Greensboro Daily Photo

Guilford County Veterans' Memorial

Guilford County Veterans Memorial is located in Country Park. The privately funded memorial was dedicated in 2002. Over 400 personalized paver bricks helped fund the memorial for veterans of all of the U.S. branches of the military. The one acre memorial within the park is a quiet place where one can go to reflect. Even though this park is for all veterans and Memorial Day is meant to honor those who died while serving, truly the memorial is a place where one can pay respect to those who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

In thinking about Memorial Day, some people have mentioned the Buddy Poppy program (read more HERE). Do you remember purchasing a poppy to help veterans? Before Memorial Day 1922 was the first poppy distribution. They are made by disabled veterans and veterans in VA hospitals, and sold as a fundraiser through the V.F.W. Do you know if poppies are still sold in Greensboro? In checking online, the last reference we saw was from a 1990 article in the Greensboro News and Record, right before Memorial Day (see HERE). We hope you do something today to honor Veterans. 

See here to learn more about the memorial that is between Country Park and Guilford Courthouse National Military Park. The memorial is open until 8:00 pm today, if you are interested in visiting. Hope to see you there!

Grace United Methodist Church

Today, we see the steeple and façade of Grace United Methodist Church and its white steeple peeking out from behind a house on West Friendly Avenue It is just a stone's throw from NewBridge Bank Park (affectionately called Grasshopper Stadium). According to their website, Grace was chartered in 1891, making it 130 years old this year. Grace Church works a lot with the refugee and immigrant community. They also value participation of the congregants in decision-making in the church. Grace UMC is an active church. In addition to sermons, they do a lot to help build community, including missions, a fundraiser parking cars for the baseball games, blood drives, and more. If you like yard work, they would love to have you join the lawn care team. If you are looking for a church, Grace would be a good option.

As evidenced in the photo above, steeples make a church stand out from surrounding buildings. The steeple on Grace Church extends the height of the building by about 3 stories. The clouds and the beautiful blue sky extend the view into the heavens.  If you have a house of worship in Greensboro that we haven't yet featured, please let us know and we'll try to stop by! Happy Sunday, dear readers.

Lewis & Elm Restaurant

The above photo shows a table of guests at the restaurant at 600 South Elm Street, now called Lewis & Elm. This is evidence that things are opening back up again. Yesterday afternoon, downtown was pretty busy, and it was not even First Friday. Lewis & Elm is the new name of the restaurant in the location that was formerly Table 16. At the new restaurant, you must be 21 to attend. They offer an extensive wine list and a few dishes to pair with the wine. The menu includes items like conch, mussels, duck foie gras, salads, and cheese dishes. The 500 and 600 blocks of South Elm are quite vibrant now, as it the Lewis Street area. This area is also referred to as Southend. We have a feeling it is going to get more and more popular over the summer. 

Across the street, the Burbon Bown was set to open at the beginning of May. Word has it they are having getting fully staffed. If you know someone who is looking for a job, not is a good dime to interview. In the meantime, we will sit back and enjoy the beauty of the above photo. Seeing people out, enjoying themselves in downtown Greensboro, is nothing short of fantastic. Happy Saturday!

Tasting Room

The Tasting Room is located at the corner of Chapman and Spring Garden Streets.  It is a neighborhood wine bar and retail shop. The above photo was taken there last weekend. This afternoon in Fancy Friday! If you are over 21 and want to learn about wines, you can do so from 4:00- 10:00 pm. Last weekend, Ghassan's food truck was on site for one of the events.

901 South Chapman formerly housed a gift shop and at one time, it looks like it might have been a pancake house. Do you remember? Since the property is commercial, it is harder to trace the history. At any rate, it was nice to see this corner of town return to its vibrant self. Across the street from the Tasting Room, where Bianca's Italian Restaurant used to be, is a taco restaurant. Freeman's Grub and Pub is across the street (the brick building in the background on the left). They are a good food option. And, if you need a good cup of coffee, Spring Garden Bakery and Coffee House is located in the next block. So, as you can see, the streets are, once again, filling with people eager to socialize! Happy weekend!

Cheesecakes By Alex

Today's photo is the mural inside the new dining room at Cheesecakes by Alex at 315 South Elm Street. It was painted by the Greensboro-based artist, Jenna Rice (@JennaRiceArt). In the mural, Jenna painted Alex on the left with son Timmothy who is also in the business. Alex opened his business downtown since 2002. Over the nearly 20 years, the menu has expanded from a few cheesecake flavors to over two dozen. There are traditional flavors, like New York style to  seasonal flavors (blueberry, pumpkin), and unique flavors like butter pecan, and bananas foster. Indeed, there is a flavor for everybody. Additionally, there are other desserts like cupcakes, cookies, macaroons and macarons. 

Alex has had his bakery downtown early on in the revival of downtown Greensboro, opening it in the same year that the Green Bean Coffee Shop opened.  If you are downtown and want something sweet, step in and treat yourself to a slice of cheesecake and say hello to Alex, Timmothy, and the rest of the crew. Happy Thursday.

Oh, Groundhog

It is so fun to go on walks in Greensboro. You never know what you are going to see. This one was seen foraging along Jessup Grove Road. Groundhogs are largest species in the squirrel family. With these warm, dry days, groundhogs have been out in full force.  This one was either a juvenile or one that hasn't been out of hibernation long. It was very skinny. The dark markings on the fur were curious.

Some people, especially gardeners, see them as destructive pests. Actually, they are important in the food chain. They mostly eat plants (and sometime garden vegetables), but they also eat grubs and snails. Their favorite place to forage is just like the area above, the transition edge between open, grassy areas and thickets. If you see big mounds of soil and a deep hole, chances are you have a groundhog. The above groundhog must accustomed to lots of road noise as it wasn't nearly as skittish as most. They are native to North Carolina and populations are said to be stable, actually increasing. The groundhog at the Greensboro Science Center died in 2013, and, the last we heard, he hadn't been replaced. Wonder if they are in the market for one! Happy Wednesday; we know, hump day, not Groundhog Day!

Graduating Seniors of Guilford County

These are exciting times for high school seniors. They have returned to in-school learning, are able to have prom, and now, are practicing for graduation. This year, high school graduation ceremonies in Guilford County are being held at the Greensboro Coliseum. It makes sense to have them in one place, as GCS staff can make adjustments as needed. For example, seats are pre-arranged in a way that honors social distance requirements. The above photo features the car of a senior who will be attending East Carolina University. What a feeling of pride this student must have, and it is well displayed on their car. "Pirate Pride; ECU, ON THE WAY!

This has been an especially challenging year to graduate with the majority of the year remotely. Only since March have some of the students resumed in-person learning. To be sure, 2021 is the year to remember! Graduations start this Wednesday and continue through Tuesday, June 8th. The Early College at Guilford is the first ceremony and the program concludes with Southeast High School. If you see a graduate, please congratulate them and wish them luck on the year ahead. Here's to joyful closure and new beginnings!

Downtown Is Getting Lively!

Downtown was busy this past Saturday afternoon, and at 4:00 pm, parts of Elm Street were closed so that pedestrians could have some fun! Are you feeling a little bit like Rip Van Winkle, going somewhere and seeing things that are completely new? Pre March 2020, it seemed that LimeBike (now Lime) electric scooters were everywhere. Now, Blue Duck Micro-mobility is sweeping the streets. It is comforting that most of the established downtown businesses survived the pandemic year and seem to be doing well now. These scooters are especially popular with the younger crowd. Also, going strong on Saturday was Brew Peddlers pedal pub trolley.

Another fun thing about downtown this past weekend was the diversity of demographic; people of diverse ages and ethnicities seemed to be enjoying our town equally. The weather was in the 80s, the sun was strong, and rain was nowhere in sight. The weather was perfect for all of the schools that had proms this past weekend. Let's this trajectory of reopening and events happening in person continues for a very long time. Who wants to try out a Blue Duck with us?

Hidden In Plain Sight

Sometimes we drive around Greensboro wondering how on earth we are going to find a new house of worship to feature on Sunday. After thirteen years of Sundays, that is approaching 700 different photos. Sure we've featured the same place more than once. Sometimes, for the smaller churches, we return to see if they are still open. However, driving around Glenwood on Saturday afternoon, down Florida Street, we saw the Prophetic Ministries of the Apostolic Faigh at 909 East Florida Street at the corner of Highland Avenue.The church is just west of Freeman Mill Road.

We're not sure how long this building has been a church, as, originally, it was a three bedroom, one bathroom house, built in 1955. Based on the sign, it appears the church has services Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday. The property looks well maintained and the grass is mowed. The Glenwood neighborhood is said to be THE most diverse neighborhood in North Carolina. It appears, with all the different churches and religious organizations with services in Glenwood, there is considerable religious diversity, too. Happy Sunday, we're thrilled to find another church, like we said, hidden in plain sight! 

 

Construction on Josephine Boyd Street

If you driven on Josephine Boyd Street lately on the northbound lane at Walker Avenue, you may have noticed some construction. For pedestrian safety, the street is being reduced by one lane. It is common to widen roads, but a bit unique to narrow one. The project is federally funded through the Greensboro Urban Area MPO. The project has been planned for at least seven years and is expected to be completed this summer; hopefully by the time UNCG students return to campus. The above view shows work in progress. As you can see, the crew is working hard. (See more information about the project here). Hopefully, the mature trees on this block will not need to be removed. The trees between Spring Garden Street and Walker Avenue, on the northbound side of Josephine Boyd were removed last week.

'Tis the season for roadwork. As of January 2nd, 2019, the street, formerly Aycock, has been renamed Josephine Boyd Street and it changes names along the way. If you have time for a "Sunday" drive, start on Lovett Street (which becomes Josephine Boyd, and then Westover Terrace, and then Battleground). It becomes Highway 220 and  you can follow it to the Virginia line. You will see so many changes along the way.  

As for the above intersection, it does seem like the changes are being made for very sound reasons. Happy Saturday!

Events Slowly Resuming

Slowly and cautiously, events are resuming for the fully vaccinated. Last night, a few people from the Piedmont Old Time Society ventured out to play music at the Pig Pounder Brewery on Grecade Street. If all goes well, they will hold an open jam there on the first and third Thursday of the month. However, the group will not meet in Greensboro on the first Thursday in June, as so many musicians will be attending the Mt. Airy Fiddler's Convention.  Old-time music is acoustic and consists of fiddle, banjo, guitar, and bass. Occasionally, another instrument gets mixed in. The fiddle, however, is the lead instrument. Last night, there were several fiddlers and the music was great. 

Well, the weekend is upon us. May you have a great one. If you have a chance to go to Pig Pounder, and like to have interesting backdrops for photos, you will have found the perfect combination- especially at twilight. Marty Kotis' goal of having Midtown identified with murals has become a reality. The artwork looks even prettier when live music is being played. It is hard to believe that Pig Pounder has already been open seven years- since 2014!

Field of Poppies

Right across the street from Lindley Elementary School is a charming brick house with a white picket fence and a poppy garden. We refer to it as the field of poppies and stop by every year to see if the poppies are still going strong. Currently, they are in full bloom; bright red and ready for National Poppy Day. The Friday before Memorial Day is National Poppy Day. Wearing a red poppy honors the fallen and sends a message of support for people who have served the country in the U.S. military. The American Legion brought National Poppy Day to the United States. Here is the poppy story. In Greensboro, there is an American Legion group in northeast Greensboro at 1206 American Legion Street. There is also a legion group at 729 Creek Ridge Road, just west of where I-40 and I-85 split.

Meanwhile, back to today's photo, just imagine having a garden this beautiful, your own little field of poppies. Actually, the garden belongs to the house to the right of this photo. The one in the background actually belongs to the neighbors. The house with the above property, 2705 Camden Road, is a four bedroom three bath built in 1928. The lot is .34 acres and it is simply heavenly. Technically, red poppies are annuals but they can live for a few years and can re-seed. We'd love to talk to the owners and see just how much effort goes into keeping this yard so beautiful. If you know, please let us know.

Happy Thursday!

Dinosaur Adventure Drive-Thru at the Greensboro Coliseum

If you have people in your life who love dinosaurs, there is a perfect opportunity, happening right here in Greensboro. One weekend is already, however, there are still a few dates left. From May 19th-23rd, life-sized dinosaurs will take over the Greensboro Coliseum. These prehistoric creatures roar and move and look so real with the special lighting. Everything from the Brachiosaurus to Triceratops to T-Rex and more will be on display through the weekend.  What a creative way to to provide fun and make memories.

Carloads of Dino-lovers drive through the exhibit. Wouldn't it be fun to be in a convertible and drive through on a warm almost-summer evening, listening to the provided audio guide. Also, there are in-car activities to engage the participants. Prices start at $49 for a carload of up to eight What to West Gate City Boulevard and Coliseum Drive and let the fun begin . See the website for additional information. We are lucky this event is in Greensboro. Even if you don't drive through, be sure to drive by!

Southern Line and the Norfolk Southern Corp.

Today's rustic photo represents a bygone era. The above rail cars, to the right of a pile of used railroad ties, look retired. The scene gives the illusion of being in a rural area, when actually is is located on a busy section of road on Spring Garden Street between Gay Terrace and Merritt Drive. It is very near the site of the long-gone Pomona Cotton Mill.  It reminds us that Greensboro has changed a lot over the last few decades.

However, the Norfolk Southern Corp still maintains the track that runs through this area (barely visible on the right side) with a terminal at Merritt Drive. Norfolk Southern is a dynamic corporation that still carries over 70 freight trains in North Carolina. Greensboro is nicknamed "The Gate City" because so many freight and passenger lines cross through here and the rail network dates back to the mid-1800s, before the Civil War. Let today's little bit of nostalgia remind you that planning a train ride would be a great addition to your summer plans- even if you just took Amtrack to another North Carolina City. With the taxi and car ride-hailing services widely available, you have plenty of transportation options as you reach your destination. While you wouldn't be going on the above cars, you do get an idea of some of the pretty scenery you would see along the way.

If you like catchy rail slogans, Norfolk Southern has had several: Tarwheel, is our favorite. As for Amtrak, our choice is "For the America you can't see anywhere else." Hop on for a little nostalgia this summer. Happy Tuesday! Public schools are rapidly coming to a close for the academic year; so, many of us really do need to secure some summer plans!

2426 Camden Road

Yesterday afternoon, Camden Road was filled with families out for a stroll. Some children were riding bicycles, one toddler was dressed in a princess outfit, many people had dogs, neighbors were in their front yards talking. Truly, the Sunset Hills/Lindley Park neighborhoods were enjoying every moment of the overcast skies. Temperatures were in the mid-60s, but it seemed cooler since the sun wasn't out. The above photo is of 2426 Camden Road, just a few blocks away from Lindley Elementary School. According to the signage in the yard, this house has a graduating senior. Most of the schools are having in-person graduation services this year. Let's hope that is the case for this soon-to-be graduate.

This house, built in 1927, is a lot bigger than it looks from the front. According to Zillow, it is 2,400 square feet with five bedrooms and two baths. The landscaping on the property continues to delight people who are out strolling along the sidewalks. As you can see, the front yard of the house is filled with raised beds, and right now, the foxgloves are putting on a glorious show. Foxglove stems were a big hit when they were at the Corner Market on Walker and Elam. Now, we're wondering if by chance they came from this house! We're also wondering if the black cat lives here, or if he has just stopped by for a visit.

Happy Monday! We hope you have a great week and you are in a position to get out and enjoy all of the effort people are putting into their Greensboro yards.

West Market Street UMC

Today's photo is a view of the iconic Lincoln Financial Corporation building and the West Market Street United Methodist Church. It was taken from the northwest corner of the Governmental Plaza, near the Dr. George Simkins statue. The JP Building, now LFC. At one time, it was the tallest building between Atlanta and Washington D.C. Especially with the time and temperature at the top, it stands as a beacon in Greensboro. To the left in the photo, you see the south side of the West Market Street United Methodist Church. This vibrant, dynamic church offers traditional and contemporary services. They have something for everyone! Their music services are quite impressive. Dating back to 1873, West Market Street UMC is one of the oldest churches in Greensboro. Their stained glass windows are stunning and the sound of the Dobson-Rosales organ is memorable. There are approximately 2,000 members at West Market Street UMC, and do, if you are looking for a church that offers many programs and services for its members, this may well be the church for you. 

Fortunately, the church has an extensive history online. See their timeline and more photos here. Have a happy Sunday, no matter how or where you spend it!

Yum Yum Ice Cream on Spring Garden Street

Yum Yum has been a Greensboro tradition since 1906. While workers, ice-cream flavors, owners, and location have change over the last century, all of the goodness of Yum Yum has remained constant. The hand-scooped ice cream is fresh and tasty. After 100+ years, the Aydelette family has soul the business to the Lipp family and  the Lipps are making an effort to keep the ice cream shop the same. They do take credit cards now. That is a big different. Today would be a great day for an ice cream. Head on over, get some good ice cream, and make  some good memories. You can eat indoors, outside, or get your order to go!

People build so memories going to Yum Yum, especially when they are attending UNCG. One of the old, stand by flavors is Oreo cookie. Today sounds like it would be a perfect day for ice cream, at the corner of Stirling and Spring Garden Street. Happy Saturday!

Southern Conference Softball Championship 2021

The Southern Conference Softball Championship continues today and tomorrow, hosted by UNCG. The above photo, taken yesterday during game 1, features the softball field on the northwest corner of the UNCG campus. * The stadium was built in 2006 on the site of the old softball stadium and this beautiful facility has hosted the Southern Conference Championship every other year since 2014. It also hosted in 2007 and in 2013.

At 12:30 pm today, #1 UNCG will play #2 Western Carolina in Game 4 of the tournament.  Game 5 will be held at 3:00pm with #4 Mercer playing the Game 4 loser. Game 6 will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday with a match up between the Game 4 and 5 winners. If necessary, there will be a Game 6. The Chattanooga team earned the 2019 championship title. Chattanooga lost to Mercer in Game 3 today.

If you love softball or have a child who plays, you should consider attending a game here some year. However, at present, it looks like it is "pass list only", as UNCG is still taking every precaution in these Covid times. Last year the championship was cancelled altogether, so players are super happy to be back out on the fields and looked so ready to play as they filed into the stadium yesterday in their uniforms and representing their universities.

This is the 100th year of the Southern Conference. Let's hope the Spartans take all!  See the conference website here.

Rainbow Alley... and Reflecting on the Concept

Historically, alleys served a very important purpose. The narrow passageways behind buildings facilitate the delivery and removal of things. They lead to service entrances. They a provide a quick exit. As the weather warms up, alleys have a way of staying cooler longer and providing much needed breezes for the buildings around it. Often they become great public spaces.* Greensboro is not really known for its use of alleys, although with a little intervention by artists, people are starting to take notice. Rainbow Alley, by Gina Franco, starts beside the Biltmore Hotel at West Washington Street and continues behind Scuppernong Books, Jerusalem Market, Deuterman Law, and other businesses. It changes character with the weather. Last week, the shadows cast on a sunny day punctuated the painted stripes. It was as if there were a railroad on the rainbow road.

This alley, and the alley behind Elsewhere Museum in the 600 block of South Elm Street are the two alleys that seem to get the most use in Greensboro.  Let's examine our Greensboro alleys and imagine the possibilities. What alleys exist in Greensboro? Google searches only yield links about the Rainbow Alley and bowling alleys! Is there a list? If you want to orient to the location of the photo, find that JP/LFG clock peeking at you.

 

* Here is a publication for Seattle, WA meant to encourage additional use of alley spaces for the public. Perhaps this initiative is worth considering for Greensboro (#DGSO?).

Greensboro Bound Virtual

Yesterday, on GDP, we celebrated Greensboro's public library system. Today's photo is the window of Scupperonong Books, advertising the Greensboro Bound Virtual Literary Festival begins tomorrow; another example of literary goodness in our community. Greensboro Bound is billed as a festival for "readers, writers, students, academics, and volunteers who are passionate about books, writing, and reading". It is a non-profit organization established in 2017 (reference and more information). The festival is the brainchild of  Steve Colyer and Scuppernong Books owners. The annual festival has hosted many writers, many of whom are known internationally. 

Here is a link to see the list of events and RSVP to attend virtually. Many of the topics are timely and something for everybody across genres from young adult fiction to short stories, poems, cookbooks, crime writing, and more. When community partners, businesses, writers, and volunteers come together, in an event celebrating reading and writing, everyone benefits and the whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts! Drop into a session and enjoy!

Central Library of the Greensboro Public Library System

Have you been to a public library lately? Today's photo is of the Central Library of the Greensboro Public Library system, the children's section. It is so beautiful, clean, and inviting. We visited on Saturday and there were just a few people in the whole building. The public library system is one of the few places where anyone and everyone has the right to visit. Truly, it is for the public. They are back to regular hours, yet are still offering curbside pick-up. They are also starting to reinstate special events, although most are still online (see an example, HERE).

The Greensboro Library system was established in 1902. Construction for the Central Branch in the current location began in 1997. Previously, it was located in the building that currently houses the Elon Law School at 201 North Greene Street. That other building was completed in 1960 with the local architect Edward Loewenstein and Gregory Ivy involved in the design. But, this former property is history and the current building is built with the public in mind. We have easy access to all the books and there are plenty of computers to use. Dust off your library card; the amazing world of books is just a swipe away. Happy Tuesday!

ORMA Tower

ORMA, Oak Ridge Military Academy, 2317 Oak Ridge Road (Highway 150)  is located northwest of Greensboro.  It was established in 1850s, before the Civil War, and the buildings and property encompass 38 acres. The school has evolved over the years (read more here), both in curriculum and student population and in the feeling of remoteness. At one time, there was no commercial development around the academy, mostly just a few houses and woods. Today, cadets are within walking distance of a convenience store, Wendy's, a grocery store, McDonald's, and more. Also, many community ball teams play on the ORMA fields. 

The above photo shows the ORMA sign getting painted. It was fascinating to see what may have been the world's largest stencils put in place. The red letters are a bright and bold standout, just west of the chapel and old well. Since 1983, the whole compound, including 21 buildings and "one contributing structure"  have been on the National Register of historic places. We're wondering if that  contributing structure would that be this tower or the old well. ORMA has been a Guilford County resource for 170 years. Let's hope they are thinking ahead for their bicentennial! In the meantime, we need to get back to check on the finished paint job. It is so fun to drive around Greensboro (and the county) and see how everyone is spring cleaning and sprucing up their properties.

Happy Monday!

Happy Mother's Day

Greensboro is such a great place to live. The weather and landscape help, but what makes Greensboro fantastic is the people. Yesterday, at a yard sale on Greenwood Drive, the homeowner and host of the sale gave a piece of new jewelry to all the mothers who stopped by. There were no gimmicks and no purchase was necessary. She said she wanted everyone to be able to say they received at least one Mother's Day gift. What a nice, heartfelt gesture and the moms were appreciative and joyfully selected a piece of jewelry. 

To all the mothers out there, in Greensboro and beyond, we hope you have a fabulous Mother's Day today. And, if you happen to know the woman who lives in the above house on Greenwood, thank her for her generosity and kindness. We bet she is that nice every day.

May we all give and receive random acts of kindness.  Happy Sunday!

 

Westerwood Mural: Part Alebrije, Part Postcard

Today's mural is on the side of the Westerwood Tavern. The Westerwood Tavern has been a Westerwood institution for over sixty years. While the name and owners have changes, that Cheers feeling of everybody known your name remains the same. Westerwood is a neighborhood of artists and the bar holds events to support artists. Today's mural is an example of their support of the arts.

The mural is most visible when headed west on Guilford Avenue. It evokes part Mexican alebrijes (as in the movie Coco) and part vintage Americana postcards. Local artist Beka Butts@bbutts_illustration created the mural. We actually featured Beka last November when she was working at the Day of the Dead exhibit for Casa Azul (see here). Beka trained at Savannah College of Art and Design and, fortunately, decided to bring her SCAD training back to Greensboro and share it with us!

Happy Saturday! May you have a chance to explore your community this weekend; whether it is Greensboro or elsewhere.

Cone Health: Wesley Long Hospital

We took this photo about a month ago, but realized we hadn't been photographing community resources lately. Today's photo is of Cone Health: Wesley Long Hospital, taken from our favorite vantage point, the O. Henry Hotel, on the Green Valley Grill side. This location ia a prime one in the city, just a block away from Friendly Shopping center at West Wendover Avenue.

Moses Cone is one of the largest employers in Greensboro and has played a leadership role, this past year, as Greensboro navigated the pandemic. Wesley Long Hospital has been part of the Greensboro community since 1917. Over the last century, the hospital has grown and evolved, handling more patients and adding departments, perhaps most notably, the Cancer Treatment Center. The hospital itself is a 175 bed, private room hospital. If you know someone who works in healthcare in Greensboro, be sure to thank them. You know they are ready for a vacation. This past week was teacher appreciation week. Please remember to thank teachers, too!

Have a great weekend and see if you can explore some new places in Greensboro and find some great vantage points!

Black Rat Snake Time

OK Greensboro,  the weather has warmed and snakes are out now. We saw this black rat snake in our backyard this weekend. They are not snakes that look for trouble. The snake saw me before I saw him and he froze, hoping not to draw any attention to himself. These snakes are non-venomous but will strike if they don't have a choice. However, their real superpower is that they are proficient climbers. Somehow, they can scale walls and trees with no evidence of having any way to grip. They earned their name because they eat their fair share of mice and rodents. If you see one, please leave it alone. 

The North Carolina Wildlife Commission is a great place to start to learn more about snakes.* There is also a Facebook group called N.C. Snake Identification & Education. If you don't mind seeing photos of snakes, this is a great place to learn about snakes and really to become less afraid of them. Happy Thursday and sorry, if you are feeling you can't "unsee" this photo!

 

*see here. 

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Today is a day many Mexican Americans celebrate their Mexican heritage in the United States. It is not Mexican Independence Day, nor is is really celebrated outside of Puebla, Mexico, where the Mexican army won a battle over the French.

The above photo is a display of Mexican popsicles, known as paletas. These aren't your ordinary commercial popsicles. They are handmade, frozen treats with just about any flavor- especially fruit- imaginable. Chile mango, lime, and cherries and cream are a few examples. If you haven't yet, you owe it to yourself to try an authentic, Mexican paleta. Cinco de Mayo is the perfect day to do so.

One place in Greensboro to purchase paletas is at La Super Michoacana at 3821 West Gate City Boulevard (where this photo was taken). We don't know if Lucha Libre Ice Cream and Churros at 4925 West Market Street sells paletas, but they do sell Mexican ice cream desserts that are out of this world. Whatever you try, be adventurous. Mango Chile is just the right blend of tart, spicy, and sweet. So let Cinco de Mayo be a day you expand your flavor palate. Almost 8% of Greensboro's population is of Hispanic origin. While that encompass many different ethnicities, not just those found in Mexico, the Hispanic demographic accounts for almost 25% of Greensboro's population growth over the last decade.*  Take today to celebrate the many good things Mexicans and other Hispanics have brought to Greensboro - paletas being just one small example.

¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

* reference HERE.

 

People of Greensboro: Kevin Rutan

Kevin Rutan, today's featured guest, is seen standing among pieces of artwork sold at his recent studio show. Kevin is the ever talented, nationally-known, decorative artist and owner of "Fe Fi Faux, Inc." When not faux finishing walls for clients in the USA and abroad, Kevin can be found in his studio expressing his creativity on canvas. All of his artwork is original- no prints. He is especially known for faces of women, one of which was featured on the January 2021  O. Henry magazine cover. Kevin balances painting canvases with faux finishing which he learned in the Institute Guégan in Brittany, France, developing great expertise in faux bois and faux marble finishes. Kevin has lived in Greensboro for the past fifty years.

Twice a year, Kevin holds art shows in his College Hill studio, located behind his Joyner Street house. His house was once owned by William Raymond Taylor who was on staff at UNCG from 1921-1961. During his time in the house, William Taylor made theatre curtains in the above studio and the Rutans lived next door. When the Taylor family sold this great property, they offered it to their neighbors, the Rutans. Kevin has kept the legacy of creativity alive in this house that turns 100 this year. If you like modern art that balances creativity with technique, keep an eye out for Kevins paintings. See examples of Kevin's paintings at his recently created website. He has paintings at all price points, starting at only $45. Happy Tuesday!

Tulip Poplar Time in Greensboro

Those who are pollen sensitive know that trees are just about completely leafed out in Greensboro. The above photo is of a blossom that dropped from a tulip poplar tree. The tulip poplars get their name from the green/orange flowers the tree produces. It is actually more closely related to the magnolia tree than either a tulip or a poplar* It is the state tree of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana; however, it grows well in Greensboro. The tree itself is pretty because it tends to grow straight and it is one of the tallest hardwoods.

If you have one in your yard, or you see one, let us know. This one was seen on a property in northeast Greensboro. Bees are known to make honey from the nectar in these flowers. Happy Monday!

* Reference and more information, here.

Casa Belen Ebenezer

Casa Belen Ebenezer is an Apostolic Church located at 401 Norwalk Street , right at the corner with Pomona Drive. The pastors are Ivan and Azucena Morales Boitano. They offer Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday services in Spanish at 7pm. Also, there is a Sunday school at 10:00 and a service at 10:45. 

Yesterday, the building really stood out with the orange ramp against that bright, blue, cloudless sky. Also, there was someone on property doing yardwork. As quiet as it was here yesterday afternoon, it will be busy today. As Greensboro's population diversifies, more and more religions are offering services in other languages and not all of the buildings look like traditional houses of worship. It is not the facility itself, but the people, that makes a house of worship feel like a home.

We hope you have a great Sunday and that you have found a place to nourish your spirit... that feels like home. Happy Sunday!

609 South Mendenhall Street

Happy May Day! Today is the day of an ancient festival of spring. The property at 609 South Mendenhall Street is about as joyful and springlike as a yard gets. Yesterday, we happened to stop by the "Little Free Library" box at the edge of this yard and the beauty of the flowers drew us in. We noticed the owner, Jane, watering the hanging baskets on the porch and struck up a good-old-fashioned conversation. The house is located in the heart of College Hill, Greensboro's first neighborhood and the first to receive an "historic district" designation 

Jane and her family have lived at the house for two years and, while it looks like it has been there for a century, the house was actually built recently on an empty lot that was previously owned by the College Hill Neighborhood.  It was sold under the condition that the house would be owner-occupied and that the new construction be in line with the architecture of the neighborhood. Jane said the best compliment she gets is when someone tells her what a good job they did "renovating" the home. Today's photo doesn't begin to capture its beauty. The purples are much more dominant and the porch is so inviting, Hopefully, Jane has time to swap out a book in the "Little Free Library" and read it on that porch swing under the paint blue ceiling.