Greensboro Daily Photo

Common Grounds Coffee Shop

Common Grounds Coffee Shop on South Elam Avenue in Lindley Park is one of those local, goo-to spaces when you want to get some work done and get out of the house at the same time. They also have a lot of local, live music. They are known for their specialty coffee drinks with creative names. They also offer a few sweet snacks.

If you are out today, head over to the corner of Elam and Walker and enjoy the vibe. Start your day at the Corner Market and then head over for a cup of coffee. Saturdays can be so much fun in Greensboro. Note the calendar on the wall at Common Ground. At least stop by and see what you might want to attend. Happy Saturday! Happy February 29th. It is Leap Year!!!!!!!!

Vanity Tags 2020

Vanity tags can be so much fun. The above photo features a car with tags that read CHEF4HIR. Did you get it right away? Chef for Hire? On social media, there is more than one CHEF4HIRE, so we're not exactly which chef this is. We do know that this chef was seen driving around Greensboro. What a great way to advertise for oneself, think up a catchy name, get it on social media, AND make the name the vanity tag for your vehicle. 

It is becoming increasingly common for people to hire a personal chef for home events and special occasions. That would be such a fun way to spend an evening. Even if it is not someone cooking a great meal for you in your home, hopefully, you have found a way to celebrate yourself today and have a fabulous weekend!

Mustang Getting Ready for Spring

This 1970s looking mustang was spotted recently in the Fresh Market at Jefferson Village. It is beautifully maintained and seemed to be in perfect condition. It takes a lot of determination to maintain a vintage car. Likely, the owner belongs to the Gate City Triad Mustang Club, which has been an organization which has been sponsoring shows for 38 years. This very active group was established in 1980 and has over 80 member-families. They hold their monthly meetings at Captain Bill's Seafood and Steak and the next one is March 4th.

One of the best ways to get involved is to own a very cool Ford Mustang. But then again, if you don't own one, you will probably end up buying one if you hang around this fun-loving crew. The first Mustang was produced in 1964 and is still in production today. In 2019, 72,489 Mustangs were sold, down from 105,932 in 2016. Green Ford, or other Ford dealers in the region would be happy to help you become a member!

Baseball Season Is Upon Us!

Baseball season is upon us! The above photo shows the dugout of the UNCG Spartans at their game yesterday against the UNC Charlotte Diamond Niners. The final results were UNCG, six, and UNC Charlotte, four. Those results have UNCG on a six game winning streak. If you are interested in seeing some UNCG baseball, they have a three game series at home against App State. The series begins on Friday at 4pm, the UNCG stadium is really nice, and, so far when we have gone, the entrance has been free.

There are so many options to see good baseball in Greensboro, from the minor league Grasshoppers to the local AAU teams to Little League to all of the many local college and university teams. Baseball can be such a community-building sport. If you haven't already, plan a few baseball outings. The Greensboro Grasshoppers have their first home game on April 9th. Batter up... and Happy Wednesday!

 

 

Electric Car Charging Station & Sustainable Practices at Replacements, Ltd.

The above charging station for electric cars is found just off of I-40 on the west-bound side of the highway. It is set up at Replacements, Ltd. Replacements sells china and crystal. You can purchase anything from whole sets of dishes to single pieces that make your grandmother's vintage set complete. Replacements carries over 425,000 patterns. Chances are, if Replacements doesn't have, it doesn't exist.

The company makes every effort to be employee, community, and environmentally friendly. Not only do they have this car-charging station, they also have solar panels to help generate energy for their building. Their packing peanuts are not styrofoam; they are made out of compostable material. Replacements has been very proactive on sustainability. Here's to hoping that sustainable practices continue to trickle down AND trickle up! A big thank you to Mr. Bob Page, for these sustainable energy practices.

#A Latte Love for Justin

Yesterday, we were in the Starbucks on Battleground at Mill Street and someone was handing out $5.00 Starbucks gift cards.  The person who handed it to us simply said, "have a coffee on us."  They also handed a card to others in line and zipped out the door. The hashtag, #alatteloveforJustin was written on the gift cards, making it easy to get Justin's back story.* Justin T. Sharpe was born on February 23, 1984 and graduated in 2001 from Caldwell Academy in Greensboro. Unfortunately in 2012, Justin died unexpectedly. Every year on Justin's birthday, his mom and others who loved him treat people to Starbucks coffee. 

Justin worked at Starbucks, so the Starbucks cards are significant. He loved visiting Starbucks stores, including the original one in Seattle. It was so meaningful to have serendipitously been handed a card yesterday and to then learn Justin's story.  What a wonderful way to remember someone. Justin would have been 36 yesterday. We've got our calendars marked for February 23rd, 2021 so that we can be on the giving end of #alatteloveforJustin. Hopefully, his family will see this post. 

* See Justin's (Winston-Salem, NC) obituary, here.

Pleasant Garden Baptist Church

Today's photo features Pleasant Garden Baptist Church. Pleasant Garden is a community on the southeast side of Greensboro. In 2012, we featured the front of the church from Neelley Road (here). The above view is from the side, as seen driving in from Franklinville. The cars in the parking hint at just how busy the church was on Saturday afternoon. Local basketball teams had just finished playing. Located in the heart of Pleasant Garden, for many PGBC is, indeed, the heart of their community. It is the kind of church that holds many community events and had meetings in addition to the great sermons each Sunday.

As one example, this afternoon is the Upward Sports Celebration. The Trampoline Dunk Team from Liberty University will be at the church inspiring those in attendance. Today will be a busy day at the church. One of the most touching things the church does is visit the homebound members of the church. It would be really nice to get those older members to tell their stories of the history of the church over the years. It would be nice to get a church history online. Does anyone know the year the church was first established?

Mahjong in the Afternoon

Imagine how fun it would be to meet up with friends and play Mahjong in the afternoon. The above photo shows two groups playing at Delicious Bakery on Lawndale. Mahong is a tile-based game, originating in China. At first, it seems complicated; however, once you get to know the pieces and how to play, it is easy enough to socialize and enjoy while you play. Plus, if you meet somewhere like Delicious Bakery, you can play while drinking fresh coffee and eating tasty and visually appealing desserts. Delicious Bakery first opened in Greensboro, in a tiny location on Battleground Avenue across from Lowe's Home Improvement Store. While they have doubled their space, their commitment to good desserts and building community has not changed.

Happy Saturday, and don't wait for someone to ask you to join some kind of group game, organize it yourself and do the inviting. Also, the more you get out and enjoy Greensboro (or your own city, if from elsewhere), the more you will serendipitously stumble upon groups of people engaging in fine fellowship and making memories with each other. At the very least, dash out and get a cinnamon roll or floral cupcake!

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.

Clouds over Greensboro, but Far From Overcast!

In downtown Greensboro, the clouds were beautiful yesterday . The sky was so clear from all of the rain. When the cold weather came through, it seem to keep the clouds pushed low to the ground. Here, you see them almost as if they are a chain going east to west through town. As you can see from the traffic sign, the photo was taken from friendly Avenue. 

Saturday is a great day to visit a farmers market, walk through one of the local nature trails, ride the greenway on your bicycle, or to even do a little urban walking. However you decide to spend the day, we hope you have a great weekend and that you have time to explore our beautiful city. If you can’t do it in person, at Greensboro Daily Photo, we have over 4000 photos of Greensboro to share with you. Have a great weekend.

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).

 

Middle College UNCG & GCS Choice Showcase

The Choice Showcase for Guilford County Schools was held last night at the Specisl Event Center of the Greensboro Coliseum. Students have so many themed options for attending school from kindergarten through high school. Some of the options include Spanish Immersion, STEM education, the visual and performing arts and more. Schools that offer special programs will now host Tuesday tours and open houses at their respective schools so that families can see firsthand the programs they are considering.

The above photo features a few staff members who were working last night at the booth for the University of North Carolina Greensboro Middle College. Their dynamic and inspiring principal, Ms. Keisha Brown, is seen in the middle of the photo. She works tirelessly and with great skill and enthusiasm while leading (and promoting) MCUNCG. The theme of the MCUNCG program is health and life sciences. If your rising ninth grader is passionate about working in the healthcare profession, this program is a fantastic option. Actually, all of the options offered are fantastic. The key is finding a good fit. A heartfelt to all the stakeholders involved in last night’s event.

Friendly Scene

Friendly Center has been one of Greensboro‘s go to destinations for shopping since 1957. The above photo features a review of the new part, near the area where Burlington Industries used to have offices. 

The photo shows a couple of men probably waiting to go into the Apple store next-door. At the moment, they are standing in front of Anthropologie, A store known for its stunning window displays and styling in design. Something about the scene with the blue and purple colors, and  the clouds reflected in the window, looks so beautiful. Wondering if the men bought new devices at the Apple Store!

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.