Greensboro Daily Photo

Snow Day 2020

This is a color photo and what Greensboro looks like after a little snow. By evening, there was about an inch of snow in northeast Greensboro and it hadn't started sticking to the road. The Guilford County Schools had already closed for today before dark yesterday. Usually, the more rural parts of the county get a lot more inclement weather than Greensboro and High Point. Regardless, it is best to be safe.

Please make the most of this snow day. Perhaps you can make a pot of beans and some cornbread. If you can, head outside and have some snow fun. In a month, it will be spring! We hope you enjoy the day, and remember those people who have gone to work. If you are from elsewhere, don't laugh. We take our snow seriously! 

Lyndon Rego, Chief Catalyst at CoMetta

Last night, a wonderful community-building, sharing event was held in Greensboro. It was the brainchild of Lyndon Rego. Lyndon, originally from India, came to Greensboro to work for the Center for Creative Leadership. Today, he is "Chief Catalyst" for CoMetta, his initiative that brings people together to celebrate the "Stories of Us."

In the above photo, Lyndon is seen speaking at the event which was held at the Creative Aging Network- NC, at the Bell Campus on Summitt Avenue. Several speakers from groups in Greensboro spoke about some of our city's most creative initiatives. Each speaker had an inspiring testimonial about what lead them to Greensboro and how it is they got involved in community building. Thanks to Lyndon Rego, there will be more opportunities for this sharing. From creative reuse initiatives at Reconsidered Goods to growing greenway space downtown, to Casa Azul, Greensboro is building and sustaining an inclusive, resource-saving community.

Please follow Cometta.co and treat yourself to a Meet. Share. Love. event!

Another View from Lewiston Road: A Country Mailbox

Remember those country mailboxes where the owners of the property took great care to decorate their mailboxes? The above mailbox was seen on Lewiston Road (not too far from the little green house and the property with the tire-on-a-post. It shows a charming tradition from yesteryear. People took great care to ensure that the mailbox reflected the personality of the people within. A fish mailbox, where the mail person has to open the mouth of the widemouth bass to insert the mail, provides evidence that a fisherman lives on the property.

Today's mailbox features purple and yellow flowers with monarch butterflies landing on them. Have you ever noticed in nature that usually where there are purple wildflowers, yellow wildflowers are nearby? Purple and yellow are complementary/opposite colors. Even in the wild, opposites attract. Likely, the person who painted this mailbox has observed the behavior of flowers and butterflies in nature. And, this custom mailbox on Lewiston Road makes it easy for visitors to know which house they are looking for. "Just turn off when you see the black mailbox with flowers and butterflies painted on it."

How do you describe your own abode to visitors?

Still on Lewiston Road: Tiny Hidden House

Yesterday, we posted about an adventure along Lewiston Road. Today, we share another photo on Lewiston Road. Lewiston stretches from Fleming Road to Pleasant Ridge Road at Carlson Dairy Road in northwest Guilford County. The above house is set back and not visible from the road. The only hint is a "no trespassing" sign.

This lovely, little green home is so representative of tiny country houses from the early part of the 20th century. While small, it was well maintained, had a cozy front porch, and plenty of land and mature trees around it. Likely, this house will soon be replaced by a housing development. However, if it were ever offered for sale, even as-is, it would be perfect for weekend get-aways, even for people already live in Greensboro. Who's in?!!!

Country Curiosities on Lewiston Road

When you bicycle, ride a motorcycle or walk you see things that go unnoticed when enclosed in a vehicle. The above scene was seen on a Sunday afternoon walk along Lewiston Road. This tire up on a post is perched, just east of the bridge over Lake Higgins. It is very curious as to why someone would place a tire there. It looks like some construction is being done on the property. Perhaps the tire lets workers know where to turn. 

Lewiston Road begins at Fleming Road at Cardinal Crossing. It continues past a dollar store and mini shopping center, a church, then some country homes, farmland, new large homes, housing developments, and then continues down to the bridge over Lake Higgins where it crosses over Bald Eagle Walking Trail. Lewiston ends where Pleasant Ridge Road meets Carlson Dairy. It is a relatively quiet road on Sunday morning. However, regardless of where, where, or how you travel on a road, do so with extreme caution. If you travel in other than a car or truck, you will be surprised what you notice; including a tire marking the way. Oh the things you will see!

Congregational United Church of Christ

This photo is of Congregational United Church of Christ last weekend when the sky was filled with a low-lying strip of puffy clouds positioned from west to east above the city. We noticed this backdrop when driving by on Friendly Avenue and simply had to turn around to come snap a photo. This church, actually located on Radiance Drive, comes by its name honestly. In the Greensboro community, they are leaders in working for issues of social and racial justice. They are a progressive, liberal and welcoming Christian community.

Founded in 1900, the congregation built and moved to the above location in 1952. Julie Peeples has served the congregation as head pastor since 1991. She is very well liked not only by church members, but also by the Greensboro community. Hopefully, she will remains in her position for a very long time.

The weather is supposed to be good all day today, but we have a feeling the above clouds were a rare phenomenon and not likely to be seen again for a very long time. Please enjoy your day, regardless of what the weather brings our way.

It Was a Dark & Stormy Night

The weather has been really odd in Greensboro this past week. The above photo was taken a few nights ago on North Battleground at Horse Pen Creek. Today, it is colder that it was earlier in the week; however, at least it should be sunny. Take advantage of the dry days over the next few days. It should be clear until Tuesday. Even though Valentines Day is over, it is still a good weekend to get out and spend time with those you love.

If you are looking for something to do, here is an events calendar today, detailing the many events taking place at the Coliseum today to a chocolate event at the Central Library.Greensboro is action-packed with events this weekend. Please get out and enjoy our community.

Camellias

Camellias are currently in bloom in Greensboro. These evergreen plants always add to the landscape where they are planted, even when not in bloom. The flowers come in a wide variety of colors and are lovely, even though they are non-fragrant. 

The above bush is about ten feet tall and serves as a great cover for birds, who hang out here between efforts to find food. Camellias grow well in Greensboro, as long as the soil drains well and they aren't over exposed to direct sun. Camellias add so much to a landscape and, once established, require minimal care. 

Happy Valentines Day! While these camellias aren't roses, they sure are as pretty. If you have them in your yard, pick a bouquet for someone you love!

North Battleground at Night

It has been a rainy week in Greensboro; warm, but rainy. Today, it should be in the 60s, wet and unseasonably warm for February. The above photo was taken last night in the parking lot of the Wal-Mart on North Battleground. That area of town has been developed extensively over the last few years, including the widening of the road and the opening of the 840 loop in this area. It is nice to see a little bit of nature that persists in the area. Actually, the webbing in the trees is kudzu, that will be back in all of its glory this Sumer. For now, it creates an eerie scene, like something out of a mystery movie. The backdrop of light is the neighboring strip mall. Nature has a way of keeping us healthy and adding so much beauty to our lives; even if it is nothing more than a neglected strip between two shopping destinations. Happy Thursday.

Davie Street at Hamburger Square

The above photo features Davie Street as it nears the railroad tracks, behind Natty Greene's and at Hamburger Square. This is such a fantastic part of town with a vintage feel, it has everything from small businesses to living and patio space. This area is part of downtown Greensboro's historic district and the traditional, central core of the city. It is nice that these buildings have survived, as they are surrounded by many parking lots.

Greensboro is known for having many buildings from the turn of the last century and in the Italianate style. They provide a real vintage feel to the town, while still functional and in many cases with all of the modern conveniences. Have a happy Wednesday. 

Sad Girl by Gina Franco

Gina Franco painted "Sad Girl" in 2019 in downtown Greensboro. It is located off Davie Street not too far from the News & Record building. Gina is a North Carolina-based muralist. Gina's piece sure catches your eye if you are out waking the less-beaten path downtown. The dark tree contrasts with the brightness of the mural and the sky that is, on some days, exactly the color of sad girl's hair. The tree reminds us of Shel Silverstein's "The Giving Tree." Being just down from the Central Library, perhaps a reading of Silverstein's poem under the tree, in front of the "Sad Girl" mural would be in order.

Gina's art is sometimes referred to as "cartoon realism" and "sad girl" has to do with the many difficult things Gina has had to endure in her less than four decades of life; including losing her mother to lung cancer last year. Gina is starting to get recognition for her art and, while from Greensboro, has also been able to paint murals beyond our great city. Let's hope that 2020 is the best year ever for her, and that by the end of the year she will feel up for painting a "happy girl" mural. She certainly deserves it. Have a great rest of your week, dear readers!

*reference & read more about Gina, here.

At the Corner of Market & Elm

The above photo today was taken at the corner of Market  in Elm Street in downtown Greensboro. Technically, the Genesis Monument in Fisher Park is the geographic center of Guilford County. However, this spot above is where north/south and east/west get determined. The photo is oriented to the west with the courthouse just out of view, across from West Market Street United Methodist Church.

In view, however, is the Jefferson Standard/Lincoln Financial Building, dating from 1927 and at one time the tallest building between Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Today, it is owned by the Lincoln Financial Group. Still, combined with the new part, the complex is a very powerful part of Greensboro's skyline. It would be really nice to have a restaurant at the top, open to the public-- at least on special occasions. Surely, the view is really special. It is on the "bucket list" for the crew here at Greensboro Daily Photo!

 

Supermoon Setting Over Lake Higgins

 

Nothing is more beautiful than nature. The above photo features the supermoon setting over Lake Higgins at about 7:00 am this morning. If you want a spiritual Sunday today, consider a mediative walk along Lake Higgins in northwest Greensboro. This 226-acre lake is the smallest of the three reservoirs, yet offers so much for the angler, kayaker, or nature lover. 

It is fascinating how the moon could have been so bright this morning , yet enveloped in the pink of dawn, barely visible. Do you see it and it’s reflection peeking out of the center of the photo? Sometimes we have to trust in things, even when we can’t see them or they are barely visible. Walking at dawn makes you think about things like that. In Greensboro, the air is crisp and the sun is shining.

Hyalyn Lamps, Shades, and Repairs

 

In Greensboro, Hyalyn has been the go-to place for lampshades and lamp refurbishing for 32 years. They are located inside Carriage House Antiques on Golden Gate Drive, near North Elm Street, Cornwallis Drive, and State Street. The above photo features Lynne Watson, whose family purchased the business in 1974. Lynne has been an integral part of the family business since graduating from college.

Lynne is holding a vintage, teal, slag-glass table radio lamp that arrived to her in a state of extreme disrepair.  It was in two pieces with frayed electrical wires, a worn out socket and switch that would have made the fire marshal panic! First, Lynne worked her magic, reconstructing the lamp to make it safe to use again. Next, she offered suggestions to the owner regarding a shade shape, color, and size that would complement the lamp. It is so nice to shop locally and to work with someone, like Lynne, who is not only personable, but also has great expertise.  If you have an antique lamp that you'd like to use, but know that it needs to be rewired, stop by and talk to Lynne. If you have used a bulb that was too hot and the inside of the lampshade is damaged, Hyalyn has a replacement. Be sure to text or call first to make sure Lynne will be available to help you. 336-545-1721. You can also check out her website at hyalynlampsandshades.com   Happy Friday!

(For our glass-loving readers, the above lamp has a tag on it that says Globe Specialty Company, Chicago, Illinois. The glass itself looks like the batches that were made by Akro Agate of Akron, OH or Houze Glass in Point Marion, PA).

 

This Old House

 

Do you ever go out exploring in find old homes that look like someone really love them at one time, but now they seem abandoned? This old house is located on Mount Hope Church Road in the eastern end of the county. It is not too far off the road, and is definitely showing signs of wear; however, There is a chair on the cozy front porch and it just looks like it is waiting for someone to come and try it out.

The house looks as if it is abandoned and just waiting to be torn down. Surely, those walls have lots of stories to tell. There is even a Facebook page for abandoned structures in North Carolina. Wondering if this little Greensboro place has made that list. Happy Tuesday!

Bob's Closet at Replacement's, Ltd.

If you are local, you know about Replacement, Ltd, on Knox Road in McLeansville.  Replacements was founded in 1981 by Greensboro's own Bob Page. This is the go-to place, where people worldwide can find replacement china, crystal, and flatware whether they need to replace one piece or buy an entire set. Replacements has over 12 million pieces and 400,000 china patterns  in their warehouse! If you want to buy, sell, or tour, call or stop by the warehouse that is as large as eight football fields!*  

Some things you might not know about Replacements is you haven't taken a tour, is the fact that they are energy efficient, using solar panels and having free charging stations for electric cars, and using environmentally friendly packaging. They are pet friendly, and, just about everything friendly. If you take the tour, you will see Bob's Closet. Owner Bob Page, on his rounds thrifting and attending estate sales, often purchases clothing. He cleans it up and brings it to the warehouse. He invites families in and helps them get the clothing they need for school, work, and daily living. These visits to the closet are free, and he even has the basketball goal set up so that kids don't get too bored while parents are figuring out what their family needs. Hats off to Bob Page and the whole Replacement's crew for creating a work environment that feels like family and not only serves up tableware, but also friendship, and even clothing if needed!

*read this great article about Replacements from the Washington Post in 2014.

Sunny Winter Day

After several dreary, cold and dark winter days, Greensboro finally got a beautiful day of sunshine yesterday. Temperatures rose to 60°. The above photo is simply of a patch of suburban woods in Greensboro. The sky is a fabulous blue, probably a result of rain, which can have a cleansing effect. 

As you can see in the above photo, there is a pine tree with its green needles shining through the deciduous hardwoods. One of the hardwoods has leaves that, while dead, simply don’t want to let go of the branches. Nature is so beautiful, especially in Greensboro. Happy Monday!

New Life Worship Center

The New Life Worship Center is located on Clapp Farm Road in Eastern Guilford County. It is just off Mt. Hope Church Road, near Replacements, Ltd, The fact that the church is only one story tall makes it very convenient for people in the congregation, or visitors, who may have challenges with mobility. The long and skinny shape really differentiates it from a lot of traditional churches. However, with the Stainglass windows in the cross in the front, there is no mistake that it is a church. You can visit on Sunday mornings or attend Bible study on Wednesday evening.

over the last decade, we have featured approximately 500 churches or religious organizations around Greensboro. Sometimes, we wonder when we will run out of things to post. Then, Especially when riding on rural roads throughout the county, we find a place that is new to us. Recently, this church held at 55 year homecoming reunion, so, it is not new to the people near McLeansville and Gibsonville.

The Movement Continues

Today is February 1, it is the 60th anniversary of the Sit-in That took place at the above Woolworths department store on Elm Street in Greensboro. Mini special that took place at the above Woolworths department store on Elm Street in Greensboro. Every year, special events are held to commemorate this important point in the civil rights movement. 

A really important event will be held this evening. It is the Annual Fundraising Gala and will take place in the Special Events Center at the Greensboro Coliseum. The event will include many notable guests who have contributed significantly to enhancing civil rights in the United States. Award winners include President Barack Obama, Reverend Al Sharpton, Mr. Danny Glover, Ms. Clayola Brown, Reverend Dr. Cardes H Brown Junior, Dr. Linda B. Brown, And Mrs. Emma Washington. To be sure, it will be a night to remember.

White international trucks

This photo, taken at sunset yesterday, shows the skyline just above White’s International Trucks. This multi generation family owned business is located on Albert Pick Road. This heavy truck dealership focuses on transportation and especially the agricultural community. They have sleeper, dump, and Municipal trucks, and so much more. They started out in Wilson, NC, and moved into the Greensboro market after acquiring another company into thousand and one.

it makes sense, being on interstate 40 and interstate 85, that Greensboro has so many options for heavy trucks. Unless you’re in the industry, it’s probably not something you think about very often. However, So much of what gets shipped to us, especially on the last leg of the  journey, arrives by truck. Here’s to a great weekend and, if you are on the highway, be sure to drive as safely as possible, especially when driving beside trucks!

MACHETE Food Experience Goes Brick and Mortar

MACHETE  for the last few years has been  a series of private,  dinner  party feasts, held  in Tal and Nicole Blevins'  home. The  multi-course, globally-inspired  meals are getting  rave reviews. This  metropolitan, underground  dinner concept  is about to go brick-and-mortar.  The above photo shows a painter  preparing the facade  of the building for MACHETE. Formerly, the  space  housed  Crafted: The Art  of Street Food.

Many of the  people  involved in this venture  are under 30 years old  and already have received  considerable experience and accolades. How wonderful  when  people figure out their passions early in life and  then  begin  their dream careers.  As  for MACHETE,  it will  add so  much to  the northeast quadrant of the downtown food  scene. Soon,  we will be craving food  combinations we didn't even know existed!

Read a fabulous  and detailed review about MACHETE, here, in Yes!  Weekly.

Downtown Nightscape

Downtown Greensboro is so beautiful at night. The above photo  was taken at  McGee  Street, looking north  in the direction of the  Jefferson Standard/Pilot building,  now known as Lincoln Financial  Group. The lights on the  patio  of M'Coul's Public  House, were you  can get a  delicious  meal  any night of the week. The shepherd's pie is especially tasty on a cold  winter night.  Likely, you will want to eat  inside.  However,  be sure  to  take time  to admire the beauty  of Greensboro's most  iconic building,  still, ever-faithfully blinking  the time and temperature,  for all  to  see. 

M'Coul's has been a downtown Greensboro institution since 2001  and the Jefferson Standard building was constructed in  1923, but the part you  see was constructed in  1990. Consider taking a mid-week  break and heading downtown to admire the beauty of our city first-hand. Happy Wednesday!

Deep Roots Co-Op Grocery Store

Deep  Roots Co-op  has been on Eugene  Street for a few years now,  having relocated from Spring Garden Street. The  downtown store is so  nice and they have a  hot  bar. If you are downtown and need  a healthy,  quick  meal or  just a snack (and nice  clean bathrooms), stop here.  You don't have to  be a member to  shop at Deep Roots, and the uncharge for non-members is only  5%.

Deep  Roots also holds many interesting community events  in their community  room in  the front of the store. Also, if you notice in the above photo, there were vendors  set up  out  front this  past Saturday.  While the  large corporate options for healthy food are nice, nothing  beats a local,  community-owned option.  Deep  Roots  feels  "old-school"  in a way that is comfortable and inviting. Shop there  a few times and it will start to feel like the Cheers-bar of  grocery stores.  Happy Tuesday!

99 Bottles Crosswalk

This colorful crosswalk between Preyer  Brewing and Deep  Roots  Co-Op has 99  bottles on  it  to  represent  the 99 downtown  blocks (as reported by WFMY2 News). * The project was a collaborative one, with  the city allowing volunteers to  color in  the bottles. The idea  came from SynerG, an organization that focuses on Greensboro's  residents under  40.

WFMY  also  reports that about 3,000  pedestrians and 800 bicyclists are hit by cars in North Carolina  each  year (reference). How nice it would be if these  eye-catching crosswalks help  drivers stay  alert and focused. The bottles sure  add a lot of color to this part of Eugene Street!

If  you look on the  horizon on the right,  you can  see  the iconic JP building,  now  known as Lincoln Financial.

* Reference, here.

St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church

The  iconic  roofline of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church looms large  alone  Horse Pen  Creek  Road  at New Garden  Road.  However,  the above view is one that only attendees  are likely see.  It was taken from the back of the property,  on the side  with the children's playground and the picnic area. Yesterday,  the clouds were especially beautiful and the sky was crisp and clear as people gathered for the Saturday evening service. The ever green to  the left  enhances the  natural  beauty of the property.

The history of the congregation of  St.  Paul dates to  1974 in Greensboro.  The present sanctuary, with  the exaggerated/curved  triangular roofline,  dates  to 1993  and what a  beauty it is, on the  inside  as well as the outside. Happy Sunday!

Emmylou Harris Spent the Day in Greensboro!

Guess  who was in town  yesterday... Emmylou  Harris! The above photo was taken when  she treated  local music  lovers to  a question  and answer  session  about her life  as a singer/songwriter.  Emmylou  Harris' ties to North Carolina, Greensboro (UNCG),  and University of North Carolina  Greensboro run deep. While born  in Alabama, she moved  to North Carolina with her family because her dad  was  a marine  stationed at Camp Lejuene and Cherry Point. Ms. Harris attended UNCG  as part of the class of 1969.  She  led a Q&A session  during the day and then, in the evening, performed for two hours at the UNCG  Auditorium. She played for two hours to a sold-out audience.

Ms.  Harris,  now in  her 70s,  still has a strong, clear  voice and doesn't look  like she's gained a  pound  since college. She sang  a wide variety of songs, touching on genres from  Bluegrass to Americana to Country.  Between songs, she shared information  about her  personal life, including the close relationship she had with  her parents, and the fact  that she listens  to NPR; to use her words, "that bastion of liberal  bias, known as the truth."

How wonderful that she returned  to  spend the day with us! Thank you  Creeks-edge.com for the photo since we weren't  permitted to take photos during the concert.

Nathanael Greene 2020

This photo taken  last  Saturday  night features Nathanael  Greene. Greensboro is named for Greene,  a  major general of the Continental  Army in  the American Revolutionary War. The statue  is located on  South Greene  Street  at Holliday Circle. The 22  foot tall statue was  installed in 2008,  twelve years ago. James  Barnill  was the sculptor. 

Initially, we were concerned  that  the view would be greatly compromised by  the hotel being constructed on the right. As the above photo  shows, there is still room for the sky to show through facing west. With  the sparkly lights of winter, the scene is  so  beautiful. We hope you get a chance to make it downtown  this weekend. There is so  much to do and  the city  is so  beautiful.  Have  a lovely weekend.

Rainbow Alley

This is a colorful week. If you  read  GDP  yesterday,  you saw  The Butterfly Effect. Today, it  is Rainbow  Alley. if you spend  time in downtown  Greensboro, chances  are you've  seen, or even  traveled,  this rainbow  alley. It goes beside  Biltmore  Hotel  and  behind  Scuppernong  Books.  It is between  West Washington  and McGee  Streets. It was painted by Gina  Franco,  fall 2019.

Alleys  tend  to  be  roads less taken and can even seem unappealing. When  you walk down this alley,  you notice so  much about Greensboro  that might otherwise  go  unnoticed.  For example,  you can  see people  meeting and  reading at Scuppernong,  You can  see people  getting into  their cars  in what seems to  be their special spots. You  can notice  the skyline  as you approach  McGee Street. You  may  even  see  the little black kitty  hidden  in this photo. If you have access to drone footage  of Rainbow  Alley,  it is especially beautiful.  Try this  News2 link.  Hopefully it will continue  to  work.

The Butterfly Effect

Today's featured person  of Greensboro is  Helene  Avraham-Katz.  Originally from South Africa, Helene  and her  husband settled in Greensboro when  he  came here  to  teach Hebrew and Jewish Studies.  Helene  has battled,  and  beat  pancreatic  cancer twice. Refusing to  let cancer get the best of her, she  opened the Butterfly  Effect on October  26th.  If you know  that building at 3319 Sandy Ridge  Road, the one that  looks like a  gas station  with  old pumps out  front,  that is the Butterfly Effect.  Helene's store  features  original  art from  35  local, North  Carolina artists. The  store is her happy space  and  she feels so  blessed every day that she is there, every chance she has to  interact with artists, and every opportunity  she has  to  bring joy to  her customers.

Helene is  very  open about her journey  with cancer (read  more,  here)  and  was  so  honored when  all five of her oncology  nurses  came for the ribbon  cutting of  the store.  And that,  is what the butterfly  effect is all about;  good people coming together to support each other and to  celebrate life. Helene is an  inspiration to  us  all. Stop by and meet this incredible person  and purchase a little art  while you are at it.

Cows on Stanley Huff Road

In  the first year of Greensboro Daily Photo, we photographed these  cows  on Stanley Huff  Road, near  Bunch Road.  It is nice to know that twelve  years later, cows  are still there.  If you consider how much Greensboro  has changed over  the last decade, and how much rural  acreage  has  been  developed,  it is  pretty amazing this pastureland is  still farmed. Just  across  the street  are the modern,  energy-efficient  homes of Gary Jobe. 

The cow  in the front of the photo published  previously on GDP appears to  have longer horns than the one above; however,  it  could be that the ones today aren't as close. As best  we  can tell,  these cows  are  Scottish  Highland  kyloe and a group of them is called  a fold. Change can be  good, but it can  be comforting to see  something on an ongoing  basis. Curiously, these  kyloe seem more likely to be  in the front field  when  it  is a  cold, rainy,  winter day.

National Day of Service

Today is a National Day of Service,  Martin Luther King,  Jr. Day. While schools  and many businesses  are closed, the goal  is  for people to do good and serve  their community- to  make today a day on, not off.  Above  is a person, Quaneisha Payne,  serves the Greensboro community daily. Quaneisha, a  graduate of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North  Carolina, now  works for  AmeriCorps  in Greensboro. Based  out of the AmeriCorps office in the Glenwood Community,  Quaneisha helps homeless veterans.

Last  week, Quaneisha  was  voted January Member of the Month  by the AmeriCorps Partnership to End Homelessness. Frequently,  Quaneisha  facilitates opportunities for others  to  perform  community service.  This  past weekend she was working with  UNCG students who were  spending  the day  serving.  The above photo was taken  when  Quaneisha  was  speaking  to students at the Middle College at UNCG,  her alma mater. To  be sure, today,  Quaneisha  Payne will be serving our  community and  inspiring others with her every action.  May we all have her same  drive to bring about positive change.  Thank you,  Quaneisha, for being an inspiration to us all and for making a difference!

Linville Chapel ORMA

 

The above photo was taken  yesterday on Highway 150 at  Linville  Chapel on the campus of Oak Ridge Military Academy (ORMA). The  photo is wavy  because it was taken through  the car  windshield,  reflecting  how  everything looked with the cold rain.

The  chapel is not very large, but is so  charming and would be a perfect place for a young cadet  to go to work through  difficult times and to nurture spiritual needs. Above the door,  there is a  sign  that reads, "REMEMBER THY CREATOR IN THE DAYS OF THY YOUTH." To  the right of the doors  is a brass plaque that explains the  chapel was  renovated in 1991 by  R.N. "Buster" and Edna  Linville  in honor of Bishop Kenneth Goodson  and wife  Martha. Bishop Goodson  had his first  Methodist appointment in  this church in 1935. ORMA dates  to 1852, and with  he  heavy columns and the texture of the brick,  the chapel  looks like it could be  from the same time  period as the other early buildings. The stained  glass  windows  are still  lovely and would look even  nicer  from  inside the chapel on a sunny day!

Here is a photo of when  we  featured  Linville Chapel about  three years ago. Happy Sunday!

DM Pulley

If you have a dynamic,  independent  bookstore in  you community, you will never be  at a loss for things to do.  Last night,  D.M.  Pulley  spoke at  Scuppernong Books  on  Elm Street  downtown. Primarily, she  was in house discussing her  latest  novel, No  One's Home; however, she gave a fantastic presentation  balancing  what led her to  the mystery/thriller  genre, how the  genre is typically constructed,  and the plots of  each  of her books.

Pulley spoke of how her training to become  a structural  engineer scaffolded her understanding of how buildings have secrets  and  that you can dissect them,  not unlike how doctors perform autopsies.  She mentioned that  analyzing old layers of paint may reveal spattered  blood-  evidence of  a  crime, evidence of fire damage, and other interesting facts about the building.  It is so  wonderful that we have these events,  free and open  to the public.  

Stop by  Scuppernong  books tonight  when Holly George-Warren,  a  North Carolina native, discusses her  biography about Janis Joplin at  7:00 pm.  Live music  will be provided. Hope to see you there!

Thomas Gourmet Foods and Yummy Sauces

Thomas  Gourmet Foods is located at 4500  Green  Point  Drive  on  West Market  Street, near Gallimore Dairy Road. They  were established in 1971,  known for  making one special  sauce. This original  flavor enhances  flavor  when used on  just about any  savory food. Now, Thomas  boasts having  over 20  sauces.

Mr.  and Mrs.  Thomas married in the mid-1930s and went on  to  have  six  sons, requiring a  considerable amount of food to  be cooked daily in  the Thomas  household. Next time you are looking for sauces, consider trying  one from Thomas, the ultimate in keeping your purchases local.  Keep  your eye  out  for  one of these  beautifully-decorated trucks out on the road! Happy Friday; happy exploring. Please enjoy your weekend  and  start thinking about how  you can serve and give back on  Monday,  for the Martin  Luther  King, Jr.  holiday.

The Greensboro Rotary Carousel Is Almost Ready!

Yesterday, Fox News  shared some fabulous  photos  of  the Rotary Carousel at the Greensboro Science  Center  (see,  here). Their  segment  prompted us to run out and check  on  the progress.  The venue is  stunning with so much thought behind  it. The 56  wooden  and handmade  animals evoke a mash-up  of  Doctor Dolittle, Greensboro's Universities, the endangered species list, the Greensboro Science Center,  and  a whole lot of vision  and generosity on the part of the Greensboro  Rotary Organization. It is so beautiful;  one photo cannot begin to  do  it justice.

The  carousel  is expected to  open  in a few  weeks. It is reported to  have  cost $3  million  dollars, part of the  cost is  attributed to the fact that it is encased  in  a  climate-controlled  glass  structure  that can be  opened when weather permits.  It is the kind of place  where you will probably notice more details every time you visit. Wouldn't is be fun if they had a punch card  and you could keep track  of every animal you had ridden. Are you the kind of person  who would want to ride all 56? 

Sunset Over I-40

Last night's sunset wasn't particularly spectacular; however, from this vantage point  over I-40 it looked  mesmerizing. The photo was taken at the edge of the parking  lot of the Antique Marketplace on  Burnt Poplar Road. As you can see,  Burnt Poplar isn't a particularly busy road,  yet nothing  separates it from  I-40 but  a  single line of  concrete barriers. You  can sit there and  watch  the sun set to the west as commuters scurry  home.

When you are not actually in the  frenzy of rush hour traffic, watching it can be somewhat soothing.  While the billboards are hard  to read, the golden arches  loom large, as  if watching over  the  steady stream of commuters. We think we'll sit here for while  looking at  this  photo, the twilight zone.

Jakob's Ferry Stragglers

This  past weekend was a really  great one for live,  acoustic music in  the Greensboro  area.  The  above photo features Jakob's Ferry Stragglers an  Appalachian bluegrass band that hails from Morgantown, West  Virginia and beyond. This past Saturday night, they played at Little Brother Brewing on  Elm  Street.

How nice to see the traditional  music genres  thriving in the area and appreciated  by the younger generation. The band played two very generous sets with  a short  intermission. Here some  of their music, here. It is hard to  believe that such  good  music  can  be hears  around  Greensboro  for free. A  good time was had by all,  and all were carded,  even  the patrons in their 70s!

Hellebores: Blooming Flowers of Winter!

One  plant  you can always count on to bloom in winter is  the hellebore. While  they  are often called a Lenten  rose, because  they are  usually blooming during Lent, they are not a rose.  Hellebores are in the buttercup family, and they grow  well in Greensboro; especially in well-drained soil, winter sun, and shade or semi-shade in the summer. In a bed under deciduous trees is perfect.

Two of the best sources for hellebores in  Greensboro are from Janice Nicholson or  from a friend  who  has them as they  can be prolific to  the point of being invasive. Janice  has  a hellebore  nursery at her home, Gethsemane Gardens, selling to local  nurseries and  at the Greensboro  Curb Market on Yanceyville.*  In addition to being easy to grow, and  blooming in  the  dark days of winter,  deer do not like them! Imagine plants that do not attract  the many deer of Guilford  County.  

Hopefully, you enjoyed  yesterday's  70  degree temperature, blue skies, and warm sunshine as much  as the above  hellebore!

*  reference and more in  formation, here.

Buddha Guilford College

Guilford College is an  institution of higher education  in Greensboro founded by  Quakers in 1837. It also played an  instrumental role in the Underground Railroad (especially in the mid 1800's), helping slaves  find their way to freedom. The Guilford College campus is lovely and it  backs up to  a wooded area. There  are also  several private residences  on  the grounds where families with  links to  the college  and Quakerism  reside.  

One lovely residence has a few  Buddhas  on their property. The above photo is one of their  Buddha statues, on the stump  of a tree that had to  be  cut down. Buddhism sees trees  as worthy of recognition and protection. Even though  this tree had  to  be cut down, there are several on  the property thriving  under the good care  of the residents.  If you look closely, you can  see  antlers on  the side  of the bust. A deer left them not too  far from  the Buddha  and the  owners felt it fitting to  attach  them to  the side.  Perhaps the gesture is a nod  to the indigenous cultures once in the area. There is so  much history on the college's 340 acres! Happy Sunday!

Night Sky

Once we  accept the darkness  of winter  and the long  nights, they can actually take on a beautiful aura. Winter nights  are cozy when spent  in  the warmth of family and friends. The above photo features a recent night  sky over  South Holden  Road.  In the upper right hand corner, you can see  a crescent moon with a planet shining  brightly above it.  

Tonight is Saturday night and Greensboro will have plenty of options for entertainment. One  fun  event will be the live music of  Jakobs Ferry  Stragglers at Little Brother Brewing downtown Greensboro- at the corner of McGee and  South Elm. This  group hails  from West Virginia,Pennsylvania, and Maryland and, if you like spending time downtown as  well  as live music, this is a great option. Besides,  while last night  was  a full moon, if it is not too cloudy tonight, you should  be  able to enjoy  your  evening dancing by  the light of the almost-full  moon!  Happy Saturday!