Greensboro Daily Photo

Inspiring Women in STEM

Last night, NC Global Leadership (NCGL), in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, held a conversation with international women in S.T.E.M. The title of the program was "Hidden No More, International Women Leaders in S.T.E.M. Fields." The event was sponsored by, and held at, the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering. NCGL Board Member Lisa Stahlmann Jessar moderated the program. The above photo features the seven, international visiting scholars among new friends, students, and supporters who came out to hear them speak. All were engrossed in conversation before and after a brief pause for this photo. The visiting scientist/leaders are from Bolivia, Costa Rica, Iraq, Mongolia, Nigeria, Panama, and the Republic of Korea. 

These  international women leaders in S.T.E.M shared their educational and career journeys and challenges they had to overcome. During the question and answer time, they mentioned the need for equal opportunities for women and more balanced opportunities in the field. They said people in the science fields need soft skills, entrepreneurship and leadership skills. Answering a question of a doctoral student from Kenya about how she could help and nurture women in science, Ms. Wara Mendez (Bolivia) said "there is no need to reinvent the wheel, resources are out there; but you have to seek them out."  A man in the audience said he believed these international visiting leaders are successful because they "never took no for an answer."  

This event was an example of partnerships within partnerships resulting in cultivating international relationships on many levels.  Since its inception in the 1940s, the International Visitor Leadership Program has among its past participants over 500 current or former Chiefs of State or Heads of Government. With great interest, we will follow the careers of the women in this cohort.

Happy Tuesday!

Howl-O-Ween 2023

Yesterday, Country Park was filled with Trick-or-Treaters and their canine companions. Dogs came dresses as everything from ladybugs and been (above) to bats and superheroes. The little dogs seemed to love  strutting their costumes and the bigger ones seemed to tolerate them well. The event was sponsored by Guilford County Animal Services and Greensboro Parks and Recreation. This was  the third year for the event. Dogs got treats, too. 

In addition to getting out and enjoying the lovely fall weather and getting exercise, many businesses and organizations that offer services for dogs were on hand too. When we were there, all dogs were well behaved and everyone was complying with having their dogs on a leash. There were even food trucks on hand to feed hungry adults. Every indication is that the event will be held again next year. Let's hope between now and then, we can get the shelters cleared of as many animals as possible. Events like Howl-o-Ween remind us to adopt, not shop!

Happy Monday!

Remembering the Saints

Christ Lutheran Church on Lawndale is having a "Remembering the Saints" event. As you drive by, on the southeast corner of Lawndale Drive and Pisgah Church Road, you see all of these crosses. They represent "Saints" from the history of the church. Wednesday, November is "All Saints Day". There is also a cross for Martin Luther, one for fallen fire fighters and fallen police. We don't know how long it will remain up, but, if you get a chance, please drive by. It is an impressive sight. Christ Lutheran opened 18 March 1959, at a time when this location would have seemed a far piece from downtown Greensboro. This display must have taken a long time to prepare. Someone worked really hard to keep the rows straight!

Happy Sunday!

Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program 2023

Six weeks have flown by as 21 Teachers from 20 countries have been in Greensboro at UNCG. Already experts and leaders in their fields, the teachers learned about American culture and also teaching techniques used in the American school systems. Each Fulbright scholar spent a week in a Guilford County school collaborating with partner teachers at the host schools. Participating schools were: Middle College at UNCG, Doris Henderson Newcomers School, Johnson Street Global Studies Elementary School, Northern Guilford High School, and Western Guilford High School.

Seated in the center are Dr. Maria Anastasiou (red jacket), Fulbright TEA Program Director and Associate Provost for International Programs at UNCG. To the right of Dr. Anastasiou is Dr. Jane He, Associate Professor in the Department of Teacher Education and Higher Education at UNCG. Both faculty members were closely involved in the Fulbright Program. Part of the beauty of a university and college community is the opportunity to gain a more global perspective through interaction with people from across the globe. If you have a chance to host an international scholar in your classroom or in your home, please do so, you won't regret it. You will gain as much as you give. Every indication is that Greensboro left a powerful impression on these 21 scholars that will last a lifetime

Happy Saturday!

Keep It Local 2023

 

 

It may seem like we feature art a lot on GDP. Greensboro does have a lot of artists and it is such a fabulous way to keep our dollars local. You can buy original art, and develop a personal connection with the artist, for sometimes even less than the price of mass produced art. On fall weekends, Greensboro is brimming with activities. One event we love to visit is Leanne Pizio's "Keep It Local" Art Show in Oak Ridge right on Highway 150, just east of Oak Ridge Military Academy- 2409 Oak Ridge Road. It is happening tomorrow from 10am-3pm. Usually there is someone in costume out parking cars and Leanne' brightly painted truck. You can't miss it! The show will start at 10 am and end at 3pm. This is the 25th anniversary of this art show and at least 25 artists will be there selling. There is so much to see at this family friendly event where you can purchase your Christmas items early. The above photo is of Leanne at her last show, walking around visiting and checking on vendors. 

Also tomorrow, State Street will have a multi-vendor event that will begin at 12noon and end at 12 midnight. While shops will be closed in the evening, Bull City Ciderworks will be going strong until midnight and even rolling out a special cider for the event. The "Falling Together" Art Show will run from 1-4pm at 404 Sherrill Street. Wherever you decide to spend the day, we hope it is a great one. See you all tomorrow!

Happy Friday!

SpringHill Suites at Congdon Yards

While we focus on Greensboro at Greensboro Daily Photo, we often drive around the county seeing changes elsewhere. Yesterday, we were in High Point and got to see all of the great construction around Congdon Yards, in the vicinity of the baseball stadium. The above photo features the groundbreaking of a new hotel, SpringHill Suites by Marriott. A 128-room hotel will be built at 121 Virginia Place. There is a 100+year old building on the site that has been gutted, but the exterior of the structure will remain and with an additional part, extending out from the building. This project is proof positive of the revitalization of downtown High Point. New restaurants, and art museum, a coffee and workspace, and so much more can be found in this area. 

The above photo features the actual groundbreaking ceremony is process, with shovels and hard hats to the right of the photo. If you haven't been to High Point lately, now that market has come and gone last week, this would be a great time to drive around and see all of the growth.

Happy Thursday!

Westerwood String Band

Yesterday, we featured the Westerwood Chili Cook-off on Greensboro Daily Photo. The annual event was held in Lake Daniel Park near Benjamin Parkway. Today's photo is of the Westerwood String Band that played at the event. Carol Thompson, who is dancing in the above photo, has been coordinating music for the chili cook off  for years. The group  sometimes practices at a member's house and at other times at open jams. One place you are likely to see these band members is the jam organized by the Piedmont Old-Time Society, currently meeting the first and third Thursday evening at the Continental Club.

The band's genre is old-time, or string band, music which has been played in North Carolina since the Scots-Irish settled here. True to old-time music, there are fiddles, banjos, guitars, and an upright (double) bass, all acoustic instruments. You may recognize Carol as she is frequently seen dancing, down front and off to the side, at events like the North Carolina Folk Festival- when old-time musicians are performing. The boards with cornmeal help with movement and obtaining a percussive sound. Sunday was a lovely day for the event and the music added a yet another layer of liveliness to the already upbeat, community-building event. We're wondering where the Westerwood String Band will play next.

Happy Wednesday! 

Westerwood Chili Cook Off 2023

The Westerwood Neighborhood Association held their Annual Chili Cookout this past Sunday. The weather was perfect and the turnout tremendous. People ate chili, reconnected with neighbors, celebrated the children born since last year, and listened to the music of the Westerwood String Band. The above photo features nearly empty crock pots as it was so fun trying the different recipes. There were very generous prizes for for mild, medium, spicy and vegetarian chili. This was a big fundraiser for the Westerwood Neighborhood Association and they are planning to use the funds to enhance the Lake Daniel Park. One item they are purchasing is an adaptive swing to make the park more accessible. The grand prize was an overnight stay at the O'Henry Hotel with restaurant vouchers. These community-building events are priceless. Does your neighborhood have any community-building traditions? If not, it is never too late to start one. It helps to attend some events and get an idea of what is popular and what makes them a success.

Happy Tuesday! 

Meet Joann, Annette, Nancy, and Sara from Artstock 2023

ArtStock 2023 was fabulous. The creativity of the artists was impressive. Fifty-seven artists participated; some were in their own, in-home studios. Other banded together in more public spaces. Such was the case with the above quartet. They were set up in the Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street. Featured from left to right: Joann Rich, collage artist; Anette Speaks, jewelry artist; Nancy Seay, watercolorist and photographer; and Sara Cogswell, art and fibre jeweler. All four women have lead active lives and bring so much passion and lived experiences to their artwork.

Joann lived in Barcelona, a city bursting with color and the unique architecture of Antoni Gaudi. You see that love of color and the beauty of Barcelona in her mixed media collages. Annette paints an array of diverse people, from many different cultures on organic materials like, cherry pits and pistachio shells. She also makes paper mache by pulverizing junk mail and painting over the dried pieces. We have seen her necklaces, like the one she is holding in her hand, with nearly 200 different faces (she paints the front and back). Nancy is a landscape architect and master gardener, in addition to being a visual artist. She gets her watercolors printed onto scarves, and they turn heads when you wear them. Sara began as a fibre artist and now uses fibers, literally small threads, and weaves them together to make beautiful earrings and necklaces. Much of her aesthetic comes from having lived in Japan. She works at the Cultural Arts Center. You should try to find her to admire her art. These four were perfectly paired together at Art Stock yesterday. Some of their work is available, year round,  at the gift shop beside Art Quest.

This post gives you a tiny idea of what you can experience at Art Stock. Thank you, ladies, for sharing your talent and joy with us yesterday afternoon.

Happy Monday!

It's Pumpkin Time at Mount Pisgah Church

It's pumpkin time at Mount Pisgah Church. The youth group's annual fundraiser is well under way. The above photo was taken last night on the front lawn of the church at 2600 Pisgah Church Road. The pumpkins are so nicely organized by size and price. Little children run through here selecting pumpkins. This is how learning to make decisions begins. Sometimes parents cringe at a child's choice; yet, this is how they learn. 

In addition to the pumpkin patch, the annual Trunk or treat will happen on Sunday, October 29th at 5:00 pm. Dressing in a costume is encouraged but optional. For those who want to attend a worship service, the traditional service is held in the sanctuary at 8:30 am and also at 11:00 am. For those who want a more modern service, praise and worship is in the new fellowship center at 10:45. While the church is on a busy intersection, at Battleground Avenue, once it is night, from the pumpkin patch, it is as if  you are on a country road, remotely located. The church got its start in 1845, before the Civil War and thirty seven years after Greensboro was established as a city. Mount Pisgah is about four miles north of Greensboro. They had a big change this year. On June 26, 2023, they voted to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church and to affiliate with the Global Methodist Church; hence, the new name, Mount Pisgah Church.

Happy Sunday!

The Friday Afternoon Group

 

The Friday Afternoon Group has been meeting in Greensboro for the past 125 years- since 1898! The group has always attracted intellectually curious women who gather to socialize and to enjoy programs that keep them connected to the Greensboro community and to each other. In the early years of the organization, the meetings were very formal, with high tea in members' homes. Dress was very elegant and rules of etiquette were stricter than they are today. While much of the rigidity of the early years has gone by the wayside (as in many organizations), the Friday Afternoon Group remains true to the idea of being the best version of oneself.

Yesterday, we had the good fortune to present to the group about the history of Greensboro Daily Photo and what we endeavor to do by publishing a photo a day. The above photo was taken of the women in attendance as the presentation about the people, places, and events of Greensboro was concluding. The meeting was held at the clubhouse at Fountain Manor, just behind St. Pius Catholic Church. The program was well received and members were absolutely delightful to talk to after the program. The finger sandwiches and punch were perfect for the late afternoon hour. We are grateful to have spent the afternoon with this group. Many members, most lifelong residents of Greensboro, gave us wonderful ideas of future photos to take. Afternoons like this are the very reason we continue to maintain Greensboro Daily Photo. Here's to the next 125 years of the Friday Afternoon Group- and, our relationship with them.

Happy Saturday!

Carriage House Antiques at Golden Gate Shopping Center

We happened to be in the neighborhood around Golden Gate Shopping Center recently and had the chance to stop into Carriage House Antiques. The plaza is conveniently located between the Irving Park neighborhood and Revolution Mill. Golden Gate opened in 1961, four years after Friendly Center, and has seen many changes over the years. Carriage House Antiques has been a go-to place in that part of town for high-end antiques and original works of art. It is clean, well organized, with a helpful staff. The merchandise changes frequently and it is fun to go in and see what is new. They also have a little bit of jewelry and a lot of small decorative objects. 

The potted geraniums at the door make such a bright and cheerful welcome. They look so healthy and are still blooming in October. You can tell by the conversations happening in the store, it is the kind of place where people get to know each other quickly, as well as check in on each other. Lampshades plus, formerly known as Hyalin Lamps (featured here in 2020) is located inside. So, if you need a lampshade, with expertise in picking it out, this is a great place!

It is the weekend! May it be filled with good food and fellowship, whether you are in Greensboro or elsewhere. Happy Friday!

Awoo Coffee Shop on South Elm Street

Awoo Coffee Shop is one of the newest in Downtown Greensboro. Back in the Day (the early 2000s),  The Green Bean (South Elm)  and Dolce Aroma (North Elm) were of the two main coffee shops on Elm Street. Over the last few years, several have opened, and there are places like Scuppernong Books, which isn't a coffee shop, per se, but it is possible to get a mighty fine cup of coffee there while you browse the book section. We always try the new coffee shops and had a chance to visit Awoo last week.  They can make just about any kind of coffee you want and have a nice selection of tea and flavoring syrups. They also have pastries and sandwiches.

Awoo displays art of local artists and features live music from time to time. If we had to describe the ambiance, we'd call it "palate cleansing." There isn't a lot of visual clutter which helps if you are easily distracted. The seats near the windows were our favorite as we like to see who we know walking by downtown, as well as anything else going on. They are trying hard to build community. The times we've passed by, there were people at the outdoor seating with their doggies. We forgot to ask the origin of the name and the logo. If you get there (236 South Elm Street) before we do, ask them for us. We love the fact they are open from 7:00 am- 7:00 pm. It can be hard to find a cup of coffee after about 3:00 p.m.

Happy Thursday! 

Greensboro Arboretum

Have you had time to walk through the Greensboro Arboretum lately? Even if there is no big event happening there, the terrain is lovely and the gardens are so well manicured. In addition to sculptures, including a metal bridge, there are 14 separate plant collections within the 17-acre space. It is located in Lindley Park on between Starmount Drive, West Market Street, and Ashland Avenue and  right beside the new Brooks Global Elementary School- under construction by Guilford County Schools. The Arboretum is a popular place for outdoor events.

The Greensboro Arboretum was a joint venture between the Greensboro Beautiful and the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department. It has been open since 1991. It is family friendly and open year round. Every season is delightful and very different. If you want to see fall flowers and grasses, now would be a good time, before Father Frost moves in. It is especially lovely when the skies are blue. Spending time outside is good for the soul and you can walk around here and never have to leave a path- unless you want to!

Happy Wednesday!

MID NGEN Corvette 2024

We're pretty sure this is a 2024 Corvette. It looks brand new, but then again, people who drive Corvettes have a way of keeping them looking brand new. The color is rapid blue and it is a beauty. When we saw it recently, it was headed north on North Battleground Avenue and it is stand-out beautiful. When Mr GDP is driving, I am in a position to snap photos and wish more of the car had been captured. At the time, we were focusing on the license plate. Whereas I struggled to figure out the meaning of the vanity tag "MID NGEN" trying to decipher the code, the Mister got it right away; mid engine as the engine is located in the middle of the car- between the front and rear axles. According to Car and Driver, this placement is said to improve acceleration, breaking, and handling.

This is one of those old-school games you can use to engage children and help pass time when traveling. Now, with devices in hand, they have any information they want about a car at their fingertips, as well as a camera to document what they are seeing. Many adults love playing the license game, too. Do you have a favorite? If you see MID NGEN cruising around, can you verify that is a 2024 and ask them how they decided on that specific expression over all the other limitless possibilities. We're betting Terry Labonte Chevrolet on Bradford Parkway and  Bill Black Chevrolet on Bessemer Avenue know all the details. Hey, maybe one of them is driving it!

Happy Tuesday! 

Pumpkin Time in Greensboro

It is pumpkin time in Greensboro. As a matter of fact, they are selling quickly. Most youth organizations at churches are manning pumpkin patches on the front lawn. They are such an iconic sign of fall, and Halloween for those who celebrate. Pumpkins, hay rides, corn maizes, pumpkin spice everything, and spooky woods venues are all throughout the county this time of year.  The above photo was taken at the Fresh Market on Lawndale, after a busy weekend of selling pumpkins. In addition to grocery stores and the pumpkin patch fundraisers, you can find the at Rudd Farm, Garden Valley Farmers Market, McLaurin Farms, Summerfield Farms, to name a few.

Another popular event this time of year is at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro (less than an hour away).  They are hosting "Boo at the Zoo" the next two weekends (see HERE). The Greensboro Science Center will show you "scary" animals, like giant,  hissing cockroaches, and other animals like scorpions that glow under UV light. If you haven't been to the zoo or the science center, this is a great time to go. You won't be disappointed. You also won't be disappointed if you head to Fresh Market, or to one of the church pumpkin patches- especially if you turn the selection into some kind of annual tradition. That reminds us, we still need to get ours!

Happy Monday!

Heaven on Earth

The Qur'an describes paradise "as vast as the heavens and earth." (Q.3:133). There is no consensus on heaven in Judaism; emphasis is on doing good deeds while alive. In Christianity, heaven is the community or place one goes for those who are committed to Christ. There are many other ideas and interpretations of heaven and the afterlife.

The above photo is the sky reflected in a water element on at the Greensboro Country Club's Farm Course golf course. It evokes a sense of calmness, beauty, and peace; a feeling most of us strive for while on earth. This has been a jarring week of news. May we focus on our common humanity, being good people, and doing what we can to ensure everyone has a good quality of life while on this earth. Here's to being good Samaritans; charitable, helpful people while on earth (Luke 10:33). We'll be back next Sunday with a house of worship.

Happy Sunday!

Happy Sunday!

Bird and Butterfly Meadow

We hope you enjoyed the week downtown, here,  on Greensboro Daily Photo.

Today, we take you today to the Bird and Butterfly Meadow at Price Park, located off of Hobbs Road between Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Library and Jefferson Elementary School. In addition to the peaceful sanctuary for meditation, bird, and butterfly watching, the area also has walking trails to enjoy. The park was built on land that was formerly part of Jefferson Pilot Corporation. Adjacent Jefferson Elementary School is located on 26 acres of the insurance company's former club that they donated for the school; hence the name of the school. On the day we were there, the goldenrods were in full bloom, but butterflies were absent. We suspect they had already migrated south and that the monarchs are actually close to arriving in Mexico. The structure in the center of the photo has information about eco-exploring, how to provide habitat for chimney swifts, monarch migration trails, and more.  If you are looking for a way to get outdoors today that doesn't involve being too isolated or driving great distances, this park at 1420 Price Park Road may be perfect for you- even on a rainy day.

Happy Saturday!

Saturday Night: Riding the Slingshots

Saturday nights, slingshots reign supreme on Elm Street- especially the ones with custom lights and in pairs! A Slingshot is actually a three-wheeled motorcycle. They have been around since 2014 and continue to gain popularity, first at the beach and now in Greensboro. The low center of gravity and open cockpit are designed to see and be seen. If you miss them on the first time cruising Elm Street, you can be sure there will be a second, and third, and more. The vehicles look especially stunning in front of the S.H. Kress & Co. Building. It was built in 1930 and considered one of Greensboro's architectural gems. 

Greensboro's buildings are really conducive to forming a vintage backdrop for movies and photo shoots. The street lamps also add to the ambiance. This week, you've seen some examples of what you can see and do when you connect with the community in Downtown Greensboro.  After fifteen years of walking Elm Street at lest once a week, it has become as much a part of our routine as walking around snapping photos of The Gate City. Remember to take one of the tours we told you about yesterday!

Happy Friday the 13th!

Saturday Night: Greensboro Ghost Tour

The above photo was taken in the little alley between "Baked" and "Greensboro Day Spa" in the 200 block of South Elm Street. This alleyway is so charming and photogenic. The above group was one of the Carolina History and Haunts Ghost Tours. In this 90-minute tour, you hear where some of Greensboro's departed inhabitants are said to live. Even if you don't believe, a ghost tour is a really fun way to get to know a city. Sometimes when we walk around downtown, we not only think about people who came before us, we also think of the energy of the business that were there beforehand. For example this is the very spot where we would sit when visiting the Simple Kneads Bakery. And then, we would go to Chakras for a little pampering. Chakras was one of the early businesses in Greensboro to be decorated and appointed keeping Feng shui in mind, with the goal being for people and the surrounding environment to harmonize. 

Book a ghost tour and gain a new perspective on Greensboro.

Happy Thursday!

Saturday Night with Poodles- on East Washington Street at South Elm

This is another great scene on East Washington Street. Everyone was stoping this young man with six poodles. They were so well behaved and he made handling six look like a cakewalk. Part of what makes downtown on the weekend, especially when there are community events, is the serendipity of who you meet and who you get a chance to talk to. We didn't get this guy's name, and he wasn't there when we were there later. Not only did we want to ask him his name, we also wanted to find out where he got those Carolina blue tennis shoes. We could use them for the Carolina grad in our family.

Just behind the photographer in this photo is all of the new construction happening on Davie Street. The News & Record building is still visible from the 100 block of East Washington Street. Just at the end of the block is the International Civil Rights Center and Museum. It is nice to see this little section of South Elm Street getting more foot traffic. 

Happy Wednesday!

Saturday Night: Trash Bash Competition

On Saturday night, Reconsidered Goods held a Trash Bash Sculpture competition at the Greensboro Project Space at 111 East Washington Place. It was like Greensboro's own Project Runway style competition event. Twenty five people signed up to participate at Reconsidered Goods and were randomly assigned to one of 5 teams. Five people who had never met before, some not even artists, came together and had 70 minutes to assemble items from giant tubs of repurposed materials brought from Reconsidered Goods. Teams quickly came together and produced very creative works of art. Community members milled around, observing the event in process. Snacks were provided. Master makers walked around and drilled things to the wall as requested.

The exhibition will be on display at 111 East Washington Place until October 17th. The final pieces are fascinating. The one photographed above, Team 2, happened to be the grand prize winner. The winning team also used their "mystery box" of junk, earning bonus points. In true Reconsidered Goods fashion, their grand prize trophy was fashioned from materials harvested from Reconsidered Goods. A baby doll head was at the top of their trophy, as well as all of the consolation trophies. Team 5 created a giant Medusa head. It was fantastic, too. To be sure, they were all unique. This is such a good example of community building, turning trash to treasure, and nurturing creativity. Donate to Reconsidered Goods and you will be doing your share to make great events happen.

Happy Tuesday!

Saturday Night 1: Music Pop Up

This week on GDP, all photos feature a scene from Downtown Greensboro on Saturday night. This will give you an idea of the fun that can be had downtown on the weekends. We'll start with the music pop up outside the Greensboro Project Space at 111 East February 1 Place. It is a UNCG Student exhibition Center. Many art shows and events are held inside this small (almost) underground area consisting of three rooms. The music was happening while Reconsidered Goods was holding an event inside the project space. We'll feature that event tomorrow.

For now, it is noteworthy how diverse the group is. From rappers to a young woman training her Corgi, young and old alike were enjoying the music. The event space was standing room only and the project maker members needed to be able to hear themselves. The cooler, dry fall weather (around 60ºF),  made standing around outside enjoyable. The location of the music seem like an anteroom or prelude to all of the dynamic making going on inside. Keep watching for more fun on Elm Street on Saturday night!

Happy Monday!

RESET Ministry Center

Reset Ministry Center is located just southwest of the Bennett College campus, at 455 Gorrell Street. It is a dynamic congregation that incorporates lots of music into their ministry. They meet on Sundays at 3pm and Wednesdays at 7pm with Pastor and Lady Robertson leading the worshiping. Following a current trend, there is no hint of affiliation of a specific denomination.

The front view is deceptively small. The building is long, extending to the back of the lot and amounting to 4,860 square feet. The cinder block building was built in 1950.  With its location beside Bennett College and just down the street from Magnolia Manor and Southside, RESET is in a very dynamic part of town. We're not sure when they opened. With only a banner sign and not a marquee, it is likely newly established. Based on the energy and smiles of the congregation's 4th Sunday selfies, we're betting the congregation will continue to grow.

Happy Sunday, everyone!

Happy Founders Weekend 150 Years Bennett College

Happy 150 years since the founding of Bennett College. This is such an exciting time for the college with many special activities planned. The college was founded in 1873 in the basement of St. Matthews United Methodist. In the beginning, Bennett was co-educational. In 1926, the college was reorganized and became a school for women only.

The weekend kicked off with a Women and Democracy in Morocco Symposium in the Global Center Multipurpose Room. In the above photo, Dr. Anne Hayes, Executive Director of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies at Bennett,  is welcoming people to the session. Program participants, a global studies team of Bennett College and Guilford County Schools educators, participated in a month long excursion in Morocco. The 12  participants presented heir individual projects, which were researched during the month-long Fulbright-Hays Short Term Group Project Abroad grant. Yesterday's  symposium at Bennett was free and open to the public. In attendance were Bennett faculty and alumnae, students from the A&T Middle College, and and other community members.

Bennett College has played such an important role in the history of higher education and civil rights in Greensboro. The community owes it to the institution to support it by preserving its rich history and ensuring that this great institution continues into the future. Happy birthday, Bennett College!

 Today, a wear all white breakfast will be held in the Global Learning Center Multipurpose Room. See the rest of the schedule Here.

Halloween, First Friday, and Weekend Fun

Yesterday afternoon, we were at Friendly Center and parked beside this wild and crazy jeep. It reminded us that it October is a time for fall fun, and, for many, Halloween is a big part of that fun. This jeep was decorated from top to bottom and from front to back. The North Carolina vanity tag is "ROLL-IT" and the snapchat name is "Mckuntry." We're betting this jeep echos the personality of the driver. The playfulness of the vehicle contrasts greatly with the more formal and elegant Schiffman's/Rolex in the background. 

Today is First Friday and like you will see vehicles like this one strolling up and down Elm Street. To be sure, merchants and restaurants will welcome you! From LeBauer Park to Gate City Boulevard, downtown Greensboro will be hopping tonight. Hope to see you there!

Happy First Friday!

Crafted, The Art of the Taco, Along South Elm

Crafted, The Art of the Taco, opened on South Elm Street in 2012 and for the last eleven years has been bringing creative, upscale tacos to downtown Greensboro. The business stayed busy during Greensboro Pride, and, as you can see from the rainbow at the entrance, they are welcoming to all. This low building allows room in the frame of the photo to show that the skies were blue last Sunday. What is slightly less evident in the photo is that Mayor Nancy Vaughn is enjoying a meal at Crafted. It is always nice to see our local politicians out and interacting with their constituents. In case you can't find her, she is behind the word BEER.

Thursday is the new Friday and tomorrow is First Friday, so consider heading downtown and incorporating it into your weekend. Even without asking her, we're betting the Mayor would endorse that plan. Hmmmm, we think we're in the mood for a "Honky Tonk" taco, or maybe a bowtie taco....

Happy Thursday!

West February 1 Place in Downtown Greensboro

West February 1 Place is a a small street tucked between Elm and Greene Streets, leading to Governmental Plaza and The Guilford County Courthouse. February 1, 1960 is the day of the Sit-Ins at the Woolworth lunch counter. Other than the artwork on the street, with the Rolex clock and the buildings, this street is a real step back in time. It is the site of many pop-ups and a spill-over space for other events. Such was the case this past weekend when there were different booths on the street during Greensboro Pride. There is so much history on this corner as well as some powerful artwork.

The Cup of Freedom cup of coffee sculpture is on this street, just out of camera range. At the very end of the street, what looks like a tiny arch, is the upper part of the Millennium Gate by  local sculptor, Jim Gallucci. Street scenes remind us that it is the people that make a community great.

Happy Wednesday!

Ballet Folklorico at Art in the Arboretum

The Art in the Arboretum this past Sunday was nothing short of spectacular. It was the perfect combination of arts and crafts, music, and dancing. Also adding to the event was the fact that some of the flowers and foliage were very showy in their beauty, and the weather was spectacular. Fifty artists were selected to sell their crafts and there were three stages of entertainment, and entertainment was free. Greensboro Beautiful partners with the City of Greensboro to enhance the beauty of our community. Mebane Ham coordinated the event. A graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, Mebane Ham is an independent public relations and communications professional. Fiddle and Bow, founded in 1981, sponsored and staffed one of the stages. 

The above photo features one group of performers from the Ballet Folklorico Mexican Tradition of Julio Ruiz. Their goal is to bring greater awareness and understanding of the Latino culture, especially in Greensboro. The audience, young and old alike, was mesmerized by their dancing. The clothing was beautiful and the way they moved skirts and bandanas in sync. This stage, for international music and dance, is a permanent structure in the arboretum- just waiting to be used for other special events.  Mark your calendar for Sunday, October 6, 2024 if you want to be part of this event next year

Happy Tuesday!

Greensboro History Museum at Greensboro Pride Festival 2023

Yesterday was a glorious day to be in Greensboro. The weather was fabulous and there was so much to do. We started our day at the Greensboro Pride Festival, an event supporting emotional, social and mental health needs of those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. The event has been around since 2006 and is predicted to have served over 60,000 people this year. The event is completely staffed by volunteers. Corporations like Ralph Lauren, Volvo, and Ecolab had booths there. Even Sheetz had a place to apply for jobs; vendor booth spaces were sold out. Walking around were parents, offering free hugs. Alternative Resources of the Triad organizes the event. 

The above photo shows the Greensboro History Museum booth in the parking lot on the South 300 block of Elm Street. You could glue a puzzle piece on the board of someone or an event that has been underrepresented in history. There had been several people at the table, we just happened to snap the photo between clusters of visitors. The Greensboro History Museum a vita, relevantl community resource. How wonderful that they take advantage of increasing their visibility in the community and to spread the message that all are welcome at the museum. The museum is not just about the past, but also about making history. Stop by the museum at 130 Summit Avenue and see for yourself. We'll feature more photos of the pride event throughout the week. It was a riot of color!

Happy Monday!

New Cedar Grove Baptist Church, 1114 Morris Street

Today's photo for Spiritual Sunday is of the New Cedar Grove Baptist Church at 1114 Morris Street, where Pastor Thurman Highsmith, Jr. officiates there. When we were there last Sunday, church was already over, but the neighborhood was lively. On High Street, just east of Highway 29 and south of Gate City Boulevard, children were enjoying an after-church birthday party with a bounce and other inflatables. It is so special seeing communities, in this case, the Asheboro neighborhood,  fellowshipping together. 

There is a vacant house across from Cedar Grove Baptist. It would be a good investment for anybody willing to go in and get it fixed up. That part of Greensboro is a place where you can still buy a home at a reasonable price and the neighborhood is conveniently located. Mrs. Hattie Mae Walker Black died at the age of 88 in 1993, 30 years ago. Her funeral was held at New Cedar Grove Baptist. At the time, Mrs. Black lived at 2222 East Lee Street, back before it was renamed Gate City Boulevard. We couldn't find anything online about this church, other than this obituary. Every church deserves a member-historian to document church history.

Well, it is the first day of October, which begins the final quarter of 2023. Before you know it, we will be closing out the year. On another note, today is "Art in The Arboretum" in the Arboretum from 12:00 noon- 5:00 p.m. This will be a fantastic, not-to-be-missed event.

Happy Sunday!