy Williamsen who died this past year. 

The exhibit is still open and is a great opportunity to see first-hand the products of the Day of the Dead and to gain an appreciation of the practices and perspectives centered around the Day of the Dead. As children entered the exhibit last night, you heard exclamations of "oooh, aaah." It is not a time to be afraid, but a time to celebrate lives well lived and people who have been well loved.

Day of the Dead

The above advertisement is for the Day of the Dead display hosted by Casa Azul, downtown, in the Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street. While this display is for the event a couple of years ago, the same event opens tonight at 6:00 p.m. You won't want to miss it. Case is a non-profit committed to show all of the wonderful traditions the Hispanic and Latinx community bring to Greensboro.

Elaborate altars commemorating people who are no longer living will be displayed. Usually, there is a blend of altars for famous people, like Frida Kahlo, and for local people, relatives of people in the Greensboro community. The event is so special and emphasizes the lives of loved ones. Stop by tonight, from 6-9pm, it is free and open to the public.