Greensboro Daily Photo

Community Garden at First Baptist Church on Friendly Avenue

Yesterday, at First Baptist Church, a group gathered to repair and refresh the raised beds to their community garden. With the church as a backdrop, the volunteers worked for several hours. Due to water runoff, the south side of the wooden frames rots first and they need to be replaced before the first seeds are planted. From Associate Pastor and Music Director Doug Vancil to other church members, volunteers had frames reinforced after a day of manual labor. The beds are planted and cared for by church and community members. The adjacent neighborhood is Westerwood. Soon, it will be time to plant and, before you know it, the watering, feeding, weeding, harvesting, and sharing of produce will begin to unfold. The plots are ready! Winds were strong and temperatures cool yesterday, but the glorious sunshine made working and being outside absolutely glorious.

If you want to hear a sermon from First Baptist, they are available on the website (see HERE). You can also log on to the Facebook page of  First Baptist Church of Greensboro and the service starts at 10:30. First Baptist is a liberal church. If you are looking for an active congregation that has something for everybody, at all ages and stages of life, First Baptist is a great church to consider. From what we hear from members, it is a great religious home. We learned firsthand, yesterday that the music director is kind and inviting. May their congregation and community garden thrive.

Happy Sunday!

A Good Day to Try the Bus

The Greensboro Transportation Department is featuring the "Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 bus. We caught up with it at the corner of Muirs Chapel and West Market Street. The city is trying really hard to provide transportation while being mindful of the need to maintain safety protocols. This is probably the 9 bus and here is a schedule for busses throughout the city. Fares are really quite reasonable, only $1.50 for a regular one ride pass. An unlimited one-day pass is only $4.00. You could spend all day on the bus and see where the adventures take you. Perhaps you are already a regular bus user. The busses are clean and the the City of Greensboro is working hard to reduce its carbon footprint. Greensboro was the first city in North Carolina to add electric busses to its public transportation fleet. The more we use public transportation, the more the program will grow.

Happy Saturday!

Camellias

Yesterday we featured hellebores; today it is camellias. This northwest Greensboro camellia bush is blooming in full glory. It is fighting hard to keep its blooms bright as the ice surrounds it. This photo show the beauty of the Greensboro landscape. Even when trees have dropped their leaves, there are holly trees (to the left) camellias and other evergreens to add color and texture to the landscape. If you absolutely love camellias, many local nurseries sell them; however, there is also a nursery that specializes in them. Cam Too Camellia Nursery is located at 805 Oakbury Court. It is located off of Highway 150, just west of Northern High School and a stone's throw from Gethsemane Garden Nursery. Established in 1982, the nursery encompasses 60 acres. The excitement of a specialty nursery is that the owners work diligently to produce hardier, more resilient, and more beautiful varieties with a longer blooming season. When you go to these specialty nurseries in Greensboro, and you show a sincere interest in their product, you have a friend for life!

We hope you are warm, safe, and making the most of what Leslie Jordan calls "hunkering down"! 

February is Hellebore Time!

At least once a year we like to feature hellebores. The above specimen was a gift from our friend Anita Shaver who is very knowledgable of growing and transplanting them. Given they are known as Lenten roses, hellebores seem so appropriate to feature since yesterday was the beginning of the Lenten season. These cousins of the buttercup grow well in Greensboro, especially under deciduous trees where they get good light when leaves are gone and are protected from the burning sun of summer. Local garden shops and farmers markets sell them, thanks to the fact that Janice Nicholson at Gethsemane Gardens. Janice grows stunning hellebores and has contributed significantly their popularity in Greensboro. Her nursery is located on Highway 150, just east of Church Street. This time of year, the flowers are at peak. You can call the nursery for an appointment to purchase some (336-656-3096). You can also follow them on Facebook at Gethsemane Gardens & Nursery or at www.gethgardens.com.  It takes 3-4 years for a hellebore to mature sufficiently from seed and, as the Nicholson family will tell you, it is well worth the wait.

If you want to read a really great human interest story about Janice Nicholson, Gethsemane Gardens, and Greensboro's relationship with hellebores, read Maria Johnson's article from about 19 years ago (HERE). If we do have ice when we wake, today's photo will remind us of the beauty that lurks beneath it all. If the ice bypasses Greensboro, we'll head out to purchase some new varieties of hellebores!

Colonial Home on Bennington Road

Yesterday, we featured the historic marker for Guilford College Woods on Bennington Road. Today, let's have a look at a beautiful home on the same road. This home at 4902 was built in 1983. The 4 bedroom 3 bathroom home is such a beautiful home at the edge of the woods. This colonial brick home is known as a 5 over 4 for the number of windows on the second floor and on the first.

Everything about the exterior of this house is so well appointed. The cool, cloudy weather brings out a special glow in the house. The moss from the woods has spread across the street to this property and is especially beautiful on a rainy day. You can also see that tree that recently toppled in this yard. There were many trees down in the neighborhood. Fortunately, on this property, the tree fell away from the house and not on the house! Fortunately, there are still plenty of trees in their yard and in their neighborhood. As we learn about more bad weather on the way, let's hope everyone in the above neighborhood, and yours, remains safe!

Guilford College Woods on Fat Tuesday, 2021

Visiting the Jefferson Road and Bennington Drive yesterday, we noted several trees down as a result of the ice storm and extra soggy soil. Some people are still without power as a result of this recent bout of winter weather in Greensboro. The overcast, foggy weather seemed to highlight the beauty of the woods. The carpet of green moss is absolutely lovely this time of year. Notice how it appears at the edge of the woods, turns a vibrant green as it approaches the blanket of leaves, and then, just stops. Continue through that woods and you will come out at Guilford College. We will type what the historic marker says, as it can be a little difficult to read from the above angle."

"240-acre oasis of biodiversity. Land of Saura and Keyawee, settled by European American Friends (Quakers) in the 1700s. Site of encampment of British and American troops in the Revolutionary War. Refuge for enslaved Africans seeking freedom via the Underground Railroad and Quaker men escaping Civil War Confederate draft in the 1800s. Site of former college farm.Educational and recreational resource."

May it always remain this oasis of biodiversity! Happy Tuesday. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. Greensboro has never been a big Mardi Gras town; however, since tomorrow Lent begins and if you prepare for Easter through self-denial during Lent, today is your last day to live it up, hence the name Fat Tuesday. Have a great day, whether you decide to take a walk in the woods or to don some purple, green, and gold beads and join some virtual revelers in celebration.

Happy Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year began this past Friday, February 12th and will last up to sixteen days. We rang in the holiday by purchasing Chinese food from Bamboo House on Fleming Road. They were extremely busy with many large orders on Friday. Bamboo House is offering take out and delivery during the pandemic and the owners are taking every precaution in dealing with the public. We were struck by the fact that their pink Christmas cactus is in full bloom. We should have asked them if they have some special secret to plan its blooming to coincide with New Year.

This year is the year of the ox. Chinese New Year festivities will culminate with the Lantern Festival. The closest lantern festival to Greensboro is the one in Reidsville at Lake Reidsville Park (630 Water Words Road). Thousands of lanterns will be set afloat and reflecting on the water. Gates open at 4:00 pm, and, if you buy tickets by today, the early bird price is 25.99 (more details here). If you are looking for a fun outdoor event with plenty of opportunities to take photos, this will be the perfect event. We don't want to celebrate our ethnic communities only on special holidays; however, holidays are the most salient, observable aspects of a culture, and a good starting point to begin to learn. Greensboro has almost 300,000 Chinese residents and the local population includes Chinese-Americans and people from mainland China, Taiwan, and Singapore. Mandarin Chinese is taught at Northwest High School, Page High School, High Point Central, Ferndale Middle School, and Northwood Elementary School. (Learn more about the programs here). 

Happy Monday and Happy New Year!

Ice All Around Us on a Valentine's Day Sunday

For Winter 2021, this has been the weekend for ice in Greensboro! Temperatures have hovered near 32 degrees with rain turning to ice and freezing on tree branches and twigs. Many trees are down in and around Greensboro. People have lost power and many stores are closed. Seeing Wal-Mart on North Battleground Avenue pitch dark at 8:30 pm last night was a strange site. Not even parking lot lights were on.

Weather events help us realize that as hard as we humans try to control all situations, some things in life remain out of our hands. The above photo was taken on a small bush in northwest Greensboro with sweet gum trees looming in the background. Water is frozen in time and space and beautiful in a way that only nature can produce.  We hope everyone is OK Finally, Happy Valentines Day. May you be safe at home with someone you love. Life is beautiful.

Green Is the New Green Bean!

The Green Bean at 341 South Elm Street  has been a downtown Greensboro institution since 2002, and was part of the revitalization os Elm Street. This past October, Amy and Galen Foresman purchased the Green Bean. In the few months they've owned it, they've made changes to the space, giving the interior a facelift. They are determined to revitalize downtown's first coffee shop (of the new millennium) and make it a hub of activity.  The plan to incorporate local art and music into the space. The Foresman family has built deep roots in the Greensboro community and should have the connections to make their dream a reality. Galen Foresman is a philosophy professor at North Carolina A&T State University in the Liberal Studies Department; this should be a perfect background to bring great conversations and discussions to the coffee shop. 

The 300 block of South Elm Street has so many great shops. It is a place you can start your day with a great cup of coffee, shop for a new pair of glasses, search for vintage, handmade, and fair trade items, eat great meals, share a pint with a friend, buy a good book, and then head over to treat yourself to a slice of cheesecake. The Green Bean was closed by the time we made it downtown yesterday; however, we plan to stop by this weekend, enjoy a cup of coffee and check out the vibe. We're wondering if the hot-pink walls with jumbo sharpie graffiti are still in the bathrooms. To be sure, the exterior is inviting and, as for the man and dog, it is wonderful to see people with their canine companions enjoying the city. People make a city and make gray days joyful. Happy Saturday, dear readers. It is a good day for coffee. The Green Bean's new hours are from 7:30 am- 3:00 pm.

Great Blue Herons of Greensboro

Spending time in nature has its surprises and benefits. Yesterday, we were walking near Lake Higgins, and in an isolated shallow area we happened upon this blue heron. We got so close we could even see the frayed feathers on its chest. We were lamenting the low light of the very gray day and also being without a quality camera in hand.  While the  heron is the obvious focal point of the photo, perched in the shrubs, it was actually rather camouflage and at first we didn't see it. The chest frayed chest feathers look like the sticks and twigs surrounding the heron. Beautiful creatures like the great blue heron have a way of reminding us to appreciate nature and the beauty all around use- when we have the time to look.

Seeing the heron reminded us we need to explore Blue Heron-Kingfisher Trail off of Yanceyville Road in Browns Summit. There is also a Blue Heron Trail, which is an extension of the Reedy Fork trail, accessible from North Church Street. The Blue Heron Trail was constructed by the Greensboro Flat Tire Society. We must not be the only ones being inspired by the herons. This giant bird can grow to 4 1/2 feet, but usually only weights about 5 1/2 pounds. Herons are year-rounds residents in North Carolina, and if you want to see them, it is a pretty good bet you will  simply by traversing the trails along the lakes. Happy Thursday!

View Along Sunset Drive

This 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom house is located at 108 Sunset Drive, just off Elm Street. The Greensboro Country Club, just down the road, was incorporated in 1911, so the above Irving Park home, built in 1915,  was one of the earlier homes in the neighborhood. *  As you can see from the bare trees, we are in the heart of winter. The photo was taken late in the afternoon and the winter sun shines brightly on this residence. 

From Elm Street to Lawndale Drive, Sunset Drive is a little over a mile and a half long. It meanders through the heart of Irving Park and many prominent properties are seen along the way. The Greensboro Country Club is on Sunset, with several of the golf holes visible from the road. The homes of Irving Park, this early, 145 acre neighborhood, are some of the most spectacular in Greensboro. The architecture is breathtaking, and very diverse. Between the beauty of the homes and the spectacular landscaping, Irving Park is truly a Greensboro gem. It you haven't spent much time there, a good first pass would be to drive from one end of Sunset Drive to the other. Let us know if you find a personal favorite property. Read this Preservation Greensboro article and you can plan your very own tour of homes (the exterior views, of course).

* Preservation Greensboro has a very informative article about the Irving Park neighborhood.

Retro Faucet Parts

Retro Faucet Parts bills itself as a mom and pop shop. This local, family-owned business was established in 1975. They pride themselves on being able to provide customers with just about any plumbing supply you need, whether it is for a fixture that no longer exists or it is the a plumbing part that is the latest technology. These specialists have provided parts for remodels of the Biltmore,  Julian Price Mansion, and Chinqua Penn- to name a few of the most well known places to use their service. Retro Faucet is  located at 3800 Spring Garden Street, right where Spring Garden connects to Wendover Avenue. By the looks of the exterior of the cinder block building, there is little doubt about what they sell. It is a little bit harder to determine the main entrance, which happens to be on the Cranbrook Street side of the building. It is the golden yellow door, to the right of Elmer Fudd and the painted sign that says ENTRANCE. As you approach the building, imagine the soundtrack to your favorite theme music from the Nintendo Mario universe.

That mural of Mario the Plumber is the work of Joey Allen Creations. Joey is a self-taught pop artist from Winston Salem. He is known for his murals that combine bright colors, pop characters, and modern icons. If you know Joey's aesthetic, you can see how the above artwork fits right in! We wish Joey had dated the mural. It can't be that old, because the Google map photo still shows the building as painted white. We need to check out the inside, being prepared to save Princess Peach or Princess Toadstool,  or at least collect some gold coins. There are 8 leadership goals to be learned from Super Mario Brothers: Face the unknown; be positive; adapt to changes; establish short and medium term goals; clearly define the long term goal; seek self confidence; be a team player; and finally, celebrate and compliment.*

If Retro Faucet Parts runs their business following these Super Mario lessons, they are sure to be around for another 46 years!

 

*reference HERE.

Clutch Coffee Bar

Clutch Coffee Bar at 1405 Sunset Drive, at Lawndale, is the newest coffee house in town. It replaced a former Wells Fargo building, and service is drive-thru only- although outdoor seating is under consideration. The Greensboro location of Clutch opened on January 30th. There are already two locations in Mooresville and one in Winston Salem. The three founders, John, Darren, and Jake realized their entrepreneurial dream in 2018. The company is committed to customer, culture, and community and the motto is "Power up", a reference to their commitment to providing inspiration to customers and employees alike.

To that end, Drayton (photographed above) is proof that the company's positivity and inspiration is working. Drayton, has been a barista since age 16 and was working for a multi-national coffee chain before deciding to make the change and work for a smaller, more-local company. We met up in the parking lot yesterday and we were able to conduct a brief interview. Drayton is a student at UNCG and absolutely loves working at Clutch and speaks highly of the owners and management. If you work with people Drayton's age or younger you probably already know that "Clutch" means "perfect, exactly what is needed, awesome." Also, according to the Urban Dictionary, "clutch" is used when someone does something just when it is urgently needed. So, if you are in the Irving Park area and need a little caffeine, a lot of caffeine, or an all-natural, caffeine-free, no-sugar-added juice from the juice bar, Clutch is right there!

Iglesia Redención y Salvación

Happy Sunday, the day we try to post something spiritual or reflective on Greensboro Daily Photo. We try to find places that reflect the diversity of Greensboro. There are almost 26,000 Hispanic people in Greensboro, or 8.7 percent of the population. It is only natural for churches, businesses and services that cater to the Spanish speaking community.  The Iglesia Redención y Salvación is a Pentecostal church located at 3312 Spring Garden Street, between Gay Terrace and Crazy Tires Tire Shop, just west of Holden Road. All along Spring Garden Street, from Lindley Park to West Market Street, there are several businesses that cater to the Spanish speaking members of the community.

The building housing the "Iglesia Redención y Salvación" looks like it used to house a commercial business. But if you drive by on a Sunday, Tuesday, or Saturday, you will see that it is indeed a church with people attending services and participating in fellowship with each other. This church doesn't seem to maintain a website, but they do have a Facebook page, if you want to try to learn more about them. Have a great day, whether you are in church, watching The Super Bowl, working, or just relaxing with family.

A Day in the Life of a Very Big House

Yesterday, we shared a tiny house on Greensboro Daily Photo. Today we go big, grande indeed. This house, in the Carlson Farms area of Northwest Greensboro, is about 10,000 square feet on an acre and a half lot. Greensboro has an array of housing options and  houses surrounding the Greensboro Country Club both in town and at the Farm Course all tend to be very large. This house in the photograph, built in 1990, was a natural brick color until about a month ago when it got painted all white, a trend which remains popular in Greensboro- and elsewhere.

You also notice a home service was at the house the day we photographed it. Home services are booming with the pandemic. This home was getting a visit from "Doggie Paws and Kitty Claws", a mobile groom service. At 10K square feet, there sure is a lot of space for the owners and their canine/feline critters. The white van and white car, against the late afternoon sun, match the fresh white paint, yet are attention getting. The trees in winter off a little drama to the view. Have a happy Saturday! Give yourself an out-of-doors break today and see what you can get outside and notice.

Sit In Art

Today's photo is the Church Street Parking Deck. In 2008, he entire stairwell was painted by the African American Atelier in their Summer Around the World Youth Program.  The artist instructor for the above project was Brittain Peck; the assistant was Delois Bynum; story development was by Rameshkathandi; and, the translator was Carlos J. Morales. The project got support from The City of Greensboro, the Greensboro Library Arts Commission, and UNCGreensboro. The stairwell reads like a bilingual cartoon, but with a serious message. The little slice shown today is the Greensboro Four who started the Sit-Ins at the Woolworth lunch counter in 1960.

While outdoor murals have really trended in Greensboro over the last few years, this one can go unnoticed as it is indoors in a stairwell. On the other hand, it is protected from the elements and should last for a very long time. As co-founder of the Atelier, Representative Alma Adams points out*, the Atelier was established so that African American art can be showcased every day and every month of the year, not just in February. The youth group has continued the tradition of memorable art projects since it was established in 1992. Let's hope they do their fine projects for a very long time.

*reference and more information in the News & Record article here.

"Be the Light"

It was a fun challenge to find a photo for today. First, it is Day 2 of African American History month (we will have more, related photos).  Also, today  is Groundhog Day and as for capturing a photo of that groundhog in our Greensboro yard- not gonna happen. Besides, if he comes out and sees his shadow, we'll have six more weeks of winter. Finally, today is Candlemas, the 40th and final day of the Christmas season. Some churches will celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ/the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary; celebrating families will light candles and have a big meal together. Today, we celebrate this many-faceted, conglomerate-of-holidays day with a quote from Chick-Fil-A Founder Truett Cathy. The above sign was seen at the Brassfield Chick-Fil-A, November 16th, 2020; it was hard to read, unless one was waiting in the drive-through line. And there were many...

"We live in a changing world but we need to be reminded that the important things have not changed and the important things will not change if we keep our priorities in proper order."  Truett Cathy (2020).  On this second day of February, may we find a way to "Be the light."

Greensboro Sit Ins and African American History Month

February 1st, 1960, sixty one years ago, is the day the Sit-In Movement began at the lunch counter at Woolworth on South Elm Street in downtown Greensboro. Initially, four men  started these Sit Ins by refusing to get up from the lunch counter until they were served a cup of coffee. They are featured above.  David Richmond, Franklin McCain, Jabreel Khazan, Joseph McNeil were freshmen at North Carolina A&T during the Sit-Ins. To remember the movement, in 2002, this sculpture, by Jim Barnhill,  was erected on the campus of NC A&T, in front of the Dudley Memorial Building. Barnhill is an art professor at NC A & T. People not from Greensboro don't always realize the extent of this city's involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. Having so many institutions of higher education in Greensboro, including two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), NC A&T and Bennett College, contribute to this involvement. 

Related to civil rights and social justice, so much has happened nationally and in Greensboro just since February One last year. There have been heinous and offensive acts committed against people of color, and protests and reactions. Lets all spend the year doing what we can to make sure everyone is treated fairly and with dignity. Let's check back on February One, 2022,  and assess how the year has been. As we open African American History month, let us learn more about the above four men, and also people of color in the Greensboro community today who are making a difference. Happy Monday! Happy February One!

National House of Prayer for All People

The United House of Prayer for All People  is a dynamic, Apostolic  church, located at the south end of the campus of North Carolina A&T University, at the corner of Dudley and Market Streets.  The Greensboro branch of the United House of Prayer of  is one of 149 houses of worship in the Unites States. Some of the biggest news at the Greensboro church is that it is  building 172 apartments and retail on the 13.7 acre vacant lot across the street from the church. In 2005, the church purchased the lot from the Greensboro post office, which formerly had a facility on the now-vacant lot. This "Downtown East" venture is timed perfectly to provide new housing at a time when NC A&T is building a state-of-the-art engineering facility.

The  United House of Prayer for All People is known, not only for its powerful services and sense of community, but also for its fine restaurant that serves delicious comfort food, fish,  fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and other delicious sides. The first church was founded in Massachusetts in 1919.  Entering its second century, the religion seems to be thriving and as community oriented as ever. Sunday hours are 11:30 am- 4:00 pm. Stop by if you get a chance and learn about all that is going on with this church. Happy Sunday!

Twilight on West Gate City

Just about everything is beautiful in the right light, especially twilight. Desolate street scenes can evoke a feeling of melancholy and nostalgia for busier times. From another perspective, there is a comfortable feeling that everyone is home after a long day of work. The above photo of West Gate City Boulevard was taken last night just before 6:30  with a cell phone while heading west after sunset. All was quiet on this part of West Gate City.  To the left, you see the new Kaplan Center for Wellness, a facility that belongs to UNCG. Since 2916, this building has been a beacon of fitness and wellness loved by all who use it. The photo has a time-worn look, and were it not for the glass-walled recreation center, it would look like it had been taken a few decades ago. Two thousand fifteen was the year Lee Street was renamed Gate City Boulevard and when the effort to rebrand and rejuvenate this part of town began. UNCG has been a big part of the transformation of the 1300 block of Gate City Boulevard.

 Gate City Boulevard runs for 6 1/2 miles from Four Seasons Town Center all the way out to Interstate 85 in the east. Here is a Business NC article posted in 2019 outlining many of the changes and initiatives. There have been so many changes over the past decade. We need to get busy photographing more of them. In addition to the contributions of the IHEs, the Coliseum area has had many improvements and the Natatorium is a beauty. Also, great progress is being made on the Blue Bell Jeans Factory at the corner of South Elm Street and Gate City Boulevard. When educational institutions, city government, and the private sector work together, great things can happen. Keep your eye on this part of town as it will continue to grow. We will try to bring the new additions to you through Greensboro Daily Photo. Happy Saturday! You know we're  out on the beat!

The Very, Very, Light Dusting of SNOW

Early Thursday morning, the rain turned to snow in Greensboro.  While roads weren't bad, snow was melting snow and refreezing with the the temperature holding remaining near 32 degrees. The above photo shows the light dusting of snow in the northern end of the city. As you can see, the morning sun was shining brightly. Today and tomorrow are predicted to be  sunny, with temperatures ranging between a low of 21 and a high of 42. Enjoy the sunshine because there is a good chance it will snow again on Sunday. December-January are predicted to be the coldest months here. However, in Greensboro, there have been so few bad weather days this season, we really can't complain. And, just think, Monday is already February 1 and Tuesday is Candelaria/Candlemas on the Christian calendar,  and Groundhog Day on the calendar of lighthearted fun calendar. Do you celebrate either? Both? If you celebrate the former, buy some candles this weekend. As for the latter, if you want spring to arrive early, hope the groundhog does not see his shadow.

Guilford County Schools posted that all school would be remote yesterday. People on social media sites were lamenting the end of "snow days" as we have known them. Now, when it snows, instead of having no school and needing to make up a day, students simply have a day of learning remotely. The pandemic has really taught us the importance of being connected to the digital world and it has also taught us how much we enjoy being together. Have a great weekend and may you find things to do that afford a little (safe) fun.

Southern Railway Passenger Station

Yesterday, we posted a photo of a railcar. Today, we are featuring the first railway passenger station in Greensboro. We owe much of the early rail traffic through Greensboro to Governor John Motley Morehead. While he died before the above station was built, he played a major role in having the trains travel through Greensboro. Governor Morehead's home is just a few blocks northeast of this rail station. The Southern Railroad Company commissioned the Southern Railway Station, which opened in 1899. The exterior is made of brick with granite trim. The station served travelers coming in and out of Greensboro.

This depot at 400 South Elm Street was replaced in 1927 by the J. Douglas Galyon Station on East Washington Street. The above building has changed considerably over the last 122 years. According to Preservation Greensboro, the elaborate Victorian elements were removed.*  While the turreted roof is long gone, the round brick support feature on the northeastern side of the building is still a noticeable feature. Also missing is the 3rd floor which was built under a clay roof filled with dormers. As of 1980, the has been on the National Register as part of the downtown Greensboro Historic District. So, hopefully, the building will be around for a very long time and will be repurposed into something Greensboro fabulous. The neighborhing Cascade Saloon was rescued and brought back to life by the Christman Company. The depot deserves to be restored. You can tell by the above photo that is has good bones. Happy Thursday, dear readers!

 

*reference and more information HERE.

The Day the Vaccine Came to Town

Last Thursday, when we were driving along Oakland Avenue to secure a photo of the Rolane Factory Outlet, before it gets transformed into housing, we snapped the above photo. At first, the tagging/graffiti on the rail cars is what caught our attention. However, upon closer inspection, beyond the colorful words that we couldn't read, we found legible words: Cryo-trans; the other side of the car had the slogan, "Protecting Today's Perishables For Tomorrow." A little internet searching revealed that The Cryo-Trans Company has refrigerated and insulated railcars to transport refrigerated and frozen goods.  The prefix "Cryo" comes from Green meaning "ice, cold, chill, and frost."  "Trans" comes from Latin meaning "across." So Cryo-Trans" is the perfect name for a company that transports, across country, items that need to be stored at a cool/cold temperature.

Curiously, almost exactly four year ago, in February 2017, the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus was stopped on this same railroad track in Greensboro on its trans-national farewell tour. At the time we drove by the circus trains, there was a man cleaning the garbage off the trucks while the performers were across the tracks performing at the Greensboro Coliseum.  We don't have proof, but we're guessing that the above rail car had stopped in this same spot to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to the Coliseum. This time, instead of a person cleaning out railcars, a man was parked in a truck beside the railcar who was there before and after our photo shoot at the Rolaine Sock Factory. Perhaps, he was guarding the vaccine. Our best guess about this serendipitous encounter on January 21st 2021 is that we were witnessing the COVID-19 vaccine coming to town. It reminded us that Greensboro came by its nickname, "The Gate City" honestly, and so much of what comes and goes by rail is documentation of fleeting moments in time.

People of Greensboro: Meet Eli

Today, we feature Eli, who is the proud owner of the "NOT A COP" mobile we featured here this past Saturday. When we traced the car to the Reconsidered Goods, A Non-Profit Creative Reuse Center, Eli happened to be working at the front counter and we learned it was, indeed his car. Eli hails from Hendersonville, North Carolina and studied at Blue Ridge Community College before transferring to UNCG. Eli is a student in the American Sign Language (ASL)  interpreting program at UNCG, learning to interpret for the deaf with a special interest in community interpreting. After we talked about the history of his imposing black and white Ford Crown Victoria, we commenced to talking about when Firefighter Andrea Hall lead the Inaugural Pledge of Allegiance,  spoken and in sign language. Without missing a beat, and ever the advocate, Eli immediately replied how it would have been nice to have had an ASL interpreter through the whole inauguration. We're sure by now, Eli is jubilant over the announcement yesterday that the White House will enlist ASL interpreters for the daily press briefings. Who knows, just maybe, someday Eli will be interpreting on a national level.

For now, we will cherish the time Eli is in Greensboro and, specifically working at Reconsidered Goods on Spring Garden Street. Eli has one of those cheerful expressions and you can tell there is a smile underneath that mask! For all of our readers who are teachers, please note, Eli credits a teacher for recognizing his talent and potential as an ASL interpreter. Teachers, it is true, you have a special power. Sometimes one sentence of encouragement can spark a chosen profession. Happy Tuesday! Oh, and Eli, this past Saturday, we were at a business meeting on a front porch in Greensboro, and one of the members in the meeting had just read the "NOT A COP" post on Greensboro Daily Photo and said, "You know, they live in our neighborhood!" Now we know and we LOVE your neighborhood!

Reflecting on Friendly Center at Twilight

The above photo was taken in the newer section of Friendly Center, last night at twilight. A lot of stores close at 6:00 pm on Sunday, so at the time this photo was taken, the shopping center was fairly empty. This is the view behind Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, which happens to stay open until 9pm on Sundays. The original part of Friendly Center opened in 1957 and this new section above in 2006. Can you believe it has already been 15 years? It seems like just yesterday when a loud "boom" was heard throughout Greensboro, from the razing of the Burlington Industries building on this lot.  If you read about Friendly Center on Wikipedia, it mentions the "inward" orientation of the center, which is  naturally conducive to helping shoppers feel more together. Both the new and old parts have a seating/gathering area, which is part of the reason it considered an "outdoor lifestyle center".* So, when we see teens hanging out on the grassy area above, we all need to remind ourselves they have a right to hand out at an outdoor lifestyle center!

The most recent addition to the newer part of Friendly Center is Hawthorne at Friendly, where you can choose one of sixteen floor plans in this upscale living community. If you lived there and worked from home, you really could do just about everything without needing personal transportation. Twilight is such a magical time, especially with nice lighting as seen above. Just think, if you lived at Hawthorne, you could head over now and see if Greensboro's Ben and Jerry's store sells the flavor called "Netflix & Chilll'd (peanut butter ice cream, sweet and salty pretzel swirls & fudge brownies). Whether you live at Friendly or anywhere else in the community, it is nice to know we have access to these pop culture tie-in creations right here in Greensboro. Happy Monday!

*see Wikipedia (visited 1/24/2021) Friendly Center

"Project Warmth" Clothing Available Under the Eugene Street Bridge

 

Today's photo takes us underneath the Eugene Street Bridge at 300 Spring Garden Street. This is where the 16 Cents Ministry holds their services and where they serve meals. At the moment, since it is winter and cold, the ministry has set up an outdoor,  cold-weather garmet closet. Associated Scaffolding donated the fencing and anyone who has a clean warm coat to donate can hang it on the fence. Those in need can find something to wear at no cost. Their motto is "Take one if you need one, leave one if you can." 

On the day we visited, it was cold and people were taking advantage of this great community resource dubbed "Project Warmth." It is nice to know that there is a place to go for someone in need of a coat or scarf. You don't even need to ask permission. In addition to clothing under the bridge, food distribution, fellowship, and worship happen every Saturday at 6:00 p.m. That would be a good time to drop off an article of clothing and to see the ministry in action. Every day is a good day to think about what we can do for others. If you are a homeless person in Greensboro or person in need, you probably already know about all that happens under the bridge. If you are in a position to help, be prepared to feel really uplifted the first time you witness all the good the 16 cents ministry does. 

Uncovering the Owner of "NOT A COP"

Have you seen this "NOT A COP" car around town? Well, we have and felt a little like Eloise Bridgerton poking around town trying to uncover the true identity of Lady Whistledown. Our Greensboro version of the Bridgerton storyline has involved trying to find the owner of this highly-recognizable vehicle. We've seen it being driven near West Market Street, pulling onto Spring Garden Street. We've seen it near UNCG. Who would be so bold as to drive this car? What is its back story? Is it really used for transportation or just for some kind of publicity event?

Last night, for the SECOND time, we saw it parked at the Reconsidered Goods Creative Reuse Store at 4118 Spring Garden Street. In the spirit of Eloise Bridgerton, we waltzed into the store, approached the front counter, leaned in and inquired, "We're on a mission to uncover the owner of the 'NOT A COP' mobile. Do you know who the owner is?." Without missing a beat (and clearly not in elusive Whistledown fashion), an employee at the counter, cheerfully volunteered, "It's mine." As it turns out, the owner is Eli, whom we will feature on GDP next week. The ever-ebullient Eli was quick to tell us someone in South Carolina had three cars for sale that looked just like this one. Eli was able to purchase it at a very reasonable price and brought it back to Greensboro to use while attending UNCG. The decision was made to put the "NOT A COP" decal on the car because of the reaction so many people had to the vehicle. Mystery solved! 

We wonder what police think when they see the vehicle. To be sure, Eli better not be speeding! Happy Saturday! 

Rolane Sock Factory and Outlet No More

Today, we take you to Hiatt Street between Spring Garden Street and the Pomona Rail Yard. What was once the Rolane Sock Factory is about to be repurposed as apartments and townhomes. It was built almost 95 years ago in 1926 and for years was known as the Mojud Hosiery Company. In 1938, a retail outlet was added to the facility. Over time the factory expanded and became Rolane. The building and businesses therein were a big part of Greensboro's history as a mill town. Jim Schlosser wrote a wonderful article about factory, telling us that at peak production there were 2,000 employees on three shifts. At one time, the factory produced over 19 million pairs of stockings a year. Mostly women worked there and the factory was such a vibrant place with a cafeteria and with their own baseball team. They held games on a field adjacent to the mill. The plant closed in 1972, but the outlet store onsite remained open until 1999. Many people remember the joy of going to the outlet store section and getting great bargains on socks, hose, and more- even Jordan almonds!

The building languished on its 8.7 acres for years. It changed hands a few times with a few stumbling blocks on the road to being repurposed. Issues were addressed and voilá, the conversion to housing has begin. As we drove by yesterday, we saw that all of the weeds were gone and the land around it is stripped down to red clay;  some of the fencing is down, the building has been gutted, and the facelift has begun. The interior will be transformed. However, the exterior will not change much as the building has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2011. From this view of the Northside of you building, without any landscaping, the enormity of the building is noted. It takes up a whole city block. We'll watch the progress and feature the building when it has transformed. In the meantime, there is a great article in the O. Henry Magazine this month and one we used as a reference (see p. 38-39 for more history about the factory). Also, we featured it on GDP in 2014.

The Greensboro Greenway: Southeast Portion

Part of the southeast portion of the Greensboro Greenway passes along Bragg Street at Martin Luther King Drive. The above photo shows the asphalt trail that comes up the hill from Morrow Boulevard and crosses over East Gate City Boulevard. The downtown portion of the greenway is a 4-mile, multi-use paved trail. It is the only greenway encircling a city in North Carolina. This beautiful community resource actually connects to 100 miles of existing trails that will only continue to grow. Mr. Mapp's MLK bust (featured Monday) is found along this section of the Greenway. Two additional works of art are here. In the foreground is William Byer's "Reflection Rock" installed in 2019. In the background is the Monument to Dignity and Respect by Vandorn Hinnant. The arm, with a finger pointing to the sky, reads, "Dignity, United We Stand" a message that was heard in the Presidential Inauguration yesterday. Another quote on the Hinnant sculpture reads,  "I've always felt that the place where I live is the place I should improve" Dorothy Brown, Community Leader.

The greenway is a giant effort to unite and improve our community. Here is a detailed map, should you be curious, or even better, interested in exploring the greenway yourself. As you look at the map, you will learn that it was envisioned and inspired by the Greensboro Bicentennial Commission, to be the signature project commemorating Greensboro's 2008 Bicentennial. In 1891, Greensboro became known as the Gate City because so many trains traveled through Greensboro. It was the transportation gateway to the west and south. We're thinking that as of 2021,  Greensboro is on its way to earning another nickname, the Trail City!

In Search of a Perfect View

Where can you go in Greensboro to take a fabulous sunrise, sunset, or panoramic view photo? We've been going around town, in search of the perfect view. So far, we haven't found a spot that absolutely showcases the beauty of our city. Today's effort was taken at the Church Street Parking Deck, beside the Central Library and behind the Cultural Arts Center. As seen on the sign, in the lime green block in the top left of the photo, this bright building is the Children's Museum. It has been a Greensboro treasure since it opened on May 15, 1999. While this view of the Children's Museum is a nice one and you can see the tree-lined Dunleath Neighborhood off in the distance, we are still hoping to find a nice panoramic view.

The Children's Museum is temporarily closed due to Covid. When open, it is a place that inspires hands-on learning and according to their website, they have more than 20 exhibits and a 30-foot tall climber. The museum has continued to grow over the years, having added an edible garden and an outdoor play plaza. The cost of admission is $10. If you want to help them through the COVID times, you can donate, here. While the streets look empty, if you look closely you can see a few people walking on the sidewalk in front of the museum.

Remembering J. Kenneth Lee

The above mural features a Greensboro civil rights great, J. Kenneth Lee. In her News & Record article in 2018, Nancy McLoughlin wrote a befitting title to remember this great man, "Remembering a quiet 'giant' Fighter of racism. Mentor to many. J. Kenneth Lee 'stood at the front of the line all the time'."* Mr. Lee was a civil rights attorney who came to Greensboro to attend North Carolina A&T State University. Mr. Lee went on to obtain a law degree from UNC Chapel Hill and returned to Greensboro to practice and to play an integral part in the Civil Rights Movement. Mr. Lee worked hard to dismantle Jim Crow laws, to help desegregate public schools, and to open doors for African Americans that had previously been closed . As an example, Mr. Lee founded a federally chartered savings and loan, American Federal in Greensboro, making it possible for African Americans to secure loans. As mentioned yesterday, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. stayed at Mr. Lee's house on Broad Street. While Mr. Lee called Greensboro home for most of his 94 years, he grew up in Hamlet, NC (Richmond County) and remembered fondly his time with his grandmother, who had been a slave. Here is an interesting entry on J. Kenneth Lee in the Carolina Law Oral History Project.

The above mural of Mr. Lee is painted on the Studio 503 building just beside the Point Dance Studio. The mural is located on Washington Street- at the corner of Pastor Anderson Way. Mural artist "Aches", who hails from Ireland, painted the portrait-mural in 2018. Here is an article showing "Aches" during the painting process. It is fascinating how quickly and efficiently these mural artists work!

* Reference and more information in Nancy McLoughlin's article.

Honoring and Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Always observed the third Monday in January, MLK Day is a federal holiday. Government offices are closed, as are public schools. The above photo features the bust originally cast by Wilber Lee Mapp in 1994 and originally installed at the corner of MLK Drive and South Elm Street (see it here). This iteration of the bust is installed in Ole Asheboro at the corner of Bragg Street and Martin Luther King Drive. Mr. Mapp's sculpture was recast in bronze and installed here in 2019. The ribbon cutting ceremony was on January 21st. Here is the link from when we attended the ceremony two years ago. During yesterday's visit, we noticed that the greenway is now completed just to the right of this monument. There are two other pieces of artwork at this greenway juncture and the view is really pretty. We'll feature more from this area soon. 

Usually, Ole Asheboro and Southside would be teeming with people today with a parade and other celebrations. Today it will be COVID quiet. Perhaps people will walk or bike by and take time to reflect on the the teachings of Dr. King. As stated on the plaque in front of the bust, "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., planned to speak at Trinity AME Zion Church in Greensboro (a few blocks from here) on April 4, 1968. He canceled his visit to Greensboro to remain in Memphis where he was assassinated on that day." If you are here in east Greensboro, just over the hill, you will find Bennett College, where Dr. King spoke at Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel on February 11, 1958. Dr. King also stayed at the Broad Street home of civil rights attorney, Kenneth Lee.* 

*reference and more information. 

Rev Mark Sandlin

This week, we had the very special opportunity to meet Reverend Mark Sandlin, minister at the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant (PCoC) on South Mendenhall in Greensboro. Rev. Sandlin, hails from Asheboro, NC. He attended Appalachian State University, obtaining two undergraduate degrees and working in the business world for 25 years before being able to realize his dream of attending divinity school (at Wake Forest University) and becoming a minister. Rev. Sandlin is an ordained Presbyterian Church minister and  has been at PCoC for 7 years now. He has built a national reputation and quite a following as a liberal Christian leader. He is deeply involved in issues related to social justice. Rev. Sandlin sees the Bible as a text of hope and love. He sees the Bible not so much a book to be interpreted literally, but, as a document that is more allegorical,- a document still relevant today. He is a progressive Christian who co-founded "The Christian Left" and is currently serving as President of Progress Christianity. 

If you are looking for a liberal Christian church. Presbyterian Church of the Covenant may be the perfect place for you. It would be well worth your time to attend a service, which you can do virtually through Facebook. If you want a small church where people will get to know you quickly, reach out and get more information about PCoC.. As you can see, the sanctuary is quite lovely. Here is another photo of the sanctuary, taken during the one of the Tuesday, Silent Meditation, times. We actually featured the church 12 years ago. Please see this link if you want to learn more.

Last week's sermon, called Proud Boys, Wise Men, and the Allegory of Epiphany, can be heard here. It has been listened to by over 35,000 people. The sermon will give you a good overview of Rev. Sandlin's style of preaching, especially he ties in current events with scripture. Thank you Rev. Sandlin for taking time out of your busy schedule to take with us. Thank you Kate Baird for arranging it all.

Skateboarding in Greensboro

This photo, taken in December, is of teens skating downtown on Barnhardt Street. It is so hard for teens to find things to do for entertainment and to find ways to socialize with schools closed. Skateboarding is a way to get outside, get a little exercise, and have fun with friends. These skaters were just off Elm Street, trying to master pop shuvits, ollies, grabs, and more. Historically, Greensboro hasn't been known as a skating town, but, popularity has been increasing over the years. If you know of young people looking for places to skate, there is the Above Board Skatepark on Greengate Drive. Also, Latham Skatepark offers skateboarding, as does the Glenwood neighborhood. Skaters should wear helmets and pads (and masks).

If you have ever been the parent of a skateboarder, you know how easy it is for accidents to happen. However, parents also learn that that the determination comes from practicing skateboard moves, which is good for helping kids learn to focus and work towards goals. Skateboarding is now a Summer Olympic sport and will debut in the games in Tokyo this summer. Who knows, maybe the above skateboarding trio from Greensboro someday will compete in the Olympics. If these guys need a new board, wheels, or trucks, Stolen Skate Shop at 534 South Elm Street is just down the street. Stolen adds yet another opportunity for entertainment in the 500 block of South Elm- arcade, bowling, ice skating, and skateboarding supplies all within the block.

Happy Saturday. May you find something fun and safe to make your day memorable.

Recycle Styrofoam In Greensboro Now!

How wonderful. It is finally possible to recycle styrofoam in Greensboro. The above photo features the foam container bins conveniently located at 1310 West Gate City Boulevard, behind Tiny House Community Development, Inc. There is a narrow driveway to the right of the Tiny House building. However, it is also possible to enter to the left of the Tiny House building, just to the right of the Sprinkle Service Station. The above photo helps with the orientation. If you notice, the bins are back by the railroad tracks. As a matter of fact, a train was passing when the photo was taken. Also, the UNCG water tower can be seen in the background. Just behind the bins is a model, tiny home!

If you want more details, here is a two minute YouTube video that will give you more information about this foam recycling program. Really interesting products are made from the recycled foam that gets broken down and extruded as a product that looks like a toothpaste. . The funding partners for the project are Emerging Ecology, Environmental Stewardship Greensboro, Greensboro Beautiful, Inc., and Tiny House Community Development. So, if you purchase something like an exercise bike, it will arrive packed in at least 8 jumbo pieces of clean, styrofoam that will not biodegrade if thrown in a landfill. Please recycle your foam and offer to take your neighbor's foam to the bins if they are having trouble getting out. Also, if you haven't been to this part of town lately, you might be surprised just how much the area has grown. Have a great weekend. See you back here in the morning!

 

Watch the short, informative Youtube video here.

People of Greensboro: Kate Baird

Today's featured person is Kate Baird. Kate is the office manager at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant (PCoC). The photo was taken in the sanctuary. Seventeen years ago, Kate relocated to Greensboro from a corporate position in Washington, D.C. Prior to moving here, for years, Kate had been making frequent visits to Greensboro to visit friends. She found the slower pace of life and Greensboro's short commutes appealing.  She has been working at PCoC for six years now. When asked where she is originally from, it is hard for Kate to say definitively. She self identifies as an Air Force brat, having lived in Paraguay, Iran, and many places in between, while her dad served as an embassy attaché. 

Kate attended the University of Maryland, where she studied radio, television, and film. Training in broadcasting comes through in talking to Kate as she has precise diction and no noticeable accent. Her voice is modulated and very pleasant to listen to. She is the perfect person to field phone calls. When asked what she likes about Greensboro, her chosen home, Kate quickly mentioned the opportunities to hear great live music, from the symphony to folk. She is really looking forward to the opening of the Tanger Center for the Performing Arts. She absolutely loves the "5 by O. Henry" plays at the Greensboro History Museum.  Another pastime is sampling Greensboro's many restaurants. Kate's childhood, with frequent moves, taught her to adapt quickly when moving somewhere new, or taking a new job. Kate long adapted to Greensboro and to her position at PCoC, and is quite happy to call Greensboro home. Besides, in her heart, home is where the cats are; and she has three!

Bus #1 Reminds Us: Mask Up!

The bus in the photo above is leaving Greene Street, has looped around the Holliday Circle roundabout, and is heading to Spring Garden Street in downtown Greensboro. Notice the "MASK UP!" reminder on bus number 1. The drivers work hard to keep riders, and themselves, safe.

Of course, the tall building in the background is the Lincoln Financial Group building. While the name of the building changes as the occupants change, this skyscraper remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in Greensboro. Actually, it is two buildings. The whiter building to the right in older Jefferson Standard building. It was built in 1922. The grayer one with the green roof and the time/temperature sign is the more recent building, initially Jefferson-Pilot and, as of 2006, Lincoln Financial Group.  At 233 feet, the building is still the tallest in Greensboro.

As for the bus, if you are interested in using this community transportation resource, here is a link to the routes.

When taking the photo, we didn't think there were any people in the photo. On closer inspection, we noticed two people. Do you see the couple?

Guilford College Lake

The Guilford College Lake dates to the 1950s when a creek that runs through campus was dammed to create the above water feature. Originally, there was a pier on the lake and it was used for swimming and boating. For college students, the lake was a real destination. Over the years it has suffered from build up of sledge and the pier, boats, and swimmers are long gone.* However, the beautiful lake still serves as an appealing campus attraction. Couples hang out there, the Class of 2012 & the Community Senate built a bonfire pit by the lake. There is playground equipment, and perhaps best of all is the flora and fauna it attracts. 

There is at least one cypress tree with "knees" poking out of the water. The above tree appears to be a cypress and the scene is reminiscent of a swamp in Charleston or Savannah. Perhaps the tree is a bald cypress and it has dropped its leaves. We'll check back in the spring to see if it greens out. Equally exciting is the male muscovy duck who lives on the pond. The muscovy duck is one of the oldest domesticated fowl species. The male of the species is the largest duck in North America.**  Hopefully there are more of these ducks. However, the day we were there, we only saw one. Beautiful views like the one above make walking and hiking so worthwhile. See you on the trails...  and who knows where else!

See this article we used for more information about the lake.

** reference and more information about muscovy ducks.

Underground Railroad in Guilford Woods

Yesterday was a beautiful, glorious day in Greensboro. With the temperature reaching 50 degrees and the sun out, it was a perfect day to take a hike. The above photo is on a nature path in Guilford Woods at Guilford College. In the 1800s, the woods was known New Garden Woods. The woods are a 240-acre, biodiverse area of land. The large tree in the center of the photo is a tulip poplar that dates before 1800; present during the operation of the Underground Railroad in Guilford County (1819- 1852).*  Also, the tree pre-dates Greensboro's founding (1808). The tree is 148 feet tall and 63.9 feet in circumference.** The peaceful seating area in front of it was provided by the Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation, Inc. in 2017. If you want to see the tree, it is about a .3 mile walk in from the road. But, be careful to find a legal place to park if you drive to the Guilford College Campus. Also, the terrain is very natural and uneven. You might want to take your favorite walking stick. Also note, there is a donation box near the sign at the entrance to the path. If you want to donate to a good cause, these publicly-accessible, natural spaces are treasures.

This week, we will feature a couple more photos from the walk in Guilford Woods. It was the first time we'd had a chance to explore this area and actually walked from behind the athletic facility, where it is OK to park on the weekends, through the woods, and ended up on Friendly Avenue. It is pretty easy to walk with confidence with the sun low to the horizon on these winter days. Plus, it is easier to remain oriented when there are no leaves on the trees. As a very last resort, the online directions available through our cell phones can help us find our way out. We hope you have a peaceful place to walk, whether your are in Greensboro or beyond! Happy Monday! 

• reference and more information here.
• ** see here if you are interested in learning the location of all the mighty trees in Guilford County.

Westover Church

 

Some of you may remember when Westover Church was smaller and located on Westover Terrace, across from Grimsley High School. The congregation actually dates back to 1948 with about 200 attending services at the Masonic temple, and the Westover Terrace church was built in 1950. Westover Church relocated to Muir's Chapel Road in 1994 and in 2006, the church was expanded with a worship center that seats 3,000. The above photo features one side of this expanded, mega-church. 

Pastor Don Miller has been there since 1991 and can be credited for helping make the church the success it is today. This non-denominational, mega-church is both local and international.  Westover Church is Evangelical and Christ-centered and, while they do a lot in Greensboro, they also have global ministries and international programs and outreach.They work intentionally to ensure staff and worship teams are diverse. The community pastor is a native speaker of Spanish. They have programs to feed the homeless, to help battle racial disparity, and to help everyone who attends the church feel like they are part of the church community, and not just one of thousands. They have programs serving families in the apartment complexes surrounding the church. Many of these families are immigrants, struggling to begin their lives in a new country and learning to speak a new language, and Westover Church feels like their lifeline. 

When we stopped by yesterday, all was silent, except for people out for daily walks who cut through the empty parking lot. Today, will be busier as there will be in-person worship at 10:30, with an option to attend services remotely through You Tube and Facebook.

In 2010, we featured Westover Church on Greensboro Daily Photo.