Greensboro Daily Photo

Reflecting on Shopping and Waiting

Today's photo features the late-afternoon, Black Friday line at Best Buy at Wendover Avenue. Many people in Greensboro were willing to wait for the hot-ticket, electronic and gaming items. Not just the big box store, but the small, locally owned retail shops also did well this past weekend. Greensboro proprietors, especially the ones with shops on Elm Street and on State Street found sales to be brisk. There are so many wonderful gifts to be found, locally. If you can, please check local sources before venturing down the proverbial, Cyber Monday rabbit hole!

Today is the second day of Advent, a season of vigilant waiting. It seems that 2020 has been a year of waiting for so much- from elections, to covid results, for school to reopen, for opportunities to gather and celebrate, for a vaccine, for live concerts, even for stores to restock sanitizing products, for Christmas, and for the year to end. It seems that in 2020, we're all waiting with more intention and are perhaps a bit more grateful when we do get what we want. Happy Monday for our readers in Greensboro and beyond!

Church Fundraisers

Many churches are selling Christmas trees, wreathes, and greenery as an end-of-year fundraiser. Morehead United Methodist Church has opted to set up a Dewey's Holiday Store. The church, located at 3214Horse Pen Creek Road, has the store open M-F from 10-6 and Saturdays from 10-5pm. The last day for the store is December 21st. It has been a difficult year for religious institutions. If you like to purchase baked goods this time of year, consider purchasing from a non-profit like a church or school group. The Dewey's sale at Morehead UMC will help the church a lot.

The fundraiser is not held on Sundays, but church is. Informal worship takes place at 9am; small groups 10am; traditional worship is at 11am. At one point, services were being held outside on the edge of the church property. If you elect to go today, take your mask and be flexible. Have a great day today, whether you are in Greensboro or reading from elsewhere!

 

Just Be... the Place To Be On Small Business Saturday 2020!

Today is Small Business Saturday and the featured business is Just Be, located in downtown Greensboro at southwest corner of Elm and McGee Streets. Just Be, established in 2005,  is a gift shop filled with items that have interesting stories behind them. You may recognize Kathryn Hashemi. While she has only owned Just Be for about two years, she was an employee for two years prior. Kathryn does a wonderful job of finding a balance between international, fair trade items, arts and crafts from American artists, and items produced by local artists. She has a discerning eye and carefully curates items she knows her customers will like. If you shop at Just Be often, Kathryn has probably greeted you and then shown you something she knows you will like.

Kathryn and her staff have worked tirelessly during the pandemic to keep the shop strong. The store's social media presence has really helped. Also, her husband, an expert tailor, makes the beautiful masks they sell in the store and was well ahead of the trend to make masks not only functional, but also an attractive fashion accessory. If you are local, and out celebrating small businesses today, please stop in an say hello to Kathryn and her staff. She has is offering a discount of 15% for purchases over $100. If you aren't already, you will probably become a regular!

Small Business Friday

Today, you have two wonderful opportunities. First you can shop the small businesses in Downtown and around-town Greensboro. There are so many artists and locals with their own businesses. The above photo was taken of some happy shoppers who may have just purchased something from Design Archives or Just Be, two fabulous, local stores at the corner of Elm and McGee Streets. Please visit these local stores before shopping online and shipping in. Greensboro has so many wonderful small businesses.

A second opportunity is the "Really, Really Free Market" It will be held from 10am-3pm today at 1417 Glenwood Avenue. Ayaana  Aytch is leading this event where you bring things you want to see go to someone who needs them and you are free to take what you need. Nobody asks any questions about who qualifies. By virtue of the fact that you attend makes you eligible to give and to receive. At 2pm, Ayaana will be leading a yoga session. Bring your mask and your unwanted clothes and household items that you think someone else would appreciate having. It is so wonderful seeing things get re-homed. You can cap off the afternoon with a cup of tea at Vida Pour Tea on State Street. So many options! Hopefully, you have a little time to yourself today. Enjoy! See you out and about!

Happy Thanksgiving 2020

Happy Thanksgiving 2020!

In today's photo is a real, taxidermal turkey that was caught in Randolph County. It is set up for display at the Antique Market Place at 6428 Burnt Poplar Road in northwest Greensboro. Also in the photo is Julie Mason, the owner of this giant antique mall and, the owner of the turkey. Julie has owned since  the Antique Market Place since it was located downtown in the 1990s. Her store has been in the current location since the year 2000. 

If you want to get in the holiday spirit, or just be in the presence of genuinely nice people who own their own local business, Antique Marketplace is precisely that kind of place. While Julie owns the business, individual vendors have booths and so it is a way for many people to own their own business. Fortunately, Antique Market Place is closed today so that employees can enjoy Thanksgiving with their families; however, they will back on their regular schedule on Friday (10am-6pm). In case you are wondering, lots of people have expressed an interest in purchasing the turkey, but is is part of Julie's private collection.

Again, Happy Thanksgiving! We are thankful for family, friends, Julie, her employees and vendors, and Greensboro Daily Photo readers-- you!

Christmas Tree Lots Beginning To Fill!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at this Christmas tree lot, located in the Harris Teeter plaza at the corner of New Garden Road at Bryan Boulevard. This Christmas tree lot is starting to get its shipments of Frazier firs. Bryan Wagoner's sells at this lot. His family, the Wagoner family, has been associated with selling Christmas trees since the 1940s, when the first lot was established as part of 4-H project. Today, some of the lots are owned by Bruce and Bryan Wagoner. The above lot is Bryan's. When Fred and Dot retired, they sold their business to Bradley Lowe who grew up working for them. He purchased the right to continue to use the Wagoner name.   Here is an interesting article about the Wagoner family and their Christmas tree businesses in Greensboro.

So many people are decorating for Christmas early this year; partly because they are spending more time at home and partly because 2020 has been so difficult, and they are ready for the joy that holiday decorating brings. While most lots are open from 9am to 9pm, something about getting the tree at night and celebrating with a cup of hot chocolate is a bit magical. Soon, the above lot will be full and, then, when you blink, it will be empty again. If you like a live tree, 2020 is the year to shop early. It might be something fun to do on Thanksgiving Day.

Happy Thanksgiving Day Eve whether you are in Greensboro or elsewhere!

'Tis Camellia Time in Greensboro

'Tis the season for camellias in Greensboro. Camellias are sometimes known as Japanese roses. They were originally cultivated in Asia from the Himalayas to Japan and Indonesia. They are an evergreen shrub, known for their dark green, glossy leaves and their abundance of flowers. Did you know their is a camellia nursery in Greensboro? Actually, it is in Brown Summit, just north of Greensboro and is called Cam Too Camellia Nursery. It is a wholesale nursery started in 1982 (we're guessing by Ray Watson whose name is the only one we see on the website).

Cam Too is committed to advancing camellia cultivation, getting varieties that do better in the colder temperature ranges, bloom longer, and are more floriferous. Their nursery is on 60 acres of land off of Highway 150. We don't know if the above bush came from their nursery, but it is thriving and blooming in full glory at the corner of Mayflower Drive and Wright Avenue in Greensboro, at the edge of Sunset Hills and Lindley Park neighborhoods. The color is especially showy with the backdrop of healthy, green foliage.

Happy Almost Thanksgiving

Happy, almost Thanksgiving. There are two days of school this week for public school students who are learning in person or remotely. The colleges and universities are wrapping up their semester. It is a year to stick a little closer to home. If we pause and take time to appreciate the beauty all around us, we just may find deeper meaning in our upcoming holidays.

The above photo was taken in northwest Greensboro, at the end of a very long residential driveway in an area where there are a lot of trees. And, where there are trees, there will be leaves. The ground is full of them right now. The first round of leaf collection by the city began November 9th, with leaves to be picked up by December 23rd. If you missed having your leaves ready by November 9th, the second round runs from December 29th to January 29. However, best of all, you can mulch or compost your own leaves and find a way to leave them right where they are- even if you blow them into the beds around your house. Happy Monday. We hope you enjoy this view from the ground!

Peace- A Quaker Core Value

Today's photo a peace sign is  from the campus of Guilford College. It is located on campus between Milner Hall and Ragsdale House. The concept of "peace" is one of  the core values of the Quaker religion. Peace is part of the mission statement of Guilford: 

"Guilford’s longstanding mission is clear and distinctive: Provide a transformative, practical, and excellent education that produces critical thinkers in an inclusive, diverse environment that is guided by Quaker testimonies of community, equality, integrity, peace, and simplicity and emphasizes the creative problem-solving skills, experience, enthusiasm, and international perspectives necessary to promote positive change in the world."

Let's hope and pray that Guilford College has a peaceful way to resolve their financial situation and that, in the end, they won't have to eliminate so many of the liberal arts programs, on which the college was founded. Guilford College has an almost 200 year link to the Greensboro community and to the Quaker religion. The campus is a beautiful, dreamy haven of brick buildings surrounded by mature hardwood trees. Their pen lawns have hosted many a MUSEP concert, free and open to the public. Their fields along Guilford College Road have supported the footsteps of many youngsters playing sports. In the early years, it was a stop along the Underground Railroad.

In recent years, Guilford College has added quite a few sculptures to campus and, if you are interested in seeing them, in person or remotely, this article will help. Happy Sunday. Today is a good day to share the love and peace.

View from Lewis Street

Today's photo is a bit whimsical. It is the view of the back alley area, behind the 6oo block of South Elm Street, as seen from Lewis Street. If you are out walking through Greensboro, or any city, it is fun to look at the places that aren't usually in the public eye. As you can see here, there used to be a Wade's Dry Cleaning. As our grandparents would say, "Before your time...". So often, when we post a photo of a sign from yesteryear, someone contacts us to let us know about their relatives, the people who owned the now-forgotten establishment. So, if there are any Wades reading, or anyone who worked for the Wades, we'd love to hear from you. The bottom two-thirds of the photo is the wavy artwork on the wall of the Bearded Goat, an establishment that bills itself as a "classy, artistic, dive bar"; hence, the artwork. 

As we all struggle to remain healthy during this COVID-19 era, please know there are business along Elm Street doing everything they can to provide safe, contactless shopping experiences. Often, you can call ahead and have things ready to pick up curbside. In the meantime, if you are out walking, stop and find a view you have never seen before. Point A to Point B doesn't always need to be a straight line! Happy Saturday.

UNCG's Minerva Seeing Students through Exams

 

Minerva was the goddess of wisdom, war, art, schools and commerce. Less the war part, she is the perfect goddess to oversee the heart of campus at UNCG. She was sculpted by UNCG alumnus Kim Barnhill. She is a donation from the class of 1953, in 2003 for their 50th. They were a graduating class back when the school was still for women only. The above photo features a campus tour guide explaining the tradition of leaving an apple with a bite out at the base of the statue to bring good luck during finals. He was explaining that often, somehow, someone manages to place an apple in Minerva's extended hand, fortunately without causing damage to the statue. These stories, and the people who are vested in a a school, help make an institution of higher education someplace special. Good luck to all of the students finishing final projects and taking final exams.

Soon, the students who have been able to stay on campus this fall will be headed home for an extended winter break.

Make Shift Jewelry and Wood-burnings

At the last arts and crafts event at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market, Haley Garris' table really caught our eye. While this artist lives in Durham* , she recently made the trek to Greensboro to sell here. An art teacher by profession, Haley makes these lovely wooden works of art by night as a way to unwind from a busy day of teaching. The pieces are very creative and reflect Haley's talent. The large piece in the middle took twenty hours to make. 

Haley is originally from Virginia and did her art training at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. How wonderful that she relocated to North Carolina. Haley also makes jewelry and is photographed with one of her own necklaces. You can purchase her work online, or, even better, find her at  the farmers market in Durham, and, if we are lucky, at more events in Greensboro.

Have a great Thursday and stay warm!

* see her Etsy and Instagram page at @MakeShiftDurham

Rise & Grind Coffee

The Rise and Grind Mobile Coffee Pod was set up at the Made 4 Market Arts and Crafts Show this past Sunday. They were set up outside on the Yanceyville East Lindsay Street side of the Farmers Curb Market. Rise and Grind is known for their specialty coffees and hot chocolates. While they are based out of High Point, they attend many events in Greensboro, too.

Madeline and Robert Tomasic are the entrepreneurs behind this coffee venture. The red trailer has such a snappy look and the specialty drinks are really good, too. Maybe they will be at the arts & craft market on Sunday, December 6th. This will be a really big event at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market. We're betting they'll bring back their holiday spices, syrups, and flavors. Peppermint is a favorite! If you like to buy local, businesses like Rise and Grind are here to help!

Letting Go of Fall

The red leaves seem to be the last ones to get their full color in the fall. The above maple in northwest Greensboro was holding on to a few red leaves until the recent rains. Quickly fall is changing to brown and we will depend on the sky on sunny days to add some color. Greensboro is so lucky to have four distinct seasons and fall is so special. The coolness of the air, colors in the foliage, and the scent of backyard wood fires are a delight to the senses. 

The weather is scheduled to drop to the 20s tonight. You still have time to bring your plants in. It is beginning to feel a lot like winter in Greensboro. We need to remember that each season has its beauty, and each season has its purpose. May we all be ready for winter, but enjoy the last little bit of fall that is left. Happy Tuesday.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas 2020

Golden Antiques and Treasures held their Mistletoe Market this past weekend. They had an outdoor market, food trucks, and all of the indoor booths were in tip top shape; festively decorated for the holidays. Perhaps the highlight of the day was the arrival of Santa. The unidentified girls in the above photo asked Santa if he was real. He verified that his hair and beard were real. The little ones were mesmerized. With the above Santa's positive image and real facial hair, he sounds like a candidate for the Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas (FORBS). 

Santa is a retired civil-servant from Virginia who relocated to the area a few years ago. He stays busy with his calendar full of commitments to make appearances all over Greensboro (and Summerfield). Santa doesn't take money for his services. Instead, every year, he generously identifies a charity and has the companies and organizations he attends make donations. This year, Santa has chosen The STAR: Supported Therapies and Recreation. This is a community resource that provides free therapies, tutoring, and other services for individuals with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities in the greater Greensboro area. Find them on Facebook. Be on the look out for Santa. He will be making appearances all throughout the Triad between now and December 25th.

 

Good Samaritan's Mitzvah

Sunday's, on GDP, we post something spiritual, religious, or heartwarming; often a church. Today, we post the good samaritan's mitzvah. What could be more spiritual than to take the time to do a good deed for someone? The above photo was taken on the Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway Trail near Strawberry Road, just north of Bur-Mil Park. Somebody lost their car and office cabinet keys on the greenway. An unidentified person took the time to craft a tripod out of a stick and balance the keys on top- in plain view. Hopefully, when the person realizes they lost their keys, they will retrace their steps and find them waiting.

If you know of someone who lost their keys yesterday, as of about 4pm Saturday, the keys were waiting for them. This gesture speaks volumes about the character of the people of Greensboro. Taking time to do something for someone else, is second nature around here. ! If the weather is nice, you might want to get out and enjoy the greenway. It is a special feeling to be out there with nature and seeing others enjoying themselves. Happy Sunday

300 Block of South Elm

The 300 block of South Elm Street is filled with great businesses and fun things to do. The merchants are taking every effort to be COVID safe. The above photo features The View in the foreground and Cheesecakes by Alex behind the pedestrian crosswalk sign at the back of the photo. The awnings and streetlights have the area looking a bit like Europe. The trees are losing their yellow leaves quickly. If you want to see foliage, you'd best be getting outside soon. The recent 5+ inches of rain have pelted away many of the leaves. Still, these fall scenes are beautiful too behold.

Do you notice that holiday wreaths and snowflake lights have already been installed? And with it getting dark early,  it's beginning to look a lot like.... December. The last we checked, the Festival of Lights was still a "go" in downtown Greensboro. It is scheduled to be held on Friday, December 4, 6:00 pm- 9:00 pm. Of course wear your mask and check schedules Otten to make sure it will still be held. In the meantime, anything you can do to purchase and order local from the Elm Street business and beyond, please do so. Happy Saturday!

People of Greensboro: Lori Gray

If she isn't on the hunt for antiques and new treasures, Lori Gray is likely to be at Antique Marketplace restocking and staging her space. We met up with her earlier in the week, just as she had finished a new installation. Lori, a graduate of Northwest High School, honed her interior design skills in the interior design program at Randolph Community College. Lori has developed quite a talent for taking antique pieces and putting them together in a way that marries the individual items into works of art. As an example, the tall piece behind her was assembled from a half-circle wooden piece from France.  The square wooden columns were specially made for the piece, as was the metalwork crafted by a blacksmith. The final product came together thanks to Lori's finishing touches with paint. For several years, it served as a headboard in a client's home. When the client downsized, Lori converted it to an accent piece, currently staged as a side bar. With Lori, the possibilities are limitless.

Lori was featured on the cover of the May 2014 O Henry Magazine.*  Read the O Henry article and you will learn that Lori has designed everything from High Point showrooms to prominent, private properties, including John Lomax' penthouse at the top of the Kress Building. To be sure, Lori can transform a space into exactly what you want, or what you never imagined it could be. In addition to being creative, Lori is just one of those fun people to be around. The oldest of seven children and the mother of three, Lori has also honed her people skills. Stop by the Antique Marketplace on Burnt Poplar, find her space, and experience the magic!

*read the full article on pp. 66-67, HERE.

Guilford College Students Protesting

Guilford College students staged a protest yesterday along Guilford College Road, in front of New Green Friends Meeting. Students are very upset to be losing some of their favorite professors and also losing many of their liberal arts majors. Over the nearly 200-year history of the Quaker-founded college, the liberal arts have been at the core of the institution. Students stated that they wish they had been more included in the process for deciding what majors to retain and how to raise money for the college. Those student protestors were so articulate and passionate about their educational experience at Guilford College. 

A key symbol of  Guilford College is a great black oak. One fell in the 1990s and former Guilford President Bill Rogers drew the tree, and his drawing became the logo that is still in use today.*  Mature trees abound on the campus. One of the many memorable signs held by the students yesterday  said, "The tree is dying." Of course, "You fired my favorite professor" also hit home about the hurt felt by many of the stakeholders, especially the faculty, staff, and students. Downsizing decisions are never easy. Let's hope somehow between now and the final vote in February a financial windfall comes their way. Let's do it for the students, especially the ones who are committed to the liberal arts!

* reference and additional information, here.

Happy Veterans Day 2020

Happy Veterans Day! Eleven eleven is the day we remember those who have served in the military on behalf of the United States. The above photo is the flag flying over Independence Drive in Kirkwood.  This photo is dedicated to all of the people of Greensboro (and beyond) who are veterans. If there are veterans in your life, please be sure to thank to them. Happy Wednesday. COVID is really impacting in-person events this year, including those that celebrate our veterans.A lone flag with no people present is pretty representative of how we are celebrating this year. Hopefully, there are other ways we can let them know they are appreciated. 

 

Guilford Quakers

Guilford College was founded by Quakers on 349-wooded acres in 1837. The college is located at the corner of West Friendly Avenue and Guilford College Road. It is one of 15 Quaker colleges, universities and study centers in the world (see list here) and the only one in the southern region of the United States.

Guilford College has always been known for its strong liberal arts education and the core values of community, diversity, equity, excellence, integrity, justice, and stewardship. At least in the pre-COVID era, one could stroll along campus and learn about the school's role in the Underground Railroad and other activities centered around the Civil Rights Movement. You could see a greenhouse, young farmers, and sustainable agriculture practices. 

Financial hard times are causing the administration to cut costs and eliminate positions and academic programs. Nineteen of its 42 academic majors are recommended to be eliminated (reference). If you are in the financial position to do some good in the world, here are some ways to give to Guilford College. This institution, with an 183-year history of academic greatness in Greensboro, deserves not only to be around for its bicentennial, but to be thriving in 2037. Let us know if you are able to donate. While Greensboro Daily Photo doesn't generate revenue, we would love to know we played a part in keeping the Guilford Quakers in Greensboro! Happy Tuesday.

Greensboro Farmers Curb Market

The Greensboro Farmers Curb Market has been serving up fresh produce since 1874. Located on Yanceyville Street across from the old War Memorial Stadium, the curb market is a place for farmers to sell their fresh produce and other edibles. It has also been a place for people to go to enjoy each other. You can talk directly to the farmers and learn from them. You can find vendors who specialize in items you like and arrange to have items ready for you at each market. Sometimes there is entertainment; sometimes themed-events. Today's photo features a view from the Lindsay Street Side, a lone shopper seated, long after the market had closed for the day.

The COVID era has changed the protocols for the market; masks; controlled entrance point; an earlier entry for the community's most vulnerable, more outside. The good produce and direct interaction with farmers keeps people returning week after week. Now is the time for cold weather vegetables, cabbage, greens, collards, turnips. If you want meats for the holidays, you might want to make plans soon. This upcoming Sunday 11/15/2020, the market will host a holiday arts and crafts event, Make 4 Market.

Interior View of Greek Orthodox Church: Stained Glass Windows

Today's post is a view of one of the stunning stained glass windows inside the Greek Orthodox Church in Greensboro. Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church had the windows installed in 1988. They were made in Mentor, Ohio by Mosack's, a company that specializes in church related items. The windows are a sight to behold when the sun is shining through them. They cast a glow on the whole sanctuary. As you look around inside, so many scenes from Christ's life and the Virgin Mary's life are told in the windows.

If you ever attend an event at the church, it is usually possible to find someone who will show you the inside. The iconostasis is also breathtaking. The church is located at 800 Westridge Road, at the corner of Friendly Avenue. Services have resumed at the church, however, they are making every effort to be COVID safe, including checking temperatures on the way in. Happy Sunday!

Brew Peddlers

The Brew Peddlers was going strong last weekend, cruising along Elm Street. They bill themselves as Greensboro's first and only pedal trolley. They can accommodate parties of fourteen. You can also join a trolley and meet new people. You bring your own beer, or grab something to drink at one of the downtown establishments.* Tours start outside the Bodega, across from the Carolina Theatre. All riders need to be 21 or older. Read more about Brew Peddlers, here! Peddling is strongly encouraged, but optional.

Whether it is this adventure on wheels or something else, we hope you have a ..... Happy Saturday! 

* Here are the places they stop, if you are interested.

Got Persimmons? Craving Persimmons?

So many local businesses are selling local food products. It is not common to to see a sign advertising honey, local blends of tea and coffee, and, in the above case, persimmons. Persimmons are one of the great seasonal foods of fall. These Asian persimmons, bigger than the domestic persimmons, are available at Golden Antiques. Get them fast as the season is almost over. 

Golden Antiques is located on 220 in Summerfield. They have a little bit of everything, from antiques, to Nik-naks to arts and crafts, to COVID make to..... PERSIMMONS! Happy Friday and get out there and explore, if you can do it safely. Also, it is First Friday, which means things should be lively on Elm Street downtown.

Earth and Iron Pottery

This past weekend, an arts and crafts event was held at the Greensboro Curb Market on Yanceyville. As you can see from the above photo, several booths were open empty. However, those vendors who were able to set up seemed to be having a good show. The event had been rescheduled due to rain. Shoppers seemed happy to have an opportunity to to get out and buy in person and local. The above pottery is made by Danielle and Todd Fain. Danielle, Todd's wife, is the main potter; however, she was not able to attend on Sunday and sent their daughter in her stead.

Earth and Iron came into existence when Danielle was diagnosed with MS- after having been a North Carolina nurse for 25 years. Unable to work in her chosen profession, Danielle retrained as a potter, a profession that is more compatible with the challenges of MS. Now, with COVID, Danielle has to be extra careful avoid public events. In spite of all health obstacles, the Fain family is not one to just sit home and do nothing. Their pottery is a joyful expression of  love of working with clay. They are usually seen with a booth at local festivals, especially at Shakori Hills, a venue just down the road from their Snow Camp home. Those "wine" cups, with the dimples for the thumb, are great for all beverages. If you want some of this pottery, contact the Fains at [email protected]  Hopefully, they will be back for the MADE 4 the Holidays Arts, Crafts & Pottery Market on Sunday, November 15th.

Beka Butts.... Casa Azul... and Day of the Dead

Local artist Beka Butts is the curator of the little altars or "ofrendas" currently on display at the Greensboro Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street. Usually, Casa Azul has large altars on the the floor about 5' wide and extending up the wall. This year, with COVID, they made a call for families to create shoe-box sized altars in remembrance of family members. The shift in approach has yielded some amazing mini-memorials. Beka,  who is half Mexican-American herself, has first-hand knowledge of the holiday and was the perfect person to provide tutorials to  help families make their little altars.

Beka, a graduate of Bishop McGuinnes High School, is a professionally trained artist who attended the Savannah College of Art and Design. When not creating her own art, specifically illustrating and woodturning, Beka takes time to be involved in projects like this one at Casa Azul. The very talented Beka can be reached at [email protected], and the Casa Azul Día de los Muertos exhibit can be seen at the Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street until November 15th. This year, the exhibit is in the first room on the left, very near Café Europa.

The event if free and open to the public. Social distancing with masks is observed for this contactless event. 

 

Vote!

All is quiet on the corner of Lewis Street and the 600 block of South Elm Street. At this storefront awaits a new business, the owners have brown paper over the windows and a message to VOTE! It will be interesting to see the election results for Guilford County. Our county has voted Democratic in the last four presidential elections and Republican in 2000- when George W. Bush was running. 

Hopefully, you have either already voted, or you intend to vote today. There is no school today. If you are home with children, today is a good day to teach them about civic rights and responsibilities. Have a great Tuesday. Regardless of election results, it will be nice to see the campaign signs disappear from the lawns of Greensboro. If you are working at the polls, thank you for your service!

Halloween 2020... Year 33 on Deep Green

Paul Stutts of 3415 Deep Green Drive, off of Westridge, has been decorating for Halloween for 33 years now. This past Saturday was no different. Yet again, he filled his yard with lights, inflatables, statues, and more. Superheroes were featured prominently, as was Dracula and the Headless Horseman. The driveway, however, was the main attraction for the young ones as that is where his young adult daughter sat, masked to be COVID safe, waiting for the little ones to walk up for candy.  Here is an article from 2014 where people sent photos of their spooky Halloween decor to the News & Record newspaper. Of course Paul sent in a photo of his home (see the article, here). It is so nice to see people put forth so much effort to bring joy to others and thirty-three years is quite a streak. When asked where he stores the Halloween decor during the off season, his response was, "Everywhere."

Most people reported participation being down this year with very few children going out to trick-or-treat. However, the spirit remains alive and well on Deep Green in Greensboro. Happy Monday and, for those who celebrate, it is the last day of Day of the Dead. Tomorrow, we will feature the altars assembled and on display thanks to Casa Azul.

Trunk or Treat 2020 at the Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church

For the last three years, the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, at the corner of  West Friendly Avenue and Westridge, has been holding Trunk or Treat,  where children of all walks of life are invited to celebrate Halloween. From 4-6pm yesterday, candy was distributed- with visitors and church members alike making every effort to social distance. Father Presbyter Loulakis was on site overseeing the event. If you look closely, he is the person in the long black vestment between the red and black SUVs.

This view from the Westridge side of the building showcases the simple, yet impressive, architecture of the building. Walter Blue was the architect. The building was completed in 1975. Geometric shapes, especially the square and the half-circle, are evident inside as well as outside the church. It is nice to see people outside on a sunny day and to hear the joyful voices of children making memories with their families.The Trunk-or-Treat memories felt more community oriented, than commercial.

Happy Sunday, and, if you are a member of Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, enjoy Divine Liturgy this morning.