Greensboro Daily Photo

Guilford Green Foundation

First of all, happy 2/22/22! What a date to remember!

Today, we're featuring two volunteers at the Guilford Green Foundation table at this past Saturday's "Really, Really Free Market."  Guilford Green is an organization that works for equality, diversity, and inclusion in the Greensboro community. They are also an LGBTQ Center and work hard to see that everyone is accepted and valued for who they are. Guilford Green concentrates on helping young people who might not have adults in their lives who know how to support family members with gender identities that are different from their own. You may have noticed, many people now sign their names with the pronouns that match their identity. On the table on Saturday, they gave away free buttons with pronoun choices on them.

Teens of today are navigating in a very different world from even ten years ago. Through the Internet, they have a world of information at their fingertips, and they are searching. Teens are talking about and making life choices, often, with parents who don't quite know how to navigate this changing landscape. Guilford Green is a great resource. The organization offers a drop in youth night on Thursdays from 6-8 pm at their headquarters at 121 North Green Street. They are also hiring. For graduating high school seniors attending an institution of higher education in the fall, the Pearl Berlin Scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $1,000- $3,000 for someone who identifies as LGBTQ or who is a straight ally.

As for the two workers at the table on Saturday, we're sorry we didn't get your name, but thank you for all you are doing in the community.

Happy Tuesday!

Ringing in the New Year

Happy day before New Year's Eve. It isn't too late to peruse the internet and find something to do in downtown Greensboro. The above photo features South End Brewery and Kitchen. Their New Years Eve party starts at 9:30 pm tonight. They will have live music, free champagne toasting at midnight (while supplies last) and you will get to see a keg drop to bring in the new year. We don't know if they will offer a full menu tonight, but one of the really nice aspects of South End is that they offer a full food menu. It is such a great place to eat, hang out, and celebrate. The peace sign at the entrance reminds us to always keep the peace when interacting in public. Santa on the roof is another reminder that if you are not nice, Santa will know.

All of Lewis Street should be hopping tonight, including the Boxcar Bar & Arcade, right across the street from South End.  Of course other places around Greensboro will be lively, too. Whatever you decide to do, please be safe. 2022 is sure to be a good one. Happy New Year, dear readers!

Piedmont Winterfest Skating Fun

Piedmont Winterfest in downtown Greensboro was going strong yesterday, in spite of the fact that there was a high of 72º yesterday. Above Greta and Skylar were there to help those who came to skate. In spite of the fact that there was a layer of water on top of the ice, enough of the water was frozen that people could, indeed, skate. Since school is out, hours are extended from 12 noon- 8pm tonight and until 10pm the rest of the week. Here is a complete list of hours, in case you want to go. Here is the website where you can even purchase tickets ($12) and see more photos. 

It was so fun chatting with Greta and Skylar. Greta is a student at Appalachian State; she plans to be a physical therapist. Skylar is a student at Rockingham Community College- studying elementary education. You can tell by their attire that it wasn't very cold outside. At the time we arrived, nobody was skating, and the WFMY News 2 van was parked nearby with the driver (videographer?) in the van. Perhaps he was waiting for skaters. Just as we'd finished talking to Greta and Skylar, a couple of carloads of people drove up. Once they paid for parking, the kids were ready to hit the ice. You can find the rink at the Barnhardt Street Parking lot, between Southen Brewing on Lewis Street and Fat Tuesday and the former Jae, Mar shop on the north end.  See you on the ice!

Sunset Hills Is Still Aglow

Today, we return to Sunset Hills to feature the lighted balls of Sunset Hills. The above photo was taken on Ridgeway Avenue where it gets busy with carloads of people viewing the beautifully decorations. Sometimes, it can be hard to cross the street. From November to January, the neighborhood is a winter wonderland with this all-volunteer, free show of lights. While, in person, the lights are a picture perfect display of color, the monochromatic, black-and-white version emphasizes the light as it contrasts with the darkness.

Did you ever participate in one of those "how many jellybeans in the jar" contests? We think Sunset Hills should have contest to see who has the closest estimate of how many balls are in the trees. This would have to be within a well-defined perimeter, of course, as other neighborhoods and streets that extend beyond Sunset Hills have the lighted balls. We also wonder which street has the most; our guess would be Greenway with the park. If you haven't been yet, it isn't too late, but come January, neighbors will be helping neighbors pull down the displays only to be stored safely until next November.

Gas Prices Exxon 801 East Market Street

This Exxon station at 801 East Market Street, open 24 hours, is one of the closest gas stations to town. As you can see, in the background, the Lincoln Financial Group building is not far away; it is one of the most iconic buildings in Greensboro. We jokingly say that, in Greensboro, all roads lead to the JP/LFG building. 

We like to check in at this Exxon once in a while to document gas prices. When we were there on December 5th, regular gas was $3.18 a gallon. It will be fun to see the price this time next year. The last time we did this, June 16, 2017, gas was $2.35 a gallon. As you can see, the price is up 83¢ a gallon in 4 1/2 years. This gas station will be even more in demand when Bailey Village is completed across the street.  This Exxon seems like an island and in a way, it is. You can access it whether heading east or west through town.

Happy Monday. Only five more days until 2022, can you believe it?

United House of Prayer for All People

The United House of Prayer for All People is seen in the background, with the bright blue steeple and triangular roof. This church, based in Washington D.C. and serving the Pentecostal community, is known for good sermons, strong community outreach, and fabulous meals. In the foreground, on the right, you see one of the buildings being constructed on their 13.7 acre lot. After nearly 15 years, this lot, which was formerly housed a US Postal Service facility, will become Bailey Village, a complex of apartments, retail, and recreational space. To be sure, with North Carolina A&T State University and Bennett College as neighbors, Bailey Village will fill quickly and get plenty of use. This private investment in east Greensboro will have walkable spaces, possibly a grocery store and will be just a few blocks from downtown Greensboro. This will change the footprint of east Greensboro as this lot has been empty and creating somewhat of an island in an area that is ripe for housing, recreation, and retail.*

Not only will this development be good for east Greensboro, it will also be good for downtown Greensboro as it links downtown with the eastern part of Greensboro. Greensboro has grown significantly in the North with the ballpark, Tanger Center, and the new apartments across from the ballpark. It is only logical for Greensboro to expand eastward. If you are up for a Sunday drive, head over and see all of the changes along east Market Street and Dudley Street. It will be fun to watch this project evolve during 2022!

Happy Sunday!

* reference and more information, here.

Santa of Chapman Street

Merry Christmas! The above house, on Chapman Street is where Jack True served as Greensboro's Santa for three decades. Mr. True and his family rented this house for years and eventually were able to buy the house with the help of people in Greensboro who appreciated all he did for the community. Mr. True derived great pleasure seeing the joy her brought all of the families who brought their children by to see Santa and his decorated house. He also decorated for other holidays, especially Halloween, Easter, and the Fourth of July.

Mr. True died of leukemia in 2003 and his family continues decorating, carrying on his spirit. We wish you.a Merry Christmas 2021. Let us all do something to bring joy to others today. If you get a chance, drive by South Chapman street tonight and see this glowing little house down over the hill. It will bring a smile to your face. If you knew Mr. True, it might even bring back memories of his handing out candy to children, beck in an era when times seemed to much simpler. Have a great day!

Downtown Greensboro

Today on this Christmas Eve day, we're featuring the Tinsel Town tree decorated by Downtown Greensboro. Tinsel Town was conceptualized last year as a way to bring community together without needing to physically be in the same place at the same town. Downtown Greensboro was established in 1996 and for the past 25 years has worked tirelessly to improve the business district and to make downtown an enjoyable place for the residents of Greensboro.

Their all-green, Tinsel Town tree is still on display in LeBauer Park- as are all of the other trees. Just look at the DGI tree with name cards for all of the downtown streets. So clever and front row center is ELM Street. The tree to the right features a Moravian star, an iconic symbol of the the Moravian church, especially at Christmas. We wish you a Merry Christmas. Many of the local churches will be featuring Christmas Eve services and midnight mass. If you are interested, check their social media to verify times. If you are downtown over the next few days, make sure you stop by and see these creative trees. 

Sunset on Gallimore Dairy Road

Happy sunny day, today, Greensboro. This photo was taken this past Sunday at the corner of Gallimore Dairy Road and the access ramp to I-40. We were struck by the vantage point and being able to see the sun as it was setting in the western sky on one of the shortest days of the year. This strip of road and entrance/exit ramps looks so expansive, especially when you are the only car. For once, we weren't anxious for the light to turn green, but could have stayed for a good while watching the changes to the winter sky. 

There is so much history tied to this part of Greensboro. near the N.C. 68 corridor in the western end of town and northern end of High Point. At one time dairying was the number one industry around here. That's why you have Gallimore Dairy Road, it was built on landt that used to have a dairy farm. While dairy farming declined here in the late 1960s, it was all but gone by the 1980s with much of the grazing land replaced by houses.*  Like they say, time marches on and changes are made as demographics change. But, for one brief moment the other day, we were on Gallimore Dairy Road, looking at the sun set and it was almost as if we were in a cow pasture at the end of a long day on the farm. Then, as you can see above, the light turned green and off we went.

Happy Thursday, the night before the night before Christmas! 

* reference and more information HERE.

Making Memories at LeBauer Park

If you are looking for something to entertain hildren who are home, consider visiting one of Greensboro's parks. LeBauer Park, one of two downtown parks, is the perfect way to spend the afternoon. LeBauer Park has been open for five years now. It opened on August 8, 2016 and we have to wonder what on earth did Greensboro do without it. Even when there aren't special events in the park, families can gather and play ping pong, exercise their dogs, let children play on the playground, and more.

The part featured above in today's photo is the Lincoln Financial Children's Garden. And yes, if you were on one of the top floors of the Lincoln Financial building, you could see this garden they helped fund. The garden has been very well maintained and actually still looks brand new. That rubberized surface makes the garden safe, even for toddling toddlers. As you can see from the above photo, everyone is having fun.

Happy second day of winter!

4th Annual Holiday Invitational at CVA

The non-profit, Center for Visual Artists has been open in Greensboro since 1956:That is quite a legacy of celebrating local art and supporting artists. If you have any extra time this week, head down to the Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street and have a look at all of the galleries throughout the  facility. Also, if you are looking for last minute gifts, the Center for Visual Artists is holding their 4th Annual Holiday Invitational. You can buy so many interesting items from local artists. Christmas will sneak up on us this year, given it is on a Saturday and Christmas Eve is on a Friday night. That gives us four more shopping days until Christmas. Even if you don't need gifts, it is nice to get out and see some great art. CVA will be open Tue, Wed, and Thur this week. Here is a link to CVA's website so you can see hours and learn more about the show and plan a visit this week.

Happy Monday!

First Moravian Church

Today's photo is of the First Moravian Church of Greensboro, located at 304 South Elam Avenue. The photo was taken at the intersection of Elam and Sylvan Road. It looks so serene against the backdrop of the sky at dusk. Efforts to start a Moravian church in Greensboro date back to the early 20th century with meetings on East Lee Street (now Gate City Boulevard). However, the above land on Elam was purchased in 1937 and a temporary "hut" was built and used until 1949, when the above building was built and dedicated on April 3rd.*  Read the words below, copied from their website, about what all the church offers to the community. This is quite an impressive list for a relatively small congregation.

    "Although First Moravian Church is relatively small in size, our congregation is home to two adult choirs, children's ensembles, handbells, a brass band, a contemporary praise and worship band, and other musical groups. Our local outreach ministries include preparing and serving meals for the Greensboro Urban Ministry Night Shelter, delivering Mobile Meals, food collection for One Step Further Food Bank, supporting families at Pathways Center (transitional housing), sponsoring relocated refugees through NC African Services Coalition, and partnering with Mustard Seed Community Health Clinic. We provide meeting space for Narcotics Anonymous and Oxford House, and send work teams and monetary support to provide relief during national disasters. Additionally, we participate in the greater outreach and mission activities of the Moravian Church, Southern Province."**

For a long time after taking this photo on Friday, we sat in the car just admiring this view. It could have only been more perfect had one of their choirs been singing "Silent Night." As we approach the longest night of the year this Tuesday, it is helpful to embrace the darkest and find the beauty therein.

 

* More information, here.  ** quote taken from this page.

It Sure Looks Like Christmas At 309 South Elam!

This house at 309 South Elam is a good example of the exuberant holiday decorating in the Sunset Hills, Lindley Park neighborhoods. Right across from the First Moravian Church, this house is as enthusiastically decorated as the church is calmly understated. The two tree/bushes are mature crepe myrtle. We're betting the Christmas tree on the porch probably sets the tone for what is inside the house. This single family home, built in 1945 is fairly typical of the houses around it, although many of the homes in the neighborhood were built in the 1920s and 1930s.

For those who value a sense of community and walkability in a neighborhood, these homes in the Walker/Elam area are very desirable. Have a drive this evening and experience the magic and neighborhood spirit.

Piedmont Old Time Society at Green Bean

Last night was Third Thursday so the Piedmont Old Time Society held their bi-weekly jam at the Green Bean Coffee Shop in downtown Greensboro. The Green Bean very graciously stays open late just so the group can jam. It is also a nice opportunity to listen  for those who wander in. We were enjoying a turmeric ginger latte with hazelnut milk and noticed that tomorrow morning, from 10am-1pm, there will be a pop up craft show at the Green Bean (Saturday, December 18th). At least a dozen artisans will be at this holiday pop up so you will have an opportunity to support a local coffee shop and local venders all in one place. 

After leaving the coffee shop, we drove around Greensboro as it is so pretty this time of year. South Elm has added a lot of extra decorations. Of course we had to drive through Sunset Hills again to see the lights, and then over to see the Santa of Chapman Street house.While we were at it, we stopped in front of the First Moravian Church on Elam, which looks so peaceful at night, rather palate cleansing to see the single candles in the windows, a wreath on the side door, and a Moravian star leading to the sanctuary. The Blind Tiger had live music, as did the Tanger Center. Driving home, with the memory of string band music, and all of the Christmas lights suspended in the trees, indeed, it was beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. Please take a night drive if you haven't yet. For those who are counting, Christmas Eve is next Friday.

A Sunset Hills Christmas

The above photo was taken, just as the sun was setting, in Greensboro. The corner of Ridgeway and Madison is "Ground Zero" for the giant ball decorations wrapped with lights. The neighborhood is decorated and ready for carloads to drive through. Last weekend, the Running of the Balls was held. All that remains now is to drop off your donations for local food banks and to simply enjoy all of the time and effort Sunset Hills has put into decorating. The display is especially beautiful because there isn't excessive light pollution. 

Perhaps you read about local middle school student, Cooper Dunning, who makes the lighted balls to sell, using the money to partially fund his college savings and to partially donate to a local charity. His goal is to make 1,000 of the balls this year; no easy task when you have to bend the chicken wire just right so it looks round and to space the lights evenly across the round surface. The non-profit he has chosen to help this year is the "Green for Greens" program that doubles food assistance vouchers for families in need.* How wonderful to see the younger generation stepping up and continuing the decorating and for their helping non-profits.

The Sunset Hills neighborhood was founded in 1924 and every year it just seems to keep getting better and better, as does this holiday decorating and collecting of food. The family of Jonathan and Anne Smith first started the tradition with two lighted, chicken-wire balls in 1996.  Also, their yard is one of the collection places for the local food bank. If you have not experienced Sunset Hills at Christmas, you need to do what you can to get there. Happy Thursday!

 

*read more HERE.

 

Love Lock Sculpture

A Love Lock Sculpture has been installed at Eclectic by Nature on State Street. Customers, and people passing by, are encouraged to add a lock. This work of art is especially beautiful with all the diverse locks being added to it.  Lovers  are really adding some interesting locks and these are not just your PE locker Masterlocks. Of special interest are the brass, lion lock (upper left) and the clear plastic lock, bottom left. Also, the above photo shows the mural of State Street behind the sculpture. There is so much art and visual interest in the EBN garden.

If you haven't noticed lately, State Street has absolutely blossomed. From the North Elm Street end to the Church Street side, there are many new businesses and they are all full of holiday goodness. The new kid on the block is Bull City Ciderworks, just down the street from Eclectic by Nature. Another neighbor is Vida Pour Tea, a big contributor to the revival of State Street. However, Eclectic By Nature is one of the "grandparents" on State Street. While not always in this location, EBN will celebrate their 19th anniversary on Saturday, December 18th. Last time we were in, we were offered a cup of tea. We're betting they still have that same tradition. So, as you plan out your weekend, stop in and wish the EBN family a happy anniversary, put a lock on the sculpture, and let a little magic happen.

Happy Wednesday!

Lobby Art Piece at Tanger Center

Yesterday, we featured a photo of the outside of Tanger Center with no people. Today, we wanted to share a view of the inside just before Sunday's afternoon performance of Dear Evan Hansen. It was close to a full house! Notice how many people are wearing cobalt blue tops- almost as if it were planned.  We also wanted to point out the artwork, in case you missed Dawn Kane's November 15th article about it in the News & Record.

The ceiling art in the entrance hall is by Cuban artist Mabel Poblet. Entitled "Genesis" , the installation consists of approximately 200 strands of reflective, metallic and clear discs. They create a nice balance of a busy ceiling with lots of movement against a busy floor with lots of movement, with the middle space open and empty. The lobby, Phillips Hall, is 8,000 square feet and the Phillips Foundation financed the artwork and its installation.* It also fits nicely with Janet Echelman's iconic floating artwork hovering above LeBauer Park. Happy Tuesday!

*reference and read the N&R article HERE (please consider subscribing, if you don't already). 

Tanger Center

Dear Evan Hansen reopened on Broadway in New York City on Saturday, just as the touring cast was performing the last shows at Greensboro's Tanger Center. Again, attendance was high at Tanger for this show , the third in the Broadway Series (Wicked, Beautiful, and now Dear Evan Hansen). Tanger and the Broadway series have both been a big hit in Greensboro and a much needed addition to 2021.  In the above photo, you see the advertisement board for all of the plays this year. It is located on the LeBauer Park side of Tanger Center and the photograph was taken on a non-performance day when all was quiet. Had we taken a photo yesterday, you would have seen people rushing into Tanger and pouring out, after the shows. 

Next up, at the end of December, is "Come From Away," about what transpired in 2001, the week after the September 11th attacks when 38 passenger planes were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland.  It is the story of the kindness of locals when 7,000 strangers were stranded in their town. On September 11, 2019, we featured Greensboro's own Katja Brown who was one of the people detained in Gander with her two toddlers. A lot has changed in Katja's life since 2001, and even since 2019 when we interviewed her, one thing is for sure; she will always have the memories of the kindness of people in Gander on September 11th, 2001. To be sure, when Katja sees "Come From Away," it will be through a very different lens from those who did not experience the event! If you want a ticket to the play, you should check availability soon.

Here's to a great week for everyone. If you have students in the Guilford County Schools, you have five more days before winter break begins! 

Unity Christmas Festival

This past weekend, Unity Church held their Christmas Festival in Center City Park on December 8th from 12:30- 4:30. It was well attended and fun was had by all who participated. Usually, Unity Church meets at the Church of the Covenant- 501 South Market Street. Unity follows the teachings of Jesus and, according to their website, "Unity honors the universal truths in all religions and respects each individual's right to choose a spiritual path." Unity was founded by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore in 1889. Unity Church has evolved over the years and is now quite accepting of people who are spiritual, but not religious. Individual Unity Churches are autonomous and can vary from congregation to congregation.

Greensboro's Unity congregation is very accepting of people of all walks of life and they are involved in the local community. Everyone was welcome to the above event in Center City Park.  While they usually meet at the Church of the Covenant building, their outdoor events are always very powerful. If you attend today, you will hear the lovely voice of  Nitia Steward, one of their special musicians .

Santa's Back at Friendly Center

The 11' tall Santa with the waiving arm is back at Friendly Center. Actually, he has been back since late November, but he really draws attention the closer we get to Christmas. The fiber Santa Claus has been a Greensboro institution since 1959.  Last year, local sculptor, Jim Gallucci reconditioned Santa and now he looks better than ever. If you are a realist, you will want to know that under Santa's belt are a lot of rivets holding him together. Indeed, the belt hides it well.

If you are out this weekend, look for this Santa. If you are looking for the "real" Santa, for a photo session, he will be at Friendly Shopping Center from 10am today to 8:00 p.m.

People of Greensboro: Orson Scott Card

Today's photo features science fiction writer Orson Scott Card. Originally from Washington State, Mr. Card has lived in Greensboro for the past thirty years. He is the author of the novel series, Enger's Game. In the above photo, Mr. Card is featured with his hairdresser, Nancy, at The Glen Hampton House on State Street. We were driving down State Street and saw Mr. Card heading into the salon. We dashed in and asked if we could photograph him. He kindly agreed, but didn't want to be photographed alone.  His hairdresser, Nancy, kindly agreed. You can tell by her big smile how nice she is (even though we caught her mid blink)! Same with Mr. Card, that smile revels a kind soul. 

If you are looking for a good book to give for Christmas, consider something from the "Ender's Game" series.  If you need your hair styled, call Nancy. We were grateful to run in to Mr. Card and grateful that he agreed to a photo-- even BEFORE getting a haircut. We love the books he has written. He has inspired so many teens to read (including our own children). To be sure, serendipity is the friend of Greensboro Daily Photo. It is merely by chance that we ran into Orson Scott Card.

Today is Friday! Head out and see what serendipitous something comes your way! 

Center City Park

We find this photo heartwarming. It features a couple of kids heading to join some events in Center City Park, and a few people walking in the background. Seeing the Lincoln Financial Group Building situates the photo in downtown Greensboro. The leaves lingering on the trees place the photo in the late fall season. The decorated tree lets us know it is December.

The simplicity of the photo reminds us of the illustrations of Ezra Jack Keats. You may recall, he wrote "The Snowy Day" and "A Poem for Peter." Keats' illustrations often have a person or two interacting with their environment. His paintings and collages are usually very simple with emphasis on the person. Not long after this photo, a grandma was out with her granddaughter, who was at most 3. The little girl, wearing her Sunday best, was posing in this very spot and then over in front of the trees at Tinsel Town. It reminded us of just what a great place our two downtown parks are for making memories- especially with children. 

Happy Thursday, we just talked ourselves into hoping for a very snowy day!

Tate Street Coffee

Twas the last days of finals and all through the house, hardly a creature is stirring, not even a mouse. Actually, this is not a house, but Tate Street Coffee Shop; however, as you can see in the above photo, yesterday afternoon, this coffee shop was almost empty as many students at Greensboro College and UNCG have already left for the semester. But, you can see from the photo that the coffee shop is cozy and inviting. The shop opened in 1993 and has been going strong for almost 30 years. And while Tate Street has gone through many changes since '93, as has UNCG- in Tate Street's backyard- the coffee shop has been there for the community through thick and thin. Everybody needs a go-to "third space," and, for many, Tate Street is just that place.

If you are looking for an investment opportunity, there are a few spaces available on Tate Street, and, it seems that now just may be a good time to open a business. What do you think would be a good business for that area? Let's all head down for a cup of coffee and think about it.

Tinsel Town in LeBauer Park

 

Last year, during COVID and the winter holidays, Downtown Greensboro, Inc. (DGI ) had to get very creative about providing community events in a way that did not involve masses of people gathering. One of the brainstorms for reimagining holiday festivities was Tinsel Town. Tinsel Town was a big hit last year, and is an even bigger hit this year! This year's offerings have doubled since last year with the final count at 100. That means 100 organizations, groups- public and private- have created a tree, usually themed to represent their organization. The above photo, in LeBauer Park, gives you an example of what you will see when yo ago have a look. The tree in the front is is sponsored by the YMCA of Greensboro. If that tree is one of your favorites, you can use the QR code to vote for it. All of the trees are so unique. If you like trees and creativity, you will love this exhibit. Please vote because there are monetary prizes for the winners.

 

Hollis Gabriel, Artist

This weekend was so full of holiday activities. From Hanukkah services to the First Friday celebration to the Holiday Parade to the Made 4 the Holidays Market at the Greensboro Farmers' Market and more, there was plenty to do. Also, several local artists held events. The artists at Sternberger Artist Center at 712 Summit Avenue held an open house. The above photo is of local artist Hollis Gabriel* who has a studio there. Hollis is sitting in front of a few pieces of her art. Hollis is a painter, doll maker, and a makes aprons and scarves from prints of her paintings. The scarf she is wearing in the photo is from a painting, likely the long, narrow one on the right.  You can also see some of her other scarf designs draped over the back of the couch.

Hollis, who grew up in New York and New York City, also lived for several years in New Orleans. She taught school for 20 years, incorporating a lot of art into her teaching. She is a self-taught artist who likes a lot of color in her paintings. She comes by her artistic talent honestly as her father made mobiles, and she actually helped her father with his mobile making in the later years of his life. If you like bright colors, pattern, and talking to intelligent, and vibrant people, stop by her studio for a visit. You probably still have time to purchase a scarf or two if you are looking for Christmas gifts.

Happy Monday!

See HERE for a Greensboro News & Record article about Hollis and her art from June 22, 2010.

Happy Hanukkah 2021

Hankkah is an 8-day festival of light commemorating the recovery of Jerusalem and the rededication of the Second Temple in the second century BCE. Hanukkah ends tomorrow (Monday, December 6th, so tonight, the menorah (above) will be shining brightly with all eight candles lit. The above menorah is installed in Greensboro at Temple Emanuel at the corner of Hobbs and Jefferson. 

This menorah is one of the largest in North Carolina. Members of the Brotherhood group at Temple Emanuel  help install the menorah every year. . The installation is both a religious act, and, an opportunity to have a little fellowship with other men who attend the temple. .The menorah looks much more impressive in person and on a clear night when it is illuminated. If you get a chance, drive by tonight and have a look! Have a nice day and, Happy Hanukkah! The Jewish community has done so much for Greensboro and their positive influence is seen everywhere, including at the corner of Hobbs, and Jefferson!

 

Festival of Lights, Let the Season Begin!

The Festival of Lights last night was extremely well attended. The two downtown City of Greensboro Parks (Center City and LeBauer) were stuffed with vendors, performers, food trucks, and the many festival going people of Greensboro. A good time was had by all. The above photo features the lighting of the Holiday tree in Center City Park, just before 7:00 p.m. last night.Can you see all of the phones positioned to get a photo of the lighting? 

After the lighting of the tree, people lingered in the parks, went to the Cultural Arts Center, and/or strolled along Elm Street. There are so many shows and events today, it should be easy to find something to do. The holiday parade starts at 12 noon today. Additionally, you can find plenty of opportunities to have fun downtown, and beyond! Remember to shop local.

If you want to see some other activities, there are so many options today. Let us know what you find. 

First Friday, Tonight In #DGSO

After a one-year, COVID hiatus, First Friday in downtown Greensboro has returned. The Festival of Lights, a tradition that dates back thirty years, will officially start at 5:30 p.m. The tree lighting will happen in Center City Park at 6:56 p.m. (We're not sure how that precise time was chosen, but, if you arrive at 7:00 p.m., you will be four minutes late).*  Throughout the evening, there will be food trucks, music and other entertainment, and many of the shops and restaurants will stay open late. There is even a market in LeBauer Park. The festival continues along Elm Street, all the way to the South 600 block. 

There will even be live ice sculpting, sponsored by Fidelity Bank and there is ice skating at the west end of Lewis Street. Today's high is predicted to be at 70º and drop to 55º by 8:00 p.m. Let's hope the ice will hold its form on this unseasonably warm day. This above street scene shows the Marshmallow Roasting Station in Hamburger Square from 2019. A good time was had by all in 2019 and should be had by all tonight.

*see here for more details, including a map.

Winter View on Summerfield Road

Winter views and landscapes can be beautiful. This home at 7119 Summerfield Road looks so inviting against the backdrop of evergreens and deciduous trees that have lost their leaves. The green roof is perfect with the green shrubbery leading to the front porch. Even those rocking chairs on the porch are the same color. This four bedroom house looks so contemporary, yet, it was built in 1912, 109 years ago!. The hallmark of the Piedmont area of North Carolina is lots of greenery, and this house is a prime example of how not much landscaping is needed when there are mature trees on the lot. 

This house is located right across from The Jumping Bean Coffee Shop and the Sunnyside Farms Christmas tree lot we featured in the past week. The house is part of that Summerfield corridor that is really taking shape as a destination. We'll have to get back in the spring to see how this house looks in a different season.  In the meantime, we'll just sit back and enjoy this winter view. While we've been featuring Summerfield this week, don't forget that tomorrow is First Friday and the Festival of Lights for downtown Greensboro. That, too, will be a beautiful winter view.

Jerry's Artarama

Happy December 1st! Do you recognize this mural? Anybody in Greensboro who ever needs art supplies probably knows this is Jerry's Art Supply Wholesale Club. For a ¢20 a year membership, your purchases are over 50% off. Prices are so low that if you see it, you better buy it. Sometimes they are purchasing clearance items and when they are gone.. they are gone. Jerry's is located right along I-40 at Farragut Street. When we were there before they opened yesterday morning, the sun was shining and already casting shadows. To take the photo we stood under a crepe myrtle tree and love the texture its berries add to the photo. 

Jerry's opened  is based out of Raleigh, N.C. It opened in Long Island in 1968, so it has been around fro 53 years. What an amazing resource for artists. As an example, the member price for 8x10" flat canvases is less than $1.00 each, That even beats thrift shop prices. We loved the mural on the wall, but forgot to ask who the artist was. As you are planning the rest of the week, don't forget that Friday is First Friday and downtown will be hopping- especially the ice skating. As for now, we'll just sit back and enjoy looking at this photo of Jerry's Artarama.

Sunnyside Farms a Local Option for Christmas Trees

Since we were in Summerfield this past weekend, and featured The Jumping Bean yesterday, we thought we'd share another photo from Summerfield Road. Above, you see a slice of the view at Sunnyside Farms, a Christmas tree farm in Ashe County.  For 19 years, the Woyahn has been driving Fraiser fir trees to Guilford County from their Ashe County farm located in the northwest corner of North Carolina. The entire county has fewer than 30,000 people, so coming to larger communities like Greensboro and Summerfield is a must for keeping their business viable.

Their pop up Christmas tree site at 7200 Summerfield Road opened this past week and they will keep selling trees into late December. They are also set up at Hickory Grove Church on Wendover Avenue in the Greensboro/Jamestown area.  Sunnyside Farms works hard to make the selection of a tree a special event: From selecting to trimming to bagging to helping you get it on your car. And their giant 3-story Santa is always a hit with the kids. Even if you are past the tree decorating years, being out and watching how excited young children are about picking out a tree really helps create the feeling of Christmas. Even though we don't have snow, the colder weather in Greensboro and the surrounding communities, is making it feel a lot like winter. It also helps keep the trees fresher.

Happy Tuesday!

Jumping Bean Coffee

This past weekend, we met up with Kevin Murray, Chief Coffee Guy, at The Jumping Bean coffee drive-through. Kevin and his family moved to Guilford County from the Bronx, NY in 2006 to be closer to family. In 2012, he opened the Jumping Bean in the parking lot on north Highway 220, where Golden Antiques & Treasures is located. This past July (2021), he relocated his business to 7200 Summerfield Road, in a lot that belongs to Greensboro Performing Arts Center. Formerly, the building was a church. Kevin says the move has been a good one. The Performing Arts facility is really taking off and the owners have lots of ideas about how to build community and best utilize their 7-acre property. In the meantime, Kevin is super happy with his little corner spot where his loyal customers have followed him and where he is cultivating a new customer base. Parents bringing their children to the performing arts building love having a place to get something to drink while they wait. On the day we visited, Kevin's  daughter Isabella was helping. As you can see in the above photo, while the business is s drive through, there is some outdoor seating. On Saturday, The Jumping Bean had extended hours given all of the activity around the Sunnyside Farms live Christmas tree station on the north end of the property.

If you're like us, you'll want to start a punch card and work on getting that 11th drink free. It is so nice to support a local, family-owned business and to see the Jumping Bean succeeding. This little corner of Summerfield, with Summerfield Farms just down the road and the nearby Greenway, is becoming quite a destination just north of Greensboro. After all that turkey and a broken sleeping routine, we just may need a double espresso! Happy Monday!

Hope Chapel

Hope Chapel looked so beautiful yesterday, on a sunny fall day and from the vantage point of Grimsley High School. Those oak trees add so much to the landscape. It almost looks like a country road, not a busy link between Battleground Avenue and Gate City Boulevard.

There has been so much change to this 908 address. The church is located at 908 Josephine Boyd Street, formerly Westover Terrace. The church itself has changed, too; the building seemingly something of a spiritual incubator. It was built as Westover Church and also housed Daystar.  Hope Chapel used to be located in Lindley Elementary School, and later on Spring Garden Street, but on February 2019, Hope Chapel relocated in the above building . The location is fabulous, well positioned to attract high school students, nearby students from UNCG, and people from the Lake Daniel neighborhood. Based on what they are saying on their website, Hope plans to stay in this location for a very long time. 

Happy Sunday. It should be a nice fall day.

Black Friday 2021

Today is the day all of the retailers have been waiting for, Black Friday. People will be out shopping for special deals. If you subscribe to the Greensboro News & Record, Wednesday's edition was as thick and full of advertisements, just like old times. Let's hope retailers and shoppers have all of their dreams come true. The above photo was taken outside the K&W  Cafeteria, on Northline Drive, at Friendly Center. Stores at Friendly Center will be ready for you today. If you haven't driven along Northline lately, you might not know that the stops are now 4-way, making it easier for all drivers to get a turn getting through the intersections and left turns are now as easy as right turns.

If you are out shopping, let the above photo of Nancy, ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, reminds us to remember others. Whether you donate to the Salvation Army's red kettle or another organization, give to the needy in some other way, or donate to someone in need directly, remember that there are many in need this year and kindness and generosity is especially appreciated. While we were talking to Nancy, who is a bell ringer for the first time this year, the above man got out of his car to drop a donation in the kettle. The people of Greensboro are giving people. We're betting you, dear reader, are already doing your part! Happy Black Friday!

Happy Thanksgiving 2021

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today's photo features a home on 150 in Summerfield, just across the street From Toscana Trace and near Highway 220. The people in this home celebrate every season with a decoration at  the road. Their old oak tree has a hole in it and the owners filled it with rounds of wood and a wee leprechaun. They have pumpkins, bales of hay, leaves, flowers, and scarecrows. Even their mailbox (to the right of the right side of the photo) is decorated. This 3 acre lot has a long, country driveway that extends a long way from Highway 150 and the house is hidden from the road. The house, built in 1980, is absolutely beautiful.

Many people in Greensboro and Guilford County decorate for the fall and for Thanksgiving Once we get through Thanksgiving, it is predicted that people will really be celebrating for Christmas this year. Let us know if you have a "spirit house" that goes all out for decorating near you, and, we will make every effort to get out and photograph it!

 

1005 South Josephine Boyd

Yesterday, driving past this house at 1005 South Joesphine Boyd Street stopped us in our tracks. The sun was shining brightly and the combination of the red leaves, the red house, and the red car, punctuated by the pink, yellow, and blue planters looked stunning. With no cars on the road to the left, and the large lot that goes with the house, it looked like we were on a rural country road. In reality, we were just a block off of Gate City Boulevard and very near UNCG. This three bedroom, one bath, house was built in 1928. We can only imagine how rural it seemed almost 100 years ago.

Much of the Glenwood neighborhood is like this; at some places it looks very urban and others, very rural. If you want to drive around and explore Glenwood, we encourage you to attend one of the community events there. Most immediately, on Black Friday,  Glenwood hosts Greensboro's "Really, Really Free Market at the church at 1307 Glenwood Avenue. They could use any donations you have. Everything is free. You can even pick up something for yourself.  It is such a nice gesture, the "Really, Really Free Market has a really, really neighborly feel. Just like the house above!

Pretty In VW Pink: Wink, Wink!

Some vehicles are just so cute. Such is the case with this pink Volkswagen Beetle. If you are out and about in Greensboro, be on the lookout for VW Beetles with eyelashes. We have seen one at the Red Collection on Mill Street. This one, with North Carolina tags, was spotted out shopping at Golden Antiques on north 220 this past Sunday. The pink color is perfect with the lashes.

The Beetle has been around since the 1930s when commissioned by Adolph Hitler and designed by Ferdinand Porsche. Unfortunately, 2019 was the last year they were made. Flow Volkswagen on Roanne Way sells VWs. Likely the have some used Beetles on the lot. We're wondering if the above WV Bug makes it to Herbie's Restaurant on Thursdays for WV night. We wonder if they made it to the "Break the Record" night for the most number of VW's to come to Herbie's in August. We're wondering is this car has a name. It should. Have a great Tuesday and, if you can, get any groceries you will need for Thruday, today. So many stores will be closet on Thursday and some are closing early on Wednesday. Wink if you like cars with eyelashes!!!

Blue Sky Over 4121 Spring Garden Street

This two bedroom, one bathroom, 888 square foot house, is located at 4121 Spring Garden Street. In this photo, it is as if it is a residential area. In reality, the featured house is an oasis on an island of commercial property. Indeed, when the home was built in 1955, there were probably a lot of houses surrounding it. Now, there are restaurants, strip malls, businesses, and offices around it. Even this house has a business in it. The house is across from Reconsidered Goods, and when we went to drop off a donation, we turned around and noticed the fabulous, mottled  sky. That western sky was so beautiful, but also reminding us that soon it will be winter. These blues and grays are so much more characteristic of winter than fall. Regardless of season, or weather, we are reminded just how beautiful Greensboro can be, especially when we take time to notice the beauty around us. 

We hope you have a great week and that you see lots of beautiful skies. If you have children in public school, you know that Guilford County made today and tomorrow days to work remotely from home. For many, it will be completing missing assignments. Hopefully, it will be a fun and relaxing week. Happy Monday!

Hope Academy at 1403 W Florida

1403 West Florida Street is the home of  Hope Academy Christian School. The above photo is the facade and steeple of this building that serves many purposes for the Glenwood Community. Formerly, it was the Florida Street Baptist Church, which had been a congregation for over a 100 years. However, in December of 2017, Florida Street Baptist held its last service and turned over the building to Hope Academy. * As families moved out of Glenwood and new residents moved in, the church was just not attracting enough members to remain viable. However, its current use as a school, with involvement of Grace Community Church has made this several acre lot, at the corner of Florida Street and Josephine Boyd Street a dynamic place.

This Friday, specifically Black Friday, just down the street from this building, the Glenwood neighborhood will hold the "Really, Really Free Market" (RRFM),  a place to bring items you no longer need and to leave with a few things you didn't know you need. The  RRFM  will be at the corner of Glenwood and Florida Street, at a church which is now an outreach church of Christ United Methodist Church. The idea started in New Zealand as an effort to counteract excessive consumerism. Glenwood is said to be the most diverse neighborhood in North Carolina. Special things like Hope Academy and the RRFM, bring people from all walks of life together and the feeling is special. Check out the RRFM next Friday if you want to have a special Greensboro experience. Happy Sunday!

 

*See News & Record article, here. 

Lake Daniel & Twyckenham Drive

In the above photo, the Lake Daniel neighborhood- across from Grimsley High School-  is bathed in sunlight in the afternoon. It is the kind of neighborhoods where yards are full of blooming azalea bushes and dogwood trees in the spring and full of fall color October and November. This home at 808 Twyckenham Drive is no exception. Look at the beauty of this Tudor home bathed in the look of fall. Built in 1933, this home looks as fresh and inviting as it must have when built almost ninety years ago. As for the name of the street, we're guessing it was chosen to evoke a feel of Old England. Twickenham is the administrative headquarters of Richmond upon Thames and "wic" and "ham" are words to indicate a small settlement in Saxon. 

According to a 1994 News & Record article*, the Lake Daniel neighborhood was planned in 1926 with the goal of capturing the essence of both Greensboro's city and rural life. There is both a park and man-made lake in the neighborhood and it is less than two miles from downtown Greensboro. In the mid 1990s, the neighborhood planted over 3,000 shrubs and trees, and it shows. Today is a good day to get out and explore the beauty of the city. Try Lake Daniel as it is a very walkable neighborhood. Happy Saturday!

* reference HERE.