Greensboro Daily Photo

Safety Town

All is quiet in Safety Town now. Located off of Pisgah Church Road, beside Lewis Recreation Center, Safety Town is a community resource sponsored by: Greensboro Police Department, Nat Greene Kiwanis Club of Greensboro, Greens pro Parks and Recreation, Volvo, Greensboro Optimist Club.  As stated on their website, Safety Town is a two-hour-a-day, two-week program for five and six year old children that teaches safety about strangers, traffic, pedestrians, fires, bicycles, bus, poisons, water, and guns. The program has existed for 39 years. So many generations of children in Greensboro have participated in the program over the years. Other efforts in other cities model their safety town design on the Greensboro complex.

There are also opportunities for teens to register as Ambassadors. It is such a great way for teens to develop leadership skills. Everything about Safety Town is a win-win. Happy Wednesday. Tomorrow is December- already!

 

 

Downtown at Holliday Circle

This Friday is  First Friday and the Festival of Lights. Are you ready? Downtown is ready for us. The above photo is the General Nathanael Greene Statue at Holliday Circle- 405 South Greene Street. General Greene was a major general of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War and the person for whom Greensboro is named. The 22' tall bronze statue is on an 10' granite base.  Greensboro artist James Barnhill is the sculptor. It was dedicated on March 28, 2008. It was placed there as part of the Greensboro Bicentennial in that same year. *  Sculptor James Barnhill's work is featured prominently throughout Greensboro. He is a retired faculty member at NCA&T State University.  The round-about, Holliday Circle, is named for Keith A. Holliday who served our mayor from 1999 to 2007. So, this circle holds so much history for our city.

The photo was taken from the west, looking east, towards Hamburger Square. This historic area will be busy this Friday. Here is a list of holiday happenings in Downtown Greensboro. You won't want to miss these events. During COVID,  Downtown Greensboro (#DGSO) a local non-profit did a fabulous job of finding things to engage the community. Some of these events- like Tinsel Town- remain. Friday is on target to be beautiful weather. It is only Tuesday and we can hardly wait!

 

* reference and more information HERE.

Flyaway Farms

Flyaway Farms is a 39 acre farm located on Pleasant Ridge Road, just down the road from Summerfield Farms. The farm has a 5 bedroom 4 1/2 bath home built on it that was constructed in 1978. The current occupants have owned it for ten years. Hopefully, they will maintain the property as a farm. There is every indication it will remain a farm. As you drive past, you will notice the two donkeys and a herd of sheep. If they wanted, they have the perfect set up to host a living nativity scene. They even have the word "farm" in their name.

As we check online, Guilford County currently ranks 28th out of the 100 North Carolina with respect to land for sale. According to Land.com, there are currently 3,000 acres of rural land for sale in Guilford County. At 657 square miles, Guilford County is the 24th largest county in North Carolina. When you look at how beautiful the land is in our region, it makes our hearts fill with joy. Let's just hope that we are able to maintain our green spaces.

Happy Monday!

Our Lady of Grace

Our Lady of Grace (OLG), located at the corner of West Market Street and Chapman Street, is such a dynamic place. Every day, something is going on there. From the Monday through Friday K-8 school to Saturday weddings, Sunday services, and multiple meetings throughout the week, you really feel a sense of community at OLG. There are 11 masses during the week (Monday-Saturday). On Sunday, there is a 7am Quiet Mass, 9am and 11 am English Masses, a 1pm Tridentine Latin Mass, and a 5pm Spanish Mass. Truly, if you are Catholic, they offer something for everyone.

The other day, when we happened to be driving by, we saw a bucket lift extending up to the top window of the westside tower. We're guessing they were washing windows. After all, advent starts four Sundays before Christmas and, this year (2022) Advent starts today. Can you believe it? We have four Sundays before Christmas! Unfortunately, the statue of Our Lady, the one on the front lawn, was vandalized in October. They are hoping to get it repainted, restored, and back in place in time for Advent- today! We love this photo, showing some of what goes on, behind the scenes, of church upkeep. The real photo was behind us. A priest is a black robe cloak was talking to parishioners. The moment looked too special to interrupt.

Happy Sunday! Happy Advent!

Farmers Market, Plus Small Business Saturday

The above photo features the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market on Yanceville Street. It was taken a few weeks ago and we had a ball buying a few of every single apple Leonard Orchards brought to the farmers market. We went home and rated them from favorite (honey crisp) to least favorite (Granny Smith) and everything in-between! We hope they are still there today and we have another chance to purchase apples! We hope to stop by and visit our friend Annette and buy another pair of earrings; and then over to purchase some handmade paper journals from our friend Suzanne. 

Remember, today is Small Business Saturday when we are all encouraged to buy from local businesses. It doesn't get much more local than a local farmers market! Of course there are downtown shops, State Street shops, and local shops throughout Greensboro. Nothing beats building a relationship with a local proprietor. It is the Cheers-bar phenomenon of the local business community. Became a repeat customer and they will know your name! Here is a photo of Kathryn at Just Be. She works tirelessly to bring local and fair trade to her shop in the 300 block of South Elm Street. Her nearby neighbor, Design Archives, is a collection of small businesses under one roof. Here is a photo of Design Archives from when we featured it ten years ago. 

Black Friday, Greensboro Style!

If you celebrate Christmas, want to get a jumpstart on your shopping, and love crowds, today is your day to shop! Fox 8 published a list of when local shops and and retail centers open (see HERE). The above photo is the window display at Anthropologie in Friendly Center. They always have creative artists designing their window fronts and displays inside. Friendly Center opened in August of 1957 and has probably been entertaining Black Friday crowds in its 65 year history. While you are at Friendly Center, you can swing by the Sunset Hills neighborhood and check on the progress of the Christmas lights high in the trees. 

If you want to try to do something different, the Greensboro Badminton Club meets from 1:30- 3:30 at Leonard Recreation Center today. Players are really nice and welcoming. You may need to bring your own racket, though. Another option is to visit the Greensboro Science Center; however, it closes at 4:00 pm because they are in their Winter Wonderlights Season. To experience that great new Greensboro tradition, you will likely have to pre-purchase tickets. Perhaps best Greensboro tradition of all, is the Really, Really Free Market in Glenwood, where people bring items to give away. There is no limit and there is no requirement to donate to receive. This is a great way for people in need to pick up nice items for the family. Yet, even those who don't need, but want, are welcome, too. It is located at 1417 Glenwood Avenue at the corner of Florida Street. It is a great opportunity to donate items if you want to simplify your life a little.

Happy Black Friday! If you are a local retailer, may your sales be brisk and good luck on Small Business Saturday, tomorrow.

Happy Thanksgiving 2022

Happy Thanksgiving 2022! Above are some trees in northeast Greensboro, featuring an array of fall colors, against a backdrop of blue sky. Greensboro is full of deciduous trees and they are especially beautiful in October and November. These trees remind us that sometimes we need to look at things from a different perspective to see the real beauty. They are prettiest when looking up at the sky and not straight ahead.

In thinking about a truly Greensboro photo for Thanksgiving, we missed the Friendsgiving event at LeBauer Park last Sunday, but are determined to make it next year. We wanted to get a photo of our friend's turkeys in northwest Greensboro, off of Highway 150. We didn't get that photo either, but know we are always welcome at her farm. Sometimes just knowing events, opportunities, and friends are out there means as much as actually participating in the event. Holidays can be like that; we don't get exactly what we want, but find a way to make them memorable.  From a full course Thanksgiving feast with family and friends to eating leftovers alone, please celebrate yourself and Greensboro (or wherever you happen to live).

We are super thankful that you are one of our readers. We will work our hardest to keep you coming back and will work on getting a Thanksgiving photo more obviously anchored in Greensboro.

Happy Thanksgiving, from "the staff" at Greensboro Daily Photo.

Strolling Along Elm Street

Happy day before Thanksgiving. Downtown is starting to feel festive. Shoppers are visiting stores and galleries to find those special gifts. Warm cups of coffee taste so good on these cooler days. The above photo was taken in front of the Green Bean Coffee Shop on the 300 block of South Elm Street. This is such a dynamic part of Elm Street.

In seven days, it will be December. In nine, it will be time for the Festival of Lights. Just like the two identified guys in the photo who were walking at a very brisk pace, it seems like November has flown by. Those of us at Greensboro Daily Photo wish you a very happy Thanksgiving. The public school students of Greensboro have five days home with family. May you savor every moment of your time together.

Happy Wednesday!

Thankful for the True Family of 507 Chapman Street

Driving along Chapman Street yesterday, we saw that the house st 507 South Chapman, belonging to the True family, is still for sale. The True family moved in to the house in 1962; eventually they were able to purchase it with community support. Every year, Jack, Sr. who was known as the Santa of Chapman Street, dressed as Santa and brought children so much joy. He also decorated for other holidays. He died in 2003. Earlier this year, June 2, 2022, Yes! Weekly published an article about the fact that Roger True, Jack's son, sold the house and moved to Pennsylvania.  After 60 years, the little house sits empty and the Trues no longer own it. The house was slated to be demolished, but is now for sale, listed as uninhabitable and for sale"as is".  The house lacks a permanent heat source and the tarp indicates the roof is leaking. It will be interesting to see if the house is renovated or if something else will be built on the .19 acre lot.

It is so heartwarming to know that the family that lived in such humble conditions brought so much joy to so many- for decades. The Yes! Weekly article reminds us that, back in the day, families would drop their children off here to watch movies on a makeshift screen while their parents went to the movies at Friendly Center. As we near Thanksgiving Day, we are thankful for community members like the Trues. Let's hope Roger is living a good life in Pennsylvania and that, whoever buys this lot, experiences the joy the former owners experienced by bringing joy to others. That porch is filled with so many memories to so many of us in Greensboro.

Happy Tuesday!

Read the great Yes! Weekly article HERE.

Cornerstones, A Painting by Isaac Payne, Hanging at Tanger Center

This lovely painting, entitled Cornerstones, hangs on the 3rd floor of Tanger Center. It is a work by Isaac Payne, commissioned by Lauren and David Worth. It is a mixed media piece consisting of oil paint, ink, pastel, conte, charcoal, cotton rag paper, glue, acrylic polymer, rock and brick fragments, broken thumb tack, and varnish on birch plywood. This is only a part of the piece which is at least 5' x 10' (best guess). The colors are so vibrant and the more you look at it, the more you notice. It is a  panoramic view from the 500 block of South Elm Street, looking north. In the foreground, you see Hamburger Square, in the background, the Lincoln Financial building.

While Isaac Payne grew up in Tacoma, Washington, he lives and works in Charlotte, NC. He has such a talent for capturing the feeling of the places he paints. We are lucky to have this one. Thank you to the Worths for commissioning the piece and for having it on display at the Tanger Center. It would be so fabulous to sit and watch Mr. Payne work his magic with all of those different art supplies and colors.

Day of Rest and Thanksgiving

So sorry this published late, but thankfully, it is on the same day! ...  Sunday, according to Christian calendars, is the first day of the week, and deemed a day of rest. The above photo shows a restful scene, recently, on Lake Higgins, as the sun was setting in the direction of Lewiston Road. It is as if the lake was honoring the day of rest. In Greensboro, the lows today and this week will be in the 20s, with the highs in the low 50s. Considering it is late November, we can't complain. On Thursday, the weather should be overcast, but not rain; a good day for Thanksgiving and travel. For Thanksgiving, we have pre-ordered a full meal for six, turkey, ham, sides, and dessert for six from Spring Garden Bakery. There are so many places that are providing pre-cooked meals. We'll take pictures of what we ordered and show you once it is served, in case you want to plan ahead and order from them for Christmas. 

While many of the opportunities for a Thanksgiving meal this year have already passed, there are still places to get free food and to volunteer to help others. For example, on Nov. 22, Lawndale Baptist will give a free turkey and $25 gift card to the first 1,000 families. The parking lot opens at 6am. On November 23, 2022, the Church on 68 could use help with their Thanksgiving initiative and will have food for those in need (see HERE). The GCS public schools are open Monday and Tuesday, perhaps you could help someone at a school. Gift cards are always appreciated. Be creative in your approach to helping. Perhaps a neighbor could use some cheer- and a plate of food. Perhaps you don't want to be alone. Serve and have your soul nurtured at the same time. Helping others can help us feel as calm as Lake Higgins on a still, late-fall afternoon at sunset.

Happy Sunday!

Dunbar Street Jewelry by Annette

Annette Speaks designs jewelry and sells it at the Greensboro Curb Market on Yanceyville Street. Annette paints everything by hand, often from natural items, like cherry pits and pistachio shells. She also uses junk mail, converting it to pulp to form beads. Annette creates pieces that tell a story. On one pair of earrings, the front side is a scene of downtown with houses and the back side is a scene of uptown with apartment buildings- four original paintings on a pair of earrings. Another pair of earrings is a scene of indigenous women, showing their connection to earth. The necklace in front of  Annette, in the above photo, has over 30 faces on the front and 30 on the back. If you wear it, you have over sixty people with you; quite an array of ethnicities, skin colors, and ages. Each of her pieces is unique and truly a work of art. After the last presidential election, Annette mailed a necklace to Vice President Kamala Harris and a member of VP Harris's staff called to learn more about the necklace with special interest in how long it took Annette to make it.

Professionally, Annette worked with senior citizens overseeing their craft making, honing her own artistic skills along the way. This Page High School alum. is one of Greensboro's great urban, folk artists. If you love memorable, wearable art, you are sure to get comments when wearing this jewelry. Annette should be at the market today. If you see her, show her this photo. We don't think we'll get by today. 

Happy Saturday!

Superintendent Oakley

 

Yesterday, the newly-appointed Superintendent Dr. Whitney Oakley held a the first of the Superintendent's Teachers Advisory Council meetings for the 2022-2023 school year. Each school in Guilford County was asked to appoint a teacher to attend and represent. At the meeting, Dr. Oakley reflected on the challenges and successes of the Guilford County Schools (GCS) during the pandemic. She lauded the hard work of teachers and staff for making the adjustments needed during those unprecedented times. After the "where we have been" segment, she updated the group on "where we are now" and the importance of continuing what works in addressing learning recovery and learning gains. She shared updates on repair needs and construction in progress. She also acknowledged the staffing shortage GCS is currently facing. Finally, she addressed "where we are going" especially vis-a-vis a portrait of a GCS graduate and what we want for students after their K-12 experience.

Dr. Oakley is a product of the Guilford County Schools, getting her start at Guilford Primary with Dr. Doris Henderson as her principal. She has degrees from East Carolina University, Greensboro College, and a doctoral degree from UNC Greensboro. She has made a career of serving the Alamance-Burlington and GCS school districts. Having a leader with an emic/insider's view will go a long way in addressing the complex variables and needs of Guilford County Schools, the 50th largest school district, of the 14,000+ public school districts in the United States.

Thank you for your leadership, Dr. Oakley. Happy Friday, dear readers!

UNCG Women's Basketball

Yesterday was Education Day for the University of North Carolina Greensboro Spartans. Local K-12 schools were invited to attend a game of the UNCG Women’s Basketball team. The game was played in Fleming gym against Radford University of Virginia.  The UNCG Spartans won the game with a final score of 72-54. At the conclusion of the game, the UNCG players and cheerleaders came into the stands to “high five” students, creating great memories for the young learners.

If you notice the gold "G" on the opposing team's side of the gym, it represents the "G" in UNCG. There are 17 institutions in the UNC system and UNCG has branded itself as "The G".  For sure, if you like college basketball, you have plenty of options to see the sport played in Greensboro. Let's hope all universities, near and far, reach out to the community and invite children to see a game. You never know when dreams begin and when they become reality.

The UNCG Women's Basketball team has their next game on Saturday, November 19th at 2:00 pm. also in Fleming Gym. If you can, please support them.

Happy Thursday!

 

The Big White House at 2700 Courtney Lane

This house at 2700 Courtney Lane is located at the corner of Wilton Drive, between New Irving Park and Brookwood Gardens. The three bedroom, three bathroom stick-built house was constructed in 1963 on 1/3 acre. We happened upon it one morning when we were out walking after stopping by the chicken dinner sale at Irving Park UMC. We were struck by how beautiful the house looks against the autumn foliage. The house is just a stone's throw away from Mendenhall Middle School, easy walking distance.

The house happens to be for sale and it is so special to know what a home looks like in the fall. This golden glow is pretty special, even though the leaves are past prime. Greensboro sure has some lovely neighborhoods and homes. Which Greensboro neighborhoods do you enjoy walking in? Today, in Greensboro, the temperature should rise to the mid 50ºs and it should be partly sunny. It just might be a good day to take in a walk.

Happy Wednesday! 

 

View from Hamburger Square

This is the view of West McGee Street from the middle of Hamburger Square- the intersection of McGee with South Elm Street. Just Be Gifts  is to the left, Little Brother Brewing to the right, and Natty Greene's Restaurant just behind us. At the Festival of Lights on Friday, December 2nd, there will be standing-room-only in this square. In the background, center of the photo, you can see Nathanael Greene statue- local artist Jim Barnhill was commissioned to sculpt it. To the right in the background is the newly opened Hampton Inn. We're betting it will sell out for the Festival of Lights/First Friday. Look at how convenient it is to downtown! Although the scene looks empty and gray in today's post, it will be crowded and full of color when everyone is downtown on December 2nd. 

If you have a teen learning to drive, McGee is a good place to practice. As you can see, the lanes are clearly marked, AND, if you look at the diamond-shaped, yellow warning sign on the right, there is a round about. Round-abouts are becoming more popular in Greensboro. It is a good idea to practice navigating them- with or without a novice driver!

Happy Tuesday! A big thank you Katja Brown who alerted us to the fact that today's post hadn't published!

'Tis the Season, Indeed!

The above photo was taken at yesterday's "MADE 4 THE HOLIDAYS" Market at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market on Yanceyville Street. The weather was cool, but sunny, and the event was well attended. It was so nice to see the market full of artists and crafters; actually, there were also vendors even vendors outside. Vendors able to return inside as renovations are now complete. One part of the renovation was the painting of the braces on the ceiling. The black paint not only looks nice, it is said to be more durable than the finish that had been there previously.

To the left, you see lights for sale at Gardner's Garden, perfect for outdoor, holiday decorating. The people who sell the 3' lighted stars were there (lights are attached to wooden sticks and can be used indoors or outside). The next Made 4 the Holidays event will be Sunday, December 4th from 11:00 am- 4:00 pm. In the meantime, there are shows popping up everywhere, from people's homes to church fellowship halls, to independent stores, to The Craftsmen's Christmas Classic Art & Craft Festival at the Greensboro Coliseum (November 25-27). There are about 6 weeks until Christmas. Please make every effort to shop local. The artist and crafters yesterday were all talking about how wonderful it felt to be back in person and interacting with their old customers and making new. They are ready for us! Head out and see that renovated farmers market.

Happy Monday!

Iglesia De Dios NC

This simple, humble, cinder-block church is located at 4624 Highway 220 North, just past Highway 150. The sign says "BIENVENIDO a casa" or "Welcome Home". Above the door, the sign reads, "All Christian Denominations Ever Circling, Ever Intertwined, All Encompassed in the Cross of Jesus Christ." We can't find the church online, but the website for the denomination, "Iglesia de Dios" indicates it is Pentecostal. The back of the sign still shows the lettering for when the building belonged do the Revelation Church with Pastor Darin Bray.

It looks like the church may hold services on Saturday. They do have a Facebook page and they do stream live. Also, according to their Facebook photos, they do baptisms live and it looks like one of Greensboro's lakes. It is always fun to drive around Greensboro and discover a new church. We like the simplicity of this one.

Happy Sunday!

Roseanne Cash, Daniel Levitin, Ph.D., and Ernest Thompson

Singer-songwriter Roseanne Cash, daughter of country music legend Johnny Cash, teamed up with the accomplished neuroscientist Dr. Daniel Levitin to discuss the relationship between music and the brain. They spoke at the Tanger Center for the Performing Arts as part of the 2022-2033 Bryan Series. As promised, during the evening, Levitin and Cash discussed music, creativity, inspiration, and the brain science behind them. They also performed a few songs. Recently, Cash had hand surgery and was unable to play the guitar. Dr. Levitin filled in for her for the songs they sang. However, the crux of the presentation was discussing music and the brain and how and why those connections are so deep. Dr. Levitin reminded us of the complexity of the chemicals of the brain and the fact that we don't know about many of them. He indicated that dopamine is overrated! Both Levitin and Cash are tremendously accomplished in their respective fields and equally passionate about music. Together, they made a great team and were noticeably down to earth. 

The above photo was taken at the book signing that took place after their talk.Dr. Levtin is handing Roseanne Cash a copy of her memoir sign as he prepares to sign a copy of his own book, "This is your Brain on Music." Meanwhile, Roseanne is holding a copy of Ernest Thompson's CD, "The Words I Heard." Ernest, a singer-songwriter from Greensboro, just released his CD a week ago. Here's hoping she has a listen and loves Ernest's music as much as we do.

Happy Saturday!

Veterans Day 2022

Happy Veterans Day 2022. The above photo was taken during a Memorial Day service at Friendly Center in May. Nothing says respect, military, and veterans than a salute. While the people are unidentified, you can see the focus of the veterans at the flag raising. Out of respect for veterans, county offices and Guilford County Schools are closed for this federal holiday, once known as Armistice Day. Greensboro's 6th annual Veterans Day Parade was held last weekend on November 5th. If you want to honor veterans in our community, the Field of Honor is a nice place to visit. Also, there is a memorial for veterans at Country Park. There is also a veterans memorial at 301 North Church Street. 

If there is a veteran in your life, or if you see one out in uniform, please remember to thank them for their service. If the opportunity presents itself, treat a veteran to a cup of coffee or a meal. 

Happy Veterans Day and thank you for your service.

1401 Mimosa Drive

This yellow house in Westerwood, at the corner of Mimosa Drive and Aberdeen Terrace, is simply stunning as a backdrop to the fall colors. We noticed it again during the Westerwood NeighborWoods, tree-planting event. This maple tree in the foreground is glowing. It looks like they have several Japanese maples in the yard. The house was built in 1950. It is hard to believe it is over 70 years old. It has been well taken care of. According to Zillow, it last sold in 2003. You can tell the owners have invested a lot of time and effort into the yard. It will be fun to walk around this neighborhood and monitor the growth of all the new trees.

Speaking of Mimosa Drive, this Saturday from 10am-4pm, there will be a Holiday Home Show at 2103 Mimosa Drive. Please buy local and support the great artists and crafters who will be selling that day. Peek in on 1401 while you are in the neighborhood.

Happy Thursday! We hope you have a day off tomorrow and, if you know a veteran, be sure to thank them for their service.

Voting Concluded

Yesterday was a big day. Someone in California won the Powerball, we had a full moon, a total eclipse, and voting is over. The above photo was taken at the Lewis Recreation Center near the intersection of Pisgah Church Road with Battleground Avenue. The Lewis Center is one of Greensboro's ten recreation centers and it is used for multiple purposes and by people of all ages. This was an early voting site, which is one of the reasons we're guessing that voting seemed light there. When we were there before 8:00 a.m. this morning, people were trickling in one at a time. 

According to the North Carolina State Board of Education, in Guilford County, 28.74% of registered voters voted early. Received by mail were 7,577 ballots and 101,202 people voted early. Let's hope the 71.26% of the people who didn't vote early voted yesterday. Hopefully, all of the polls were orderly and voting went smoothly. Soon, the results will be confirmed and all of the signs and political ads will go away. Those of you who ran for office, campaigned, canvassed, and worked the polls, thank you for your service!

Next up, Thanksgiving and possibly some cooler weather.

Happy Wednesday!

Pickleball 101

Have you had a chance to play pickle ball yet? It is a sport that is sweeping the nation. It has been rising in popularity since it was first invented in the mid 1960s in Washington State. For the last two years, it was named the fastest growing sport in the United States.*  Pickleball has become quite popular in Greensboro, too. It is really popular in the Bryan and Spears YMCA; the Greensboro Sportsplex; Bur-Mil Park; Smith Senior Center; and, Proelific Park to name a few places. The above photo features pickleball in full swing at Hamilton Lakes this past weekend. The courts there are nice and players extremely friendly. They are happy to teach new players the rules, the moves, and to get them into games as soon as possible. As a matter of fact, this past Saturday, they offered a clinic for beginners, thirty minutes before matches started up. At the Hamilton Lakes open-club event this past weekend, pickleball was combined with an old-time, string band jam, and a potluck. Pickleball, music, socializing, and food. Could there be a more winning combination? Other than a little fall wind, the weather was perfect!

Happy Tuesday! Please remember to vote.

*read more here.

NeighborWoods Program Brings Trees to Westerwood!

This past weekend, people came out in droves to participate in the tree planting event in Westerwood. The NeighborWoods is funded by private donations to Greensboro Beautiful, with support from the City of Greensboro and the Guilford County Extension Master Gardeners. The initiative is an effort to create tree canopy in neighborhoods where trees have been lost or damaged. The trees get planted in public areas and on streets and front lawn areas. In order to be selected, the neighborhood must show that they have the person power to ensure the trees are watered for the first three years and continue with long term maintenance.*

In addition to the fact that Westerwood will get about 150 new trees, it was also wonderful that people of all ages and walks of life came out to help with the tree planting. There were teams of sororities, college groups, master gardeners, neighbors, and more. The 2021 neighborhood to win the grant was Friendly Homes neighborhood. Friendly Homes is the neighborhood between Wesley Long Hospital and Villa drive and Mimosa. It will be fun to drive around the neighborhood this spring, as well as through Westerwood to see how the trees are doing. Greensboro is known for being a beautiful, green city. These new trees are sure to contribute to the beauty. Let's hope they got planted clear of power lines. Finally, we're wondering where all the shovels get stored and if school groups can check them out for school beautification projects.

Happy Monday!

 

*reference and learn more HERE.

Irving Park UMC

Irving Park United Methodist Church (featured in the background and located at 1510 West Cone Boulevard) was the site of Boy Scout Troop 230's annual BBQ Chicken fundraiser. They have been holding this fundraiser the first weekend in November for 36 years now. It has been so long that they aren't even sure who built the cooking system. In the above photo, you can see the 1,200 chicken halves being prepared for their chicken dinner sales. At about 4 pounds a half, the end result is nearly two tons of chicken being sold yesterday. The troop has been meeting at IPUMC since 1966. How wonderful that this 56 year partnership between the church and the scout troop exists.

On the property of the church are two storage buildings, likely where all of the equipment is kept for this big fundraiser and where the troop meets. If you are interested in attending the church, services are at 11:00. Rev. Patrick Snow will be there to welcome you with open arms. We're betting a lot of the troop 230 scout families will be there to welcome you also. Who knows, they may even have a leftover chicken dinner or two. 

Have a happy Sunday! Let's all mark our calendars and be on the lookout for this great chicken dinner next year.

Joe Troop Larry Bellorín

Last night, Larry Bellorín (left) and Joe Troop performed at The Crown Theatre, the intimate venue on the third floor of the Carolina Theatre on Greene Street. The duo's performance was part of the Triad's Folk Music Society, Fiddle and Bow. Joe Troop is a multi-instrumentalist from Winston-Salem North Carolina. Larry Bellorín, who hails form Venezuela, now lives in Raleigh, but continues to share his Venezuelan llanura music. Larry is extremely talented with great expertise on the harp.Together Larry and Joe perform seamlessly, Joe is bilingual in Spanish and English and translates as needed. They started playing together when Joe got a grant in Durham and was looking for someone to perform with him. He me Larry, and there has been no looking back.

If you get a chance to attend a performance by Larry and Joe, do not hesitate to do so. If you can find a performance you like at The Crown, please make an effort to go. You won't regret it. The Crown is such a versatile space and can hold up to 140 seated guests. They are open to all types of performances, from spoken word to dance recitals, to intimate concerts like the one put on by Larry and Joe!

Happy Saturday!

Center City Park and Center Pointe Apartments

The above photo was taken from the Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street. The view, spanning Center City Park, features Center Pointe Apartments at 201 North Elm Street. The apartments in this 10-story building have floor to ceiling windows. Center Point was built in 2009, soon to be 24 years ago. The building looks so charming in the early evening when it isn't completely dark, yet apartment lights are starting to get turned on. You can still see the clouds. It feels like a scene out of Alfred Hitchcock's movie "Rear Window."  If you come downtown tonight for First Friday and are at the Cultural Arts Center, be sure to turn around and admire this beautiful view.

Happy Friday! Hope to see you downtown.

A Lovely, Rainy Day in Glenwood

The above photo was taken a few days ago in the Glenwood neighborhood, on Hertford Street, just off Josephine Boyd Street on a rainy afternoon. The streets were shiny and the yellow leaves made it clear that fall has arrived. We love the way the teal truck cab stands out against the leaves. The owner is diligent about putting up the cones and parking the vehicle off the road. Glenwood is such a wonderful neighborhood on the south side of UNCG.

 is said to be the most diverse neighborhood in Greensboro. According to city data, it is 44.4% black and 42.6% white, 5% Hispanic, 4% Asian, 3.5% 2 or more races. This little neighborhood is only 1/2 square mile with a little over 2,000 residents and almost evenly balanced between males and females. See more city data HERE. They have a strong Facebook group and do a good job of looking out for each other and, at the same time, leaving each other alone. There seems to be a high tolerance for the rooster who is quick to let residents know when it is time to get up. Wonder how quickly he will adjust to the time change this weekend when we switch to local standard time!

Happy Thursday! Don't forget that tomorrow is First Friday. Hope to see you downtown.

Day of the Dead

For those who celebrate Day of the Dead, you know that it is today and yesterday. The above photo was taken last night at the Center for Visual Artists in the Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street. Casa Azul has put up altars, remembrances for deceased relatives. There are 12 altars in all; at least that's what we think. There was a high school student there counting them for an assignment for Spanish class. Many of the altars, also known as ofrendas, were created by middle and high school students. Casa Azul is a group that supports Latino arts and culture. Every November, they install altars to help celebrate latino cultures and also to educate people about the purpose of the holiday. The movies "Coco" and "The Book of Life" are a great place to start if you want to understand the cultures. Of course, you could also ask someone who celebrates the holiday or your favorite Spanish teacher.

If you are interested in seeing the ofrendas and learning more about them, the display will be up, free, and open to the public now through November 12th. Remember, this Friday is First Friday, a perfect opportunity to see the display. On Friday and Saturday, there will be music in the Van Dyke Performance Space in the Cultural Arts Center. Hope to see you there!

Happy Wednesday!

 

The Good Witch

This past Saturday, Leanne Pizio hosted the "Keep It Local" art show. When Leanne hosts, you know you will have a good time. If you look HERE, you will see her attire as the host of the visual arts and crafts show on her Oak Ridge property. The show was very well attended and the selection of art was amazing. If you missed Leanne's show, there will be several other options to shop locally. A few of the shows we'll be attending include the Mimosa Holiday Home Show at 2103 Mimosa Drive on November 12th; the Made 4 the Holidays show at the Greensboro Curb Market on Yanceyville, November 13th; and Whimsical Women at Bailey Park in Winston-Salem on November 19th. If you know of other shows, please let us know and we'll try to advertise it for your and even attend. Also, remember that this Friday is First Friday in downtown Greensboro. 

Happy Tuesday!