Greensboro Daily Photo

Let's Close Out the Year by Donating Food.

As we close out 2022, we leave you at one of the carts for donating food for NC food banks. This one is located at the corner of Ridgeway and Madison Avenues, Ground 0 for the light ball display in Sunset Hills. There is still time to enjoy the light display in the neighborhood. And, when these specific donation locations are gone, there are still plenty of locations to donate food around Greensboro. 

The Running of the Balls 5K for 2021 yielded $74,000, 19,000 pounds of food were donated, and 4 million meals were provided to food banks as a result of the Sunset Hills food drive. We don't know if the numbers are in for this year, but this may have been the largest crowd yet at the 5K event. Hopefully, it will be the best year ever for raising money and collecting non-perishable foods for local food banks. If you want to be part of this event in 2023, the date is already set, for 12/16/23. You can get more information about the race HERE. In the meantime, let's all go to a local farmers market today to help our vendors and close out the year by doing something to help the food insecure.

We hope you've had a great 2022 and that we have held your interest on Greensboro Daily Photo. Stop back tomorrow, January 1st 2023, when we will bring you a retrospective of this past year. On January 2nd, we will bring you our anniversary edition as we head into Year 15 of this project. 

Be safe and responsible tonight. See you in 2023!

Gladys Brooks Boroughs: Happy 100th Birthday!

It isn't every day we get to spend the afternoon with a centenarian. Such was the case, yesterday, when we got to visit with Gladys Brooks Boroughs, who turned 100 on December 28th. Mrs. Boroughs was born in 1922 in Cleveland County, NC, the middle child with six older and six younger siblings. A child of the depression, her family lost two farms, and more, yet somehow managed to provide a college education to many of their children. Mrs. Boroughs graduated as valedictorian of her high school class and her college class at Gardner-Webb. She majored in English and was hired by the FBI to edit documents during World War II, serving under the FBI Director  J.Edgar Hoover. It was in Washington, D.C. where she met the love of her life, Lewis Boroughs, also a North Carolinian- from Seagrove. The Boroughs relocated to Greensboro when Mr. Boroughs  joined Burlington Industries as a lawyer, back when the corporation was thriving. Mrs. Boroughs took her job as mother and corporate wife seriously, managing the household while her husband was living many weeks, Monday-Friday, in New York City.

Mrs. Boroughs was known for her involvement at the First Baptist Church of Greensboro, her commitment to her children, and for civic engagement. In the church, she held about every position imaginable from deacon chair, to serving on the Women's Missionary Union to Sunday school teacher, and chairing just about every committee (at least once) through the decades. She was also a devoted member of The General Federation of Women't Clubs (GWFC)  and founding member of Sedgefield Woman's Club. In 1987, she became the North Carolina State President of GWFC. When her husband retired, the dynamic duo traveled the world, often in the capacity of serving a Baptist mission. Mrs. Boroughs told us about some special trips to Chile, the Orient, and the Holy Land. Mrs. Boroughs is a talented wood carver, with a special interest in carving birds. Throughout her younger years, she was constantly creating something with her hands; quilting, tatting, crocheting, and knitting were special skills. She is also quite talented musically, able to play anything on the piano, learning by ear- never having had lessons. She comes by her musical talent honestly. Her mother was a Scruggs and her nephew was renowned banjo player, Earl Scruggs.

Today, we have shared only a few of Mrs. Boroughs's accomplishments during her 100 years. Her daughter, Elaine Boroughs McRae, emphasizes that her mother is a lifelong learner, living every day to the fullest. As an example, Mrs. Boroughs and her dear friend Maida Green Scruggs (married to Earl Scruggs's brother Horace) are planning a Zoom call so they can catch up and reminisce.  About her mother, daughter Elaine says, "A finer role model I couldn't have! Her wit and wisdom continue and I'm so blessed to call this saint, 'Mom.' Happy 100th to my best friend of all times! I love you, Mom." What a great relationship that much be and testimony to a life well lived. In the above photo, the warm smile, twinkling eyes, and happy-birthday hairband  provide great insight into Mrs. Boroughs's  endearing personality. 

Magnolia House: Interior View

Magnolia house, located at 422 Gorrell Street, is so important to Greensboro's history. It was built in 1890, but during the height of the Jim Crow era, Magnolia House gained special importance as a Green Book hotel. African Americans could stay here safely; guests would stay and often take a shoebox lunch with them as food on the road could be hard to come by. Today, Magnolia House again has lodgers, prepares meals, and educates groups about the history of the house. The signage throughout tells of prominent African Americans who stayed there, like Ike and Tina Turner and Jackie Robinson.  Magnolia House has special events; you can book weddings, music events, and more. It is quickly becoming a special destination in Greensboro.

The above photo features one of the downstairs rooms. The interior decorating was done by Gina Hicks and Laura Mensch of Vivid Interiors on South Elm Street. *  They brought their special flair while collaborating closely with property manager, Natalie Miller, whose father Samuel Pass owned Magnolia House. Above is an example of way Hicks and Mensch  respected the integrity of the architecture, leaving the fireplace, chair rails, high ceilings, yet brought a very elegant and glamorous look to the rooms. The wallpaper, gold light fixture, and mirror as a show stopping combination. Each of the six bedrooms are uniquely decorated.

The Christmas event at Magnolia House sold out; there doesn't appear to be a New Year's Eve event open to the public. However, check their schedule to see when a room is available and how you can order a shoebox lunch, or schedule a tour. Truly, this is a special piece of Greensboro's history. See more HERE. If you've never seen an exterior view, here is when we featured it in 2021.

Happy Thursday!

 

* read O. Henry Magazine article HERE.

The Day the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile Came to Greensboro

The Oscar Mayer Weinermobile was first launched in 1936. We don't know how many times it has been to Greensboro, but it was here during the Festival of Lights on Friday, December 2nd. In 1988, a fleet of 6 began making their way across the United States. They are 23-feet of advertisement and fun. People love getting their photo taken with them. If you want to know when it will be back in Greensboro, you can track it HERE. Greensboro isn't currently up on the map; however, you can even invite them to an event. We're guessing someone involved in organizing the Festival of Lights invited them.

In the above photo, this giant, plastic, bundle of joy was parked in the 500 block of South Elm Street, right across from the Community Theatre of Greensboro. They are often looking for enthusiastic people with great driving records to join the driving team. It would be so fun to have someone from Greensboro driving the Weinermobile! 

Happy Wednesday! After today, there are three more days until we close out 2022. Looking forward to seeing what the new year will bring our way. It is time to sit down and prepare a "Best of 2022" post for you. Also, we need to plan out a month-by-month activity spreadsheet to try to find 365 people, places, and events to share on Greensboro Daily Photo. Year 14 is going to be a good one!

Looking North, Between Ground and Air

The above photo is a view of the area just north of Greensboro. The road below is 220 north; to the left is Lake Higgins and to the right, Lake Brandt. The water in Lake Brandt is noticeably muddier than in Lake Higgins. There is a good view of the Lake Higgins Marina in the upper left corner, and Strawberry Road curves off to the right off of 220. On the horizon, you can see the Belews Creek Power Station, Duke Energy's largest coal-burning plant in the Carolinas. To the left of the columns of steam, you can see the Sauratown Mountains, including Pilot Mountain and Hanging Rock.

As we look towards the new year, let's remember to not only look at what is right in front of us, but also what is on the horizon.  Stokes and Surry counties can seem so far away from Guilford County; however, from the view of a plane, they seem so close. Maybe we'll get lucky the next time we are airborne and get a seat on the other side of the airplane with a good view of Greensboro proper. Happy Tuesday! We hope you had a good Hanukkah, Christmas, and that Kwanzaa is off to a great start for all who celebrate!

245 East Friendly Avenue

245 East Friendly Avenue is a commercial building downtown, near the Greensboro Central Library. The building is two-story, 34,200 square feet, and built in 1924. The facade says Fruit and Produce and must have been a market in earlier years. Now, it is full of offices and, according to the sign in the window, will soon have a coffee and wine lounge. The sign in the Church Street window says Melrose Coffee Greensboro. It will be a California-inspired establishment serving coffee and wine. Perhaps you remember several years ago when there was a coffee shop in the library. It is nice to see Greensboro expanding and this part of town, east of Elm, getting a coffee shop. 

Happy Monday! We are about to start the week between Hanukah/Christmas and New Year. Temperatures will be inching up this week. We'll report back when Melrose opens. In the meantime, we're going to work on learning more about the history of this building. What do you remember?

Merry Christmas 2022

Merry Christmas! This is the Nativity scene/creche at Greensboro College on West Market Street. Last week, we shared Mary and Joseph walking to Bethlehem. Today, we share the part of the scene where they are in Bethlehem and Christ is born.It is a fitting photo for Christmas and one that is fitting for Greensboro College, whose roots are in the United Methodist Church. The college was chartered in 1835 by the Methodist Church. Originally, it was Greensboro Female College, the first chartered for women in North Carolina and the the third in the United States (NCpedia, visited 23 Dec, 2022). 

Today, Greensboro College seeks a diverse campus of people and welcomes students from all faith groups and even those who do not belong to a faith group. For those who celebrate, we wish you a Merry Christmas. Today is a doubly religious day, a Sunday and Christmas. We hope you are staying warm and that you are celebrating in a way that is just perfect for you.

Happy Sunday! Merry Christmas! Happy Winter!

Tinsel Town in the Cultural Arts Center

Have you had a chance to visit Tinsel Town in the Greensboro Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street? The venture was started by #Downtown Greensboro during COVID and in LeBauer Park, as a way to provide festive events for the community, even though people were not gathering indoors. . Different organizations decorate trees, usually in some way to represent their mission or cause. There is a contest and through QR codes, visitors can select their favorite. Now, the display in inside, out of the cold, but the trees are still as fabulous as ever.

Tinsel town is closed through 2/27/22; however will open after the holiday until December 31. You should be able to vote and out of the 50 uniquely decorated trees, the top five vote getters will get $500 awarded to the non-profit of their choice, on their behalf. It is such a wonderful idea and you can learn more about it here. This rounds out our Merry-Philanthropic-Christmas. If you get a chance to visit and feature anything on social media, please tag Greensboro's very special #DGSOTINSELTOWN We with you a Merry Christmas. We are so thankful you are on this photo-a-day journey with us.

 

Salvation Army and Modeling Philanthropy

Tis the eve before the eve before Christmas. Above, we see a mom with her three daughters ringing bells at the Salvation Army kettle in front of Belk at Friendly Center. Yesterday we wrote about philanthropist Mariam Brenner and her desire to model giving for her children and grandchildren. The mom in the photo today, has the same idea, not simply telling her children to be generous with their time and intentions, but to scaffold the act of serving others. All three girls were vested in the task and we weren't the only ones who asked to take a photo while donating. 

While many of the Christmas tree stands in Greensboro have closed up shop, the bell ringers for charity are still ringing strong; whether, literally as in Friendly Center, or figuratively, as in the shelters with white flags up. White flag days are ones where people in need of shelter can spend the night inside  of designated places (YWCA, GUM Weaver House lobby, IRC). They can use our support- especially this time of year.

For those who celebrate Christmas, we wish you a merry one; regardless of what is celebrated, let us all remember to help others- as best we can.

Miriam P. Brenner Children's Museum

If you want to help the children in your life burn some energy and excitement, now that they are out of school on break, consider taking them to the Brenner Children's Museum downtown on Church Street. It is located directly across from the downtown branch of the public library. The museum will be closed from December 24th- 26 so, today and tomorrow are perfect days. Earlier this year, it was announced that the museum would be named in honor of Myriam P. Brenner, given the $1.25 million dollar donation to the museum from Frank and Nancy Brenner. The name change was effective July 1922. Mrs. Brenner, from Charleston, SC, moved to Winston Salem when she married Abe Brenner in 1947. During her lifetime, Mrs. Brenner was generous volunteering her time and donating money to worthy causes.* She would be honored to know her family donated to the children's museum on her behalf. Modeling philanthropy for the younger generations was important to her.

The above photo, taken at night, does not capture the vibrancy of the museum. However, it does show you the signage with the name change out front. It also shows and the extent to which the exterior has been added to and upgraded. Children have so much fun climbing around outside, weather permitting. When we see a photo like the one above, it reminds of an Edward Hopper painting. He was known for creating  "subdued drama out of commonplace subjects 'layered with a poetic meaning', inviting narrative interpretations" (Wikipedia, Hopper, visited 21 Dec. 2022). Seeing the museum at night evokes that mood for us. It also reminds us that, in Greensboro, the winter solstice is behind us and the hours and minutes of darkness have begun to wane.

Happy day-after-winter-solstice! How will you spend your extra second of daylight?

* read more on Mrs. Brenner  here.

Christmas Spirit at 1012 Jefferson

If you've driven down Jefferson Road, between Hobbs Road and Friendly Avenue, you've probably noticed there is quite a bit of Christmas spirit there. Christmas inflatables are out in full force, looking especially lovely at night. The above scene is at the corner of Jefferson and Somerset Place, a home that keeps this scene inflated, even during the day. The first thing you notice is the quartet of doggies greeting you with a candy cane. With this cold weather we've been having, we're awfully glad these puppies are not real. Oh, but in the world of Christmas, they are real to all who believe.

The above house was built in 1977 on a half acre lot, and if realtor.com is correct, has had the same owners for the last 21 years. The owners have been bringing the community Christmas cheer for many of those years. With the house set back from the road, there is plenty of room to fill the lawn with decorations. Each year, we've really come to expect seeing a lot of decorations at Jefferson Gardens and Carriage Hills. This are is developing its niche in inflatables, something festive, but different from the round balls of light, up in the trees, so famous in Sunset Hills. Have a great Wednesday. Remember it is the winter solstice. After today, days will start getting longer, with more minutes of light, that is.

Angela L. Gunter, Fine Artist

We met up with Angie at the 205 Collaborative on Lyndon Street when they had their recent open house. Her spacious studio is up on the second floor, a perfect spot for her realistic oil paintings. On the day we were there, she was painting a miniature skull, very Georgia O'Keefe-esque and perfect for the tiny black frame she found for it (see it above in the center). The open house was so nice because it gave us a chance to get to know the artists and to see their work. Angie, has a very international perspective on life, having been raised in a Navy family and spending considerable time in Europe. She has also worked in film and television,  speaks German fluently, and loves to talk about language and culture. She likes calling Greensboro home and has lived here since 2008. Let's hope she is settled here permanently and that she keeps sharing her artwork with the world. Here is her website, if you are interested in seeing more.

Happy Tuesday and stay warm out there, dear readers.

Ice Skating at LeBauer Park Winterfest 2022

(You may have noticed, this accidentally posted on Saturday, the day we prepared it. Today is the day it is supposed to publish). Today's post features ice skating at LeBauer Park. Piedmont Winterfest is going strong and will be open until January 29th. It seems fitting to post a sport the day after the World Cup 2022 final game. Regardless of who you were cheering for, it is nice to know that sports bring us together in ways that politics cannot. Tonight, skating will be from 4-10 pm. Tomorrow, skating will be closed to the public because Tuesday is the day for curling. How wonderful to have curling in Greensboro! Head down to 208 N Davie Street tomorrow to check out curling. This community event brings people together and skaters of all ability levels are welcome. For the children who are novice skaters, they have plastic walkers to help them scoot along.

Happy Monday! Enjoy this last week before Christmas and happy 2nd day of Hannukah!

Advent 3rd Sunday

Today is the third Sunday of Advent, Mary and Joseph are on their journey, looking for lodging. Themes for church services this week will likely revolve around John the Baptist, angels, joy, and Mary. Above is part of the scene of The Nativity Scene on the front lawn of Greensboro College. The first figures were created in 1936. In 2007, they were vandalized. In 2011, the shepherd was stolen. Fortunately, in 2022, the figures have been  replaced and the display is intact. It is special to see the whole display during the day, and also the lighted scene at night. If it snows this December, that will be the best view of all. The scene will be up at least through December. This tradition that started 86 years ago is pretty special.

If you notice in the back top left corner, the JP/LFG building anchors the photo in Greensboro.

One more week until Christmas. For those celebrating Chanukah (the Feast of Dedication), it starts tomorrow!

Happy Sunday!

ReVISION Vintage: Brittany and Lavender

Brittany and Lavender, along with a third partner Katie (not in photo), own ReVision Vintage at 313 East Market Street, right across the street from the wedding venue, Cadillac Service Garage. TheReVision Vintage building, built in 1928, houses home goods, clothing, and jewelry. It is so wonderful to meet young people who work so hard to keep clothing and home goods out of landfills, and enjoying every minute of helping customers. They love learning the history and provenance of the items they sell. They also have very good intuition about what individual customers might like. We found a perfect-condition,  sequined holiday top, perfect for outings at the Tanger Center this time of year. We also got a pair of 2 1/2" fuzzy, teddy bear earrings that Lavender made. They are available in brown, white, tan, and pink, adding just the right punch to a holiday outfit. For all who snag a pair of teddy bear earrings ($12), let's take pictures of their holiday adventures and share back with the store. 

In addition to running this fun, ground-level vintage store, today, from 11-4, Lavender will host an estate sale above the store, in apartment B. Apparently, people wait in line clamoring to get in to these estate sales as the inventory is always fabulous. Our suggestion is to attend the estate sale, then stop by the shop, and last but not least, head next door to visit Mr. Mitchell, who has been selling hats and other goods at Mitchell's Clothing and Accessories in this same spot in east Greensboro since 1937.  How's that for provenance and supporting local businesses? Shopping downtown, in east Greensboro, is regaining traction!

Happy Saturday!

107.5 on the Run

Downtown is so lovely this time of year and it is so fun to have these serendipitous experiences, like seeing a 107.5 car when you least expect it. We pulled up beside it at the corner of Friendly Avenue and Davie Street. The vehicle was so brilliantly decorated and the driver was really paying attention to the road. We love how the brightly wrapped sedan looks against the green windows of the Cultural Arts Center. Peeking out on the left is the Festival of Lights holiday tree in Center City Park.

The car advertises Jared and Katie. Jared Pike and Katie Tesh have been bringing Greensboro the morning show since 2012. Their morning show is so popular. If you haven't listened, tune in to hear this iconic radio couple. You never know what you are going to see when you drive around downtown. If you notice in the window is an advertisement for the Winter Show at the Green Hill Gallery in the Cultural Arts Center. The current exhibit is well worth your time!

Happy Friday, everyone!

LeBauer Park on a Rainy Night

This is what LeBauer Park looks like on a cold, but above freezing, rainy night. There is a certain charm about its calm emptiness. The time was about 10:00 pm as we were leaving the Tanger Center. The one-night-only showing of the Hip Hop Nutcracker was last night. The troupe performed to a sold out crowd. Their 10th anniversary performance was spectacular. It is nice to park in the Church Street Parking Deck, because to get from the Tanger Center to the parking deck, you get to walk past the park.

LeBauer Park opened on August 8, 2016. In its 6 years, this 4-acre 10 million dollar park  has grown to be one of the major city-owned, gathering places for fun downtown. This is the location of the ice skating rink this winter. There is also a playground, fountains, and a dog park. The Janet Echleman polyethylene sculpture, suspended 130 feet above the park's great lawn, is a nod to Greensboro's textile history. It is always nice when a piece of art is made with the history of a city in mind. If someone is looking for a fun and meaningful project, consider taking a photo a day of LeBauer Park. It is beautiful in all weather conditions, and when empty as well as when full of people.

Happy Thursday!

Gary Woodard: One Man Band

Gary Woodard is such a great entertainer. He has a soothing, perfect-pitch voice and plays guitar and keyboards flawlessly. He bills himself as "one man band", and it is easy to understand why. .  He is known for creating atmosphere when he sings and plays; having that right balance between being heard, but not overpowering. On Sunday, when he played "My Girl" by The Temptations at the Antique Market Place, women approached his mini-stage with their shopping carts full of treasures. He sang  "Can't Help Falling in Love with You",  so well, you would have thought it was Elvis himself singing. Mr. Woodard's  playlist is of songs that aren't too fast, but don't drag on; the perfect tempo for eating or shopping. And you can be sure, when he performs, he is dressed elegantly. He looks fabulous surrounded by the Christmas decorations at Antique Market Place.

Mr. Woodard is from Wilson, North Carolina and he started playing guitar when he was six.* You can find him on Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram. Frequently, he plays at Simply Sonya's in Winston Salem on Friday nights.  We hope to hear him again in Greensboro soon!

Happy Wednesday!

* Read more in this Yes! Weekly Article.

Winter Shows at the Cultural Arts Center

The Greensboro Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street is filled with great artwork. Above are 3 wood portraitures by Percy King and on display and for sale at Green Hill Center for North Carolina Art. Originally from Columbus, OH, Percy King was formerly a football player at The Ohio State University. These portraitures are about 30" tall, 15" wide, and 5 inches thick. From a front view, they look like a heavily filtered photo; from this side view, you can see how individual layers stack to create a coherent whole. All three pieces are untitled and identified by color. Percy King is now living in Waxhaw (Union County). It would be so nice to see at least one of his pieces get purchased to remain on public display, locally.

If you head to the Cultural Arts Center (200 N. Davie St.), in addition to the Green Hill Gallery, the Center for Visual Artists has a lovely show and sale of work by local artists. The African American Atelier (in the same building ) will have a Holiday Market on 14, 16, and 17. Guilford Native American Art's gallery is open during the day, but we're not sure what they have available for purchase. It is worth a trip to the Greensboro Cultural Arts Center to support the arts and artists- even if you are just having a look! From Percy King's wood portraitures, to pottery, paintings, photography, and jewelry, there is something for everybody on your holiday gift giving list at all price points!

Happy Tuesday!

Morocco for the Win

This past Saturday, when Morocco beat Portugal 1-0 in the World Cup 2022, local Moroccans came to Center City Park to celebrate. Women and children were in the park proper. The men were off to the side, by their vehicles, beside Friendly Avenue, also celebrating. They were holding flags  and some had them draped over them. It was an impromptu parade of jubilant people. The above scene reminds us of just how diverse Greensboro and North Carolina are. According to the 2010 Census, there were over 33,000 Arabs living in North Carolina. Other articles indicate that the Arab population in North Carolina has close to doubled since then. Arabic is one of the 6 official languages of the United Nations and it is now taught in some public schools in North Carolina.

Arabic is one of top ten most widely spoken of the the 118 languages spoken by Guilford County Schools students. Even if you don't speak Arabic, on a day like Saturday, a lot of gesturing and smiling got the point across. Smiling seems to be a universal language and soccer seems to be a universal sport. If you have Moroccan neighbors, now would be a good time to greet them, smile, and talk soccer!

Happy Monday!

JOY... at Mt. Pisgah UMC

This night photo was taken at Mt. Pisgah UMC, at the corner of Pisgah Church Road and Battleground Avenue, on the northeast corner of the intersection. Now that we are in the advent season, it is fun to drive around and see how churches are celebrating. The "JOY" sign is highly visible in its prominent position and with the lighting at the church. Not the lighting, but also the services reflect the advent season. Sunday services at Mt. Pisgah are at 8:45 am for outdoor worship, 10:45 for contemporary worship; and 11:00 am for traditional worship. The original congregation and building date back to 1845. The building photographed above was constructed in 1968. At the time this building was constructed 54 years ago, this area north of Greensboro seemed really far from town. While the distance remains the same (4 miles), with so much retail constructed between Mt. Pisgah and downtown, it now feels like an extension of the city. 

From this view, it is hard to believe that Country Park, Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, Forest Lawn Cemetery, and Love Recreation Center are right in the backyard of Mt. Pisgah. If you get a chance, walk the greenway and you will get a different perspective on this part of town. 

We hope your Sunday is filled with JOY!

Beth Sheffield and Local Author Event

Today, the Central Library is hosting a local author fair and two workshops for authors and aspiring authors. Beth Sheffield will present a workshop on "Selling your Book in Three Minutes or Less." Beth will share some clear examples of how to prepare and rehearse your "elevator speech" in case you get a chance to pitch your book to someone- planned or unplanned. Sometimes, when least expected, there is an opportunity to tell someone about your book; you've got to be ready. In the above photo, Beth is showing a couple of her go-to books for aspiring authors. You may recognize Beth, as she works in the Greensboro Central Library with major programming and book clubs. It is easy to remember someone with a smile that heartfelt.

There will also be an opportunity to meet sixteen local authors, purchase their books, and get books autographed. Two books that are getting a lot of press lately, are Diya Abdo's book, "American Refugee: True Stories of the American Refugee Experience" and Virginia Summer's book, "Redefining Activism: Judge Elreta Alexander-Ralston." Both authors will be in attendance today. The library has several fabulous events scheduled for 2023. To keep up with their offerings, follow the GSO Library on Facebook, or check gsolibrary.org for updates. In the meantime, hope to see you at the Central Library between 1-4pm today. Other than the workshops, the rest of the event is drop-in-anytime to meet these local authors. See yesterday's GDP post HERE for more details. There are other events going on downtown today. If the parking deck attendant knows you are going to the event at the public library, you should be able to park for free. 

Writers' Event at the Central Library, Tomorrow

Greensboro's City Library system is an invaluable community resource. Truly, it is one of the few places open to everyone; with computers, books, clean restrooms, meeting rooms, and special events. Tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 10th), they are hosting the "Local Author Celebration Festival."  The event will be held from 1-4 pm at the Central Library at 219 N. Church Street. From 1:30- 2:30, local writer Quinn Dalton will hold a workshop for writers at all stages of their careers, "Jumpstart Your Writing Practice with Quinn Dalton." From 3:00- 3:45 pm, Beth Sheffield  will lead a workshop, "Selling Your Book in three Minutes or Less." Registration is required for the workshops. You can register with Ronald Headen at 336-412-6199 or [email protected]. 

The following local authors will be available for a meet and greet: Angela Parks, Anette Pearson, Diya Abdo, Edward Di Gangi, Haven Turner, Jennifer Orth Veillon, Joe Madera, Lakisha Tucker, Lee Zacharias, Matthew Armstrong, Michael Gaspeny, Quinn Dalton, Samuel Harrison, Sandra Bartell, Victoria Sparks, and Virginia Summer. Their books will be available for purchase and you will have an opportunity to get books signed. With this great group, there is a genre for everyone. We know this is a busy time of year, but the local author celebration will be so much fun. Also, it will help you start a reading list for 2023. If you are in a bookclub, you will get great ideas for books to read, and, who knows, you just might be able to arrange for a local author to visit your bookclub. We got Mary Flynn to speak at ours, before she moved to Wilmington.

Happy Friday!

Morgan Radford: Welcome Home!

Morgan Radford (in the red coat) and her family were in Greensboro last weekend for the Festival of Lights. Morgan gave a very inspiring speech on the stage near Center City Park, encouraging young people to believe in themselves. She also shared that Greensboro is  a great community and place to grow up. During her visit, Morgan received a key to the city from Mayor Nancy Vaughn. She also served as Grand Marshall of the holiday parade the next day. 

Morgan, who graduated at the top of her class at Grimsley High School in 2005, went on to earn an undergraduate degree from Harvard University in Massachusetts and a master's degree from Columbia University in New York.  She is now an American television news reporter and anchor. She works at NBC News and is based in New York. Morgan has always had a great work ethic and is driven to be the best she can be. Also, even since her days at Grimsley, and probably before, Morgan has been committed to serving community and helping others. She and her husband are expecting their first child. Let's hope her career continues to blossom, her delivery goes well, and that she comes back to visit Greensboro often. If we know she is coming, we'll leave the lights on; she has a key! Just look at that lovely, heartfelt smile.

Happy Thursday!

Design Archives, Located at 342 S Elm St.

Design Archives Vintage and Handmade Emporium is a shop full of smaller shops. Design Archives, owned by Kit Rodenbough,  has been in downtown Greensboro since 2001. When we were downtown on Friday for the Festival of Lights, we noticed that the sign above the shop windows still has the advertisement for the previously store, Ellenberg and Shaffer Glass Art Studio. Ellenberg and Shaffer made leaded and stained glass windows. However, they have long moved on and are now located in Norfolk, Virginia. Also evident from the tile entranceway is the reminder that the building formerly housed Coble Hardware. Before that,  the building was Greensboro Hardware. It dates to the early 20th century. Downtown Greensboro is so ripe for having someone research the history and provenance of these wonderful, historic  buildings. So much of Greensboro's history can be unearthed by researching these buildings, businesses, and occupants. Perhaps we should interview Kit and see what she knows about this building that is on the National Register of Greensboro Historic District.* Please try to get by Design Archives and not only admire the historic building, but have a look at the wide variety of items available to purchase. From the kitschy to classy to handmade to items related to Greensboro, Design Archives has something for everybody. You will be supporting small businesses and shopping local, all under one roof!

In the meantime, we did want to mention that between Design Archives and Little Brother Brewing, Kit has announced that she is opening a doll shop. If you walk by the space, you will see floor to (almost) ceiling dolls, many of which are handmade. It will be fun to watch how Kit works her magic with this space. We'll go back and get a photo!

Happy Wednesday!

*Read more about on the National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination Form.

 

Sunset Hills and the Stunning Display of Christmas Lights

Once again, the Sunset Hills neighborhood is aglow under the chicken-wire-covered balls of Christmas lights. The lights are literally shot and hoisted tens of feet into the air. They are very hard to photograph and the warmth of the colorful glow, felt as you walk through the streets, cannot be replicated in a photo. However, the above photo gives you an idea of how they look. Also, you can see an example of the many people who walk the neighborhood on any given night to experience the decorating. The neighborhood gained national attention and was featured on The Today Show because of their creativity in initiating this display. The whole venture started in the home of Jonathan and Anne Smith, whose daughter shared them an outdoor ornament she loved: a chicken wire ball, about the size of a volleyball, laced with Christmas lights. At the time, she was studying at the College of Art and Design at North Carolina State University and knew good design when she saw it. Her dad replicated the design, filling the trees in their yard with the decorations. The idea spread like Christmas cheer in the neighborhood and now, Ridgeway, Greenway, Madison Avenue have participation by at least 3/4 of the houses. Other streets participate as well.

On Saturday, December 10th will be the 11th annual 5K race through the neighborhood, billed as "The Greatest 5k(ish) in the History of the World." Be sure to bring food to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank. About 2,000 people walk or run and the donated food and money really helps feed people in need in Greensboro. We are a giving community and this Sunset Hills tradition is one fine example how a small idea can blossom into a community event with a service component. Even more lights have been added around the park this year. You won't want to miss it. If you do go out, remember to dress in festive garb and add some lights. Go with a group and you become part of the decorations!

Happy Tuesday!

Christmas Tree Time

This past weekend, the Christmas tree lots in and around Greensboro were busy, busy, busy. The Christmas tree lot at Sunnyside Farms in Summerfield is so photogenic. The tree lot to the left is on the property of the Greensboro Performing Arts at 7200 Summerfield Road. The building was formerly a church, but has been repurposed as a performing arts center. There is the main building in front and a second building directly behind it. They offer classes for children, teens, and adults. 

In the parking lot is a coffee shop. Families can dance and after class, get coffee and hot chocolate from the Jumping Bean coffee trailer,  and finally walk over to select a tree. According to their Facebook page, Sunnyside Farms is owned by the Woyahn family. They bring in their fraizers from Ashe County. This is year 20 for their family business. Many families have annual traditions centered around getting Christmas trees. With those sunny skies and no sign of snow, it is hard to believe Christmas will be here in three Saturdays. 

Happy Monday!

Beta Delta December Brunch at Hinshaw United Methodist Church

'Tis the season for organizations to get together and hold brunches and other holiday events. Such is the case of the above group, the Beta Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG). DKG is a society of key women educators, established in 1929. Beta Delta is one of four chapters of DKG in Greensboro. Yesterday, Beta Delta met for their annual December brunch. In the photo, featured are 37 members and their guests. 

The brunch was held at Hinshaw United Methodist Church. Hinshaw UMC, founded in 1915, is located at 4501 West Gate City Boulevard, just west of Merritt Drive. When organized, it was Midway Church. According to their cornerstone, in 1949, the church was rebuilt and the name changed to Hinshaw. Yesterday, members of Hinshaw Methodist prepared the food on site for the DKG members. Reaction to the food and venue was favorable. Additionally, the fellowship hall (photographed above) is right at street level, making it easy to navigate. How wonderful that the church offers these opportunities to the public at very reasonable rates. If you are interested in seeing the fellowship hall and learning more about the church, you could attend a Sunday service, or attend their hot dog lunch on Tuesdays form 11:30- 1:30pm. Thank you to the church and thank you to the Beta Delta members, who work very hard to foster excellence in education.

Happy Sunday!

Christmas Time in the City

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Downton Greensboro. Last night was the Festival of Lights and there were activities from LeBauer Park to Gate City Boulevard. The above photo was the artificial snow being generated at Hamburger Square. Some children were experiencing "snow" for the first time. This year, a laser light show was added just southeast of the railroad tracks at Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. The Festival of Lights is a special event for Greensboro, because it appeals to people of all ages, perfect for families. 

As we were walking from Spring Street where we parked- quite a long way from Elm, a young girl and her mom asked us for directions. Next thing you know, as we were crossing the street, the girl, about in first grade with a "be kind" backpack, asked if she and her mom could walk with us. Her mom was on the phone trying to figure out where her other relatives were. The girl, Nia, explained that they were trying to find the Disney princesses. She looked up and said, "Elsa's going to be there, but I'm not sure if her sister will be there or not." At that very moment, we were reminded of those magical years of childhood, where children still believe; in humanity, the kindness of strangers, and that  princess are real. That interaction with Nia may just go down as one of our great memories of the 2022 Christmas season. 

Today, St. Andrews Church (2501 W. Market Street)  is holding their Deck the Halls Market from 10am- 3pm. The Holiday Parade downtown starts at noon. The fiberglass at Santa is waving 24/7 now. The nativity scene is back on the lawn of Greensboro College. Tomorrow, the Greensboro Curb Market will have another Made 4 the Holidays craft show. Literally, you could do something seasonal  every hour of the day between now and Christmas.

Happy Saturday!

Festival of Lights

Tonight is the night for the Festival of Lights in downtown Greensboro, from LeBauer and Center City Parks, along Elm Street, all the way to Gate City Boulevard. There will be something for everybody. From 5:30- 9:30, there will be non-stop fun. The tree lighting in Center City Park will happen precisely at 6:56 pm. Here is a full lineup. Piedmont Winterfest is also downtown at LeBauer Park. If you like to ice skate, Winterfest is a great option. There are even strolling entertainers and a laser. light show. The above photo shows the marshmallow roasting at Hamburger Square downtown. This event has been extremely popular since its inception.

Of course as a grand finale to the Festival of Lights would be to drive through Sunset Hills, where they have their own "Festival of Lights"! Our on your nicest red and green outfit and head downtown. Happy Friday!

Kathleen Clay Edwards Library at Price Park and a "Talk with Tai"

Happy December! Yesterday, the last day of November, the afternoon sky was just lovely. This was the "golden hour" over the Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Branch  Library. It is located in Price Park and surrounded by mature trees and hilly nature trails. Last night, Greensboro City Manager Taiwo Jaiyeoba hosted one of his "Talk with Tai: City Manager Listening Sessions" at the Kathleen Clay Library from 6:00- 8:00 pm. Unfortunately, we weren't able to stay; those talks are such a wonderful opportunity stay abreast of issues and to provide input. Greensboro is lucky to have such an extensive library system and one that offers events that encourage community engagement. We hope you have an opportunity to use the local libraries. As for the "Talks with Tai" if you don't get a chance to attend one, you can watch one on YouTube. Access to information is only a click or a library visit away- or both!!

Happy Thursday! Happy December!